The University of Rochester was founded in 1850. It is a private research university in Rochester, New York.
Rochester was founded as an Episcopal mission in preparation for the establishment of a diocese. The land was donated by Col. Nathaniel Rochester, who was a grandson of American Revolution General Rufus Putnam and a descendant of early settlers Thomas Gold and Thomas Cornell.
The University’s first classes were held on September 23, 1851 with three faculty members, one freshman student and one professor of languages. The only building on campus at that time was Wilder Hall. It is still used today as it is the oldest building on campus.
Itss first president, Rev. Samuel L. Messier, dedicated the new building (now known as Old Main). The first graduation took place on June 16, 1853 when two men graduated with bachelor degrees. By 1860, there were 1,250 students at the University and three different buildings had been built for classrooms and housing for faculty members and students alike.
In fact, The University of Rochester is the second oldest institution of higher learning in New York State and one of the nation’s top research universities. It offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate programs in business, education, engineering, law, medicine and dentistry.
