Wednesday, 24 February 2016

The University of Utah: History, Growth, Academics, Achievements & Legacy

Introduction

Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, the University of Utah—often referred to as The U, U of U, or simply Utah—stands today as a premier research institution in the Western United States. As the flagship public university of the State of Utah, it has earned recognition for its academic rigor, medical excellence, athletic achievements, technological innovations, and deeply rooted historical legacy dating back to the mid-19th century.

With more than 100 undergraduate programs and over 92 graduate degrees, the university attracts students from around the globe. It houses Utah’s only medical school, the renowned School of Medicine, along with the S.J. Quinney College of Law, both of which contribute significantly to the institution’s national reputation.

But the University of Utah’s journey from a struggling frontier school holding classes in private homes to a world-renowned research university is a story of perseverance, adaptation, and visionary leadership. This expanded 5000-word article explores that story in detail—from its founding in 1850, through periods of closure and revival, to its rise as a powerhouse of academics, research, athletics, and global influence.

The Birth of a Frontier University (1850–1853)

Establishment as the University of Deseret

The University of Utah began its journey on February 28, 1850, when the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret established the institution as the University of Deseret. At this time, Salt Lake City had only recently been settled by Mormon pioneers in 1847. Education was crucial to their vision for a prosperous and organized community.

Brigham Young, a key leader in the settlement of the Utah Territory, played a central role in organizing the Board of Regents. He appointed Orson Spencer, a respected scholar and administrator, as the university’s first chancellor. The aim was to create a structured system of higher learning in what was then a remote region of the American West.

Early Challenges: Lack of Facilities and Funding

The early years of the University of Deseret were marked by significant struggle. The region lacked:

Permanent buildings
Stable funding sources
A trained faculty
Secondary schools to supply students

Classes were held in private homes or borrowed spaces, depending on availability. These limitations made growth nearly impossible.

Temporary Closure in 1853

Due to financial shortages and lack of steady enrollment, the university closed its doors in 1853. This closure, however, did not mean the end of higher education efforts in Utah. Instead, it reflected the difficulties of establishing academic institutions in a frontier environment where survival and settlement took precedence.

Revival and Reorganization (1867–1892)

Re-establishment Under New Leadership

After more than a decade of slow development, the university began its revival in 1867 under the guidance of David O. Calder. A more formal structure emerged, and focus shifted toward rebuilding academic credibility.

When John R. Park took charge in 1869, he initiated major administrative and academic reforms. Park’s leadership transformed the university into a stable institution with:

Standardized curricula
Improved student organization
A stronger faculty base
Renewed community support

Nomadic Era: Moving Between Buildings

Before settling in a permanent location, the university occupied several temporary campuses:

Salt Lake City Council House – Used for intermittent classes after the closure.
Union Academy building (1876) – One of the first consistent learning spaces.
Union Square (1884) – A more stable location accommodating growing enrollment.

Each move represented progress but also highlighted the lack of a permanent, adequately equipped campus.

Renaming to the University of Utah

In 1892, the institution officially adopted the name “University of Utah.” This change marked a new era of stability and ambition. It also signaled the university’s commitment to expanding education beyond local boundaries.

Securing the Fort Douglas Land

John R. Park played a crucial role in acquiring land on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley, originally part of the U.S. Army's Fort Douglas. After consistent negotiations, large portions of the fort were granted to the university, which officially moved to the new site in 1900.

Park's death that year was significant—he bequeathed his entire personal fortune to the university, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in the institution’s history.

Growth, Expansion, and Academic Challenges (1900–1930)

Early 20th Century Growth

With a permanent campus secured, the University of Utah experienced an era of rapid expansion. New buildings appeared, academic departments multiplied, and enrollment increased steadily.

The university expanded its offerings in:

Engineering
Education
Sciences
Law and medicine
Fine arts

The 1915 Academic Freedom Controversy

One of the most significant moments in the university’s early modern history was the 1915 academic freedom crisis. It began when a commencement speaker criticized Utah Governor William Spry. In response, President Joseph T. Kingsbury recommended the dismissal of five faculty members who were considered politically sympathizing with the speaker.

This event triggered:

A mass resignation of one-third of the faculty
Accusations of undue LDS Church influence over university governance
National debates about academic freedom and free speech

The controversy eventually ended when Kingsbury resigned in 1916, but it left a lasting mark on the institution’s commitment to academic independence.

Survival Through War and Economic Hardship

The early decades of the 20th century were turbulent. Both World War I and the Great Depression placed financial and enrollment pressures on the university. Nevertheless, the University of Utah survived, expanded its curriculum, and continued building a name for itself in academics and research.

The WWII Impact and Post-War Transformation (1930–1964)

World War II Decline

World War II brought a sharp decline in enrollment, dropping the student population to 3,418 during the war’s final year. Many students left for military service, and resources were redirected to wartime needs.

A Ray of Renewal: The Olpin Era

After the war, an explosion in enrollment occurred as veterans returned and sought higher education under the G.I. Bill. Under President A. Ray Olpin, the university experienced dramatic growth:

Construction of new facilities
Expansion of faculties
Increased research funding
Addition of dormitories and laboratories

By the time Olpin retired in 1964, the student population had risen to 12,000, transforming the University of Utah into a modern institution.

Rise of a Research and Medical Powerhouse

School of Medicine: Utah’s Only Medical School

The University of Utah School of Medicine has earned international recognition for its groundbreaking contributions to:

Genetic research
Cancer treatment
Cardiovascular studies
Biomedical engineering
Organ transplantation

The university is also known for developing some of the first artificial hearts and pioneering genetic mapping technologies.

Leadership in Computing and Engineering

The University of Utah was a major early contributor to computer science, including:

Participation in ARPANET, the precursor to the Internet
Creation of revolutionary computer graphics techniques
Producing alumni who shaped modern animation, including work foundational to Pixar

These accomplishments cemented Utah as a technological innovator long before today’s Silicon Slopes emerged.

Exceptional Scholars

Throughout its history, the university has produced:

22 Rhodes Scholars
3 Nobel Prize winners
3 MacArthur Fellows
2 Gates Cambridge Scholars
1 Churchill Scholar

These distinguished individuals reflect the university’s academic strength and its culture of excellence.

Athletics and the Rise of the Utes

Integration into NCAA and Major Conferences

The University of Utah’s athletic programs, collectively known as the Utes, are central to its identity. Competing in NCAA Division I and as a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, Utah’s athletes excel in numerous sports.

Football Glory

Utah football became a national sensation with two monumental bowl victories:

2005 Fiesta Bowl – completing an undefeated season
2009 Sugar Bowl – defeating Alabama, a powerhouse in college football

These victories solidified Utah’s reputation as a major competitor and contributed to its acceptance into the Pac-12.

Other Sports Achievements

Besides football, Utah excels in:

Gymnastics
Basketball
Skiing
Swimming
Track and Field

Athletics also play a major role in campus culture and community pride.

The University of Utah and the 2002 Winter Olympics

Serving as the Olympic Village

During the 2002 Winter Olympics, the University of Utah became the heartbeat of the global event. The campus hosted:

The Olympic Village, housing thousands of athletes
Opening and closing ceremonies at Rice–Eccles Stadium

Permanent Improvements from the Olympics

To prepare for the Games, the university underwent a massive makeover:

Expansion of Rice–Eccles Stadium
New student housing complexes
Modernization of infrastructure
Construction of the Heritage Center
A 180-room on-campus hotel for conferences

These improvements enhanced the campus experience long after the Olympics ended.

Academics, Student Life, and Campus Culture Today

Academic Diversity

The University of Utah offers programs in:

Medicine
Law
Engineering
Business
Humanities
Social sciences
Fine arts
Architecture

Its interdisciplinary approach encourages creativity and innovation.

Enrollment and Demographics

The university enrolls:

23,909 undergraduate students
7,764 graduate students
31,673 total enrollment

This diverse student body contributes to a vibrant and inclusive campus.

Student Life

Campus life includes:

Student clubs and organizations
Cultural events
Outdoor recreation opportunities
On-campus housing and dining
Research internships and career support

Location Advantage

Being located near mountains, canyons, and national parks, the university offers unmatched access to outdoor activities. Students often balance academics with skiing, hiking, biking, and exploring Utah’s natural wonders.

Economic, Research, and Social Impact

A Hub for Innovation

The University of Utah plays a central role in Utah’s economic development through:

High-tech research
Medical advancements
Startup creation
Partnerships with industries
Patent generation

Its research has contributed to major innovations in biotechnology, computing, and healthcare.

Silicon Slopes Connection

The university is a major contributor to the success of Silicon Slopes, Utah’s growing technology corridor. Many entrepreneurs and innovators who shaped the region studied or conducted research at the U.

Looking Toward the Future

With ongoing expansion, the University of Utah is investing in:

New research facilities
Sustainable energy initiatives
Modernized student housing
Global partnerships
Innovative academic programs

Its future is bright, driven by a commitment to innovation, diversity, and excellence.

Conclusion

From its modest beginnings in the rugged frontier of 1850 to its current status as a world-class research university, the University of Utah embodies resilience, progress, and innovation. Its history is a testament to the power of education in shaping society. With groundbreaking research, strong athletic traditions, and a commitment to academic excellence, the University of Utah continues to inspire generations of students, scholars, and leaders.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Arizona State University, widely known as ASU or Arizona State, stands today as one of the United States’ most influential public research institutions. With campuses spread across the Phoenix metropolitan area and learning centers throughout Arizona, ASU has grown from a modest territorial normal school into the largest public university in the United States by enrollment, an innovation powerhouse, and a model for modern American higher education.

This long-form article traces the entire historical evolution of ASU, from its humble beginnings in 1885 to its transformation into a globally recognized research university. Through expanding campuses, academic restructuring, pioneering leadership, athletic triumphs, and an enduring public mission, ASU tells a story of extraordinary transformation over nearly a century and a half.

I. Foundations of a Frontier School (1885–1900)

A Territory in Transition

The origins of Arizona State University can be traced back to March 12, 1885, during a period when Arizona was still a U.S. territory. The region was sparsely populated, with growing agricultural communities and a pressing need for trained teachers. Local leaders recognized that public education could not flourish without a reliable source of teacher preparation.

To address this, the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature passed legislation creating multiple educational institutions across the territory, one of which was the Territorial Normal School at Tempe — the earliest ancestor of ASU.

A Humble Beginning

The new school began with remarkable simplicity. Its campus consisted of:

A single, four-room schoolhouse
A 20-acre plot donated largely by Tempe residents
Minimal equipment, limited funding, and a small faculty

Yet this tiny institution held enormous potential. Classes officially began on February 8, 1886, with 33 students — a mixture of high school–aged and college-aged learners pursuing teaching certificates.

Early Purpose

At the time, the school’s mission was straightforward:

Train teachers to serve in Arizona’s rural and developing communities
Provide foundational education in reading, writing, and pedagogy
Strengthen the territory’s capacity for organized schooling

From these modest beginnings, an academic empire would ultimately emerge.

II. Growth, Name Changes, and Academic Evolution (1900–1929)

Shifting Educational Needs

As Arizona grew, so did its demand for more diversified education. The Territorial Normal School began revising its curriculum to include more advanced subjects such as literature, science, mathematics, and history.

A Series of Name Transformations

The school underwent several name changes, each representing its evolving identity and expanding academic scope:

Arizona Territorial Normal School (1889–1896)
Arizona Normal School (1896–1899)
Normal School of Arizona (1899–1901)
Tempe Normal School (1901–1925)

Each name reflected a gradual transition from a teacher training school into a broader educational institution.

Infrastructure Expansion

As enrollment grew, the school slowly expanded its facilities:

More classrooms were built
Dormitories were added
Agricultural land was developed for instructional use

These developments were crucial to elevating the school’s status.

III. The Leadership of Arthur John Matthews (1900–1930)

A Visionary President

One of the most influential figures in ASU’s early history was Arthur John Matthews, who served as president for 30 pivotal years. Under his leadership, the institution experienced unprecedented development.

Matthews envisioned the school as more than a modest teachers’ academy. He believed it should become a central hub for learning, culture, and community in the Arizona Territory.

Campus Transformation

During Matthews’ tenure:

Eighteen new buildings were constructed
Six of these buildings continue to stand today, serving as historical landmarks
The first dormitories in the entire state of Arizona were built
Palm Walk, now one of ASU’s most iconic features, was planted

Matthews also advocated the idea of an "evergreen campus," encouraging the planting of numerous trees, shrubs, and plants in the desert environment. His vision laid the foundation for ASU’s nationally recognized arboretum status.

Broadening Academic Standards

By the 1920s, the school began to transition toward a true collegiate institution:

In 1923, the school discontinued high school-level courses
Students were now required to hold a high school diploma for admission
Teacher education programs became more sophisticated and academically rigorous

Becoming Tempe State Teachers College

In 1925, the Arizona Legislature renamed the campus Tempe State Teachers College, signaling a formal recognition of its growing academic stature. The institution now awarded:

Four-year Bachelor of Education degrees
Two-year teaching certificates

This marked the beginning of ASU’s evolution into a multidisciplinary university.

IV. The Shift Toward a Comprehensive University (1930–1950)

Academic Diversification

By the early 20th century, Arizona's social and economic landscape was rapidly evolving. Agricultural communities were expanding, mining industries were strengthening, and cities like Phoenix and Tempe were attracting new residents. This population growth created demand for a more diversified higher education system.

In response, Tempe State Teachers College expanded its curriculum to include:

Science and mathematics
Liberal arts
Agricultural studies
Business courses

Bachelor of Arts in Education

In 1929, the state legislature authorized the institution to award Bachelor of Arts in Education degrees, a significant milestone that broadened academic offerings beyond traditional pedagogy.

Arizona State Teachers College

The institution was renamed Arizona State Teachers College, reflecting its role in producing not only elementary teachers but educators capable of teaching at higher levels of complexity and specialization.

V. Transition to Arizona State College and Academic Modernization (1950–1958)

A Growing Student Body

Post–World War II America saw a major influx of students entering college, fueled largely by the GI Bill. Enrollment at Arizona State Teachers College surged, creating pressure to expand academic programs beyond teacher education.

New Academic Priorities

Economic development in Arizona encouraged the growth of academic departments such as:

Engineering
Agriculture
Business
Social sciences
Arts and humanities

As the college broadened its scope, public pressure mounted to formally elevate it to university status.

Name Change to Arizona State College

In 1945, the college was granted the new name Arizona State College, marking its transformation into a multi-purpose institution. This was a transitional step toward the emergence of Arizona State University.

VI. The Fight for University Status (1958)

A Statewide Campaign

Although Arizona State College had grown dramatically, it was not yet recognized as a university. Supporters launched a statewide initiative — Proposition 200, also known as “the name change bill.”

Students, faculty, alumni, and residents passionately campaigned for Arizona State College to become Arizona State University, believing it deserved the same recognition as other major institutions.

Victory for ASU

In the 1958 general election, voters approved the measure. On December 5, 1958, Arizona State College officially became Arizona State University, forever transforming its identity and opening the door to massive academic expansion.

VII. ASU’s Rise as a Major Research University (1960–2000)

Rapid Post-University Transformation

Once ASU achieved university status, tremendous developments followed:

Enrollment increased sharply
More colleges and departments were formed
Graduate programs expanded
Research funding grew

ASU began competing with major national universities in research output and academic innovation.

Research Classification

In 1994, ASU was officially classified as a Research I institution, placing it among the nation's top research universities — an extraordinary achievement given its modest origins.

VIII. The New American University Model (2000–Present)

The Vision of President Michael Crow

In 2002, Dr. Michael M. Crow became president of Arizona State University. Under his leadership, ASU adopted a transformative educational philosophy known as the New American University model.

This model positioned ASU as an institution defined not by exclusion, but by inclusion, accessibility, and student success. According to the university charter approved in 2014, ASU strives to:

Educate a broad and diverse student population
Advance research with public value
Strengthen economic, cultural, and environmental well-being
Assume responsibility for community health and prosperity

This philosophy redefined the identity and mission of the university.

ASU: America’s Most Innovative University

From 2016 onward, U.S. News & World Report began ranking ASU as the #1 Most Innovative School in America, a title it has held for several consecutive years. This distinction highlights ASU’s leadership in:

Interdisciplinary research
Technology adoption
Educational reform
Digital learning initiatives
Sustainability and design innovation

Explosive Enrollment Growth

ASU became the largest public university by enrollment in the United States, with:

82,060+ students in 2014
Continued growth through 2020 and beyond
Thousands more enrolled through ASU Online

The university operates five campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area, along with four regional learning centers.

IX. ASU as a Research Powerhouse

Carnegie RU/VH Status

ASU is classified as a Research University with Very High Research Activity (RU/VH) — the highest rating possible.

National Research Rankings

Since 2005, ASU has been among the top American universities in categories such as:

Research expenditures
Innovation output
Patents filed and awarded
Grant proposals funded
Development of new technologies

The Center for Measuring University Performance ranks ASU 31st among public research universities.

A New Era of Discovery

ASU has invested heavily in interdisciplinary research centers focused on:

Biodesign and biotechnology
Space exploration
Engineering and advanced materials
Global sustainability
Social sciences and public policy
Digital and online learning

This research enterprise now contributes billions to the regional economy.

X. Athletics: The Arizona State Sun Devils

A Tradition of Excellence

ASU athletes compete in 25 varsity sports as members of the Pac-12 Conference.

Athletic Achievements

ASU has earned:

23 NCAA championships
Numerous Olympic athletes
A national reputation for excellence in baseball, swimming, track, and wrestling

Student Engagement

The university also boasts:

Over 1,100 student organizations
Extensive recreational facilities
A vibrant sports culture that energizes campus life

XI. Campus Expansion and Modern Infrastructure

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Population

To keep up with enrollment growth, ASU continuously expands its facilities through:

Public-private partnerships
Donor funding
State support

Recent Developments Include:

New academic buildings
Advanced research complexes
Cutting-edge athletic facilities
Student recreation centers
Modern residential halls
Sustainability-focused retrofitting

ASU’s physical footprint is now one of the largest in the nation.

XII. The Cultural and Social Impact of ASU

A University for the Community

ASU emphasizes inclusion, cultural engagement, and public service. It actively participates in:

Community health initiatives
K–12 partnerships
Local government collaborations
Arts and cultural events

Its mission extends far beyond academics — it aims to improve the overall well-being of the people it serves.

A Diverse Student Body

ASU reflects the multicultural makeup of Arizona, attracting:

Students from all 50 U.S. states
International students from over 150 countries
First-generation college students
Veterans
Non-traditional and online learners

XIII. Conclusion: The Legacy and Future of Arizona State University

From its humble beginnings as a four-room territorial normal school, Arizona State University has evolved into a global educational and research titan. Its transformation over nearly 140 years is a testament to:

Visionary leadership
Community support
A commitment to inclusion over exclusion
A relentless pursuit of innovation
The belief that universities should solve real societal problems

Today, ASU stands not only as a university but as a symbol of American educational progress — a model used worldwide to rethink public education in the 21st century.

Its future promises continued growth in:

Research output
Innovation and technology
Global partnerships
Community responsibility
Student success

Arizona State University is an institution shaped by its frontier past but driven by a bold vision for the future — a vision that continues to redefine what a public university can and should be.

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a research-intensive university in Perth, Australia that was established by an act of the Western Australian Parliament in February 1911, and began teaching students for the first time in 1913. It is the oldest university in the state of Western Australia. It is colloquially known as a "sandstone university". It is also a member of the Group of Eight.

The University of Western Australia was established under and is governed by the University of Western Australia Act 1911.[2] The Act provides for control and management by the university's Senate, and gives it the authority, amongst other things, to make statutes, regulations and by-laws, details of which are contained in the university Calendar.

The University of Western Australia is highly ranked internationally in various publications: the 2013/14 QS World University Rankings placed UWA at 84th internationally, and in August 2015 the Academic Ranking of World Universities from Shanghai Jiao Tong University placed the university at 87th in the world.To date, the university has produced 100 Rhodes Scholars;one Nobel Prize laureate and one Australian Prime Minister graduated from The University of Western Australia .

University of Western Australia recently joined the Matariki Network of Universities as the youngest member, the only one established during the 20th century.

University of Western Australiawas established in 1911 following the tabling of proposals by a royal commission in September 1910. The original campus, which received its first students in March 1913, was located on Irwin Street in the centre of Perth, and consisted of several buildings situated between Hay Street and St Georges Terrace. Irwin Street was also known as "Tin Pan Alley" as many buildings featured corrugated iron roofs. These buildings served as the university campus until 1932, when the campus relocated to its present-day site in Crawley.

The founding chancellor, Sir John Winthrop Hackett, died in 1916, and bequeathed property which, after being carefully managed for ten years, yielded £425,000 to the university, a far larger sum than expected. This allowed the construction of the main buildings. Many buildings and landmarks within the university bear his name, including Winthrop Hall and Hackett Hall. In addition, his bequest funded many scholarships, because he did not wish eager students to be deterred from studying because they could not afford to do so.

During University of Western Australia's first decade there was controversy about whether the policy of free education was compatible with high expenditure on professorial chairs and faculties. An "old student" publicised his concern in 1921 that there were 13 faculties serving only 280 students.

A remnant of the original buildings survives to this day in the form of the "Irwin Street Building",so called after its former location. In the 1930s it was transported to the new campus and served a number of uses till its 1987 restoration, after which it was moved across campus to James Oval. Recently, the building has served as the Senate meeting room and is currently in use as a cricket pavilion and storage space for university archives. The building has been heritage-listed by both the National Trust and the Australian Heritage Council.

The University of Western Australia introduced the Doctorate of Philosophy degree in 1946 and made its first award in October 1950 to Warwick Bottomley for his research of the chemistry of native plants in Western Australia.

The University of Western Australia's degree structure has changed recently to further separate the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees available. Justification for this new system is due to its simplicity and effectiveness in outsiders understanding the system. It is the first University in Western Australia to have this new system. Students entering the University at an undergraduate level must choose a three-year bachelor's degree. The university offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Design (BDes).

Bachelor of Philosophy

The University of Western Australia also offers the Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) course for high-achieving new students. This is a research intensive degree which takes four years instead of the usual three for the other bachelor's degrees. Students studying the course choose disciplines from any of the four bachelor's degrees. Places are very limited with on average only about 30 places offered to students each year. Thus there is a lot of competition for places and the cut-off admission rank is very high.

Assured entry pathways

High school graduates with high academic achievement are able to apply for "assured pathways". This means they are assured a place in the postgraduate degree for their chosen discipline while they complete their undergraduate degree. Assured pathways are offered for studies in fields such as medicine, law, dentistry and engineering.Prospective students may apply for an assured pathway through the Bachelor of Philosophy. The assured pathways to Dentistry via the Bachelor of Philosophy is the most difficult undergraduate and postgraduate pathway to obtain from the University. Only one place is offered each year.

Postgraduate courses

Postgraduate study is offered previous-study-related disciplines and in professional disciplines that do not require previous tertiary study in that area, such as medicine, nursing, law and dentistry. Masters, PhDs, other doctorates, and other postgraduate coursework are offered to students who meet the academic requirements for undergraduate degrees in the same study area. Examples of this include postgraduate degrees in engineering, computer science and information technology, architecture, and research degrees and doctorates in biology.

Students from other universities may transfer to University of Western Australia based on their GPA to undertake postgraduate study. Occasionally, undergraduate students may transfer to the university, based also on their GPA, to complete the degree they have already begun at another tertiary institution.

Campus

University of Western Australia is one of the largest landowners in Perth as a result of government and private bequests, and is constantly expanding its infrastructure. Recent developments include the $22 million University Club, opened in June 2005, and the University of Western Australia Watersports Complex, opened in August 2005. In addition, in September 2005 University of Western Australia opened its $64 million Molecular and Chemical Sciences building as part of a commitment to nurturing and developing high quality research and development. In May 2008, a $31 million Business School building opened. In August 2014 a $9 million new CO2 research facility was completed, providing modern facilities for carbon research. A current expansion project is underway to introduce a multimillion-dollar Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, expected to be completed by 2016

Libraries

University of Western Australia Library

The University of Western Australia features six main subject libraries on campus, including the architecturally recognised Reid Library building, the largest library on campus with four publicly accessible levels. Four of the libraries such as the Reid Arts and Business Library, Law Library, Music Library and Science Library are located on the main campus, with the other two such as the Education, Fine Arts and Architecture (EDFAA) library and Medical and Dental Library being located within walking distance from the main campus.

Monday, 22 February 2016

MCMASTER UNIVERSITY

McMaster University (commonly referred to as McMaster or Mac) is a public research university located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is located on 121 hectares (300 acres) of land near the residential neighbourhoods of Ainslie Wood and Westdale, adjacent to Hamilton's Royal Botanical Gardens. The university operates six academic faculties: the DeGroote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Science, and Science. It is a member of the U15, a group of research-intensive universities in Canada.The university bears the name of Honourable William McMaster, a prominent Canadian Senator and banker who bequeathed C$900,000 to the founding of the university.McMaster University was incorporated under the terms of an act of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1887, merging the Toronto Baptist College with Woodstock College. It opened in Toronto in 1890. Inadequate facilities and the gift of land in Hamilton prompted the institution to relocate in 1930.McMaster was controlled by the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec until it became a privately chartered, publicly funded non-denominational institution in 1957.

McMaster University is co-educational, and has over 25,000 undergraduate and over 4,000 post-graduate students. Alumni and former students of the university can be found all across Canada and in 140 countries around the world. Notable alumni include government officials, academics, business leaders and two Nobel laureates.The university ranked 4th among Canadian universities and 94th in the world according to the 2015-2016 Times Higher Education World University Rankings,4th among Canadian universities and 96th in the world according to the 2015 Academic Ranking of World Universities,and 6th among Canadian universities and 149th in the world according to the 2014 QS World University Rankings.McMaster University is particularly well known for its medical school, which was recently ranked 25th in the world and 3rd in Canada by the Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings in 2015.The McMaster athletic teams are known as the Marauders, and are members of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport.

McMaster University resulted from the outgrowth of educational initiatives undertaken by Baptists as early as the 1830s.It was founded in 1881 as Toronto Baptist College. Canadian Senator William McMaster, the first president of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, bequeathed funds to endow a university, which was incorporated through a merger of Toronto Baptist College and Woodstock College, Woodstock, Ontario. In 1887 the Act to unite Toronto Baptist College and Woodstock College was granted royal assent, and McMaster University was officially incorporated.Woodstock College, Woodstock, and Moulton Ladies' College, Toronto, were maintained in close connection.

The new university, housed in McMaster University Hall in Toronto, was sponsored by the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec as a sectarian undergraduate institution for its clergy and adherents. The first courses—initially limited to arts and theology leading to a BA degree—were taught in 1890, and the first degrees were conferred in 1894

As the university grew, McMaster University started to become overcrowded. The suggestion to move the university to Hamilton was first brought up by a student and Hamilton native in 1909, although the proposal was not seriously considered by the university until two years later.By the 1920s, after previous proposals between various university staff, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce launched a campaign to bring McMaster University to Hamilton. As the issue of space at McMaster University Hall became more acute, the university administration debated the future of the university. The university nearly became federated with the University of Toronto, as had been the case with Trinity College and Victoria College. Instead, in 1927, McMaster University administration decided to transfer the university to Hamilton.The Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec secured $1.5 million, while the citizens of Hamilton raised an additional $500,000 to help finance the move.The lands for the university and new buildings were secured through gifts from graduates. Lands were transferred from Royal Botanical Gardens to establish the campus area. The first academic session on the new Hamilton campus began in 1930.McMaster's property in Toronto was sold to the University of Toronto when McMaster University moved to Hamilton in 1930. McMaster Hall is now home to the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Professional programs during the interwar period were limited to just theology and nursing. By the 1940s the McMaster administration was under pressure to modernize and expand the university's programs. During the Second World War and post-war periods the demand for technological expertise, particularly in the sciences, increased. This problem placed a strain on the finances of what was still a denominational Baptist institution. In particular, the institution could no longer secure sufficient funds from denominational sources alone to sustain science research. Since denominational institutions could not receive public funds, the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec decided to reorganize the university, creating two federated colleges. The arts and divinity programs were reconstituted as University College and science was reorganized under the newly incorporated Hamilton College as a separate division capable of receiving provincial grants. Hamilton College was incorporated in 1948 by letters patent under The Companies Act, although it remained only affiliated with the university. The University traditionally focused on undergraduate studies, and did not offer a PhD program until 1949

McMaster University Through the 1950s increased funding advanced the place of sciences within the institution.In 1950, the university had completed the construction of three academic buildings for the sciences, all designed by local architect William Russell Souter.[26] Public funding was eventually necessary to ensure the humanities and social sciences were given an equal place.Thus, in 1957 the University reorganized once again under McMaster University Act, 1957, dissolving the two colleges. Its property was vested to McMaster and the university became a nondenominational institution eligible for public funding.he historic Baptist connection was continued through McMaster Divinity College, a separately chartered affiliated college of the university. Also in 1957, PhD programs were consolidated in a new Faculty of Graduate Studies. Construction of the McMaster Nuclear Reactor also began in 1957, and was the first university-based research reactor in the Commonwealth when it began operating in 1959.

McMaster University In 1965, with the support of the Ontario government, the University established a medical school and teaching hospital, graduating its first class of physicians in 1972.In 1968 the university was reorganized under an amended act of the McMaster Act into the Divisions of Arts, Science, and Health Sciences, each with its own Vice-President, while the Divinity College continued under its existing arrangement. In 1974 the divisional structure of the university was dissolved and reorganized again under The McMaster University Act, 1976 and the vice-presidents were replaced by a single Vice-President (Academic).The Faculties of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences were retained, each under the leadership of a dean

McMaster University is situated in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, located in the Golden Horseshoe along the western end of Lake Ontario. The main campus is bordered to the north by Cootes Paradise, an extensive natural marshland, to the east and west by residential neighbourhoods, and to its south by Main Street West, a major transportation artery. Its northern boundaries are a popular destination for walkers who make use of the many trails that connect the campus to Royal Botanical Gardens. While the main campus is 152.4 hectares (377 acres), the majority of the teaching facilities are centered within the core 12.1 hectares (30 acres). In addition to its main campus in Hamilton, McMaster University owns several other properties around Hamilton, as well as in Burlington, Kitchener, and St. Catharines, Ontario.

McMaster University owns and manages 62 buildings, both on and off campus.The buildings at McMaster vary in age, with Hamilton Hall opening in 1926, to the university's new nuclear research facility, which opened in 2011.Plans to construct a new academic building in 2013, known as the Wilson Building for Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, are underway after securing a substantial donation from the university's chancellor, Lynton Wilson, as well as securing funding from the provincial government.McMaster University main campus is divided up into three main areas: the Core Campus, North Campus and West Campus. The Core Campus is where the majority of the university's academic, research and residential buildings are located while the North Campus is made up of the university's athletic precinct and a small number of surface parking. The West Campus is the least developed area of the main campus, containing only a few buildings, surface parking, and undeveloped land

UNIVERSITY OF BASEL

The University of Basel (German: Universität Basel) is located in Basel, Switzerland, and is considered to be one of the leading universities in the country. In 2012, QS World University Rankings ranked the university 121st overall in the world, while two years before it was ranked 96–98th worldwide according to the Russian based Global University Ranking. In 2012, the ARWU[3] ranked the university as the 85th best worldwide. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2015/16 listed the university in 101st position

The University of Basel Founded in 1460, it is Switzerland's oldest university.

Erasmus, Paracelsus, Daniel Bernoulli, Jacob Burckhardt, Leonhard Euler, Friedrich Nietzsche, Eugen Huber, Carl Jung, Karl Barth, Hermann Peter, and Hans Urs von Balthasar are among those associated with the university.

The University of Basel was founded in connection with the Council of Basel. The deed of foundation given in the form of a Papal bull by Pope Pius II on November 12, 1459, and the official opening ceremony was held on April 4, 1460.Originally the The University of Basel was decreed to have four faculties—arts, medicine, theology and jurisprudence. The faculty of arts served until 1818 as foundation for the other three academic subjects. In the eighteenth century as Basel became more commercial, the university, one of the centers of learning in the Renaissance, slipped into insignificance. Enrollment which had been over a thousand around 1600, dropped to sixty in 1785 with eighteen professors. The professors themselves were mostly sons of the elite.

The University of Basel Over the course of centuries as many scholars came to the city, Basel became an early center of book printing and humanism. Around the same time as the university itself, the University of Basel Library was founded. Today it has over three million books and writings and is the largest library in Switzerland.

In 1830 the Canton of Basel split in two with the Federal Diet requiring that the canton's assets, including the books at the University library, be divided—two thirds going to the new half canton of Basel-Landschaft. The city, Basel-Stadt, had to buy back this share and The University of Basel became so impoverished that it drastically reduced its course offerings. Students were expected to continue their education after two years or so at a German university. In 1835 the enrollment at the university was forty students, mostly from the area.

The University of Basel At the end of the 1990s the University entered a period of crisis; the management of the University was strongly criticized; Vice-Rector Gian-Reto Plattner wrote that "when no solution is found, the University must be closed. That would be more honest than allowing it to sink to the level of a simple college

UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

The University of Rochester (commonly referred to as U of R or UR) is a private, nonsectarian, research university in Rochester, New York. The university grants undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral and professional degrees. The university has six schools and various interdisciplinary programs.

The University of Rochester is particularly noted for its Eastman School of Music. The university is also home to the Institute of Optics, founded in 1929, the first educational program in the US devoted exclusively to optics.Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics is home to the second most energetic fusion laser in the world.

In its history, five university alumni, two faculty, and one senior research associate at Strong Memorial Hospital have been awarded a Nobel Prize; eight alumni and four faculty members have won a Pulitzer Prize, and 19 faculty members have been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship. Faculty and alumni of Rochester make up nearly one-quarter of the scientists on the board advising NASA in the development of the James Webb Space Telescope, which is scheduled to replace the Hubble Space Telescope in 2018.[citation needed] The departments of political science and economics have made a significant and consistent impact on positivist social science since the 1960s; the distinctive, mathematical approach pioneered at Rochester and closely affiliated departments is known as the Rochester school, and Rochester graduates and former affiliates are highly represented at faculties across top economics and political science departments.

The University of Rochester, across all of its schools and campuses, enrolls approximately 5,600 undergraduates and 4,600 graduate students. Its 158 buildings house over 200 academic majors. Additionally, Rochester (along with its affiliated Strong Health System) is the largest employer in the Greater Rochester area and the sixth largest employer in New York

The University of Rochester was founded in 1850 as a Baptist-sponsored institution. The impetus to form the university came primarily from the town of Hamilton, New York, which has been home to Colgate University since 1819. In 1848, the Baptist Education Society planned to move Colgate University (then known as Madison University) to the city of Rochester, but was halted by legal action in Hamilton. Dissenting Colgate trustees, faculty, and students founded the The University of Rochester with a charter granted from the Regents of the University of the State of New York on January 31, 1850. Classes began that November, with approximately 60 students enrolling, including 28 transfers from Madison

The University of Rochester campus was originally in downtown Rochester at the United States Hotel, which was located on Buffalo Street near Elizabeth Street, which today is West Main Street near the I-490 overpass. In 1853, the campus moved east to a then-suburban location on what is now University Avenue. Local businessman and Congressman Azariah Boody donated 8 acres (3.2 ha) of land for the new campus, and the University purchased a further 17 acres (6.9 ha) from him.[14] UR would remain on this campus until the current River Campus was constructed in 1930, and the university continues to own a small part of the University Avenue campus (where the university-owned Memorial Art Gallery is located).

The University of RochesterThe first female students were admitted in 1900, the result of an effort led by Susan B. Anthony and Helen Barrett Montgomery. During the 1890s, a number of women took classes and labs at the university as "visitors" but were not officially enrolled nor were their records included in the college register. President David Jayne Hill allowed the first woman, Helen E. Wilkinson, to enroll as a normal student, although she was not allowed to matriculate or to pursue a degree. Thirty-three women enrolled among the first class in 1900, and Ella S. Wilcoxen was the first to receive a degree, in 1901.When the River Campus was completed in 1930, male students moved there while the female students remained on the University Avenue campus until 1955.

The University of RochesterMajor growth occurred under the leadership of Rush Rhees, during his 1900-1935 tenure. During this time, George Eastman became a major donor, giving more than $50 million to the university. The first Ph.D. was awarded in 1925. In 1955, the separate colleges for men and women were merged into The College. In 1958, three new schools were created in engineering, business administration, and education.

The University of RochesterDuring World War II, Rochester was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that took part in the V-12 Navy College Training Program which offered students a path to a Navy commission.The University of Rochester Between 1946 and 1947, in infamous uranium experiments researchers at the university injected uranium-234 and uranium-235 into six people to study how much uranium their kidneys could tolerate before becoming damaged.

The University of Rochester The River Campus is the center of the university's academic and administrative activities. It is located in a bend of the Genesee River about 2 miles (3 km) south of downtown Rochester and covers around 200 acres (81 ha). It is bounded by Bausch & Lomb Riverside Park, an 18-acre (7.3 ha) public park along the east bank of the Genesee River, and Mount Hope Cemetery, where the grave sites of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass can be found. The original buildings of the campus were dedicated in 1930. The main academic buildings, designed in the Greek revival style, are centered around the Eastman Quadrangle (generally referred to as the academic quad) which is formed by Rush Rhees Library and Dewey, Bausch & Lomb, Morey, and Lattimore Halls. The Eastman Quad is widely considered the best landscaped area of the university, and includes the eponymous statue of George Eastman, installed in 2009, and sculpted by noted American sculptor Marc Mellon. Rush Rhees Library, the unofficial symbol of the university, is also home to the Hopeman Memorial Carillon, the largest carillon in New York State, featuring 50 bells that chime on the quarter hour. During the summer, the carillon features a recital series in which various artists perform on the instrument.

The University of Rochester Over the course of the last several decades, other academic buildings have been built south of the Eastman Quad, including Meliora Hall (1972), Hoyt Hall (1962), Harkness Hall (1946), Gavett Hall (dedicated with the Eastman Quad in 1930), and the Hopeman Engineering Building (1963). The southernmost part of the River Campus contains the new Science and Engineering Quadrangle: Hutchison Hall (1972), Hylan Building (1971), the Computer Studies Building and Carlson Library (1987), Wilmot Building (1961), the Robert B. Goergen Hall for Biomedical Engineering and Optics (2007), and LeChase Hall (2013).

The University of Rochester The recently constructed LeChase Hall (dedicated in May 2013) houses the Warner School of Education and is the first building to be constructed on the Wilson Quadrangle in 30 years. The building is named after R. Wayne LeChase, a university trustee whose donation helped make construction of the building possible.A four-story, 65,000-square-foot facility, it provides a unified home for the Warner School and features an expansive suite of 14 classrooms on the first floor that serves the College during the day and the Warner School in the evening. The University of Rochester is housed on the upper three floors, unified by a dramatic three-story atrium, with additional classrooms, offices and spaces specifically designed to support the preparation and professional development of educators and the conduct of educational research and reform work

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