Apple Day Celebration
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 11am to 1pm
About this Event
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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