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Our History

50 years (and many more)

Like all good things, IUPUI didn’t happen overnight. Its history goes back at least seven decades earlier to 1891, when Indiana University offered classes in Indianapolis for the very first time.

In the decades that followed, both IU and Purdue brought programs to Indianapolis in the liberal arts, sciences, and medicine; however, they operated on their own terms until 1968, when the mayor at that time, Richard Lugar, called for a “great state university in Indianapolis.”

Our story begins the following year, in 1969.

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1969

2019

Administrators and dignitaries break ground for IUPUI University Library.

The School of Medicine initiates its partnership with Moi University Medical School in Eldoret, Kenya.

The Community Learning Network is established to bring learning opportunities to off-campus sites throughout Central Indiana.

Two men break ground on the SET building additions. Black and white photo.

Breaking ground on phase three

Administrators and dignitaries break ground for phase three of the Science, Engineering, and Technology buildings project.

IU Hospital and Outpatient Center is completed.

The IU Center for Urban Policy is founded at IUPUI to examine society’s daily and pressing issues: neighborhood empowerment, community safety, the economic impact of the arts and sports, land use, and drinking water infrastructures—just to name a few.

Frank Epperson speeds down the Michael A. Carroll Track in his wheelchair as part of the 1992 Paralympic Games. Black and white photo.

Wheelchair races and more at the Paralympic Games

IUPUI hosts the 1992 Paralympic Games at the Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium. In the photo above, Frank Epperson competes in the wheelchair races. Epperson now works at Indiana University as the ADA employment consultant.

The Office of Service Learning is instituted to support the development of service learning classes at IUPUI.

Purdue programs complete move to main IUPUI campus.