A Piece of History: Celebrating Pi Day with a Slice from the Archives

by DENISE WOLFE

With Pi Day right around the corner, we decided to dig into the archives and see what we could find about our favorite kind of pie—and we hit the jackpot.

In 1973, University President Robert Ketter and Student Association President Jon Dandes staged a pie-throwing duel as a publicity stunt to shine a spotlight on the United Way’s fundraising campaign—and the results proved smashing. Armed with a cabinet full of whipped cream pies, the two faced off, proving that no title is too prestigious to take a pie to the face in the name of a good cause. What started as a friendly challenge quickly became a full-blown fracas when students joined in, and by the end, it's safe to say Ketter and Dandes got the worst of it. 

The event drew a crowd and judging by the photos, raised spirits even higher. Whether you're a fan of 3.14159 or the kind that comes in a baking dish, we think everyone can agree: this is one piece of university history worth celebrating.

Happy Pi Day—just remember, no matter how you celebrate, it's always better with pie!