Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University is set to celebrate its 175th anniversary with a seminar and exhibition titled "Eastern Michigan University at 175: Telling Our Stories to Understand Who We Are." The event will take place on November 14, 2024, at the Bruce T. Halle Library in Ypsilanti.

The celebration will begin with a seminar hosted by the University Library, University Archives, and the College of Arts and Sciences. This seminar aims to explore EMU's history through speakers, archival presentations, and discussions focusing on the university's significant moments and contributions.

Following the seminar, attendees can visit an exhibition in the Halle Library Gallery. This exhibit will display artifacts, photographs, and documents from EMU’s past. Event organizers emphasize that these activities aim to provide a deeper understanding of EMU’s history from various perspectives.

"While this seminar would be important in any year, celebrating such a milestone anniversary is the perfect moment to delve into EMU’s legacy,” said Alexis Braun Marks, university archivist and associate professor. "We aim to bring people from all areas of the University community to reflect on and better understand the evolution of our institution."

The event also seeks to connect participants with visual materials related to EMU’s history displayed in the gallery.

"We’re elated to partner with the University Library and key departments like the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education for this event,” Braun Marks added. “This is not only a look back at our past but also an opportunity to understand how that history shapes our present and future."

The seminar is open to students, faculty, alumni, and the public without registration requirements. For further details, interested individuals can contact abraunma@emich.edu.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University stands as Michigan's second oldest public university. It serves nearly 13,000 students across various disciplines through its multiple colleges. Nationally recognized for its educational excellence and diversity initiatives, more information about EMU can be found on their official website or through EMU Today for updates on news and events.