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Florida Gulf Coast University turns 25 this year and there will be a number of activities contributing to the festival-like atmosphere across campus on Saturday, Feb. 12, when the entire Southwest Florida community is invited to participate in FGCU Day.
Kicking off a yearlong celebration of FGCU's 25th anniversary, the day of free family-friendly fun begins with a 7 a.m. Alumni 5k walk/run and a 9 a.m. pancake cookoff featuring some top FGCU leaders competing to flip the best flapjack. After a welcome from President Mike Martin at the Veterans Pavilion, guests will fan out across campus to explore activities staged by faculty, staff and students in seven "neighborhoods": Academic Corridor, Arts Alley, Eagle Central, The Great Lawn, SoVi Square, Sports & Rec Row and Waterfront Way.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be live music and other entertainment, interactive research demos, informative lab and nature tours, food at various Campus Dining spots and children's games, face-painting and storytelling.
FGCU Day is being held in conjunction with Eagle Expo and Homecoming, so prospective students, current Eagles and returning alumni will amp up the excitement across campus throughout the day, which culminates with tailgate parties and basketball games at Alico Arena.
It's the biggest all-campus, all-Southwest Florida celebration the university has hosted since marking its 10th anniversary with an open house in October 2007.
Public parking areas will be clearly designated, and shuttles will provide rides around the main campus and to South Village and North Lake Village so guests can easily access all of the event neighborhoods. Most activities will take place outdoors, and masks are encouraged for indoor activities; see the Protect the Nest website for the latest guidelines.
In addition to FGCU Day, the university will mark its quarter-century milestone with events and special promotions throughout the year. A multi-media marketing campaign commemorating FGCU's progress "From Idea to Impact" in 25 years has already launched to highlight achievements and aspirations. In April, FGCU will host a Silver Celebration gala for friends of the university and launch a major fundraising campaign to ensure its continuing growth and excellence for the next 25 years.
For additional details or to RSVP, please go to the FGCU Day website at fgcu.edu/fgcuday.