Yale University, founded in 1701, is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the U.S. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across fourteen schools. With a significant endowment, extensive library holdings, and a prestigious faculty, Yale has produced numerous Nobel laureates, U.S. presidents, and other influential figures.
After the death of Reverend John Davenport in 1670, his successor, Reverend James Pierpont, continued the vision for a college in Connecticut. Pierpont, along with other clerical colleagues, worked towards securing the charter for the Collegiate School.
In 1700, a group of ten ministers led by the Reverend James Pierpont of New Haven met in Branford to establish a college, with each minister donating books for its founding.
Yale University was founded as the Collegiate School on October 9, 1701. It is the third-oldest higher-education institution in the United States, following Harvard University and the College of William and Mary.
In 1714, a Harvard graduate working in England convinced 180 intellectuals to donate books to Yale, including works of modern English literature, science, philosophy, and theology. This shipment had a significant impact on Yale intellectuals, with Jonathan Edwards discovering John Locke's works and developing his own theology.
In 1716, the Collegiate School trustees decided to move the institution to New Haven, fulfilling the vision of Reverend John Davenport, one of the founders of New Haven. This relocation marked a significant moment in the history of Yale University.
In 1718, Yale College was renamed to Yale University in honor of Elihu Yale, a wealthy British merchant and philanthropist who made significant donations to the school.
In 1722, the rector and six friends at Yale, who had been studying new ideas, announced their conversion from Calvinism to Arminianism and joined the Church of England. They were ordained in England and returned to the colonies as missionaries for the Anglican faith.
The Reverend George Berkeley established the Berkeley Scholarships at Yale College in 1732, marking the first such scholarships in America.
Thomas Clapp became president of Yale in 1745. While he tried to bring the college back to Calvinist beliefs, he allowed the library to remain open, where students found Deist books.
Construction began on Connecticut Hall in 1750, which is now the oldest building in New Haven and a National Historic Landmark.
In 1757, the first church within a college in America was founded at Yale, with Yale graduates later playing a significant role in spreading Christianity worldwide.
Nathan Hale, a Yale graduate from the Class of 1773, died in service as America's first spy.
On July 4, 1779, Yale President Ezra Stiles first spotted the British fleet approaching New Haven harbor through his telescope from the steeple of the college chapel.
In 1792, John Trumbull, an artist and former aide-de-camp to General Washington, collaborated with James Hillhouse to develop the Brick Row campus plan at Yale. This plan made Yale the first college in America to have a planned campus layout, which was well received in New Haven, the first planned city in America.
In 1793, Lucinda Foote passed the entrance exams for Yale College but was rejected by the president due to her gender, highlighting the gender discrimination prevalent at that time.
Benjamin Silliman, Sr., considered the father of modern scientific education in America, teaches the first modern science course (chemistry) in the United States at Yale University.
In 1803, Yale granted an honorary degree LL.D. to Edmund Fanning, a Yale graduate who saved the college from being razed by British forces during their occupation of New Haven in 1779.
John C. Calhoun, a Yale graduate from the Class of 1804, served as Vice President under two different presidents.
The Yale School of Medicine was founded in 1810, marking the beginning of Yale University's expansion into various academic disciplines.
Yale School of Medicine is founded as the “Medical Institution of Yale College.” The Yale System of Medical Education, emphasizing guidance and stimulation for students, was introduced in 1931.
Yale Divinity School is founded as the “Theological Department.” Religious studies have been integral to Yale education since its inception, with the first divinity professorship established in 1746.
Yale Law School is established and has become known as one of the top law schools in the United States, producing exceptional legal professionals and contributing to significant legal movements.
In 1825, John Warner Barber created a wood engraving of Yale College, providing a visual representation of the institution during that period.
The Yale Report of 1828 defended the Latin and Greek curriculum against calls for more modern language, mathematics, and science courses. This report ensured that the classics would remain an integral part of Yale's curriculum.
John Trumbull's paintings were given to Yale and housed in the country's first university art gallery in 1832, bringing fine arts to academia and the city.
The Yale Literary Magazine, the oldest literary review in the United States, is established. Over the years, Yale has been a pioneer in various literary studies approaches, such as New Criticism and comparative literature.
In 1843, Yale University hosted the first collegiate rowing races in the New Haven harbor, laying the foundation for college sports traditions in the United States.
Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1847 and played a significant role in the academic development of Yale University.
In 1850, the first Chinese citizen to earn a degree at a Western college or university came to Yale, contributing to the university's diverse student body.
In 1852, Yale established the engineering school and introduced the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy (science), marking a significant advancement in specialized education.
Yung Wing made history in 1854 by becoming the first Chinese man to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from an American university, marking a significant milestone in cross-cultural education.
In 1859, Yale University competed in the first intercollegiate races against Harvard, establishing the historic Yale-Harvard rivalry and introducing school colors, Yale Blue and Harvard Crimson.
The Corporation at Yale voted to establish the degree of Doctor of Philosophy based on the recommendation of the Faculty of the Scientific School. This decision aimed to attract young men and science students who were going to German Universities for similar study opportunities.
The first issue of the annual Obituary Record of Graduates of Yale College was printed. This tradition of presenting such a record at the Alumni Commencement meeting dated back to 1842.
The Yale Scientific School was renamed as the Sheffield Scientific School in recognition of a significant benefaction received by Yale College. This renaming was a tribute to the generous contribution made to the institution.
Three graduates received the first Doctor of Philosophy degrees awarded in the United States. This marked a significant milestone in academic recognition and achievement within the country.
Mory's, a famous Yale University restaurant and bar, was founded on July 28, 1863.
On March 29, 1864, Yale University established a Professorship of Modern Languages.
On July 25, 1865, Yale University adopted a plan for the management of the School of the Fine Arts.
The first issue of the Yale Courant, a student newspaper at Yale University, was published on November 25, 1865.
The school of art at Yale was created in 1866, enriching the university's focus on artistic education and creativity.
On July 16, 1867, Yale University conferred the degree of Bachelor of Divinity for the first time.
The Yale School of the Fine Arts, the first collegiate art school in the United States and Yale's first coeducational school, opened in 1869.
Professor Othniel C. Marsh organized the First Yale Scientific Expedition.
At the suggestion of Mr. Joseph E. Sheffield, the Articles of Incorporation of the Board of Trustees of the Sheffield Scientific School were drawn up.
The Corporation accepted 'An Act relating to Yale College,' passed by the General Assembly on July 6, which provided for the election of six graduates as Fellows of Yale College.
Rev. Dr. Noah Porter was inaugurated as the eleventh president of Yale University.
Mr. James Jackson Jarves deposited 119 paintings from his collection of Italian primitives at the School of the Fine Arts, which were purchased by the University on November 9, 1871.
The Corporation voted to recognize Yale College as comprising the four departments of a University: Theology, Law, Medicine, and Philosophy and the Arts.
Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Divinity School at Yale University.
The first issue of the Yale Record, a campus humor magazine, was published on this date.
A decision was made to stop awarding ad eundem degrees at Yale University from this date onwards.
The Harvard-Yale football rivalry commenced in 1875, marking the start of a long-standing tradition in American collegiate sports.
On May 17, 1876, the first football game between Yale and Harvard took place, marking the beginning of a historic sports rivalry.
On April 9, 1877, the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale was completed, providing a valuable resource for scientific research and education.
On January 28, 1878, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station was established on a permanent basis by the General Assembly, contributing to advancements in agricultural science and practices.
Walter Camp, a Yale undergraduate, transforms the rough game of rugby into the modern game of football. He introduces key elements such as the down system, the eleven-man team, and the 100-yard field, establishing himself as the father of American football.
Yale seniors smash clay pipes underfoot at graduation to symbolize passage from their college years. The tradition is accompanied by the alma mater song 'Bright College Years'.
In 1887, Yale University organized as a university, expanding into graduate and professional instruction, further solidifying its position as a leading educational institution.
Yale students adopt Handsome Dan, a spirited mascot, at early football games. This bulldog inspires the creation of Yale's famous fight song, 'Bulldog, Bulldog,' by Cole Porter.
In response to a widespread sentiment among Yale graduates, the Corporation voted to establish a fund known as the Alumni University Fund to increase the resources of the University.
The degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts was conferred for the first time at Yale University.
The Corporation voted to open the courses of the Graduate Department with the degree of Ph.D. to candidates without distinction of sex, promoting inclusivity in education.
The General Assembly passed an act designating the Storrs Agricultural College as the land grant college of Connecticut. A sum of $154,604.45 was paid to the University and added to the permanent funds of the Sheffield Scientific School.
The Corporation of Yale University decided to elevate the Department of Music to a separate school, known as the School of Music. The first Bachelor of Music degree was awarded on June 27.
In 1896, Yale and Johns Hopkins played the first known ice hockey game in the United States, marking an important moment in the history of the sport in the country.
Professor Arthur Twining Hadley was inaugurated as the first non-clerical President of Yale University. His presidency marked a significant shift in leadership at the institution.
Yale's Forestry School, now known as the School of the Environment, was established in 1900. It is the oldest forestry school in the country and the only one at an Ivy League institution. The funding to start the school was donated by Gifford Pinchot, often called the 'Father of the U.S. Forest Service,' and his parents.
In 1901, Yale commemorated its Bicentennial with ceremonies on campus. Alumni support led to the construction of University Commons, Woolsey Hall, and Memorial Hall (the Rotunda).
In 1909-10, college football faced a crisis due to previous reform failures. Presidents of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton collaborated on moderate reforms to address the issue of serious injuries in the sport.
In 1910, Yale University awarded its first honorary degree to a woman, Jane Addams, recognizing her significant contributions.
The St. Elmo building, designed by Kenneth M. Murchison in 1912, features designs inspired by Elizabethan manor. It is one of Yale's secret society buildings with a brick colonial style.
The Yale Bowl, completed in 1914, was the largest stadium built since the Roman Colosseum and attracted a record 80,000 fans for the Yale-Harvard game in 1920.
In 1916, Yale University admitted women to the medical school, marking a milestone in the education of women at the institution.
The First Yale Unit, established in 1916, was the first naval air reserve unit and the first aerial coastal patrol unit. Lt. David Ingalls, a member of this unit, became the first naval aviator to achieve ace status while flying with the Royal Air Force.
In 1919, Yale University admitted women to the law school, further expanding educational opportunities for women at the institution.
Yale played a significant role in the development of various sports including swimming, basketball, and boxing. Coach Bob Kiphuth contributed to swimming, the introduction of the five-man team in 1895 impacted basketball, and Eddy Eagan won an Olympic gold medal in boxing in 1920.
The Memorial Quadrangle, later named Branford and Saybrook Colleges, was completed in 1921. Harkness Tower, which stood as the world's tallest freestanding tower for many years, was a prominent landmark in the city.
In 1923, Yale School of Nursing was established, succeeding the Connecticut Training School. It was the first nursing school to operate autonomously within a university setting, adhering to university standards rather than being controlled by hospitals.
Edward S. Harkness, a Yale alumnus, made gifts to establish a drama school in 1924, contributing to the transformation of Yale in the arts field.
Edward S. Harkness also funded the construction of a new art gallery at Yale, which was completed in 1928, further enhancing the university's artistic offerings.
In 1930, Sterling Memorial Library, designed by architect James Gamble Rogers, was finished. The library features architectural elements reminiscent of European cathedrals and is renowned for its intricate carvings, ironwork, and lead glass windows depicting the history of books and writing.
In 1932, Payne Whitney Gymnasium, one of the largest indoor athletic facilities globally, was finalized. The gymnasium serves as a significant sports venue within Yale University.
The first seven residential colleges at Yale were inaugurated in 1933, introducing a unique system for student living and learning inspired by the English model of Oxford and Cambridge. This system expanded to twelve colleges by 1963.
Cole Porter wrote the official Yale fight song, 'Bulldog', during his undergraduate days. It is sung after touchdowns during a football game.
Gerald Ford attended Yale Law School in 1941.
In 1943, the Yale campus was repurposed into a military training center during World War II. The laboratories were utilized for research to support the war effort, and Captain Glenn Miller and his band's broadcasts from Woolsey Hall reached audiences worldwide.
George H.W. Bush graduated from Yale in the Class of 1948.
In 1955, the Yale School of Drama was established, offering M.F.A. and D.F.A. degrees. It also operates the renowned Yale Repertory Theatre, which has received Tony Awards.
The Journal of Music Theory was founded at Yale in 1957, contributing to the growth of Music Theory in the latter half of the 20th century. Allen Forte and David Lewin, influential teachers and scholars, were associated with the journal.
Alumnus Eero Saarinen, Finnish-American architect, designed Ingalls Rink, dedicated in 1959. Saarinen also designed the residential colleges Ezra Stiles and Morse, modeled after the medieval Italian hill town of San Gimignano.
The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library was inaugurated in 1963, dedicated to Yale's extensive collections of rare books and manuscripts. Designed by Gordon Bunshaft, the library is a distinctive architectural marvel with a six-story freestanding book tower.
In September of 1964, a record number of Black males enrolled at Yale University, marking a significant increase in diversity within the student body.
In 1966, Yale initiated discussions with Vassar College regarding a potential merger to introduce coeducation at the undergraduate level, a significant step towards gender equality in higher education.
In 1968, Yale, along with other educational institutions, started admitting African American students. This period also saw the famed Black Panther Trials taking place at Yale, amidst the backdrop of urban unrest and segregation in America.
In 1969, Yale College admitted women for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the history of the institution. Prior to this, women had been attending other schools at Yale since 1869.
Fifteen thousand young, white, mostly middle class students gathered on the New Haven Green to protest against the criminal justice system in America following Seale's arrest. The event was documented through photography.
Sylvia Ardyn Boone was an eminent scholar of African and women's art and the first black woman granted tenure at Yale. Her contributions to academia and the recognition of Black women's achievements are significant.
The Yale School of Architecture was founded in 1972, fifty-six years after the establishment of a Department of Architecture in the School of the Fine Arts. The School has produced leading architects and urban planners.
The School of Management was established in 1973 as a new academic division within Yale University, focusing on business education.
Yale School of Management was established in 1974, providing business education and leadership training within Yale University.
In 1976, the Yale School of Management was established with a focus on preparing future leaders for various sectors. The school offers an MBA program and joint degrees with other Yale professional schools.
The Yale Center for British Art, housing an extensive collection of British art, was opened in 1977. It was made possible by the philanthropy of Yale alumnus Paul Mellon.
The book 'Yale: A Short History' by George Wilson Pierson was published in 1979 by the Office of the Secretary at Yale University.
The Yale Alumni Magazine published 'Old Yale' articles which were later reprinted in 1991. The online version of the reprint was digitized in 2004.
In 1994, Provost Judith Rodin became the first permanent female president of an Ivy League institution at the University of Pennsylvania.
In 1997, Yale appointed the first vice president of New Haven and state affairs, highlighting the university's commitment to fostering positive relationships with the city and region.
'Down the Field' by C.W. O'Conner was ranked as the fourth-greatest fight song of all time in the book 'College Fight Songs: An Annotated Anthology' published in 1998.
In 1999, Patrick Pinnell authored a book about Yale University, providing insights into its architecture and history.
In 2002, Provost Alison Richard became the vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
The 'Old Yale' articles from the Yale Alumni Magazine were digitized in 2004. This digitization made the historical content more accessible and preserved for future reference.
In 2005, officers of the Yale University Police Department joined the Yale Police Benevolent Association, which affiliated with the Connecticut Organization for Public Safety Employees.
In 2006, Yale and Peking University established a Joint Undergraduate Program in Beijing, allowing Yale students to study with PKU honor students.
In 2007, Yale acquired its West Campus, located 7 miles west of downtown New Haven, expanding its facilities with 1.6 million square feet of research, office, and warehouse space.
In 2008, Yale was listed as a Campus Sustainability Leader on the Sustainable Endowments Institute's College Sustainability Report Card. The university received a 'B+' grade overall for its sustainability efforts.
In 2009, Tony Blair selected Yale as one of the locations for the Faith and Globalization Initiative, with former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo leading the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization.
In late 2010, Yale security officers became members of the International Union of Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America, despite opposition from the Yale administration.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Yale University announce the establishment of Yale-NUS College, providing a new model of liberal arts education for Asia.
In July 2012, the Yale University-Peking University Program ended due to low participation.
In August 2013, Yale partnered with the National University of Singapore to open Yale-NUS College, a liberal arts college in Asia combining Western and Asian traditions.
In October 2014, Yale security officers decided to establish a new union called the Yale University Security Officers Association, which has since been representing the campus security officers.
In July 2015, students at Yale University signed a petition calling for the renaming of Calhoun College due to John C. Calhoun's history of defending slavery and white supremacy.
In August 2015, Yale President Peter Salovey addressed the Freshman Class of 2019 regarding the racial tensions surrounding the renaming of Calhoun College, explaining why the college would not be renamed.
In April 2016, Yale President Peter Salovey announced that despite protests, Calhoun's name would remain on the Yale residential college to confront and teach American history.
In February 2017, Yale announced the renaming of Calhoun College to Grace Hopper College, sparking various responses from students and alumni.
In May 2018, the Yale men's lacrosse team won their first-ever NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Championship, becoming the first Ivy League school to win the title since 2001.
In 2019, Yale ranked second in enrollment of recipients of the National Merit $2,500 Scholarship, with 140 scholars.
In August 2020, the US Justice Department sued Yale for alleged discrimination in admissions against Asian and white candidates, but the lawsuit was later withdrawn in 2021.
In April 2021, Yale announced that students would be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to be on campus during the fall 2021 term.
The Jackson Institute at Yale University was transformed into the Jackson School of Global Affairs in 2022. It is the first professional school created at Yale since 1976 and focuses on addressing global challenges like climate change, war and peace, ethnic conflict, and inequality.
In 2023, Yale changed the name of a 'medical withdrawal' to a 'medical leave of absence' to allow students to remain on Yale's insurance while away from the school. The new policy also allowed for participation in extracurricular activities and campus visits.