Nearly two centuries ago, the State of Ohio granted the charter establishing Western Reserve College. To recognize Charter Day (Feb. 7, 1826)—and begin the countdown to Case Western Reserve University’s 200th birthday in 2026—students, faculty and staff are invited to participate at several bicentennial events throughout the day on Friday, Feb. 7.
The festivities begin with the Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration for the campus community from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Grand Ballroom on the upper level of Tinkham Veale University Center. Guests can enjoy music from a live DJ, collect bicentennial swag, sample delicious food, warm up at a custom hot chocolate station and participate in fun photo opportunities with Spartie. To help celebrate the occasion, Mitchell’s Ice Cream will be on hand to unveil its new CWRU Bicentennial flavor, and the first 200 event attendees will receive an exclusive bicentennial gift. Registration for the Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration is requested.
Later that afternoon, the excitement continues with a pep rally ahead of a “throwback” basketball doubleheader against the University of Rochester. The pep rally runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center—with the first 300 in attendance receiving a limited edition replica jersey shirt. Come enjoy local food vendors, participate in games to win prizes and listen to live entertainment.
At 5 p.m., the action shifts to Horsburgh Gym, where the men’s and women’s teams will take on the Yellowjackets. The games will include free concessions for all CWRU students and even more opportunities to win incredible prizes.