Since 1866, Milligan College has seen its fair share of historical moments.
The remainder of 2016 is a busy time on campus as students, faculty, graduates and members of the community celebrate the college’s sesquicentennial. Milligan College will officially turn 150 years old on Dec. 8.
As the days slowly trickle to the target date, a series of historical seminars exploring history in honor of the sesquicentennial are currently underway. Dr. Lee Fierbaugh Harrison opened up the series on Tuesday, Aug. 23, telling attendees about the founding of Milligan College.
“I think we’re off to a great start,” Rhajon Smith, director of development and chair of the college’s sesquicentennial committee, said. “With Milligan alum and members of the community, it was great to take a look at the history of Milligan College.”
Seven seminars remain on the schedule, offered each Tuesday from Aug. 23 through Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. inside Derthick Hall with each session free and open to the public.
“It is really a great chance for people to stop by and see the growth of Milligan College over the ages,” Smith said. “To see how Milligan changed, and America, with members of our faculty and even retired professors, experts and other leaders from the college.”
The remainder of the series includes:
* Aug. 30 – “Milligan and the Stone Campbell Movement,” Dr. Dennis Helsabeck, The Henry and Emerald Webb Chair Emeritus of History.
* Sept. 6 – “Milligan’s Navy V-12, WWII & Post-war Era,” Duard Walker, famed athlete, coach and athletic director.
* Sept. 13 – “Milligan and the Cold War & John F. Kennedy Era,” Dr. R. David Roberts, retired Bible and Christian ministry professor.
* Sept. 20 – “Milligan during the Civil Rights Era and 60’s,” Dr. Jack Knowles, retired humanities professor.
* Sept. 27 – “Milligan & Women’s Issues,” Dr. Pat Magness, retired humanities professor.
* Oct. 4 – “Milligan in the Providence of God,” Dr. Bill Gwaltney, professor emeritus of Bible.
* Oct. 11 – “From Honors to Humanities,” Dr. Bob Wetzel, professor of ethics and philosophical theology.
Smith went on to add that the Sept. 6 session will be held at Wilson Auditorium on campus.
“These sessions are great, and we’ve been in a long-standing relationship with the community,” she added. “The Lord has provided for the college tremendously over the years and we love to take this opportunity to show what Milligan College is all about.”
The seminars are just some of the multiple activities underway for Buff Nation. With Homecoming just two months out, the campus will be celebrating the sesquicentennial with a variety of events, including an arts gala, concerts and much more.
Visit milligan.edu/150 for more information on the events celebrating the college’s history.