Indiana State University Newsroom

Illustrating what it has meant to be a Sycamore over the past century, "Seasons of White and Blue: Exploring the Past and Present of ISU" is the Special Collections exhibit in at Indiana State University's Cunningham Memorial Library this fall.

"Seasons of White and Blue" encompasses the history of the university through the lens of fashion and culture. While the Sycamores of today sport jeans and State T-shirts, the students of yestercentury donned petticoats and suits as casual wear.

"This exhibit captures the cultural changes on Indiana State's campus and what it has meant to be a Sycamore," said Katie Sutrina-Haney, university archivist.

It was Sutrina-Haney, with the help of Data Curation Librarian Kayla Siddell, who brought this exhibit to life by incorporating clothing, past mascots, yearbooks and photographs.

"The fashion and trends of Indiana State men and women are indicative of the times and mirror societal views," said Siddell. "The exhibit is an easy way to understand the university's long-term history in a quick tour."

As part of Indiana State's sesquicentennial celebration, "Seasons of White and Blue" encapsulates the past 150 years by emphasizing the major time periods since the Indiana State Normal School was created in 1865.

"Being a Sycamore is more meaningful to students if they know what it means and how Indiana State evolved from a small 19th century Normal school to a 21st century university," Sutrina-Haney said.

The exhibit features old cheerleading and basketball uniforms, Sycamore Sam's shoes and a proposed university mascot drawing of a unicorn with golden hooves and horn.

"It is entertaining to see how fashion has evolved over the years," Siddell said. "Students will be able to compare and contrast what they see to present day fads, and alumni will enjoy reminiscing over the old campus culture."

Fashion and beliefs often reflect changes in a community and culture. "Seasons of White and Blue" does a great job of representing the various time periods as it helps to bridge the past and present together. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are welcome to explore the cultural history of Indiana State.

"Seasons of White and Blue" will be on display through Dec. 11 on the third floor of the library, accessible 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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Photo: http://photos.indstate.edu/Other/ISUphotoservices/Photo-Services-People-and-Grou/Katie-Sutrina-Haney-and-Kayla/i-ghSzKg8/0/XL/October%2013%2C%202015%20Katie%20Sutrina-Haney%20Kayla%20Siddell%206495-XL.jpg -- Librarians Kayla Siddell and Katie Sutrina-Haney pose with the Special Collections exhibit at Cunningham Memorial Library.

Contact: Katie Sutrina-Haney, University Archivist at the Cunningham Memorial Library, Indiana State University, 812-237-8435 or Katie.Sutrina-Haney@indstate.edu

Kayla Siddell, Data Curation Librarian at the Cunningham Memorial Library, Indiana State University, 812-237-3052 or Kayla.Siddell@indstate.edu

Writer: Jamina Tribbett, media relations assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3773 or jtribbett1@sycamores.indstate.edu