History
In 1868, Jesup Wakeman Scott had a dream. The Toledo newspaper editor believed that the center of world commerce was moving westward and by 1900 would be located in Toledo. In 1872, Scott donated 160 acres of land as an endowment for a university to train the city's young people. (That land later became the Scott Park Campus.)
The Toledo University of Arts and Trades was incorporated on Oct. 12, 1872. It created the foundation for 150 years of life-changing education, cutting-edge research and thousands of alumni who make an impact around the world.
The Story of UToledo
“An Institution for the Promoting of Knowledge: The University of Toledo at 150,” by author Barbara Floyd, explores the vision behind the University’s founding, from the moment Jesup W. Scott donated 160 acres of land to its current role as a pillar of northwest Ohio.
Founder's Day Lecture
Barbara Floyd, retired university archivist, gave the lecture “The Ten Events That Shaped 150 Years” on UToledo’s 150th birthday on Oct. 12, 2022 as part of our Founder’s Day celebrations for the sesquicentennial. The lecture officially opened the “Vision, Faith, and Hard Work”: The University of Toledo at 150” exhibit on display in the Ward M. Canaday Center until Aug. 1, 2023.
Floyd also gave a lecture titled “Celebrating Toledo’s University: 150 Years of the University and the City” March 22 at the Toledo Lucas County Main Library and another called “Medical Education in Toledo: 140 Years of Progress” April 20 on Health Science Campus.