With forty-eight students and seven faculty, the first classes at Harvey Mudd College consisted of one (almost) completed dorm and borrowed classrooms and equipment.

During the early years, most faculty members readily took on administrative responsibilities in addition to their teaching jobs. Some classes were even held in the Homes of faculty and staff.

In June 1959, HMC held its first commencement ceremony graduating Stuart Black and Peter Loeb, who both transferred to Harvey Mudd their junior year. Because of the diminutive size of the graduating class, the ceremony drew national attention, and the event was televised. Both graduates later became university professors.