Inspiration for the Jones Poundstone Society
In 1853, 15-year-old Sylvania Jones and 17-year-old Juliet A. Poundstone left their family homes in Lafayette County, Pa., and accompanied Dr. Sheridan Baker, principal at the Brownsville School they had attended, to a newly chartered female seminary 26 miles northwest of Pittsburgh on the Ohio River’s north bank. Dr. Baker had accepted a position as principal of Beaver Female Seminary, and he and his two pupils would soon become an indelible part of its history.
At Beaver, Jones and Poundstone studied a daringly unconventional curriculum of arts and sciences during an era when few colleges for young women existed. Jones and Poundstone led the way for generations of intellectually curious students to enjoy the rewards of an Arcadia education. In September 1856, they became the first two graduates in the institution’s history.
Building a Bold Future to Hold Arcadia's Past
The Arcadia University legacy began in 1853 with Sylvania Jones and Juliet A. Poundstone, two 19th century trailblazers who left their family homes to pursue an education and receive the first diplomas from Beaver Female Seminary. The Jones Poundstone Society recognizes donors who support Arcadia’s mission and enable the University to uphold its longstanding tradition of academic excellence, cutting-edge innovation, and groundbreaking initiatives.
Jones Poundstone Society Giving Circles
The giving circles within the Jones Poundstone Society are named in accordance with our treasured history.
Each of the first four circles represents unrestricted support for The Fund for Arcadia. The Presidents Circle entitles the donor to a named, current-use scholarship.
JPS G.O.L.D. Circle: For Graduates of the Last Decade
Donors of the G.O.L.D. Circle of the Jones Poundstone Society give on an annual basis at a scale that coincides with the number of years since your graduation, growing to $1,000 with your 10-year reunion.
I personally choose to support Arcadia because Arcadia gave me a home away from home and one the best experiences of my life."
Jones Poundstone Society Co-Chairs Driving Alumni Impact
When I heard about the launch of the Jones Poundstone Society, I knew it was the start of something special. By embracing our history and honoring Sylvania Jones and Juliet A. Poundstone we pulled together a group of trailblazers to create the type of philanthropic impact at Arcadia that transforms lives.
As an alum, giving at the leadership level is my way of paying forward the transformative experience I had during my time at Beaver. This institution played a pivotal role in shaping not only my career, but also my values and character. The gifts I make are with the intent to help ensure that future students have access to the same opportunities for growth, learning, and mentorship that I did.
Giving to The Fund for Arcadia allows the University to use these unrestricted funds as they need, at the moment they need it. I trust Arcadia’s leadership to address its most pressing needs as they relate to the strategic plan. Knowing I’m empowering leadership to make the right choices for the University makes my gift to The Fund for Arcadia more meaningful to me.
