SWU celebrates centennial with fine arts events
Music, theater and poetry will be in the spotlight during Southern Wesleyan University’s Fine Arts Series.
The university, founded in 1906, will celebrate its centennial throughout the academic year.
“In 2006, the university will celebrate 100 years of providing a quality education with a Christian perspective,” said Janelle Beamer, university spokesperson. “The year will be filled with events that commemorate the university’s history and celebrate its future.”
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 32 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, in locations such as Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta.
The university’s history began October 15, 1906, named Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute and employing two instructors. At the time, it was one of two schools sponsored by the Wesleyan Methodist Church, headquartered in Syracuse, N.Y. Then, in 1909, the school was chartered as Wesleyan Methodist College.
In 1928, the school became a junior college with a four-year theological degree offering. Another milestone for the university came in 1953, when the high school academy and junior college at the institution were regionally accredited. The year 1959 brought re-organization as a four-year liberal arts institution and the new name, Central Wesleyan College. The Leadership Education for Adult Professionals program, now called Adult and Graduate Studies, was established in 1986. The college was renamed as Southern Wesleyan University in 1994.
“Historically, the founders of the college understood linguistic, quantitative and analytical skills to be the foundation of a liberal arts education,” Beamer said. “They believed that the cultivation of this curriculum within the context of faith, worship, studies in religion and service to others created a fertile soil for intellectual and spiritual growth.”
As part of Southern Wesleyan University’s centennial celebration, the university has commissioned Dr. Robert Black, religion professor, to write a history of the institution. The book, “How Firm a Foundation,” will be released during the institution’s 100th year of operation.
An excerpt from “How Firm a Foundation” by Dr. Black:
On borrowed benches in an unfinished building, what is now Southern Wesleyan University began that October day a century ago with a chapel service. Together with several visitors present for that historic moment, faculty and students launched the new school in prayer and praise. The hymn they sang in that first service was a statement of faith in God and a declaration of confidence in the future of this new venture – “How Firm a Foundation.”
Today at Southern Wesleyan University, administrators and professors are working to meet the needs of record numbers of students.
“The student population at Southern Wesleyan has been growing consistently during the last decade,” Beamer said. “These days, statewide enrollment figures exceed 2,600.”
From 1993 to 2003, enrollment increased by 1,148 students – a 175.8 percent increase. Resident students at the Central campus increased by 16 percent during the same time period.
This steady trend toward growth means the university’s housing is full and chapel services, held twice weekly, are “standing room only” events. Southern Wesleyan University is addressing the institution’s infrastructural needs with a new 165-bed residence hall and a new dining commons which will be open to students for the fall 2005 semester. Also in the works for the Central campus are a new multi-purpose gymnasium-style building and a new fine arts center.
In addition to new buildings, the university is offering new majors to meet the needs of today’s students: forensic science, forensic computer science, communications and management of information technology.
“These new majors can lead to a wide range of careers, such as journalists, crime lab technicians, toxicologists or technology managers,” Beamer said.
Throughout the university’s centennial year, the community is invited to attend fine arts events at the Southern Wesleyan University campus in Central and at area locations.
The 2005-06 Fine Arts Schedule was as follows:
Fine Arts Events- Fall 2005
October 16
Jazz Ambassadors
The Jazz Ambassadors are the United States Army’s premiere touring jazz orchestra. They have appeared in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, India and throughout Europe. Their diverse repertoire includes everything from big band swing to patriotic selections.
October 20
Southern Wesleyan University Faculty Recital
Tenor Steven Ponder and pianist Jane Dill are featured in a concert of sacred music. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.
October 24
Southern Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble
Sacred, secular, contemporary and classical literature was presented as the University Wind Ensemble kicked off its fall season in Folger Fine Arts Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
November 3
Chris Vadala, saxophone
Chris Vadala is one of the country’s foremost woodwind artists and is in demand as a jazz/classical performer and educator. He is currently director of Jazz Studies and saxophone professor at the University of Maryland.
November 11
Upstate Intercollegiate Choral Invitational Festival
Now in its fifth year, this choral festival features choirs from South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. It took place at First Baptist Church at 300 East First Street in Easley, S.C.
November 10, 11, 12
Mister Tartuffe
Southern Wesleyan University’s Student Productions presented a contemporary adaptation of one of Moliere’s most masterful and most popular plays.
November 20
Music Majors Formal Recital
SWU music majors were featured in this Sunday afternoon performance in Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.
November 21
Music Majors Honors Recital
Selected SWU music majors were featured in this evening performance in Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.
December 2
Lessons and Carols
Luminaries lit the way to Folger Fine Arts Auditorium for this community celebration of Christ’s birth through scripture and song.
December 5
Sounds of the Season
The Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble combined for a light evening of holiday favorites and new works.
January 16
Nashville Mandolin Ensemble at Folger Fine Arts Auditorium, 7:30 p.m., free.
January 30
Ron Rash, poet and author, was at Ellenberg Lecture Hall; free.
February 6
Tarradiddle Players presented Velveteen Rabbit at Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.
February 16
Ken Medema, Christian singer and songwriter was at Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.
February 23
Sixth Annual SWU Jazz Invitational took place in the new Dining Commons, free.
March 14
Home concert featuring SWU Jazz Ensemble at Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.
March 21
Carol Jaudes presented The World’s Greatest Romance, a play about three dynamic women of faith, Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.
April 6-8
SWU Student Productions presents The Castle of Perseverance, a Medieval morality play, at Folger Fine Arts Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and students with identification. Call (864) 644-5214 for reservations.
April 9
Gospel Extravaganza
April 18
SWU Wind Ensemble at Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.
April 24
SWU Jazz Ensemble at Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.
April 28
SWU Concert Choir Pops Concert at Folger Fine Arts Auditorium.