UIU celebrates sesquicentennial in 2007
Fayette, Iowa (December 15, 2006) – Upper Iowa University will celebrate a milestone anniversary in 2007. This year the university will complete the 150th year of its mission to provide a variety of educational opportunities to college students from its original setting in scenic, rural Northeast Iowa.
Beginning Jan. 7, the Fayette Post Office will have available upon request a special commemorative UIU 150th cancellation stamp. Patrons will have a 30-day time period during which to request the special stamp.
Also on Jan. 7, the hand bell choir Les Cloches d’Or will perform at the United Methodist Church in Fayette at 2:00 p.m. The group originates from Cedar Falls. A reception will follow in the Colgrove-Walker Building with refreshments and 150 tolls of the university bell atop Alexander-Dickman Hall.
April 11 has been designated Fayette Appreciation Day. UIU students will do community service projects for Fayette citizens during the day and host an old-time community picnic at 5:00 p.m. on Clark Street between Main and Washington, adjacent to the Fayette Opera House.
From mid-July through Oct., Upper Iowa University’s 150th celebration will be the theme for the 2007 Maize Maze at Gilbertson Nature Center near Elgin. The design is currently being prepared and will be revealed in a formal announcement this spring.
The grand finale celebration will take place during Homecoming weekend in September. For three days, current students and alumni will come together to honor 150 years of Upper Iowa University tradition.
A limited-edition commemorative book of Upper Iowa University’s rich history has also been prepared in honor of the anniversary. To order a copy of "The Pioneering Spirit: Upper Iowa University" and to find out more about the planned activities, go to www.uiu.edu.