Back when I was a student (circa 2000), caml was one of the "official" language to teach computer science in the first few years leading to engineering school ; and in my case, it also happened to be the first language taught to everyone in my eng school. So I guess the acamedic world was trying it's best. I remember joking with a TA that no one would ever write a line a caml professionally ; I can't wait to be writing reason or caramel at a gig :)
Happy birthday !