Elihu Yale was an American merchant, philanthropist, and colonial official who lived during the 17th and 18th centuries. He was born on April 5, 1649, in Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony, to a family of Welsh descent. Yale’s father was a wealthy merchant, and Elihu Yale followed in his footsteps, becoming a successful merchant himself.
Yale ventured to England around 1671, where he engaged in trade and eventually became involved with the British East India Company. He amassed a considerable fortune through his business dealings in India, particularly in the trading of goods like textiles, spices, and precious metals.
In 1718, Yale made a substantial donation of books and goods to the Collegiate School of Connecticut, which was founded in 1701 in Saybrook, Connecticut. In gratitude for Yale’s generosity, the school was renamed Yale College in 1718. This marked the beginning of Yale’s association with the institution that would later become Yale University.
Elihu Yale never actually visited the college that bore his name, but his philanthropic contributions were crucial in the early development of the institution. His legacy as a benefactor of Yale University continues to be honored to this day.
It’s important to note that while Elihu Yale’s donations were significant in the history of the university, the founding of Yale University involved many other individuals and factors beyond Yale’s contributions alone.
伊利哈·耶鲁（Elihu Yale）是一位生活在17至18世纪的美国商人、慈善家和殖民官员。他生于1649年4月5日，出生于马萨诸塞州贝区的波士顿，他是一位有着威尔士血统的家庭的成员。耶鲁的父亲是一位富有的商人，伊利哈·耶鲁也走上了他父亲的路，成为一名成功的商人。
约在1671年，耶鲁前往英国，开始从事贸易，并最终加入了英国东印度公司。通过在印度的商业交易，特别是纺织品、香料和贵金属的贸易，他积累了可观的财富。
1718年，耶鲁向康涅狄格州的学院学校（Collegiate School of Connecticut）捐赠了大量的书籍和物资。该学校成立于1701年，位于康涅狄格州的塞布鲁克。为了感谢耶鲁的慷慨，该学校在1718年更名为耶鲁学院（Yale College）。这标志着耶鲁与该机构的关系开始，并最终演变成后来的耶鲁大学。
伊利哈·耶鲁实际上从未去过以他的名字命名的学院，但他的慈善捐赠在该机构的早期发展中起到了至关重要的作用。作为耶鲁大学的恩人，他的遗产至今仍受到尊重。
值得注意的是，尽管伊利哈·耶鲁的捐赠在大学的历史上具有重要意义，但耶鲁大学的成立涉及到许多其他个人和因素，而不仅仅是耶鲁的贡献。
The founding of Yale University involved several key individuals and events beyond the contributions of Elihu Yale. Some notable figures and factors include:
The Ten Congregationalist Ministers: These ministers, including James Pierpont and Thomas Buckingham, played a crucial role in establishing the Collegiate School of Connecticut in 1701. They sought to establish an institution of higher education in the colony to train ministers and educate the youth.
The Donation of Books: Besides Elihu Yale’s contribution, other donations of books and funds from various individuals and organizations also supported the growth of the institution. These donations helped to establish the library and academic resources of the college.
The Relocation to New Haven: In 1716, the Collegiate School moved from Saybrook to New Haven, where it would eventually become Yale College. The move was influenced by the desire for a more central and accessible location, as well as the offer of land and financial incentives from the residents of New Haven.
The Development of the Curriculum: Over time, Yale College developed its own distinct curriculum, influenced by the educational philosophies of its faculty and leaders. The curriculum evolved to include a broader range of subjects beyond theology, incorporating classical studies, sciences, and humanities.
Yale’s Charter: In 1745, Yale College received a royal charter from King George II of England, granting it official recognition and the authority to grant degrees. This charter solidified the institution’s status as a respected university and paved the way for its continued growth and development.
While Elihu Yale’s contributions were significant, the founding and development of Yale University were the result of collaboration and support from many individuals, institutions, and historical circumstances.
耶鲁大学的建立涉及到除了伊莱·耶鲁之外的几位关键人物和事件。一些著名的人物和因素包括：
十位合同教会牧师：包括詹姆斯·皮尔庞特和托马斯·巴金厄姆在内的这些牧师在1701年建立康涅狄格州学院时起到了至关重要的作用。他们希望在殖民地建立一个高等教育机构，培养牧师并教育年轻人。
图书捐赠：除了伊莱·耶鲁的贡献之外，其他个人和组织的图书和资金捐赠也支持了学院的发展。这些捐赠有助于建立学院的图书馆和学术资源。
搬迁到纽黑文：1716年，康涅狄格州学院从塞布鲁克迁至纽黑文，后来成为耶鲁学院。这次搬迁受到了寻求更中心化和便利位置的影响，以及纽黑文居民提供的土地和财政激励。
课程的发展：随着时间的推移，耶鲁学院发展出自己独特的课程，受到学院的教师和领导人教育理念的影响。课程逐渐扩展到神学之外的更广泛领域，包括古典研究、科学和人文学科。
耶鲁的特许状：1745年，耶鲁学院获得了英国乔治二世国王颁发的一项皇家特许状，正式承认其地位并获得颁发学位的权力。这份特许状巩固了学院作为一所受尊敬的大学的地位，并为其持续的增长和发展铺平了道路。
虽然伊莱·耶鲁的贡献是重要的，但耶鲁大学的建立和发展是许多个人、机构和历史环境的合作和支持的结果。
