PARKVILLE, Mo. — Confetti filled the air as Park University kicked off its 140th anniversary celebration last week, and there’s plenty more still to come.Held at Copley Quad on the Parkville, Mo. campus, the event entitled “Hail Park” marked the passing of 140 years as an institute of higher learning with speakers and the dedication of a new sculpture displayed along the patio. Rita Blitt, a Park graduate and renowned local artist, created the work, entitled “Infinity.”
At the conclusion of the hour-plus ceremony, attendees launched vials of maroon-and-gold confetti into the air as the newly-renovated bell tower rang out across the original campus.
The kickoff celebration starts a planned year of events, although a Park spokesperson said the exact list remains to be finalized. To honor the school’s history, Park officials plan to collect stories and photographs from alumni and publish a collector’s edition, commemorative book.
Fides et Labor: 140 Years of Pioneering Education, The Story of Park University, a limited edition, full color book chronicling Park’s history, will be available in September. Preorders are being accepted now.
Now with more than 40 campuses spread across 21 states, Park also unveiled a new logo for the celebration of its 140th anniversary. The traditional bell tower logo will have a banner featuring the founding year of 1875 and the current year on either end with 140th anniversary scripted across the middle.
Officials plan to use the logo in upcoming advertising and marketing materials.
Park was founded in 1875 in Parkville as Park College. There were 17 students to start with each working around campus to pay for their education.
Officially transitioned to a university in 2000, Park educates more than 20,000 students across all of its campuses each year. It’s well known for its military connections and online accreditation programs. Information will be updated at http://140years.park.edu/ as the 18-month-long celebration continues.