FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 4, 2017, 10:00 p.m., CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State, College Marketing and, Communications, 402-872-2429

 
Brownville, Nebraska - Peru State College's sesquicentennial anniversary was a major theme of the Brownville Freedom Celebration held today.  The College's 150th anniversary was recognized in tandem with the State of Nebraska's 150th anniversary.

President of Peru State College, Dr. Dan Hanson, and Peru State's First Lady, Elaine Hanson, were the grand marshals of the 10 a.m. parade.  The Peru State Cheerleading Squad and members of the Professional Staff Senate also walked in the parade.

Dan and Elaine Hanson serving as parade marshals.

Dan and Elaine Hanson serving as parade marshals.

Professional Staff Senate members Keri Bensheimer (left) and Brenda Lutz hold the Peru State banner with Peru State Cheerleading squad members following.

Professional Staff Senate members Keri Bensheimer (left) and Brenda Lutz hold the Peru State banner with Peru State Cheerleading squad members following (left to right) Destiny Maguire (Greenwood, NE), Elizabeth Robine (Omaha), Abbey Friesel (Auburn) and Bailey Johnson (Johnson).

During the parade, Britnee Hart (Peru) drives while Professional Staff Senate Member Ted Harshbarger refills his candy supplies.

During the parade, Britnee Hart (Peru) drives while Professional Staff Senate Member Ted Harshbarger refills his candy supplies.

Professional Staff Senate member and Cheerleading Coach Brooke Earnest hands out special Sesquicentennial Fans featuring Peru State College and the Nebraska Statehood 150 Commission.

During the parade, Professional Staff Senate member and Cheer Coach Brooke Earnest hands out special Sesquicentennial Fans featuring Peru State College and the Nebraska Statehood 150 Commission. 

Peru State was also recognized during the annual Patriotic Program.  President Hanson was the Keynote Speaker and several Peru State alumni spoke during the program.

Deborah Solie, director of alumni relations and annual giving at Peru State, emcees the annual Freedom Celebration Patriotic Program.

Deborah Solie, director of alumni relations and annual giving at Peru State, emcees the annual Freedom Celebration Patriotic Program.

Peru State alum, Xavier Gibson, sings the Star-Spangled Banner as part of the Patriotic Program.

Peru State alum, Xavier Gibson, sings the Star-Spangled Banner as part of the Patriotic Program. 

Bill Hayes, Peru State alum and part-time faculty member, recites the Gettysburg Address as part of the Patriotic Program.

Bill Hayes, Peru State alum and part-time faculty member, recites the Gettysburg Address as part of the Patriotic Program.

President Hanson speaks with cast members of the Brownville Village Theatre.

President Hanson speaks with cast members of the Brownville Village Theatre.

Several Peru State alums are participating in this summer's performances. Dr. Charles (Chet) Harper returns for his fifteenth year as Director of Brownville Village Theatre. Harper is a former professor of speech and theatre and director of theatre at Peru State College.

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