Towson University kicks off 2017 "Celebration of Excellence"

By Joseph Hockey '18 on April 5, 2017

Spring is traditionally a time of celebration on college campuses across the country. During the final weeks of the academic term, students, faculty, staff and alumni are recognized for their achievements from throughout the year.

In past years, Towson University has held a series of eight special events each April and May, all designed to celebrate success and outstanding accomplishment. For the first time, this year these historically separate events will be combined, as one unique “Celebration of Excellence” to help showcase TU’s best and brightest.

“One thing I’ve noticed in my first 15 months here is that we don’t brag enough, among ourselves and outside the campus, about what a special place Towson University is,” said President Kim Schatzel, who suggested the celebration idea. “We don’t brag enough about our talented faculty, our dedicated staff, our outstanding students, and our amazing alumni. Or about the positive impact our university has throughout the state, and why we matter to Maryland.

“This ‘Celebration of Excellence’ ties together eight wonderful events and provides a perfect path toward the ultimate celebratory event on our campus, our spring commencement,” she added. “Although these events are very different, they all have one thing in common: celebrating excellence at Towson University.”

The celebration will run from April 7 through May 10 and feature eight events to be held on campus, beginning with Friday’s Foundation Scholars Luncheon, hosted by the university’s Office of Development at the University Union. It is a “by invitation only” event.

This annual luncheon is attended by donors, students and university leaders, and offers the opportunity for donors to meet the recipients of their generous philanthropic gifts.

Seven additional “Celebration of Excellence” events will be held over the next four weeks:

• Student Research and Creative Inquiry Forum, to be held on Wednesday, April 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. on the third floor of the University Union, hosted by the Office of the Provost. This event will be open to the public.
• BTU Partnerships Showcase, to be held on Monday, April 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside SECU Arena, hosted by the Division of Innovation and Applied Research and Academic Affairs. This event is also open to the public.
• Senior Colleagues Reception, to be held on Thursday, April 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Minnegan Room of Johnny Unitas Stadium®, hosted by the Office of the Provost. It is a “by invitation only” event.
• Student Affairs Leadership Award Ceremony, to be held on Thursday, May 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at SECU Arena, hosted by Student Activities. This is also an “invitation-only” event.
• Distinguished Alumni and Dean’s Recognition Awards Ceremony, to be held on Friday, May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the West Village Commons Ballrooms, hosted by Alumni Relations. Click here to purchase tickets to this event.
• Golden Paws Student-Athlete Banquet, to be held on Monday, May 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. in SECU Arena. The event will be hosted by the Athletics/Student Athlete Advisor Committee (SAAC) and is also by invitation only.
• Service Awards Breakfast and Ceremony, to be hosted by Human Resources on Wednesday, May 10, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in SECU Arena, also by invitation only.

All eight events will carry a new “Celebration of Excellence” brand mark that was created in-house specifically for this initiative.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel's priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland and BTU: Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore.