1921: founded by Mr. Tan Kah-Kee

1937: given its charter as a public university

1952: designated a comprehensive university for the social and natural sciences

1963: designated a national key university

1986: initial trials of the Graduate School

1995: put on "211 Project" list

1996: authorised by the Education Ministry as one of the first group of universities to
set up a graduate school

2001: listed under the "985 Project"

2004: granted status of "National vice-ministerial university"

University Motto: "Pursue excellence, strive for perfection"