History of University of Washington in Timeline

The University of Washington, established in 1861 in Seattle, is a public research university. As one of the oldest universities on the West Coast, it plays a significant role in research and education within the United States.

1900: First Apple Cup Game

In 1900, the first Apple Cup game was contested between the University of Washington and Washington State University.

1901: Rowing Tradition Begins

In 1901, a rowing tradition began at the University of Washington.

1901: First Power Plant Replaced

In 1901, the first UW power plant was replaced due to growing energy needs of the campus.

1906: ASUW Incorporated

In 1906, the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) was incorporated in the State of Washington.

1907: Unbeaten Streak Begins

In 1907, the Washington football team began an unbeaten streak that lasted 64 consecutive games.

1908: Demolition of the Original Territorial University Building

In 1908, the original Territorial University building was torn down. The former site is now the location of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

1909: Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition

In 1909, the Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition used the University of Washington campus grounds. In exchange, the organizers agreed that Washington would take over the campus and its development after the fair's conclusion, leading to a detailed site plan and several new buildings that were incorporated into the UW campus master plan.

1916: Construction Begins on the Liberal Arts Quadrangle

In 1916, construction began on the Liberal Arts Quadrangle, known as "The Quad," and continued until 1939.

1917: Unbeaten Streak Ends

In 1917, the Washington football team's unbeaten streak of 64 consecutive games ended; an NCAA record.

1920: Husky Stadium Built

In 1920, Husky Stadium was first built on the shores of Lake Washington, marking the beginning of tailgating by boat as a tradition.

1922: Husky Selected as Mascot

In 1922, the husky was selected as the school mascot by the student committee, which replaced the "Sun Dodger".

1926: Carl Fennema (NFL football player)

In 1926, Carl Fennema, who later became an NFL football player, graduated.

1926: Construction of Suzzallo Library

In 1926, the university's architectural centerpiece, Suzzallo Library, was built. It was later expanded in 1935.

1934: Minoru Yamasaki (architect)

In 1934, Minoru Yamasaki, who later became an architect, graduated. Also, Chet Huntley, who later became a news anchor and Big Sky resort founder, graduated.

1935: Henry M. Jackson (US Senator)

In 1935, Henry M. Jackson, who later became a US Senator, graduated with a JD.

1935: Expansion of Suzzallo Library

In 1935, Suzzallo Library, which was built in 1926, was expanded.

1936: Joe Rantz (U.S. Olympic rower)

In 1936, Joe Rantz, who later became a U.S. Olympic rower, graduated.

1936: Olympic Gold Medal Win

In 1936, the Washington men's crew won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Berlin.

January 23, 1939: Criticism for Hiring Harold J. Laski

On January 23, 1939, the University of Washington faced criticism for hiring Economics Professor Harold J. Laski, a British Marxist, as a visiting lecturer.

1939: Completion of the Liberal Arts Quadrangle

Construction of the Liberal Arts Quadrangle, known as "The Quad," which began in 1916, continued to 1939.

1939: Irv Robbins (Baskin Robbins co-founder)

In 1939, Irv Robbins, who later became a Baskin Robbins co-founder, graduated.

1942: Internment of Japanese Americans

In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, all persons of Japanese ancestry in the Seattle area were forced into inland internment camps as part of Executive Order 9066. University president Lee Paul Sieg advocated for the transfer of Japanese American students to universities and colleges away from the Pacific Coast.

October 2, 1946: Opening of the Medical School

On October 2, 1946, the University of Washington formally opened a medical school as part of a School of Health Sciences, despite opposition from the Washington State Medical Association. The G.I. Bill established the School of Health Sciences and provided $3.75 million for buildings and $450,000 for salaries.

1948: Protest of Professors' Firings

In 1948, at the beginning of the McCarthyism era, University of Washington students protested the firing of three UW professors accused of communist affiliations.

1948: Truman Administration Suspicions

In 1948, the University of Washington was highly suspect by the Truman Administration, leading to investigations by the Canwell Committee and the University.

1949: Dismissal of Professors After Investigations

In 1949, following investigations by the Canwell Committee and the University that began in 1948, Professor Herbert Phillips, Professor Joe Butterworth, and Professor Ralph Gundlach were dismissed. Thomas H. Bienz, a Democratic State senator, declared that "At least 150 [University faculty members] are Communists".

1954: J. Robert Oppenheimer's Nomination

In 1954, J. Robert Oppenheimer was nominated by the University of Washington's Physics Department to lecture physics students for one week, but he was unable to attend because of loyalty checks asked for by the US Federal Government, and President Dr. Henry Schmitz disapproved of his nomination.

1954: Robert Osborne (The Hollywood Reporter columnist and TCM host)

In 1954, Robert Osborne, who later became an actor, The Hollywood Reporter columnist and TCM host, graduated.

1956: Switch to Natural Gas Begins

In 1956, the University of Washington started their switch from coal to natural gas.

1958: Start of Growth Period Under Charles Odegaard

From 1958 to 1973, the University of Washington experienced tremendous growth in student enrollment, faculties, operating budget, and prestige under the leadership of Charles Odegaard. UW student enrollment had more than doubled to 34,000 as the baby boom generation came of age.

1958: Increase in Operating Budget

In 1958, the University of Washington operating budget was $37 million. By 1973, it increased to over $400 million, solidifying UW as a top recipient of federal research funds in the United States.

1958: Moscow Cup Win

In 1958, the men's crew won against Leningrad Trud's world champion rowers at the Moscow Cup.

1960: National Title Win

In 1960, the University of Washington's football team won the national title.

1965: Dale Chihuly (glass artist)

In 1965, Dale Chihuly, who later became a glass artist, graduated with a BA.

1968: Start of Civil Rights Activism Era

From 1968 to 1975, the University of Washington was marked by high levels of student activism, with much of the unrest focused around civil rights.

1968: ASUW Experimental College Created

In 1968, the ASUW Experimental College was created by University of Washington students.

June 29, 1969: Bomb Detonation on Campus

On June 29, 1969, a bomb detonated on campus, causing $100,000 in damages and no injuries. No group claimed responsibility for the incident.

October 30, 1969: Suspension of Black Football Players

On October 30, 1969, football coach Jim Owens suspended four Black football players for "[a] lack of commitment to the team," leading to demands for Owen's resignation and a refusal to play from the rest of the black football players on the team.

March 25, 1970: Appointment of Robert Flennaugh to UW Board of Regents

On March 25, 1970, African American Dr. Robert Flennaugh was appointed to the UW Board of Regents.

1973: End of Growth Period Under Charles Odegaard

From 1958 to 1973, the University of Washington experienced tremendous growth in student enrollment, faculties, operating budget, and prestige under the leadership of Charles Odegaard. During this period, the faculty was sharply divided over the issues of the role of the faculty in faculty appointments.

1973: Operating Budget reaches $400 Million

In 1973, The University of Washington's operating budget reached over $400 million, an increase from the $37 million in 1958. This solidified UW as a top recipient of federal research funds in the United States.

1975: Student Protest of University Hiring Practices

In 1975, activism peaked when 2,000 students protested university hiring practices on the campus through May 13 and 14.

1977: Marilynne Robinson (Pulitzer Prize-winning author)

In 1977, Marilynne Robinson, who later became a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, graduated with a PhD.

1977: Transition School and Early Entrance Program

In 1977, the University of Washington started the Transition School and Early Entrance Program on campus.

1978: Kenny G (saxophonist)

In 1978, Kenny G, who later became a saxophonist, graduated.

1985: Mark Arm (Mudhoney lead vocalist)

In 1985, Mark Arm, who later became the lead vocalist of Mudhoney, graduated.

1986: Rainn Wilson (actor)

In 1986, Rainn Wilson, who later became an actor, graduated with a BA in Drama.

1988: Chris DeWolfe (MySpace co-founder)

In 1988, Chris DeWolfe, who later became the co-founder of MySpace, graduated.

1988: Switch to Natural Gas Completed

In 1988, the University of Washington completed its switch from coal to natural gas.

1990: Opening of Additional Campuses

In 1990, the University of Washington opened its additional campuses in Bothell and Tacoma, originally designed for students who had completed two years of higher education.

1991: National Title Win

In 1991, the University of Washington's football team won the national title.

1994: Student Senate Established

In 1994, the Student Senate was established as a division of the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW).

1995: Joel McHale (actor and comedian)

In 1995, Joel McHale, who later became an actor and comedian, graduated with a BA in History.

1997: William Henry Gates II becomes regent

In 1997, William Henry Gates II, the father of Bill Gates, began his service as a regent of the University of Washington.

1997: NCAA Championship Win (Women)

In 1997, the women's rowing team won the NCAA championship.

2000: Joel McHale (actor and comedian)

In 2000, Joel McHale, who later became an actor and comedian, graduated with a MFA.

2001: Andrew Harms (radio and TV personality)

In 2001, Andrew Harms, who later became a radio and TV personality, graduated with a degree in Business and Drama.

2001: Listed as a "Public Ivy"

Since 2001, the University of Washington has been listed as a "Public Ivy" in Greene's Guides.

2002: Pacific Coast Architecture Database (PCAD) Started

In 2002, Alan Michelson started the Pacific Coast Architecture Database (PCAD) while he worked as Architecture and Design Librarian at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He now manages it at UW Seattle.

2003: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2003, the men's basketball team, coached by Lorenzo Romar, went to the NCAA tournament.

2004: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2004, the men's basketball team, coached by Lorenzo Romar, went to the NCAA tournament.

December 23, 2005: 800th Victory at Hec Edmundson Pavilion

On December 23, 2005, the men's basketball team secured their 800th victory at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

2005: National Championships

In 2005, the women's volleyball team won a national championship. James Lepp was also the NCAA men's golf champion and Brad Walker was the NCAA men's Outdoor and Indoor Pole Vault champion.

February 2006: Partnership with Seattle City Light

In February 2006, the University of Washington partnered with Seattle City Light as part of their Green Up Program, ensuring that all of Seattle campus' electricity is supplied by and purchased from renewable sources.

2006: Individual Titles at NCAA Track and Field Championships

In 2006, Ryan Brown (men's 800 meters) and Amy Lia (women's 1500 meters) won individual titles at the NCAA Track and Field Championships.

2006: Husky Promise Launched

In 2006, the University of Washington launched Husky Promise to promote equal academic opportunity, especially for people of low income. Families of income up to 65 percent of state median income or 235 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible.

2006: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2006, the men's basketball team, coached by Lorenzo Romar, went to the NCAA tournament.

2006: Admission of First Freshman Classes

In the fall of 2006, the University of Washington's Bothell and Tacoma campuses admitted their first freshman classes. These campuses were originally designed for students who had completed two years of higher education, but have since evolved into four-year universities.

2007: Men's Rowing National Championship

In 2007, the men's rowing team won the national championship.

May 2008: Long Journey Home Ceremonial Event

In May 2008, the University of Washington held the Long Journey Home ceremonial event, recognizing Japanese American students and "soon-to-be" graduates who were unable to transfer successfully or receive diplomas before being incarcerated in 1942.

2008: Women's Cross Country National Championship

In 2008, the NCAA Division I women's cross country team won the national championship.

2008: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2008, the men's basketball team, coached by Lorenzo Romar, went to the NCAA tournament.

May 1, 2009: Swim Teams Discontinued

On May 1, 2009, the University of Washington discontinued its men's and women's swim teams due to budget cuts.

2009: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2009, the men's basketball team, coached by Lorenzo Romar, went to the NCAA tournament.

2009: National Championships

In 2009, the softball team and the men's rowing team won national championships.

2010: Scott Roth Wins NCAA Men's Indoor Pole Vault Championship

In 2010, Scott Roth was the NCAA men's Indoor Pole Vault champion.

2010: The Daily's Double Shot Launched

In 2010, The Daily of the University of Washington launched a half-hour weekly television magazine show, "The Daily's Double Shot", on UWTV Channel 27.

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2010: Signing of Climate Commitment

In 2010, UW President Emmert furthered the university's efforts and signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment with a host of other universities across the United States.

2010: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2010, the men's basketball team, coached by Lorenzo Romar, went to the NCAA tournament.

2011: National Championships

In 2011, Scott Roth was the NCAA men's Outdoor Pole Vault and NCAA men's Indoor Pole Vault champion and the men's rowing team won a national championship.

2011: Sustainability Report Card Grade

In 2011, the University of Washington received a grade of "A−" on the Sustainable Endowments Institute's College Sustainability Report Card.

2011: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2011, the men's basketball team, coached by Lorenzo Romar, went to the NCAA tournament.

2012: Faculty and Student Achievements

As of 2012, the university's faculty included numerous members of prestigious societies and winners of notable awards. Additionally, UW students had achieved 136 Fulbright Scholarships, 35 Rhodes Scholarships, 7 Marshall Scholarships, and 4 Gates Cambridge Scholarships.

2012: William Henry Gates II ends term as regent

In 2012, William Henry Gates II concluded his term as a regent of the University of Washington.

2012: Campus Expansion Plans

In 2012, the University of Washington began exploring plans and governmental approval to expand the main Seattle campus, including significant increases in student housing, teaching facilities, and public transit options.

2012: Research Budget Milestone

In 2012, the University of Washington's research budget surpassed the $1.0 billion milestone.

2012: Men's Rowing National Championship

In 2012, the men's rowing team won the national championship.

2012: Campus Policies to Manage Growth

Starting in 2012, the University of Washington began taking active measures to explore, plan and enact a series of campus policies to manage the annual growth.

2013: Men's Rowing National Championship

In 2013, the men's rowing team won the national championship.

2013: The Boys in the Boat Published

In 2013, the story of the 1936 Olympic gold medal-winning crew was depicted in the bestseller "The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown.

2014: Underwater Cabled Observatory

In 2014, the University of Washington School of Oceanography and the UW Applied Physics Laboratory completed the construction of the first high-power underwater cabled observatory in the United States.

2014: Men's Rowing National Championship

In 2014, the men's rowing team won the national championship.

2014: North Campus Development Plan

In late 2014, the University of Washington administrators proposed a new, multimillion-dollar, multi-phase development plan to refine portions of the North Campus. This plan included renovating and replacing old student housing with new LEED-certified complexes, introducing new academic facilities, sports fields, open greenery, and museums.

2015: National Champions (Men)

In 2015, the Husky men's crew won the national championship.

2015: Men's Rowing National Championship

In 2015, the men's rowing team won the national championship.

March 2016: Completion of the University of Washington Light Rail Station

In March 2016, the University of Washington light rail station was completed, connecting Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood to the UW Husky Stadium within five minutes of rail travel time.

March 19, 2016: Light-Rail Station Opens

On March 19, 2016, the underground light-rail station at the rebuilt Husky Stadium opened.

2016: College Football Playoff Appearance

In 2016, the University of Washington's football team appeared in the College Football Playoff.

April 2017: Cyberattacks Began

Cyberattacks launched by Chinese hackers on academic institutions, including the University of Washington, to gain information on technology being developed for the United States Navy began in April 2017.

2017: Fulbright Scholars Ranking

In 2017, UW was recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars, ranking 2nd in the US.

2017: Experimental College Ceased Operation

In 2017, the ASUW Experimental College ceased operation.

2017: Leiden Ranking

In 2017, the Leiden Ranking, which focuses on science and the impact of scientific publications, ranked the University of Washington 12th globally and 5th in the U.S.

2017: West Campus Utility Plant Added

In 2017, the West Campus Utility Plant (WCUP) was added to campus.

2017: University Financial Report

In 2017, the university reported $4.893 billion in revenues and $5.666 billion in expenses, resulting in an operating loss of $774 million, which was offset by other revenues, increasing the university's net position by $363 million. The university also reported $443.383 million of investment income in fiscal year 2017.

2018: Washington Monthly National University Rankings

In 2018, the University of Washington was ranked 15th domestically in the Washington Monthly National University Rankings, based on its contribution to the public good.

2019: Kiplinger Magazine's Review

In 2019, Kiplinger magazine named the University of Washington 5th for in-state students and 10th for out-of-state students among U.S. public colleges in their review of "top college values."

2019: Cyberattacks Reported

In 2019, iDefense reported that Chinese hackers had launched cyberattacks on academic institutions, including the University of Washington, in an attempt to gain information on technology being developed for the United States Navy.

2019: Opening of the Bill & Melinda Gates Center For Computer Science & Engineering

In 2019, the Bill & Melinda Gates Center For Computer Science & Engineering opened in East Campus at the University of Washington.

2019: SCImago Institutions Rankings

In 2019, the University of Washington was ranked 10th among universities worldwide by SCImago Institutions Rankings.

2019: University Rankings in 2019

In 2019, the University of Washington was ranked 14th worldwide by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), 26th worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 28th worldwide in the Times World Reputation Rankings, and 68th worldwide by the QS World University Rankings.

2020: Recognition of Top Donors

As of 2020, the University of Washington's Honor Roll of Donors recognized top contributors, including Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the late Paul G. Allen, and many others.

2020: National Merit Scholars

In the 2020–2021 academic year, 24 freshman students were National Merit Scholars.

2020: Scheduled building construction and renovations

New building construction and renovations have been scheduled to take place through 2020 at the University of Washington.

2021: University Endowments Reach Milestone

By 2021, University of Washington endowments reached almost $5.0 billion.

2021: Freshman ACT scores

In 2021, of the 8% of enrolled freshmen who submitted ACT scores; the middle 50 percent Composite score was between 29 and 34.

2021: Class of 2025 Enrolls

In the fall of 2021, 7,252 students enrolled in the University of Washington as part of the Class of 2025. UW's freshman retention rate is 93%, with 84% going on to graduate within six years.

2023: Enrollment as of Fall 2023

As of fall 2023, the University of Washington had 50,097 total enrollments, making it the largest university on the West Coast by student population.

2023: Energy Decarbonization Plan Created

From late 2023 into the end of 2024, the University of Washington created an actionable energy systems decarbonization plan.

2023: Wage Increase Proposal

In 2023, the University of Washington proposed pay increases for research scientists and postdocs. The offer included an average 15% total wage increase for postdocs, including 13% in January due to new minimums, as well as higher minimum salaries.

2023: College Football Playoff Appearance

In 2023, the University of Washington's football team appeared in the College Football Playoff.

2024: Conference Realignment Agreement

Following the 2024 conference realignment, the University of Washington and Washington State University agreed to continue the Apple Cup through at least 2028.

2024: Energy Decarbonization Plan

From late 2023 into the end of 2024, the University of Washington created an actionable energy systems decarbonization plan with the help from an outside energy consultant team.

2024: U.S. News & World Report Ranking

In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Washington 6th out of nearly 1,500 universities worldwide, and its undergraduate program was tied for 40th among national universities in the U.S.

2024: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report

In 2024, it was found that 93% of the university's direct greenhouse gas emissions originated from the natural gas combustion system within the UW's central power plant.

2024: Admissions Policy

In 2024, the University of Washington does not require submission of SAT or ACT scores for admission. In 2024, newly enrolled students had a median high school GPA of 3.82.

2024: UW Research and Development Spending

In 2024, the University of Washington spent $1.73 billion on research and development, ranking it fifth in the nation according to the National Science Foundation.

February 3, 2025: Robert J. Jones Announced as 34th President

On February 3, 2025, the Board of Regents announced that Robert J. Jones would succeed Ana Mari Cause as the 34th president of the University of Washington.

May 2025: Protest Damage and Arrests

In May 2025, pro-Palestinian protestors caused approximately $1 million in damage to the University of Washington's Interdisciplinary Engineering Building. 31 people were arrested.

August 2025: Robert J. Jones Takes Office

In August 2025, Robert J. Jones officially took office as the 34th president of the University of Washington.

2025: Class of 2025 Admissions

For the Class of 2025 (enrolled fall 2021), the University of Washington received 48,840 applications and accepted 26,121 (53.5%). Of those accepted, 7,252 enrolled.

2028: Apple Cup Continuation

Following the 2024 conference realignment, the University of Washington and Washington State University agreed to continue the Apple Cup at least until 2028.