Hofstra University

In the inkling years of 1935, on a noble estate generously gifted by William S. Hofstra, a Dutch lumber businessman, and his wife, Kate Mason, Hofstra University was born as a part of New York University. This gave rise to an educational institution that was a tribute to its Dutch-American namesake, a rare occurrence in the century as it emerged as the fourth education center bearing the name of a Dutch-American.

The proposition to make it an extension of NYU was put forth by Truesdel Peck Calkins, a local resident and the educational superintendent of Hempstead. Kate Mason's will had left a significant part of her estate toward a cause that would honor her husband, and what better than an institution of learning? Though there had been talks of converting the estate into a sanitarium for polio patients by the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, it didn't materialize. Calkins, along with his friends Howard Brower and James Barnard, struck upon the noble idea of starting a new academic venture. And NYU was interested!

As a co-ed institution that offered both daytime and evening classes the college had its grand opening on September 23, 1935, with a balanced ratio of 150 male and female students. With an exciting first year fee of $375, the initial classes consisted of 159 day and 621 evening students. Shortly after, on January 16, 1937, the university was officially renamed to Hofstra College under a provisional charter status.

Following its separation from NYU in 1939, Hofstra celebrated its first-ever four-year graduation ceremony in the same year, proudly witnessing 83 students set foot into the world. What is noteworthy is how the students held their degrees in high regard! When given the choice to opt for degrees from either NYU or Hofstra, they unanimously picked the latter. As the 1940s dawned, the esteem of Hofstra College was elevated when it was accepted into the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

In 1950, Hofstra debuted its notable Shakespeare Festival, showcasing it in a near-to-original replica of the iconic Globe Theatre. The New York State Board of Regents made Hofstra the first private University of Long Island in 1963. This milestone also led to a significant decision by the Board of Trustees, aimed at making the university accessible for individuals with physical disabilities, embodying the spirit of giving every student a fair shot at higher education. What began as university policy later became federal law, rendering Hofstra a pioneer in educational equality.

Did you know, in 1963, Hofstra University was granted 110 acres of the declared surplus property of the closed Mitchel Air Force Base? See how far sightedness comes to play – today, the concrete remnants serve as parking areas in the northern campus of the University. Equally important was the formation of the Hofstra University Museum that same year.

The 1960s also saw the formation of its first 'schools' within the university and offering its innovative doctoral degrees. As the new decade arrived, Hofstra installed the first-ever Astroturf outdoors in the East in its stadium, which incidentally also saw the New York Jets begin their summer training on the North Campus until 2008.

Reflecting back on the institution's founder, Hofstra never shied away from its Dutch roots, in fact, dutifully embraced it! From its original logo that pays tribute to the reigning house of the Netherlands, to the flag modelled after the Netherlands Prince's Flag, every bit of Hofstra resonates its Dutch lineage.

In the heartwarming celebration of springtime, Hofstra puts up a stunning show of Dutch-inspired tulips. The tradition which began in 1985 when the commissioner to the Queen of Netherlands presented the university with a unique tulip hybrid – the Hofstra University Tulip – still stands as an integral part of the annual springtime Dutch Festival.

Throwing a further peek into the delicate reminiscences – Hofstra's on-campus residence halls bear interesting names of Dutch cities including Delft, Groningen, Hague, Leiden, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Utrecht, Breukelen, and Amsterdam. Did you also know that until 2001, the athletic teams at Hofstra were known as the Flying Dutchmen?

In essence, dear reader, the story of Hofstra University is indeed a tale of persistence, forward-thinking, and a steadfast commitment to quality education. It presents a vibrant history that is filled with interesting twists, fascinating facts, and unwavering spirit. Would you not want to be a part of such a historic and prestigious institution?