Ann Arbor Times

The Eastern Michigan University Foundation has received the Best of CASE District V Award for Special Events – In-Person (Single Day) in recognition of its 175th Anniversary Celebration. The event, held in 2024, brought together alumni, donors, faculty, students, and community members to honor the university’s legacy and future.

Celia Murkowski and Matt Mortier, Directors of Alumni Engagement at EMU, led the planning and execution of the event. The celebration featured a banquet-style setup intended to encourage conversation and connection among attendees. A notable moment occurred when the EMU Marching Band performed by surrounding the tables.

Other elements included cocktail making sessions led by guests, a photo booth, historical archives on display, student emcees and performances, as well as the debut of a special anniversary video and canvas painting. Attendees received commemorative medallions and a keepsake edition of Eastern Magazine created for the occasion.

"I'm incredibly proud of how this event showcased EMU’s history, mission, and community spirit,” Murkowski said. “From concept to completion, it represents what we can achieve when storytelling, engagement, and celebration come together with purpose.”

The anniversary event was part of EMU’s broader 175th anniversary campaign. The Division of Communications also earned Best of CASE District V recognition for both the Eastern Magazine 175th Anniversary special issue in promotional publications and for the anniversary microsite in marketing micro-sites.

"While this particular recognition highlights one milestone event, it also reinforces the collective impact of our division’s work — every project, partnership, and idea contributes to the larger narrative of EMU excellence that continues to shine,” Murkowski added.

CASE District V includes over 400 institutions from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Its annual awards recognize achievements in advancement efforts such as alumni engagement and communications.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is Michigan’s second-oldest public university. It enrolls more than 12,000 students across undergraduate through doctoral levels in over 300 academic programs spanning arts and sciences; business; education; engineering and technology; health and human services; as well as graduate studies. The university emphasizes applied education with career readiness at its core through hands-on learning opportunities and industry partnerships.

More information about EMU’s programs can be found on its points of pride page or by visiting the University's website. Updates about news or events are available at EMU Today.