Illinois State Normal University first began honoring its birthday in 1909 with a banquet for friends of the university. The tradition was celebrated intermittently until 1969, after which it went on hiatus. Founders Day, as it was then termed, returned in 1995 with a bell-ringing ceremony and convocation honoring award-winning employees.
Recollections of ISNU's first president, Charles Hovey, gathered for the 1913 Founders Day celebration, can be accessed via the Charles E. Hovey Presidential Papers digital collection.
Founders Day observances between 1995 and 2006 featured short documentary films exploring different periods in the university's history. These are now available to view via YouTube.
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Illinois State University Founding Celebration Old Main Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 20, 2025
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founding Celebration program, February 20, 2025
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founding Celebration Old Main Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 15, 2024
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founding Celebration program, February 15, 2024
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 16, 2023
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founding Celebration program, February 16, 2023
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Honorary Degree Investiture and Founders Bell Ringing program, February 17, 2022
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Bell Ringing program, February 20, 2020
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founding Celebration program, February 20, 2020
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 21, 2019
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation program, February 21, 2019
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 15, 2018
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation program, February 16, 2017
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 19, 2015
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation program, February 19, 2015
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 20, 2014
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation program, February 21, 2013
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 16, 2012
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation program, February 16, 2012
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation program, February 17, 2011
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 18, 2010
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation program, February 18, 2010
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Bell Ringing Ceremony program, February 19, 2009
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation program, February 19, 2009
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.
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Illinois State University Founders Day Convocation program, February 14, 2007
Illinois State University
Program for annual event celebrating the founding of Illinois State Normal University on February 18, 1857.