A look at IU's history

1816-50
In 1816, the first Constitution of Indiana was adopted and outlined a general education system that included a state university.

By 1820 it was decided a state seminary would be established. The first class, enrolled in 1824, totaled 13 men.

Legislation officially changed the State Seminary to Indiana College in 1828, and Andrew Wylie acted as the official first president. But Indiana College did not last long— it became Indiana University in 1838.

1851-1900
These 50 years proved to be years of growth for IU in physical space, academic offerings and athletic excellence.

In 1852, the University was officially recognized as “The University of the State,” and Alfred Ryers was named president.

By 1867, IU was one of the first state colleges to admit women. That same year the campus newspaper, The Indiana Student (later changed to the Indiana Daily Student), began printing.

The school also ventured into sports, as men’s baseball became IU’s first known athletic team. In 1886 the football team was established, followed by the basketball team about 12 years later.

In 1869, Sarah Park Morrison became the first woman to graduate from IU.

While growth on the Bloomington campus continued steadily with an increase in land and properties and the construction of multiple buildings, IU expanded academics even further. In 1891, IU offered the first extension course in Indianapolis.

More than 25 years after the Indiana Student began publishing, it expanded and the Arbutus Yearbook was born. At the turn of the century, the Kirkwood Observatory was constructed, and still remains on the IU-Bloomington campus.

1901-50
While much of the progress made up to 1900 continued, other measures helped make IU the academic powerhouse it is today.

In 1903, the University established the School of Medicine, making it the first of many schools at IU.

One year later, the graduate school opened. In 1908, the School of Education was created.

In 1909, IU instituted the Indiana Union for Men. In 1913 the IU Alumni Association was formed, and, the following year, IU formed the “Training School for Nurses,” which later became the School of Nursing.

The early 1920s marked the creation of two of IU’s most renowned schools: the School of Commerce and Finance (the current Kelley School of Business) in 1920 and the School of Music in 1921.

In 1937, Herman B Wells became the 11th president of IU, and, despite criticism, the Kinsey Institute was established in 1940 with the help and support of President Wells.
Dormitories and the IU Auditorium were also important additions to the school during this time.

1951-Present
Progress continued from 1951 well into the present day.

In 1952, the Indiana Memorial Union finally allowed women into the organization.

The year 1960 saw the completion of the Lilly Library, which is now well- known for its collection of rare books, manuscripts and sheet music. In 1966, the campus introduced the first University-owned bus system.

The 1970s marked the formation of culture centers on campus. In 1973, both the Black Culture Center and the Latino Culture Center opened.

The school gained fame when it appeared as the setting and a major part of the plotline for the 1979 film “Breaking Away,” starring Dennis Quaid.

Construction continued around campus, and in 1981 the IU Art Museum was finished. Almost 15 years later the Student Recreational Sports Center was completed.
In 1998 IU established the Asian Culture Center.

IU continues to evolve with the addition of a new dorm complex on the northeast side of campus and a major life sciences initiative to lead the state and country in medical research.