University

A momentous birthday

The University’s 100th birthday is taking place throughout 2025. A grand communitywide celebration in April will commemorate the historic moment.
Centennial
The centennial logo created to honor the strength, tenacity, and spirit that paved the way to the University's second century. 

It used to be called the “cardboard college.”

Operating out of an unfinished triangular hotel, the first University of Miami leaders had to teach without walls between their classes, so they improvised by installing room dividers. Their ability to pivot during challenging times was a harbinger of the institution’s resilient future.

But the University did not just push forward, it flourished in the last century. Today, it is a beacon of learning, research, and innovation for the South Florida community, as well as the region’s only academic health system.

And the storied institution is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. To honor the date its charter was signed, the University will host a Centennial Celebration the evening of Tuesday, April 8, on its Coral Gables Campus.

“This milestone is more than just a celebration—it’s a moment to celebrate the people, achievements, and impact that have shaped the U over the last 100 years,” said Patricia A. Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement. “Our goal for the Centennial Celebration is to bring together the entire Canes community—students, faculty, staff, patients, alumni, fans, and friends—to share in the pride of what we have accomplished and to set the stage for the next century of excellence.”

Festivities on April 8 are open to the public and will commemorate the legacy of the Hurricanes. The entire event is organized by the University’s Centennial Honorary Committee, composed of alumni, students, faculty and staff members, and trustees. The committee is supported by a staff Centennial Working Group, which is led by Whitely. 

The theme for the centennial year is “The Future is U,” an homage to the upward trajectory of the University, its network of more than 200,000 alumni, and the forward-thinking vision that has positioned the University among the top research institutions in the country. Just two years ago, the institution became a member of the prestigious American Association of Universities, a testament to the breadth and depth of its commitment to life-changing and lifesaving innovation.

“From the outset, our Honorary Committee set its sights on creating an event that would not only honor the rich legacy of this great institution but also bring together the entire Cane community,” said Laurie Silvers, chair of the Centennial Honorary Committee and immediate past chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. “We are excited to commemorate this momentous occasion with all of you and look forward to celebrating the past, present, and future of our Cane family.” 

The April 8 celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with Canes Carnival, an annual spring event organized by Hurricane Productions, the University’s student-run programming board. The carnival will feature rides, games, and music on the Foote Green until 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, revelers will also be able to visit the centennial block party along the Lakeside Patio and Westbrook Walkway, which will offer a variety of food stations free of charge from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

At 7 p.m., the University’s Centennial Concert will begin on the Lakeside Patio. Organized by Frost School of Music Dean Shelton “Shelly” G. Berg, the concert will feature performances from notable University alumni, interspersed with videos about the University’s history, and ’Canes Communities celebrations across the country.

“Music elevates spirits and brings people together,” said Berg. “The generations of Frost School of Music alumni performing in the Centennial Concert will exemplify the pride and optimism of the University of Miami at this historic moment, and unite us in celebrating our future.”

The event will conclude with a fireworks show over Lake Osceola.

Whitely hopes to see an ocean of orange and green this April, both on campus, and as ’Canes Community celebrations take place in cities nationwide throughout the month. The Office of Alumni Engagement will be sending emails in the coming months with details.

“This is a time for every Cane, near and far, to reconnect with the U and be part of this historic moment,” Whitely added. “Whether you partake in the events happening on one of our three campuses; attend your local Alumni ’Canes Community parties; or engage virtually, everyone’s participation is what makes the U so special.”

Please mark your calendars to attend the Centennial Celebration on April 8, and bookmark the University’s centennial website as your resource for all of the ways you can help celebrate the centennial throughout 2025. Check back often for new content—including events, access to an online merchandise store, links to related stories and more.


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