USI celebrated 60th anniversary at annual Founders’ Day reception September 15

The University of Southern Indiana celebrated 60 years at its annual Founders’ Day event on Monday, September 15. The reception, which took place in Carter Hall on campus, hosted nearly 150 attendees made up of USI employees, students and retirees. 

At the event, USI celebrated its formation and the visionary leaders who worked diligently to establish the institution of higher education on September 15, 1965. President Steven J. Bridges gave remarks centered around the University’s determined upbringing.  

“From the very beginning, the leaders who helped establish this University understood the power of higher education to transform lives and communities,” says Steven J. Bridges, USI President. “Their steadfast dedication to this region laid the foundation for USI, and it is because of their vision and perseverance that we continue to grow, thrive, and serve as a resource for southern Indiana, this region and beyond.” 

The anniversary served as an opportunity to reflect on the foresight of USI’s founders—industry leaders, local legislators and community members whose dream of a public university became a reality. Thanks to their determination and courage to bring about change in the region, USI was created in response to the great need for access to post-secondary education in southern Indiana.