Ceremonies celebrate new beginnings
Homecoming 2015 truly has been a milestone weekend in the history of the University of Indianapolis, which will mark the 113th anniversary of its founding on Tuesday.
After Friday’s dedication of the UIndy Health Pavilion and the public launch of the Campaign for the University of Indianapolis, Saturday’s schedule included ceremonies to celebrate the extensive redesign of Krannert Memorial Library, the naming of the Ron and Laura Strain Honors College and the naming of the Riad and Yvonne Shaheen College of Arts & Sciences.
UIndy President Emeritus Gene Sease, who led the funding and creation of Krannert Memorial Library in 1977, speaks Saturday during the Founders Day and Library Reopening Ceremony. The $5.5 million makeover of the library, enhancing its technology and flexibility, took place over the summer.
Deanna Tillisch and Bret Strain, children of UIndy alumni and trustees Ron and Laura Strain, embrace during Saturday’s naming ceremony in Esch Hall for the Ron and Laura Strain Honors College. Watching, from left, are President Robert Manuel; Assistant Professor James Williams, interim director of the honors college; and music major and honors college member Jessica Spiars, who performed on piano at the event. The Strains have provided $1 million to support honors college activities.
Read about the Strain Honors College
Saturday under the Good Hall portico, President Robert Manuel and longtime university trustee Yvonne Shaheen unveil a banner to officially name the Shaheen College of Arts & Sciences. Shaheen’s $5 million gift to support the liberal arts at UIndy is the single largest personal donation ever received by the university. The philanthropist and civic leader also is chairing the Campaign for the University of Indianapolis.