Goldey Beacon or Golden Bacon? The Story Behind the Goldey-Beacom Name

Goldey Beacon. Golden Beacom. Golden Bacon.

We’ve heard them all.

Goldey-Beacom College has a name that sometimes takes a second try. It has also inspired a few memorable search terms. So, whether you meant to find Goldey-Beacom or arrived here looking for a college dedicated to unusually valuable breakfast food, welcome.

You found us.

And the story behind the name is more interesting than you might expect.

It Started with Five Students and One Rented Room

The Goldey-Beacom story began in 1886, when educator and businessman H.S. Goldey opened Wilmington Commercial College with five students in a rented third-floor room at 8th and Market Streets.

The school grew quickly by offering practical training for Wilmington’s expanding business community. Students learned skills such as bookkeeping, business correspondence, penmanship, shorthand, and typewriting, often in classrooms designed to resemble real offices.

In 1894, Goldey hired W.H. Beacom, an experienced educator known for his skill in penmanship and his personal approach to teaching. Six years later, Beacom opened his own business school just a few blocks away.

The two schools became fierce competitors. They debated teaching methods, competed for students, and even backed rival systems of shorthand. Goldey favored Pitman shorthand, while Beacom championed Gregg. The disagreement may have contributed to their split, though the historical record suggests Beacom’s ambition and Wilmington’s growing demand for business education also played important roles.

After more than 50 years of rivalry, Goldey College and Beacom College merged in 1951. The new name preserved both histories and united two institutions that had always shared a practical purpose: preparing students for professional success.

The College moved to Pike Creek in 1974 and the rest is history!

(Interested in more GBC history? Read A History of Goldey-Beacom College by Lloyd W. Kline in our archives.)

Who We Are Today

After more than 50 years in Pike Creek, Goldey-Beacom College has evolved into a private, co-ed institution known for high academic standards, small class sizes, and a commitment to student success. We’re proud to offer:

• A Supportive Learning Environment – Our small class sizes foster meaningful connections between students and professors.
• Residence Halls – A comfortable and convenient place to call home while you study.
• Division II Athletics – Competitive sports programs that build teamwork and school spirit.
• Flexible Graduate Programs – Designed for working professionals with accessible faculty and flexible scheduling.
• A Global Perspective – Welcoming international students with valuable internship and training opportunities.
• Ideal Location – Close to major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

And What About the Golden Bacon?

We get it. Our name is unique, and sometimes people hear it differently, which can lead to humorous results.

Watch as an excited accepted student arrives at “Golden Bacon College” only to be thoroughly confused when they realize there’s no bacon (golden or otherwise) anywhere on campus.

At the end of the day, we don’t mind the misspellings. What matters most is that students searching for a high-quality, cost-effective education find their way to Goldey-Beacom College. No matter how you spell it, we’re here to help you succeed.

So, whether you searched for “Goldey Beacon,” “Golden Beacom,” or “Golden Bacon,” we’re glad you found us.

Just don’t arrive expecting breakfast.