The University of Arizona was established in 1885, and 27 years later, Arizona became a state. The first building, Old Main, was completed in 1890. It housed the School of Agriculture with classrooms, labs and a mess hall.
There were many obstacles on the path to opening the university. However, we never gave up on our mission. Our first graduating class of three students in 1895 set us on an incredible journey of learning and discovery with stories of wonder that continue to shape our Wildcat spirit.
The 'Bear Down' Story
“Tell them... tell the team to bear down.”
University of Arizona Athletics’ most enduring tradition is the slogan and battle cry, "Bear Down." Learn about John "Button" Salmon and the lasting legacy he created at the university.
Homecoming
It’s a tradition that dates back to 1914 and has only been suspended due to World War I in 1918 and World War II from 1942-45.
'A' Mountain
Victories over Pomona College in 1914 and 1915 inspired football player and civil engineering student Albert H. Condron. He went to one of his professors and suggested building an “A” on Sentinel Peak.
UArizona Campus
A member of the Board of Regents picked out land east of Tucson as the best spot to build the new university. The deed to the land, owned by two professional gamblers and a saloon keeper, was filed in 1886 and ground was broken on Old Main in 1887.
Wilbur and Wilma
Every great sports team needs a great mascot, right? At the University of Arizona we’re lucky to have two — Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat.
Pride of Arizona
The university established a non-military band in 1907. The original ROTC Band dissolved in 1920 when the UArizona band began offering one unit credit and saw its ranks swell to 40 musicians.
Cactus Garden
The University of Arizona opened in October 1891 and the original cactus garden was created that same fall by Professor James W. Toumey, the botanist for the Agricultural Experiment Station.
Territorial Cup
The tradition of the Territorial Cup goes all the way back to 1899, the year the University of Arizona first fielded a football team.
Wildcat for Life Story
At UArizona, a student is considered a Wildcat for Life from the moment they enroll. Whatever alumni do and wherever they go, they know that they will always be a vital part of this university.