Let the celebration begin! After months of planning and preparation, Monday, May 18 will mark the official kick-off of Towson University’s year-long celebration of its 150th anniversary.
Founded in 1866 a
s the State Normal School, Towson University has experienced many transformations, from name changes to expanding degree programs to an ever-growing campus footprint. Beginning with the original Stephens Hall building on York Road, to the state-of-the-art College of Liberal Arts building and West Village Commons, each area of our campus highlights Towson University’s growth, vitality and commitment to excellence.
Beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Interim President Dr. Timothy Chandler and TU150 co-chairs Myrna Cardin and Gerry Gaeng will usher in the first of many planned festivities as they cut the ribbon marking the opening of the new Legacy Walk – a timeline of Towson University from 1866 to the present.
Immediately following the ribbon-cutting, live music will be provided by Double Play, featuring TU staff members Larry Dernetz and Chuck Conjar. Free anniversary t-shirts, games, life-size historical cut-outs featuring campus scenes from 1866 to 2015 and a photo booth will also be featured.
And what’s a party without food? Towson area restaurants and specialty shops including Bill Bateman’s Bistro, Chartwells and Rita’s have pitched in to help TU celebrate along with LaCakerie, which will provide 150th-themed cupcakes.
Our graduates also will receive special 150th tassel-toppers to be worn at six commencement ceremonies later this week.
Towson University’s first commencement took place in June 1866 with just 16 graduates. This week, May 2015, more than 3,500 students will graduate and proudly call Towson University their alma mater.
The 150th graduating class and their families will join Interim President Chandler and distinguished guests Monday night at a champagne reception at SECU Arena to celebrate their participation in this historic occasion. All attendees will receive special TU150 pins and a commemorative champagne glass.
Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, May 19, a contingent of 55 enthusiastic students, faculty and staff will travel to New York City to appear on Good Morning America and The Today Show, utilizing the hashtag #TUAround to stimulate recognition of the university, its students and general awareness of our 150th celebration.
Other events planned for the year include a signature concert, a visiting scholars series, a Baltimore Orioles-Camden Yards “takeover,” a commemorative homecoming celebration, and more. Throughout this historic year, Towson University will invite students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees and the entire community to join us in recognizing all that the university has accomplished in its rich past, and to help shape a bold vision for our future.
For more information on our 150th celebration and future events during our year-long commemoration of Towson University’s legacy, please visit this site: www.towson.edu/TU150.
