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Celebrating 150 Years - University of Colorado Boulder

 

We're part of something big.

150 Years of Transforming Lives

old main building in 1877

1876–1892: The Founding Era

The University of Colorado Boulder’s founding coincided with Colorado’s statehood in 1876, embodying the state’s commitment to education and progress.

Early football game at CU Boulder

1892–1914: Expanding Horizons

The Progressive Era brought growth and expansion to CU Boulder as enrollment climbed, new disciplines emerged, and the campus welcomed its first international students.

lucile berkeley buchanan

1914–1939: The Great War, Depression and New Deal

CU Boulder weathered global upheaval during WWI and the Great Depression. Students enlisted, faculty adapted, and the influenza epidemic disrupted campus routines.

Training exercises at the U.S. Navy Japanese Language Training School at CU Boulder

1939–1954: WWII, Cold War and Expansion

World War II transformed CU Boulder into a hub of scientific research and national service.

chicano movement protesters

1954–1974: Civil Rights and Social Change

Like many college campuses across the country, CU Boulder was an important site for advocacy, protest and social transformation during the 1950s to 1970s.

Students attend a lecture in a classroom using distance learning technology.

1974-1996: Modernization, Growth and Technological Advancements

CU Boulder entered the global stage, expanding research institutes as faculty pioneered transformative advances in chemistry, computing, physics, environmental science, space, energy, entrepreneurship and other disciplines

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission launched on November 18, 2013

1996-2016: The New Millennium

Entering the 21st century, CU Boulder embraced rapid technological change and global connectivity. The campus expanded its research footprint, becoming a leader in aerospace, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

stefanie johnson speaking at the 2024 chancellor summit

2016—2026: Looking Forward

CU Boulder’s most recent decade has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking vision.

This anniversary provides our communities a rare chance to reflect on where we’ve been, examine where we are today and imagine the next big ideas that will shape our future. Explore all the eras of the CU Boulder over the past 150 years. Throughout the year, stories, exhibits and events will highlight CU Boulder’s impact on people, communities and society. 

150 Years

Blazing Trail for 150 Years at CU Boulder

old main building in 1877 with flatirons in background

Museum of Boulder
January 16, 2026 – March 1, 2026 

Visit the Museum of Boulder’s CU Boulder exhibit, celebrating a century and a half of innovation, advocacy and discovery on our campus, opening on January 16.

150th Anniversary Historical Buffs

As the university reflects on the eras of CU Boulder history, we are publishing lists of notable Buffs from the past—including some lesser-known individuals who may be a surprise.

Meet the Buffs

Share your 150th Anniversary Ideas & Feedback
All submissions will be routed for review via the CU Boulder 150th steering committee.

Submit an idea

150th Anniversary Events

150th Anniversary News

Be Part of Something Big: America 250 - Colorado 150

150th Project Team

Executive Sponsors
  • Ann Schmiesing, Senior Vice Chancellor, Strategic Initiatives
  • Ryan Chreist, Associate Vice Chancellor, Strategic Initiatives
  • Katherine Eggert, Vice Chancellor, Academic Planning and Assessment
  • Katy Herbert Kotlarczyk, Vice Chancellor, Advancement
  • Jon Leslie, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Relations and Communication
  • D’Andra Mull, Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
Steering Committee
  • Sarah Adderholt, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Events, Protocol and Outreach
  • Lori Call, Associate Vice Chancellor Local Government and Community Relations
  • Theresa Hernandez, Professor and Director, Crawford Family WHOLE student athlete program
  • David Humphrey, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Leadership Support and Programming
  • Hon. Gary Jackson, Alumnus
  • Taylor Jarvis, Executive Director, Marketing and Communications
  • Polly McLean, Assoc. Professor, Media Studies
  • Carolyn Moreau, Assistant Dean, Communications and External Relations
  • Hope Saska, Acting Director, Chief Curator and Director of Academic Engagement
  • Jennifer Schufer, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Marketing and Content Strategy
  • Stein Sture, Vice Chancellor for Research Emeritus and Professor Emeritus, Engineering
  • William Wei, Professor, History