Headlines from Harvard history

An elephant race, and more from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

Illustration by Mark Steele

1927

The debating team has won four of six matches during a spring-break tour of the Middle West, the editors note. In each debate, Harvard supported the affirmative side of the question: “Resolved, that the American College is a Failure.”

1952

“Korea—symbol of the undeclared war between East and West—continues to dominate the academic year 1951-52,” with the University “steering a course somewhere between total mobilization and business as usual”; 40 percent of the freshmen are enrolled in the army, navy, and air force ROTC programs.

1962

Joseph Russin ’64 guides the four-plus-ton Sonita to a sweepstakes trophy for Harvard at the first Intercollegiate Elephant Race at Orange Coun­ty State College in Fullerton, California.

1972

East Asian studies becomes Harvard’s newest concentration.…Mexican-American and Puerto Rican students schedule a conference to explore problems in implementing a Chicano-Boricua studies program at Harvard.

1997

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences adds a new quantitative reasoning course requirement to the Core Curriculum, replacing the former test-out option. 

Harvard’s first chair devoted exclusively to environmental issues is endowed by Gilbert Butler Jr. ’59 to honor the memory of his father.

More than 300 people gather in the Yard for the unveiling of a plaque on Matthews Hall commemorating Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, A.B. 1665, and the other four initial Native American students at Harvard’s Indian College.

2002

Following a year of debate and data-gathering, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences makes it easier for undergraduates to study abroad, and more difficult for them to earn academic honors.

Related topics

You might also like

The Woman Who Penned the Case for War

Mercy Otis Warren’s poetry and plays incited the Patriot movement.

The Framer Who Refused to Sign the Constitution

Harvard’s Elbridge Gerry helped draft the U.S. Constitution, but worried it might create a new monarch.

When the Revolution Hit Cambridge, Harvard Moved to Concord

College students broke hearts and windows during their year in exile.

Most popular

Harvard Law Professor Explains the AI Battle Between Tech and Government

Jonathan Zittrain compares today’s conflicts to tensions surrounding the early internet.

250 Years Ago, Harvard Was Home to a Revolution

A look at the sights, sounds, and characters that put the University on the frontlines of history

At Harvard, Mitt Romney Warns Against ‘Authoritarian’ Presidential Power

The former senator touched on polarization, tech governance, and diplomacy during a conversation at the Institute of Politics.

Explore More From Current Issue

A colorful hummingbird hovering by vibrant flowers.

Discoveries

Short takes on cutting-edge research

Alene Anello smiling surrounded by four chickens in a natural outdoor setting.

Harvard-trained lawyer fights for the rights of chickens

Alene Anello wants to apply animal cruelty laws to birds raised for meat.

Mercy Otis Warren in period attire writes at a desk by candlelight, surrounded by books.

The Woman Who Penned the Case for War

Mercy Otis Warren’s poetry and plays incited the Patriot movement.