Wacker, Kleis introduce last Lemonade Concert and Granite City Days kickoff as SCSU president, St. Cloud mayor

The Lemonade Concert & Art Fair is one of St. Cloud State University's best-known campus traditions, and marks the opening of the St. Cloud Granite City Days community-wide event. Lemonade returned to campus June 27 for the 51st annual year, complete with the Lemonade President's Reception inside of Atwood Memorial Center. This year, however, brought multiple chapters to a close.

The reception was Dr. Robbyn Wacker's last as president of SCSU, and was also the last year for alumnus Dave Kleis '89 as mayor of St. Cloud. The night was bittersweet for them both.

"I just want to say thank you for your support, not only for me but this university, because it means a lot. It means a great deal that you're here and that you're supportive," President Wacker said. "Be assured that once a Husky, always a Husky - that I will continue to root for you, for this university - no matter where my next travels take me, where I end up. I'll always be a Husky, and I'll always be grateful for what you've done."

Dr. Wacker's first event as SCSU's president was the 2018 Lemonade reception. Kleis said he remembered it well, and appreciated President Wacker's involvement in the St. Cloud community.

"Thank you again, Robbyn, for your service. I was here, that first year of yours," he said. "I just truly want to thank President Wacker for her leadership and friendship. She's been amazing."

St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Lucia Magney also spoke during the reception, which was emceed by SCSU Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Dr. Jason Woods. The Symphony Orchestra has performed during the Lemonade Concert for the past 29 years.

Following the reception, Kleis and Wacker officially opened Granite City Days with a lemonade toast inside Ritsche Auditorium. Granite City Days' Rock On Award winners were recognized as well before the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra performed the annual Lemonade concert.