SR-139, As Adopted by Senate, September 25, 2024
SENATE RESOLUTION NO.139
Senators Irwin, Santana and Wojno offered the following
resolution:
1 A resolution to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Eastern
2 Michigan University.
3 Whereas, In 1849, Eastern Michigan University (EMU) was
4 founded as the Michigan State Normal School, the first institution
5 dedicated to educating American teachers west of the Allegheny
6 Mountains; and
7 Whereas, EMU has long been a leader in educating professional
8 teachers, being the first American normal school to offer a four-
9 year curriculum; and
10 Whereas, As the first public college in Michigan to admit both
11 men and women regardless of race, EMU has been at the forefront in
EMU 175
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1 advancing equity in higher education; and
2 Whereas, In 1852, the Michigan State Teachers’ Association,
3 later known as the Michigan Education Association, was organized by
4 approximately 200 teachers at EMU; and
5 Whereas, Since 1915, EMU has offered classes on how to provide
6 education designed for the needs of students with disabilities.
7 EMU’s Department of Special Education is one of the oldest special
8 education programs in the country; and
9 Whereas, From the Michigan State Normal School to the Michigan
10 State Normal College, to Eastern Michigan College and finally
11 Eastern Michigan University, they have continued to broaden their
12 educational offerings; and
13 Whereas, Now, EMU is a research university comprising of seven
14 colleges and schools including the following:
15 • College of Arts and Sciences;
16 • College of Business;
17 • College of Education;
18 • College of Health and Human Services;
19 • GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology;
20 • Honors College;
21 • Graduate School; and
22 Whereas, Since local citizens first raised funds for its
23 founding, EMU has been a vital part of the Ypsilanti community and
24 continues to be a center of equity and educational excellence; now,
25 therefore, be it
26 Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative
27 body commemorate the 175th anniversary of Eastern Michigan
28 University; and be it further
29 Resolved, That we recognize Eastern Michigan University’s
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1 contributions to our state and hope that it will continue in its
2 traditions of excellence for many years to come.