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

Highlights from Harvard’s Past

The rise of Cambridge cyclists, a lettuce boycott, and Julia Child’s cookbooks

Wadsworth House Nears 300

The building is a microcosm of Harvard’s history—and the history of the United States.

In Sermon, Garber Urges Harvard Community to ‘Defend and Protect’ Institutions

Harvard’s president uses traditional Memorial Church address to encourage divergent views.

Most popular

Harvard Symposium Tackles 400 Years of Homelessness in America

Professors explore the history of homelessness in the U.S., from colonial poor laws to today’s housing crisis

Harvard’s Class of 2029 Reflects Shifts in Racial Makeup After Affirmative Action Ends

International students continue to enroll amid political uncertainty; mandatory SATs lead to a drop in applications.

A History of Harvard Magazine

Harvard’s independent alumni magazine—at 127 years old 

Explore More From Current Issue

An illustrative portrait of Justice Roberts in a black robe, resting his chin on his hand.

What Trump Means for John Roberts’s Legacy

Executive power is on the docket at the Supreme Court.

A vibrant bar scene with tropical decor, featuring patrons sitting on high stools.

Best Bars for Seasonal Drinks and Snacks in Greater Boston

Gathering spots that warm and delight us  

Aisha Muharrar with shoulder-length hair, wearing a green blazer and white shirt.

Parks and Rec Comedy Writer Aisha Muharrar Gets Serious about Grief

With Loved One, the Harvard grad and Lampoon veteran makes her debut as a novelist.