Miami University: 5 things to know about its 208 years

Miami University, known as the “Yale of the West,” was chartered by the State of Ohio on Feb. 17, 1809.

Here’s are five things to know about its history:

A tribute to the Miami tribe. Miami University, established in 1809, is among the oldest in the country. It took its name from the Native American tribe that once inhabited Ohio's Miami Valley region. The university and the Miami tribe, now located in Oklahoma, continue to maintain strong ties.

PHOTOS: Watch Miami University change over two centuries of history

Credit: from Smith Library

Credit: from Smith Library

Head of the class. Miami University offers bachelor's degrees in more than 120 areas of study, more than 60 master's degrees and 13 doctoral degree programs. According to Fall 2016 enrollment there were 16,981 undergraduates and 2,386 graduate students on the Oxford campus. More than 5,000 students studied on the regional campuses.

Never step on the seal. Campus life subscribes to a number of traditions including that rubbing turtle heads on the Tri Delt sundial will bring you luck, a kiss under the Upham Hall Arch will lead to marriage, splurging on Tuffy's toasted rolls is a delight and stepping on the university seal at the center of campus should be avoided out of respect for the university.

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Credit: Mixed

Red bricks. The Miami University RedHawks take on the Ohio University Bobcats each year in the "Battle of the Bricks." Both campuses were founded in the early 1800s and are known for their red brick campuses.

Gridiron greats. Known as the "Cradle of Coaches," Miami University helped form the coaching careers of Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler and Paul Brown. More than 100 Miami graduates have been active in coaching and related professions.

Source: Miami University

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