Southern Wesleyan kicks off centennial celebration
A yearlong celebration of Southern Wesleyan University’s 100 years of history will begin Oct. 28-29, 2005.
The university’s annual homecoming celebration will mark the start of a year of special events and celebrations commemorating the institution’s centennial, according to Joy Bryant, executive director of alumni and constituent relations. The public is invited to join Southern Wesleyan alumni in celebrating the university’s past and getting a glimpse at its future.
“Our centennial theme is ‘How Firm a Foundation.’ We’ll be celebrating the university’s rich history,” Bryant said.
The university was founded nearly 100 years ago by leaders who promised to “help men and women become what God has designed them to be.” The university’s history began Oct. 15, 1906. Today, Southern Wesleyan University has more than 2,600 students. In addition to its main campus in Central, it has locations such as Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta.
“Each year, we have an opportunity for our Southern Wesleyan University friends and family to visit or return to the campus. We are so pleased that we can share our history with the community,” Bryant said.
This year’s homecoming events include a dedication ceremony for the university’s new dining commons Oct. 27, 2005, at 11:30 a.m.
Oct. 28, 2005 is a campus visit day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those who are interested in learning more about Southern Wesleyan University or considering enrolling for classes are invited to tour the campus in Central.
On Oct. 29, 2005, at 10 a.m. there will be opening ceremony for the new Warrior Baseball Plaza – a cooperative effort among Southern Wesleyan University, the Town of Central and the Town of Clemson. The ceremony will include a parade of teams, Homecoming Chapel, the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen and a Home Run Derby.
There will also be a Classic Car Show that day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An anticipated 100 classic cars will line Wesleyan Drive to celebrate the university’s centennial.
“We will present three awards: Best in Show, Ladies Choice and Gent’s Choice. Come and vote for your favorite car,” Bryant said.
At noon, Southern Wesleyan University will face Rhinehardt in a volleyball game.
In the afternoon from noon to 4 p.m., will be a craft fair, carnival food, a children’s play area with games and a 33-foot Titanic slide, campus tours of the new university buildings, open house for the new dining commons, the new dormitory, Freedom’s Hill Church and Newby Education Center.
The evening’s highlight will be a Hall of Fame Banquet. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased through the university’s Alumni Center.
Southern Wesleyan University prepares students for leadership and graduate study in such fields as religion, education, music, business, medicine, law and a variety of civic and social service professions. Southern Wesleyan offers more than 30 major areas of study for undergraduates and graduate degrees in the areas of business, education and ministry. The university’s main campus is in Central and there are regional learning centers across the state.
“We’re looking forward to having lots of visitors on our campus. We have activities for all age groups and we’re so pleased to be able to showcase our new campus additions,” Bryant said.
Parking, children’s games, all sporting events, the classic car show and the craft fair are free and open to the public.
For details about homecoming events, contact the Alumni Center at (864) 644-5384 or 1-800-282-8798, ext. 5384.