Proud Past, Bright Future
We started in 1925 in Baltimore with a simple mission—to offer access to life-changing educational opportunities tailored to working adults. In the evening hours, long after traditional schools closed, students came to our urban campus to achieve their goals, one class at a time. Those classes—and how they are offered—have evolved, but our mission holds true. We will always be different by design. Our students come to us with unmatched passion, grow with us into the leaders they want to be, and make a meaningful impact through civic engagement in their communities here and around the world.
Our Centennial Pillars
- Transformative Learning: We believe in the transformative power of higher education and its ability to empower people to improve their lives, their communities and the world.
- Academic Excellence: We believe in preparing our students to excel in their professional, volunteer and personal settings through a balanced and practical real-world education. It’s not enough to be good—we strive for excellence in everything we do.
- Civic Engagement: We believe civic engagement is a fundamental human duty. We learn not only in the classroom. We learn by walking the streets of our neighborhoods, volunteering at local organizations, coming to the aid of those who are looking for a helping hand in and around our community.
Honoring our Past, Forging our Future
In 1925, a group of local business leaders founded a private school for the teaching of law and business. We held our first class on Oct. 1, 1925.
In the years since, we've grown to become one of Maryland's most distinguished institutions—we've been public since the 1970s, a member of the University System of Maryland since 1988, and a four-year institution since 2007.
For generations now, we've been delivering leading-edge programs from the heart of Maryland's economic and cultural capital.
Here’s a look of some of the historical moments you’ll learn more about throughout our Centennial.
1925 – The University of Baltimore is incorporated on Aug. 8. Students arrive Oct. 1 for the first day of classes in the University’s first year.
1928 – The University establishes an athletics program with a basketball team that played New York University, Johns Hopkins University and more in its inaugural season.
1937 – The University’s beloved bee mascot, eventually named Eubie, begins to appear in yearbooks and at sporting events, setting his place in our history.
1947 – A new home is established at North Charles Street. The University started in 1925 in a now-demolished building close to Mt. Vernon’s monument, moving as it grew and finally finding its place in its current location.
1961 – What started as a business and law school grows to include a liberal arts education.
1975 – With the governor’s approval, the University enters the state system and becomes a public institution.
1983 – The Edgar Allan Poe statue arrives on what will soon be named Gordon Plaza.
1998 – Sophomores come back to the University roster for the first time in decades.
2007 – Freshmen return to campus for the first time since 1974.
2010 – The University’s fourth and final college, the College of Public Affairs, is established, further expanding course and program offerings at the growing institution.
2015 – After breaking barriers as the city’s first Black mayor, Kurt L. Schmoke is heartily welcomed as the University’s first Black president.
2024 – UBalt announces plans to open a Welcome Center on the southwestern end of campus and unveils a master plan that calls for a new Academic Center and more campus open space.
A Century Worth Celebrating
With 100 years to celebrate, we need the full year of 2025 to honor our past, present and future.
Through events, stories, exhibits and more, we’re looking forward to celebrating the impact we’ve had on Baltimore and beyond. You’re welcome to join us as we look to set the course for continued growth in our next century.
Centennial Launch Party, Jan. 23, 2025
Join us for the official launch of the University’s Centennial Celebration! This commemorative event will feature a community conversation with University and community leaders, faculty, and students, exploring the University's past and present, and its role in shaping the future through its commitment to academic excellence, transformative learning, and civic engagement. Be the first to see an exclusive preview of a special Centennial video about our history and stay afterward for a special reception where you can continue the conversation and celebrate this milestone with fellow guests. Registration to attend this free event will be available beginning in January 2025.
Centennial Rock the Block, April 12, 2025
Don’t miss the Centennial edition of UBalt’s annual Rock the Block! This vibrant festival will have something for everyone—enjoy live music, delicious food and drinks, artists and makers, and interactive games. Visit the Centennial exhibit to explore the past, present, and future of The University of Baltimore, and take part in a day full of family-friendly fun. Best of all, admission is 100 percent free and open to the entire community. Join us for this unforgettable celebration of UBalt’s 100th anniversary!
Centennial Grand Celebration, Nov. 13, 2025
You’re invited to UBalt’s Centennial Grand Celebration—the spectacular finale to our year of commemorating 100 years of excellence! Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, and a variety of food stations, where you can mix and mingle with fellow guests as you move from one exciting experience to the next. Themed around “Looking to the Future,” the night will include an engaging video presentation and interactive exhibits showcasing innovative projects from our University’s colleges, centers, and community. Faculty, staff, and students will be on hand to bring these dynamic displays to life. Tickets will be available in the summer of 2025. Don’t miss this special opportunity to celebrate UBalt’s legacy and vision for the future!
Check back throughout 2025. We’ll share more details about how you can celebrate with us.
Meet Our Centennial Committee
Our 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee is made up of dedicated members from across the UBalt community. Learn more about the committee.
If you have questions, please contact us at ubalt100@ubalt.edu.