In 1985 The University of Arizona entered its second century of service. Founded in 1885 by an act of the Territorial Legislature, the University was created with an appropriation of $25,000 but no land. Neither the city nor the county cared to provide the land because they were disappointed with their "prize" from the Legislature. They would have preferred to become home to the state capital, the prison, or even the state hospital--anything but the University. Just before the money was returned to the Legislature, however, two gamblers and a saloon-keeper donated land "way out east of town" and the University officially began.
Today, The University of Arizona is one of the top 20 public research institutions in the nation, with a student enrollment of nearly 36,805 and a faculty/staff of 14,466 on a 378-acre campus near the geographical center of Tucson. As a land-grant institution, The University of Arizona has a three-fold mission of teaching, research, and public service. Now in its second century of service to the state, the UA has become one of the nation's top 20 public research institutions. It is one of only 62 members in the Association of American Universities, a prestigious organization that recognizes universities with exceptionally strong research and academic programs. A member of the Pacific 10 Athletic Conference since 1978, The University of Arizona competes in 18 intercollegiate sports.
