10 Fun Facts about Johns Hopkins University You Should Know About

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is known for its world-class research, top-ranked medical programs, and rigorous academics. It ranks #6 among the best universities in the U.S., and with an acceptance rate of just 5.7% for the Class of 2028, it’s also one of the most selective schools in the country.

But there’s more to JHU than lab coats and lecture halls. From quirky traditions to famous alumni, it has a fun side that often gets overlooked. If you’re curious about what makes this school stand out, here are fun facts about Johns Hopkins University that might surprise you.

• Top 10 Fun Facts about Johns Hopkins University
• Johns Hopkins Traditions You Should Join
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Top 10 Fun Facts about Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876, and since then, it has built a reputation for excellence in medicine, international studies, and the sciences. Beyond academics, the university has its own traditions that give it character. Whether you’re interested in sports, music, or just some unexpected trivia, here are fun facts that offer a different perspective of life at Johns Hopkins:

1. Yes, the “S” in Johns is on purpose.

​If you’ve ever said “John Hopkins,” don’t be surprised if a student corrects you: “It’s Johns. With an S.”

The name comes from Johns Hopkins, an 18th-century Quaker entrepreneur and philanthropist who left $7 million to start both a university and a hospital. At the time, that was the largest charitable donation in U.S. history. The extra “S“ comes from his great-grandmother, Margaret Johns, whose maiden name became his first name.

Hopkins’ life was just as unusual as his name. He was born into a devout Quaker family and left school at 12 when his parents freed their slaves and needed their children to help on the farm.

As a young merchant, he and his brothers built a thriving business, though selling whiskey briefly put him at odds with Quaker beliefs. Despite his early exit from formal education, his legacy lives on in the university that proudly carries his full name.

2. Johns Hopkins is America’s first research university.

JHU was the first university to combine teaching with serious, hands-on research. Its first president, Daniel Coit Gilman, believed that the best teachers are also active researchers. Inspired by the German education system, he helped create a place where students don’t just learn but discover. Since then, Johns Hopkins has been behind some incredible breakthroughs.

Scientists at the university helped discover the three types of poliovirus, which led to life-saving vaccines. Researchers at the Applied Physics Laboratory also created the first satellite navigation system, which helped pave the way for today’s GPS. If you’ve ever used Google Maps, you can thank Johns Hopkins for helping make that possible.

That’s not all! If you’re reading this on your phone or laptop, it’s worth knowing that Johns Hopkins scientists also contributed to developing the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Pretty amazing for one school.

3. Johns Hopkins helped invent modern medicine.

If you’ve ever been in a hospital or watched a medical drama, you’ve probably seen a doctor wearing rubber gloves. That practice started at Johns Hopkins.

In 1889, the Johns Hopkins Hospital opened its doors and quickly became one of the top hospitals in the country. It was also the first to use rubber gloves during surgery, a small change that made a huge difference in patient safety. 

Johns Hopkins has been a leader in medical breakthroughs ever since. Researchers here developed the first effective treatment for sickle cell anemia and helped set new standards in medical education. The School of Medicine, founded in 1893, was also among the first to admit women equally with men.

From hospitals to classrooms, Johns Hopkins continues to influence how medicine is taught and practiced around the world.

4. Lacrosse is the biggest sport on campus.

At most colleges, football is the main event. At Johns Hopkins, however, lacrosse steals the spotlight. The school has such a strong lacrosse tradition that homecoming happens in the spring, not the fall. The team started competing in 1904 and even represented the U.S. at the 1932 Summer Olympics.

Johns Hopkins lacrosse has won 44 national championships, including 9 NCAA Division I titles. In 2015, they joined the Big Ten and won the very first conference championship by beating Ohio State. If you’re on campus during a big game, you’ll definitely feel the energy—lacrosse is a huge part of student life here!

5. Meet Jay, the Blue Jay.

Every great school has a mascot, and at Johns Hopkins, it’s a bright blue bird with a serious school spirit. Jay the Blue Jay is a familiar face at games and events, but it wasn’t until 2013 that they finally got a name. After a campus-wide vote, students chose the simple but perfect name: Jay.

Jay also uses they/them pronouns, making them one of the few gender-neutral mascots in the country. More than just a symbol, Jay reflects the fun, inclusive vibe of the Johns Hopkins community. Whether cheering from the stands or just heading to class, spotting Jay is always a good time.

6. Blue really is the school’s true color.

At Johns Hopkins, blue is everywhere—and not just because of Jay, the Blue Jay mascot. It’s on flags, flyers, game-day gear, and yes, probably the first hoodie you’ll own. The color appears in everything from campus traditions to the school’s branding, making it the heartbeat of Johns Hopkins pride.

There are actually two official shades: Heritage Blue, used for formal academic materials, and Spirit Blue, a lighter shade that brings energy to events and student designs. If you’re cheering at Homewood Field or helping run a student org, you’ll surely see these school colors bringing people together across campus.

7. There are steam tunnels hidden beneath the campus.

Beneath Johns Hopkins’s quiet quads and lecture halls lies something unexpected: a network of steam tunnels. These underground passageways run below the Homewood and East Baltimore campuses, with known entrances near Merrick Barn. Initially built for utilities, they’ve become the stuff of campus legend.

Some students say they’ve seen strange graffiti in the tunnels, including one eerie line: “Under the cradle of knowledge lies the bones of those that have fallen.” And back in the 1990s, there was even a rumor about mutant rabbits living beneath the physics building. True or not, the tunnels add just the right touch of mystery to campus life.

8. Johns Hopkins is home to America’s first music conservatory.

You might not expect a top science and medical school to also have deep roots in music, but Johns Hopkins does. The Peabody Institute, founded in 1857, is America’s first academy of music. It became part of Johns Hopkins University in 1985 and is still a big part of the school’s creative energy.

Peabody offers everything from beginner music lessons to advanced doctoral degrees in musical arts. It’s where classical training meets modern creativity, and students can pursue performance, composition, music education, and more.

Even if you’re not a music major, you can enjoy the stunning George Peabody Library, which is one of the most beautiful libraries in the country. It’s often called a “cathedral of books” and is open to the public, so don’t forget to visit if you’re on campus.

9. The school motto is “The truth will set you free.”

Johns Hopkins takes knowledge seriously, and the university motto reflects that. “Veritas vos liberabit,” or “The truth will set you free,” has been part of the school’s identity since 1885. It’s a phrase that underscores the university’s belief in the power of research, inquiry, and education.

No one knows exactly why that specific biblical verse was chosen, but it’s a fitting motto for a school that values discovery and truth above all else. It’s carved into university buildings and printed on official documents, a quiet but powerful reminder of Johns Hopkins’ mission.

10. Some pretty famous people went here.

Johns Hopkins has its fair share of famous grads. Alumni include CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, horror filmmaker Wes Craven, singer-songwriter Tori Amos, and actor John Astin, best known as Gomez Addams from The Addams Family. Astin even came back to Johns Hopkins in 2005 to teach theater—how’s that for full circle?

And did you know that F. Scott Fitzgerald lived just across the street from Johns Hopkins? While his wife Zelda was being treated at the university hospital, Fitzgerald wrote parts of Tender Is the Night, and Zelda worked on her own novel, Save Me the Waltz. Their time in Baltimore was filled with creativity, even during a difficult chapter of their lives.

Then there’s Woodrow Wilson, who’s still the only U.S. president to hold an earned Ph.D., which he got from Johns Hopkins in 1886. While at Johns Hopkins, he even joined the glee club and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the first time in 1884. Years later, as president, he proposed it as the official national anthem. Not a bad legacy at all!

Johns Hopkins Traditions You Should Join

Now that you know some fun facts about Hopkins, here are some events and traditions that bring the campus to life:

1. Blue Jay Opening Day

Blue Jay Opening Day marks the exciting start of the academic and athletic seasons. It’s a high-energy, campus-wide tailgate with rides, games, a DJ, free giveaways, and plenty of food. It’s also a great place to meet other students and discover clubs, resources, and ways to get involved.

Whether you’re new to Hopkins or just back from break, this event sets the tone for the year. You’ll walk away with school spirit, some cool swag, and probably a few new friends, too.

2. Hoptoberfest

Hoptoberfest is how Johns Hopkins does fall: big. This weeklong event celebrates the new semester with concerts, pumpkin patches, crafts, and food trucks. Past years have featured big-name music acts like Parachute and Cheat Codes, along with fun runs, movie nights, and photo ops.

It’s the perfect mix of chill vibes and high-energy fun. How about painting pumpkins with friends or dancing at a concert on the quad? Hoptoberfest gives you a break from the books and a chance to soak in the season.

3. Lighting of the Quads

Every winter, Johns Hopkins lights up—literally. At the Lighting of the Quads, students gather for a festive night of hot cider, music, crafts, and twinkling lights. The tradition includes performances, photo booths, and treats to welcome the holiday season.

The highlight is when the university president leads a countdown and then flips the ceremonial switch. Instantly, the entire quad glows with thousands of lights and bursts of fireworks. It’s a magical moment you won’t forget!

4. Spring Fair

Spring Fair is one of Johns Hopkins’s biggest and most beloved events. For one weekend every spring, the campus transforms into a full-on festival with food stands, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and live performances. 

It’s a time when students, alumni, and even locals come together to enjoy the best of Baltimore and campus life. Past performers have included stars like The Chainsmokers and Kehlani, so yes, it’s kind of a big deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Johns Hopkins unique?

There are many things that make Johns Hopkins unique. For example, it’s the first research university in the U.S. and is still known for groundbreaking discoveries. The school has fun quirks, too, like its Blue Jay mascot and campus traditions like Hoptoberfest and the Lighting of the Quads.

2. Is Johns Hopkins an elite university?

Yes, Johns Hopkins is considered a top private university and one of the best non-Ivy League schools. It’s a highly selective institution with a low acceptance rate, so you’ll need a strong GPA, extracurriculars, and personal essays to boost your chances of acceptance.

3. What is Johns Hopkins University best known for?

Johns Hopkins is best known for its top-ranked medical school and hospital, as well as its leadership in public health. It’s also strong in international studies, engineering, and neuroscience. The university consistently leads in research funding, which allows students to work on projects with real-world impact.

Takeaways

• Johns Hopkins University is full of fun facts that highlight its history, campus culture, and academic strengths.
• The school is known for top-tier programs in medicine, science, and international studies, drawing students who want to solve real-world problems.
• Johns Hopkins has a legacy of medical breakthroughs, national lacrosse championships, and alumni who shaped politics, science, and the arts.
• Campus traditions like Lighting of the Quads and Spring Fair show there’s more to Johns Hopkins than academics.
• Want to boost your chances at Johns Hopkins? Work with a college admissions expert who can help you craft a standout application.