TCNJ News
For Immediate Release
January 28, 2004
Link to the Sesquicentennial home page
TCNJ Launches Countdown Clock to its Sesquicentennial Kick Off
EWING , N.J. - On Monday, February 9 at 12:30 p.m., The College of New Jersey will launch a countdown clock, ticking off the seconds to its Sesquicentennial kickoff on September 8, 2004.
The unveiling and clock, along with a Sesquicentennial display, will be located just outside the Brower Student Center in the trophy case facing the interior of campus.
The College was established by the state legislature in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, the first Normal School (teacher education school) in the state and the ninth in the nation. February 9 was chosen to unveil the countdown clock because it marks the anniversary of the College's Founder's Day, February 9, 1855, the day the act to establish the school became law. The College will celebrate its milestone 150 years of service to the state and nation during the 2004-2005 academic year.
"This institution has been blessed by generations of leaders who had the strength of vision and courage to persuade the state government and the public of the importance of higher education in the state, and the passion to forge TCNJ's unique mission in serving higher education needs in New Jersey," noted College President R. Barbara Gitenstein. "We are very excited to begin our celebration, honoring the successes of our past and rejoicing in the promise of our future."
At the same time as the launch of the countdown clock, the College will announce its first Sesquicentennial-related contest, to name the TCNJ Lion mascot. The College will launch an online poll with at least ten historically significant names from which to choose. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and the general community can cast their vote by going to the Sesquicentennial Web site at http://150years.tcnj.edu beginning February 9. The winning mascot name will be announced on September 8 during the official Sesquicentennial kickoff celebration. The Lion will make a guest appearance at the countdown clock launching ceremony.
Other Sesquicentennial events will take place during the entire 2004-2005 academic year. Events will begin with the College's opening ceremonies on September 8, 2004 and end with a Grand Finale weekend in October 2005 to commemorate 150 years from the opening of the Normal School on October 1, 1855. One of the major events of the Sesquicentennial will come on Founder's Day, February 9, 2005, when the College will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the date the act to establish the school became law. The College will host a birthday bash on campus to celebrate the milestone.
The Sesquicentennial theme will be an integral part of all campus events throughout the year including Community Fest on October 9, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend on October 15-17, Campus Colors Day and Carnival on April 20, 2005, and Commencement on May 13, 2005 as well as several "signature events" and at external events including the College's exhibit at the NJEA convention and the Ewing Township Annual 4th of July Parade.
The College has been planning its Sesquicentennial Celebration for over two years with an official committee sanctioned by TCNJ's Board of Trustees. Robert Gladstone, a member of the College's Board of Trustees, is serving as the Chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee. Barbara Pelson '59, also a member of the Board of Trustees, is serving as Honorary Chair of the Sesquicentennial. Mrs. Pelson was a student at the College during its Centennial Celebration in 1955.
For more information on TCNJ's Sesquicentennial Celebration, contact Janis Blayne-Paul, Major Events Director, at 609-771-2228, or Sue Long, Public Information Officer, at 609-771-3070.
