On April 22, 1956, the Michigan Legislature adopted Act 183 “to establish and regulate a state institution of higher learning to be known as Wayne State University.” This legislative act opened the doors for Wayne State to join Michigan’s other select public universities.
But the history of Wayne State University can be traced back farther than that.
In 1868, Wayne State University was officially founded as the Detroit Medical College, now the School of Medicine. The Detroit Medical College was created in 1868 (founded by 5 Civil War physicians), out of which grew Wayne State University. The first academic term began on Nov. 3, 1868. In 1881, the Detroit Normal Training School was established, now the College of Education
The official sesquicentennial celebration of Wayne State University is being celebrated from January to November 2018.
Source: Tom Watkins, “Wayne State University Turns 150″, Dome, March 2, 2018