
John Neff
Class of 1955, College of Business Administration
The University of Toledo has been improving the world since our founding on Oct. 12, 1872, as a public institution. For 150 years, we have been providing a life-changing education to our students. Our graduates go on to conduct cutting-edge research, perform on stage, heal patients, teach in classrooms and make an impact in communities around the globe.
Join us in celebrating our history and eagerly anticipating the future. Our sesquicentennial celebration takes place through June 2023. It includes a wide range of events, limited-edition merchandise and more to recognize the alumni and milestones that have made UToledo an engine for opportunity.
Jesup Wakeman Scott donates 160 acres of land on Nebraska Avenue as an endowment for a university to train Toledo’s young people.
On October 12, Articles of Incorporation are drawn up for the Toledo University of Arts and Trades.
The University opens a year after the death of Jesup Scott in 1874. It's located in the old Independent Church Building at 10th and Adams in downtown Toledo.
In January, Jesup Scott’s sons – Frank, William, and Maurice – turn over the University’s assets to the city of Toledo.
In March, the city establishes Toledo University and creates the Manual Training School as its first department in the top floor of Central High School.
The University faces a lack of funding until John Pyle convinces the city to grant $2,400.
Jerome Raymond is appointed the first president and moves the Manual Training School into one of higher education. He establishes the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as affiliations with the Toledo Conservatory of Music and the YMCA College of Law.
The University's football team is organized.
The student newspaper, the Universi-Teaser premieres. It is later renamed Campus Collegian, Collegian and Independent Collegian.
The yearbook, The Blockhouse, is first published.
The first women's basketball team is organized.
The Board of Directors approve the selection of the 80-acre Rufus Wright farm on West Bancroft for the new campus, based on the recommendation of city planner Harland Bartholomew.
Groundbreaking for the new campus takes place.
The cornerstone is laid for University Hall, the ceremony coinciding with commencement. A copper box, filled with mementoes of the day, is placed in the stone.
The University receives a contract from the Works Progress Administration to build an 8,000-seat stadium.
UToledo's basketball team experiences an outstanding 1941-42 season under head coach Harold Anderson and star player Charles "Chuck" Chuckovits. Unlike many college teams at the time, UToledo's team is racially integrated.
President Asa Smallridge Knowles secures funding to expand campus, including construction of a new library and law building and a new men's dormitory named for past presidents Dowd, Nash and White.
The athletic team's mascot, "Rocky the Rocket," appears for the first time on the cover of football programs.
Chuck Ealey is recruited as quarterback for the University's long-suffering football team, leading UToledo to 35 consecutive victories between 1969 and 1971.
Student Senate requests a moratorium on classes as a memorial to the students killed during protests at Kent State University on May 4.
A protest led by African American students after the killing of students at Jackson State University in Mississippi temporarily closes University Hall, ending when President Carlson met with the students and reached a peaceful accord.
The Medical College of Ohio's first building, the Health Science Building, is completed. Groundbreaking for the Raymon H. Mulford Library, another early MCO building, occurs.
The Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women is dedicated in 1980 in honor of the late Board of Trustees member.
The Center for Visual Arts, designed by internationally-known architect Frank Gehry, is completed on the campus of the Toledo Museum of Art.
Kimberly Urban receives the 100,000th diploma handed out at UToledo.
It is announced that UToledo and MUO will merge into one University.
Rocksy, UToledo's female mascot, debuts.
Dr. Sharon Gaber is selected as the 17th president of UToledo, the first woman to hold the position.
March 18 - In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the University transitions to online classes and remote work.
President Gaber resigns in April. In July, Dr. Gregory Postel steps in as interim president.
We have a full slate of activities planned for the sesquicentennial. And you’ll have a variety of ways to get involved, whether in person or virtually.
At The University of Toledo, our vision is that financial strain is never a barrier for motivated students with a passion to learn. As part of this historic milestone, all contributions to our sesquicentennial campaign will directly support need-based scholarships for deserving students.
Check out the latest activities planned to recognize 150 years at The University of Toledo — on our campuses, across northwest Ohio and at special events throughout the country.
Bring the history home! Celebrate UToledo’s 150th with limited-edition apparel, a timely addition to your personal library or unique gift for the Rocket in your life while supplies last.
Join us in celebrating our sesquicentennial by sharing a video message with the Rocket community. How has The University of Toledo impacted you? Share a favorite memory or a congratulatory message. We'll collect the videos and post them regularly on UToledo social media and websites. Record your message or upload a video file.
Class of 1955, College of Business Administration
Class of 1951, College of Arts and Sciences
Class of 1939, College of Arts and Sciences
Class of 1961, 1964; College of Education
Class of 1972, College of Business Administration
Class of 1983, College of Pharmacy
Class of 1954, College of Education
Class of 1985, College of Engineering
Class of 1982, Medical College of Ohio
Class of 1980, 1981, 1985; Medical College of Ohio School of Nursing
Class of 1976, College of Law
Class of 2002, 2008; College of Health and Human Services