Indiana University is kicking off its bicentennial celebrations July 1.
The university doesn’t officially turn 200 until next year, but has celebrations planned throughout the 2020 fiscal year.
"IU officially turns 200 on January 20, 2020," says Bicentennial Project manager Jeremy Hackerd. "That is the anniversary of when Governor Jonathan Jennings signed the bill that created the State Seminary of Indiana, which is the predecessor of Indiana University."
Bicentennial banners are up at IU’s campuses across the state, and the university delivered special boxes to departments full of items to help start the celebrations.
While many of the big events don’t happen until the fall, my Hackerd says there’s ways for people to get involved throughout the year. Faculty, staff and alumni can participate in oral history interviews.
"It’s a way for us to record the history of Indiana University in a different way," he says. "It’s not just 'this president did X, the trustees voted to do Y.' It’s 'what was it like to live in the dorms? Where were the food courts?'"
The university is also accepting nominations for its Bicentennial Medals. They recognize those associated with or who have served the mission of the university during its first 200 years.
IU President Michael McRobbie awarded the first Bicentennial Medal to Governor Eric Holcomb Friday.
