We can deduce this much about the founders of what is now UNC:

They had a sense of humor, and they weren’t superstitious.

Coincidences aside, how else to explain legislation creating the school being signed April 1, 1889, and dedication (pictured here) of its first building a year later on Friday the 13th — on land near the highest point in Greeley that went by Rattlesnake Hill.

It’s no joke that today, after beginning as a normal school to train the state’s teachers, UNC has grown into an innovative doctoral research university with more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs combined.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of UNC’s founding. A commemorative website captures university milestones, traditions, videos (including a special 125th tribute) and more. Check it out at: www.unco.edu/125celebration

In October, be on the lookout for the next edition of Northern Vision, which will be dedicated to the 125th anniversary. NV