[5] The cornerstone of Old East was laid ceremoniously on October 12, 1793, by William Richardson Davie, who served as the governor of North Carolina from 1798 to 1799.

The design reflects the university trustees' vision of a quadrangle that ran north toward the town of Chapel Hill.

Thomas Day, a skilled and respected African-American cabinetmaker, designed and built the interior woodwork in the society rooms.

[7] In 1877, Zebulon Baird Vance, the Governor of North Carolina and chair of the Board of Trustees, declared the anniversary of Old East's construction, October 12, was University Day and should "be observed with appropriate ceremonies under the direction of the faculty.

Students are released from classes the morning of University Day and many migrate to the Old East Birthday Bash, which has in the past included things like cake, athletic signings, puppies, appearances by the chancellor, dance routines, and a capella performances.