About this book:

Explore the captivating story of Cornell University, a pioneering institution forged in the tumultuous era following the American Civil War. Conceived by Ezra Cornell, a self-made industrialist, and Andrew Dickson White, a visionary scholar and statesman, Cornell was founded on the radical principle that any person could find instruction in any study. This book delves into their groundbreaking partnership, the crucial impact of the Morrill Land-Grant Act that provided its initial funding, and the physical creation of a campus on a dramatic hilltop overlooking Ithaca, New York. Discover how this revolutionary university quickly opened its doors to a diverse student body, including women, and championed academic freedom and nonsectarian ideals in an era dominated by traditional, often religiously affiliated, colleges.

Follow Cornell’s remarkable growth from its opening days with a handful of buildings and pioneering students and faculty to its emergence as a multifaceted research university. Witness the development of its distinct colleges and schools, particularly its nationally renowned programs in agriculture and engineering, fulfilling its land-grant mission by applying knowledge for the public good. The book chronicles Cornell's journey through transformative periods like the Gilded Age, the Progressive Era, and the profound impact of the two World Wars, which reshaped campus life and research priorities. Explore the vibrant community life that flourished on the Hill, from unique student traditions and spirited athletics to the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion, often propelled by passionate student activism.

Finally, delve into the enduring legacy of Cornell University and its profound influence on the world. Highlighted are the countless notable alumni who have excelled in every field imaginable – from Nobel laureates and Supreme Court justices to literary giants and industry leaders – demonstrating the transformative power of a Cornell education. Discover the academic legacies of its visionary faculty, whose groundbreaking research shaped entire disciplines and contributed significantly to scientific and intellectual advancement. Explore the deep symbiotic relationship between Cornell and the city of Ithaca, its significant economic and social impact on the region, and its expansive global reach through international campuses and worldwide research initiatives. This book is a compelling narrative of aspiration, disruption, resilience, and the living spirit of a university that continues to embody its founding motto: "Any Person, Any Study."

What You'll Find Inside:

• Explore Cornell's founding partnership between industrialist Ezra Cornell and scholar Andrew Dickson White, and their revolutionary vision for higher education.
• Understand how the Morrill Land-Grant Act shaped Cornell's mission for broad access and practical education in agriculture and mechanic arts.
• Discover the evolution of Cornell's academic structure, from initial divisions to the formation of distinct colleges and pioneering departments like the first in Electrical Engineering.
• Learn about Cornell's commitment to diversity and inclusion, from pioneering coeducation and early racial integration to supporting LGBTQ+ rights and students with disabilities.
• Gain insight into Cornell's significant impact beyond Ithaca, through its global campuses, extensive research, and the contributions of its notable alumni and faculty.

Who's It For:

This book is for anyone interested in the history of American higher education, the development of a major research university, and the intersection of education with social and technological change. It will particularly appeal to current and prospective Cornell students, alumni, faculty, and staff, as well as historians and those interested in the impact of land-grant institutions.