Why is Cornell part of the Ivy League?

Hey guys, has anyone ever wondered why Cornell is considered an Ivy League school? I'm a bit curious about the history and would appreciate any interesting information. Thanks!

Hey! Great question! The Ivy League is a group of eight American private universities that were historically perceived as prestigious and academically rigorous institutions. The concept of the "Ivy League" began in the realms of athletic rivalry; the original schools shared a strong commitment to intercollegiate sports, primarily in football. Over time, the Ivy League became more widely known for its academic distinction and exclusiveness.

Cornell University was founded back in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, and was officially granted its charter the same year. One of the university's primary goals was to provide an education that combined practical skills with a classical education. This focus on both liberal arts and applied studies made Cornell a unique institution at the time. Ezra Cornell, who founded the university, was passionate about making education accessible to a wider variety of students than was typical at the time, so he worked to establish a university that welcomed people from diverse backgrounds.

In 1954, the athletic conferences that included these eight schools officially formed the Ivy League, turning the colloquial term into an officially recognized athletic conference. The founding members of the Ivy League were Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell.

Nowadays, these schools are considered prestigious for their rigorous academics, extensive endowments, and the success of their alumni. While they all share a strong emphasis on academic excellence, each university in the Ivy League has its individual character, strengths, and academic programs.

Cornell, for example, is known for its strong engineering, architecture, hotel administration, and agricultural programs, among others. The university's sprawling campus and diverse academic offerings make it unique among the Ivies.

In summary, Cornell is part of the Ivy League because it shares a history of both athletic competition and academic excellence with the other seven universities. Its founding principles, emphasizing inclusivity and a mix of practical and classical education, contribute to its prestigious status today.