NAU’s new exhibit celebrates 50 years as a university

Northern Arizona University

On Friday, Oct. 7, Cline Library’s Special Collections and Archives opens the 2016-17 exhibit entitled “Founded in 1899, Transformed in 1966: Celebrating 50 Years as a University 1966-2016,” commemorating NAU’s 50 years as a university.

Northern Arizona Normal School was founded in 1899 and evolved into a university on May 1, 1966. The exhibit highlights the growth of the physical campus, the university leadership, athletics, progression of the academic programs and students that help define Northern Arizona University today.

Graduate student Alexandra Morris, Cline Library’s 2016 Elizabeth M. and P.T. Reilly intern, created the story of the exhibit after spending 10 weeks in Special Collections and Archives working closely with the staff of the department to research and design both a physical and digital display.

“While there are many different aspects of Northern Arizona University history I find interesting, I think the most fascinating is how students and alumni have created, developed and interpreted their experiences at NAU,” Morris explains.

The exhibit is free and open to the public and will run through Aug. 2017. A virtual exhibit can also be found online.

Special Collections and Archives

NAU Communications