A Cast of Thousands!
An estimated 2,500-3,000 faculty,
staff and students turned out for a panoramic photo on Oct.
12, commemorating
the Oct. 10, 1879 formal opening of Sam Houston Normal Institute.
The day included remarks by campus representatives at a ceremony
just south of Austin Hall and a procession through
the campus, all in observance of
the
university's
125th anniversary.
--Photo by Brian Blalock
Sam Houston State University
brought its formal 125th Anniversary observance to a close
Tuesday afternoon with the Celebrating of the Opening of
Our Institution
ceremony
and a panoramic photo.
"
It
is an honor to be here as we celebrate the 125th anniversary
of the opening of Sam Houston State University," SHSU
President James Gaertner said in a formal ceremony just outside
Austin Hall. "This
is an important moment in the history of both our institution
and
in the
history of higher education in Texas."
Gaertner talked about campus progress, including the record
growth of the university (SHSU had a record enrollment of
over 900 new students this semester), as well as the numerous
construction projects around campus that are rapidly nearing
completion. However, he encouraged those in attendance to
continue to work hard.
"
We are still not done improving our campus," he said.
The 11 a.m. ceremony began with an introduction by Provost
David Payne followed by the posting of the colors by the
SHSU ROTC Color Guard. The crowd then joined Allen Hightower,
director of choral and vocal studies in the School of Music,
in the singing of the National Anthem followed by President
Emeritus
Bobby
K. Marks'
invocation.
Greetings were then brought to the attendees from various
factions of the university. Jason Horn, president of the
SGA, brought greetings from the student body, highlighting
its growth both numerically as well as in student activity
by various organizations over the years.
Staff Council Chairperson
Cindy Allbright and Marsha Harman, Faculty Senate chairperson,
brought greetings from the staff and faculty respectively
while SHSU Board of Regents member Jimmy Hayley brought greetings
from the Texas State University System.
The ceremony closed with Hightower leading the crowd
in singing the Alma Mater. Students, staff and faculty then
proceeded to parade down to the intramural field where they
gathered for a panoramic photo and birthday cake.
The photo was the first one to be taken of students, staff
and faculty since a similar photo was taken during the university's
centennial celebration in 1979.
Overall, students seemed pleased and excited by the events.
"
I think it's so exciting and I am so glad that we are celebrating
125 years," said sophomore Sophia Aguoyo. "I think
that says a lot and it's great that they keep growing and
building and making things better around the school."
Likewise, sophomore Michael Jackson was equally pleased with
both the ceremony and SHSU's history.
"
I think it's pretty cool," said Jackson. "It's
really neat how the university has been around this long.
I'm really excited about all of the changes that are going
on around campus."
- END -
For more on SHSU's 125th year observance, see
the 125th
Anniversary Web Page.
SHSU Media Contact: Stewart Smith
Oct. 15, 2004
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu
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