About - Harvard University 24,519 undergraduate and graduate students 20,667 faculty and staff 400,000+ alumni worldwide 35 million+ learners through Harvard Online We believe in the value of knowledge, the power of teaching and research, and the ways that what we do here can benefit society.” President of Harvard University Alan M. Garber President Alan M. Garber leads Harvard University as its 31st President. Deans and Officers Leading Harvard’s Schools and many offices Harvard Corporation The oldest corporation in the Western Hemisphere Board of Overseers Alumni committed to Harvard’s missions and interests On October 28, 1636, Harvard, the first college in the American colonies, was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard University was officially founded by a vote by the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Harvard’s endowment started with John Harvard’s initial donation of 400 books and half his estate, but in 1721, Thomas Hollis began the now standard practice of requiring that a donation be used for a specific purpose when he donated money for “a Divinity Professor, to read lectures in the Halls to the students.” Women’s history at Harvard As staff members, then as students and faculty, the women of Harvard paved the way for the next generation, and continue to carve new paths today. Learn more about women’s history Learn more about women’s history Asian and Pacific American history at Harvard We explore the histories, cultures, and contributions of Harvard’s Asian and Pacific Island communities throughout our history. Learn more about Asian and Pacific American history Learn more about Asian and Pacific American history African American history at Harvard A complete look at Harvard’s Black history includes the dual legacies of slavery and discrimination along with pioneering moments of inclusion, equity, and empowerment. Learn more about African American history Learn more about African American history $5.35 million for improvements to public parks and open spaces, neighborhood beautification, streetscape enhancements, public safety initiatives, and public art. 650,000 visitors to Harvard museums each year 20+ locations abroad that link Harvard faculty and students to local academic institutions, government organizations, businesses, and communities Local commitment Harvard is dedicated to giving back to the places we call home. Learn about our local partnerships Learn about our local partnerships Global perspective We invite the world to pursue scholarship on our campus and in our research centers around the globe. Learn about Harvard’s global engagement Learn about Harvard’s global engagement