The date September 2, 1901 marks the dedication and consecration of Columbia University, now the University of Portland. Three days later came the first day of classes. According to history professor emeritus Jim Covert in his 1976 book, A Point of Pride: The University of Portland Story: “The story is told that on opening day the faculty gathered in the president’s office in West [now Waldschmidt] Hall. At about 10 a.m. one of the instructors turned to Father E. P. Murphy (pictured) and said: ‘There are a few boys out there on the campus. Don’t you think we ought to start operation?’ The president calmly replied: ‘Oh, I guess we should start. Ring the bell.’ Thus classes began.”
Also on September 2 in 1947, the University established the School of Music. It was merged with the College of Arts and Sciences in 1967.
For more University history see the University of Portland Almanac at www.up.edu/almanac.