As one of America's most prestigious lvy League schools, Harvard boasts an illustrious lineup of presidential alumni, like JFK and Barack Obama.
However, unbeknownst to someone, the university came from humble beginnings (无名之辈).
Originally founded as "New College" in 1636, it was built to train the clergy (神职人员 牧师 僧侣) for the new commonwealth.
A few years later, the very first printing press in North America arrived at Harvard, aiding its ascendance (优势 权势 支配地位) as a major center for publishing, education and news.
However, in the 1800s, its composition became redefined by the Boston elite (精英), who were quickly becoming the university's main benefactors (赞助人).
Attendance became a rite of passage for those wishing to gain social advantage, and admission (准许进入) became more exclusive and mentally arduous (艰巨的).
Around this time and towards the 1900s, the curriculum (教材 课程) became secularized (脱离宗教控制的 世俗化的) and broadened to include business and law.
Today, Harvard ranks amongst the world's top 5 institutes for medicine, business and law.
Interestingly, the school's most famous statue of John Harvard is in fact erroneous.
Despite its description, Harvard was not "the founder", but rather a benefactor who bequeathed (把...遗赠给) his private library and land to the school.