A fraternity pledge related to one of the two winners of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, the most successful MLB pitcher ever, a quirky bridge measurement, intramural chaos, and a prank-loving talk show host.

This collection of educational trivia is just a taste of what students will experience at ZinkerzCamp as we explore Boston’s academic gems. This blog kicks off a two-part series highlighting the schools our campers will visit. And trust us, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Sign up for ZinkerzCamp and dive into the full experience!

Boston-Area Schools

MIT

In 2011, the word “smoot” was added to the dictionary. The story behind it starts in 1958 when MIT’s Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity asked pledge Oliver Smoot to measure Harvard Bridge in a very unusual way: by having him somersault across it. Smoot’s frame became iconic, and the bridge’s length is still measured in Smoots. Each year, new pledges repaint the markings, and a fun tradition involves chanting “Smoot” as you drive across.

Northeastern University

Northeastern honors baseball legend Cy Young with a statue on campus. Cy Young, who led the Red Sox to their first World Series, pitched at Huntington Avenue Grounds, which now houses Northeastern. The school is also home to Matthews Arena, the world’s oldest ice hockey rink, where Huskies teams still play.

Boston University

BU’s mascot, Rhett the Terrier, is named after Gone With the Wind’s Rhett Butler. While Rhett steals the spotlight, BU is also known for a quirky intramural sport: broomball. It’s a chaotic mix of ice hockey and curling, where the goal is less about winning and more about having fun. Players, using modified lacrosse sticks, aim to score goals while running on ice in sneakers.

Boston College

The BC Eagles should technically be the “Newton University Hawks.” The college’s mascot, a hawk, came from a bird rescued during a storm. Despite the mix-up in naming, BC’s teams still proudly go by the eagle name. Their live mascot, Welles, makes appearances at football games, adding to the school’s unique traditions.

Harvard

Harvard is full of legends. From the Titanic tragedy that inspired the donation of the Widener Library to the famous John Harvard statue filled with inaccuracies, it’s a place rich in stories. One of the wildest tales is of Conan O’Brien’s college prank. After stealing construction equipment, Conan called the police on himself, resulting in a mix-up with law enforcement. He ended up spending the night in jail—a hilarious but lesser-known chapter in Harvard’s history.

Brown

Brown University’s name comes from Nicholas Brown, who donated $5,000 to the school in 1804. What sets Brown apart is its “Open Curriculum.” Students choose their courses freely without the usual core requirements, allowing them to customize their education. Brown’s approach gives students the flexibility to explore what truly interests them.

Bentley University

Bentley is known for business. But did you know it’s home to one of the world’s largest business libraries? It’s packed with resources to help students take on the real-world economy.

The school also prides itself on offering hands-on experience. Students tackle real business problems through internships and collaborations with major companies, all while surrounded by a beautiful campus and cutting-edge technology. Bentley’s approach to business education is as innovative as it is practical.

Babson College

Babson College is a powerhouse for entrepreneurship. In fact, this school is all about turning ideas into action, offering programs designed to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking.

Furthermore, Babson is a place where students learn to build businesses from the ground up, inspiring innovation and risk-taking. With strong ties to the global startup community, Babson provides an environment where aspiring entrepreneurs can thrive, ultimately developing the skills they need to succeed in the business world.

Brandeis University

Brandeis was founded by the Jewish community, but its welcoming, diverse campus embraces all students. The university stands out for its commitment to social justice, offering programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences.

Brandeis encourages students to think critically and challenge the status quo. Moreover, with a focus on inclusivity and global perspectives, Brandeis prepares graduates to make a difference in the world.

Tufts University

Tufts is a university that brings together global perspectives, with a focus on international relations, humanities, and the sciences. It’s also home to some of the most passionate students, who are deeply involved in campus activities and activism.

Tufts promotes a collaborative atmosphere, where students work together across disciplines to solve the world’s toughest problems. Whether it’s through their renowned international relations program or cutting-edge research opportunities, Tufts offers a vibrant academic experience with an emphasis on impact.

Conclusion

Will one of these schools be your next home? Did these stories spark your curiosity? Join us this summer at ZinkerzCamp for a firsthand experience of Boston’s incredible schools!