History
Since our inception, every accomplishment, every breakthrough, every leap and bound has been fueled by our unwavering determination to make a difference. From our innovative academics and groundbreaking research to our record-breaking athletics and top-tier medical centers —
Greatness is the UCLA hallmark.UCLA Defining Moments Timeline
The Vermont Avenue campus of the University of California (known as UC's "Southern Branch") opens, offering two-year undergraduate teachers-training programs.
The Regents of the University of California adopt the name "University of California at Los Angeles" in place of "Southern Branch."
The Westwood campus opens with 5,500 students; Royce Hall is one of the first four buildings.
Graduate study is authorized for the master of arts degree.
The UCLA Graduate Division is established.
UCLA awards its first doctoral degree, a Ph.D. in history to Kenneth P. Bailey.
The first open-heart surgery in the western United States is performed at UCLA Medical Center.
UCLA wins the first of 10 NCAA men's basketball championships under Coach John Wooden.
UCLA becomes the first node on the ARPANET, which later becomes the Internet.
UCLA physicians report the world's first AIDS cases.
UCLA hosts gymnastics and tennis competitions for the 1984 Olympic Games and serves as an Olympic Village.
Professor Donald Cram receives the Nobel Prize in chemistry for "host-guest chemistry," a field he helped to create.
Pharmacologist Louis J. Ignarro is awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for work showing that nitric oxide functions as an important signaling compound, helping the body regulate key functions such as blood pressure.
UCLA wins its 100th NCAA national championship.
The new Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center opens.
UCLA exceeds $1 billion in competitively awarded research grants and contracts in a single year.