What is the Oldest College in America?

I'm curious about the oldest colleges in America. Which institution holds the title of the oldest college, and does it have any significant traditions or history that make it stand out?

The oldest institution of higher education in America is Harvard University, which was founded in 1636, over a decade even before the Massachusetts Bay Colony officially became a royal colony. It was named after a minister, John Harvard, who left half his estate and his entire library to the then recently established college.

Harvard University is known not only for its age but also for the many traditions it maintains. One of the significant traditions is the annual "Housing Day," where freshmen students learn which of the 12 residential houses they will be living in for their remaining three years at the university.

Additionally, Commencement Day at Harvard is steeped in tradition. Notably, the day includes the senior class procession through Harvard Yard, accompanied by the university band and concluded by church bells ringing throughout Cambridge. The festivities are followed by the conferring of degrees, speeches, and the reading of the Harvard University Charter of 1650.

Finally, it's important to mention Harvard's famed academic rigor and prestige, boasting an impressive list of notable alumni over the centuries including U.S. Presidents, Nobel laureates, and other significant personalities. Harvard's establishment and the history that comes along with it has led to a unique cultivation of tradition and academic excellence.