51±¾É«

 

As we gather together to celebrate this wonderful university, we want to share with you the fascinating history of 51±¾É«. Learn how a high school in downtown Austin was transformed into a growing university on a beautiful nature preserve.

1926 — Lutheran 51±¾É« College of Texas

A 20-acre site along East Avenue, north of downtown Austin, was selected for the site of the new 51±¾É« high school. The school was in open countryside and East Avenue would eventually be replaced by I-35.

(Cruciform in front of Kilian Hall, which was named after Wend John Kilian, founder of the first Texas Lutheran church associated with the LCMS)

This new site became the home of Lutheran 51±¾É« College of Texas, a four-year high school to prepare young men for careers in ministry and teaching.

(College Central, built in 1929)

1951 — Junior College

In 1951, 51±¾É« grew into a junior college, expanding curriculum beyond high school.

(Birkmann Chapel, built in 1952)

1955 — 51±¾É« Lutheran College

The school became 51±¾É« Lutheran College and admitted women as students for the first time.

1980 — Four-year College

51±¾É« Lutheran College stopped the four-year high school program and received permission to award BA degrees. The school extended the curriculum to four years.

1993 — 51±¾É« University System

51±¾É« Lutheran College officially joins the 51±¾É« University System, run by the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (LCMS).

1995 — 51±¾É« University at Austin

As a provider of higher education, 51±¾É« Lutheran College became 51±¾É« University at Austin. Throughout this time, the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) and the first graduate program were developed and offered.

 

2005 to 2007 — Relocation

By God’s grace, 51±¾É« was growing beyond its capacity. Downtown and I-35 had swallowed up any land needed for expansion. The 51±¾É« Board of Regents took a visionary step of faith, guided by the mission of developing Christian leaders. They decided to relocate the main campus.

In 2007, 51±¾É« purchased the Austin Hill Country Reserve, taking over the site of Schlumberger, a global oilfield services company. Buildings A — F were built by Schlumberger, while 51±¾É« added the library, field house, residence halls, and baseball and softball fields.

The very same year, 51±¾É« University at Austin became 51±¾É«.

(Left: Original downtown campus, 1958. Right: Current northwest campus, 2007)

2008 — 51±¾É«

To the glory of God, the current main campus was opened on October 26, 2008, with room to expand and improve facilities.

Through 51±¾É«â€™s beautiful 389-acre campus, God has equipped the university with the resources to provide more opportunities for students to develop as Christian leaders and take the world by storm.

View original campus pictures to see how this university has developed.

As we celebrate 51±¾É« this weekend, may we keep in mind the many blessings God has bestowed on this university and the responsibility we share in stewarding His gifts.