A history of inspired excellence
The University Libraries was at the forefront of the University’s Sesquicentennial celebration. A committee comprised of staff members from all departments researched, designed and installed eye-catching displays while building digital exhibits to highlight notable moments from the University’s 150 years and also worked to create a festive-feeling atmosphere across each of the Libraries’ locations.
Special Collections and University Archives
Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) provided much of the research support for the sesquicentennial displays and installations. SCUA identified, selected and shared reproductions of historical photographs and documents for the celebration effort. In addition to contributing to the Libraries-wide committee’s work, SCUA curated a year-long exhibit, called “Celebrating Silver and Blue: 150 Years of the University of Nevada, Reno,” which has three parts. The first part, “Building a State University,” went on display in October 2023.
@One Digital Media and Technology Center
The team in @One provided all the printing for the Libraries’ sesquicentennial installations, such as the festive bunting, the stair riser art for the staircase in the MIKC Atrium, as well as the SCUA exhibit. The interactive timeline on the 2nd floor of the MIKC was also designed and installed by @One and has proved very popular with visitors to the MIKC.
Digital Services
Digital Services contributed to the online presence of the sesquicentennial effort. The team digitized SCUA holdings, enabling SCUA to provide reproductions for use by the committee as well as in SCUA’s own exhibit. As the Libraries’ web presence also falls under the responsibility of Digital Services, the team developed an online hub for accessing resources related to the sesquicentennial.
Marketing and Communications
The Libraries’ Marketing and Communications Specialist and Graphic Designer promoted the anniversary efforts, including maintaining the events calendar, creating a robust kit of enticing visual promotions, promoting exhibits and displays across the Libraries’ social media channels and partnering with University Marketing Communications to increase the reach of the Libraries’ efforts. They were also responsible for design and installation of the large campus maps found on the breezeway and atrium floors inside the MIKC, which have proved both visually interesting and useful for visitors to campus. Additionally, the department designed and produced four large-format banners that tie into the 150th theme. These banners are hanging on display in the atrium of the MIKC. A large, freestanding display was also designed by this department. Coming in at twenty feet long and seven feet high, the display showcases a variety of historically significant and modern University traditions.
Building Operations
In support of the University’s 150th Anniversary commemorations, Building Operations collaborated with other units throughout the Libraries and multiple campus organizations to identify and complete visual improvements, ensure successful installation of exhibits, and coordinate the installation of new technology, especially the projector for the University timeline, which pioneers new interactive technology that sets a foundation for rich and engaging visual displays.
Sesquicentennial Displays Installed in the MIKC (as of Dec. 31, 2023):
- 1st floor:
- Historical commencement photographs
- 2nd floor:
- Aerial photographs of campus
- Presidential portraits
- Traditions (digital companion exhibit available online)
- Historical map of campus
- Current map of campus
- Window clings
- “Painting the ‘N’” diorama
- Interactive timeline
- Stairwell:
- Wolf stair riser graphics
- Banner photographs
- 3rd floor:
- “Celebrating Silver and Blue: 150 Years of the University of Nevada, Reno – Building a State University”
- Online:
- Sesquicentennial Resource Hub
- Traditions digital companion exhibit
