Williams College

Williams College

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Motto	E liberalitate E. Williams, armigeri
Motto in English	Through the Generosity of E. Williams, Esquire
Type	Private liberal arts college
Established	1793
Endowment	$3.5 billion (2021)
President	Maud Mandel
Undergraduates	2,000
Location	Williamstown , Massachusetts , United States
Campus	Rural, 450 acres
Colors	Purple and gold
Nickname	Ephs
Mascot	Ephelia the Purple Cow
Website	www.williams.edu

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Williams College is a private liberal arts college in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Founded in 1793 with funds from the estate of Ephraim Williams, it is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. The college is known for its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and close student-faculty relationships.

History

Williams College was established in 1793 through the bequest of Colonel Ephraim Williams, a soldier and benefactor. The college was originally intended to educate young men for the ministry and other learned professions. Over time, it evolved into a leading liberal arts institution.

Academics

Williams College offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in 25 different majors across three academic divisions: humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The college follows a 4-1-4 academic calendar, which includes two four-course semesters and a one-course winter study term in January.

Notable Programs

• Williams-Mystic Program
• Williams-Exeter Programme at Oxford

Campus

The Williams College campus is located in the rural town of Williamstown, Massachusetts, and spans 450 acres. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the Chapin Hall, Thompson Memorial Chapel, and the Sawyer Library.

Student Life

Williams College has a vibrant student life with over 150 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and athletic teams. The college's athletic teams, known as the Williams Ephs, compete in the NCAA Division III and are part of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).

Traditions

Williams College is known for its unique traditions, such as the annual Mountain Day, where students hike up nearby mountains, and the First-Year Mountain Day.

Notable Alumni

Williams College has produced many notable alumni, including:

• James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States
• Stephen Sondheim, award-winning composer and lyricist
• Elia Kazan, influential film and theater director

Related Pages

• Liberal arts college
• Ephraim Williams
• New England Small College Athletic Conference
• Williamstown, Massachusetts