Reed College

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Reed College quad and Paradox at sunset 7 June 2006

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Reed College Portland OR - OpenStreetMap

Reed College is a private liberal arts college located in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1908, Reed is known for its high academic standards, mandatory senior thesis, and emphasis on teaching over research. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Reed's campus is noted for its natural beauty, including a canyon nature preserve at its center.

History

Reed College was established in 1908, thanks to a bequest from Simeon Gannett Reed, a wealthy Portland businessman. Reed's widow, Amanda Reed, intended for the college to be a place of high academic standards dedicated to the service of the Greater Portland area. From its inception, Reed has emphasized the importance of teaching and academic excellence. Over the years, it has maintained a distinctive academic culture focused on individual learning and direct engagement with texts and ideas.

Academics

Reed operates on a semester system and is known for its rigorous academic program. The college is characterized by small class sizes, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research. All students are required to complete a senior thesis project, which is a significant piece of original research, performance, or creative work.

The curriculum at Reed is structured around a core program of humanities courses, designed to provide all students with a broad foundation in classical and modern literature, history, and philosophy. Beyond the humanities core, students can choose from over 40 majors and several interdisciplinary programs.

Campus

The Reed College campus covers approximately 116 acres in a residential area of southeast Portland. The campus is notable for its natural landscapes, including the Reed Canyon, a natural area that bisects the campus and serves as a living laboratory for environmental studies. The college's architecture blends historical and modernist elements, with facilities designed to support its academic and community life.

Student Life

Reed College is home to a diverse student body, with students coming from all over the United States and the world. The college fosters a close-knit community, with a strong tradition of student governance and involvement in campus decision-making. Reed's student organizations cover a wide range of interests, including cultural, artistic, political, and recreational activities.

Reed is also known for its unique traditions, such as Renn Fayre, an annual student-run celebration marking the end of the academic year, and the Doyle Owl, a decades-old scavenger hunt involving a concrete owl statue.

Admissions

Admission to Reed College is highly competitive, with the college seeking students who demonstrate a strong potential for creative and critical thinking. Reed does not consider standardized test scores in its admissions process, focusing instead on academic achievement, personal essays, and recommendations.

Notable Alumni

Reed College has produced a number of notable alumni, including Pulitzer Prize-winning poets, renowned scientists, and influential figures in politics and the arts. The college's emphasis on independent thinking and social responsibility has left a lasting impact on its graduates.

Conclusion

Reed College remains a distinctive institution within American higher education, known for its commitment to academic excellence, a strong sense of community, and a culture that encourages intellectual curiosity and critical thought. Its beautiful campus, rigorous academic program, and vibrant student life make it a unique place to study and grow.