On January 24, IUPUI held a full day of festivities to commemorate the campus's golden anniversary. Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie joined IUPUI Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar and other leaders from IUPUI and Indianapolis as well as IUPUI faculty, staff and students to celebrate the milestone.
"In its first half century, IUPUI has accomplished much more than its founders could have ever imagined," McRobbie said during the 50th anniversary Report to the Community.
From the top: Former Indianapolis mayors Greg Ballard and Richard Lugar stand with IUPUI Chancellor Nasser H. Paydar, Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie, former Indianapolis mayors Stephen Goldsmith and Bart Peterson; Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett declared January 24, 2019 "IUPUI Day" at the celebration; Paydar shares his thoughts about the campus's 50th anniversary. Photos by Liz Kaye, Indiana University
The event included a panel of Indianapolis mayors -- past and present -- who shared their take on the significance of IUPUI to the state.
McRobbie noted that the presence of all living past and present mayors of Indianapolis and other distinguished guests at the event reflected the significant contributions the IUPUI campus has made to the city of Indianapolis and the state.
"It also speaks to the campus's unwavering commitment to community, service-learning, and civic engagement, which is one of the most powerful and visible ways IUPUI is helping to transform the community it serves," he said.
From the top: The IUPUI Choral Ensemble performed during the celebration; the Report to the Community was held at the IUPUI Campus Center; Gerry Dick from Inside Indiana Business moderates a panel featuring four former majors of Indianapolis. Photos by Liz Kaye, Indiana University
Among IUPUI's strengths and achievements McRobbie highlighted during the event were its outstanding research faculty particularly those playing a role in the Precision Health Initiative and in Responding to the Addictions Crisis, part of IU's ambitious Grand Challenges program.
McRobbie also emphasized the campus's commitment to preparing students for success as global citizens with a population of learners who come from more than 140 countries and take advantage of study and service abroad.
"I take special pride in saying that IUPUI is a home to a highly diverse student population, and we are committed to seeing those numbers continue to increase," McRobbie said.
He also pointed to the establishment of the Fairbanks School of Public Health as well as the campus's new facilities -- including the newly renovated IU Natatorium, Science and Engineering Laboratory Building, University Hall, Campus Center, and the North Hall and University Tower residence halls -- as further evidence of IUPUI's academic strength and signs of its bright future.
"All of us greatly look forward to the next 50 years of progress and growth," McRobbie said.
