Stanford University is one of the world's leading research universities. It is known for its entrepreneurial character, drawn from the legacy of its founders, Jane and Leland Stanford, and its relationship to Silicon Valley. Areas of excellence range from the humanities to social sciences to engineering and the sciences. Stanford is located in California's Bay Area, one of the most intellectually dynamic and culturally diverse areas of the nation.

 Stanford Facts at a Glance

Chubbies traces its roots back to a July trip to Lake Tahoe in 2011. “Culturally at Stanford, we would wear costumes and just get outrageous, anywhere we’d go,” says Castillo, a large, lumberjack-looking dude with a long beard and shaved head. That culture continued through the foursome’s post-grad years, often culminating in an annual Independence Day celebration.

In 2011, they decided to put some extra effort into their holiday attire. Castillo raided a local fabric store for red, white and blue patterns, then put together an ensemble for a group of friends heading to Tahoe. It included Hawaiian shirts, fanny packs, mullets and, of course, shorts.

Forbes.com – Why is Stanford so special?

Video: Pharrell Williams "Happy" Stanford is Happy

You Tube video featuring the song "Happy" and the Stanford University campus and students. 

Stanford is Happy

Video: Stanford Athletics : N-E-R-D-S (#NerdAnthem)

You Tube video featuring the song "Nerd Anthem" and the Stanford University campus and students.

N-E-R-D-S (#NerdAnthem)