Founders’ Day Is Friday at university
Emporia State University
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The 146th anniversary of Emporia State University will be celebrated at the annual Founders’ Day observance on Friday, but organizers say the day will be much more than a celebration of the past. The theme for the luncheon will be “KSTC — Music to My Ears,” honoring the school’s existence as Kansas State Teachers College from 1923 to 1974.
Peter Brodie, Alumni Relations director, said the day will also be a chance to build strong community bonds in the present.
“We want students, faculty, staff, and the off-campus community to remember the strength of the academic environment at ESU, and what defines it as one of the finest mid-sized public universities in the state — and the country,” Brodie said.
At a university so strong in its traditions, the Founders’ Day celebration has been a mainstay at ESU since 1902. Brodie said the event is a unique way to offer students and alumni more than just observances and speeches.
“We’re always moving toward engaging programs that involve all our stakeholders — students, faculty, and alumni — to create a broader sense of the ESU community,” Brodie said. “We hope that the entire community celebrates Emporia State University.” The day’s events are open to the public. The luncheon costs $8 a person. Tickets may be reserved or bought at the door. For reservations, go to www.emporia.edu/saf/foundersday.htm, call 341-5440, or e-mail at alumni@emporia.edu.
The schedule for the day includes:
F 11:30 a.m. — Founders’ Day Luncheon, Memorial Union’s Colonial Ballroom.
F 11:30 a.m. — Piano performance by student FeiFei Jiang, Colonial Ballroom.
F 12:05 p.m. — Ceremonial cutting of ESU’s birthday cake, Colonial Ballroom.
F 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Members of the Advancement office (the Alumni Association and ESU Foundation) will spread awareness of Founders’ Day on campus with treats and information.