It seems entirely fitting that Haskell Indian Nations University’s 120th birthday celebration should coincide this weekend with Lawrence’s sesquicentennial events. Haskell plays an important part in Lawrence’s history and in its future.

It’s hard to imagine anyone who could look back over 150 or 120 years without a few regrets or seeing some things that, in hindsight, should have been done differently. That certainly applies to Lawrence and Haskell.

Haskell Institute was founded as a boarding school designed to help American Indian children leave their heritage behind and live in a white world. Now, as a university offering both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, Haskell no longer is a place where Indian traditions are suppressed. The school, its students and its alumni across the nation lead the way in preserving and celebrating Indian history and culture.

Haskell has been an important part of Lawrence for 120 years, and its proud heritage is something all of us should celebrate this weekend both at Haskell and as part of the Lawrence Sesquicentennial.

Happy Birthday, Haskell!