New York City with children: Columbia University
by KFFVMom
(kid-friendly-family-vacations.com)
Columbia University
Columbia University is the oldest educational institution in the state of New York and is a reputable member of the Ivy League. It was one of the nine Colonial Colleges established before the onset of the American Revolution. It was named King’s College in 1754 by King George the second of England. Columbia is known for its annual awarding of the most coveted Pulitzer Prize. Many of its students have received the prestigious award as well.
It is the home of laser and FM radio as well. Distinguished alumni of this university include current US President Barrack Obama, Warren Buffet, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, James P. Morgan, Art Garfunkel, Casey Affleck, James Franco and Edwin Armstrong. Prior to the foundation of the university, controversies preceded its religious affiliation and even its exact location. NYC advocates and Anglicans had their own points but agreed to a commitment to the school’s principles with regard to religious liberty in order to construct the policies will govern the college. The first classes were held at a schoolhouse adjoined to the Trinity Church. The school wanted to achieve its high-end goals and did so by establishing its own medical college in 1767, a first of its kind in the United States.
Instruction in the school was halted for eight years due to the American Revolution. New York was occupied by British military until 1783. During this time, people who are associated with the learning institution continued to influence the life of the Americans. Early students of the college include the first ever US chief justice John Jay and Governor Morris who authored the U.S. Constitution. King’s College reopened in 1784 as Columbia College, fresh and revitalized from the patriotism and America’s desire for independence. It was then moved to 49th and Madison and stood there for next four decades.
In the late 19th century, Columbia was fast becoming a modern university, thus eventually proclaimed as one. Columbia University now encompasses a number of schools under its wing such as its law school, engineering and sciences, mines and chemistry. It has branched out its global center in other countries such as China, France, India and Jordan. In 1890, Seth Low was elected university president and moved the campus to a much spacious location on Morningside Heights. The Low Library remained as the university’s main centerpiece is now occupied by admin offices and the school’s visitor center.
To book a tour in Columbia University, you will need to phone the Visitor Center or attend a session for prospective students. These free sessions, which are also open to tourists, usually last an hour and cover the university’s lifestyle and admission process. The schedule of these information sessions are posted on their website. After each session, there is a campus tour organized by undergraduate students that will give you an overview of the university’s student life. If you are interested in participating in an engineering tour, you may visit every Friday at one in the afternoon for a guided tour of the school.
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