January 15, 1795: UNC Holds Its Opening Ceremony
Posted Jan 15, 2018
UNC held its opening ceremony on January 15, 1795, and soon after became the first state university to enroll students. The winter of 1794-1795 had been rough, and the roads were a muddy mess. It was a cold, windy, rainy day and the area looked more like a construction site than a college campus. Only the East Building and the unpainted wooden house of the Presiding Professor had been completed.
(UNC.edu)
Related: Campus Connections
‘Witness’ Carolina’s role in the Revolutionary WarTo commemorate America’s 250th birthday, Wilson Library is hosting a new exhibition. “Witnesses to the Revolution: North Carolina and the War for Independence” explores how...
Wed Aug 19, 2026UNC students take first-day sips at the Old Well
It’s the first day of classes at Carolina, and as Tar Heels know, that means it’s also time to drink from the Old Well for...
Mon Aug 17, 2026
Nonprofit at UNC pairs those with chronic illnesses with a service dog
UNC’s chapter of Lux’s Purpose was founded this year. Service dogs cost as much as $50,000-$70,000, and there is not a single insurance plan that...
Sun Aug 16, 2026
UNC Gears Up for First Day of Classes
The Chapel Hill summer is wrapping up this weekend, as UNC students return to campus ahead of the first day of class on Monday. “It’s...
Sat Aug 15, 2026