スタンフォード大学へようこそ！あなたは、その独特な楕円形から名付けられた象徴的なオーバルにいます。この美しく整備された空間は、スタンフォード大学のキャンパスの心臓部に位置し、大学への壮大な入り口として機能し、スタンフォードで最も歴史的に重要なエリアの 1 つであるメインクワッドのパノラマビューを提供しています。オーバルの中心的な場所は、多くの主要な建物やランドマークがすぐ近くにあるという学問生活の相互接続性を象徴しています。それは学生や訪問者にとっての集いの場であるだけでなく、伝統と革新のバランスを保つ大学の象徴でもあります。

スタンフォード大学は、イタリア旅行中に15歳で悲劇的に亡くなった一人息子、リーランド・スタンフォード・ジュニアを称えて、リーランドとジェーン・スタンフォードによって設立されました。ニューヨークの裕福な農家に生まれたリーランド・スタンフォードは、成功したビジネスマン兼政治家となり、セントラル・パシフィック鉄道の建設に重要な役割を果たしました。息子の死によって打ちのめされたスタンフォード夫妻は、息子の記憶に大学を設立することを決意し、「カリフォルニアの子供たちは私たちの子供たちだ」と有名な言葉を述べました。1885年、彼らは将来の世代のための教育と機会を育む機関を設立するために、彼らの財産を捧げました。今日、スタンフォード大学は息子の生きた遺産として存在し、世界クラスの教育を提供し、世界中の学生のためのイノベーションを推進しています。

スタンフォード大学のキャンパスは、リーランド・スタンフォードとニューヨークのセントラルパークのランドスケープアーキテクトであるフレデリック・ロー・オルムステッドとの創造的なコラボレーションによって設計されました。1886年、オルムステッドはスタンフォード家のパロアルト農場を訪れ、メインクワッドの場所から向きまで、すべての重要な決定についてリーランドと緊密に協力して計画を始めました。彼らのパートナーシップは妥協のないものではありませんでしたが、オープンさと記念碑的な規模を強調したキャンパスマスタープランをもたらしました。象徴的なパームドライブがオーバルと広大な17エーカーのメインクワッドにつながるように、長い視線が特徴です。この革新的なデザインは、従来の大学のレイアウトから逸脱しており、サイエンスアンドエンジニアリングクワッドやアーツディストリクトなどの新しいエリアがオルムステッドの当初の計画の開放性とビジョンを引き続き反映しているように、長年にわたってスタンフォードの拡大に影響を与えてきました。

Before we head to the Memorial Quad, let’s take a quick stop at Building 420. This building, located on the edge of the Main Quad, houses the Department of Psychology, one of Stanford’s oldest and most distinguished departments. Stanford has a rich history of groundbreaking research in psychology, and Building 420 has been central to many influential studies in human behavior, cognition, and neuroscience.

Previously, Building 420 was known as Jordan Hall, named after Stanford’s first president, David Starr Jordan. The building had two statues on either side of the entrance, representing Louis Agassiz (Left) and Alexander von Humboldt (Right), both prominent 19th-century scientists. Agassiz was a renowned Swiss naturalist, and von Humboldt was a famous German explorer and naturalist. These statues symbolized the university’s dedication to scientific exploration and intellectual discovery. Maybe what you see today looks more like this picture. What happened to the signage and Agassiz’s statue? Stanford decided to remove the name “Jordan Hall” and the statue of Louis Agassiz as part of its effort to reconsider its historical legacy. David Starr Jordan supported eugenics, promoting selective breeding based on flawed ideas of genetic superiority. Similarly, Agassiz held controversial views on race and advocated for scientific racism. In response, Stanford renamed the building “Building 420” and removed the statues, reflecting the university’s commitment to inclusivity and reevaluating the figures it honors.

If you want to know more about the founding history of Stanford University and the complicated story of David Starr Jordan and Jane Stanford, you might want to check out this book: “Why Fish Don’t Exist” by Lulu Miller intriguing. The book delves into the life of David Starr Jordan, exploring his contributions to science, especially in taxonomy. However, it also critiques his belief in eugenics, which played a role in the removal of his name from a key campus building. Through Jordan’s story, Miller offers a deeper reflection on the tension between order and chaos, providing fresh insight into Jordan’s complex legacy and its lasting impact on Stanford’s history.

The Memorial Quad at Stanford is one of the university’s most iconic areas, connecting key academic buildings and featuring stunning Romanesque Revival architecture. Framed by sandstone arches and colonnades, it leads to the heart of campus, where the Memorial Church stands as a tribute to Leland Stanford Jr. The Quad is not just a historical focal point but also a vibrant space that blends Stanford’s architectural beauty with its academic and community life, serving as a central hub for students and visitors alike.

The Burghers of Calais, a sculpture by Auguste Rodin, tells the story of six French citizens who, during the Hundred Years’ War, offered themselves as hostages to save their city, Calais, from destruction by the English. The burghers expected to be executed, but their lives were spared. The statue depicts their bravery and sacrifice. At Stanford’s Memorial Quad, the sculpture serves as a symbol of selflessness, courage, and the human capacity for sacrifice, aligning with the university’s values of leadership and service.

Stanford’s Memorial Quad was designed in the Romanesque Revival style, which is all about strong, rounded arches and sturdy columns. This style was chosen to give the university a timeless feel, connecting it to the traditions of ancient learning while still looking forward to the future. The pillars create a sense of openness and grandeur, while the natural stone blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape. The idea was to make Stanford look both solid and welcoming—like it’s a place that’s been here for ages and will continue to inspire generations to come.

Memorial Church, often referred to as “MemChu,” stands at the heart of Stanford University’s campus as a symbol of the university’s spiritual heritage and commitment to fostering community. One of the special aspects of Memorial Church is its status as one of the first non-denominational churches in the country, reflecting the inclusive vision of Jane Stanford. Unlike many traditional churches, it welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, symbolizing unity and spiritual openness. Whether you’re here for a service, a concert, or simply to admire its beauty, Memorial Church remains a cherished sanctuary on campus, blending history, art, and spirituality.

Memorial Church was commissioned by Jane Stanford in 1903 as a tribute to her late husband, Leland Stanford, the university’s co-founder. Designed to be the centerpiece of the Stanford campus, the church reflects Jane’s deep religious convictions and desire for it to serve as a spiritual home for all, regardless of faith. The original building looked quite different from what it looks like now. The building was severely damaged in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but it was rebuilt and restored over the years, most notably after another earthquake in 1989. Today, Memorial Church stands as a historic and architectural gem, symbolizing the Stanford family’s enduring legacy.

The exterior mosaic of Memorial Church is one of its most striking and iconic features. Covering the entire façade of the church, the mosaic depicts a vibrant biblical scene known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” It shows Jesus surrounded by a diverse group of followers, symbolizing the church’s message of inclusivity and community. The mosaic was created by Italian artisans and consists of thousands of colorful tiles, giving it a stunning, intricate detail that catches the light beautifully. This artwork, set against the church’s sandstone exterior, reflects both the religious and artistic vision Jane Stanford had for the church, making it a centerpiece of the Stanford campus.