The Illinois State University Founders Day celebration will be Thursday, Feb. 19, and will include a special honor for former Sen. John and Joanne Maitland, who will be presented with honorary doctoral degrees during the convocation.
Founders Day events celebrate the University’s heritage and traditions, and honor the accomplishments of faculty, staff, students and alumni. The main Founders Day Convocation will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 19, in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center.
The ceremony will include the presentation of the University’s highest awards, including the University Professor, outstanding teaching and research, and Administrative Professional and Civil Service Distinguished Service honors. Other awards will recognize excellence in teaching, research, service and commitment to diversity.
The Maitlands have been dedicated servants to government and community for the last 40 years. John is a former Illinois state senator who helped bring the State Farm Hall of Business to campus. Joanne is a former member of the Illinois State University Board of Trustees and also served on the Mennonite College of Nursing board. They have volunteered and made numerous charitable donations throughout the community as well as being members of countless committees, boards and organizations. In 2014, the couple was honored by the McLean County Museum of History as History Makers for their lifelong contributions to McLean County.
Other Founders Day highlights include a luncheon for invited employees with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 years of service which will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center.
A breakfast for invited members of the Annual Giving Loyalty Circle will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Circus Room of the Bone Student Center to help kick off Founders Day.
The Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony, which is open to all, will start at 10 a.m. in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center and displays showcasing various academic colleges and University departments will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom.
In celebration of Founders Day, Campus Dining Services will offer faculty and staff discounts at both dining centers every Friday in February. Watterson Dining Commons and the Marketplace at Linkins Center will have all-you-care-to-eat lunch for $6.50 or dinner for $8.00, with your ID. The dinner price begins at 4:30 p.m.
An Alumni Awards Dinner will start at 6 p.m. at the Alumni Center. Cost is $25 per person. For registration information, contact Alumni Relations at 438-2586 or go to the Alumni Relations site.
For information on the Founders Day events listed above and for registration details, visit IllinoisState.edu/FoundersDay.
