Facts about the Decade of 1850s
 

1851 – First year of graduation.

1852 – First Alumni Association called Alumni Society organized.
John Bannister Harring was first president and Thomas E. Bugg was first recording secretary.
Earliest account of a social event called “complimentary party” was held.
The old chapel built. 

1854 – Law School program established.

1855 – Name of Alumni Society changed to Alumni Association. John L. Hudson was elected president.

1856 – Fredrick A.P. Barnard became president of the University

1857 – First initiation fee of $1.00 required for Alumni Association.

1858 – First law graduates were admitted to the Alumni Association.

1859 – Richard Wright Phipps became president of the Alumni Association. The title for Dr. Barnard changed from president to chancellor on November 24, 1859.