Founders Day

Indiana University has a history of achievement. Since 1820, the university has been home to world-renowned researchers, scholars, musicians, professors, and students. Founders Day is a time for Indiana University to remember the contributions of its founders and recognize students and faculty for their accomplishments.

The first Foundation Day, forerunner of Founders Day, was celebrated on January 21, 1889. From 1889 until 1924, Foundation Day was celebrated on or close to January 20, the actual date of the university’s founding in 1820. Today, we welcome family and friends of award recipients to attend this event, held each spring in Assembly Hall.

Founders Day activities include the Honors Convocation, which honors students for academic achievement, and the Teaching Awards Luncheon, where faculty members are honored with teaching awards and distinguished professorships, the university’s most prestigious academic appointment.