In 1835, Col. William B. Travis penned a letter to the “New York Christian Advocate” calling for the establishment of a Methodist presence in the new Republic of Texas. Five years later, the first of Southwestern’s four root colleges was born from the vision of Methodist missionary Martin Ruter.

Southwestern has progressed from its pioneering roots to become a vibrant and diverse place for those who seek to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future to pursue intellectual growth. As Texas’ top undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university, Southwestern prepares students for a life of unlimited potential.

Southwestern’s founders brought higher education to the Texas frontier even before Texas gained statehood in 1845. Today the university inspires talented individuals to reach potentials even beyond their own expectations. This intellectual, creative community offers a distinctive, life-enriching, residential liberal arts undergraduate experience intentionally designed to empower students to think, discover and create—and, through that journey, to flourish and become their best selves.

Southwestern’s bright future can be envisioned through the Paideia Connections Lecture Series, the coming new science center, and creative and innovative projects by both students and faculty, as well as through the vibrant growth happening in Texas, one of the most richly diverse states in the Nation.

On Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, the greater community is invited to celebrate Southwestern University’s milestone 175th anniversary with a series of Charter Day events, including a special chapel service, a luncheon (registration required), and historical campus tours. The highlight of the day’s events will be a campus celebration where students, faculty, staff and community members will form an enormous175 on the academic mall for a commemorative photo. Birthday cake, live music and a balloon drop with prizes will take place immediately after the photo shoot in the Bishops Lounge of the McCombs Campus Center. A full list of events and information can be found on the 175th Anniversary website.