CIC would like to highlight a sampling of member institutions that shared with us that they are celebrating a milestone in their institution’s history. This is a great time to revisit institutional missions and achievements, and we are pleased to pass on some great examples that were sent to us.
If you have important or exciting news to share about your institution, please email Allison Barkley, CIC communication operations specialist, at abarkley@cic.edu to be considered for an upcoming newsletter article.
Brescia University to Kick Off Centennial Celebration
When the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph founded the Mount Saint Joseph Junior College for Women in 1925, they were putting their dedication to education into action. Then again in 1950 when they moved to the current location of Brescia University (KY), they continued their dedication by becoming a co-educational college helping all looking to further their education. Now after 100 years, their commitment continues to be unwavering.
Thousands of alumni have taken the education they received at Brescia University and transformed their communities for the better. Teachers, doctors, social workers, business leaders, public servants, and more have carried with them the four pillars that make the Brescia difference and continue to live out the mission of the Ursuline Sisters brought to Mount Sant Joseph 100 years ago.
Shenandoah University Celebrates Sesquicentennial
For 150 years, Shenandoah University (VA) has been a cornerstone of higher education in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Founded on February 12, 1875, in Dayton, Virginia, Shenandoah took a bold step in 1960 by relocating 75 miles north to Winchester, at the top of Virginia, enabling it to grow and thrive.
Throughout a century and a half, Shenandoah has remained committed to providing innovative, high-quality, student-focused education with the community at the heart of everything it does.
Hiram College Celebrates 175 Years of Tradition and Excellence on Founders Day
On March 1, Hiram College (OH) celebrated Founders Day, and this year, it carried extraordinary significance: the college is celebrating 175 years of academic excellence and transformative experiences that have shaped generations of leaders and innovators. Founded in 1850 as the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, Hiram was established by the Disciples of Christ with a bold vision: to provide an inclusive, rigorous education that fosters intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. One hundred seventy-five years later, these founding values continue to define Hiram’s mission, inspiring students to think deeply, live with purpose, and lead with integrity.
From the beginning, Hiram championed inclusivity and social responsibility—principles that are just as relevant today as they were in 1850. The college has always prioritized the needs of its students, creating an environment where they are encouraged to think critically, engage ethically, and lead with purpose. Through personalized learning experiences, close faculty mentorship, and opportunities for hands-on exploration, Hiram empowers students to discover their passions and make meaningful contributions to society.
Park University Celebrates 150th Anniversary
Park University (MO) celebrated 150 years of “fides et labor” (Latin for faith and work, the university’s motto) on May 12, Park’s actual Founder’s Day. For a century and a half, Park University has stood as a beacon of academic excellence, grounded in the enduring values of accountability, civility and respect, excellence, global citizenship, inclusivity and integrity.
Founded by George S. Park (the university’s namesake), John A. McAfee and Rev. Elisha B. Sherwood, Park College for Training Christian Workers began classes on May 12, 1875, with 17 students, including one student who served in the Civil War. In 1879, when the school’s name was shortened to Park College, four students—three women and one man—graduated on July 1.
Park is fortunate to commemorate this historic milestone and looks forward to a future inspired by purpose and progress.
Neumann University’s 60th Anniversary Pledge
2025 marks an exciting time in Neumann University (PA)’s history, as it commemorates six decades of providing transformative education rooted in the Franciscan tradition. This special anniversary is an opportunity to honor the university’s legacy; recognize the achievements of its students, faculty, and alumni; and reflect on its growth from a small college to a dynamic institution. As the Neumann community begins this celebration, it reaffirms the commitment to the mission and looks forward to the vibrant future that awaits.
Neumann’s 60th Anniversary serves as a moment to strengthen the bonds within the community and to highlight our ongoing commitment to academic excellence, service, and social responsibility. Over the course of the next 18 months, Neumann pledges to complete 60,000 hours of service to its communities.
Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary Celebrate 150 Years
Since 1876, Calvin University (MI) and Calvin Theological Seminary have stood as institutions dedicated to nurturing minds and hearts of students. The campus will celebrate during three weeks throughout the anniversary year. Fall Celebration Week, in September, will feature the Calvin Music Festival, football, Homecoming and Family Weekend, and more. Winter Celebration Week, in February, will feature the Calvin-Hope rivalry game, Calvin Theatre Company plan, and more. Spring Celebration Week, in April/May, will feature a film a media showcase and the Sesquicentennial Commencement.
Gannon University Marks 100 Years
For 100 years, Gannon University (PA) has been a beacon of knowledge, faith, and service, inspiring generations of students to lead with purpose and make an impact in their communities. From 1925, with a mission rooted in Catholic values, Gannon has grown into a dynamic institution that empowers learners from all walks of life. As it commemorates this incredible milestone, Gannon invites the community to reflect on its rich history, celebrate its achievements, and look forward to a bright future together during events throughout 2025.
The Centennial logo symbolizes Gannon University’s rich history, reimagining elements of its seal. The first zero is a tribute to Gannon’s founder, Archbishop John Mark Gannon. The imagery in this element is the spiritual symbols Gannon selected for his Episcopal coat of arms when he became Bishop. The second zero highlights education with the lamp of learning, the book of knowledge, and the sun for enlightenment. Waves represent Gannon’s Erie and Ruskin campuses, near Lake Erie and the Gulf of Mexico. The original seal’s ribbons, bearing the Latin words sanitas, scientia, and sanctitas (health, knowledge, holiness), reflect Gannon’s focus on holistic student development. For the Centennial logo, these ribbons were adapted to display the milestone years, 1925–2025.
City of Austin Honors the 140th Anniversary of St. Edward’s University with Special Proclamation
St. Edward’s University (TX) is proud to announce Austin city leaders have issued an official declaration proclaiming February 21, 2025, as St. Edward’s 140th Anniversary Day. In March, at Austin City Hall, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes issued the proclamation honoring St. Edward’s for challenging students to address critical issues of society; encouraging students to seek justice and peace; preparing students for success in the ever-evolving workforce; and collaborating with Austin and Central Texas communities to discover solutions for pressing matters.
In February, St. Edward’s kicked off its milestone year of celebrations with “Meeting the Moment: Continuing 140 Years of Hope at St. Edward’s University.” The event brought together university leadership, alumni, Austin-area leaders, community partners, benefactors, and long-standing supporters to commemorate the university’s remarkable achievements and look ahead to future initiatives driving the university’s Strategic Plan 2027 goals.
Huston-Tillotson University Kicks Off Sesquicentennial Celebration with a Yearlong Series of Festivities
Huston-Tillotson University (TX) is thrilled to announce the commencement of its sesquicentennial celebration, marking 150 years of academic excellence, community engagement, and cultural heritage. This historic milestone will be commemorated with a series of events and activities throughout the year, honoring the rich legacy and promising future of Huston-Tillotson University. The celebration will include community engagement initiatives, academic symposiums and lectures, cultural and artistic celebrations, athletic events and Homecoming, and a Sesquicentennial Gala.
Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University has been a beacon of higher education, resilience, and innovation for generations. This yearlong celebration, themed “150 Years of Igniting Impact and Innovation,” aims to unite alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the broader community in a vibrant tribute to the university’s enduring impact.
Rhodes College Celebrates 100 Years in Memphis
Rhodes College (TN), established in 1848 in Clarksville, TN, and a nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences institution, is celebrating 100 years in Memphis, TN. The college moved to its current location under the leadership of then president Dr. Charles E. Diehl, and classes began on September 24, 1925, with 406 students and 16 faculty. In recent history, Rhodes has enrolled approximately 2,000 students each year. Not only did the relocation place the institution in a city with increased access to students and resources, but also it offered the chance to plan and construct an entire campus from the ground up. Diehl himself selected the Collegiate Gothic architectural style for the new campus, and each new building has continued to incorporate the Collegiate Gothic design, using the same Arkansas fieldstone, Indiana limestone, and Vermont slate as the first building on campus. Majestic oak trees grown from seedlings taken from the school’s original location in Clarksville are also a part of the landscape today.
Rhodes also has woven itself into the fabric of the city and region, and outside of the campus students are fulfilling the Rhodes Vision of having “a compassion for others, and the ability to translate academic study and personal concern into effective leadership and action in their communities.” Rhodes has become a place like no other, where students meet the demands of rigorous academics, work with faculty mentors, discover and cultivate lifelong passions, and take what they have learned into the world to make a difference.