Opening Reception: What Is a Quasquicentennial?

Join us at this official opening of the "What Is a Quasquicentennial?" exhibit which chronicles the history of the Department of English at ASU. All are welcome; refreshments will be served. We'll gather in the exhibit area on the first floor of Hayden Library on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at 4 p.m. 

To help us with our planning, please let us know if you'll be there.

The "What Is a Quasquicentennial" exhibit, curated by ASU archivists, designers, professors, alumni and administrative staff, explores the first 125 years of the Department of English at ASU in books, photos and stories. Did you know that in 1958, renowned poet Robert Frost visited ASU? That what's now the University Club was formerly known as the English Building? That in 1968, 40 English faculty held a silent protest against the Vietnam War on campus? That in the 1980s and '90s, the department ran a "grammar hotline" staffed by a retired professor? That in the 2011, film and media studies became a degree program within English?

Learn more about the people behind your first-year composition courses, your favorite novels and even some classic films in the first floor exhibit space of Hayden Library, from October to December 2025. This exhibit is viewable during normal Hayden Library hours.