FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2017, 7:00 p.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, (402) 872-2429
Peru, Nebraska- The City of Peru has proclaimed June 20, 2017, as a day to honor Peru State College’s
150th Anniversary of its founding. Peru State was founded on June 20, 1867.
Dr. Hanson said, “Peru State College is grateful to the City of Peru for 150 years
of support and collaboration. From the College’s founders and residents of Peru, to
our current neighbors, we value our ongoing partnership.”
The proclamation will read, “In 1867, the same year that Nebraska became a state,
the new Nebraska Legislature, with the encouragement of Peru natives William Dailey
and T.J. Majors, established the first higher education institution in Nebraska, a
normal school in Peru to train teachers.”
Darrin Reeves, mayor of the City of Peru, said, “I am glad to officially congratulate
Peru State on 150 years for the City. We’re looking forward to 150 more.
Mayor Reeves presenting the June 20 proclamation to President Hanson (center) with
(left to right) Council Members Brent Melvin, Mark Mathews, Dave Pease and Jason Jones.
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. June 20, 2017 will be the 150th anniversary of Peru
State Colleges's charter.
Peru State College’s Sesquicentennial All-College Reunion is June 16-18, 2017. All
Peru State alumni are invited to attend this weekend before Charter Day. Activities
include an All-College Dinner and Alumni Awards; the launch of the Peru State College
anniversary book by the Omaha World-Herald; workshops with faculty and staff; and
many other activities and meals to let you catch-up with old friends and new!
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 daytime activities for children ages 5 years to eighth
grade, Nebraska artists program and historical presentations for all ages. The evening
reception and banquet will kick off with musical entertainment and an introduction
of Nebraska City’s Chautauqua WWI re-enactors.
Homecoming in 2017 is a special celebration of the 150th anniversary of Peru State
College’s founding. The Homecoming dates are scheduled the week of the first day of
classes (October 24, 1867) and events include: football; volleyball; an All-Alumni
Dinner featuring milestone graduation anniversaries; pep rally and bonfire; special
reunion celebrations for alumni who participated in Student Senate, Board of Trustees,
Pep Band, Homecoming Kings and Queens, and Cheerleading; the Toughest Mile (race);
and a parade like no other!
Visit www.peru.edu/150 to learn more about these events and the many other anniversary
events planned at Peru State College!
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