Harvard University Harvard University Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with about 6,700 undergraduate students and about 15,250 post graduate students. Established in 1636 and named for its first benefactor, clergyman John Harvard, Harvard is the United States' oldest institution of higher learning, and its history, influence, and wealth have made it one of the world's most prestigious universities. The Harvard Corporation is its first chartered corporation. Although never formally affiliated with any denomination, the early College primarily trained Congregational and Unitarian clergy. Its curriculum and student body were gradually secularized during the 18th century, and
Harvard University Band Man (now Grad)...but you can't tell 'em very much." In keeping with that tradition, the main Harvard fight song, "Ten Thousand Men of Harvard" features a first verse in Latin. The verse is intended as an extended Latin pun and makes little sense when translated: Illigitimum non Carborundum, Domine Salvum Fac, Illigitimum non Carborundum, Domine Salvum Fac. Gaudeamus Igitur, Veritas, non Sequitur, Illigitimum non Carborundum, Ipso Facto Uniquely among college bands, the Harvard Band holds its own reunion every five years. It is also the oldest college band reunion in the world, with the first held at the Harvard University