10 Interesting Facts About Harvard University

Explore top 10 Interesting Facts about Harvard University which is the most prestigious Ivy-League in the American Landscape. It is known to be one of the oldest institutions which tops the list of students for higher learning in the United States. The university is home to almost 24,596 undergraduate and graduate students including international students with a 3.5% Harvard acceptance rate. The university has more than 4 million notable alumni worldwide with a tremendous record of nurturing great scholars. Find out more astonishing and less known facts about the university in this blog. 

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What Are 10 Interesting Facts About Harvard University?

When you imagine entering Harvard University, you will nearly always feel as though you have been transported to another era where time has stopped, with brick buildings, gorgeous crimson leaves, and vivid red and orange flora. The university is well-known for its unique traditions, record-breaking football titles, and the largest academic library in the world, among many other things. Continue reading to learn more about Harvard's lesser-known facts. 

1. Possesses a History of High Achievers & Nobel Laureates

The university is known for producing the brightest scholars in the world, in addition to having the highest worldwide rankings. The names of individuals like Roy Glauber (Physics), Amartya Sen (Economics), Linda Buck (Physiology or Medicine), and Martin Karplus (Chemistry) are among the many Nobel laureates. The list goes on because Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates went to Harvard but later quit to concentrate on his business. John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, and Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, are also two more well-known alumni. Furthermore, individuals such as Matt Damon, a successful actor and filmmaker, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, a well-known astrophysicist also studied from Harvard. 

2. Harvard University has Educated Eight U.S. Presidents

You might be astonished at the fact that eight of the U.S. Presidents have been a part of the notable alumni of Harvard University. From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, Rutherford B. Hayes to Theodre Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, George W Bush and even Barack Obama all are known as the brightest students of the university. Many of them even cracked fully funded scholarships. 

3. Widener Library was built because of the Titanic

One more surprising fact about Harvard is its Widener Library which was built in Harry Elkins Widener's honor. The library’s construction was completely funded by his mother, Eleanor Elkins Widener, following his death in the Titanic disaster. Harry graduated from Harvard in 1907 and he was also a book collector who died with his father in the Titanic disaster. His mother, who survived the tragedy, donated $2 million, which allowed the library to be constructed in his honor. The library opened in 1915. The library is a historic landmark among Harvard students known for its elaborate research collections. 

4. Popular for a Secret Tunneling System

Few people are aware that the institution has a network of a vast tunnel system that contains steam pipes. It was built to supply hot water to numerous campus buildings. Though the diverse system of tunnels was initially constructed to supply hot water and heating, it appears that students from all across the university soon began using it as a place for exploration and a sight for adventure. In addition, students used the tunnel to protect themselves during Boston's dreadful winters. 

5. Harvard was Established before Calculus was Introduced

This might come as a surprise but it is true that Harvard is older than Issac Newton & Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz’s Calculus.  Harvard was founded far earlier, in 1636, than calculus, which was discovered and made popular in the late 17th century. Not surprisingly, this also means that students at that time were exempt from studying integrals and derivatives. 

6. Harvard Began the Tradition of Wearing Football Uniforms  

If you keep a close eye on Harvard's activities, you're probably familiar with the university's unbeatable football squad. The interesting truth is that the "Harvard Crimson football team" was instrumental in the introduction of the first football outfits. Harvard was the first team to adopt recognizable uniforms in 1875. According to Harvard Athletics, the football players wore hose, white shirts and pants with red accents. This made it quite easier for players to stand out from one another and the other team. This idea is now not only often used but also considered standard in football and other sports. The team later won many football championships and titles. 

7. Lampoon Castle at Harvard Marks as the Famous Landmark

Harvard is the ideal example of beautiful architecture and recognizable brick structures. One such landmark is the well-known "Lampoon Castle," which is still the most talked-about piece of architecture in Harvard history. Since it was constructed in 1909, students from all over the world have adored it due to its unique architecture. Another interesting fact about this monument is that it is home to the official humor-based publication, "The Harvard Lampoon." It was built especially to hold the magazine.

8. The Statue of John Harvard is Known as Statue of Three Lies

Not many people might be knowing this but the Statute of John Harvard is actually called “The Statute of Three Lies”. And this is majorly because the statute has significant errors. Firstly, the statue is not of John Harvard whom people refer to as the founder of the university. He was only the benefactor of the university who donated half of his estate. Secondly, the university was founded in 1936 and not 1938. Third, the statue depicts a student. 

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9. Harvard Gave the U.S. Its First Printing Press

Yes, it is true that the establishment of the first printing press in North America at the time of the British Colonial era was greatly aided by Harvard. Later, Reverend Joseph Glover brought the press to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1638. However, he tragically perished on the journey. After that, his widow, Elizabeth Glover, took over and set up the press close to Harvard College with the assistance of printer Stephen Daye. 

10. Harvard is Widely known for FunTraditions

The most fascinating fun fact about Harvard is that its students are renowned for some of the most bizarre customs and the funniest practical jokes. One such instance is the "Primal Scream," which is when students yell and scream in the center of the university's yards to relieve their tension. The "Harvard-Yale Game," which symbolizes the yearly football match between the two Ivy League schools, is another. This serves as an illustration of the two parties' intense antagonism. Since 1875, the game has played a significant role in Harvard customs. Other customs that are closely related to Harvard's past include Yardfest, Housing Day, and Crimson Fridays.   

This concludes the history and some of the most amazing and less known facts about Harvard University. If you are someone who keenly follows the history and knowabouts of various colleges and universities in the USA, then stay tuned for more informative blogs on Jagran Josh.