A Narrative History of The People of Iowa with SPECIAL  TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR,  INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC. by EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, LL. B., A.  M. Curator of the Historical, Memorial and Art Department of  Iowa Volume IV THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Inc. Chicago and New  York 1931 GRACELAND COLLEGE, of Lamoni, is an Iowa educational institution founded  and supported by the Reorganized church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  The benevolent spirit and zeal for education that prompted its establishment under the auspices of the church came primarily from Mrs. Marietta  Walker, who donated the original twenty acres of ground now comprised in the  campus as a site for the school. Mrs. Walker has been called the "Mother of  Graceland," and long before her death, on April 12, 1930, she saw the wisdom of  her early benefaction and the realization of her dreams for a school that would fulfill at once the purposes of a standard educational institution and one in which the ideals of her church would be fostered. Graceland College was established in 1895.  It has been doing its work for thirty-five years. While it has its special merits and its own  traditions, Graceland has also developed on broad lines that have secured to it the recognition of accrediting organizations both in the home state and in the Middle West.  Graceland has the distinction of being the first accredited junior college in the State of Iowa.  It is fully standardized and  officially accredited by the Intercollegiate Standing Committee of Iowa for three years of college work, and also by the North Central Association of  Colleges and Secondary Schools, and by the American Association of Junior  Colleges. Thus its graduates are granted the title of Associate in Arts by  authority of charter from the State of Iowa. The physical plant and facilities of Graceland offer opportunities such  as can be obtained only in standardized junior college in a wholesome small community.  The land owned by the college comprises 358 acres. On the campus are fourteen buildings, including several cottages.  The endowment  is $270,000. The annual enrollment of three hundred students is derived  from all over the United States and some from Canada and other foreign  countries.  Wholesome athletics have been encouraged and there is also an  industrial, self help department, through which many students earn their  tuition.  Besides the regular academic courses Graceland College offers  preprofessional training in law, medicine, dentistry, engineering and business  administration. The college has been fortunate in having as its president since 1915  Dr. George N. Briggs, a man of splendid attainments, broad experience and  influence. http://www.iagenweb.org.history/index.htm posted at this site with Debbie's permission