Harvard College’s First Commencement Exercises - September 23, 1642

On September 23, 1642, Harvard College, the first institution of higher learning in what would become the United States, held its inaugural commencement exercises. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of American education and underscored the early colonists’ commitment to higher learning and intellectual development.

Historical Context

• Founding of Harvard College: Harvard College was established in 1636 by the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was named after its first benefactor, John Harvard, a young minister who bequeathed his library and half of his estate to the institution upon his death in 1638.
• Purpose: The college was founded primarily to train clergy for the growing Puritan community in New England, reflecting the settlers’ emphasis on religious education and moral instruction.

The Commencement of 1642

• Graduates: The first commencement saw the graduation of nine students. These individuals were among the first to receive a formal higher education in the American colonies.
• Ceremony: The commencement exercises were likely modest compared to modern standards, reflecting the austere and practical nature of the early colonial period. The event would have included religious services, speeches, and the conferring of degrees.

Significance

• Educational Legacy: This commencement set a precedent for the establishment of higher education institutions across the colonies, contributing to the intellectual and cultural development of the future United States.
• Cultural Impact: Harvard’s early graduates played crucial roles in the religious, political, and social life of the colonies, helping to shape the emerging American society.

Aftermath and Broader Impact

• Expansion of Education: Following Harvard’s example, other colleges were founded in the colonies, including the College of William & Mary in 1693 and Yale University in 1701.
• Influence on Society: Harvard and its graduates became influential in various fields, including theology, law, and government, significantly impacting the intellectual and cultural landscape of the nation.

The first commencement exercises at Harvard College in 1642 were more than just a ceremonial event; they were a foundational moment in the history of American education, symbolizing the enduring value placed on learning and scholarship in the New World.