A birthday celebration

More than 1,100 faculty, staff, students and their families attended the "George Washington Birthday Party" Feb. 22 at the Athletic Complex. The party celebrated the 150th anniversary of the charter of the University, noted the birthday of its namesake, and was the start of recognizing the University's 150th-anniversary year.

"The informal celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the University on Feb. 22 was a fun community event, drawing many of our families to join in marking a milestone in our history. I am pleased so many could join us for the festivities and grateful to those who made the event so rewarding. It was especially nice to see so many children joining us to learn about George Washington." — Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton

	After popping out of a birthday cake in a sea of falling balloons (left) and singing "Happy Birthday," Marilyn Monroe gives George Washington a kiss (middle left), much to the surprise of Martha Washington and Betsy Ross. Melissa Milbrandt, 9, plays with a balloon (middle right) while local band LP Outsiders performs. Terzic Adis, 5, gets an American flag painted on his face (bottom left). The day before, members of Lock & Chain, the sophomore honorary, planted and dedicated a cherry tree in the Duncker Courtyard near Lopata Hall (bottom right) to commemorate Washington's birthday. (Photos by Joe Angeles. Cherry tree photo by Kevin Lowder.)