Last Updated:

2024-04-30 10:58:20

Johns Hopkins University

Private research university in Baltimore, Maryland



Private research university in Baltimore, Maryland

Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876, is known for integrating teaching and research. It has campuses in Italy, China, and Washington, D.C. The university was named after its benefactor, Johns Hopkins, and has been a leader in research and development expenditures in the U.S. It consists of various divisions and schools across Maryland, with notable faculty and alumni including Nobel laureates and political figures.

Columbia University Yale University Stanford University Duke University Princeton University Dartmouth College Cornell University University of Glasgow University of Toronto University of Oxford

1795-05-19

Birth of Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins, born on May 19, 1795, was a philanthropist and successful businessman who transformed himself from a grocer's helper to a millionaire banker. He became known for his generosity and philanthropic endeavors.

1801

Homewood House

The original structure gifted by Charles Carroll of Carrollton to his son Charles Carroll Jr., now serves as an on-campus museum and inspired the architectural style of the university campus.

1840

Enslaved People Living in Johns Hopkins' Home

Census records from 1840 indicate enslaved people were living and laboring in Johns Hopkins' home, revealing his connection to slavery.

1850

Johns Hopkins as a Slaveholder

Census records from 1850 denote Johns Hopkins as a slaveholder, further solidifying his involvement in slavery.

1873-12-24

Death of Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins passed away on Christmas Eve in 1873, leaving a philanthropic legacy behind. His bequest of $7 million to establish a university and hospital bearing his name became the largest philanthropic donation in U.S. history at that time.

1876-02-22

Johns Hopkins University Opens

Johns Hopkins University was established in downtown Baltimore on February 22, 1876, with Daniel Coit Gilman as its first president. The university was dedicated to 'Knowledge for the world' and emphasized original research.

1878

Founding of Johns Hopkins University Press

The Johns Hopkins University Press was established in 1878, making it the oldest continuously running university press in the United States. It has published over 6,000 titles and currently publishes scholarly periodicals and books.

1879

First undergraduate degrees conferred by Johns Hopkins University

In 1879, Johns Hopkins University conferred its first three BA degrees. This was a significant milestone for the university as it marked the beginning of its undergraduate program.

1883

Establishment of the Blue Jays men's lacrosse team

The Blue Jays men's lacrosse team was established in 1883 at Johns Hopkins University. Since then, they have captured 44 national titles and are part of the Big Ten Conference.

1886

Woodrow Wilson receives PhD from Johns Hopkins

Woodrow Wilson, who received his PhD from Johns Hopkins in 1886, was the university's first affiliated laureate, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919.

1889

Establishment of Johns Hopkins Hospital

Johns Hopkins Hospital was completed in 1889, marking the beginning of the university's research-focused mode of instruction and attracting world-renowned faculty members.

1893

Establishment of Johns Hopkins Medical School

Johns Hopkins Medical School was established in 1893, further solidifying the university's reputation in academic medicine and attracting prominent figures like William Osler and William Welch.

1900

Johns Hopkins becomes a founding member of the American Association of Universities

In 1900, Johns Hopkins University became a founding member of the American Association of Universities, showcasing its commitment to excellence in higher education.

1901

Ira Remsen becomes President of Johns Hopkins University

Ira Remsen, a chemist, became the second president of Johns Hopkins University in 1901.

1902-02-22

Transfer of Homewood Campus to Johns Hopkins University

On February 22, 1902, the Homewood Campus in north Baltimore was formally transferred to Johns Hopkins University, providing a new home for the growing institution.

1906

Commissioning of University Mace by Hopkins Alumnus

Historian Douglas Southall Freeman, a 1906 Hopkins alumnus, urged the commissioning of a ceremonial mace for Johns Hopkins University. Baltimore silversmith Henry Powell Hopkins, Jr., was tasked with creating the mace, which was completed in late 1953.

1909

Establishment of The School of Professional Studies in Business and Education

The School of Professional Studies in Business and Education was originally established in 1909.

1915

Completion of Gilman Hall

Gilman Hall, the flagship building of Johns Hopkins University, was completed in 1915, becoming a central hub for academic activities on the Homewood Campus.

1916-06-13

Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health Founded

William Henry Welch, MD, and Johns Hopkins University receive funding from the Rockefeller Foundation to establish the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, the world's first independent graduate school of public health.

1917

First Faculty Member Appointed

William Henry Howell, MD, is appointed as the first faculty member and founding chair of the Department of Physiological Hygiene at the Bloomberg School.

1918-10-01

First Classes Held

The first classes at the Bloomberg School are held on October 1, 1918, with 16 students, including women and foreign citizens, and a faculty that includes women.

1919

First Doctor of Public Health Recipients

Nathan Berman becomes the first of three Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) recipients, forming the first graduating class at the Bloomberg School.

1920

Certificate in Public Health Degree Established

The Certificate in Public Health (CPH) degree is established at the Bloomberg School, later renamed the Master of Public Health in 1939.

1922

Discovery of Vitamin D

Elmer V. McCollum, PhD, discovers vitamin D and its role in preventing rickets while serving as the founding chair of Biochemistry at the Bloomberg School.

1926-10-22

First Building Opens

The Bloomberg School's first building on Wolfe Street officially opens on October 22, 1926.

1927

Refutation of Eugenics

Raymond Pearl, PhD, becomes the first American biologist to publicly refute eugenics as bad science, challenging the views advocated by some early faculty members at the Bloomberg School.

1930

Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis Begins

The U.S. Public Health Service initiates the Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male, a controversial study that observed the health of Black men without providing proper treatment.

1932

First Nurse Graduate

Margaret Gene Arnstein becomes the first nurse to graduate from the Bloomberg School in 1934.

1934

George Minot and George Whipple win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Johns Hopkins laureates George Minot and George Whipple won the 1934 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

1935

Federal Public Health Training Grants Provided

Congress offers federal public health training grants under the Social Security Act, leading to increased enrollment in the Certificate in Public Health program at the Bloomberg School.

1936

First Federal Public Health Training Grant Awarded

The U.S. Public Health Service awards the first federal public health training grant to the Bloomberg School, supporting a graduate program in syphilis control.

1938

Smoking and Life Expectancy Correlation

Raymond Pearl publishes evidence in Science showing a correlation between smoking levels and life expectancy, highlighting the impact of smoking on public health.

1939

Master of Public Health Degree Introduced

The Bloomberg School begins offering the Master of Public Health degree, expanding its educational offerings in public health.

1941

Association of Schools of Public Health Founded

Dean Reed convenes public health deans to establish the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) at the Bloomberg School, promoting collaboration among public health institutions.

1942

Development of DPT Vaccine

Alumnae Pearl Kendrick, ScD '32, and Grace Eldering, ScD '42, develop the DPT vaccine by combining three key childhood vaccines into a single shot, enhancing immunization practices.

1944-07-03

First Commencement held on Homewood Campus due to World War II

In 1944, Johns Hopkins University held its Commencement on the Homewood Campus for the first time due to the ongoing World War II. The event took place in front of Gilman Hall using the steps and terrace as a stage.

1945

First Black Undergraduate Admitted to Johns Hopkins University

In 1945, the first black undergraduate student was admitted to Johns Hopkins University, marking a significant step towards racial diversity at the institution.

1946

Reginald G. James becomes Johns Hopkins University’s first African-American graduate

Reginald G. James, MD, MPH ’46, becomes the first African-American graduate of Johns Hopkins University. This milestone comes after 25 years of lobbying by Black Baltimore physicians for admission.

1950

Establishment of School of Advanced International Studies

The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. was incorporated into the university in 1950.

1954

Inaugural Use of University Mace at Commemoration Day Ceremony

The university mace, designed by Baltimore silversmith Henry Powell Hopkins, Jr., was first used at the 1954 Commemoration Day Ceremony. It features eight symbols representing cultural development throughout history.

1958

Introduction of color cover on Johns Hopkins Commencement program

In 1958, Johns Hopkins University introduced the first color cover on its Commencement program. This marked a departure from the previous black ink on white paper programs.

1960

Pioneer: A History of the Johns Hopkins University, 1874-1889

Hugh Hawkins' book published in 1960, based on his dissertation, providing valuable insights into the early years of Johns Hopkins University.

1972

Inception of Spring Fair at Johns Hopkins

Since 1972, Spring Fair has been a beloved tradition at Johns Hopkins University, growing to become the largest student-run festival in the country, featuring various attractions like carnival rides, vendors, and food.

1973

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Established

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is a global leader in public health research and education, with practices in more than one hundred countries. It has made major advancements against health threats such as polio, road traffic injuries, malnutrition, gun violence, HIV/AIDS, and addiction.

1977-01-01

JHU Men's Swimming wins three consecutive NCAA Championships

JHU Men's Swimming team achieved a remarkable feat by winning three consecutive NCAA Championships in 1977, 1978, and 1979.

1979

Highest Federal Research Funding

Johns Hopkins University has had the highest federal research funding of any American university every year since 1979.

1981-06

Son of a Slave

An article by Julia Morgan in the Johns Hopkins Magazine from June 1981, focuses on Kelly Miller, the first African-American student at Hopkins in the 1880s. Miller remained the sole full-time African-American student at the university until the 1940s.

1984

Establishment of the School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University was established in 1984, providing education and training in the field of nursing. This addition further diversified the academic offerings of the university.

1986

Women at the Johns Hopkins University: A History

The book by Julia B. Morgan delves into the history of women at Johns Hopkins University, starting from 1877 when the first woman applied for admission. It also discusses the gradual acceptance of coeducation at the university.

1990

A Brief History of the Homewood Campus: Its Buildings, Monuments and Sculpture

This document, updated in 2010 and 2020, under the supervision of Archives staff, traces the evolution of the Homewood Campus acquired in 1902. It also provides insights into the original arts and sciences campus in west Baltimore used from 1876 to 1916.

1991

Founding of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Johns Hopkins

In 1991, Alpha Phi Alpha, a historically black fraternity, was founded at Johns Hopkins University, adding to the diversity of Fraternity and Sorority Life on campus.

1992

The Hopkins Lacrosse Story

The film 'The Hopkins Lacrosse Story' highlights Johns Hopkins' successful college lacrosse program, tracing its historical accomplishments and championship wins.

1993

Launch of Project MUSE by Johns Hopkins University Press

In 1993, the Johns Hopkins University Press initiated Project MUSE, an online collection of over 250 full-text, peer-reviewed journals in the humanities and social sciences.

1994

Establishment of Lambda Phi Epsilon fraternity at Johns Hopkins

Lambda Phi Epsilon, an Asian-interest fraternity, was established at Johns Hopkins University in 1994, contributing to the multicultural aspect of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

1995

Foundation of Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternity at Johns Hopkins

Lambda Upsilon Lambda, a Latino-interest fraternity, was founded at Johns Hopkins University in 1995, enriching the diversity of Fraternity and Sorority Life on campus.

1998

Johns Hopkins Medicine International Established

Johns Hopkins Medicine International provides personalized care for patients from outside the United States and collaborates with affiliates worldwide to enhance global healthcare.

2000

Johns Hopkins Receives NASA Research Grants

In 2000, Johns Hopkins University received $95.4 million in research grants from NASA, becoming the top recipient of NASA research and development funding.

2001

Commencement moved to Homewood Field due to irrigation pipes

In 2001, Johns Hopkins University moved its Commencement to Homewood Field due to the infeasibility of erecting a tent caused by irrigation pipes being used for a major landscaping project. This marked a shift from the traditional outdoor setting to a stadium venue.

2002

Johns Hopkins University Crosses $1 Billion Threshold in Research Funding

In FY 2002, Johns Hopkins University became the first university to surpass the $1 billion mark in total research funding, recording $1.14 billion in total research and $1.023 billion in federally sponsored research.

2003

Peter Agre awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Bloomberg Distinguished Professor Peter Agre was awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his discovery of aquaporins.

2004

Something the Lord Made HBO movie

The HBO movie 'Something the Lord Made' tells the story of a partnership at Johns Hopkins Hospital that contributed to a surgical solution for the 'blue baby' syndrome.

2005-01-01

Women's soccer wins Centennial Conference title for 7 consecutive years

The Women's soccer team at Hopkins clinched the Centennial Conference title for an impressive streak of 7 consecutive years from 2005 to 2011.

2006-01-01

Hopkins teams win Centennial Conference titles in multiple sports

In 2006–2007, Hopkins teams emerged victorious in various sports like Baseball, Men's and Women's Soccer, Men's and Women's Tennis, and Men's Basketball in the Centennial Conference.

2007

Separation of Education and Business into separate schools

In 2007, the divisions of Education and Business at The School of Professional Studies became separate schools.

2008-01-01

Hopkins fencing team defeats UNC and wins MACFA championship

In 2008, the acclaimed fencing team at Hopkins emerged victorious by defeating the University of North Carolina and securing the MACFA championship.

2009-01-01

Hopkins wins 8 Centennial Conference titles in various sports

In 2009–2010, Hopkins secured victories in 8 Centennial Conference titles across different sports including Women's Cross Country, Women's Track & Field, Baseball, Men's and Women's Soccer, Football, and Men's and Women's Tennis.

2011-01-01

Hopkins squash team finishes 30th in ranking

In 2011–12, the squash team at Hopkins achieved a ranking of 30th in the College Squash Association, showcasing their competitive spirit and performance.

2013-01-01

Hopkins earns 12 Centennial Conference titles

In the 2013–2014 school year, Hopkins achieved a total of 12 Centennial Conference titles, with notable wins from the cross country and track & field teams.

2013-09-05

Matthew Green's Blog Post on NSA and Academic Freedom

On September 5, 2013, Johns Hopkins professor Matthew Green posted a blog discussing the NSA's role in U.S. cryptography standards, sparking a debate on academic freedom of speech in the cryptologic research community.

2014

End of Legacy Preference in Admissions at Johns Hopkins University

In 2014, Johns Hopkins University ended the practice of legacy preference in admissions, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process for all applicants.

2016

Commencement moved to Baltimore's Royal Farms Arena

In 2016, Johns Hopkins University moved its Commencement to Baltimore's Royal Farms Arena to contend with unpredictable weather. The indoor venue provided a comfortable, climate-controlled setting for the event.

2017

Ellen J. MacKenzie becomes Dean

Ellen J. MacKenzie, PhD ’79, ScM ’75, known for her research on traumatic injury prevention and care systems, became the School’s first woman dean.

2018-01-01

Women's field hockey team reaches NCAA semifinals for four consecutive seasons

The women's field hockey team at Hopkins showcased consistent excellence by reaching the NCAA semifinals for four consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2022, with the 2020 season being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2018-11-18

Michael Bloomberg's Donation

Michael Bloomberg made a donation of $1.8 billion to Johns Hopkins University, marking the largest private donation in modern history to an institution of higher education.

2019-01

Purchase of Newseum

Johns Hopkins University announced an agreement to purchase the Newseum in Washington, D.C., with plans to locate all of its Washington, D.C.-based graduate programs there.

2020

Research Expenditure at Johns Hopkins University

In fiscal year 2020, Johns Hopkins University spent nearly $3.1 billion on research, maintaining its position as the U.S. university with the highest research expenditure for over 40 years.

2021-01-01

Women's field hockey team becomes NCAA Division III National Championship runner-up

In 2021 and 2022, the women's field hockey team at Hopkins finished as the NCAA Division III National Championship runner-up, losing to Middlebury College in both instances.

2022-01-01

Women's soccer team wins NCAA Division III Women's Soccer National Championship

In 2022, the women's soccer team at Hopkins secured their first NCAA Division III Women's Soccer National Championship with an outstanding season record of 23-0-2, making history with the most wins in program history. The coaching staff were also recognized as the Region V coaching staff of the year.

2024-03-08

Publication of 'A Brief History of the Homewood Campus: Its Buildings, Monuments and Sculpture'

In 2024, a publication titled 'A Brief History of the Homewood Campus: Its Buildings, Monuments and Sculpture' was last updated. The publication likely provides information about the architectural and artistic aspects of the campus.

2024-04-07

Renaming of entrepreneurship center at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University decided to rename their entrepreneurship center in honor of the deceased tech CEO, Pava Lapere.

2024-04-24

Pro-Palestinian protest at Johns Hopkins University

A protest in support of Palestine was arranged at Johns Hopkins University.

End of the Timeline
Johns Hopkins University