Harvard University

have made it one of the most prestigious universities in

the world

named for John Harvard (its first benefactor), Harvard is the United States' oldest

institution of higher learning, and the Harvard Corporation (formally, the President and Fellows of Harvard College) is its first chartered corporation. Although never formally affiliated with any denomination, the early College primarily trained Congregation­alist and Unitarian clergy. Its curriculum and student body were gradually secularized during the 18th century, and by the 19th century Harvard had emerged as the central cultural establishment among Boston elites.

many prominent alumni. It is organized into eleven separate academic

units—ten faculties and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study—with campuses throughout the Boston metropolitan area. Harvard's 209-acre (85 ha) main campus is centered on Harvard Yard in Cambridge, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Boston. The business school and athletics facilities, including Harvard Stadium, are located across the Charles River in the Allston neighborhood of Boston and the medical, dental, and public health schools are located in the Longwood Medical Area

as students, faculty, or staff. Harvard is also the alma mater of

sixty-two living billionaires, the most in the country.

in the United States, and one of the largest in

the world.

Elkins Widener Memorial Library
College/school
Year founded
Harvard College
1636
Medicine
1782
Divinity
1816
Law
1817
Dental Medicine
1867
Arts and Sciences
1872
Business
1908
Extension
1910
Design
1914
Education
1920
Public Health
1922
Government
1936
Engineering

and Applied Sciences
2007