Timeline: Evolution of a Community Cornerstone

1961: Groundbreaking for the Education Building
1964: Dedication of the Education Building (now Kettler Hall)
1965: First bachelor’s degree program in engineering technology
1968: First degrees conferred
1970: Mastodon selected as mascot
Early 1970s: Construction of Neff Hall and Walb Student Union
1974: Administrative unification of Indiana University at Fort Wayne and Purdue University at Fort Wayne under one chancellor, Donald Schwartz
Late 1970s: Construction of Hilliard Gates Sports Center and Classroom- Medical Building
1989: IPFW 25th anniversary celebrated
1986: First named professorship established (Jack W. Schrey Professorship)
1988: The 152-acre William T. McKay property adjacent to the campus acquired for the Indiana-Purdue Foundation at Fort Wayne
1990s: Construction of arts, science, and engineering and technology facilities
1992: Indiana University–Purdue University at Fort Wayne changed to Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne
1972: Students and faculty relocate books to the newly constructed Helmke Library during the Book Walk
1993: Theatre arts building dedicated on April 16 and named for Ernest E. Williams, the late editor of The News-Sentinel from 1966 to 1982
1994: IPFW hosts men’s volleyball NCAA Final Four
1995: Omnibus Lecture Series initiated
1998: IPFW sponsors first all-campus Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor Symposium; The “Plex” opens on the McKay Farm to provide indoor soccer facilities
2000: IPFW hosts men’s volleyball NCAA Final Four
2001: Athletics program begins transition to Division I affiliation
2002: The Chapman Professor of English established as IPFW’s first endowed professorship; Fort Wayne Public Television Center opens on land leased from IPFW
2003: Construction completed on the Willis Family Bridge, connecting main campus to the Student Housing site; Groundbreaking ceremonies mark beginning of construction on the Student Housing project; Discover IPFW campaign announced with a goal of raising $20 million
2004: Student Housing opens; IPFW celebrates 40 years
The Near Future: Construction of music building, medical education building, and Northeast Indiana Innovation Center