IU celebrates 185 years of history

IU held its 185th birthday bash in Assembly Hall Sunday in a ceremony honoring students, faculty and staff.\nThe ceremony, also known as Founders Day, paid tribute to IU's rich past, reflected on the accomplishments of the present and speculated on the future of the University. IU President Adam Herbert, who presided over the ceremony, emphasized the role of democracy and diversity at IU. \n"Indiana University students and faculty are no longer of a privileged race, gender or class," he said. "The doors of this University are open to all students who thirst for knowledge." \nAfter opening with a prayer from Rev. Linda C. Johnson and music from the IU Brass Quintet, Herbert took center stage to welcome the audience and make opening remarks. \n"Since its founding in 1820, Indiana University has been a place of learning, a place of liberty," Herbert said. "The IU spirit is, at its heart, a strong impulse to help others ... this spirit of compassion extends across the University."\nHerbert's remarks were followed by an awards ceremony, announced by IU-Bloomington Interim Chancellor Ken Gros Louis, to honor faculty members. \nIUB professors Miriam Fried and Violette Verdy of the School of Music and Michael Lynch of the biology department were recognized as distinguished professors -- the highest academic appointment at IU. Additional awards were given to faculty from the IUB, IU-South Bend and IU-South East campuses.\nGros Louis reflected on the achievements of these professors and staff. \n"We believe this University is home to some of the best teachers in the country -- indeed, in the world," he said. \nAfter honoring the faculty, Gros Louis recited a poem by Wallace Stevens, "The Man with the Blue Guitar." Gros Louis addressed IU students and challenged them to further themselves and society by learning how to bring about change. \n"Our job as scholars and yours as students is to change things as they are," he said. "Who will be your hero?"\nFollowing Gros Louis's remarks, student awards were introduced by Sarah King, a senior majoring in journalism and political science, who received the Elvis J. Stahr Distinguished Senior award. \n"Academic accomplishment is about learning from our frustrations and failures, as well as our successes," King said. "We have distinguished ourselves as engaged and focused students."\nOther recognized students included senior Rebecca Homkes, recipient of the Herman B Wells Senior Recognition Award, and students Jennifer Colanese, Tina Nabatchi, Mikael Rinne, Brian Starks and Snea Thinsan for the John H. Edwards Fellowship awards. \nStudents with a GPA of 3.5 or higher were also brought on stage to receive certificates honoring their academic accomplishments.\nSenior Alison Wilcox, who attended previous years, thought the ceremony was worthwhile. \n"I really think it's a good experience for students who deserve it to go," she said. "The speeches were really good."\nWilcox's mother, Paulette Wilcox, agreed. \n"They do a very nice job," she said. "They keep it a nice length, and I think it's very meaningful for the students."\nThe ceremony closed with a rendition of "Hail to Old IU" and another musical performance by the IU Brass Quintet. \nAlthough the ceremony honored the University's progress during the past 185 years, Herbert's remarks expressed his belief that the best is yet to come.\n"We are moving towards an even more brilliant future," he said.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Hannah Lodge at hjlodge@indiana.edu.