Founders Day: A rich Illinois State University tradition

NORMAL – Thursday marked another Founder’s Day on the campus of Illinois State University, and to kick off the festivities, many gathered in the middle of the quad for the annual Bell Ringing Ceremony.

Founder’s Day was created to remember the founding of the university back in year 1857. However, the event has evolved and now also showcases all the university has accomplished over the past year.

The ringing of the replica Old Main bell kicked off the day of fun. ISU President Larry Dietz said the bell has a rich tradition that dates back to the foundation of ISU.

“The bell I think really signifies our history. We are the oldest university in the state of Illinois founded in 1857. The bell ringing is really just a celebration of all the accomplishments of the university and all the people within”.

The ceremony was held in the newly renovated Brown Ballroom in the Bone Student Center. Dietz said with the Bone Student Center Revitalization completing its first steps, its almost hard to recognize.

“Oh my heavens, it’s really beyond the expectations that anybody really had. It looks like a completely new room with all the decor and technological features”.

Founder’s day will concluded with the Alumni Awards Dinner at the Alumni Center Thursday evening.

Nick Imparo and Joseph Smearman contributed to this story.