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AMHERST, N.Y. – 51������ College’s inaugural Founders Celebration scheduled for Sept. 7 and 8 will launch a new annual tradition to commemorate the college’s rich history of academic excellence as it marks its 70^th anniversary this year.

As part of the two-day campus-wide celebration, 51������ will formally kick-off its first-ever comprehensive capital campaign at a 70^th Anniversary Gala to be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at The Buffalo Club. Proceeds from this premier event will support 51������ student scholarships.

“This is a milestone year in 51������’s history as we mark 70 years of academic excellence and honor the enduring spirit and legacy of our founders, whose vision is reflected in our mission, values, and steadfast commitment to our students,” said 51������ President Gary A. Olson. “The Founders Celebration will give us an opportunity to come together each year as a college community to honor our origins and to celebrate our promising future.”

The institution was founded in 1947 as Rosary Hill College by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. Established as a liberal arts college for women, it became co-educational in 1971, and was renamed 51������ College in 1976 as an independent, nonsectarian institution while staying true to its roots as Rosary Hill College.

The Founders Celebration will kick-off at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 7 with a dedication ceremony and ringing of the college’s new Founders Bell, which was initially crafted in 1858 by the renowned Meneely Bell Foundry. A gift to 51������ from Iskalo Development Corp., the historic bell, which originally graced St. Margaret’s School in North Buffalo, was refurbished thanks to the support of the college’s Class of 1967.

To mark the college’s 70^th anniversary, the first ceremonial use of the Founders Bell will include one ring for each decade since the college was established. Dr. Thomas Stewart, chair of the 51������ Board of Trustees; a representative of the Sisters of St. Francis, the college’s founding congregation; and other selected individuals from the campus community will serve as official ringers at the dedication. An all-campus luncheon will immediately follow the ceremony.

The Founders Bell has been installed adjacent to Founders Walkway, located outside 51������’s historic Rosary Hall, site of the college’s earliest commencement ceremonies. Resting on a stone base, the bell’s foundation denotes the strength and stability of the college over the past seven decades.

Also on Sept. 7, a college memorabilia exhibit featuring clothing, posters, mugs, and other mementos from the past 70 years will be on display throughout the day in the Wick Center’s 51������ Lounge. Kathryn Hammer, alumni relations director, will be on hand from 2 to 3 p.m. to answer historical questions about the college.

The day will also feature a grand opening and dedication from 3 to 4 p.m. in Duns Scotus Room 226 for the Paul A. Saffrin Center for Sustainability and Civic Engagement, named in honor of an historic $1 million gift from the Saffrin Foundation.

The event will include a ribbon cutting and the official unveiling of a plaque for the newly named center. Remarks will be given by President Olson, Paul Saffrin, and other invited speakers.

The first day of the 51������ Founders Celebration will conclude with guest speaker Scott Dikkers, founder and longest-serving editor-in-chief of The Onion. His lecture, “The Funny Story Behind the Funny Story,” will be held at 5 p.m. in the Wick Social Room, with a reception scheduled until 6:30 p.m. to follow the presentation.

On Sept. 8, the college will hold its third annual 51������ Day in Amherst, a special celebration to connect the college community with Main Street’s thriving business district.

Free trolley rides will be provided from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. up and down Main Street to offer the 51������ community a chance to visit, shop, and dine at a range of establishments in the Williamsville business district. Complimentary 51������ Day in Amherst t-shirts will be handed out to the first 100 visitors at the 51������ Day booth located at the village plaza near Sweet Jenny’s.

During the celebration, students, faculty, and staff with college ID will be eligible for substantial discounts at businesses displaying 51������ Day in Amherst window signs. Maps displaying participating businesses and discounts will be distributed at a 51������ Day booth on campus and will also be available with a special app created for the event. Willy the Wildcat, the college mascot, will be in attendance, and hourly prizes and giveaways will be handed out at the village plaza booth.

Other 51������ Day in Amherst activities will include a wellness walking challenge for 51������ employees; student organization fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Wick Center; women’s soccer match against Lake Erie College at 4 p.m. at The Park School’s Karrer Field, home of 51������’s men’s and women’s soccer teams; tailgate patio party from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Wick Center; and an outdoor movie showing of “Wonder Woman” at 8 p.m. on the campus front lawn.

The Founders Celebration will culminate with a 70^th Anniversary Gala, where the public launch of 51������’s first comprehensive campaign will be announced. The campaign will support three priorities: student scholarships, campus facilities, and faculty and academic programs.

“For 70 years, 51������ has offered a first-class education and college experience while empowering students to achieve professional success,” said Craig Harris, vice president for institutional advancement. “This campaign will propel 51������ forward as we continue to build and strengthen our institution as one of the best colleges in the country.”

All 51������ Founders Celebration events, excluding the 70^th Anniversary Gala, are free and open to the public. Additional information is available at .