In recognition of the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center’s 75th anniversary in 2025, the annual Pioneer Celebration will include a free public concert by the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra.
The Pioneer Celebration and KU Symphony Orchestra performance will take place Monday, May 5 at the Lawrence Arts Center.
“We are grateful for the partnership with the KU School of Music and their generosity in honoring the legacy of Dr. Bert Nash and the 75th anniversary of the Center by sharing their talents with the community and offering this free, public concert in conjunction with our annual Pioneer Celebration,” said Sarah Hoadley, Bert Nash Center Development Director.
The KU Symphony Orchestra will perform for 40 minutes. The Pioneer Celebration, which starts at 5:30, will begin by recognizing the Pioneer, Lyn Smith, Sandra Shaw, and Virginia Vickers Spirit award winners. The concert will follow.
“We are honored to partner with the Bert Nash Center for this special project celebrating its 75th anniversary,” said Paul Popiel, Dean of the KU School of Music and Professor of Conducting. “The Center’s commitment to mental health and well-being aligns with our values at the KU School of Music, where we recognize the profound impact that music and the arts have on emotional resilience and building healthy, vibrant communities. Our participation in this event is an opportunity to support an organization that has made a lasting difference in the lives of so many, while also reaffirming our belief that music can be a powerful force for healing, unity, and celebration for our community.”
Creston Herron, Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Kansas, added, “The KU School of Music and KU Orchestras are thrilled to partner with the Bert Nash Center in celebrating 75 years of being a pillar in the Lawrence community. This milestone is a testament to their unwavering commitment to compassion, integrity, and equity — values we deeply share. At the KU School of Music, we believe in the power of collaboration to create meaningful impact, and we are honored to join forces with Bert Nash not only to celebrate their incredible legacy but also to look ahead to the future of their vital mission. As they continue to expand their reach and serve our community as a mental health center for all, we are proud to stand alongside them in support of their vision and their work. Here’s to 75 years of making a difference — and to many more to come.”
Sponsors for the Pioneer Celebration are Creative Planning, Johnny’s Tavern, Kindred CPA and Truity Credit Union.
“This event is the culmination of a lot of partnerships and community support for expanded access to mental health care,” Hoadley said. “We’re grateful to all of our sponsors, excited to share this celebration with the entire community, and look forward to recognizing the award winners.”
The Center will turn 75 on July 5 but will celebrate its 75th throughout the year. Starting April 18, there will be an exhibition at the Watkins Museum of History titled The Bert Nash Center Legacy: Responding to Needs, Restoring Lives, and Building a Healthy Community, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. April 25.
The exhibition is sponsored by Stevens & Brand law firm, which is celebrating its 100th in 2025, while the Watkins Museum of History is celebrating its 50th this year.
The Bert Nash Center Legacy will explore the life of Dr. Bert Nash, a pioneer in the fields of education psychology and mental health, while tracing the growth and community of his namesake mental health center, founded in 1950, three years after his untimely death. The exhibition will be on view in the Watkins Museum’s Community Gallery through May 31, spanning National Mental Health Awareness Month.
In June, there will be a 75th celebration for Bert Nash Center team members. The family-friendly event will be held June 20 from 5-8 p.m.
To learn more about the Watkins Museum’s Community Gallery and the Pioneer Celebration go to https://www.bertnash.org/celebrate75
