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Lighting the way
for
100 Years

What began as a teachers college in Downtown Los Angeles grew into one of the world’s greatest universities. An engine of social mobility. A catalyst for progress and profound insights once beyond our reach. For 100 years, leading the way toward a better tomorrow.
1927
Black and white image of a field with construction in the background. There is a man standing in the foreground of the field with a pole, and two men further in the foreground - one is taking a picture of the first man, and the other is writing something down in a notebook.
Construction Begins on Westwood campus
1964
A team of basketball players and their coach gather around a trophy
UCLA Basketball's Powerhouse Status Begins
1993
Speakers on a grassy hill address an audience holding protest signs
The UCLA César E. Chávez Center is Founded
2009
A group of UCLA students are wearing blue and yellow UCLA shirts on a bus. They are all smiling.
First Volunteer Day Leads to new Volunteer Center
2017
School principal with students by staircase
Horace Mann UCLA Community School Opens in South LA
1927
Black and white image of a field with construction in the background. There is a man standing in the foreground of the field with a pole, and two men further in the foreground - one is taking a picture of the first man, and the other is writing something down in a notebook.
Construction Begins on Westwood campus
1964
A team of basketball players and their coach gather around a trophy
UCLA Basketball's Powerhouse Status Begins
1993
Speakers on a grassy hill address an audience holding protest signs
The UCLA César E. Chávez Center is Founded
2009
A group of UCLA students are wearing blue and yellow UCLA shirts on a bus. They are all smiling.
First Volunteer Day Leads to new Volunteer Center
2017
School principal with students by staircase
Horace Mann UCLA Community School Opens in South LA

Using the button below, explore a timeline of our first 100 years. Discover our humble first steps, our most life-changing breakthroughs. Meet the people and moments that have shaped us, and the people and moments we have shaped.

Centennial Pillars

This was more than a celebration. It was a recognition of a century of our shared commitment to the public good. To the welfare of Los Angeles and the world. To opportunity and progress. To you.
An old black & white image documenting the construction of Royce Hall, a large UCLA facility .

Coming of Age

Over the past 100 years, great things have happened here. Groundbreaking things. Things that changed our world for the better. Our 100-year milestone is a moment of reflection and celebration, but also the beginning of our next era - with more to discover and more to accomplish.
Female astronaut

Leading the Way

The impact of UCLA over the last century is the result of generations of Bruins and a shared commitment to the public good. From the first internet transmission to the first mother in space to the first player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. This is a campus of firsts. When the world says “that’s impossible” – we say “it can be done.”
An outdoor walking path on the UCLA campus during daytime with students walking and a bright burst of light from the sun piercing through trees.

Opportunity For All

UCLA is not only one of the world’s greatest research universities, it is an engine of social mobility and progress. Beginning in the fall of 2019, a series of year-long centennial initiatives will continue to expand our commitment to service and equity.
UCLA campus from above during daytime with the cityscape of LA at the horizon.

Only Here

Our connection with Los Angeles doesn't end with our name. The city’s forward-thinking, progressive nature has shaped UCLA as UCLA has shaped Los Angeles. Together, pioneering culture, research, and innovation transforming our world.

Centennial Events

Centennial Events Sponsor

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