“Wesleyan Through the Years” Gives Clear View of Wesleyan History

“Wesleyan Through the Years,” an exhibit on display in Zelnick Pavilion, invites the campus community to stroll through Wesleyan’s history. The display consists of 24, 6-foot-by-4-foot transparencies that cling to the pavilion’s windows. Photographs, drawings and text depict key historical moments since Wesleyan’s inception 175 years ago. Sunlight illuminates the transparent graphics through the windows, making them glow.

The timeline includes images of famous people and events at Wesleyan, highlights research, teaching and scholarship, illustrates outstanding speakers and guests, and memorializes the creation of iconic campus structures.

“This exhibit captures the vibrant history, the zeal for learning and the passion for excellence that fills the air here on campus,” says Mark Bailey, director of Development Communication. “No one can enter this glass-walled space, walk through 175 years at Wesleyan depicted in life size imagery, and not be moved.”

“Wesleyan Through the Years” was created by Bailey, Steven Jacaruso, art director; Jennifer Carlstrom, Web manager; Ryan Lee, Web designer; David Low, associate director of Publications; Shelley Burchsted, production manager; Bill Holder, director of Publications; Deana Hutson, director of Events; Heather Zavod, freelance editor; and Suzy Taraba, university archivist.

Jacaruso says the modern and airy feeling of the Zelnick Pavilion makes it a perfect venue to host the exhibit.

“The exhibit is dynamic and will attract visitors and in the process, they’ll learn a bit about Wesleyan’s history,” Jacaruso says.

In addition to the Zelnick exhibit, five commemorative banners have been placed around campus: two on Olin Memorial Library, two on North College and one over High Street.

The exhibit will be removed after Reunion & Commencement Weekend and reinstalled during Homecoming & Family Weekend.