On Friday, Feb. 12, Emporia State University will celebrate the 153rd anniversary of its founding during the Founders’ Day 2016 luncheon at Webb Hall in the Emporia State Memorial Union. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the program begins at 12:05 p.m. The theme for 2016 Founders’ Day, “Reflections of the Common Good,” pays homage to how Emporia State is changing lives for the common good by living its mission of preparing lifelong learners to work in rewarding careers and practice adaptive leadership.
The luncheon will feature the ceremonial birthday cake cutting by Emporia State President Allison Garrett, Associated Student Government President Janet Weaver and Emporia State Ambassador President Elayna Coleman.
Special recognition will be given to the City of Emporia for passing a proclamation claiming the 2016 Founders’ Day celebration will be hosted on “Emporia State University Day” in Emporia. ASG and Lyon County will each pass a resolution at their next individual group meetings as well. Steve Hanschu’s unique service to Emporia State will also be recognized.
Also included in the program will be the announcement of the two $1863 scholarship essay competition winners. Funded by the President’s Community Advisory Council, any Emporia State student (excluding those graduating in May 2016) who best wrote an essay between 750 and 1000 words about how Emporia State has changed her/his life was eligible to win. Garrett will conclude the luncheon with remarks.
After the Founders’ Day 2016 luncheon concludes, a bell-ringing ceremony takes place on Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m in Beach Music Hall on the Emporia State campus to honor an estate gift from Elaine Slater for Music Education Scholarships.
Two collections of artwork are currently on display in the Memorial Union. Artwork from Lyon County League high school students is displayed in the John and Connie Staton Art Gallery on the second floor corridor south of Webb Hall, while a new collection of FM Steele photographs exhibited by Emporia State’s Center for Great Plains Studies is displayed on the second floor main east-west corridor.
The Founders’ Day 2016 luncheon costs $5 to attend, and tickets are required. Tickets can be purchased through the Memorial Union Ticket Office or by calling (620)-341-6378.