1312 Vassar was discovered by G. van Biesbroecka Belgian-American astronomer specializing in the observation of double stars, asteroids and cometsat Yerkes Observatory in 1933 wherein its name was randomly thought of by Biesbroeck.
This minor planet was named by American astronomer Maud Worcester Makemson (18911977) after the U.S Vassar College (formerly: Vassar Female College), located in New York state. 
