Columbia University

John Jay, a graduate from the Class of 1764 at Columbia University, played a significant role in the founding of America. He was among the notable figures associated with the university during the Revolutionary era.

Robert R. Livingston, a graduate from the Class of 1765 at Columbia University, played a key role in the founding of America. He was among the influential individuals associated with the university during the Revolutionary era.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons was established in 1767, forming the nucleus of a renowned medical center in the United States.

Gouverneur Morris, who graduated from the Class of 1768 at Columbia University, became an important figure in the founding of America. His contributions were notable during the Revolutionary period.

Alexander Hamilton, a student from the Class of 1778 at Columbia University, later became a key figure in the founding of America. He was one of the influential individuals who emerged from the university during the Revolutionary period.

In 1892, the School of Mines (now Engineering), the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the School of Nursing, the School of Library Service (now closed), the School of Architecture and the Law School were established at Columbia University.

Columbia University Press was established in 1893 to promote the study of various subjects and encourage the publication of literary works. It has published notable works like The Columbia Encyclopedia and The Columbia Lippincott Gazetteer of the World.

President Seth Low, CC Class of 1870, leads the dedication of the Morningside Heights campus. He emphasizes the University’s responsibilities to the City of New York, and the trustees officially adopt the name 'Columbia University in the City of New York.' The undergraduate school is renamed Columbia College.

President Low relocated Columbia University from 49th Street to its current location in Morningside Heights, marking a significant expansion for the institution. The move led to the official authorization of the name Columbia University and the construction of iconic buildings like Low Library.

In 1898, the School of Social Work became a part of Columbia University. This integration marked a significant development in the history of social work education.

Nicholas Murray Butler assumed the presidency of Columbia University in 1902, a position he held for over four decades. Despite his significant contributions to the growth of the university, recent scrutiny has arisen due to his controversial views on antisemitism and sympathy towards fascism and Nazism.

On September 24, 1903, the bronze sculpture Alma Mater by Daniel Chester French was unveiled in front of Low Library at Columbia University. The statue is famous for being the subject of many Columbia legends, including the belief that the first student in each new class to find the hidden owl on the statue will become the class valedictorian.

In 1905, Columbia University decided to abolish intercollegiate football as a form of protest against the sport's violence. The ban on football lasted until 1916.

On July 17, 1912, the College officially became the University following an order by the Supreme Court of the State of New York to change the school's name.

In 1919, Columbia University introduced the 'Introduction to Contemporary Civilization' course as the first course in the Core Curriculum. The course focuses on various issues related to communities and values, aiming to prepare students to become active and informed citizens.

Columbia University established the Core Curriculum, a communal learning experience for undergraduate students that cultivates community-wide discourse and deliberate contemplation around seminal works, contemporary issues, and humanity’s most enduring questions.

Lionel Trilling, a Columbia graduate of the class of 1925, later became a prominent professor of English literature and a renowned critic. Alongside his wife Diana, an author, they were influential figures in New York's intellectual circles.

In 1933, Virginia Apgar graduated from Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is renowned for inventing the Apgar score, a method to quickly evaluate the health of newborns after birth.

Butler Library, originally known as South Hall, was opened to replace the outdated Low Memorial Library at Columbia University. It was funded by a $4 million donation from Standard Oil executive Edward S. Harkness and designed by James Gamble Rogers.

In 1940, Charles R. Drew received a doctor of medical science degree from Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, making him the first Black researcher to earn this degree in the United States. His groundbreaking dissertation focused on blood plasma properties and preservation, establishing him as a pioneer in the field of blood banking.

Faculty members I.I. Rabi GSAS ’27, Enrico Fermi, and Polykarp Kusch conduct research on the atom, bringing the physics department of the university into the international spotlight. This research plays a significant role in the university's contributions during World War II, including involvement in The Manhattan Project.

During World War II, Columbia's Morningside Heights campus served as a training center for the Navy, housing a Midshipmen's School that trained over 20,000 officer candidates. Additionally, Columbia's medical school established a hospital in Europe to care for the wounded.

In 1947, the School of General Studies was established at Columbia University and initially housed in the Alumni House, now known as Buell Hall.

In 1948, Dwight D. Eisenhower assumed the role of Columbia University's president. He held this position until 1953, when he was elected as the President of the United States.

In 1953, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was serving as the President of Columbia University, was elected as the 34th President of the United States. He had a significant military background, having been a commanding general during World War II.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg graduated from Columbia Law School in 1959. She went on to become the first female tenured professor at the law school and the second woman to serve as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Columbia College and Barnard College start actively recruiting black applicants. The Students’ Afro-American Society at Columbia becomes the first African-American advocacy group on a multi-racial campus in the United States. Columbians engage in voter-registration drives and civil-rights protest activities.

In April 1968, over 1,000 protesting students occupied five campus buildings at Morningside campus, leading to the shutdown of the University until they were forcibly removed by New York City police officers.

In 1991, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Columbia was formally established to unify faculty across six schools including Columbia College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and others.

In 1993, George Rupp became the president of Columbia University. Manning Marable also founded the Institute for Research in African-American Studies, which later evolved into the African American and African Diaspora Studies Department.

Lee C. Bollinger, president emeritus of Columbia University, emphasized the importance of broadening the university's global reach and addressing societal challenges in his 2002 inaugural address.

A book written by Robert McCaughey in 2003, providing a detailed history of Columbia University in New York City.

On April 7, 2004, a series of events took place at Columbia University's Low Rotunda on the Morningside Campus. Distinguished historians, invited respondents, and audience members gathered to discuss important and contentious aspects of Columbia's past, addressing issues of historical significance and contemporary relevance.

On April 13, 2004, a series of events took place at Columbia University's Low Rotunda on the Morningside Campus. Distinguished historians, invited respondents, and audience members gathered to discuss important and contentious aspects of Columbia's past, addressing issues of historical significance and contemporary relevance.

On April 20, 2004, a series of events took place at Columbia University's Low Rotunda on the Morningside Campus. Distinguished historians, invited respondents, and audience members gathered to discuss important and contentious aspects of Columbia's past, addressing issues of historical significance and contemporary relevance.

On April 27, 2004, a series of events took place at Columbia University's Low Rotunda on the Morningside Campus. Distinguished historians, invited respondents, and audience members gathered to discuss important and contentious aspects of Columbia's past, addressing issues of historical significance and contemporary relevance.

Barack Obama, a Columbia College alumni from the class of 1983, is elected as the 44th President of the United States.

As of 2011, 33 Columbia University alumni and former students have won a total of 43 Academy Awards. Notable alumni in the film industry include directors Sidney Lumet and Kathryn Bigelow, screenwriters Howard Koch and Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and actors James Cagney, Ed Harris, and Timothée Chalamet.

As of 2021, Columbia University employs 4,381 faculty members, including Nobel laureates, National Medal of Science recipients, and National Academy members. Columbia faculty played crucial roles during World War II, the New Deal era, and the Manhattan Project.

Minouche Shafik assumed office as the 20th President of Columbia University on July 1, 2023. She was selected by the trustees in consultation with the executive committee of the University Senate.

The Public Authorities Control Board grants final approval for Columbia University's plan to expand to a 17-acre site in Manhattanville, including more than 6.8 million square feet of space for teaching, research, parking, and support services. The project is estimated to be completed by 2030.