Fun Facts About the University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is the biggest university in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. The school enrolls more than 20,000 students each year and has a huge impact on the city's economy. People across the mid-south cheer for the Tigers sports teams and recognize the school as a great educational institution. Whether you are a Memphis graduate or just new to the Memphis area and curious about the school, you will want to know these fun facts about the school.

University of Memphis Fun Fact #1: Founded in 1912.

When the university started in 1912 it wasn't the large institution it is today. It began 95 years ago under a different name: West Tennessee State Normal School. University of Memphis definitely sounds better.

University of Memphis Fun Fact #2: The school colors come from civil war history.

Students in the first classes at the university chose blue and gray as the school colors. These colors were the colors of the opposing armies during the Civil War and students chose them in remembrance of the reunification of the country after the war.

University of Memphis Fun Fact #3: More women attend the University of Memphis.

Overall more women are enrolled at the university than men. For Fall 2006, 61% of students were female compared to 39% male. The university also has a female president, Dr. Shirley Raines.

University of Memphis Fun Fact #4: The university has changed names five times.

The school began in 1912 as West Tennessee State Normal School. The first name change was in 1925 when it became West Tennessee State Teachers College. From 1941 to 1957 the school was known as Memphis State College. The next change, to Memphis State University, occurred in 1957 and lasted for a longer period. In 1994 the last change occurred when the school gained its current name: the University of Memphis.

University of Memphis Fun Fact #5: Fred Thompson is an alumnus.

Fred Thompson, currently a Republican candidate for president, graduated from the University of Memphis. He was also a Senator for the state of Tennessee and an actor. Other notable alumni include DeAngelo Williams, Dr. W.W. Herenton, and Johanna Edwards.

University of Memphis Fun Fact #6: University of Memphis students support St. Jude.

Through the school's Up 'til Dawn program, students have raised more than $700,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital since the program started in 1999. Last year the program raised more than $141,000 leading the other 150 campuses across the nation that participate.