About the Centenary
In 2010, The University of Queensland will celebrate its centenary.
Be part of this momentous occasion, and help celebrate 100 years of wonderful people, outstanding achievements, breakthrough research and academic excellence that continue to shape the world.
Events and activities
To help us celebrate, there will be a variety of events and activities for everyone throughout the year.
Some of the planned events include:
Some of the planned events include:
- April 18: UQ Centenary Celebration Day
- July 2 – 4: Alumni Reunion Weekend
If you are looking for school or faculty specific information, check the Events and Activities page in the first instance, and then contact your school or faculty directly.
Our centenary: a timeline of significant dates
10 December 1859
Queensland was officially proclaimed a colony separate from New South Wales.
10 December 1909
The University of Queensland was established by the Queensland State Government in celebration of its Golden Jubilee on Proclamation Day.
At an inauguration ceremony at what is now Old Government House in George Street, Brisbane City, the Governor of Queensland, Sir William MacGregor, gave assent to the University of Queensland Act 1909.
Amongst the large crowd in attendance, hopes were high for this birthday gift to the people of Queensland. The Governor’s residence, Government House, was dedicated to the use of the fledgling institution and Lady MacGregor planted the original University Tree (Ficus benjamina). The signing of the Act and the planting of the tree are depicted in friezes on the central tower of the Forgan Smith Building at the St Lucia campus.
16 April 1910
The names of the members of the first Senate were published in the Queensland Government Gazette and the work of creating the University commenced. Under the University of Queensland Act 1909, the University was deemed to be constituted from the date of publication of the membership of the Senate.
22 April 1910
The first meeting of the University’s Senate was held at Parliament House.
by March 1911
Members of staff had been appointed, programs of study had been designed and the first cohort of University of Queensland students had commenced their studies.
Read more about UQ’s history
You can read more about the history of the University, in the History section of this site or on the UQ website.
The University's Fryer Library also holds a number of images and recordings from UQ's past, including video footage from the 1974 floods and promotional videos from 1957 and 1966.
The University's Fryer Library also holds a number of images and recordings from UQ's past, including video footage from the 1974 floods and promotional videos from 1957 and 1966.
Get the latest information on events
Register to receive the Centenary Update to receive regular updates as next year’s activities get closer.
How you can get involved
There are many ways you can get involved in the centenary celebrations. Visit the Ways to Participate page to find out more.
Other special UQ anniversaries to be celebrated in 2010
• Dentistry 75th
• Pharmacy 50th
• Advanced Water Management Centre 15th
• Centre for Marine Studies 10th
• Institute of Molecular Biosciences 10th
• Amongst the Colleges, Cromwell College is 60 and Grace College is turning 40.
* Photograph from State Library of Queensland collection Image Number: 62601
| In This Section | |||
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Vice-Chancellor’s Centenary MessageFrom a cancer vaccine and new generation jet engine technology, through to an Oscar-winning actor and umpteen fine works of literature, UQ’s first century is characterised by remarkable contributi... |
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16 April 1910Of the three dates related to the founding of the University, it is from 16 April 1910 that we derive the anniversary year in which the University’s birthday is celebrated. |
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Commem. - Graduation Ceremonies of Yesteryear“Commem.”, a goal for all undergraduates, was the ceremony commemorating the graduation of students, at which they were presented with their certificates by the Chancellor. There was, in days past, a Commem. Dinner/Ball, held on or... |
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Defining moments in UQ research |
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History of UQThe University of Queensland was established by an Act of State Parliament on December 10, 1909 to commemorate the 50th anniversary ... |
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