The Oval and Palm Drive

Photo: The Oval with Stanford 125 graphicmark in bloom.

A University of High Degree

When Leland Stanford Junior University opened to students on October 1, 1891, founders Jane and Leland Stanford had declared it would be a “university of high degree,” producing cultured and useful citizens for the benefit of society. The university was untraditional from the outset. It was coeducational when many were not, and nondenominational when most had a religious affiliation. Until 1920, Stanford was tuition-free, establishing what would become an enduring commitment to accessibility for promising students of all backgrounds.
Palm Drive, Stanford’s grand main entry, welcomes students and visitors to a university that has become a world leader in teaching, research and innovation, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and discoveries that have impacted millions of lives.

Lasting Legacy

At Opening Day ceremonies in the Quad in 1891, Leland Stanford told an audience of 2,000 that the graduates of Stanford “shall not only be scholars, but shall have a sound practical idea of common-place, everyday matters, a self-reliance … with a lofty sense of man’s and woman’s responsibilities on earth. … All that we can do for you is to place the opportunities within your reach.”

Distinguished Faculty

Photo: Stanford Faculty at the 121st Commencement Ceremony.

Stanford’s research outcomes reflect the expertise, creativity and initiative of its faculty. In 2016 — Stanford’s 125th year — 20 Nobel Laureates were among its faculty, along with 30 MacArthur Fellows, four Pulitzer Prize winners, a Fields Medal winner, two Presidential Medal of Freedom winners and hundreds of highly honored scholars.

First Students

Administrators had anticipated 250 registrants upon opening, but the inaugural year drew 555 students, including 255 freshmen, 116 college transfers, and 37 graduate students. All who qualified by exam were admitted, and another 147 were enrolled as “special” students — those who didn’t fully meet standard requirements — in keeping with the Stanfords’ views around opportunity and inclusion.

Kiosk 11 highlighting The Oval and Palm Drive.