Introduction
The College of William & Mary is one of the oldest universities in the United States and is the second-oldest university in the United States after Harvard University. The college has a rich history and is steeped in tradition. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and is home to many notable alumni, including three U.S. presidents. In this post, we will explore some of the fun facts about the College of William & Mary. From its founding to its illustrious alumni, this post will provide an overview of some of the most interesting aspects of the college.
The Founding of the College
The College of William & Mary was founded in 1693 by a royal charter from King William III and Queen Mary II. The college was founded as a result of the efforts of Reverend James Blair, who was sent by the Church of England to establish a college in the New World. The college was the first college in the United States to become a university and the first college to offer degrees in law and medicine.
The First Building
The college’s first building was the Wren Building, which was built in 1695. The building is the oldest academic building in the United States and is named after its architect, Sir Christopher Wren. The building is still in use today and is a National Historic Landmark.
The Mascot
The college’s mascot is the griffin, which is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. The griffin symbolizes strength, courage, and loyalty, which are all qualities associated with the college.
The Alma Mater
The college’s alma mater is “”Hail to the Chief Who in Triumph Advances,”” which was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1779. The song is played at all college events and is the official song of the college.
Notable Alumni
The College of William & Mary has a long list of notable alumni, including three U.S. presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler. Other notable alumni include Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, actor Paul Rudd, and singer Pharrell Williams.
The Honor System
The college has an honor system, which is a set of rules and regulations that students must adhere to. The honor system is designed to promote honesty and integrity among the students. Violations of the honor code can result in serious consequences, such as expulsion from the college.
The Wren Cross
The Wren Cross is a symbol of the college and is worn by students, faculty, and alumni. The cross is a reminder of the college’s Christian roots and is a symbol of faith, loyalty, and service.
The Ratcliffe-Allerton Project
The Ratcliffe-Allerton Project is a research project that was started in the late 1970s. The project was designed to study the history, culture, and environment of the college and the surrounding area. The project has been praised for its ability to preserve the history and culture of the college.
The Motto
The college’s motto is “”In God We Trust,”” which is a reminder of the college’s Christian roots and is a reminder to students of the importance of faith and trust in God.
Conclusion
The College of William & Mary is a prestigious university with a long and rich history. From its founding to its illustrious alumni, the college has many interesting facts and stories to tell. This post has provided an overview of some of the most interesting and fun facts about the college.”