1970s: Centennial
Commencement, 1970
The university turned 100 in the midst of student demonstrations over civil rights, women’s rights, student representation, and the Vietnam War. The university closed for nearly two weeks in May 1970 following the death of students at Kent State University.
Despite the tumult, the university celebrated throughout the year. The first event, “The Buckeye Centennibration” in January, included crowning a Centennial Queen and cutting a 300-pound birthday cake with 100 candles. This was followed in March by Charter Weekend, involving hundreds of alumni and a centennial ball.
Various colleges and departments held special events, and the publication The Ringing Grooves of Change highlighted the university’s first century through maps and images.
The year ended with a black-tie reception in the new Center for Tomorrow (now the Fawcett Center) where 100 Centennial Achievement Awards were presented by President Fawcett to recognize significant alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the university.
Campus Closure Sign, 1970
The university posted these signs around campus during a two-week closure after the shootings at Kent State University. A few designated individuals had passes that allowed them to be within the barricades.
May Week Tug of War, 1971
Centennial Achievement Award, March 21, 1970
University President Novice Fawcett and Alumni Association President Gordon Jelliffe presented 213 alumni with the Centennial Medallion in recognition of their contributions to the university as alumni. Milton Caniff, alumnus and cartoonist, designed the medallion.
Centennial Cake, 1970
Presented at the “Centennibration,” this cake served over 4,000 people in the Ohio Union on January 10, 1970.
