Central Methodist University’s annual Founders Weekend will be held Friday through Sunday, May 4-6. A number of activities will fill the weekend with honors for distinguished alumni, a celebration of The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art, and a welcoming of visiting alumni and friends of the University.
Central’s Board of Trustees will be meeting that weekend and will be involved in many of the special events.
The central celebration of the weekend is always the conferring of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, honoring former students who have made a major impact on the world around them.
This year’s honorees are Ms. Shirley Brown, class of 1960, Mr. Patrick Brackley, class of 1971, Mr. Jeffrey Francis, class of 1980, Mrs. Kerri Jenkins, class of 1985, and Ms. Susan Hart,class of 1986, all Distinguished Alumni; and Mr. Seth Bauman, class of 2009, the Young Alumni Awardee.
The Ashby-Hodge Gallery is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a reception and gala dinner on Friday, and the opening of a new show, focused to a large extent on pieces given to the Gallery by founders Lawrence and Loretta Ashby through the years.
Both celebratory meals are by invitation; however, there are many events that are open to everyone.
5 p.m.: 25th Anniversary of The Ashby-Hodge Gallery reception (by invitation), Classic Hall
7 p.m.: 25th Anniversary of The Ashby-Hodge Gallery dinner (by invitation), 4th Floor, Inman Student Community Center
11 a.m.: Hall of Sponsors Unveilings. Front Entrance to Brannock Hall (rain location in Linn UMC)
New Hall of Sponsors Unveilings:
12 noon: BBQ Lunch at Emmet’s on the Square, $10 per person
1 p.m.: CMU Trivia Challenge, Emmet’s
1- 4 p.m.: The Ashby-Hodge Gallery is open
5 p.m.: 72nd Annual Alumni Awards Reception, 4th Floor, Inman Student Community Center
6 p.m.: 72nd Annual Alumni Awards Banquet, 4th Floor, Inman Student Community Center
10:30 a.m.: Worship Service, Linn Memorial United Methodist Church
1:30-4:30 p.m.: The Ashby-Hodge Gallery is open
4 p.m.: The CMU Concert Band Spring Performance