Located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University is recognized as one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. Leland and Jane Stanford founded the University to "promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization." Stanford opened its doors in 1891, and more than a century later, it remains dedicated to finding solutions to the great challenges of the day and to preparing students for leadership in a complex world. The University's thriving diverse community is comprised of nearly 7000 undergraduate students, 9000 graduate students, 2000 faculty members, 1900 postdoctoral scholars, and over 11,000 academic and administrative staff in seven schools including several interdisciplinary research centers and institutes. The campus spreads over 8000 contiguous acres and nearly all undergraduates live on campus. Stanford offers bachelor's and master's degrees in addition to doctoral degrees (PhD, MD, DMA and JD) plus a number of professional and continuing education programs and certifications. More at http://facts.stanford.edu and http://www.stanford.edu.