The Board of Trustees of the College of St. Francis voted in May of 1997 to move to university status and effective, January 1, 1998, the institution became the University of St. Francis.

Trumpeters heralded the changing of the sign as the College of St. Francis celebrated becoming the University of St. Francis on January 16th.
"These are exciting times for this institution," said President James A. Doppke. "We are approaching a new century with a new name and a new logo and a new status as a university."

Doppke commented that university status "affirms the variety and diversity of the students we serve, and it allows us to serve them more fully, to address their needs more effectively, under the umbrella of the University of St. Francis."9

It is intended that the buttons at the left contain a summary of important events for each year represented. It is intended that this area will grow as the years progress.