Cool Celebration

By: Christine LaFrancesca, Staff Writer

To celebrate Towson’s 150th year, free Rita’s Italian Ice will be distributed at various locations around campus on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The ice will be distributed outside of Stephens Hall, the Paws Patio, outside the West Village Commons and in Freedom Square.

In September 1915, Stephens Hall opened its doors and brought in a new era of students to attend the Maryland State Normal School. The Maryland State School had previously spent 50 years in various locations in the Baltimore area before moving its location permanently to Towson.

“The school was in rented space in Baltimore, it was small with nowhere to grow,” Louise Miller, from Towson’s marketing department, said. “In 1910, principal Sarah Richmond began asking the school’s alumni and friends to join her campaign for a campus where Maryland’s future teachers could live and learn in a more appropriate environment.”

In addition to promoting this event, Miller is working on the entire 150th celebration.

“In my position, I am responsible for working with the 150th co-chairs, Myrna Cardin and Gerry Gaeng, and the 25 member Steering Committee to create a year-long celebration of the 150th Anniversary,” Miller said.

Delving into the rich and diverse history of TU, the 150th celebration urges curiosity in Towson’s past changes and accomplishments. The year-long celebration urges student appreciation and interest in TU’s transformation.

“I would like students to realize the continuum of time and place, that 100 years ago there were students here on campus like them, with a desire to learn and contribute to society,” Miller said. “I also would like them to appreciate that it was Principal Sarah Richmond that made this move possible at a time when women were not even allowed to vote.”