As the first 50 years of California State University, Stanislaus comes to an end, a new tradition is getting its start.

CSU Stanislaus will cap off three years spent celebrating the 50th anniversary of the campus’ inception – from its 1957 founding to 1960 opening – by hosting the university’s first ever Founders Week celebration. Through Saturday, CSU Stanislaus will come alive with concerts, fairs, and art, all free to the public.

“The university has been such an important part of the region’s growth and development that we wanted to make sure the entire community could join the celebration,” said Jacob McDougal, CSU Stanislaus director of Alumni Affairs and Annual Giving. “The events will be family-friendly and we encourage alumni and friends to return and see how the campus has changed over the years.”

The week of events kicked off Tuesday, with a student vs. faculty softball game and barbecue mixer for the last decade of alumni. Tonight, Founders Week takes a turn for the musical with a College of the Arts concert in Snider Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m., preceded by a 6:30 p.m. reception in the Main Stage Theatre lobby.

At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday the CSU Stanislaus art faculty will look forward to “The Next 50 Years!” in an exhibition at the University Art Gallery. Later that night, at 7:30 p.m., the party will continue at the grand opening of Modesto’s new Gallery 909, at 909 Tenth St., where art by CSU Stanislaus students will be hung.

Friday may be a record setting day for the university, as CSU Stanislaus will hope to break the NCAA Division II attendance record at the Warriors’ soccer game against CSU San Bernardino. The women’s match begins at 4:30p.m., while the men’s match kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday’s soccer game will also serve as a reunion for members of the Warrior Hall of Fame, the greatest student athletes in CSU Stanislaus history.

The week’s events will culminate with a considerable bang on Saturday, as the Founders Day Celebration will offer a full day of concerts, carnival games and shopping.

From 12 noon until 8 p.m., the CSU Stanislaus Amphitheatre will come alive with country music presented by Southern Bend, Greg Scudder, and Beer:30 , and alternative rock played by The Tender Box, The Ruse, and Hero’s Last Mission. Until 5 p.m., a Family Fun Zone will offer bounce houses, a dunk tank, slip n’ dip, and face painting to celebrants of all ages. For those in search of a bite to eat – or a nice frosty beverage – a Merchant Fair will run from 12 noon until 4 p.m.

For maximum merriment, attendees are suggested to bring sunscreen, a hat, cash for concessions, a valid driver’s license or Warrior Card, and a beach towel or blanket to sit on in the grass. Chairs are not allowed in the amphitheatre.

While it’s tough to honor the university’s entire history in a single week, CSU Stanislaus has laid out a schedule of events which looks to do just that.

 “Since the first classes began 50 years ago, CSU Stanislaus has been a place for students to abandon hesitation, explore the depths of academia and take charge of their own path in life,” said CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani. “Founders Week is a celebration of the university’s long history of academic excellence. It’s a time to honor those who have helped this institution flourish, not out of interest in personal legacy, but because they believed in generations beyond their own.”

For more information on Founders Week, visit www.csustan.edu/50th/ or call 667-3131.

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.