Reed College

Reed College is an independent undergraduate institution in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1908. Simeon Reed was an Oregon transportation magnate who died in 1895, leaving his fortune to his wife. He suggested that some portion of his estate should be devoted to "cultivation, illustration, or development of the fine arts in the city of Portland.." His widow, Amanda, followed that suggestion in her will by providing funds for a college based on the principles of equality and secularism. Their legacy became the subject of family litigation, but partly through the efforts of Amanda's nephew funds were secured for what is now Reed College. The College was finally established 4 years after her death. Classes were first held at Reed Institute temporary premises in downtown Portland 3 years later. A permanent site had been offered in 1910 by the Ladd estate Company, but construction of the arts and sciences building and dorms was not started until January 1912.

Reed features a traditional liberal arts and science curriculum, supported by an 'honor principle' ethos. It is characterized as a community of "virtue" ..

Web refs

• Consortium of liberal arts colleges: 2007 Reed College meeting
• Reed Archives
• Guide to the Simeon Gannett Reed Papers 1864-1931
• Simeon and Amanda Reed papers, 1823-1916
• Reed's view of college ranking
• Liberal arts colleges, top schools