Columbia University is a renowned institution of higher learning not only in the United States but also around the globe. The university is one of the oldest institutions in the United States dealing with diverse genres of study. The university is found in the City of New York and it is mandated to operate as a private research institution of higher learning. According to records, the university is among the five oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. In addition, the institution is among the nine colleges regarded as colonial colleges established prior to the American Revolution. Currently, the university has seven centers around the globe referred as Columbia Global Centers.
Columbia University was established in 1754 like King's College under royal charter affiliated to George II of the Great Britain. However, after the revolutionary the institution changed ownership and become stated property in 1784. In the same year the university changed its name to Columbia College but in 1787 a charter was granted to the institution that placed the college under broad of trustees. This charter has never been revoked and operates under the same charter to date. The institution acquired the name Columbia University in 1896 and its campus was relocated to Morningside Heights where is occupies more than 32 acres. Since its establishment the institution has registered remarkable development and became a renowned institution that molds scholars of distinct disciplines from different backgrounds.
Currently, the institution has grown to twenty schools and university colleges that provide diverse curriculum to students. The institution is associated with vast events that act an identity to the university. The events involve both academic based activities and activism that pushed for particular reforms in the country. During the leadership of Nicholas Murray which lasted for more than four decades the institution became Americas key research university that ushered multiversity program that other institutions of higher learning adopted.
For instance, in 1940 the physics department of the university was recognized not only in United States but also internationally after building a nuclear pile. This was the first of its kind and it later came to be known as the Manhattan Project. From this perspective, the university is highly recognized for research especially in physics a well as engineering. Based on its specialty, the university is recognized as one of the most selective institutions of learning during student admission.
Columbia University is characterized with various unique features as well as achievements that have placed the institution at the top of other similar institutions. The institution has a long underground channel that is believed to be more than a century old. The Nicholas Murray Butler Library is a beautiful building and the largest in the university that provides the institution an identity. The Alma Mater, a statue made by French sculptor is centrally located towards the front side of Low Memorial Library. The statue was built at its present location to harmonize the huge composition of court and the library, located at the hub of the institution. Based on its history, vast schools, development and its current position in academics as well as research truly make the institution a living marvel.
