John Jay (person)
- See also Wikipedia's article about "John Jay".
John Jay King's College 1764 was an influential figure in the early United States. He served as president of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. With Alexander Hamilton, he thereafter authored the Federalist Papers, arguing for a stronger national government, which heavily influenced the creation of the current United States Constitution. Although he is best known thereafter for being the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Jay also served as Secretary of State, signing the treaty with Britain that bears his name, and as Governor of New York.
Jay, with Hamilton, also proved a loyal alumnus, playing a role in the reopening of King's College as Columbia College in 1784. Supporting the college was a family tradition; John's older brother Dr. Peter Jay had helped raise funds in Britain that had contributed to the creation of King's College several decades before.
At Columbia, John Jay Hall, John Jay Dining Hall, the John Jay Award, and the John Jay Scholars, and JJ's Place are all named for him.
