Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's All-University Open House is an annual event filled with fun for the entire family. This year's open house is even more meaningful as the university celebrates 150 years as the nation's first land-grant university and the state's first public university.

Open house takes place April 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Manhattan campus, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Salina and Olathe campuses. At all campuses, open house is an opportunity to experience tradition and be part of university's future.

"K-State has a proud history, and an exciting future," said Emily Lehning, assistant vice president for student life. "The university is a leader in teaching, research, outreach and extension. This year's open house is a great way to celebrate our first 150 years and to highlight the current work of our students, faculty and staff."

In addition to the many fun and educational events taking place, special events have been scheduled to celebrate the 150th anniversary. On the Manhattan campus, opens house attendees can visit the Biosecurity Research Institute, in Pat Roberts Hall, to explore 150 years of research. Scientific research has been a part of Kansas State University since it was founded. Examine how key discoveries have transformed the way research is conducted at 1041 Pat Roberts Hall.

At the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, explore the "Museum of Wonder" exhibit featuring an eclectic collection of university artifacts, curiosities and hidden treasures in celebration of the university's sesquicentennial. Continue by browsing the "Library of Wonder" and "Konza," a large kinetic sculpture inspired by the natural beauty and movement of the Konza prairie. Galleries at the Beach Museum of Art are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn the rich traditions of the university with K-State Libraries. Visit the sesquicentennial exhibit "Generations of Success" and take in highlights from the university's 150-year history. While there, check out the reading room to see the Heritage Edition of the Saint John's Bible, digital yearbooks and other historical treasures from the special collections department.

Chill out at the College of Human Ecology's ice carving demonstration. Hotel and restaurant management students will transform a large block of ice into a beautiful 1-5-0 sculpture at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the patio of Justin Hall. Students in dietetics will show visitors how to make fun snacks with 150 calories, exercises that burn 150 calories and other fun 150-related nutritional facts.

At K-State Olathe, kids can color pictures of Willie the Wildcat and show their university pride with a Wildcat tattoo. Snacks will be available for everyone, and make sure to get photos taken with the different mascots from the last 150 years in the Great Plains Room.

Other events will be taking place at other colleges and departments across K-State's Manhattan, Salina and Olathe campuses. Visit http://www.k-state.edu/openhouse to learn more about the annual event, or http://www.k-state.edu/150 to learn more about the university's sesquicentennial.