Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Greencastle residents alike will gather on Tuesday to celebrate a birthday: DePauw University's.
On January 10, 1837 — exactly 175 years ago on the day of the celebration — the Indiana legislature gave a charter to Indiana Asbury, the college now known as DePauw. To mark this historical day, members of the 175th anniversary committee will kick off an 18-month-long commemoration with a birthday party of sorts.
From 5 to 6:30 p.m., there will be a gathering in the Green Center for Performing Arts. At the event, President Brian Casey will speak, Mayor of Greencastle Sue Murray will give a proclamation and School of Music vocalists will sing. Attendees will watch a video specifically made for the anniversary by sophomore Rob Weidner. And, of course, no birthday party is complete without cake.
"I am a big believer in the importance of ceremony," said Marcia Latta, vice president for advancement, who oversees the anniversary planning. "I think it's important to reflect on where we've been, how things have shaped who we are today. And that really helps in making plans and focusing on where we want to go in the future."
Since the anniversary date falls on a weekday in the middle of Winter Term, when the majority students are off-campus either interning or globetrotting, Casey said he isn't expecting a large crowd at the event. However, he and other members of the committee believe marking this occasion is worthwhile.
"We will be celebrating with everyone who's there," said Latta.
Steve Setchell, chair of the 175th anniversary committee, says those involved with the anniversary have been working hard to spread the word about it. President Casey has sent out two university-wide e-mails, Latta has kept alumni informed through e-mail and the alumni magazine, gold banners advertising the celebration have been waving throughout campus and downtown this week and a special anniversary website was created.
The kickoff event isn't the only chance the DePauw community will have to come together to honor the university. In fact, the next 18 months are filled with various events aimed at bringing the community together to celebrate the anniversary. Such events include a distinguished alumni lecture series, a student life festival and alumni gatherings in different regions of the U.S.
"I hope that the kickoff will provide the community with a sense of excitement for this unique moment of reflection on our history, but also…that they will gain an understanding and anticipation for many of the exciting events that are coming ahead," Setchell said.
Casey noted that DePauw was established during a time period in which colleges were popping up all over the nation. He is excited to celebrate that DePauw is one of the few that has endured.
"I think institutions need to consciously recognize and celebrate their past because that's what gives a sense of purpose and depth to the institution," Casey said. "It's birthday cake and champagne, but it's actually about something else."
A committee of 42 people — Greencastle residents and DePauw alumni, faculty, staff, retirees and students — who have been meeting since last spring has organized the events happening over the next 18 months. Latta asked people to be on the committee based on recommendations from President Casey, the other VPs and staff in the advancement division.
Sophomore Brian Alkire is one of these enthusiastic people chosen to participate in the committee. He is looking forward to helping unite the campus, hopefully in the same way Little 5 and the Monon Bell weekends do.
"I would imagine that this is such a milestone in DePauw's history that it will gain the attention of everybody and that they will come together," Alkire said.
Setchell believes student participation in the anniversary events is imperative.
"It's important for everyone, especially students, to feel like their part of a proud story that's longer than a four-year experience," said Setchell.
Casey would agree.
"I hope a lot of students attend, and I hope they come away with it with a sense of pride knowing that they're affiliated with one of the most venerable institutions in the United States."
- Chase Hall contributed to this article.