Robert College is the oldest continually-running American school founded outside the US. The school was established in 1863 by the initiative of Dr. Cyrus Hamlin and a wealthy merchant Christopher Rhinelander Robert. Many Robert College alumni from its inception until today have become leaders in their fields, including diplomacy, politics, business, arts and academics. Robert College Student Council was established in 1925. Its duties include enriching the life of the entire school by creating an atmosphere of respect for others and enhancing school spirit, raising money for charitable causes and school activities, serve as a reliable source of information for the student body, provide resources and support to student organizations and activities, give Student Council members an opportunity to learn how to run a professional meeting and to work together effectively.