University’s Sesquicentennial Schedule Is a Full One
On May 17, IUP will mark a special occasion. In 1875, 150 years ago to the day, it opened as Indiana State Normal School for its very first term, consisting of a 10-week spring session. While 80 students attended on opening day, the fledgling school had enrolled more than 150 by the end of the week.
IUP will officially kick off its sesquicentennial celebration on August 23—after students have arrived for the fall semester. However, activities have already begun, and a full year of revelry is planned.
Event Highlights, 2025
May 12–17 — Week of Giving
August 10 — IUP Day at PNC Park
August 23 — Sesquicentennial Kickoff
September 9 — IUP@150 Opening at University Museum
September 13 — Family Weekend, Alumni Legacy Breakfast, IUP Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
October 4 — Homecoming (Parade, Crimson Huddle, Football Game, Fifth Quarter Concert)
November 2 — Young Alumni Achievement Awards
December 2 — Giving Tuesday
December 13 — Winter Commencement
In January, registration opened for the 150 Volunteer Hour Challenge, in which student groups, departments, offices, alumni groups, and individuals pledge to volunteer 150 hours between May 17, 2025, and May 16, 2026.
In April, IUP unveiled the commemorative gift (described on the inside back cover) for its upcoming comprehensive campaign and wrapped up an anniversary-inspired T-shirt design contest. The winning artwork will be printed on limited-edition T-shirts given out at the sesquicentennial kickoff, which will coincide with the Crimson Carnival that’s part of Welcome Week for new students.
Events this spring also include Week of Giving, May 12–17, which focuses on and encourages support of a different IUP need each day.
IUP Day at PNC Park will bring members of the university community together for a Pittsburgh Pirates game on Sunday, August 10, against the Cincinnati Reds. Anyone who donates $150 or more to IUP before August 1 will be eligible for a chance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Plans for August also include the addition of an anniversary-themed mural to the parking lot wall just east of North Dining (former site of Keith Hall).
From September through December, the University Museum on Sutton Hall’s first floor will present IUP@150: Meet Me in the Oak Grove. Curated by IUP archivist Harrison Wick, this exhibition will explore the evolution of academics, athletics, and student life and will display apparel from the IUP Fashion Studies Historic Costume Collection.
Through May 2026, the sesquicentennial theme will permeate routine campus events, from the IUP Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony and Homecoming, which will include a special “Fifth Quarter” concert, to alumni and donor recognition events and the winter and spring commencement ceremonies.
“IUP has weathered many storms over the past 150 years, but it has always had an incredible sense of pride and optimism, independence, and commitment to student success,” President Michael Driscoll said. “I am truly looking forward to all of the planned events and to the beginning of our next 150—and more—years to come.”
Find registration information, event details, and additions to the schedule on the 150th anniversary website.
Questions and suggestions may be sent by email to IUP-150@iup.edu.