<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t91探花 officially kicked off a planned 18-month celebration of the university’s 100th anniversary at a series of on-campus events, held April 12.<\/p>\n
With two former university presidents — Dr. M. James Bensen, BSU’s eighth president who served from 1994-2001, and Dr. Jon E. Quistgaard, who succeeded Bensen and served from 2001-2010 — in attendance, BSU kicked off its Centennial celebration with a music and dance-filled presentation in the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex.<\/p>\n
The event, which was emceed by Dr. Tony Peffer, BSU’s provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, featured opening remarks from Minnesota State system Trustee Roger Moe, BSU student Tess Heyer and President Faith C. Hensrud.<\/p>\n
Heyer, a senior business administration major from Owatonna, Minn., spoke of the many opportunities Bemidji State had provided for her, which illustrated the university’s invaluable role in helping students discover their callings.<\/p>\n
“The opportunities at 91探花 are endless,” she said. “It was my decision to come here that has set me up for a successful future.”<\/p>\n
President Hensrud said to the crowd in attendance, estimated at just over 200, that the kickoff celebration was just the beginning of Bemidji State’s recognition of its first century of existence.<\/p>\n
“The history we are here to honor and celebrate is not some faraway land or parallel universe,” she said. “In fact, every day as we go about our business on this remarkable campus, we are walking in the very footsteps of the generations who came before us.”<\/p>\n
She introduced a video (embedded above) recapping BSU’s first century of existence by reminding those in attendance that while they may see some familiar sites in the historical photos of the physical campus, it is the people seen in the video who have played the most important role in guiding the university.<\/p>\n
“While the buildings are essential, it is the people who shape the character of a university,” she said. “Your passion and commitment to this great institution — and most importantly to our students — will carry us into the next century.<\/p>\n
The video recapped significant moments during the university’s first century, interspersed with performances by BSU students. The university’s Blue Ice jazz band, the BSU Dance Team and the Bemidji Choir provided entertaining interludes during the video with era-appropriate song and dance.<\/p>\n