UC Riverside

"If you don't know where you have been, you won't know where you are going."

University of California, Riverside Campus Timeline

The history of UC Riverside dates back over 100 years to the creation of the Riverside Citrus Experiment Station. Here are a few of the highlights:

• EnlargeFebruary 14, 1907
  The Riverside Citrus Experiment Station, the forbearer of the University, opens for business.
• April 21, 1948
  Governor Earl Warren signs legislation authorizing the University of California to open campuses in Riverside and Davis, earmarking $2 million for initial planning and design costs.
• EnlargeJuly 30, 1952
  UCR holds ground-breaking ceremonies. Construction begins immediately on Webber Hall, Geology, Physical Education, Watkins Hall and Life Sciences.
• December 7, 1953
  The first library building is completed and opens on Dec. 24 stocked with 33,000 volumes.
• EnlargeFebruary 15, 1954
  One hundred and twenty-seven students and 65 faculty members arrive for their first day of classes. The next day, Charles Young is elected student body president. He later becomes chancellor of UCLA.
• June 20, 1954
  The first 20 students graduate from UCR.
• October 19, 1954
  UCR is officially dedicated.
• EnlargeAugust, 1955
  The big "C" on Box Springs Mountain is made with cement and equipment donated by the E.L. Yeager Construction Co. Surveying work is done by students. At 132 feet long, it is the largest concrete block letter on record.
• 1955
  “Highlanders” is adopted as the campus mascot following a vote of the student body. The Scottish theme is embraced for several campus groups and buildings.
• EnlargeApril 18, 1959
  UC Regents vote to make UCR a "general" campus, complete with graduate instruction and professional schools.
• 1960
  The College of Agriculture is founded, successfully combining the work done at the Agricultural Experiment Station with undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• EnlargeOctober 2, 1966
  The carillon tower is dedicated.
• February 2, 1967
  UCR offers a Bachelor of Science degree for the first time to students majoring in chemistry, geology or physics.
• EnlargeMay 16, 1984
  Chancellor Tomás Rivera suffers a heart attack and dies. On Feb. 19, 1985, the library is officially named for him.
• April, 1998
  Students approve a plan for UCR’s athletics teams to join NCAA Division I. In March 2000, UCR is accepted into the Big West Conference.
• April 15, 2005
  The UCR Palm Desert Graduate Center opens.
• November, 2006
  The University’s plans for a medical school are accepted.