UCT History

The Order of United Commercial Travelers of America (UCT) was formed by eight traveling salesmen on January 16, 1888, in Columbus, Ohio, as a society to provide accident insurance and other benefits for traveling salesmen, or commercial travelers, and their families. The new organization’s officers adopted titles similar to those of other organizations of the day. For example, Levi Pease was the first Supreme Counselor, John Fenimore was the first Supreme Junior Counselor, and Charles Flagg was the first Supreme Secretary.

UCT Milestones

• 1888 UCT founded in Columbus, Ohio
• 1891 UCT publishes The Sample Case magazine
• 1899 UCT expands into Canada learn more
• 1914 UCT institutes Office of Chief Agent for Canada
• 1959 UCT creates May E. Tisdale Scholarship Fund
• 1960 UCT establishes a scholarship fund for students and teachers seeking degrees or certification in special education
• 1987 UCT donates $250,000 (Silver Sponsor) to the International Special Olympics Games in South Bend, Indiana
• 1990 UCT establishes endowment fund at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute learn more
• 1991 UCT donates $250,000 (Silver Sponsor) to the International Special Olympics Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota
• 1993 UCT and ACT in Canada join forces learn more
• 1997 UCT establishes UCT Charities learn more
• 2010 UCT becomes national sponsor of American Special Hockey Association (ASHA)
• 2012 UCT hosts first annual UCT Winter Hockey Festival for special hockey athletes
• 2013 UCT kicks off first UCT Gives Back video contest for special education programs
• 2014 UCT launches Kaye Trainer International Capital Campaign for special hockey programs
• 2014 The UCT Heaston Scholarship is established learn more
• 2018 UCT celebrates 130th anniversary of founding
• 2020 The May E. Tisdale Scholarship Fund closes its books after 60 years
• 2020 The Ann Marshall Scholarship Program is established learn more
• 2021 The Bridges of Friendship Award is created learn more