AMHERST — Opportunities to interact with robotic dogs developed by a University of Massachusetts Robotics team, see glass being melted for the creation of scientific glassware for campus labs and observe and participate in tree climbing will be among more than 25 activities on Founders Day, the annual event being held on the Amherst campus Tuesday.

A campus-wide celebration that is open to the community to showcase special projects and initiatives, over 20 departments, along with the Frank A. Waugh Arboretum Committee, are participating in the programming.

Founders Day started in 2008 as the 145th anniversary of when Gov. John A. Andrew signed the charter for the Massachusetts Agricultural College, creating the first board of trustees for the the institution that would become UMass in 1947. Gov. Deval Patrick spoke and a birthday cake was created in the shape of the Old Chapel at that first Founders Day.

Last year, Founders Day capped off a weekend that began with the formal inauguration of Chancellor Javier Reyes. 

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bromery Center for the Arts on Presidents Drive, UMass Robotics will display some of the robot dogs and humanoids developed to enhance the quality of human life. Those who drop by will be able to see and touch the robots.

During that same time on the Goodell Lawn, across from the Old Chapel, spectators can see a demonstration of how to melt glass to make scientific glassware used in campus labs.

Some of the events center around the Frank A. Waugh Arboretum, with a tree tour starting at 9 a.m. from the Japanese Elm tree near the DuBois Library’s main entrance. There, Head of Grounds Todd Cournoyer and Graduate Assistant Michael Amato will lead a guided tour that will conclude near Goessmann Hall on North Pleasant Street. Outside Goessmann, a ceremonial Spaeth Alder tree will be planted in memory of student Ecaterina “Katya” Rojoc, who died last year.

A tree-climbing demonstration by champion climber Stella Dee and Dr. Brian Kane takes place at the Red Oak near Bartlett Hall on Hicks Way at 10 a.m.

UMass Dining is serving a free, healthy and sustainable meal featuring locally sourced items, as part of a cookout, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Haigis Mall.

Other aspects of Founders Day include making mini bouquets using local spring flowers grown and curated by UMass Stockbridge Floral Design students. on the Goodell Lawn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., learning line dancing with Lindsay and social dancing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fine Arts Center plaza and dropping off non-perishable breakfast foods to support the Amherst Survival Center on the Haigis Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Survival Center is partnering with the Dean of Students Office to open the Campus Pantry: ASC@UMass in the fall. The food drive is co-organized by UMass Amherst Community Campaign and UMass Basic Needs Initiatives and aims to gather breakfast staples such as peanut butter, oatmeal, boxed cereal, pancake mix and tea and coffee.

In the evening, outside the Student Union will be a 1980s-themed outdoor screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” and Glow Golf.

A full list of events is available online at https://events.umass.edu/search/events.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.