History of University of Washington in Timeline

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

1900: First Apple Cup game contested

In 1900, the first Apple Cup game was contested against cross-state rival Washington State University, with UW leading the all-time series.

1901: Rowing tradition dates back to 1901

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

1901: First power plant replaced

In 1901, the first UW power plant was replaced as the campus’ energy needs began to grow.

1907: Washington football teams begin unbeaten streak

From 1907, Washington's football teams were unbeaten in 64 consecutive games, an NCAA record lasting until 1917.

1908: Demolition of the Original Territorial University Building

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

1909: Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition

In 1909, the Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition used the University of Washington campus grounds for their world's fair. The organizers agreed that Washington would take over the campus and its development after the fair's conclusion. This arrangement led to a detailed site plan and several new buildings.

1916: Construction of the Liberal Arts Quadrangle begins

In 1916, Construction of the Liberal Arts Quadrangle, known as "The Quad," began at the University of Washington.

1917: Washington football teams unbeaten streak ends

In 1917, Washington's football teams unbeaten streak ended after 64 consecutive games, an NCAA record that began in 1907.

1920: Tailgating by boat becomes Husky Stadium tradition

Since 1920, when Husky Stadium was first built on the shores of Lake Washington, tailgating by boat has been a Husky Stadium tradition.

1922: Husky selected as school mascot

In 1922, the husky was selected as the University of Washington's school mascot by the student committee, replacing the "Sun Dodger".

1926: Carl Fennema alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1926, Carl Fennema became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1926: Construction of Suzzallo Library

In 1926, the University of Washington's architectural centerpiece, Suzzallo Library, was built.

1934: Minoru Yamasaki and Chet Huntley alumni of the University of Washington

In 1934, Minoru Yamasaki and Chet Huntley became alumni of the University of Washington.

1935: Henry M. Jackson alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1935, Henry M. Jackson became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1935: Expansion of Suzzallo Library

In 1935, Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington was expanded.

1936: Joe Rantz alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1936, Joe Rantz became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1936: Men's crew gains international prominence at Summer Olympics

In 1936, the Washington men's crew gained international prominence by winning 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 was criticized for hiring Economics Professor Harold J. Laski, a British Marxist, as a visiting lecturer.

1939: Irv Robbins alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1939, Irv Robbins became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1939: Completion of Liberal Arts Quadrangle construction

In 1939, construction of the Liberal Arts Quadrangle, known as "The Quad," was completed at the University of Washington.

1942: Internment of Japanese Americans

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

October 2, 1946: Opening of the University of Washington Medical School

On October 2, 1946, the University of Washington formally opened a medical school as part of a School of Health Sciences. The operation was spearheaded by President Henry Suzzallo based on plans created earlier in 1884. The G.I. Bill provided funding for buildings and salaries, establishing the foundation for the University of Washington Medical Center.

1948: Truman Administration Suspicion

In 1948, the University of Washington was highly suspect by the Truman Administration.

1949: Investigations into Faculty Members

In 1949, Thomas H. Bienz declared that "At least 150 [University faculty members] are Communists" and soon thereafter two investigations were started by the Canwell Committee and the University. Professor Herbert Phillips, professor Joe Butterworth and professor Ralph Gundlach were dismissed after the investigations.

1954: J. Robert Oppenheimer Nomination Controversy

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. Oppenheimer never accepted the invitations, and President Dr. Henry Schmitz disapproved of his nomination.

1954: Robert Osborne alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1954, Robert Osborne became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1956: University starts switch from coal to natural gas

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

1958: Start of Charles Odegaard's Leadership

From 1958, the University of Washington saw a tremendous growth in student enrollment, its faculties and operating budget, and also its prestige under the leadership of Charles Odegaard.

1958: Odegaard's Vision and Investment Increase

In 1958, Charles Odegaard instituted a vision of building a "community of scholars", convincing the Washington State legislatures to increase investment in the university.

1958: Men's crew win over Leningrad Trud's world champion rowers at the Moscow Cup

In 1958, the men's crew deepened their legend with a win over Leningrad Trud's world champion rowers at the Moscow Cup.

1960: Football team wins national title

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

1965: Dale Chihuly alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1965, Dale Chihuly became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1968: Start of Student Activism Era

From 1968, the University of Washington experienced an era marked by high levels of student activism, focusing around civil rights.

June 29, 1969: Bomb Detonation on Campus

On June 29, 1969, a bomb detonated on the University of Washington 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," after which activists demanded Owen's resignation and the rest of the black football players on the team refused to play.

March 25, 1970: Appointment of Dr. Robert Flennaugh

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

1973: Operating Budget Increase

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

1973: End of Charles Odegaard's Leadership

In 1973, Charles Odegaard's leadership at the University of Washington ended, after a period of tremendous growth in student enrollment, its faculties and operating budget, and also its prestige.

1975: Student Protest of University Hiring Practices

In 1975, 2,000 students protested university hiring practices on the University of Washington campus through May 13 and 14.

1977: Marilynne Robinson alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1977, Marilynne Robinson became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1978: Kenny G alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1978, Kenny G became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1985: Mark Arm alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1985, Mark Arm became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1986: Rainn Wilson alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1986, Rainn Wilson became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1988: Chris DeWolfe alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1988, Chris DeWolfe became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1988: University finishes switch from coal to natural gas

In 1988, the University of Washington finished their switch from coal to natural gas in their power plant.

1990: Opening of UW Bothell and Tacoma 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: Football team wins national title

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

1995: Joel McHale alumnus of the University of Washington

In 1995, Joel McHale became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

1997: Women's team wins the NCAA championship

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

2000: Joel McHale alumnus of the University of Washington

In 2000, Joel McHale became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

2001: Andrew Harms alumnus of the University of Washington

In 2001, Andrew Harms became an alumnus of the University of Washington.

2003: Men's basketball team in NCAA tournament

In 2003, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament under coach Lorenzo Romar.

2004: Men's basketball team in NCAA tournament

In 2004, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament under coach Lorenzo Romar.

December 23, 2005: Men's basketball team wins 800th victory in Hec Edmundson Pavilion

On December 23, 2005, the men's basketball team won their 800th victory in Hec Edmundson Pavilion, marking the most wins for any NCAA team in its current arena.

2005: Women's volleyball team becomes national champions

In 2005, the University of Washington's women's volleyball team became national champions and James Lepp was the NCAA men's golf champion.

2006: Ryan Brown and Amy Lia win 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: Men's basketball team in NCAA tournament

In 2006, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament under coach Lorenzo Romar.

2006: First Freshman Classes Admitted at Bothell and Tacoma

In the fall of 2006, the first freshman classes were admitted to the University of Washington's Bothell and Tacoma campuses.

2007: Men's rowing team becomes national champions

In 2007, the University of Washington's men's rowing team became national champions.

May 2008: Long Journey Home Ceremonial Event

In May 2008, the University of Washington held the Long Journey Home ceremonial event to recognize the accomplishments of Japanese American students who were unable to complete their studies due to their incarceration during World War II.

2008: NCAA Division I women's cross country team becomes national champions

In 2008, the University of Washington's NCAA Division I women's cross country team became national champions.

2008: Men's basketball team in NCAA tournament

In 2008, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament under coach Lorenzo Romar.

May 1, 2009: Men's and women's 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: Softball team becomes national champions

In 2009, the University of Washington's softball team became national champions.

2009: Men's basketball team in NCAA tournament

In 2009, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament under coach Lorenzo Romar.

2010: Scott Roth NCAA men's Indoor Pole Vault champion

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

2010: Men's basketball team in NCAA tournament

In 2010, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament under coach Lorenzo Romar.

2011: Men's rowing team becomes national champions

In 2011, the University of Washington's men's rowing team became national champions and Scott Roth was the NCAA men's Outdoor Pole Vault champion.

2011: Men's basketball team in NCAA tournament

In 2011, the men's basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament under coach Lorenzo Romar.

2012: UW faculty and students recognized

As of 2012, the University of Washington boasts numerous distinguished faculty members, including members of prestigious associations and winners of various awards, and its students have earned recognition as Fulbright Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars and Gates Cambridge Scholars.

2012: UW begins active measures to manage annual growth

In 2012, the University of Washington began taking active measures to explore, plan, and enact a series of campus policies to manage annual growth, addressing strains on regional housing and transportation facilities.

2012: Men's rowing team becomes national champions

In 2012, the University of Washington's men's rowing team became national champions.

2012: Expansion Plans for Seattle Campus

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

2013: Men's rowing team becomes national champions

In 2013, the University of Washington's men's rowing team became national champions.

2013: The Boys in the Boat bestseller released

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

2014: Men's rowing team becomes national champions

In 2014, the University of Washington's men's rowing team became national champions.

2014: North Campus Development Plan Proposed

In late 2014, administrators proposed a new, multimillion-dollar, multi-phase development plan to refine portions of the North Campus at the University of Washington, including renovations and replacements of old student housing, new academic facilities, sports fields, open greenery, and museums.

2015: Men's rowing team becomes national champions

In 2015, the University of Washington's men's rowing team became national champions.

2015: Husky men are the 2015 national champions

The Husky men's rowing team are the 2015 national champions.

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: Underground light-rail station opens at Husky Stadium

On March 19, 2016, an underground light-rail station opened at the rebuilt Husky Stadium as part of the major remodel.

2016: Football team appears in College Football Playoff

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

2017: UW recognized as top producer of Fulbright Scholars

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

2017: West Campus Utility Plant added to campus

In 2017, the West Campus Utility Plant (WCUP) was added to campus as a backup power supply to research buildings and to generate and store chilled water for cooling.

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 University of Washington.

2020: Scheduled building construction and renovations through 2020

Through 2020, the University of Washington scheduled new building construction and renovations, including residence halls and apartment complexes, as part of its plan to manage campus growth.

2023: University of Washington created actionable energy systems decarbonization plan

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

2023: Salary increases proposals for research scientists and postdocs

In 2023, the University of Washington proposed salary increases for research scientists of about 10% over three years plus changes in the pay structure and a catch-up increase of 3.25% for those who did not get a merit raise the previous year. For postdocs, the original UW offer was an average 15% total wage increase in 2023, including 13% in January when new minimums were introduced, plus higher minimum salaries.

2023: Football team appears in College Football Playoff

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

2024: Greenhouse gas emissions originated from the natural gas combustion system

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

2024: Schools agree to continue the Apple Cup through at least 2028

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

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.

2024: University of Washington created actionable energy systems decarbonization plan

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.

2028: Schools agree to continue the Apple Cup through at least 2028

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

2035: Target to be fossil fuel free by 2035

By 2035, the University of Washington hopes to completely phase out natural gas from their heating systems and to be fossil fuel free in regard to their direct emissions.