A high-resolution image of the stamped postal card is available for media use only by emailing
mark.r.saunders@usps.gov

OXFORD, OH — The U.S. Postal Service commemorated Miami University’s bicentennial by issuing a First-Class 27-cent postal card with the stamped image depicting MacCracken Hall, a residence hall located on the South Quad of Miami University’s main campus in Oxford, OH. The stamped postal card, available nationwide today, was dedicated by U.S. Postal Service Eastern Area Operations Vice President Megan Brennan.

“Two centuries later, we stand here in celebration as succeeding generations kept the ideals of public education alive, while growing the University to a place of prominence," said Brennan. “MacCracken Hall is also a perfect reminder that Miami University is more than a place where higher learning thrives. It is a haven and a second home to the students that it serves so well.”

Joining Brennan in the dedication were Miami University President Dr. David C. Hodge, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Chief Thomas Gamble and Miami University Student Body President Michael J. Scott.

“We are honored that the U.S. Postal Service has recognized Miami University’s Bicentennial with this historic postal card,” said President David Hodge. “The image selected – McCracken Hall – is one of the most recognizable buildings on our campus. As the nation’s 10th oldest public university, Miami is proud of its long tradition of contributing to society through its graduates’ work in government, business, science, education and the arts. We are as committed today as we were in 1809 to our mission of producing graduates of uncommon quality.”

On Feb. 17, 1809, the Ohio state legislature passed legislation incorporating Miami University in the Miami valley region of southwestern Ohio, named after the Miami Indians who once inhabited the area. By 1824, the university trustees had accumulated sufficient funds from the land rental to hire a small faculty and erect a couple of buildings on the Oxford township site. Approximately 20 students attended opening classes that fall.

Today, Miami University boasts an overall enrollment of 20,000 students and maintains regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, OH, as well as the Miami University European Center in Luxembourg. Recognized as one of the top public universities in the country, Miami defines itself as a “place of involved scholarship and teaching where all students are grounded in the liberal arts, encouraged to become citizen leaders, and infused with an excitement for learning and critical thinking.” In addition to the core curriculum for undergraduates, the university provides an array of specialized academic programs, as well as individualized personal and professional guidance for undergraduate and graduate students alike. Miami University’s impressive roster of alumni includes Benjamin Harrison, class of 1852, our nation’s 23rd president.

Miami takes great pride in being a residential university and the attractive red brick, neo-Georgian architecture of the many residence and dining halls render the main campus one of the most beautiful in the country. After its completion in 1961, MacCracken Hall was named for the distinguished 19th-century educator Henry Mitchell MacCracken, an 1857 graduate of Miami University who became chancellor of New York University.

Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback for the 2006 and 2009 Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, played for the Miami RedHawks from 2001 to 2003.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, or at The Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should address the stamped postal card to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Miami University Stamped Postal Card
Postmaster
5145 Brown Road
Oxford, OH 45056-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 20, 2009.

How to Order First-Day Covers
Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first day-covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800 STAMP-24 or writing to:

Information Fulfillment
Dept. 6270
U.S. Postal Service
P.O. Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products
There are two philatelic products available for this issue:

223561, First-Day Cover, 40 cents

223591, Ceremony Program, $6.95

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Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/welcome.htm.

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation — 146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.