Founded for everyone

During the 19th century, attending a college or university implied a certain social ranking. Most institutions accepted applicants only from the upper class, but the University of the City of New York was open to everyone.

The school was founded over 178 years ago on April 18, 1831 by a group of prominent New Yorkers. Among them was Albert Gallatin, the most-recognized founding father, who at the time was the newly elected president of the Council of the University of the City of New York.

Gallatin and the other founding fathers established the university as a center for higher learning available to all intellectuals, no matter their background.

After the university's inception in 1831, things started to move very rapidly.

Workers began construction in July 1832 on the university's first building (known as the University Building), located on Washington Square East. James M. Matthews was appointed the position of chancellor of the university, and the first faculty members were hired - there were just 14 professors and lecturers.

In October 1832, instruction began, and the university's first classes were held at Clinton Hall at the corner of Nassau and Beekman streets.

The first classes were different from today's and consisted of modern languages, philosophy, history, political economy and physical science. The main goal was to give students a practical yet cultural education.

The first commencement was held in the spring of the following year with only three graduating students - a number that has skyrocketed over the past century.

While most of NYU's current students will return in the fall, for some, this year will be their last - and those graduating seniors will be the 176th class to graduate from New York University.

Sara Gates is deputy features editor. E-mail her at sgates@nyunews.com.