Peru State College recognizes 149th anniversary; plans for 150th.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2016, 10:00 a.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402.872.2429

Peru, Nebraska- On June 20, 1867, the fledgling state government of Nebraska named Peru, Nebraska as the home of the state’s first college. The college was a Normal School dedicated to training teachers.

The Nebraska State Normal School, now Peru State College, will be celebrating its 150^th anniversary in 2017. The celebration will include several special events and the publication of a commemorative book through the Omaha World-Herald.

On June 20, 2017, the college will host a Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission “Signature Event,” Peru State College’s Charter Commemoration: Nebraska’s Higher Education Beginnings. From the Nebraska Statehood 150 website, “This Sesquicentennial Charter Event Celebration will mark the charter date of June 20, 1867, of Nebraska’s first institution of higher education by the Nebraska Legislature. The historic event will include an official program with a keynote address, historical reenactment, musical entertainment, and more, followed by a social reception time on the beautiful Peru State ‘Campus of a Thousand Oaks.’”

Other events include a special recognition at the May 2017 commencement and alumni activities. Homecoming (October 28, 2017) will occur just days after the 150^th anniversary of the first day of class on October 24, 1867.

The campus is also planning a visitor center on campus with additional exhibits spread around campus. Faculty will present programs in their fields that represent the long academic history of the college.

Dr. Dan Hanson, president of Peru State College, said, “We have been planning the sesquicentennial since 2011. I hope alumni and everyone in the region will be able to visit campus at least once in 2017.”

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For more information, visit www.peru.edu or call 1-800-742-4412.

About Peru State College: Nestled in the historic hills of the Missouri River, the “Campus of a Thousand Oaks" is Nebraska’s oldest college and will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary in 2017.  Peru State College’s constant commitment to academic excellence has resulted in a unique and innovative mix of online, traditional, undergraduate and graduate programs.  Similarly, the college's ongoing student engagement promotes inquiry, discovery and innovation on-campus and across the region.  Peru State College is committed to being a good steward of education, students, the region and Nebraska for another 150 years.