Kutztown University hosts a Sesquicentennial Parade on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. in the Borough of Kutztown.
The parade will leave the KU campus via College Blvd., head east on West Main Street, north on Greenwich Street, west on West Walnut Street and north on Whiteoak Street to the Kutztown Fairgrounds.
At 100 years-old, Grace Shankweiler, a 1935 graduate of Kutztown State Teachers College, will serve as grand marshal. Guido and Susan Pichini, Wyomissing, will follow as co-chairs of the university’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. Joining them will be KU President Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson, Pa. State Senator Judy Schwank and Kutztown Mayor Sandra Green.
The parade will include multiple groups from KU including the KU Marching Unit, cheer and dance teams. It will feature high school marching bands from Kutztown, Fleetwood, Oley, Hamburg and Wyomissing plus the Hawk Mountain Highlanders and Celtic United pipe bands.
The Phillie Phanatic and mascots from the Reading Royals and Reading Fightin Phils will join KU’s Avalanche the Golden Bear.
KU football will face Mercyhurst at 5 p.m. with a fireworks display in the stadium immediately following the game.
The day’s festivities are a part of Founders’ Week being celebrated at KU Sept. 9 – 15. The university officially turns 150 on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. A birthday party with cake, entertainment and the burial of a time capsule, will be held in Alumni Plaza at that time.
Other Sesquicentennial Events:Sept. 9: PSECU Founders’ Week Kickoff at noon at Kutztown University – McFarland Student Union Building (NS) – NS 183 – Alumni Auditorium. This one-hour program includes an overview of Founders’ Week through a brief presentation by the committee and the premiere of the 30-minute documentary produced by KU Electronic Media students. Refreshments, including Whoopie Pies, served in the lobby.
Sept. 10: PSECU Founders’ Week Game & Fireworks Spectacular at 5 p.m. at Kutztown University – Sports Field/Court – Andre Reed Stadium. The home opener for Golden Bear Football vs. Mercyhurst includes the inaugural Legacy Club tailgate and a post-game fireworks spectacular. RSVP to attend and invite your friends on Facebook.Tickets required to attend game. Tickets free for KU Students, Faculty, Staff with valid KU ID – for others, see website for ticket information.
Sept. 11: Multi-faith Service at 7 p.m. at Kutztown University – Schaeffer Auditorium (SA) – SA 100 – Auditorium. In honor of the church’s role in the roots of Keystone State Normal School, this community-wide service will feature music and special guest speaker, Dr. Gregory Edwards, Pastor at Resurrected Life Church. Refreshments to follow.
Sept. 12: Speakers Forum “A Storyteller’s Keys to Success, Passions and Identity” featuring Noor Tagouri at 7 p.m. at Kutztown University – Schaeffer Auditorium (SA) – SA 100 – Auditorium. Tagouri has gained international attention as one of the country’s most talked about young adults. With a social media following of more than 100,000, she is an associate journalist for CBS radio in Washington, D.C., and has traveled nationally and internationally as a motivational speaker. As a first generation Libyan-American, her passion for storytelling stems from the desire to expose cultural injustices and combat the challenges facing women on a global scale.
Sept. 13: Celebrate 150 with Avalanche at 11 a.m. at Kutztown University – Exterior Locations – EX MSU. Will feature free food for students, a live remote broadcast by T-102 FM radio from Pottsville, giveaways, and a photo booth. Get your picture taken with two-time State System Mascot Madness champion Avalanche!
Sept. 14: PSECU Founders’ Week 5K Cross Country Run at 6:30 p.m. at Kutztown University – Sports Field/Court – North Campus Cross Country Course. The 5K returns for the second year. Entry fee includes a t-shirt, post-race refreshments, and age category awards. Timing and promotion by Pretzel City Sports. Entry fee: $25; $15 for KU students. 150-yard Cub Dash free for kids 10 and under. Register online.
Sept. 15: PSECU Founders’ Day 150th Birthday Party at 11 a.m. at Kutztown University – Exterior Locations – EX ALPZ – Alumni Plaza. KU turns 150-years old on this day! Held near the historic center of campus, join the campus community for a short program including key speakers, the placement of the 150 time capsule, the singing of “Happy Birthday” and the alma mater, cake and refreshments.
Sept. 15: KU Presents! Kelli O’Hara at 7:30 p.m. O’Hara is a 2015 TONY Award winner for her portrayal of Anna in the critically acclaimed revival of the King & I, and six-time TONY award nominee for her starring roles in South Pacific, The Bridges of Madison County, The Light in the Piazza, The Pajama Game, and Nice Work If You Can Get It. Among her other many credits, O’Hara’s voice can be heard on numerous GRAMMY-award winning cast albums, appeared as Mrs. Darling in NBC’s live telecast of “Peter Pan,” has sold out Carnegie Hall, and recently made her Metropolitan Opera debut in the production of The Merry Widow with Renee Fleming. Visit KU Presents Website for ticket information.
For a complete list of anniversary events visit www.kutztown.edu/150.
