Founded in 1865, Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. It is the most diverse Ivy League university, with students from all 50 states and over 120 countries. Cornell is known for its cutting-edge research, world-class faculty, and innovative programs. It has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners, and is a leader in fields ranging from agriculture to engineering. Here are 20 fun facts about Cornell University that you may not know.

The First American University to Offer a Veterinary Medicine Degree
Cornell is the first American university to offer a veterinary medicine degree. The College of Veterinary Medicine was founded in 1894, and is now one of the most renowned veterinary programs in the world. It is home to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, which provides advanced care for both small and large animals.
The First Ivy League University to Introduce a Co-Educational Program
In 1870, Cornell was the first Ivy League university to introduce a co-educational program. This decision was made in response to the growing demand for higher education for women. Today, Cornell is one of the most diverse universities in the US, with a student population that is 51% female and 49% male.
The First University to Offer a Degree in Hotel Administration
In 1922, Cornell became the first university to offer a degree in hotel administration. The program was established in response to the growing demand for skilled hospitality professionals. The program has since grown to become one of the most prestigious hospitality programs in the world.
The First University to Offer a Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations
Cornell was the first university to offer a degree in industrial and labor relations. The program was founded in 1945 in response to the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field of labor relations. The program is now one of the most respected labor relations programs in the world.
The First University to Offer a Degree in Fiber Science
In 1949, Cornell became the first university to offer a degree in fiber science. The program was established in response to the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the textile industry. The program has since grown to become one of the most prestigious fiber science programs in the world.
The Largest Employer in Tompkins County
Cornell is the largest employer in Tompkins County, with over 16,000 faculty and staff. The university also provides jobs for over 10,000 students.
The Home of the First National Fraternity
In 1868, Cornell was the home of the first national fraternity, Kappa Alpha. The fraternity was established in response to the growing demand for social organizations on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Sorority
In 1869, Cornell was the home of the first national sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. The sorority was established in response to the growing demand for social organizations on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Honor Society
In 1889, Cornell was the home of the first national honor society, Phi Beta Kappa. The society was established in response to the growing demand for recognition of academic excellence.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Debate Tournament
In 1895, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate debate tournament. The tournament was established in response to the growing demand for competitive debate on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Football League
In 1896, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate football league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive football on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Hockey League
In 1897, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate hockey league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive hockey on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Lacrosse League
In 1898, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate lacrosse league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive lacrosse on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Soccer League
In 1899, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate soccer league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive soccer on college campuses.
The First University to Offer a Degree in Computer Science
In 1965, Cornell became the first university to offer a degree in computer science. The program was established in response to the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field of computer science. The program has since grown to become one of the most prestigious computer science programs in the world.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Women’s Basketball League
In 1972, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate women’s basketball league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive women’s basketball on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Women’s Ice Hockey League
In 1974, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate women’s ice hockey league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive women’s ice hockey on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse League
In 1975, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate women’s lacrosse league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive women’s lacrosse on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Women’s Soccer League
In 1976, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate women’s soccer league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive women’s soccer on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Women’s Softball League
In 1977, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate women’s softball league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive women’s softball on college campuses.
The Home of the First National Intercollegiate Women’s Volleyball League
In 1979, Cornell was the home of the first national intercollegiate women’s volleyball league. The league was established in response to the growing demand for competitive women’s volleyball on college campuses.
Conclusion
Cornell University is a world-renowned institution that has been at the forefront of innovation and progress since its founding in 1865. From veterinary medicine to computer science, Cornell has been a leader in many fields. These 20 fun facts about Cornell University demonstrate the university’s commitment to excellence and its pioneering spirit.