With N.C . State’s 125th anniversary coming up, a planning committee is creating fun ways to celebrate on campus.
March 5 will begin the official celebration for the anniversary. Although students will be off campus for some events, the planning committees hope that the anniversary will unify the campus.
Planning for the University’s 125th year has been going on since May of 2011, with several subcommittees to ensure all areas of the celebration are conducted smoothly.
While the University only celebrates the significant anniversary years, Founders’ Day is an annual tradition but one students will not be on campus to participate in. Chandler Thompson, student body president and member of the 125th anniversary marketing committee, says that she isn’t concerned.
“A few years ago, students had input regarding when spring break should be. We moved break to the first week of March, which means that students won’t be on campus for State’s official birthday on March 5,” Thompson said. “There will definitely be an event for students the week after, though. We aren’t going to leave the student body out of the celebration.”
As we approach March, the anniversary planning committees are still working on finalizing event dates and details. One thing they are sure of, however, is that the use of a special 125th Year logo will be implemented across all colleges and student organizations.
“The theme for the anniversary is tradition and transformation,” Bohlander said. “Events that colleges and student groups normally plan and host will just incorporate the 125 th theme and logo. There will be some special events, though.”
Among these special events is the opening of the Hunt Library, which will occur in October. Also included in the celebratory year is a special homecoming celebration.
“Homecoming will definitely be kicked up a notch this year,” Thompson said.
She also hopes the 125th can surpass the celebrations of N.C . State’s 100th anniversary.
“On their 100th anniversary, N.C . State dedicated a rock in the Court of Carolinas, hopefully we can do something bigger this year,” Thompson said.
In terms of what the anniversary will look like, Brad Bohlander , associate vice chancellor of university communications, says that the year is going to be focused on increasing pride in N.C . State.
“We’re very excited to use this opportunity to create stronger emotional bonds between students, faculty, and staff and to increase awareness of the tremendous things going on at State,” Bohlander said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the impact of the University over the last 125 years.”
Some things students will notice in the next few months include new campus flags. The flags, which are changed every two years, will be touting the 125th logo, alerting students to the fact that this anniversary is a big one.
“With marketing all around campus, people will definitely know what’s going on and will be excited about State being so old, or young depending on how you look at it,” Thompson said.
While students won’t be directly involved in this area, it is important to note the University plans to use the 125th as a fundraising campaign, hoping to reach out to alumna and community supporters for donations to the betterment of the school.
“If we raise awareness of the excellence of State, increase pride in students, donors, support, and alumna, we hope that will result in enhanced fundraising efforts,” said Bohlander .
For students, however, the anniversary is a source of pride and a cause for celebration. The students who bleed red and white are prepared to let everyone know how much their school means to them.
“125 years signifies continued prosperity in both academic success and community engagement and to me, a milestone such as this one is worth proper acknowledgement,” Hunter McMillian , sophomore in communications, said.
