SHSU turns 125
Numerous activities are already planned for 125th anniversary celebration
jennifer Gessner
Issue date: 1/28/04 Section: Campus News
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Sam Houston State University will celebrate its 125th anniversary on April 21, 2004. The anniversary marks the history and growth of SHSU over the years.
A press release provided by the SHSU public relations office explained that Sam Houston State University came into existence in 1879 "when Texas governor Oran Roberts signed the legislation to create Texas' first 'Normal School' in Huntsville".
The original name was Sam Houston Normal Institute, and it opened with 110 students and four faculty members.
According to "Today at Sam," the college originally only offered two-year degrees. However, in 1919 the college expanded to four years and was awarded its first baccalaureate degree.
In 1923 the institution became Sam Houston State Teachers College. Graduate programs were offered for the first time in 1936, according to "Today at Sam." In 1969, the university changed to the current name, Sam Houston State University.
President Gaertner is the 12th president of Sam Houston State University and his office has planned many events for the anniversary.
Some events and activities associated with the anniversary include inaugural events such as the new ring ceremony, a president's dinner and concert and a president's golf tournament.
The president's dinner and concert will be held on April 16 at 7 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom. On April 17, the president's golf tournament will begin at 9 a.m. at the Raven Nest Golf Course.
James Haley will be the next lecturer in the President's Speaker Series. Haley is the author of the critically acclaimed biography "Sam Houston." Haley will speak at 11 a.m. on April 20 in the Beto Criminal Justice Center Killinger Auditorium. Haley's topic will be "Educating Sam: Book Larnin' and Real Life." Haley will also speak that evening for the Sam Houston Memorial Museum at 8 p.m. in the Katy and E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center.
A re-enactment of the signing of Sam Houston Normal Institute's charter document by Governor Roberts is scheduled for the steps of Austin Hall on April 21, according to the press release.
On April 22 the first official university ring ceremony will take place on the steps of Austin Hall. The ceremony will be one of many new traditions being introduced to SHSU. "This is a celebration for all," said Hayes.
"One hundred twenty-five years is an awesome achievement for this university," Hayes said. "We hope this will draw more alumni close to ensure a bright future for another 125 years."
The golf tournament is open to the public and the entry fee is set at $125. Entry fees for other events will be announced as plans are completed, according to the press release.
A press release provided by the SHSU public relations office explained that Sam Houston State University came into existence in 1879 "when Texas governor Oran Roberts signed the legislation to create Texas' first 'Normal School' in Huntsville".
The original name was Sam Houston Normal Institute, and it opened with 110 students and four faculty members.
According to "Today at Sam," the college originally only offered two-year degrees. However, in 1919 the college expanded to four years and was awarded its first baccalaureate degree.
In 1923 the institution became Sam Houston State Teachers College. Graduate programs were offered for the first time in 1936, according to "Today at Sam." In 1969, the university changed to the current name, Sam Houston State University.
President Gaertner is the 12th president of Sam Houston State University and his office has planned many events for the anniversary.
Some events and activities associated with the anniversary include inaugural events such as the new ring ceremony, a president's dinner and concert and a president's golf tournament.
The president's dinner and concert will be held on April 16 at 7 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom. On April 17, the president's golf tournament will begin at 9 a.m. at the Raven Nest Golf Course.
James Haley will be the next lecturer in the President's Speaker Series. Haley is the author of the critically acclaimed biography "Sam Houston." Haley will speak at 11 a.m. on April 20 in the Beto Criminal Justice Center Killinger Auditorium. Haley's topic will be "Educating Sam: Book Larnin' and Real Life." Haley will also speak that evening for the Sam Houston Memorial Museum at 8 p.m. in the Katy and E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center.
A re-enactment of the signing of Sam Houston Normal Institute's charter document by Governor Roberts is scheduled for the steps of Austin Hall on April 21, according to the press release.
On April 22 the first official university ring ceremony will take place on the steps of Austin Hall. The ceremony will be one of many new traditions being introduced to SHSU. "This is a celebration for all," said Hayes.
"One hundred twenty-five years is an awesome achievement for this university," Hayes said. "We hope this will draw more alumni close to ensure a bright future for another 125 years."
The golf tournament is open to the public and the entry fee is set at $125. Entry fees for other events will be announced as plans are completed, according to the press release.