AMST 2001: “The First American University,” ranked No. According to Earle, the course centers around Cornell’s history, which is a valuable tool to assess current institutional challenges. Elizabeth Chow Seating for AMST 2001: "The First American University" spills into aisles and staircases due to its popularity. The class takes its name from educational historian Frederick Rudolph’s description of Cornell as the “first American university.” Rudolph emphasized Cornell's diversity of programs and students. Earle highlighted that the “first American university” also echoes Cornell’s motto, “Any person, any study,” which he said captures the versatility of Cornell’s curriculum.

Source: Daily Sun February 12, 2026 09:16 UTC