(August 27, 2014)

Centenary welcomes back students

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary upper-class students returned to classes today, marking the official start of the 2014 fall term as the College opens its 190th academic year. Returning students are using the opportunity to meet members of the incoming class who have just completed the College's inaugural August immersive term, including the ten-day Centenary in Paris program.

"Members of this first-year class have been across the Atlantic and taken their first finals before most of their peers around the country have even started college," said Centenary president David Rowe. "Their experience in Paris has given them a first-hand look at some of the global challenges present in our 21st century world, challenges that they will continue to engage over the next four years as Centenary students."

The first-year students continued their orientation to campus after their return from Paris, participating in a water-themed field day, back to school dance, a magic show, and the annual taste fest sponsored by local restaurants. Informational sessions covered technology, safety, and academic success.

On Monday, August 25th, first-year students participated in the second annual World House Service Day, giving back to the Shreveport area through projects coordinated with Community Renewal International, the Fuller Center for Housing of NWLA, and Shreveport Green. Incoming Centenary students are matched to one of three World House residential communities that combine coursework and community service in an intentional response to a specific global challenge, as identified by the Centenary faculty: living a meaningful life, living a sustainable life, and expanding our circles of relationships.

"I really enjoyed serving alongside the class of 2018 during the World House Service day and meeting my new classmates," said Miles Robinson, Student Government Association President and one of the orientation leaders. "We have a tradition of service and these first-years are embracing the importance of service to our community with enthusiasm. Centenary has been a place of growth for me and it's clear that our newest students are already flourishing and will add great energy to campus."

President Rowe will give first-year students their official welcome to the College on Thursday morning at the President's Convocation, an annual event that this year features a special address by R. Owen Williams, President of the Associated Colleges of the South. The first-year class will make the traditional walk into Brown Chapel to the sounds of applause and cheers from the Class of 2015. All graduating seniors make this same walk in the spring of their final year.