The grand opening of the new McKenny Gallery, at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, will feature the exhibition “A Tradition of Leadership.”
“The gallery was designed to give our current students, faculty, staff, alumni and all of the employees who have worked here in the past a place where they can share memories and learn more about the people, programs and events that make Eastern Michigan University the outstanding institution it is today,” said Walter Kraft, vice president of communications at EMU.
This exhibit will feature items from university archives and alumni donors. It will be highlighting Eastern’s 165 years of education and leadership.
“There is an interesting array of artifacts including clothing, sports equipment, stage props and teaching tools,” said Nancy Bryk, assistant professor of historic preservation.
Jamie Baird, a graduate student in the Historic Preservation Program, created the exhibit.
“Putting this exhibit together is a perfect example of leadership in action; this gave me real, hands-on experiences that I may never have gotten in a classroom,” said Baird. “I can truly say that I am proud of the work I have done, and appreciate the essential skills I have gained through this fellowship.”
Every other year, this gallery will provide graduate students in the Historic Preservation Graduate Program with experience in creating an exhibit from scratch.
“It is great real-life experience that helps them when looking for a job in the museum field,” said Bryk. “We are amazed at what our grad students can do.”
This exhibit has four sub-themes:
Eastern fosters good citizenship among its students and alumni
Eastern provides unique facilities that allow for hands-on learning experiences
Eastern’s programs provide learning opportunities that allow students to leave the classroom and gain experience in their field of study
Eastern has fostered mentors and professors who have influenced education throughout the country
A few of the interesting objects that will be on display include an original basketball rim designed by Albert Spaulding, a cookbook from 1912, a bowling pin from the McKenny Union and a track and field shirt circa 1935.
“It will be enlightening, fun and build pride in EMU. When you know your history, and that of your community and institutions, it give you a sense of place,” said professor Patrick J. Barry, Jr., (EMU ’71, ’73).
Barry is the soon-to-be president of Eastern’s Alumni Association.
Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan, founded in 1849 at Michigan State Normal School.
Those who visit the gallery will learn about the programs we have initiated and the leaders we have fostered, Barry said.
The McKenny Gallery has been a priority of the university’s for a while.
“The creation of McKenny Gallery was a very important priority for President Martin. She has a deep understanding and love of Eastern Michigan University, our history and all of our wonderful traditions,” said Kraft.
The Office of Alumni Associations sponsors the exhibit. It is free and open to the public.
