In 1867, Cedar Crest College opened its doors during a time when educational opportunities for women were limited in the United States. Originally known as the Lehigh Female Academy, the institution was created through efforts tied to the Zion Reformed Church, which sought to provide higher education specifically for women. In its earliest days, classes were modest and held in borrowed spaces, reflecting both the ambition and limitations of the era.

By 1868, the school relocated to a property known as Clover Nook in Allentown and became the Allentown Female College. This move allowed for expansion and the development of a more formal campus environment. Over the following decades, the college steadily grew, adding facilities such as classrooms, a chapel, and residential spaces, while also refining its academic mission.

In 1893, the institution was renamed Allentown College for Women, marking a period of increased recognition and stability. The curriculum expanded to include both classical studies and practical subjects, preparing students for professional and civic life. During this era, the college established traditions and academic standards that would shape its future identity.

The school moved to its current campus in 1913, adopting the name Cedar Crest College. Classes officially began at the new location in 1915, and the campus continued to develop throughout the twentieth century. Buildings such as residence halls and administrative centers were constructed, helping transform the college into a well-established liberal arts institution.

Today, Cedar Crest College remains a private liberal arts college with a long-standing focus on empowering students through education. While maintaining its historic roots as a women-centered institution, it has expanded to include graduate and adult education programs. Its campus, which includes an arboretum with hundreds of plant species, reflects both its historical legacy and ongoing growth.

Among the most well-known legends tied to Cedar Crest College is the story of a student named Wanda, whose tragic tale has been passed down through generations. According to folklore, Wanda was a student in the 1950s who became overwhelmed by personal circumstances, leading to her death within Butz Hall. Students often share her story, which has become deeply embedded in campus tradition.

Reports claim that people most often experience Wanda's presence in the stairwells of Butz Hall, where she is said to have died. Witnesses describe sudden temperature changes, feelings of unease, and glimpses of a figure moving quickly through the halls. Some have reported seeing her reflection in mirrors or windows, only for it to vanish moments later.

Students over the years have described encounters that feel intensely personal, such as hearing footsteps behind them or sensing someone nearby when no one is present. In some accounts, individuals report seeing a young woman or shadowy figure near staircases or common areas. These experiences often bring unexplained cold spots or sudden shifts in atmosphere.

Other stories suggest that Wanda presence may not be limited to visual sightings. People claim that objects move, doors lock or unlock on their own, and alarm clocks activate without explanation. Some students have even claimed to feel watched while alone, particularly during late-night hours in the residence hall.

While no official records confirm the details of Wanda's story, the legend continues to persist as one of the most recognized ghost stories on campus. Whether viewed as folklore or something more, the tale has become part of the college identity, blending history with mystery and leaving many to wonder what may linger within the halls of Butz Hall.