Swooping Into UNF's past: The '80s
As we mentioned last month, we are highlighting four UNF milestones from each decade in celebration of the 50th anniversary. Here are our picks from the 1980s with events also happening in Jacksonville, the United States and the World.
1980s
At UNFNEW LIBRARY OPENS, Oct. 1, 1980
The new library officially opens. In a dedication on Aug. 15, 1981, after President Thomas G. Carpenter resigned, UNF names the library in his honor.
In Jacksonville
The population in Jacksonville reaches 540,920 people as reported by the Census Bureau. (As of 2020, Jacksonville's population was 949,611.)
In the United States
The Pittsburgh Steelers win their fourth NFL championship in six seasons, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 31–19 in Super Bowl XIV at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Jan. 20, 1980)
In the World
English musician and former Beatle John Lennon dies after being shot outside his NYC residence. (Dec. 8, 1980)
At UNFFRESHMAN & SOPHOMORE PROGRAMS ARE AUTHORIZED, Sept. 1, 1984
Freshman and sophomore programs are authorized.
In Jacksonville
Michael Jackson and The Jacksons perform three shows in Jacksonville on their Victory Tour at the Gator Bowl Stadium (now TIAA Bank Field). (July 21-23, 1984)
In the United States
The original Apple Macintosh personal computer went on sale as the first mass-produced Apple computer that was mouse-driven with a built-in graphical user interface. (Jan. 24, 1984)
In the World
On Dec. 19, 1984, after years of negotiations, leaders in China and the United Kingdom sign a formal pact approving the 1997 transfer of power in Hong Kong from the UK to China. Per the agreement, Hong Kong was handed over to China at midnight on July 1, 1997.
At UNFFIRST STUDENT GRADUATES WITH PERFECT 4.0 GPA, June 1, 1988
Monique French becomes the first four-year student to graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
In Jacksonville
Tolls at the Mathews Bridge, Fuller Warren Bridge, Hart Bridge, Trout River Bridge and J. Turner Butler Boulevard are removed. (March 8, 1988 voter referendum)
In the United States
The Yellowstone fires of 1988 collectively formed the largest wildfire in the recorded history of Yellowstone National Park in the United States. (June 14– Nov. 18, 1988)
In the World
The XV Olympic Winter Games were held in Calgary, Canada. (Feb. 13-28th, 1988)
At UNFUNF APPOINTS THIRD PRESIDENT, Jan. 16, 1989
Adam W. Herbert becomes UNF's third president.
In Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Skyway begins operating with three stations in Downtown Jacksonville. (June 5, 1989)
In the United States
George H. W. Bush is sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. (Jan. 20, 1989)
In the World
Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist, invented the World Wide Web (WWW) in 1989 while working at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). He then published the first website on Dec. 20, 1990.
Additional timeline information available online from the Thomas G. Carpenter Library.
Read more about UNF's 50th anniversary.