West Chester University: WCU's Museum Prepares For Sesquicentennial Exhibition

Press release from West Chester University:

July 9, 2021

Michael A. Di Giovine (left), director of the University’s Museum of Anthropology
and Archaeology and an associate professor of anthropology, is overseeing students
in the museum studies program as they research, catalog, and prepare pieces for inclusion.

Among the artifacts gathered for the exhibit are a 101-year-old West Chester Normal
School pennant, athletic memorabilia, media including the precursor to The Quad student newspaper, and artifacts from student organizations. Rising seniors and museum
studies minors Aaron Stoyack (center), a history major, and Ashley Wallen (right),
a graphic design and animation major who’s also minoring in art history, are among
the students working on the exhibition.

The Quad

The Sunrise Rotary Club, some of whose members are WCU alumni and retired faculty,
got the first public glimpse into the sesquicentennial exhibition when representatives
from the University’s Sesquicentennial Celebration committee took the show on the
road in June.

John Villella ’76, M’82, Vice President for University Affairs and Chief of Staff,
gave the Rotary Club a brief history of the various eras of the institution, from
Normal School to State Teachers College to State College to University. He took questions
from the audience and recognized members who were affiliated with the University.
Brigid Gallagher ’12, assistant director of alumni engagement in WCU’s Office of Alumni Relations, brought a few yearbooks to show the University’s evolution.

Villella and Mary Beth Henley, director of events for the WCU Foundation, are co-chairs
for the University’s Sesquicentennial Celebration committee. Sunrise Rotary member
Joe Kienle ’72, M’74, former president of the WCU Alumni Association and co-chair
with Gallagher of the Sesquicentennial outreach subcommittee, arranged and facilitated
the event.

Visit the WCU Sesquicentennial Celebration webpage for more history and videos, plus
upcoming events and special features.

This press release was produced by West Chester University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.