UCLA: A Century of Innovation, Opportunity, and Impact

From its humble beginnings as a teachers' college to its current status as a world-renowned research university, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has consistently led the way in education, research, and public service. This timeline explores the key milestones and transformative moments that have shaped UCLA's first 100 years, highlighting its commitment to social mobility, groundbreaking discoveries, and enduring connection to the city of Los Angeles.

Early Years: Establishing a Foundation

UCLA's story begins in March 1881, when the California State Legislature authorized the creation of a southern branch of the California State Normal School (now San José State University) in downtown Los Angeles. This decision, driven by State Senator Reginaldo Francisco del Valle's advocacy, aimed to address the growing need for trained teachers in Southern California.

1881: The California State Legislature approves the creation of a southern branch of the California State Normal School in Los Angeles.
August 29, 1882: The "Los Angeles branch of the California State Normal School" opens on what is now the site of the Central Library of the Los Angeles Public Library system.
1914: The school moves to a new campus on Vermont Avenue (now the site of Los Angeles City College) in East Hollywood.
May 23, 1919: Governor William D. Stephens signs Assembly Bill 626, establishing the Southern Branch of the University of California.
1919: The Southern Branch offers a two-year undergraduate program in education to 1,125 students.
1922: A four-year Bachelor of Education degree program is added.
1927: The Southern Branch officially becomes the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

The Move to Westwood and Expansion

As UCLA's enrollment and academic offerings expanded, the need for a larger campus became evident. In 1925, the Regents announced the selection of the "Beverly Site" (now Westwood) for the new campus.

1925: The Regents select the "Beverly Site" (Westwood) for the new UCLA campus.
1927: Construction begins on the Westwood campus.
1929: The first undergraduate classes are held on the new Westwood campus, with 5,500 students. The campus consists of four original buildings: the College Library (now Powell Library), Royce Hall, the Physics-Biology Building (now Renee and David Kaplan Hall), and the Chemistry Building (now Haines Hall).
1930: Hershey Hall, the first building dedicated to housing, is built.
1934: UCLA receives the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, significantly enriching its resources and paving the way for additional colleges and professional schools.
1935: The College of Commerce (later the graduate School of Business Administration) is established.

Overcoming Challenges and Contributing to the War Effort

The Great Depression and World War II presented significant challenges to UCLA, but the university persevered and contributed to the war effort in various ways.

1930s: The Great Depression slows down UCLA's development but does not halt it.
December 7, 1941: The attack on Pearl Harbor transforms UCLA into a wartime campus. The curriculum is adjusted to assist students entering military service, and an "Engineering, Science and Management War Training" program is established.
1943: The UCLA College of Engineering is established. UCLA becomes responsible for Project 36 of the Manhattan Project.
August 15, 1945: By the end of the war, 5,702 stars, of which 151 were gold for the Bruins who lost their lives, are on a service banner in Kerckhoff Hall.

Post-War Growth and Academic Excellence

Following World War II, UCLA experienced a period of rapid growth and academic development, solidifying its position as a leading research university.

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1946 and 1947: The UCLA Medical and Law Schools are established.
1947: The Department of Theater Arts is established.
1950: SWAC, one of the nation's first large computers, is built at UCLA.
1951: UCLA is formally elevated to coequal status with UC Berkeley, with both institutions headed by chancellors. Raymond B. Allen becomes the first UCLA chief executive to be granted the title of chancellor.
1956: IBM establishes the Western Data Processing Center at UCLA.
1959: Clarence A. Dykstra Residence Hall is dedicated, marking the beginning of on-campus housing expansion.
1960: Franklin David Murphy is appointed chancellor, sparking an era of tremendous growth in facilities and faculty honors.
1964: UCLA Basketball's powerhouse status begins.

Addressing Social Issues and Promoting Diversity

UCLA has a long history of addressing social issues and promoting diversity, creating a more inclusive and equitable campus community.

1993: The UCLA César E. Chávez Center is Founded.
2009: First Volunteer Day Leads to new Volunteer Center.
2017: Horace Mann UCLA Community School Opens in South LA.
2022: UCLA signs an agreement to partner with the Tongva for the caretaking and landscaping of various areas of the campus.

Centennial Initiatives and Future Directions

As UCLA celebrates its centennial, the university is committed to building upon its legacy of innovation, opportunity, and impact.

2019: A series of year-long centennial initiatives begin, expanding UCLA's commitment to service and equity.

Key Moments and Achievements

Throughout its history, UCLA has been the site of numerous groundbreaking achievements and transformative moments.

Firsts: UCLA is a campus of firsts, from the first internet transmission to the first mother in space to the first player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
Research: UCLA is consistently ranked among the nation's premier research universities, with numerous departments and programs achieving top rankings.
Social Mobility: UCLA is an engine of social mobility and progress, providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their full potential.
Impact on Los Angeles: UCLA has a profound impact on the city of Los Angeles, shaping its culture, economy, and progressive nature.

Campus Landmarks and Facilities

UCLA's campus is home to numerous iconic landmarks and state-of-the-art facilities.

Royce Hall: One of the four original buildings on campus, Royce Hall is a symbol of UCLA's academic excellence and architectural beauty.
Powell Library: Originally the University Library, Powell Library is a vital resource for students and researchers.
Janss Steps: The original entrance to the university, the Janss Steps lead to the quad of the four original buildings.
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden: A serene oasis on campus, the sculpture garden features works by renowned artists.
Hannah Carter Japanese Garden: Located in Bel Air, the Japanese Garden is a tranquil escape designed by landscape architects Nagao Sakurai and Kazuo Nakamura.
UCLA Medical Center: A leading medical facility, the UCLA Medical Center provides world-class healthcare and serves as a teaching hospital for the David Geffen School of Medicine.

Academic Profile and Rankings

UCLA consistently ranks among the top universities in the world, recognized for its academic excellence, research output, and distinguished faculty.

Rankings: UCLA is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world by various publications, including U.S. News & World Report, Times Higher Education, and QS World University Rankings.
Admissions: UCLA is highly selective, receiving a large number of applications each year. Admission rates vary across colleges, with the College of Letters and Science and the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science being particularly competitive.
Libraries: UCLA's library system is one of the largest in the United States, with over nine million books and 70,000 serials.

Athletics

UCLA's athletic teams, the Bruins, have a long and storied history of success.

Bruins: The Bruins participate in NCAA Division I as part of the Big Ten Conference.
Rose Bowl: The Bruin men's football team plays home games at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

UCLA Traditions

UCLA has several traditions that have been passed down through generations of students.

"Mighty Bruins": To mark its 50th anniversary, the UCLA Alumni Association commissioned "Mighty Bruins" and presents The Bruin bear statue to the university.

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