5 Fascinating Historical Things About One of The Oldest Universities In The U.S., The University of Vermont
By Luke|Published April 22, 2020
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Luke
Author
Luke was born and raised in Colchester, Vermont, and is a recent graduate of the University of Vermont where he studied philosophy and economics. His interests and hobbies include: reading, writing, learning new languages, hiking and playing outdoor sports.
Assuming some of you reading this are also UVM alumni, and that you may not be aware of some of UVM’s distinguished and extraordinary history, this piece serves the purpose of enlightening the reader to five interesting historical facts about the Universitas Viridis Montis. For those who neither attended the University of Vermont nor live in Vermont, these historical facts are nonetheless immensely fascinating and fundamentally important for not only Vermont but the nation as a whole.
The University of Vermont was founded in 1791, only 15 years after our Republic was officially formed. UVM is the fifth-oldest university in New England and has the seventh oldest medical school in the nation.
Andrew Harris graduated from the University of Vermont in 1838. He was one of the first African-Americans to attend and graduate from university in the United States. Today, on central campus, there is a commons area and a statue dedicated to this heroic and brave man.
Through the many years, The University of Vermont has displayed a firm level of equality and fairness. In 1875, the university became the first in the U.S. to grant women entry in the Phi Beta Kappa society, and two years later, the first African-American was permitted to a full-membership in the society.
In 1840, Henry Jarvis Raymond graduated from UVM. Just 11 years later, he founded the New York Times. Considered one of UVM's most famous and successful alumni, Mr. Raymond started one of the most world-renowned newspapers.
The University of Vermont was also the first college in America to declare public support for freedom of religion.
Did you know these interesting and poignant facts about the University of Vermont? Do you have any other interesting historical facts to add to the list? Let us hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below.
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