ROHNERT PARK - On one day in September in 1961, a robot astronaut was sent into orbit, Roger Maris hit home run #58 on his quest to break Babe Ruth?s record and classes opened for the first time at a small college in northern California.
The date was Sept. 18 and 40 years later that college, now a university, celebrates the opening of its doors to students in a series of lectures, exhibits, time capsule burial and other events.
The kick-off event is a lecture series at noon on Tuesdays at the Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center titled, "Who We Are: Conversations on 40 Years at Sonoma State University" from Oct. 9 through Nov. 27. The series includes topics from "How We Began: The Founding of SSU" to "Where Are We Going: The Future of Higher Education."
The same week, the University Library art gallery exhibit titled "Then and Now" runs Oct. 8 through Nov. 3 and features historical items from the university's past.
Events throughout the year will include:
* Battle of the Bands, March 16 - student and alumni bands compete with music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
* Founders? Day Celebration, April 18 - photographs, oral histories, and displays to remember the University?s beginnings.
* College Bowl, April 18 - a fast-paced trivia game with questions related to the 40 years of SSU's history as well as current trivia.
* Time Capsule Burial and Celebration, April 18 - the time capsule, containing items selected from the "Then and Now" exhibit, will be buried in the Alumni Grove.
* Academic School Exhibits, April 1-30 - the six academic Schools will showcase their history with this display.
* 40th Anniversary Photo, May 10 - this special photo will feature current, faculty, staff and students, community members, retirees and others joining together to form a number "40" in the main campus quad.
For more information, please contact Susan Kashack, (707) 664-2122 or email susan.kashack@sonoma.edu.
LECTURE SERIES DETAILS----------------------------------------------------
"Who We Are: Conversations on 40 Years at Sonoma State University"
Students, professors, alumni and staff explore the remarkable history of the campus in a series of lectures. Noon, Tuesdays, October 9 ? November 27. Room 3001, Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park
1. " How We Began: The Founding of SSU," Tuesday, October 9
This first program will serve as an introduction to the series, providing a context for the remaining sessions. As we remember the down-to-the-minute politics of the legislative signing which brought our campus into existence, we will create the framework for the next several weeks that will allow us to discuss the many faces of SSU over the last forty years.
2. "What We Thought: Development of a Liberal Arts Institution ? part 1," Tuesday, October 16
From the beginning, SSU faculty was committed to developing a curriculum which pushed beyond the traditional academic confines to create a truly liberal arts education. Learn about the innovative teaching concepts and how these pioneers created a truly unique liberal arts institution.
3. "What We Thought: The Development of a Liberal Arts Institution ? part 2," Tuesday, October 23
The educational mission is the heart of the institution. Part 2 of this 2-part session continues to examine the role of the changing curriculum. Also, we will ask the question, "how has the rising need for independent professional schools shaped how and what we teach?"
4. "What We Created: Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts," Tuesday, October 30
This fourth panel will explore SSU as a hub of cultural activity. Speakers will discuss the various artists (performing, literary, visual, and others) who have been attracted to the campus, from visiting lecturers and musicians to artists-in residence and writers, and of course, students and faculty. How has the university helped shape the cultural arts landscape in the North Bay region? How has the arts curriculum developed?
5. The View of Our Backyard: The Changing Landscape of the SSU Community," Tuesday, November 6
Students, faculty, staff, donors, and those in the surrounding areas are all members of the SSU family. What changes have we seen over the decades and what are some of the internal and external influences that have brought us to today? Diversity issues, demographic changes, changes in the economic environment, changes in the political environment, responses from the community to SSU and SSU to the community, the need for "professional schools." Are we meeting the needs of the community in terms of the work force we provide?
6. "Who We Are: The Changing Profile of the SSU Students," Tuesday, November 13
Come decide for yourself if there is a "typical" SSU student or if changing times have brought a new population of learners. This will be a thought provoking discussion about the changing college student, throughout the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s and now.
7. "Where We Are: The Sonoma State Landscape," Tuesday, November 27
The Sonoma State landscape is lauded as one of the most beautiful spots in the county. Join us as we discover the poetics of place and learn how SSU has grown from a field into a lush landscape. This panel will explore the aesthetic beauty of the SSU campus ? from the special native-plant and butterfly gardens to the lesser-known monuments and landmarks.
8. "Where Are We Going: The Future of Higher Education," Tuesday, Dec 4
Where will the University be in the next five, 10, even 40 years? This last session will focus on how the campus will position itself in the face of changing demands on higher education. Instead of a panel of speakers, this will be an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts.
NOTE: Historic digital photos of the university's early beginnings are available upon request.
