Anyone who has celebrated a milestone 25th birthday or wedding anniversary understands the significance of a quarter of a century. So it was with appropriate fanfare that the university community gathered on November 13, 2008, to mark the 25th anniversary of Southern’s shift from college to university status and, with its colleague campuses — Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University — the creation of the Connecticut State University System. The photographs on these pages, which offer a glimpse into Southern’s last 25 years, are part of a 1983-2008 slideshow created by University Photographer Isabel Chenoweth to commemorate the event. For a longer walk down memory lane, go to www.SouthernCT.edu/aboutscsu/25thanniversary/ to view the entire slideshow.

Looking for more nostalgia? The site also includes a link to a list of items found in a time capsule created by faculty and students 25 years ago. Among the treasures is a tape-recorded version of the Alma Mater, composed by Joan Haines, a professor of education in 1983. Click on the computer links to download a printable version or to hear a 25-year-old performance by members of the Southern community.

The Evolution

1893: New Haven State Normal School is founded with 84 students and three teachers

1937: New Haven State Teachers College

1959: Southern Connecticut State College

1983: Southern Connecticut State University

1983 at a Glance :

• The median family income was $24,580.

• Motorola made history when the FCC approved the world’s first commercial portable cell phone.

• “Terms of Endearment” brought home the Oscar for Best Picture. Other popular films included “Flashdance,” “WarGames,” and “Tootsie.”

• Fashion trends included leg warmers, slouchy sweatshirts, “big” hair, fluorescent shirts, “Dynasty”-style glitz, and the “lone glove” look inspired by Michael Jackson.

• Grammy Awards were presented for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” (Album of the Year), Sting’s “Every Breath You Take” (Song of the Year), and Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” (Best New Artist).