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Starting Monday, students will thank donors throughout the week by tagging objects and items around campus that were made possible through the generosity of alumni and friends. Sponsored by Advancement Ambassadors, the project is called T.A.G. (Thank-A-Gorilla).
3 p.m. — An investiture will be held for Thomas Newsom as the 11th president of Pittsburg State University. This ceremony celebrates a new chapter in Pitt State's history. Newsom will be officially vested with the symbols and responsibilities of the presidency, marking his commitment to lead the university in service to its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community. Representatives from higher education, state leadership, campus, and the community will join in recognizing the university’s mission and the shared work ahead. All members of the campus community and the public are welcome to attend this historic occasion honoring leadership, scholarship, and the enduring spirit of Pitt State.
2 to 3 p.m. — A celebration of faculty, staff, and service awards will take place in the lower level of the Wilkinson Alumni Center. Featured will be this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Faculty Award and the new Outstanding Staff Award, both selected by Student Government Association, and Service Awards recognized by Human Resources on behalf of the university. Light refreshments will be served.
3 p.m. and at 5 p.m. — the Gorilla Softball team will square off against Drury at the Gene Bicknell Athletic Complex.
Apple Day, the university’s longest-running tradition, recognizes the legislative action in 1903 that provided funding for Russ Hall and the university’s permanent location.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — The annual celebration will feature yard games for students, faculty, staff, and community at the Axe Library Lenai and the grassy area to the northwest of Carnie Smith Stadium. Food trucks will be on site. T-shirts and stickers will be given to students while supplies last, and they may enter a drawing for one of two $500 scholarships to be awarded by the PSU Foundation. Faculty will hand out apples, and the City of Pittsburg will make a proclamation at noon. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.
5:30 to 9:30 p.m. — the Pitt State Dance Showcase will shine a spotlight on the world of dance. The event will open with a student research showcase in the lobby of the Bicknell Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by student performances on stage from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
8 a.m. — the annual Community Campaign Kick-Off and Chamber Coffee will be held at the Overman Student Center at the Crossroads to celebrate area businesses and community support. The Rex Crowley Outstanding Partner in Progress Award recipient will be named in recognition of an individual or business who has shown civic leadership and outstanding service to the university and the community.
Throughout the day — The university’s annual Research Colloquium will be held in the ballrooms of the Overman Student Center, showcasing student and faculty research in a range of disciplines and topics.
7 p.m. — The ongoing Scott Speaker Series will feature President Thomas Newsom in a conversation with Bill Nye, renowned scientist, inventor, and TV personality, on stage at the Bicknell Center Family for the Arts as part of the ongoing Scott Speaker Series. This event is sold out.
2:30 p.m. — A public reception will be held at the Wilkinson Alumni Center to celebrate recipients of the Meritorious Achievement Award, the university’s highest alumni honor, and the Dr. Ralf J. Thomas Distinguished Service Award. John M. Lair and Patricia L. Sullivan, DNP, FNP-C will receive the Meritorious Achievement Award while Ralph B. Cowman and Michael S. Robbinson will receive the Distinguished Service Award.
7:30 p.m. — The final concert in this season’s Solo & Chamber Music Series will welcome Leland Ko, a cellist who is taking the world by storm. He has won first prizes at numerous prestigious cello competitions: 2024-Naumburg International Cello Competition; 2023- Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) Competition, along with the J.S. Bach Special Prize and the Orchestra of the Americas Prize. That year, he was selected to be a Young Artist in Residence for American Public Media’s Performance Today. Tickets
All day — For the 23rd year, The Big Event will bring together more than 400 student volunteers organized by the Student Government Association to rake leaves, clean gutters, wash windows, and more for community members who need a little assistance. Homeowners: Sign up at pittstate.edu/bigevent. Student volunteers: Sign up at pittstate.edu/bigevent. This event is designed to assist those with limited funds or limited physical ability.
1 p.m. — For the 30th year, the university will recognize student organizations, their leaders, events, and advisors at the Leadership Awards Ceremony in the Overman Student Center Ballrooms. The event will showcase outstanding contributions to the university community through programs and leadership.
4 p.m. — The Order of Omega Awards will be held at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.
Greek Life will celebrate Outstanding Seniors, Emerging Leaders, and the Chapters of the Year, and will recognize excellence in scholarship, recruitment and retention, membership education, campus involvement, community service, Greek relations, Program of the Year, and Advisor of the Year.
