University retiree Larry Weiss thinks it’s never too early to plan for the year 2010.
Weiss, who retired earlier this academic year from his position as associate vice president for University Relations and Governmental Affairs, now works part time as one of the co-chairs of BGSU’s Centennial Anniversary Commission.
The commission was created to plan the events that will take place throughout the 2010 academic year in celebration of the University’s 100th anniversary, which officially occurs on Nov. 10, 2010.
With almost three years to work on the project, the commission held its first meeting Nov. 27, which began with a BGSU history lesson from Weiss.
Weiss said there will be a presentation of University history at every meeting so the commission members are aware of the University’s highlights.
The first meeting had a fantastic response, with people saying how thankful they were to be on the commission, he said.
Not counting the co-chairs, 36 of the total 43 members attended the meeting.
Kim McBroom, co-chair and director of Marketing Communications, said she thinks the enthusiasm of the participants is a sure sign of the wonderful events that are to come.
At the meeting, seven subcommittees were formed, which will focus on seven different aspects of the celebration, including academic, alumni and donor, athletics, community and business, marketing and PR, student events and University events.
Each subcommittee was given its own set of expectations and job descriptions. For example, the marketing and PR subcommittee is designing a special logo for the centennial and the student events subcommittee is setting up centennial projects the student body can take part in during 2010.
Joe Chenevey, a freshman majoring in physics, serves as one of five students on the commission and is encouraging other students, like those on the Panhellic Council and other organizations, to become involved in the student events subcommittee as well. Chenevey was invited to join the commission as a freshman Alumni Laureate Scholar.
He said students should contact Jill Carr, dean of students, or him if they want to get involved in the subcommittee.
Weiss said all student input is welcome, even from those students who aren’t going to be here in the fall of 2010.
PLA members and a student athlete are also on the commission, which has all freshman student representatives.
A wonderful mix of people is going to be constructing events for students, alumni, the community, the region and local businesses, McBroom said.
The University’s sister school, Kent State, is also celebrating its centennial in 2010.
The schools were both chosen as higher education institutions in 1910, with one placed in northwest Ohio and the other in northeast Ohio, Weiss said.
He said the commission might collaborate with Kent State to create a joint event.
He also suggested a possible event in Columbus, since Randy Gardner, an Ohio State senator, is one of the commission members.
The commission does not currently have a budget, since University President Sidney Ribeau is still working on it, but the commission only needs “seed money” right now, Weiss said.
“There’s only going to be one 100-year celebration, and what a good feeling to be a part of it,” Weiss said.
The Centennial Anniversary Commission will hold its next meeting Jan. 25, after the seven subcommittees have met at least one more time to discuss recommendations.
