1911 The Signal newspaper, February Commencement Issue

Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, The College of New Jersey is the oldest teacher training college in the state and the ninth oldest in the nation. Originally located in downtown Trenton, the college expanded academically and physically, and later moved to suburban Ewing Township in the 1930s.

Over the years, the name of the college has changed to reflect its expanding mission.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    New New Jersey State Normal School,  1855-1908

New Jersey Normal School in Trenton, 1908-1929

New Jersey State Teachers College and State Normal School at Trenton, 1929-1937

New Jersey State Teachers College at Trenton, 1937-1958

Trenton State College, 1958-1996

The College of New Jersey, 1996-present

Edna Buck Van Sickle Budd was born in 1890 to Walter N. Van Sickle and Theresa Buck in Unionville, New York. Shortly after, the family moved to Wantage, New Jersey. She attended the New Jersey State Normal School in Trenton where she was president of the class of 1911, a member of Gamma Sigma literary society, and a member of the short-lived social club the “Sacred Nine.” She taught 6th grade in Chatham, New Jersey Schools for three years before marrying Merritt L. Budd (1887-1952) in 1914. After her children were born, she was active in their school’s Parent Teacher Association and a wide array of religious, civic, and history organizations. She also remained active in the Trenton State College, Gamma Sigma Nu alumni group. She died in 1982