The Rhatigan Student Center has reason to celebrate. On Monday, May 11, the building will commemorate its opening with a 50th anniversary celebration.

Since its opening 50 years ago, the RSC has served as the center for student life, housing the University Bookstore, the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Council.

The RSC is also a venue for meeting areas, recreational facilities and food services.

“The Rhatigan Student Center has served as the hub of activity for WSU since 1959,” said Michael Madecky, RSC 50th Anniversary Committee Chair. “The most exciting thing about this process has been hearing how extremely important this building has been to students’ lives. Many, many favorite memories of students’ college experience happened here in the Rhatigan Student Center.”

The full day of activities will start with a dig for the 1959 Time Capsule at 7:30 a.m. on the north exterior of the RSC.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will conclude the event and open a historical display in the RSC Art Gallery, “Remembering: 50 Years of the Rhatigan Student Center,” which will feature memorabilia from past decades.

Of course, a birthday is never complete without a birthday party … and the RSC is hosting two.

The birthday parties will provide cake, punch and complimentary gifts to attendees.

“A '50s Birthday Party for the RSC” begins at 11:30 a.m. The Letter to the Future winners will be announced, and swing dancers from We Can Dance will perform.

The RSC’s Black and Gold Birthday Party at 7 p.m. will feature the live band Big Fat Fun, as well as free bowling and billiards at the Smith Bowling and Recreation Center. A cake in the shape of the RSC will be present at both parties.

Schedule of Events

8 - 9:30 a.m.
Time Capsule dug up
North exterior of the RSC

9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
“Dig It! Remembering… 1959 Memories of the Rhatigan Student Center”
Time Capsule on display at event
Slideshow of images on display

11 a.m.
“Remembering: 50 years of the Rhatigan Student Center”
Ribbon cutting for gallery historical display
RSC Art Gallery

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
“Fishing for Memories”
We are capturing favorite memories of the RSC/CAC on video. Tell us your fond memories in the center.
RSC 210

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
“A '50s Birthday Party for the RSC”
Birthday cake
Free mugs
Swing dancers from We Can Dance
'50s music
Announcement of Letter to the Future winners

7 – 9:00 p.m.
The RSC’s Black and Gold Birthday Party
Smith Bowling & Recreation Center
Birthday cake
Free gifts
Live music by Big Fat Fun

Details are online at www.wichita.edu/rsc.

The Web site is being updated on a regular basis. Check back for video interviews from dignitaries, which will be posted soon.