{"id":13984,"date":"2025-04-14T10:50:46","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T17:50:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/about\/?page_id=13984"},"modified":"2025-10-14T20:56:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T03:56:26","slug":"timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hmc.edu\/about\/timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Timeline of Harvey Mudd College"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The founders of Harvey Mudd College believed that integrating the humanities, social sciences and the arts into a rigorous and cross-disciplinary undergraduate STEM curriculum was key to creating the next generation of well-rounded leaders and compassionate problem solvers. Their idea was an innovative concept in undergraduate STEM education. It would center the importance of strong undergraduate teaching with hands-on learning to build students\u2019 capability to innovate and solve problems. The curriculum would explore the linkages and tensions between science and engineering on the one hand and the human condition on the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the years, the Harvey Mudd community has maintained an unwavering focus on students and the College\u2019s mission. They\u2019ve reached across disciplines and across departments to collaborate and develop unique solutions to help prepare students to lead and address the greatest challenges facing our world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

No timeline items match the filter(s) you have selected; please uncheck one or more to refine the selection.<\/p><\/div>\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1955<\/p>\n

Early discussions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After the death of Harvey S. Mudd (1888\u20131955), Claremont College Board of Fellows\u2019 Committee on Future Colleges recommends a new college be established, \u201cone that teaches engineering and science in a humanistic setting.\u201d Mildred Mudd donates $250,000 for the College; another $500,000 comes from Claremont College endowment funds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1955<\/p>\n

Harvey Mudd is official<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Harvey Mudd College becomes a legal entity on December 14, 1955, making it the \ufb01fth of what will eventually become the seven-institution complex of The Claremont Colleges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1956<\/p>\n

HMC\u2019s first president<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Physicist Joseph B. Platt accepts the o\ufb00er to become president of Harvey Mudd College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1950s<\/span><\/div>

1956<\/p>\n

Master planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC owns 18 acres of land; campus master plan established by architects Edward Durell Stone and Earl Heitschmidt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1957<\/p>\n

Seven to start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Four professors and three assistant professors make up the faculty: William Davenport, professor of humanities; J. Arthur Campbell, professor of chemistry; Robert James, professor of mathematics; Duane Roller, professor of physics; George Wickes, assistant professor of humanities; Roy A. Whiteker, assistant professor of chemistry; and Graydon Bell, assistant professor of physics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1950s<\/span><\/div>

1957<\/p>\n

Vote for co-ed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC board of trustees votes to admit women.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1957<\/p>\n

College opens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The College officially opens in September 1957 with seven faculty members, 48 students (one woman, Jenny Rhine), three administrators (including President Joe Platt) and one dormitory (Mildred E. Mudd Hall\/East)\u2014the only building on campus. Tuition is $800.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1950s<\/span><\/div>

1958<\/p>\n

Henry T. Mudd, Chair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Henry T. Mudd becomes chair of the board after the death of his mother, Mildred Mudd. Henry serves as chair for 23 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1950s<\/span><\/div>

1958<\/p>\n

Honor Code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Honor Code adopted by the students and approved by the faculty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1958<\/p>\n

West is next<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to a gift by the Seeley W. Mudd Foundation, West Hall is completed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1958<\/p>\n

Saddle Rock start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First Saddle Rock board meeting held on Henry T. Mudd\u2019s ranch near Malibu.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1958<\/p>\n

TIME mention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

TIME<\/em> magazine carries the article “The Rise of Harvey Mudd College.”<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1959<\/p>\n

Accredited<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC receives accreditation from the Western College Association after Stuart Black and Peter Loeb transfer to the College and become its first senior class (an accreditation requirement).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1959<\/p>\n

Another dorm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

North Hall dormitory opens.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1959<\/p>\n

Parent support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC forms \ufb01rst parents\u2019 organization chaired by L.J. Barden of Guasti.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1959<\/p>\n

Building progress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Jacobs Science Center completed. Campus consists of three dormitories, a president\u2019s house, a laboratory building, and swimming pool.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1950s<\/span><\/div>

1959<\/p>\n

The first graduates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Two students\u2014Stuart Black and Peter Loeb\u2014graduate during the \ufb01rst commencement. Ceremony is nationally televised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1960s<\/span><\/div>

1960<\/p>\n

First alumna<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First alumna Janet Cook graduates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1960<\/p>\n

Official seal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

College seal, designed by Thomas Jamieson, o\ufb03cially adopted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1961<\/p>\n

Administration buildings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thomas-Garrett and Kingston buildings completed with funding from Mrs. Frederick Kingston, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Garrett, and the Harvey S. and Mildred E. Mudd Foundation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1961<\/p>\n

Consortium established<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Associated Colleges o\ufb03cially becomes The Claremont Colleges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1961<\/p>\n

Venus fountain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Henry Mudd acquires from Florence, Italy, a fountain in the form of Venus to be placed on campus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1961<\/p>\n

First four-year class<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Founding Class of 1961, 32 members graduate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1960s<\/span><\/div>

1961<\/p>\n

Annual holiday gathering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first recorded non-Homecoming event on campus was a Christmas party, which occurred annually through 1981.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1962<\/p>\n

Computing power<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC buys its \ufb01rst computer, an IBM 1620.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Harvey<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1960s<\/span><\/div>

1962<\/p>\n

International student<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

HMC admits its \ufb01rst international student, Paul Vitta.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1962<\/p>\n

Class of 1962<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thirty-six students graduate, more than doubling the number of graduates, the only graduating class with this distinction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1962<\/p>\n

Bates Aero Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bates Foundation is established to support the Bates aeronautics program, led by Iris and Howard Critchell. Program runs until 1990.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1960s<\/span><\/div>

1962<\/p>\n

Platt Campus Center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Joseph B. Platt Campus Center completed. Dedication postponed due to assassination of President Kennedy on Nov. 22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1960s<\/span><\/div>\n

Clinic Program begins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Engineering Clinic Program created in 1963 by professors Jack Alford and Mack Gilkeson, with monetary assistance from the National Science Foundation and the Sloan Foundation. First Engineering Clinic project is sponsored in 1964 by United States Steel Foundation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1965<\/p>\n

Fundraising campaign<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Impact\/72 is launched to raise $18.75 million and increase the student body to 400 by 1972.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1965<\/p>\n

Alumni Association<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC Alumni Association o\ufb03cially formed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1966<\/p>\n

Bug prank<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Volkswagen owned by Gary Jahns \u201966 appears in a hallway of East Dorm. Pranksters Jim Dewar, Charlie Brown, Terry Needham and Ernie Sullivan admit to tipping the car on end to get it there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1966<\/p>\n

Grading reprieve<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Freshman year grading changes to pass\/fail.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1966<\/p>\n

Small school, big impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC graduates more physics majors than USC and more chemistry majors than Stanford.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1968<\/p>\n

South Dorm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

South Hall\/Marks Residence Hall built with support from David X. Marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1960s<\/span><\/div>

1966<\/p>\n

First AABOG meeting <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Original officers: Robert Hall ’62 (president), David Goodsell ’62 (VP), Janet Cook ’62 (secretary), Dennis Diestler ’64 (treasurer). Founding Class member Jerry Van Hecke ’61 was also a founding governor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1969<\/p>\n

Community values<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Statement of student rights and responsibilities drafted and endorsed by faculty, ASHMC, and adopted by trustees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1960s<\/span><\/div>

1969<\/p>\n

Master\u2019s program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Five-year master of engineering program approved. Collaboration with Claremont Graduate School\/University continues until 2003.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1970<\/p>\n

Libra complex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Construction begins on Libra complex, which consists of a second laboratory building, the Sprague Library, refurbishing of the initial laboratory building and construction of lecture auditoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1970s<\/span><\/div>

1970<\/p>\n

Freshman Division<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC faculty create the Freshman Division, a group of faculty with full responsibility for designing, teaching, altering and grading the academic work of all \ufb01rst-year students.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1970<\/p>\n

Alum faculty member<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gerald Van Hecke \u201961 joins faculty and later becomes \ufb01rst HMC alumnus to earn tenure at Mudd.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1970<\/p>\n

First woman faculty member, tenure track<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First woman appointed to tenure track position: J’nan Morse Sellery, assistant professor in humanities and social sciences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1970s<\/span><\/div>

1971<\/p>\n

Parsons building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ralph M. Parsons Engineering building completed. Mr. Parsons receives HMC\u2019s \ufb01rst honorary doctorate in engineering.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1972<\/p>\n

Construction zone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Galileo Hall, Hixon Court and W.M. Keck Laboratories completed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1972<\/p>\n

Unicycles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unicycle craze begins on campus with Class of 1972 members Karl Rudnick, Richard Jones, Ted Cox, Floyd Spencer and David Van Vactor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1972<\/p>\n

First alum board member<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Malcolm Lewis \u201967 becomes \ufb01rst alumnus to join HMC Board of Trustees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1973<\/p>\n

Beginnings of CS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC faculty vote to establish computer science group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1973<\/p>\n

First Math Clinic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First Mathematics Clinic involves client Bell and Howell and micro\ufb01lm readers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1973<\/p>\n

Student research journal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cInterface,\u201d \ufb01rst interdisciplinary journal of HMC student research published.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1974<\/p>\n

Enrollment grows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Enrollment is largest in history of College (463 students), with applications up 8.5 percent over 1973, the \ufb01rst increase since 1970. Housing shortage persists until the early \u201980s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1975<\/p>\n

Sprague leads with microfiche<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC’s Sprague Memorial Library is one of \ufb01rst libraries in the country to put its card catalog on micro\ufb01che, increasing efficiency and saving money.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1976<\/p>\n

Campaign 25\/32<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Launched in 1976, the campaign, A Second Generation of Commitment, runs for four years and raises $25 million for the College. It funds endowment, operating funds, building debt, curriculum development\/faculty research, and equipment and biological sciences laboratories.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1976<\/p>\n

Platt resigns; Baker appointed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Founding President Joseph B. Platt resigns after 20 years in leadership; 958 students have graduated during his tenure. D. Kenneth Baker named to succeed him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1976<\/p>\n

Upward Bound<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Upward Bound program, led by Octavio Bubion, moves to the HMC campus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1976<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s athletics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scripps, CMC and HMC develop joint program for women\u2019s athletics to include swimming, volleyball and tennis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1977<\/p>\n

Origin of biology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Instruction in biology begins on campus with appointment of William L. Purves.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1977<\/p>\n

Campus extended<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Busy Mills Ave. closed to through traffic. East end of HMC campus takes shape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1978<\/p>\n

MESA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under the leadership of Professor Tom Woodson, HMC starts the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program. It continues until the early 2000s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1978<\/p>\n

High selectivity ranking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a 1978 UCLA research group study about selectivity, HMC is ranked eighth in nation, ahead of Princeton and Stanford.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1979<\/p>\n

Computing innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In cooperation with CMC, Pitzer and Scripps, HMC buys VAX 11-780 computer, installed on HMC campus. It is \ufb01rst VAX computer sold to an undergraduate college and only the second to be installed in Southern California.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1979<\/p>\n

Land expansion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HMC acquires 20 acres of land east of Mills Ave.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1979<\/p>\n

Alumni Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first Alumni Day (now Alumni Weekend) brings 100 attendees to campus and includes a paper airplane contest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1970s<\/span><\/div>

1979<\/p>\n

Wright Prize<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Inauguration of The Wright Prize, enabled by H. Dudley Wright, industrialist, entrepreneur and College trustee, as an expression of his support for interdisciplinary study. Brings distinguished scientists and engineers of the day to campus. First recipient is Edwin H. Land, physicist. Last recipient in 2001 is biomathematician Nancy Kopell.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1980<\/p>\n

Muddraker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Student newspaper, The Muddraker, <\/em>established. First editor is Ian McCutcheon \u201983.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1980<\/p>\n

Mall dedication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Liquidambar Mall dedicated in honor of Trustee Ted Braun, longtime PR counsel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1980<\/p>\n

National award firsts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A.J. Shaka \u201980 is HMC\u2019s \ufb01rst Rhodes Scholarship recipient, and Alec Norton \u201980 is College\u2019s \ufb01rst Marshall Scholarship recipient.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1981<\/p>\n

Atwood Dorm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

John Leland (Lee) Atwood Residence Hall (New Dorm) completed, relieving housing shortage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1981<\/p>\n

First CS faculty member<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hiring of first computer science faculty member, Michael Erlinger.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1981<\/p>\n

HMC Bulletin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"HMC<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First issue of the College’s periodical is produced bimonthly for College constituents. The Bulletin<\/em> eventually becomes the Harvey Mudd College Magazine<\/em> in the 1990s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1981<\/p>\n

Military grad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Michelle Darling \u201981\/82 commissioned as second lieutenant, U.S. Army. She is first female HMC student to be cited as a distinguished military graduate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1981<\/p>\n

Campus art<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“Motion Shield” artwork donated by Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Linde. First sculpture, after Venus in Hixon Court, to be placed on campus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1981<\/p>\n

CS graphics lab<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Grant from Jones Foundation enables computer graphics laboratory, the first undergraduate laboratory of its type on West Coast.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1982<\/p>\n

Admission office moves to HMC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Emery Walker retires and the joint admission department agreement between HMC and CMC ends. New Director Duncan Murdoch sets up HMC\u2019s first Office of Admission in renovated Kingston Hall and introduces the “Junk Mail” recruitment mailer, which proves to be a popular and effective marketing tactic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1980s<\/span><\/div>

1982<\/p>\n

First alum department chair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Richard G. Olson \u201962 is first HMC graduate to become a department chair (Department of Humanities and Social Sciences).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1983<\/p>\n

Name change for East<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

East Hall renamed Mildred E. Mudd Hall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1983<\/p>\n

First Honorary Alum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jean Platt, the College’s first first spouse, is named the recipient of the newly created Honorary Alumni Award for contributing significantly to the betterment of HMC students and alumni.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1984<\/p>\n

CS Department<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Department of Computer Science created.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1984<\/p>\n

ROTC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air Force ROTC classes first offered on campus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1985<\/p>\n

Case Hall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Florence H. and Gerald R. Case Residence Hall completed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1985<\/p>\n

Let the games begin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Playing field added to east end of campus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1980s<\/span><\/div>

1986<\/p>\n

Epic prank<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n