http://exploredegrees.stanford.edu/stanfordsmission/ From the Stanford University Founding Grant November 11 1885: …the Nature Object and Purposes of the Institution Hereby Founded to Be: Its nature that of a university with such seminaries of learning as shall make it of the highest grade including mechanical institutes museums galleries of art laboratories and conservatories together with all things necessary for the study of agriculture in all its branches and for mechanical training and the studies and exercises directed to the cultivation and enlargement of the mind: Its object to qualify its students for personal success and direct usefulness in life; And its purposes to promote the public welfare by exercising an influence in behalf of humanity and civilization teaching the blessings of liberty regulated by law and inculcating love and reverence for the great principles of government as derived from the inalienable rights of man to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.