Williams College
History
Williams College was established in 1793 in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The college was named after Ephraim Williams, a colonel in the American Revolution, who left a bequest in his will to establish a "free school" in the town. The college became a men's liberal arts college in 1821, and in 1970, it became coeducational. The history of Williams College is marked by several significant events and periods, including the Haystack Prayer Meeting of 1806, which led to the formation of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and the shift from a religiously-affiliated institution to a secular one in the late 19th century.
Academics
Williams College offers a four-year undergraduate program in the liberal arts. The college has three academic divisions: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science and Mathematics. Each division offers a range of majors and concentrations. The college also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs, such as Environmental Studies, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Global Studies. Williams College is known for its small class sizes and close student-faculty interaction. The college follows a 4-1-4 academic calendar, with two four-course semesters and a one-course January term known as "Winter Study."
Campus
The campus of Williams College is located in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. The campus includes a number of historic buildings, such as Griffin Hall, the first building constructed for the college, and Chapin Hall, a notable example of Romanesque architecture. The campus also features modern facilities, including the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance and the Sawyer Library. The campus is known for its natural beauty, with the Taconic Range to the west and the Green Mountains to the east.
Student Life
Student life at Williams College is marked by a strong sense of community and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The college has over 150 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and athletic teams. Williams College is a member of the NESCAC, and its teams, known as the Ephs, compete in a variety of sports. The college also has a strong tradition of community service, with many students participating in volunteer programs both locally and abroad.
Notable Alumni
Williams College has produced a number of notable alumni in various fields. These include U.S. President James A. Garfield, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James MacGregor Burns, and acclaimed author John Sayles. Other notable alumni include business leaders, such as former Morgan Stanley CEO John J. Mack, and scientists, such as Nobel laureate William D. Phillips.