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International Marketing Study Program 2001
Harvard University, Cambridge MA
25 January 2001
Our second last day!! After a leisurely morning of shopping (and sleeping in for others), we met at midday to venture towards the famous Harvard University, about a 10 minute bus trip north of Boston. The bus dropped us at Harvard Square, which encompasses Harvard University, Radcliffe, Lesley and Cambridge Colleges, plus a wealth of opportunity to shop and museum hop. This area is also referred to as the book-Mecca of the world, due to the number of bookstores within a small area. The group quickly dispersed in search of food and Harvard souvenirs. By the end of the day, there were plenty of Harvard T Shirts, scarves, bears, hats postcards etc. to accompany us back to the hotel.
After lunch we all met at the Harvard University Information Centre at the Holyoke Centre. From there our guide, Kiana Foster, a third year science student with aims of one day studying Pediatric neurology began our tour of the University Grounds. After a short introduction about the establishment and the naming of the University we enjoyed a stroll through the original buildings in Harvard Yard, dating back to the late 1600's, towards the science buildings. To see the grounds at this time of year was quite spectacular, covered in snow.
We then continued to Memorial Hall, an original building from the 17th century that was originally dedicated to students that served in the civil war. It is now the dining hall for Freshmans, while the adjoining theatre has hosted famous speakers such as Martin Luther King and Winston Churchill. The magnificent stained glass windows were designed by Tiffany's. From here we walked back through Harvard Yard, to the steps of the imposing Widener Library. The library overlooks the "Church" whose bell still today tolls hourly for classes, and also if there is a death within the Harvard staff or students. The Widener Library was named after Edward Widener who tragically died on the Titanic with his son after travelling to Europe to collect books for the University. This library is one of the university's 400 that are located around the world. With 5 miles of bookshelves and six stories underground, 30 million books make up the impressive collection.
Our final stroll was to the "statue of three lies" - the cast iron statue of John Harvard. Harvard was not actually the founder of the university as the plaque on the statue suggests, but rather a financial supporter of the university from its beginnings in 1636. The significance of the donation was so great that the university took his name in his honour.
We can all agree that it was a fantastic tour, with such a vibrant guide who gave an insight into all aspects of Harvard University life.
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