Mark Zuckerberg attributes meeting Priscilla to creating a prank website at Harvard

During his time at Harvard University, Mark Zuckerbergs most memorable creation wasnt the foundation of a global social platform, but a mischievous website that nearly got him expelled. In a 2017 commencement address, the Meta CEO described the site, Facemash, as the most important thing I built in my time here because it ultimately introduced him to his future wife, Priscilla Chan.

Without Facemash I wouldnt have met Priscilla, and shes the most important person in my life, Zuckerberg said during the speech.

Back in 2003, while still a sophomore, Zuckerberg developed Facemash by accessing Harvards student directories and using the photos to create a platform where students could rate each others attractiveness. The site quickly gained attention, but the university shut it down shortly after. Zuckerberg was summoned to Harvards Administrative Board, facing allegations of security breaches, copyright violations, and privacy infringements.

Everyone thought I was going to get kicked out, he recalled. My parents came to help me pack. My friends threw me a going-away party.

It was at this very party, held under the assumption that he would be expelled, where he met Chan. Their encounter happened in line for a bathroom at the Pfoho Belltower. In what must be one of the all-time romantic lines, I said: Im going to get kicked out in three days, so we need to go on a date quickly

Author: Olivia Parker