WOU Kicks Off 150th Anniversary Celebration on January 18

Salem-News.com

(Monmouth) - Founders Day on January 18, 2006 will mark the beginning of Western Oregon University's yearlong celebration of its 150-year anniversary.

The day's events will honor those who founded WOU and their descendents as well as the students, faculty and staff who have made the university what it is today - a leading public liberal arts institution.

"A momentous occasion such as this allows us to celebrate and renew our spirit and dedication to Western Oregon University," said WOU President John P. Minahan. "We will recognize and honor the people and interests that have made this a great place to be, from the arts and sciences to education to WOU history."

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

11 AM - 3 PM; Oregon Room, Werner University Center 150th Birthday Cake

11:30 AM - noon; Oregon Room, WUC Governor's Proclamation Attendees will be welcomed by WOU President John Minahan and will hear Governor Kulongoski's proclamation, read by Oregon State Senate President Peter Courtney. Vice President for University Advancement Leta Edwards and WOU Foundation Board Chair Mark Humphreys will present information on the Sesquicentennial fundraising campaign. Remarks will also be given by Oregon University System Chancellor George Pernsteiner, as well as Monmouth Mayor Larry Dalton to talk about the city of Monmouth's Sesquicentennial.

Vice President for Student Affairs Gary Dukes will present three historic tuition awards to three current students in good academic standing. The awards are the 1856 tuition rate of $5 per term, 1906 rate of $6 per term and the 1956 rate of $40 per term; each award is valid for winter, spring and fall terms, respectively.

Noon; Pacific Room, WUC Luncheon for faculty, staff and invited guests.

1 PM - 3 PM; Todd Hall, The Cottage, Campbell Hall, Instructional Technology Center, and Academic Programs and Support Center Historic Western Re-enactors will play parts of personalities from WOU's past. Todd Hall will also feature a special exhibit, Ladies of Todd Hall.

1 PM - 3 PM; Hamersly Library College of Education Oral History Project Oral histories of WOU's College of Education graduates that have been taken by current education students.

1 PM - 3 PM; Hamersly Library Exhibits Artifacts of teaching and campus life throughout the years will be displayed in these exhibits.

1 PM - 6:30 PM; Campbell Hall and other sites Exhibit: Fashions from our Past Clothing from past eras collected by Sandy Hedgepeth and the students and staff of the costume shop will comprise this exhibit.

1:30 PM; Hamersly Library Excerpts from "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind" WOU students will perform excerpts from this theatrical production, directed by theatre professor Ted deChatelet.

3 PM; Hamersly Library Parlor music from the Founder's era Performance featuring WOU music professors Diane Baxter, pianist, and Kevin Helppie, baritone.

4:30 PM; Campbell Hall Gallery Art exhibit opening Works by WOU alumni and emeritus faculty will be on display in this exhibit.

5 PM; Maple Hall Dance performance WOU dance/theatre students will perform.

5:30 PM; Gentle House Reception honoring descendants of founding fathers By invitation, a gathering of those whose ancestors were the visionary founders of today's Western Oregon University.