The University is 150 years old, and we’re throwing a party like no other. Faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as the public, are invited to join in the celebration and attend the 150th Birthday Party Sept. 14.
With more than 200 activities and events planned from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — ranging from lectures, readings and performances, to health screenings, sports clinics and interactive mock trials — the day promises to offer something of interest to everyone.
All the events are free and open to the public. Complimentary food and beverages will be available during the open house.
A 7 p.m. performance by the world-renowned Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra in Brookings Quadrangle will cap off the day. Guests are welcome to bring food, beverages, blankets and lawn chairs to the concert.
“In celebrating our 150th birthday, we are reaffirming our commitment to the community,” Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said. “We are delighted to open our campus to members of our community and hope that everyone will have an enjoyable time exploring our facilities and learning about what we do.”
Kids will also have an opportunity to browse through an amazing collection of pop-up books and can even try making their own.
A highlight for children will be “Goldilocks on Trial.” Students will present two performances of the fun mock trial — the Three Bears v. Goldilocks, of course — for children and their families. Children, who will be asked to serve as jurors, will be entertained while also learning some of the terminology and mechanics of a trial.
In addition to the planned activities, visitors can tour the Gallery of Art. Founded in 1881 as part of the St. Louis School and Museum of Fine Arts, the Gallery of Art is the oldest art museum west of the Mississippi River.
Two new exhibitions, Influence 150: 150 Years of Shaping a City, a Nation, the World and Inscriptions of Time/Topographies of History: The Photographs of Alan Cohen, will open Sept. 5 and will be open during the birthday party.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the University, age 16 and over, who are interested in volunteering at the 150th Birthday Party Sept. 14 should go online to aisweb.wustl.edu/chancellor/150thvolunteer.nsf/signup?openform.
For information and updates regarding the 150th Birthday Party, call the celebration’s hotline at 935-0014