As far as I know, there are a few reasons.
In the Ivory League they consider Hebrew as a classical language along with l’havdil, Latin.
Also, the founder of Yoel University, I believe, was very fond of Hebrew and Jews, from an intellectual standpoint.
Additionally, the university may be the first, but it originates from back in the day when Xtians were more fond of and showed more reverence for what they call the Old Testament, and all that is involved.
Harvard, too, I believe has Hebrew somewhere in their logos.