50 Facts About Babson College

Founding and Early Years

Babson College has a fascinating history that dates back to its founding in 1919. Let's explore some key moments from its early years.

1. Babson College was established in 1919 by Roger W. Babson as an all-male business institute. The first classes were held on September 3, 1919, with an enrollment of twenty-seven students in the former home of Roger and Grace Babson on Abbott Road in Wellesley Hills.

2. The institute's curriculum focused on practical experience. Students worked on group projects and class presentations, observed manufacturing processes during field trips to area factories and businesses, met with managers and executives, and viewed industrial films on Saturday mornings.

3. To simulate a real business environment, students were required to wear professional attire. They kept regular business hours, punched in and out on a time clock, and were assigned an office desk equipped with machines standard at the time. Personal secretaries typed their assignments and correspondence.

4. In 1950, the B.S.B.A. program was accredited by the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. This marked a significant milestone in the institution's academic recognition.

5. Babson became coeducational in 1970, allowing women to enroll for the first time. This shift marked a significant change in the institution's history and expanded its student body.

Campus and Facilities

Babson College's campus is not just a place for learning; it's a vibrant community with a rich history and modern amenities.

6. The main residential campus of Babson College is 350 acres and located in the "Babson Park" section of Wellesley, Massachusetts. It's fifteen miles west of Boston, offering a suburban setting with easy access to the city.

7. Babson College offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students can choose from 24 concentrations in business and other fields during their junior and senior years. The programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

8. The F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College offers various MBA programs. These include a one-year MBA Program, a two-year MBA Program, a 42-month evening MBA Program, and a blended learning MBA Program with campuses located in Boston, San Francisco, and Miami.

9. Babson's undergraduate school and MBA program have been ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report for entrepreneurship. In 2024, Babson ranked tenth on The Wall Street Journal's best colleges, ranking first for career preparedness.

10. Babson places a strong emphasis on global business and encourages students to study abroad and take part in international internships. This international perspective helps students gain a broader understanding of the business world and prepares them for global careers.

Student Life and Activities

Life at Babson College is vibrant and full of opportunities for students to engage in various activities, clubs, and organizations.

11. Babson boasts a strong alumni network. Many graduates go on to start their own businesses or work in prominent positions at well-known companies.

12. The college has a beautiful suburban campus with many extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations for students to engage in. Student publications include a literary magazine and the Babson Built Podcast.

13. Babson's teams are known as the "Beavers" and its colors are green and white. The school has 23 varsity sports teams, the majority of which compete in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) of the NCAA Division III.

14. Student publications include a literary magazine and the Babson Built Podcast. These publications provide a platform for students to express their creativity and share their experiences with the college community.

15. There are several fraternities and sororities on campus. These organizations offer students opportunities for socialization, community service, and leadership development.

16. Babson College Radio was started in 1998. It provides students with a platform to express themselves through music, news, and other programming.

Unique Traditions and Symbols

Babson College has some unique traditions and symbols that add to its distinct character.

17. Babson’s College mascot, Biz E Beaver, is the grandson of MIT’s mascot Tim. After Roger Babson graduated from MIT, he brought along Biz E, who has been a beloved symbol of the college ever since.

18. Every undergraduate Babson student will have started their own business by freshman year. Freshman students are required to take a Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship course where they create a business with a budget constraint of $3000.

19. Kerry Healey, the current president of Babson College, is the first woman elected to lead the college since its founding in 1919. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the college's future and promoting its mission of entrepreneurial education.

20. Babson College has been ranked #1 in U.S. News for Entrepreneurship. This recognition reflects the college's commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the business world.

21. Babson only carries Pepsi Products as Pepsi is a proud sponsor of Babson College. This unique arrangement is a testament to the strong relationship between the college and the beverage company.

22. The Babson Globe weighs over 25 tons and is 28 feet in diameter. The globe used to be capable of spinning in the past. In 1955, the globe was the world’s largest rotating earth-ball in the world.

23. Roger Babson is buried on the college campus between his first wife, Grace Knight Babson, and his mistress Nona Dougherty Babson, who later became his second wife. His legacy continues to influence the college's mission and values.

24. Because Roger Babson admired Sir Isaac Newton, Babson has many remnants such as books, manuscripts, and other artifacts that belonged to Newton on campus in the Newton Room. The college also has a fifth-generation descendant of the Newton Apple Tree growing on its campus.

Athletic Achievements

Babson College has a strong athletic program with numerous achievements across various sports.

25. Babson's Baseball team has won 7 Conference Championships and been to 5 NCAA Tournaments, including the 2019 College World Series. These achievements reflect the college's commitment to athletic excellence and teamwork.

26. Babson College's men's hockey team competes in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). They have won (1) NCAA D3 National title, (1) ECAC D2 title, six ECAC East Championships, appearing in the championship game in 9 of the last 12 seasons as of 2015.

27. Babson College's men's golf team competes in the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC). They won the title in 2011, demonstrating the team's focus and perseverance in their sport.

28. Babson United Rugby Club won the Northeast region of NSCRO 7's in 2016. This victory showcases the team's strength and teamwork in the sport of rugby.

29. In March 2017, Babson's basketball team won the Division III National Championship. This achievement is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication to their sport.

Academic Excellence

Babson College is renowned for its academic programs, particularly in business and entrepreneurship.

30. Students can choose from 24 concentrations in business and other fields during their junior and senior years. These concentrations include Accounting, Finance, and Real Estate, providing students with a wide range of academic options.

31. Babson's curriculum is centered around experiential learning. Programs like the Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FME) allow students to create, develop, launch, and manage a real business.

32. Babson encourages students to study abroad and take part in international internships. This international perspective helps students gain a broader understanding of the business world and prepares them for global careers.

33. Many graduates go on to start their own businesses or work in prominent positions at well-known companies. The college's focus on entrepreneurship and business education has led to a successful and active alumni community.

34. The college has a beautiful suburban campus with many extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations for students to engage in. The campus facilities include a radio station, literary magazine, and various student publications.

35. There are several fraternities and sororities on campus. These organizations offer students opportunities for socialization, community service, and leadership development.

36. Babson's teams compete in various athletic conferences. These include the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) of the NCAA Division III.

37. Babson College offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. The programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

38. The F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College offers various graduate programs. These include a one-year MBA Program, a two-year MBA Program, a 42-month evening MBA Program, and a blended learning MBA Program with campuses located in Boston, San Francisco, and Miami.

39. Babson's undergraduate school and MBA program have been ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report for entrepreneurship. In 2024, Babson ranked tenth on The Wall Street Journal's best colleges, ranking first for career preparedness.

40. Babson places a strong emphasis on global business and encourages students to study abroad and take part in international internships. This international perspective helps students gain a broader understanding of the business world and prepares them for global careers.

41. Babson boasts a strong alumni network. Many graduates go on to start their own businesses or work in prominent positions at well-known companies.

42. The college has a beautiful suburban campus with many extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations for students to engage in. Student publications include a literary magazine and the Babson Built Podcast.

43. Babson's teams have achieved numerous championships and tournament wins. The Baseball team has won 7 Conference Championships and been to 5 NCAA Tournaments, including the 2019 College World Series.

44. Babson College's men's hockey team competes in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). They have won (1) NCAA D3 National title, (1) ECAC D2 title, six ECAC East Championships, appearing in the championship game in 9 of the last 12 seasons as of 2015.

45. Babson College's men's golf team competes in the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC). They won the title in 2011, demonstrating the team's focus and perseverance in their sport.

46. Babson United Rugby Club won the Northeast region of NSCRO 7's in 2016. This victory showcases the team's strength and teamwork in the sport of rugby.

47. In March 2017, Babson's basketball team won the Division III National Championship. This achievement is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication to their sport.

48. Babson's curriculum is centered around experiential learning. Programs like the Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FME) allow students to create, develop, launch, and manage a real business.

49. Babson encourages students to study abroad and take part in international internships. This international perspective helps students gain a broader understanding of the business world and prepares them for global careers.

50. Many graduates go on to start their own businesses or work in prominent positions at well-known companies. The college's focus on entrepreneurship and business education has led to a successful and active alumni community.

Babson College: A Hub of Innovation and Excellence

Babson College stands out as a premier institution for business and entrepreneurship. Founded in 1919 by Roger W. Babson, this college has grown from an all-male business institute to a coeducational powerhouse. With a sprawling 350-acre campus in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Babson offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and various graduate programs through the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. Known for its hands-on approach, every freshman starts their own business, fostering real-world skills early on. Babson's strong alumni network, top rankings in entrepreneurship, and numerous athletic achievements make it a unique place to study. From the iconic Babson Globe to the rich legacy of Roger Babson, the college blends tradition with innovation. Whether it's through international internships or campus life, Babson prepares students for global careers and entrepreneurial success.