On this day in 1757, Joseph McKeen, the first president of the College, was born. Today, 254 years later, his legacy endures through the concept of the Common Good, which he framed in his inaugural address delivered September 2, 1802:

“It ought always to be remembered, that literary institutions are founded and endowed for the common good, and not for the private advantage of those who resort to them for education.”

Read more about Joseph McKeen and the Joseph McKeen Center for the Common Good.