University of Akron family and community from around the world joined in celebration Oct. 10, marking the institution’s 150th anniversary. An extraordinary celebration in a remarkable year, alumni and friends raised a collective toast honoring the milestone achievement in a most unusual year and shared their good wishes virtually with the world. President Gary Miller and First Lady, Georgia, led in a toast from the steps of Buchtel Hall as alumni and friends, holding small, socially distant gatherings, conveyed their own best wishes with the world.
Against the backdrop of a brightly lit Buchtel Hall, virtual participants saw performances by the UA Marching Band and Choir, as the Zips community used the #UA150 hashtag to bring it all together; Zips from every generation paying tribute to an institution that helped launch so many of their dreams. Watch the magical night on demand.
The sesquicentennial celebration includes a docu-series exploring UA’s historic rise. “Keeping the Lamp of Learning Burning” is a six-part journey, discussing the milestone moments that have shaped the institution. Hosted by Akron historian and UA alumnus David Lieberth, viewers are treated to a fascinating trip through time, chronicling UA’s inception as Buchtel College, its role as an early innovation leader to its role in shaping and strengthening community engagement and regional and national leadership.
The yearlong celebration is part of a dedicated campaign to highlight and support the performance of UA’s best and brightest students. The 150 Scholarships campaign, Zips on the Rise, launched in February with a campaign goal of $150 million in Sesquicentennial scholarship support. Supported by generous individuals as well as corporate and community organization support, the campaign will offer 150 students, four-year, $2,500 awards, this effort recognizes the institution’s continuing commitment to excellence and achievement.
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