Stanford University

Stanford University is not just a world leading education facility. It has always been a favorite destination to visitors from all over the world. As a child I remember it being a must visit for friends of the family when they came to California. Unlike many campuses, Stanford has vast amounts of natural open spaces and is one of the largest campuses in the United States. It is perfect for casual bike riding as it is rarely crowded. The original campus is old Spanish architecture with giant arches, deep window seats, and dark red Spanish tiles on the roof. Be sure to visits some of the other attractions on campus like the Rodin Sculptures, the Cantor Arts Center, and Hoover Tower.

Founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford, the university was named in memory of their son who died of Typhoid fever at age 15, Leland Stanford Junior. Leland Senior was a U.S Senator, Governor of California, and a railroad tycoon. Stanford is an elite private university and is ranked one of the best in the world. The Stanford Chapel is non-denominational although it does have scheduled catholic masses. There are approximately 40 undergraduate departments and four graduate programs in medicine, business, education, and law. Stanford athletes have won 296 Olympic medals including 150 gold medals. Many of their football player have gone on to play in the NFL including quarterback such as Jim Plunkett, John Elway, Andrew Luck, John Brodie, and Bobby Garrett. For all practical purposes, Silicon Valley was started at Stanford University in Palo Alto. It was the home for William Shockley and Frederick Terman as well as Fairchild Semiconductor. Stanford is also home for the Stanford Linear Particle Accelerator, Jasper Ridge Biological Reserve, Stanford Golf Course, and the and the famous Stanford radio antenna “The Dish”, a 3.5 mile scenic hike.