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Held each year since 1907, Apple Day is Pitt State’s oldest tradition, and this year we’re celebrating in a new way!

 

Students: drop by Gorilla Village for a free limited edition Apple Day t-shirt and stickers (while supplies last) and to enter your name in a drawing for one of two $500 scholarships to be awarded on Apple Day (must register between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) Faculty will pass out apples as they have since Apple Day began.

 

Everyone: You're invited to play yard games and an apple relay race to win prizes, and to listen to a proclamation from the City of Pittsburg celebrating the relationship between the city and Pitt State. Bring cash or card to choose from a variety of lunch offerings from local food trucks. 

 

Origin of Apple Day 

PSU was first located in a borrowed building in downtown Pittsburg. Its founder, R.S. Russ, and the Pittsburg mayor lobbied hard to get lawmakers in Topeka to pass an appropriation that would mean funding for a permanent building somewhere in Pittsburg. Russ broke a legislative rule during his lobbying: he sat in a legislator’s seat during the session. The Legislature fined the Pittsburg delegation a barrel of apples, which Russ and the mayor paid and distributed among the lawmakers.    

 

The Legislature approved their request for an appropriation to fund the first building of the school – Russ Hall -- and when they returned to Pittsburg, a joyful assembly of students followed in the Legislature’s lead and fined the faculty a barrel of apples. The faculty paid for and distributed the apples to the students, and have done so every year since.    

 

This event is part of a weeklong celebration of Pitt State called GoPitt!Fest that includes events for students, faculty/staff, alumni, and community members. Learn more: pittstate.edu/gopittfest 

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