To mark the 150th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Governor Walker has declared Saturday, April 21, as UW-Whitewater Sesquicentennial Anniversary Day.

“Throughout its 150-year history, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has inspired, engaged, and transformed more than 90,000 graduates who have actively contributed to the growth of the state and the nation,” the proclamation reads.

The campus opened in 1868 as the state’s second normal school to train teachers. Today, UW-Whitewater is a preeminent university with more than 12,430 students.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment and speaks both to our legacy of excellence, and our ever-growing impact in our region and in Wisconsin,” said Chancellor Beverly Kopper. “Our celebration will honor our past and focus on an even brighter future. There will be many opportunities to reconnect, to reminisce, to get involved and to show Warhawk pride. It is certain to be a memorable and exciting time in our history.”

The theme of the sesquicentennial is 150 Years: Inspire. Engage. Transform. Festivities will kick off with a Purple and White Gala on April 21, a $15 million fundraising campaign, a 150,000-hour community service challenge, a summer concert series, a golf and lake outing in the Lake Geneva area, special Family Fest and Homecoming events in October, and the commissioning of a new alma mater.

For more information, visit www.uww.edu/150.