STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL IDENTITY

On September 7, 1925, the State Normal School at Salisbury opened its doors to students for the first time. Tens of thousands have matriculated through its programs, earning degrees as the institution’s name changed to Maryland State Teachers College (1934), then Salisbury State College (1963), then Salisbury State University (1988) and, finally, Salisbury University (2001).

As SU approaches its 100th birthday, it is crucial to recognize the significance of this milestone for the University and the community. To ensure SU honors this accomplishment, a Centennial Steering Committee was created to help drive these celebrations.

The committee will provide a cohesive vision for this milestone and capture the essence of 100 years of SU history and achievements. The Centennial is not just a celebration of longevity; it is a celebration of resilience, excellence and the enduring impact of education. Over the last 100 years, SU has been a place of knowledge, innovation and progress, shaping the lives of countless individuals and helping to build the Eastern Shore.

Comprised of SU students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni, as well as members of the greater community, the 31-member committee is divided into eight subcommittees: Alumni and Parent Engagement, Communications and Marketing, Community Engagement, Education and Academic Events, Fundraising, History and Legacy, Special Events, and Student Engagement.

Salisbury University Athletics Hall of Fame member Dan Quinn ’94 traded in his SU maroon and gold for the burgundy and gold of the National Football League’s (NFL’s) Washington Commanders – assuming the role of the team’s head coach for the 2024 season.

Quinn, who was inducted in the SU Hall of Fame in 2005, was a two-sport athlete, excelling in track & field and football. On the gridiron, he was a feared defensive lineman, recording 145 total tackles. A regular in the lineup during his final three years, Quinn played in all 28 games, with 135 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. As a thrower on the track & field team, Quinn set the school record in the hammer throw (168’ 8”), which stood for nearly 20 years, until 2012.

While at SU, Quinn met his future wife, Stacey ’91, an athletic trainer. The two have been supporters of SU ever since, creating three endowments, benefitting football, track & field, and athletic training.

Quinn rose through the coaching ranks following his graduation from SU, in assistant coaching roles with the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. As a defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks, he went to the Super Bowl twice, winning in 2014 as his defense put on an incredible show against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in a 43-8 victory.

After a six-year stint as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, including another Super Bowl appearance in 2018, Quinn has spent the past three seasons leading the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, one of the best in the NFL in that time, before getting the call to head to the nation’s capital.

Salisbury University graduates got a fresh new look in 2023-2024. Starting with the winter 2023 commencement ceremony, graduating classes now wear maroon caps and gowns with the SU logo embroidered in gold on the front tabs, replacing the traditional all-black regalia worn in previous years, with a similarly colored hood completing the ensemble.

The colorful regalia was just one new feature unveiled during this year’s ceremonies. The University added a special recognition to the ceremony to highlight all the graduating first-generation college students for their remarkable achievement. These students were given specially designed “First Generation Graduate” pins to wear on their regalia. Additionally, first generation and first generation “ally” stickers were given to University faculty and staff at the ceremonies for them to show their support to the graduating Sea Gulls.