In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, graduates get high praise for writing skills, influenza severely disrupts life on campus, and more.

October 13, 1748—The Trustees of the College of New Jersey send an effusive letter of thanks to Governor Jonathan Belcher for granting the institution’s second charter, “not doubting but by the Smiles of Heaven, under your Protection, it may prove a flourishing Seminary of Piety and good Literature” and “a lasting Foundation for the future Prosperity of Church and State.”

October 14, 1887—The Princetonian reports with pride that the latest issue of the Chautauquan (a weekly newsmagazine) praises Princetonians as the best-trained writers among college graduates in the United States. “The Princeton man writes less like an amateur than the graduate of any other college, and Harvard comes second on the list.”

October 16, 1979—Princeton Professor of Economics and International Affairs Sir W. Arthur Lewis is named co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics. He is the first person of African descent to ever win a Nobel Prize in an academic field. Lewis created the “Lewis model,” which describes the process by which traditional societies are transformed into modern nations.

October 17, 1957—After the worldwide flu pandemic begins to ravage Princeton, the university annexes the student center to the infirmary to provide care to ailing students. It will be partially staffed by student volunteers and the Red Cross to relieve the overwhelmed campus medical staff.

For last week’s installment in this series, click here.

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