The Founders Day celebration Thursday, February 21, will be even bigger this year as the Illinois State University Alumni Association launches its year-long celebration of its 150th anniversary with a special guest, acclaimed actor and producer Sean Hayes, who will receive an honorary degree.
Hayes won an Emmy Award for his role as Jack McFarland on NBC’s Will & Grace. He has appeared in several films and received rave reviews last year for his depiction of Larry in the comedy The Three Stooges. In 2011, he debuted on Broadway in Promises, Promises, receiving a Tony Award nomination.
A posthumous honorary degree will be awarded to J. Michael Adams ’69, former president of Fairleigh Dickinson University. He launched PublicMind, an independent survey research group, and the United Nations Pathways program. He helped the institution gain nongovernmental organization status at the United Nations and made Fairleigh Dickinson the first university in the world to earn “special consultative status” with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. He died June 21, 2012, of acute myeloid leukemia.
The Alumni Association’s official 150th anniversary logo.
Founders Day events celebrate Illinois State’s heritage and traditions and honor the accomplishments of faculty, staff, students and alumni. A luncheon for invited employees with 10 or more years of service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 20, in the Bone Student Center Prairie Room.
Convocation will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 21, in Braden Auditorium. The ceremony will include the presentation of some of the University’s highest awards, including the University Professor, Distinguished Professor, Outstanding Teacher and Researcher and A/P and Civil Service Distinguished Service honors. Other awards will recognize excellence in teaching, research, service and commitment to diversity. A reception will follow at 3:30 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom.
The 150th Alumni Association Anniversary Luncheon, open to all alumni, will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Brown Ballroom. Cost is $10. For more information or to register, visit the Founders Day website.
The Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony will start off the day’s events at 10 a.m. in the Bone Student Center Prairie Room. Nominations for bell ringers will be accepted until Friday, January 25. Nominate an alum through the Founders Day website.
Displays highlighting Illinois State’s history will be part of the STATE Showcase from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Old Main Room, Bone Student Center.
An Alumni Awards Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. at the Alumni Center. Cost is $25 per person. For registration information, contact Alumni Relations at 438-2586 or visit the Alumni Relations website.
