In addition to Louisburg College’s traditional Homecoming festivities, several special events are being held the week of September 24, 2012 in celebration of the College’s 225th anniversary. (To learn more about the oldest two-year residential college in the nation, watch a recent UNC-TV feature about Louisburg College at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H_SCqAq5gg).
All three of the following events will have photo opportunities. For assistance with locations, please see the Louisburg College campus map at www.louisburg.edu/campus_map.pdf. (Note: A complete list of “225th Anniversary Week” events can be found online at www.louisburg.edu/news/news/225AnniversaryWeekGuide.pdf.)
WHAT: Academic Colloquium Speaker Sam Bracken
My Orange Duffle Bag: A Journey to Radical Change serves as the common reading for the College’s first year experience Crossroads program, and author Sam Bracken is coming to campus to share his remarkable story.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 25, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
WHERE: Frances Boyette Dickson Auditorium in the Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center
WHY: Louisburg College is the first higher education institution to choose My Orange Duffle Bag as a common read, and the book’s publisher, Random House, will be sharing related news coverage and class assignments on their website.
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for the E. Carroll Joyner Student Residence
WHEN: Thursday, September 27, 12:30pm
WHERE: 615 N. Main Street, Louisburg
WHO: The renovation of this historic home is made possible by Carroll Joyner, the Louisburg College Golden Anniversary Council, and the Boddie-Noell Foundation.
WHY: To support the College’s growing student body, this historic home (formerly known as the Arthur Person House) is being repurposed as a student residence. Renovations are expected to be completed in Summer 2013, and the 15 bedrooms will most likely be used for upperclass females during the first year.
WHAT: Matthew Dickinson Tribute
This program will celebrate the life and legacy of the College’s first president, Matthew Dickinson, at the College’s first academic building
WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 10:15am – 10:45am
WHERE: Franklin Male Academy (Behind the Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center)
WHY: This event marks the Grand Reopening of the Franklin Male Academy, including a newly redesigned historical exhibition of the Academy’s first 100 years.
In addition to the events on campus, Louisburg College has been the recipient of letters from Governor Bev Perdue, Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan, and other local, state and national officials, recognizing the achievement of the College’s 225th anniversary. Please see the attached document for a sample of these congratulatory remarks.
These letters will be displayed as part of a historical anniversary installation, along with official resolutions from the United State Senate and the North Carolina General Assembly. This 225th anniversary exhibit will open in the Edith C. Lumpkin Community Gallery (located in the Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center) on Friday, September 28.
About Louisburg College
Related by faith to The United Methodist Church, Louisburg College is the oldest two-year residential college in the nation, and the only one in North Carolina. With a student body of 700 students, over 90 percent of Louisburg graduates continue their education at four-year schools. Learn more at www.louisburg.edu.
The following comments are excerpted from letters received from public officials for the occasion of Louisburg College?s 225th Anniversary.
“On behalf of the State of North Carolina, it is a pleasure to congratulate Louisburg College on your 225th Anniversary. It is my privilege to commend the men and women who have made this day possible and to welcome alumni and guests to this year’s Homecoming celebration…Best wishes for a wonderful homecoming and continued success.”
North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue
“As an educator for over 30 years, I know how important it is for the youth of our nation to receive a quality education…I commend the great work that you all are doing at Louisburg College. Congratulations again on your 225th anniversary! You all should be so proud.”
Jill Biden, wife of United States Vice President Joe Biden
“Your ongoing commitment to educate our nation’s students is helping to realize the dreams we all share for a better and healthier future.”
United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
“I appreciate your mission to provide our nation with citizens who are academically and spiritually prepared to take a place in the world. Allow me the privilege to extend to the staff and alumni my warmest and most sincere congratulations for such a momentous anniversary, and best wishes for the years ahead.”
United States Congresswoman Renee Ellmers
“North Carolina is proud to be home to our nation’s oldest two-year residential college…This milestone is a testament to the outstanding vision, leadership and dedication of the administration, faculty and students of this institution. Congratulations once again.”
United States Senator Kay Hagan
“Congratulations to Louisburg College on its 225th year anniversary…I remember many summers at Louisburg College basketball school with Coach Enid Drake and others getting a sense of life on a college campus and learning life skills as well as basketball….I look forward to many more years of excellence for Louisburg College.”
North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper