Legacy & Vision:Timeless Quality Since 1836
In 2011, Emory & Henry College celebrates the 175th anniversary of its founding with a year of events aimed at drawing attention to the institution’s history and timeless quality. The theme for the anniversary celebration is “Legacy & Vision: Timeless Quality Since 1836.” The slogan is derived from President Reichard’s inauguration theme in 2007 and a quote attributed to an E&H alumnus, Kermit Hunter, Class of ’31. Speaking at an E&H Commencement in 1958, he said: “Emory and Henry has a timeless quality that keeps reaching on and on down the years, not only blessing and hallowing this mountain country of Southwest Virginia, but also sending out tides of influence that touch the whole hungry soul of man. This is more than a college – it is a way of thinking, a way of living.”
History
Emory & Henry was founded in 1836. On Jan. 1 of that year, Creed Fulton and two other members of a committee established by the Holston Conference of the Methodist Church met at what was then known as the Crawford Farm and determined that location to be ideal for establishing a manual labor school.
Events
The College begins its celebration in August 2011 at the opening convocation of the 2011-12 academic year. A variety of anniversary events will continue until May 2012, all of them celebrating the historic founding of Southwest Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. To date, events for the year-long celebration include, among other activities, faculty lectures, alumni lectures, and an enhanced Homecoming Day celebration.
Pictorial History
Emory & Henry has a new pictorial history in honor of its 175th anniversary. This hard-bound coffee table book is rich with photos never before published. In more than 150 pages, the book provides the reader with views of the campus from its earliest days through the present, and reminds us of important people in Emory & Henry’s past.
Keynote Speaker: Doris Kearns-Goodwin
World-renowned historian Doris Kearns Goodwin will deliver Oct. 13 the keynote address for the 175th anniversary celebration of Emory & Henry College. Goodwin has been reporting on politics for more than two decades. The Pulitzer Prize winning author will speak at 7:30 p.m. in the King Center Gymnasium
Participate
Emory & Henry College invites alumni, friends of the college, and community members to join the celebration of the College's 175th anniversary.
"This will be a year of celebration not only for the Emory & Henry family but for Southwest Virginia, a region that is dear to the hearts of Emory & Henry people and important to the mission and longevity of this incredible institution,”
-- Dr. Rosalind Reichard, 20th president of Emory & Henry College.