Texas State set to celebrate 100th birthday

Date of release: 09/04/03

SAN MARCOS — One hundred years from the day it opened its doors as Southwest Texas State Normal School, Texas State University-San Marcos will celebrate its past and embark on its future at a ceremony at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, on the steps of the university’s landmark building, Old Main.

The university’s first-ever day of classes was Sept. 9, 1903. On that day, the school opened its doors to 303 students and 17 faculty members. Now, 100 years later, the school employs more than 1,000 faculty members and is expecting a fall 2003 enrollment of more than 26,000 students.

The celebration will include performances by a student choral ensemble and the faculty brass quintet. Speakers will include Faculty Senate Chair William Stone, Associated Student Government President Ernie Dominguez, Texas State University System Regent Dionicio “Don” Flores, San Marcos Mayor Robert Habingreither and Texas State President Denise Trauth.

The event is free and open to the public. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held in the Reed Parr Room on the 11th floor of the J. C. Kellam Building on the Texas State campus. A reception will follow.

Click here to see the celebrations.