Welcome to Stanford University! You are at the iconic Oval, named after its distinct oval shape. This beautifully landscaped space lies at the heart of Stanford’s campus and serves as a grand entrance to the university, offering a panoramic view of the Main Quad, one of Stanford’s most historically significant areas. The Oval’s central location symbolizes the interconnectedness of academic life, with many key buildings and landmarks just a short walk away. It’s not only a gathering place for students and visitors but also a representation of the university’s balance between tradition and innovation.

Stanford University was founded by Leland and Jane Stanford as a tribute to their only son, Leland Stanford Jr., who tragically passed away at the age of 15 while a trip to Italy. Leland Stanford, born into a prosperous farming family in New York, became a successful businessman and politician, playing a key role in building the Central Pacific Railroad. Heartbroken by their loss, the Stanfords decided to create a university in their son’s memory, famously stating, “The children of California shall be our children.” In 1885, they dedicated their fortune to establishing an institution that would foster education and opportunity for future generations. Today, Stanford University stands as a living legacy to their son, offering world-class education and driving innovation for students around the globe.

Stanford University’s campus was designed through a creative collaboration between Leland Stanford and Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park. In 1886, Olmsted came to the Stanfords’ Palo Alto Farm to begin planning, working closely with Leland on every major decision, from the location to the orientation of the Main Quad. Their partnership, though not without compromise, resulted in a campus master plan that emphasized openness and monumental scale, with long sight lines like the iconic Palm Drive leading to the Oval and the expansive 17-acre Main Quad. This innovative design was a departure from traditional university layouts and has influenced Stanford’s expansion over the years, with newer areas like the Science and Engineering Quad and the Arts District continuing to reflect the openness and vision of Olmsted’s original plan.

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.