How has the University changed?

1814 – 1823

Thomas Jefferson corresponds with other architects and draws plans for the University's Academical Village.

1825

The first classes meet at the University of Virginia, with faculty teaching more than 100 students by year's end.

1895

Faulty electrical wiring starts fire in the Rotunda and Annex; by evening, little but a shell remains.

1953

Receiving a doctorate in education, Walter N. Ridley becomes the first African American to earn a degree from the University.

1970

Undergraduate admissions become open to women; 45% of incoming first-year students are female.

1987

UNESCO puts the University on its World Heritage list of properties with outstanding universal value for the world's cultural and natural heritage.

1993

U.S. News & World Report ranks U.Va. the nation's #1 public university.

2006

The 16,000-seat John Paul Jones Arena opens, serving as home for men's and women's basketball teams as well as concerts, shows, and community events.