After acquiring the property deed from Dr. Eugene H. Lehman for $350,000, Monmouth relocates to the Shadow Lawn estate in 1956. That same year, the school is renamed Monmouth College, and awards its first bachelor’s degrees. Learn more about the Shadow Lawn estate and the historic Great Hall.
Late 1940s – Early 1950s
Copies of Monmouth’s yearbooks are archived at the Guggenheim Library; the Alumni House offers alumni the opportunity to sift through editions from almost every year
1951
Men’s Basketball Team 1951-1952
1952
Aerial view of Monmouth Junior College campus
1955
Edward Schlaefer options Shadow Lawn
News about the sale hits the Asbury Park Press
Dr. Eugene H. Lehman signs over the deed to Shadow Lawn estate to Monmouth Junior College for $350,000, with the provision that he serves as president of Monmouth College for one year
1956
From 1956 – 1957, Dr. Eugene Lehman served as the first president of Monmouth College
This plaque honors Monmouth’s founding Board of Trustees; pictured on the right is Edward Schlaefer’s daughter, Nancy Bruch ’58, who continues to be an active member of the alumni association
1957
Edward G. Schlaefer becomes president of Monmouth College and serves through 1962
Monmouth’s first commencement was held on Shadow Lawn
1958
Monmouth College awards its first four-year bachelor’s degrees and changes its name from “Monmouth Junior College” to “Monmouth College”
Tickets for 1958’s commencement at Monmouth College
1959
Telegram from President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, congratulating Monmouth on its 25th anniversary.
Students enjoying social events during the summer of ’59.
