“From 18, Many” is the theme for the 2018 Founders’ Day celebration at Emporia State University, which marks 155 years of educational excellence.
During Founders’ Day activities, Emporia State pays tribute to the foresight of those Kansans who established the Kansas State Normal School in 1863. The first day of class was Feb. 15, 1865, with 18 teacher-education students meeting on the second floor of the district’s local schoolhouse.
The 2018 celebration begins at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, in Webb Hall. It includes a buffet lunch with a program beginning at 12:05 p.m. and concluding by 1 p.m.
The program will honor the winners of the 1863 essay contest, a tradition that began five years ago. Student essays on the question “How has Emporia State University changed your life?” are judged by Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professors from across campus.
The contest began with a gift of $1,863 from the President’s Community Advisory Council. Since 2014, the gift has been divided between two recipients for $1,000 and $863. The 2018 contest drew the highest number of essays with 72 entries.
Tickets are required for the Founders’ Day luncheon. They cost $5 and can be purchased online before 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at http://bit.ly/2Bd9qTb.