FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2017, 12:00 p.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402.872.2429
Peru, Nebraska – Peru State College has announced a slate of activities for adults and children
on June 20 which is the 150th anniversary of the College’s founding in 1867. Officially
titled Peru State College’s Charter Commemoration: Nebraska’s Higher Education Beginnings,
the commemoration is a Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission “Signature Event.”
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 founded as a normal school
dedicated to training teachers.
NE150.org writes, “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, including a social
reception time on the beautiful Peru State ‘Campus of a Thousand Oaks.’”
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 to help us celebrate.”
The day begins with Pioneer Day at the Normal School including children’s activities
for grades K-8 and lunch. Participation is free and parents may register their children
at peru.edu/150. Registration deadline is May 31.
In the afternoon, Peru State will host a speaker series. Topics include prohibition,
Nebraska, Peru State College and OWH writer and Peru State history author, Dan Sullivan.
The speaker series is free, requires no reservation, and is open to the public. It
will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
From 1 to 4 p.m., the College will also host a “Nebraska Artists and Painting Program.”
The program includes history of Nebraska artists and an oil painting project. It is
free and open to all ages, eighth grade to adult. Reservation required.
At 5 p.m. a reception will be held on the lawn of T.J. Majors. The reception will
feature more activities for children; a Peru State College history book signing; ragtime
piano music by Marty Mincer; food and drinks. Reservation required.
Historical reenactors and speakers associated with the Nebraska City Chautauqua will
present at 6 p.m. The speakers will perform as W.E.B. Dubois, Woodrow Wilson, William
Jennings Bryan and other 1917 figures.
At 6:45 a Peru State College Celebration Banquet will be held. Speakers and music
by Nebraska City’s Belles a Peelin’ are planned. Reservation required.
All reservations may be made at peru.edu/150. Reservations for the Charter Day Reception
and Banquet at $35 a person with proceeds benefiting the Peru State College Foundation.
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