Jonas Clark founded Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, located on eight acres of land on Main Street across from the previously established University Park. The Massachusetts State Legislature granted a charter on January 18, 1887. The cornerstone of the first building was laid on October 22, 1887. The first president, installed on January 18, 1887, was G. Stanley Hall, a professor at John Hopkins.

On June 21, 1905, when President Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Worcester, he was escorted from Union Station to Clark University by a large military parade. After addressing the gathering, he had dinner at the home of Rockwood Hoar, the son of Senator Hoar.

Jonas Clark, a citizen who by enterprise and the exercise of great native ability grew wealthy, founded an institution designed to enlarge the boundaries of human knowlege. His first grant of $2,000,000 was for philosophical research, to be extended in all directions. He later contributed an additional $2,000,000.