I’ve always loved the t-shirt that says “IUPUI: Undefeated in Football since 1969.”
It is a humorous and catchy reminder of when IUPUI came into existence. Although degree programs and many units on campus have been around much longer–going all the way back to 1891–IUPUI as we know it was created in 1969 when Mayor Richard Lugar helped bring about the collaboration of Purdue University and Indiana University in the capital city. If you do the math, you will realize that IUPUI will be fifty years old in 2019, and that is cause for a big celebration with lots of events and activities fitting of this milestone.
The 50th Anniversary Celebration of our roots and our successes started with a day-long kickoff in August and with a special edition of the IUPUI Regatta in September. The next signature campus event is January 24, 2019–exactly 50 years after the campus was officially created on January 24, 1969. The “Birthday Bash” will take place in the IUPUI Campus Center from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the community are all invited. A “lot of cake” has been promised for this day of entertainment, games, and more, that will celebrate and honor our history, and showcase the impact that IUPUI has had on Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.
Many Chemistry alumni will know that our own history goes back many years to the Krannert Building and the 38th Street Campus (just across the street from the Indiana State Fairgrounds main entrance) and to the general chemistry laboratories on the second floor of Cavanaugh Hall on the Main Campus. Were you around when Hardees was our “food service” or did you ever take a break from work or classes to get an elephant ear during the fair? Do you remember Dave Bonner in the 38th Street storeroom or Falcon Ferguson in the Cavanaugh storeroom? Or maybe taking analytical chemistry with Dr. Fricke or organic chemistry with Dr. Cutshall? Others may recall the excitement of the new Science Building opening in the spring semester of 1993 with its shiny new labs for teaching and research. For many, this new facility meant we no longer had to “commute” between the multiple locations that IUPUI had at that time. Something worth celebrating 25 years ago and again this year!
With some funding available, campus units are developing new events, and sprucing up and expanding existing events, to celebrate our 50th year. In the School of Science, we have put together a plan to set a world record by building the longest (in units and in length), scientifically-sound DNA model that will span more than 202 feet. On IU Day (April 10), the School of Science will hold the event Diversity is in our DNA – Setting a World Record, where the sections of the DNA model created at School and Departmental events throughout the Spring 2019 term will be attached to create the record-breaking DNA strand. Participants at these preliminary model-building sessions will receive a Diversity Council button featuring the slogan “Diversity is in our DNA” as well as a certificate honoring their participation in this world record project. The back of the certificate will share information about the School’s Diversity Council and the importance of diversity in both the School and the wider scientific community. Ultimately, the DNA model created will be displayed in the SL/LD lobby and signage will be installed to highlight the School’s commitment to diversity, details about the event, and its marking of IUPUI’s 50 years.
In addition to this event, there are many more opportunities for alumni and the public to participate in this year-long celebration–everything from special seminars and symposia, to a Habitat for Humanity Build, numerous musical performances, and events like the Indianapolis Sustainability Summit. Alumni are encouraged to visit the 50th Anniversary website for more information and to share their own IUPUI story. We would love to see your personal IUPUI Chemistry story on the website! We would also love to see chemistry alumni sharing information on social media platforms using the official hashtag for the 50th Anniversary Celebration: #MyIUPUI. But most of all, we hope to see you soon at one or more Departmental or School of Science events! Let’s celebrate our 50th together!
By: Keith Anliker