The University of Southern Indiana is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015. The past five decades have seen a remarkable transformation from Indiana State University Evansville to USI, a thriving independent public institution with a reputation for excellence in education and community engagement.
USI has been celebrating its anniversary with a series of events throughout the year that commemorate the University’s history, but also focusing on the future, as USI continues to grow and expand to meet the ever-changing needs of the region and its students. This coming week, September 14-20, the week of the University’s founding, is USI’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Week and will feature a multitude of events, including a capstone event on September 19.
Founders’ Day
One of the highlights of the week will be USI’s Founders’ Day Luncheon on Tuesday, September 15, which will include a proclamation by Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, state legislators, USI Board of Trustees members and members of the former Southern Indiana Higher Education, Inc. (SIHE), which was instrumental in the University’s founding.
Following the Founders’ Day event an all-campus photo will be taken on the Quad, at the heart of the USI campus, followed by the serving of birthday cake. This event is free and open to the public, with USI logo-wear encouraged.
USI Documentary
A new documentary, Shaping the Future: The University of Southern Indiana, highlighting the University’s first 50 years will be premiered from 11 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, September 16, in the David L. Rice Library Room 0017. Repeat showings will take place throughout the week and are listed on the full calendar of events. All showings are free and open to the public. The documentary will air at
8 p.m. Thursday, September 17, on WNIN.
Reunions
Student Development Programs and Alumni and Volunteer Services are sponsoring an AMIGO reunion. For the past 40 years, USI AMIGOS have served as student orientation leaders who help new students and their families make the transition to the University. Over 500 former AMIGOS have been invited to return to campus from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, September 18, in the Second Floor Reading Room of the David L. Rice Library. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served and historic AMIGO memorabilia and photos will be on display. This event is open to all former USI AMIGOS. Those who wish to attend should RSVP to Alumni and Volunteer Services at 812-464-1924 or alumni@usi.edu.
The Multicultural Center (MCC) will host a three-day-long reunion packed with entertainment, food and festivities to celebrate the program’s 20th anniversary. Alumni will compete on the basketball court against current students. Past winners of USI’s Live at the Apollo, a campus-wide talent revue, and members, past and present, of MCC’s gospel choir, Designed by Grace, will perform in the new Performance Center, followed by a dance in the Performance Center Lobby.
Party of the Decades!
On Saturday, September 19, USI will culminate the week with the Party of the Decades!, a formal celebration in the Physical Activities Center (PAC) featuring live music from the Atlanta Allstars. Tickets are required for this sold-out event.
Tours, art exhibits and more will round out the week of events. A full schedule of events can be found online at USI.edu/50/events/celebration-week.
For more information about all events contact Sally Gries, director of University and Community Relations at sagries2@usi.edu or 812-465-7050.
