Here are a few Kansas University factoids to know as the institution celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Quick language note: Another way of saying “150th anniversary” is to say the university is celebrating its “sesquicentennial anniversary.” Just in case you didn’t know.

1: The first classes at KU were held on Sept. 12, 1866.

2: Robert W. Oliver was Kansas University’s first chancellor. He was elected on March 21, 1865, at the first meeting of the Kansas Board of Regents.

3: From the start of classes until 1872, North College was KU’s only building.

4: In 1866, tuition for KU cost $30 per year for college classes and $10 per year for college prep classes.

5: KU launched with three faculty members. Their salaries? $1,600 per year.

6: On Dec. 2, 1872, “the New Building,” now remembered as “Old Fraser,” officially opened to the public at the site where Fraser Hall currently stands.

7: On Dec. 4, 1867, General John Fraser was elected KU’s second chancellor.

8: The Alpha Nu chapter of Beta Theta Pi was the first fraternity at KU, with its first initiation in 1873.

9: Although classes began in 1866, the university’s first commencement was not held until 1873. There were four graduates.

10: At age 23, Flora Richardson was valedictorian of KU’s first graduating class, and also KU’s first female graduate.

— Source: Information from KU’s kuhistory.com/#/timeline.