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Created by the Arizona Territorial Legislature as a land-grant university in 1885, classes met for the first time in 1891 with 32 students. In 2002, total enrollment was 36,847 students.
Academically, the U of A is strong in many areas (especially the sciences), and is particularly well known in the areas of optical science, management information science, and astronomical research. It also has the oldest and arguably strongest garbology program in the US. Additionally, the university is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.
The current and 18th University President is Peter Likins; his term began in 1997.
The University of Arizona was approved by the Arizona Territorial Legislature in 1885. Ironically, the city of Tucson had hoped to receive the appropriation for the state's mental hospital, which carried a sum of money slightly larger than the $25,000 allotted to the state's only university (Arizona State University was founded at the same time, but it was created as the state's normal school). The citizens of Tucson prepared to return the money to the territory until two gamblers and a saloon keeper decided to donate the land necessary to build the school.
Arizona's sports teams are called the Wildcats. They participate in the NCAA's Division I-A and in the Pacific Ten Conference; the men's basketball team is often a contender in the NCAA championships.
The University mascot is named Wilbur the Wildcat. The identity of Wilbur is kept secret through the year as the mascot appears only in costume. In 1986 Wilbur married his longtime wildcat girlfriend, Wilma. Together Wilbur and Wilma appear along with the cheerleading squad at most Wildcat sporting events.
A strong academic and athletic rivalry exists between the University of Arizona and Arizona State University located in Tempe.
The University of Arizona's academic departments and programs are organized into colleges and schools. Typically schools are largely independent or separately important from their parent college. In addition, not all Schools are a part of a College. Colleges and Schools at the University of Arizona as of Fall 2004 are: