The Student Government of the University of Nevada, Reno
The Student Government of the University of Nevada, Reno
Posted Friday, April 6, 2012 by Katie Hippert
(provided by Special Collections and University Archives)
The first Mackay Day was held in 1913. Events held in conjunction with Mackay Day during its first decade included repainting the “N” on Peavine Mountain and student competitions. In 1928, Mackay Day was changed to include efforts to clean up and improve the University. In the true spirit of Clarence Mackay, students cleared and rebuilt the track around the old Mackay Stadium.
In 1949, Mackay Day was expanded to include a fraternity competition. Activities included an obstacle course that required students to paddle across Manzanita Lake, a wheelbarrow race to the fifty-yard line of Mackay Stadium, and a dry dirt ski race across the football field. A melodramatic play of Nevada’s history was also presented, which was later shown in Virginia City as a fundraiser for the University.
In the 1970s Mackay Day was expanded into Mackay Week. That year, student organizations also created the first Mackay Town, with booths in a fair-like setting off campus.
Today Mackay Week is not celebrated as it was in the past and is a smaller event. The contemporary Mackay Week holds more true to its namesake, focusing on the achievements of mining and engineering students.
Sunday, April 15 @ 10:00 a.m. - Meet at The Joe Plaza for the annual Paint the "N" event!
Monday, April 16 @ 8:00 p.m. - Come to The Joe Ballroom A the Ode to Mackay event! Teams will serenade Mackay to start the week off right!
Wednesday, April 18 @ 11:00 a.m. - Come to The Joe Plaza for Nevada Round Up and saddle up for a wild ride, line dancing and good old-fashioned root beer floats!
Thursday, April 19 @ 1:00 p.m. - Come to the Jot Travis Lawn for Picnic Day! Enjoy food, fun and watch the crowning of Ma and Pa Mackay!
Be sure to check out Mackay Town throughout Mackay Week. It will be located in the Barnes Plaza!
Mail Stop 058
Reno, NV 89557
Phone: (775) 784-6589
Fax: (775) 327-5324
FUZE