Founders Day events reflect on university’s start in 1857

Each February the campus community pauses to recognize the traditions and excellence that make Illinois State University such a special place of teaching and learning.

This year’s 154th anniversary year will be celebrated on February 17 with a day of events that include a bell ringing ceremony at 10 a.m. and a convocation at 2 p.m. The day will end with an Alumni Association awards dinner at 6 p.m.

Alumni and members of the community are invited to attend events, and especially the convocation. Beyond recognizing stellar faculty, staff, and students, the event will include honorary degree recipients Terry Kinney ’78 and Jeff Perry ’78. They partnered with Gary Sinise to found Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. Kinney and Perry will share the story of the theatre’s start in a session at 11 a.m.

For more information about Founders Day events, go to IllinoisState.edu/foundersday.