Centenary College is gearing up for its annual Founders’ Day observance on February 22, celebrating the institution’s rich history and recent achievements. This year, the college is honored to welcome United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Carl Stewart as the keynote speaker for the event. The convocation, which will take place at 11:10 a.m. in Brown Chapel, will also feature the presentation of the Mary Celeste Reagan Alumni Trailblazer Award to Judge Stewart by the Centenary College Diversity Committee.
Judge Carl Stewart, an esteemed figure in the legal community and an honorary Centenary alumnus, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the occasion. A former trustee of Centenary College, Judge Stewart’s distinguished career includes serving as the first African American Chief Judge of the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over federal courts in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.
“Judge Stewart has been a great friend to Centenary for many years,” remarked Centenary president Dr. Christopher L. Holoman. “He is a true alumni Trailblazer and a pillar of our community. We are looking forward to hearing his reflections during the Founders’ Day Convocation as we celebrate the past, present, and future of our nearly 200-year-old institution.”
The Founders’ Day Convocation will also recognize the dedication and service of Centenary’s faculty and staff. Among those being honored are Dr. Jeff Hendricks, Professor of English, for 40 years of service; Chris Derrick, Assistant Director of IT Operations, for 25 years; Dr. Scott Chirhart, Professor of Biology, Dr. Michelle Glaros, Professor of Art, and Dr. Karen Soul, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, for 20 years; and Lauren Hawkins, Director of Admission, for 10 years.
In addition to Founders’ Day, Centenary is hosting its annual Centenary Giving Day on February 22, offering special promotions for friends and supporters of the College. Supporters can contribute online to various funds, including Centenary’s $50 million capital campaign, Forward: The Campaign for Our Third Century.
Centenary College, established in 1825, is a selective, residential, national liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South.
For further information about Centenary College and its initiatives, visit centenary.edu.
