27 Interesting Facts about Barnard College

Barnard College, located in the vibrant heart of New York City, New York, is a prestigious women’s liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University. Founded in 1889, Barnard has a rich history of empowering women through education and fostering intellectual growth, leadership, and social awareness.

One of the defining features of Barnard College is its commitment to providing an exceptional liberal arts education exclusively for women. The college offers a comprehensive curriculum encompassing a wide range of academic disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. Barnard’s academic programs are designed to challenge and inspire students, encouraging them to explore their passions, engage in critical thinking, and become independent learners.

Barnard’s unique relationship with Columbia University allows students to take advantage of a vast array of resources, including shared libraries, research opportunities, and cross-registration for courses. This partnership provides Barnard students with access to a world-class education while maintaining their distinct identity and community.

The college’s location in New York City provides unparalleled opportunities for cultural enrichment, internships, and engagement with the city’s diverse communities. Barnard students benefit from the vibrant cityscape as an extension of their learning environment, with access to museums, theaters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

Barnard College

Barnard College (Wikimedia)

Do you want to know more about Barnard College? Here are 27 interesting facts about Barnard College.

  1. Barnard College is one of the Seven Sisters, a group of historically women’s liberal arts colleges in the United States.
  2. Founded in 1889, Barnard College is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
  3. The college is affiliated with Columbia University, sharing a close academic relationship while maintaining its independent status.
  4. Millicent Garrett Fawcett, a prominent British suffragist, was a key figure in the founding of Barnard and its commitment to women’s education.
  5. The college’s official motto is “Follow the Gleam.”
  6. Barnard College is named after its first dean and President, Frederick A. P. Barnard, who was also the President of Columbia University.
  7. The Diana Center, a modern and sustainable building, serves as a hub for student activities and includes dining facilities, a black box theater, and meeting spaces.
  8. Barnard has a strong commitment to women’s leadership and offers the Athena Center for Leadership Studies to support students in developing leadership skills.
  9. The college’s mascot is the “Millie the Bear,” named after Millicent Garrett Fawcett.
  10. Barnard College boasts a diverse and inclusive student body, with students coming from all over the United States and around the world.
  11. The college offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 50 areas of study across various disciplines.
  12. Students have access to the Barnard Library and the vast resources of the Columbia University Libraries.
  13. The Barnard College Debating Union is a renowned and competitive debate team.
  14. The McAC (Milbank, McIntosh, Brooks, and Hewitt Halls) dormitory complex is one of the iconic features of the Barnard campus.
  15. The college’s academic calendar includes a unique program called “Barnard in New York City,” offering specialized courses that take advantage of the city’s cultural resources.
  16. Each year, Barnard College hosts a convocation ceremony to welcome new students and celebrate the beginning of the academic year.
  17. The Barnard College Dance Department offers a variety of dance courses and hosts performances throughout the year.
  18. The Athena Film Festival, held annually at Barnard, celebrates and honors women’s leadership in the film industry.
  19. Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, and publications, including the Barnard Bulletin, the student newspaper.
  20. Barnard College encourages study abroad experiences, providing opportunities for students to explore different cultures and languages.
  21. The college is committed to sustainability and has implemented eco-friendly practices on its campus.
  22. Barnard’s alumnae network includes notable figures such as Martha Stewart, Greta Gerwig, and Ntozake Shange.
  23. The college’s location in New York City offers access to numerous internship and career opportunities.
  24. Barnard students have the option to participate in the Columbia-Barnard Athletic Consortium, allowing access to Columbia’s athletic facilities and teams.
  25. The campus features beautifully landscaped gardens and outdoor spaces, providing a peaceful environment for students.
  26. Barnard College actively engages with issues of social justice, equity, and feminism, fostering a sense of activism and awareness among its students.
  27. The Barnard Bear, a sculpture by artist Fernando Botero, is a beloved campus landmark and a symbol of the college.

Barnard College stands as a beacon of intellectual curiosity, women’s leadership, and academic excellence within the dynamic backdrop of New York City. With a distinguished history and a commitment to empowering women through education, Barnard has consistently upheld its mission to foster independent thinkers, change-makers, and ethical leaders. The college’s close affiliation with Columbia University provides students with unparalleled resources while maintaining its unique identity and vibrant campus community. Barnard College continues to inspire and prepare generations of women to excel academically, embrace their passions, and contribute to a world where their voices are heard and their impact is profound.