Carson-Newman to celebrate name change with time capsule, semester events

On Monday, February 11, Carson-Newman College will become “Carson-Newman University.” It will also launch a semester-long celebration beginning with a ceremony and the sealing of a time capsule at 7:00 p.m. that evening in Gentry Auditorium. It is the first of five events planned to mark the name change.

“It has been a joy to watch excitement build on campus as we’ve approached this milestone,” said C-N President Randall O’Brien, adding that he has been impressed with the effort given by campus groups to planning celebration events. “Our campus community is doing a wonderful job in helping to mark this occasion by developing unique opportunities to celebrate where we’ve been, where we are, and the exciting future that lies before Carson-Newman University.”

The semester events, themed “Continuing our Pursuit of Excellence,” is being planned by five constituent campus groups that include students, staff, faculty, board of trustees, and alumni.

Overseen by Carson-Newman’s Student Government Association, the sealing of a time capsule was one that just made sense according to SGA president and C-N senior Devin Gosnell. “We want Carson-Newman University to know who Carson-Newman College was 100 years ago,” said Gosnell, who also noted that students are excited about the new name. “We understand how important this is in our school’s history, and we’re all very proud to be a part of it,” he said. “I truly believe there’s not been a better time to be a part of Carson-Newman.”

Other celebration events include a community tree planting, March 11; an unveiling of a permanent display, April 11; ribbon cutting and the distribution of commemorative coins, May 3; and alumni participation during Spring Commencement 2013.

February 11 is a significant date in Carson-Newman’s history. It is recorded that February 11, 1851, began a time of preparation for the beginning of the institution. The Baptist Educational Society of East Tennessee appointed William Rogers, C-N’s first president, and C.C. Tipton as financial agents, who were charged with raising funds for endowment and the completion of the school’s first building. The school held its first classes in September 1851.