Bicentennial historical marker dedicated at IU Kokomo
A dedication ceremony for an historical marker that documents the founding of IU Kokomo’s campus was held on April 20, two years later than planned, at IU Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium. The historical marker was the result of a collaboration with IU Kokomo campus bicentennial research groups and the Indiana Historical Bureau.
The marker dedication ceremony was to have been held in the Spring semester of 2020, however the impending COVID 19 pandemic forced Indiana University to move all in-person classes to virtual platforms, severely restricting visitors and personnel activity on campus and causing the cancelation of the planned installation and dedication.
The ceremony was initially held indoors due to weather, but as the rain subsided, the group moved outdoors for the unveiling of the marker. After initial introductions from Cathy Valke, IU Kokomo Director of External Relations and Public Affairs, Indiana Historical Bureau Digital Initiatives Director Justin Clark spoke about the project, which was originally conceived for the Indiana University bicentennial celebrations in 2020.
Clark was followed by Professor James Capshaw, IU’s university historian, who reminded the group of the initial date for the dedication and the restrictions that ensued from the pandemic which canceled the original celebration.
Executive Vice Chancellor Mark Canada spoke about IU Kokomo’s present and future, and then the group moved outside, where IU Kokomo Student John Wasmuth helped Canada unveil the marker which sits to the West of Havens Auditorium near South Washington Street.
Others in attendance were Indiana State Sen. Jim Buck, Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore, and former Kokomo City Councilman Robert Hayes, all alumni of IU Kokomo.