FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2017, 1:00 p.m., CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State, College Marketing and, Communications, 402-872-2429
Lincoln, Nebraska – By special proclamation, Governor Pete Ricketts has named today, June 20, a special
day of anniversary for Peru State College on the 150th anniversary of its charter.
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.
An early line of the proclamation reads, “Peru State College recognizes that resilience
is a key factor in success and provides the support and encouragement to achieve high
standards by cultivating passion and rewarding perseverance as it has done since the
first veterans of the U.S. Civil War walked its hills.”
Dr. Dan Hanson, president of Peru State College, said, “The College has had an incredible
week of celebration starting with the All-College Reunion and culminating in the Charter
Day activities. We held a book launch for our new history book by Omaha World-Herald
author, Dan Sullivan too.”
"Peru State has an incredible legacy of serving the educational needs of Nebraska
and the region. Everyone at the College is honored to continue that service."
At the College’s 2017 Commencement, Stan Carpenter, chancellor of the Nebraska State
College System, said, “On behalf of the Nebraska State College System, it is an honor
to be a part of this special occasion and to help commence Peru State’s sesquicentennial
celebration.”
“Today, we celebrate another year of outstanding graduates, and 150 years of how this
college has shaped Nebraska’s future.”
Carpenter also quoted the 1917 Peruvian, “For the last half century since her establishment,
the history of Peru (State College) has been practically that of the great state with
which she was originated.”
He added, “And now, at 150 years, we again remember our College’s incredible history
and look forward to a vibrant future.”
The gubernatorial proclamation reads, “Peru State College looks forward to another
one hundred and fifty years as a premier institution of higher education in Nebraska
and as a regional focus for culture, the arts, athletics and economic development.”
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