-
This Week in Princeton History for July 15-21
by April C. Armstrong *14 In this week’s installment in our recurring series, locals consider whether an alum can “handle” Wilt Chamberlain, a spoof letter warns of land mines on campus, and more. July 17, 1981—In an editorial for Science, McCosh Health Center physician Dr. Brian G. Zack ’72 writes that it is inappropriate to…
-
Caught Between Tradition and Transformation: Princeton University’s Black Athletes in 1985
Princeton University is an institution self-consciously steeped in tradition, sometimes to an extent that even relatively recent innovations can feel like they’ve been going on for centuries. Yet it has also tried to break free of traditions that have not served it well, like discriminatory admissions policies. Holding these things in tension with one another…
-
This Week in Princeton History for November 29-December 5
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, basketball tickets will get a new look, the press observes expansion of Princeton’s campus, and more. November 29, 1965—Princeton University’s Director of Athletics announces that tickets to Princeton basketball games will no longer feature a picture of Bill Bradley ’65.
-
“A Tribute to Brian Taylor ’84”
By Justin Feil In honor of the first men’s basketball home game tonight, we pay homage to one of the Tiger court’s greatest. It was big news when Brian Taylor ‘84 (originally Class of 1973) chose to play basketball for Princeton University. It was bigger news when he became the first Princeton player, and one…
-
This Week in Princeton History for January 23-29
In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, a drawing is held for room assignments in a new dorm, the basketball team plays its first game ever, and more. January 23, 1767—Jonathan Baldwin secures an affidavit from Job Stockton to defend himself…
-
This Week in Princeton History for March 16-22
In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the women’s swimming team sets three national records, Jimmy Carter surprises students with an early morning walk on campus, and more. March 16, 1967—David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, speaks informally…
-
Men’s Basketball — Princeton vs. Georgetown, 1989: Who does not like a David versus Goliath matchup?
On March 17, 1989, in the opening round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Princeton University, seeded #16, faced national powerhouse Georgetown University, seeded #1 in the East Region. It was a classic David versus Goliath matchup. Since the tournament was expanded to 64 teams in 1985, a #16 seed has never defeated a #1 seed. There have…
This blog includes text and images drawn from historical sources that may contain material that is offensive or harmful. We strive to accurately represent the past while being sensitive to the needs and concerns of our audience. If you have any feedback to share on this topic, please either comment on a relevant post, or use our Ask Us form to contact us.