A dedication and name unveiling ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, for the new Student Center at Rogers State University.
The event, which is open to the public, is part of a day full of activities commemorating the 100th birthday of the institution, which was founded on this date in 1909.
The dedication and unveiling ceremony will be held on the Sarkeys Terrace (West Terrace) of the Student Center, and will be followed by a Birthday Celebration inside the new facility.
The event will feature remarks by area dignitaries, recognition of those providing support for the new facility and an unveiling of the new name of the Student Center.
“This is an important milestone in the evolution of this great institution,” said RSU President Dr. Larry Rice. “In the short time that the Student Center has been open, it has already invigorated student life on the Claremore campus.”
Individuals, companies and foundations providing support for the Student Center will be recognized at the ceremony, including the Friends of Robert B. Lewis, J.O. “Bill” and Betty J. Holman, RSU Foundation, Sarkeys Foundation and Jack and Mary Lee Spinks of Claremore.
The long-awaited name of the Student Center will be announced at the event, which will culminate with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Following the event, the public is invited inside the Student Center for the RSU 100th Birthday Celebration. Miss Oklahoma Kelsey Cartwright will help kick off the Birthday Celebration. The party will feature “Taste of the Hill” – free samples of food by area restaurants and RSU Food Services and a large RSU 100th birthday cake in the Ballroom of the Student Center. Guided tours of the Student Center will be provided by members of the RSU President’s Leadership Class.
“We would like to encourage all students, faculty, staff and members of the community to come together to celebrate our 100th birthday,” Rice said.
During the Birthday Celebration, a new book chronicling the history of the institution titled “100 Years on the Hill” will be available to the public for the first time for $29.95. Author John Wooley will sign copies of the book in the Student Center.
In addition, the RSU Jazz Band will perform during the Birthday Celebration.
The events will be followed by the Centennial Parade, which will begin at 2 p.m. at the Claremore Expo Center and continue east on Will Rogers Blvd. through the downtown area. RSU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to line the parade route.
For more information about the RSU Dedication Ceremony and Birthday Celebration, call (918) 343-7771.