Term Papers on Harvard University

Term Paper Title	Harvard University
# of Words	1351
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	5.4

Harvard University

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in
the world.  Despite early financial hardships, low enrollment, and the influence of strong
Puritan ethics, Harvard has also become the most respected Ivy League school in the
United States.  Almost every law student, medical student, and scientist dreams of
attending Harvard.  Even though Harvard University was founded in Colonial New
England, it continues to be the most widely respected university on earth.
     Harvard was founded in 1636, a few years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth
(World Book Information Finder).  "The Massachusetts General Court passed a
legislative act on October 28, 1636, to found a schoalloge or colledge and voted 400
pounds sterling for its support"  (Magill 103).  In 1638, Harvard was named Cambridge
after Cambridge University  (World Book Information Finder).  When Harvard first
began, its main objective was the education of ministers. Since religion was so important
and respected during that time, the Puritans felt it necessary to have a college to teach
ministry (Magill 106).
     Although the University began with the intent of educating ministers, other fields
of education were offered.  However, even these fields were greatly influenced by the
Puritan practices (Magill 103). The Puritans wanted "to advance learning and perpetuate
it to prosperity." (Magill 103).  Harvard's educational environment was thought to be
purer that that of Oxford and Cambridge (Wright page number).
     On March 13, 1639, The Massachusetts General Court voted to name the college
after John Harvard (Magill 104).  Even though the University is named after him, John
Harvard did not actually found the institution.  John Harvard's influence had more of an
affect on the continuation of the University's success (Magill 104).  On September 14,
1638, John Harvard left half of his estate to the college.  This gift was in the amount of
800 pounds (Magill 104).  "Although John Harvard was certainly not responsible for the
founding of the college, nor did his legacy make its establishment possible, his gift was
remarkable for the times" (Magill 104).  The reason the Massachusetts General Court
decided to name the University after John Harvard is because his gift helped the
university to make it through economic hardships (Magill 104).
     Even though John Harvard's gift was generous, Harvard University faced many
financial hardships in its early days.  Harvard began in an "economically insecure
community" (Magill 104).  At first, only wealthy families could afford to send their
children to Harvard.  This is the obvious reason why Harvard's first class only had nine
graduates (Magill 104).  During this period the university had to struggle to meet its
obligations with only the tuition fees of the few students enrolled in it (Magill 104).
Many people believed that "only the strong religious faith of the Puritans in the purpose
of their endeavor carried it through" (Magill 104).  Even today, Harvard  operates on a
charter granted by The Massachusetts General Court in 1650. (World Book Information
Finder).
     Perhaps the greatest credit to the success of Harvard goes to the many influential
presidents which have guided it.  "In 1645, Henry Dunster, a graduate of Magdalene
College, Cambridge, accepted the presidency of Harvard College" (Magill 104).  Dunster
wanted to make Harvard a college for all English-speaking colonies.  Dunster set the
foundation for the educational environment at Harvard.  During his time as president, 360
students received a Harvard education. (Wright page).  However, although Dunster was a
great president, "New England could claim only about 600 college students in the 17th
century (Magill 107).
     Another great president, Charles William Elliot, is credited for molding the
educational system at Harvard.  Elliot was the president of Harvard from 1869 to
1909 (World Book Information Finder).  Other great presidents include James B.
Conant, president from 1933 to ...

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