Celebrating 70 Years of Creating Community at the Heart of Campus
For 70 years, the Kirby Student Center has stood at the heart of campus life—a place where ideas are exchanged, friendships are formed, and memories are made. Since its opening, Kirby has evolved alongside generations of students, serving as a vibrant hub for learning, connection, and community engagement.
What began as a gathering space has grown into a dynamic center that reflects the spirit and diversity of the university itself. From student organization meetings and cultural events to quiet study corners and lively conversations, Kirby has continually adapted to meet the needs of its students while preserving its welcoming atmosphere.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we honor not only the building, but the people who have brought it to life over the decades. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff have all contributed to the rich legacy of Kirby—shaping it into more than just a space, but a cornerstone of the campus experience.
Kirby 70th Celebration
October 10th, 2026
4:00PM - 6:30PM
Kirby Lounge (1120 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN 55812)
FAQs
What to Expect
- Following the Homecoming football game, bring the family and join us in the Kirby Lounge for a trip down memory lane! This networking social will bring all the student engagement nostalgia back…from Kirby Program Board, Greek Life, Bulldog Beginnings, Student Government Association, Kirby Leadership and of course, Kirby student workers and staff.
- Appetizers provided by Black Woods Catering, beverages available for purchase
- Tour the building and rediscover Kirby Student Center
- Take a trip down memory lane and reminisce through pictures and memorabilia from each decade since 1956
- Child Friendly activities
Questions?
Got questions about this event? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll get you some answers!
Other Campus-Related Activites
- Football - Homecoming 10/10
- Parade through campus
- Tailgating
- Chariot Races with Greek Life- half time; adjacent to stadium
- Bulldogs vs Northern State University: 12pm in Malosky Stadium
- Women’s Volleyball
- Bulldogs vs MSU-Mankato: Friday, 10/9 @ 6pm Romano Gym
- Bulldogs vs St. Cloud State University: Saturday, 10/10 @ 2pm in Romano Gym
- Women’s Soccer
- Bulldogs vs MSU-Moorhead: Friday, 10/9 @ TBD
- Bulldogs vs University of Crookston: Sunday, 10/11 @ 12pm
- Women’s Hockey
- Bulldogs vs St. Thomas: Friday @ 6pm
- Bulldogs vs St. Thomas: Saturday @ 3pm
- Queer and Allied Student Union Drag Show
- Kirby Ballroom - 6pm
- Details to come!
Accommodations
If you're looking for accommodations for the weekend's festivities, you can check out UMD's lodging page to book your stay at a discounted rate! Book early!
Who's Attending
We have a great list of attendees so far, including:
Jessi Eaton - Kirby Staff
Adam Burke - UMD Student Life Staff Member*
Craig Nippet - Kirby Program Board
Dave Zentner - Student Government
LaShaunda Newson - KPB, SGA, Welcome Week, Greek Life
Kay Robinson - Current VCSL*
Bryan Sapp - Current Chief of Staff*
Ann Miller - Kirby Desk, Welcome Week, Student Association
Adam Brisk - UMD Staff Member*
Jason Coyle - Alumni
Cora Panno - Welcome Desk Manager
Charles Nies - Current UMD Chancellor*
Hanna Blume - Welcome Desk
Emily Langdon - UMD Faculty Member*
Matt Strub - Kirby Welcome Desk
Mattie Strub - Student Employee
Lacey Solied - Greek Life, Traditions Manager
Heather Hubert - Kirby Program Board
Corbin Smyth - Kirby Pro Staff
Greg Hinds - Greek Life
Mary Battaglia - Kirby Info Desk
Livia Shultz - Kirby Info Desk
Deb OKeefe Hysack - Kirby Program Board
Abby Haugen - Welcome Week
Belle Jacobs - Welcome Week, Kirby Info Desk*
Trevor Koenig - Kirby Program Board
Neal Bhakta - Kirby Welcome Desk, Student Governement, Welcome Week
Jireh Mabamba - Kirby Welcome Desk
Katie Linderholm - Greek Life
Steve Welsh - Kirby Program Board, Student Government, Greek Life
Jeni Eltink - Kirby Pro Staff*
Lesa Radtke - Kirby Pro Staff*
Brenna Hucka - Kirby Pro Staff*
Jodi Nelson - Kirby Pro Staff*
Gina Pudlick-Hendricks - Kirby Pro Staff*
Nick Vittorio - Kirby Pro Staff*
Rachel Kraus - Kirby Pro Staff*
Jacob Germann - Kirby Pro Staff*
*current staff or faculty member