Harvard University, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Named after its first benefactor, clergyman John Harvard, it was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by the colonial Massachusetts legislature.
History
- Founding: Harvard was established to train Puritan clergy and was named after John Harvard, who left half his estate and his library to the institution upon his death.
- Early Years: The first class was in 1642, and the first degree was awarded in 1647. Initially, Harvard's curriculum focused on classical learning.
- Expansion and Development: Over the centuries, Harvard has grown from a single college into a large, multi-disciplinary university. Key milestones include:
- 1780 - Harvard Medical School was established.
- 1816 - Harvard Law School was founded.
- 1908 - Harvard Business School opened its doors.
- 1949 - Radcliffe College, previously a coordinate institution for women, began to merge with Harvard.
Academics
Harvard University is renowned for its academic excellence:
Campus and Facilities
The university's main campus is in Cambridge, with additional facilities in Allston, Boston, and around the world. Notable landmarks include:
Notable Alumni
Harvard has produced numerous notable alumni, including:
External Links
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