This week WSU will host the WSU Showcase, an annual weeklong event providing recognition for exemplary work done by members of the WSU community since 2004.

“It is a celebration of excellent work of the faculty and staff,” said Fran McSweeney, chair of the Showcase 2015 Steering Committee.

McSweeney also said not only is this showcasea good way to recognize WSU faculty and staff, it’s a way for the approximately 5,500 faculty and staff members to get to know each other.

From March 24-30, WSU will host eight different events.

Today, Crimson Reads: A Celebration of WSU authors, will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Terrell Library Atrium. This program will be a celebration of every faculty, student, staff, alumnus and retired university community member who has authored, co-authored or edited a book.

On Wednesday, March 25, the Emeritus Society Legacy of Excellence Awardee Presentation will be held at 4 p.m. in Todd 125. The award is presented to the emeritus who has contributed the most to the university while being retired.

This year’s award winner is George W. Hinman. He was on the WSU staff from 1969 to 1997. During his time at WSU, Hinman served as the director of the Office of Applied Energy Studies and advised Washington on nuclear power production, use and policy. His lecture will cover nuclear energy issues in the state of Washington.

On Thursday, March 26, the Three Minute Thesis competition will take place at 11 a.m. in the CUB auditorium.

The Three Minute Thesis competition is a research communication competition wherein doctoral students present a compelling three-minute synopsis of their thesis. However, this is not an exercise in dumbing-down research but instead is meant to challenge students to consolidate their ideas and research discoveries so they can be presented to a nonspecialist audience.

Also on Thursday, the Distinguished Faculty Address will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Kimbrough Concert Hall.

The Distinguished Faculty Address honoree is Gerald Berthiaume from the School of Music. He will present his address “From the Practice Room to the Stage: Do Your Research,” and a reception will follow the speech.

On Friday, March 27, there will be three events: an Academic Showcase, WSU’s 125^th Birthday Celebration and Celebrating Excellence Recognition Banquet.

The Academic Showcase is at 9 a.m. to noon in the M.G. Carey Senior Ballroom in the CUB. This event celebrates the achievement of individuals engaged in WSU’s central mission: the advancement of scholarship, research and the arts.

At 11 a.m. WSU’s 125^th Birthday Celebration will take place in the Glenn Terrell Mall. There will be free birthday cake to all WSU students, faculty, staff and community members.

At 5:30 p.m. there will be a Celebrating Excellence Recognition Banquet at Beasley Coliseum. This honors the achievements of the WSU faculty and staff.

The individuals honored at the banquet include newest award winners from the week and individuals that have been honored throughout the year. Reservations are required to attend.

The Showcase concludes Monday, March 30, with the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities in the Junior and Senior Ballrooms from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.