Irving College - Irvingiana Yearbook (Mechanicsburg, PA)

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950 1111111111111 Elgexxg fhnrgzra OLOMON PERRY GORGAS, the founder of Irving College, was born August 3, 1815, in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, and in 1850 he came to Mechanicsburg to live. Mr. 'Gorgas was identified with the interests of Cumberland County for over seventy years, and there were few successful enterprises in his locality in which he did not show an interest. He was the founder and one of the most liberal donors to Irving College, giving the ground for its site, and through life was very liberal in his gifts to it. Mr. Gorgas was one of the founders of a banking company under the firm name of Merkel, Mumma SL Co. In 1864 this bank was rechartered as the First National Bank of Mechanicsburg, with Solomon P. Gorgas. as President. In 1883 it was rechartered and Mr. Gorgas was again made President, which honorable position he held until his death. His memory will long be cherished in this city as one of its most useful and upright business men and as a most highly esteemed citiven.

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Rev. T. P. Ege, A. M., succeeded to the Presidency. The College continued, under his management, the good work begun by his predecessor. Students in large numbers from many States enjoyed the advan- tages offered. ' Mrs. Mary L. Kessler, A. M., was the third President of the College. Her scholarly accomplishments and long experience as a teacher made this selection a good one. She added to the thoroughness and efficiency for which Irving has ever been noted. ' E. E. Campbell, Ph. D., was elected President in 1891. Under his administration the attendance increased from year to year, until every room was occupied and no more students could be received. In 1893 the hand- some Columbian Hall was erected, which more than doubled the capacity of the College. Again all rooms were illed. Additional lots were purchased and during the Summer of 1901 another building was erected for the accommodation of a rapidly increasing patronage. Never in the history of the College has the attendance been .so great as now. An era of prosperity, of expansion and development is being enjoyed. The corps of instruc- tors is large, the course of instruction is high. The Departments of Music, Art and Oratory are in a most flourishing condition. -15 -

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