The University of Colorado Boulder had just 44 students, a president and one instructor when it first opened its doors.

It was officially founded in 1876, and since then CU has grown into a four-campus system and has 38,808 students at its Boulder campus alone. The university will turn 150 years old in 2026, and the Boulder campus has announced early plans for the anniversary — plans that will include a yearlong schedule of events and many ways to celebrate.

CU was founded the same year Colorado became a state. The Old Main building was the first campus building built in 1876, according to CU Boulder’s website, and was made possible by monetary and land donations from Boulder and community residents. CU Boulder first opened its doors on Sept. 5, 1877.

“150 years ago, CU Boulder’s founde

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