“Technology and Aviation” exhibit celebrates 60 years of K-State Salina

Monday, April 14, 2025

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Kansas State University Salina, the Richard L. D. and Marjorie J. Morse Department of Archives and Special Collections at K-State Libraries has curated a special exhibit showcasing the transformation of the campus.

The “Technology and Aviation” exhibit will highlight the evolution of the campus from its beginnings to today’s Kansas State University Salina.

Originally established as Schilling Institute in 1965, it was the only technical school in Kansas offering two-year aviation, engineering and technology programs.

After various transformations, including its merger with Kansas State University in 1991, the campus evolved to expand its educational offerings.

Today, the campus continues to offer historical programs in aviation, engineering and technology while expanding the future of aerospace through advanced air mobility, robotics and autonomous systems.

The exhibit will feature information on the Global Flyer monument honoring Steve Fossett’s historic 22,936-mile flight worldwide, which began in Salina and was the first solo, nonstop, unrefueled, fixed-wing flight around the world.

Visitors can also learn more about campus groups that helped shape K-State Salina and discover the history surrounding a Tau Omicron Tau time capsule from May 1991 that was slated to open May 2001 but remains sealed.

All this and more will be on display from April 7 to Sept. 26 in the fifth-floor gallery of Hale Library.