We opened on Sept. 1, 1858, as a missionary institute, and officially became Susquehanna University in 1895.

During the 20th century, we transformed into a four-year university offering a range of bachelor’s degrees for students. In 1903, the university adopted the colors orange and maroon, one of only a handful of schools with that color combination. Throughout the years, we’ve developed a variety of traditions. Learn more below!

Land Acknowledgment

Susquehanna University honors the Susquehannock tribe. Sas-k-we-an-og translates to “those who live in a place where water is heard grating on the shore.”  The Susquehannock people are known as the river people because they lived in harmony and balance with the river and land. The campus rests on their unsurrendered territory.