Centenary receives $5 million from anonymous donor

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — Dr. B. David Rowe, President of Centenary College of Louisiana, has announced a $5 million pledge by an anonymous donor. The endowment created by the gift will fund student scholarships.

"We are truly thrilled and humbled by this donor's amazing generosity," said Dr. Rowe. "We are experiencing a renewal precisely because of leaders who are committed to our success and dedicated to our transformation. Our entire community is working together to compose a new chapter in the College's future, so it is an exciting time to be at Centenary."

W. Scott Rawles, Vice President for Advancement, consulted with the donor regarding the contribution. According to statements by the donor, the purpose of the gift is to ensure that students will continue to have access to the Centenary experience for the next one hundred years.

"Her gift is the result of her long-term relationship with and love for the Centenary community," said Rawles. "What it shows is that there is a real and growing commitment to the living-learning-action model that Centenary embodies. This gift, albeit very significant, is just one of many this year that place the College in a position of strength for the future."

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 373 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.