David L. Rice Day to be celebrated Friday, April 1
USI's Student Government Association recently passed a resolution naming April 1 David L. Rice Day on campus.
Drafted by SGA member Tommy Kautzman, the first celebration of this day honoring USI's founding president Dr. David L. Rice is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 1 in Rice Plaza. A luncheon, funded by the USI Foundation, will include hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, potato salad and "Rice" crispy treats.
SGA also will provide displays of information, facts and items relating to Rice. University Archives and Special Collections will have a display honoring Dr. David and Betty Rice's service to the University.
"Dr. Rice had an extraordinary vision for higher education in this region. His humble and kind approach allowed others to not only see the vision, but to help realize it. says USI Foundation President and Vice President of Development David Bower. "Dr. Rice's leadership impacted generations of students and USI alumni now span this region, state, country and globe. Students were always the focus of his efforts. To see current members of the Student Government Association honor him with David L. Rice Day is affirmation his legacy continues to inspire our student body."
The resolution approved by SGA and written by Kautzman reads as follows:
WHEREAS the first of April is celebrated as the birthday of David L. Rice, who served as the first president of the University of Southern Indiana
WHEREAS his dedication and hard work led to the success of the University of Southern Indiana from its inception and is felt on the campus we know today
WHEREAS President Rice's legacy has left a lasting impact on campus by inspiring every student, faculty and staff member and member of the community to exemplify his spirit
WHEREAS we remember President Rice and seek to improve the University of Southern Indiana in his image every day.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Student Government Association at the University of Southern Indiana celebrates April 1 as David L. Rice Day.
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that Student Government Association encourages all students to embody David L. Rice, his values and his character in their educational, professional and personal lives.