Ivy League: Past and present; part 1

Lux et Veritas. the slogan of one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Yale. Apart from being just prestigious, Yale is a part of The Ivy League, a term synonymous with academic prestige and excellence, and represents a group of eight elite universities in the United States. Their roots can be traced back to the early colonial period, and their development has been shaped by a commitment to scholarly achievement, rigorous admissions standards, and a dedication to producing future leaders. In this article, we will delve into the history, traditions, and significance of the Ivy League.

The Ivy League universities played a pivotal role in American education during the colonial era. Harvard, founded in 1636, stands as the oldest of these institutions. It began with a strong focus on religious and classical education, but over time, it evolved to embrace a broader curriculum and diverse fields of study. Other Ivy League schools, such as Yale and Princeton, also date back to the early days of American higher education, focusing on nurturing educated leaders for the young nation.

But why it is Ivy?

The “ivy” association with the schools likely started in 1933 when the term was used by Stanley Woodward writing in the New York Tribune: “A proportion of our eastern ivy colleges are meeting little fellows another Saturday before plunging into the strife and the turmoil.”

This line was in reference to the football season – the schools, including Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Yale, the United States Military Academy, and the United States Naval Academy had already had long-standing traditions in their competitions.

In 1935, the term “Ivy League” would specifically be used by The Christian Science Monitor. The term would be synonymous with “older colleges.”The “ivy” association with the schools likely started in 1933 when the term was used by Stanley Woodward writing in the New York Tribune: “A proportion of our eastern ivy colleges are meeting little fellows another Saturday before plunging into the strife and the turmoil.”

In 1935, the term “Ivy League” would specifically be used by The Christian Science Monitor. The term would be synonymous with “older colleges.”

One of the defining characteristics of the Ivy League is its highly selective admissions process. These universities have maintained a commitment to admitting students based on merit and academic achievement. This rigorous approach has contributed to the Ivy League's reputation for producing some of the world's most influential leaders and scholars. Graduates of these institutions have played pivotal roles in shaping American society, politics, business, and academia. Only geniuses go to Ivy.

While the Ivy League has excelled in various ways, it has also faced criticism for issues like lack of diversity and elitism. Critics have argued that the cost of attending these prestigious universities can be prohibitive for many students. Efforts to address these concerns and increase accessibility have been ongoing, with initiatives aimed at diversifying student populations and providing financial aid to a broader range of applicants.

Today, the Ivy League includes eight renowned institutions: Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Brown University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, and the University of Pennsylvania. These universities continue to be leaders in research, innovation, and education.

In the next parts, we will directly talk about the universities themselves. We will explore the history of them and the reason for their success.

To be continued...