Introduction
Williams College, the second oldest college in the United States, is a private liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts. It is one of the most prestigious and highly selective colleges in the world, known for its academic excellence and strong sense of community. Founded in 1793, Williams College has a long and rich history, and is full of interesting facts and stories. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the fun facts about Williams College that you may not have known.
The Founding of Williams College
Williams College was founded in 1793 by Colonel Ephraim Williams, a Revolutionary War hero and wealthy landowner. Colonel Williams left his entire estate to the people of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, with the stipulation that it be used to found and endow a college. The college was named in his honor and opened its doors in 1793. It was the first college established in the state of Massachusetts.
The Williams College Mascot
The Williams College mascot is the Purple Cow. The mascot was chosen in 1906 after a student wrote a poem about a purple cow. The poem was so popular that it soon became an unofficial school mascot. The mascot was officially adopted in 1912, and the cow has been a beloved part of the school ever since.
The Williams College Seal
The Williams College seal was designed in 1794 by President Zephaniah Swift Moore. The seal features an open Bible with a dove flying above it, symbolizing the school’s commitment to religious learning and spiritual growth. The seal also includes a Latin inscription that translates to “The Truth Shall Make You Free.”
The Williams College Library
The Williams College library is one of the oldest and most respected libraries in the United States. It was established in 1794 and has grown to include over a million volumes. The library is home to the Chapin Library of Rare Books, which houses a collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
The Williams College Student Body
The Williams College student body is made up of over 2,000 students from all over the world. The student body is diverse, representing over 40 states and 40 countries. The student body is also highly academically accomplished; the average SAT score of incoming students is 1450, and the average GPA is 3.9.
The Williams College Campus
The Williams College campus is one of the most beautiful in the country. It is located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in the Berkshire Mountains. The campus is made up of over 100 buildings, including the iconic Thompson Memorial Chapel, and is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of forests and fields.
The Williams College Alumni
The Williams College alumni network is one of the most impressive in the world. Notable alumni include former US President James A. Garfield, Nobel Laureate Robert F. Kennedy, and Pulitzer Prize winner John Updike. The alumni network is also incredibly active, with over 60,000 members worldwide.
Conclusion
Williams College is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in the United States, and is full of interesting facts and stories. From its founding in 1793 to its impressive alumni network, Williams College has a long and rich history. The campus is beautiful and the student body is diverse and academically accomplished. Whether you’re a student, alumni, or just an admirer of Williams College, these fun facts are sure to fascinate and delight.”