15 Harvard Fun Facts: Read About This Prestigious University
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Did you know that the endowment of Harvard University has been estimated at around $53 billion? Situated in Cambridge (close to Boston), Massachusetts, Harvard University qualifies as one of the top research universities in the world.
Harvard is famous for the course for graduate students. Still, it is also revered worldwide for its world-class teaching department. You'll find some prominent personalities at Harvard University, and in fact, Harvard boasts of star-studded alumni.
If you're looking for the most prestigious universities, then Harvard should definitely be at the top of your list!
History Of Harvard
Here are some snippets of significant historical events that have added to the glorious status Harvard University enjoys today.
It all started in 1636 when the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay approved $542.50 (£400) for establishing a college.
In 1637, the institution started functioning in New Towne. However, with the acquisition of 1 acre (0.40 ha) of land and a house in 'College Yard,' the institution began its classes in 1638 with just a single master.
In 1639, the college was named after its first patron, John Harvard, who contributed his collection of 400 books along with half of his property.
In the beginning, Harvard was largely dependent on church sponsorship, but gradually it gained freedom from clerical and political dominance.
In 1650, Henry Dunster drafted a charter that formulated the Harvard Corporation.
In 1780, Harvard was offered official recognition as a university by the Massachusetts Constitution.
In the 1800s, Harvard witnessed immense growth with the completion of the University Hall and the establishment of Harvard Law School and the Divinity School. In 1839, the Harvard Observatory was founded. Also, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1872, while the Fine Arts Department was established in 1874.
In 1879, Radcliffe College commenced with only 27 women.
Students At Harvard
Every educational institution remains incomplete without its students, and Harvard is no exception. Only the cream of the crop makes it to Harvard.
In 2021, just 2,320 students received candidature among 57,786 applicants. This implies that exceptionally brilliant and hardworking students become a part of this prestigious institution to make it big.
Harvard helps to up their intellectual, academic, and social skills while also aiding personal development.
Faculty At Harvard
A Harvard professor is an integral of this institution.
Some of the most noteworthy world figures who constitute the faculty include H. W. Longfellow, Amartya Sen, Asa Gray, Seamus Heaney, Elizabeth Warren, William James, and others.
Are you aware that several former presidents of the US are a part of the Harvard Alumni? John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, respectively.
Apart from the eight presidents, Harvard alumni are composed of 79 Nobel Laureates, 188 billionaires, 369 Rhodes scholars, 13 Mitchell scholars, and so on.
Education And Learning At Harvard
What makes Harvard stand out from the other research institutes? Here are some interesting facts about learning at Harvard University.
The education and learning system at Harvard is undoubtedly top-notch, owing to its excellent faculty and diversity. Harvard implements the case procedure adopted from Socratic principles. Students assume the roles of real people involved in a complex situation and derive a pragmatic perspective.
As per the American Library Association, the Harvard Library qualifies to be the most extensive library with the oldest library collection globally. It comprises 79 distinct libraries with over three million books.
FAQs
Q: What are three interesting facts about Harvard?
A: One of the interesting facts about Harvard University is that it was initially called 'New College.' Its motto 'veritas' in Latin translates to 'truth.' Interestingly, the dent marks on the sidewalks of the campus across the University grounds are considered to have come from cannonballs that were hurled from the dorm rooms at the time of the Revolution.
Q: Do Harvard students have fun?
A: A Harvard student engages in sports and extracurriculars for fun.
Q: How big is Harvard?
A: The main campus of Harvard covers 209 acres (84 ha), while Harvard has a total landholding of around 5,000 acres (2023 ha) that includes three campuses.
Q: What is unique about Harvard?
A: Students enrolled in Harvard are entitled to research institutes, courses, and all the faculties of Harvard University.
Q: Why is Harvard university famous?
A: Since Harvard is one of the oldest educational institutions, it is trendy for its academic pedigree, influence, and research facilities.
Q: How did it get its name?
A: Harvard University was named to honor its benefactor John Harvard.
Q: Is Harvard number one in the world?
A: As of 2022, Harvard University holds the fifth position among the elite group of universities as per the QS World University Rankings. It comes chronologically after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Oxford, Stanford University, and the University of Cambridge.
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Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.
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