Boston University is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the world. Boston University was chartered in 1869 by Lee Claflin, Jacob Sleeper, and Isaac Rich, three successful Methodist businessmen whose abolitionist ideals led them to envision and create a university that was inclusive—that opened its doors to the world—and engaged in service to and collaboration with the city of Boston. Over 150 years later, BU has an alumni community of 310,000+ living and working all around the world.