SAC Honors UIU's Most Valuable Peacock!
The Student Alumni Chapter honored UIU's most valuable peacock and university founder, Elizabeth Alexander, at the December 4, 2007 Women's Basketball game at the Fayette Campus. It has become a tradition for the Student Alumni Chapter, one of UIU's student organizations, to recognize her importance in creating the UIU we all know and love by celebrating her birthday. As Upper Iowa University's 150th anniversary year comes to a close, recognizing the university's matriarch in this way has even greater meaning.
Elizabeth Alexander was a pioneer woman that was born on Dec. 5, 1796. In 1854, she wanted to send her two daughters to college, but at that time, the nearest college was Cornell College in Mt. Vernon. After considering the expense and distance involved, she asked, "Why wouldn't there be a college right here?". In response, her husband, Colonel Robert Alexander, donated $10,000 and her son-in-law, Samuel Robertson, donated $5,000 and ten acres of land. From these humble beginnings, Upper Iowa University became a reality in 1857.
To recognize Elizabeth Alexander's 211th birthday, the Student Alumni Chapter served cake and punch during half-time of the Women's Basketball game. They also gave a short presentation about Elizabeth Alexander and the history of UIU. SAC conducted a drawing for UIU prizes as well. Everyone attending the game had an opportunity to learn more about UIU and enjoy cake and refreshments in honor of our founder.
As one of UIU's many student organizations, the Student Alumni Chapter works as an extension of the Alumni Center. SAC's goals include commemorating connections between alumni and the university, creating connections among alumni and current students, and celebrating connections among UIU alumni as well.
