100 Years of Academic Excellence
University of Bridgeport’s Centennial is almost here! 100 years of academic excellence, tradition, and contributions to society is a legacy to be proud of, and a foundation on which to build a bright and promising future.
Counting down to May 5, 2027, 10:00 a.m. EDT.
Our founding
In 1927, local teacher E. Everett Cortright and two friends, Alfred Fones, founder of the dental hygiene profession, and Raybestos President Sumner Simpson, decided to create a two-year junior college, the first one in New England. On May 5, 1927, the state charter was signed and that fall Fones bought the first college building at 1001 Fairfield Avenue, while Cortright hired faculty and enrolled students. In January 1928, the first students began their first semester. By 1947, the school became a full-fledged University, moving to the former Barnum estate adjacent to Seaside Park and pioneering programs in everything from nutrition to artificial intelligence.
“Ability and leadership must be sought in all groups.”
— E. Everett Cortright
Highlights from UB’s history
From the archives
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. standing beside University of Bridgeport President James Halsey during the 1961 commencement ceremony.
Marian Anderson
Influential musician and Civil Rights activist Marian Anderson received an honorary degree from UB in 1963.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali jokes with a young fan during a visit to UB in 1971.
From the President
As we look to the future, I’m proud of the resilience, adaptability, and unbreakable spirit that defines University of Bridgeport. No matter your connection to UB — student, alum, faculty, or friend — you are part of a community that’s stood strong for nearly 100 years and is ready for the next.
Danielle Wilken Ed.D.
President
Share your memories
Help us include your favorite memories in our Centennial Celebration. Email your stories and images to ubcentennial@bridgeport.edu
Get involved
Starting now and leading up to the 2027-2028 school year, we will be organizing events, initiatives, and festivities to celebrate our amazing journey together. There will be exciting opportunities for the UB Community, near and far, to sponsor projects, return to campus, and share your stories.