A Short History of Boston University (1839-2008)

Daryl HealeaGuest Lecture for AP

550September 17, 2008

Origins and Foundations

• 1839• Early Geography• Methodism and

Religious Foundations

Chartering and the Birth of a Modern Research University

• Broadening of curriculum

• Social and technological changes

• 1869 Charter• Rich University?• Seal• School colors• STH, LAW, MED,

Music, CLA, Grad• Firsts…

Between the World Wars

• Lemuel Murlin (1911-1924)– SED, CBA, CSS– “In the heart of the

city, for the service of the city.”

– Land purchase– Resignation

• Rhett

Daniel L. Marsh and the Building of Boston University

• Setting a course (1926-1931)

• Toward “University Consciousness” (1932-1938)

• Preservation of Democracy (1939-1945)

• A Vision of Greatness (1946-1951)

The Post War Years and Boston University in the 21st Century

• Harold C. Case– Howard Thurman and

Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Arlan Christ-Janer• John Silber• Robert A. Brown and

“One BU”