Collage of photos throughout St. Cloud State’s 150 years.
St. Cloud State will begin celebrating its sesquicentennial in fall 2018 with a year of events leading up to its 150th birthday on Sept. 15, 2019, the anniversary of the first day of classes in 1869.
On March 17, 1869, the State Normal School Board elected Ira Moore to lead the Third State Normal School which consisted of one building,
the Stearns House, a renovated hotel, and had 53 students. The school, founded as a teachers’ college, later became St. Cloud State University and now offers more than 200 undergraduate programs and more than 60 graduate programs. In its nearly 150 years, the university has awarded more than 140,000 degrees.
From humble beginnings, the university has evolved into an anchor institution for St. Cloud and the region and a beacon of diversity and innovation in the state that serves more than 18,000 students per year and has a regional economic impact of $519 million.
“Celebrating our 150th is a time for the campus, community, alumni, friends and partners around
the world to reflect on the past, showcase the present and move forward to the next 150 years of unlocking the potential in our students and communities,” said Interim President Ashish Vaidya.
Other signature events
» Fall Convocation, Aug. 21, 2018
» President’s Club Gala, Oct. 18, 2018
» Potter Global Engagement Forum, Nov. 16, 2018
» Lemonade Concert & Art Fair » Martin Luther King, Jr.
Breakfast, Jan. 21, 2019
» St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra Concert, Feb. 23, 2019
» International Partner Convening @ Alnwick, May 13-20, 2019
» Dedication of Husky Plaza
Throughout the year, the university will feature signature events unique to its sesquicentennial celebration as well as elevating several long-standing events. This includes a re-envisioned Homecoming on Oct. 17-21, 2018 that will feature new traditions and events along with the continuation of successful Celebrate St. Cloud State programming to welcome alumni back to campus and celebrate the university with students, families and community members. Since 2010, Celebrate St. Cloud State has been the university’s primary fall celebration.
Departments and units throughout campus also will be featuring events under the sesquicentennial umbrella. Planning also is in the work for com- munity partnership celebrations.
Volunteers from across the univer- sity, and including alumni, emeriti and community members, are involved in sesquicentennial planning.
“We have a rich history that spans 15 decades, but in some aspects we’re also just getting started,” Vaidya said. “Through our strategic plan to become the 21st Century Engaged University and Our Husky Compact, our commit- ment to exceptional student learning, this institution is still innovating and growing as we remain dedicated to student success and serving Minnesota’s workforce needs.”
As a lasting legacy, planning also is in the works for the development of Husky Plaza in the heart of campus that will feature a husky sculpture and donor opportunities.
