(October 6, 2014)

Centenary launches CLC exhibit in celebration of 40th anniversary

SHREVEPORT, LA — A new exhibit by the Centenary Archives and Special Collections, Centenary's Christian Leadership Center, 1974-2014, is now on display in the Whited Room lobby of Bynum Commons.

"The Christian Leadership Center (CLC) is a meaningful part of Centenary's past, present, and future," said Assistant Director of Christian Leadership Maegan Daigle '09. "CLC is an authentic community where our students grow spiritually and can ask difficult questions to critically think about their faith. This is also the perfect place for those seeking their vocational calling."

The exhibit celebrates the 40th anniversary of the College's program for students who desire to integrate their vocational decision with their faith. Archival items on display include promotional brochures, newspaper articles, and photographs documenting the program.

The Christian Leadership Center traces its origin to the Centenary School of Church Careers (1974-2002). Initially conceived by Rev. D. L. Dykes, Jr., senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Shreveport, the program later changed its name to the Church Careers Institute (2002-2006) and then the Christian Leadership Center (2006-present).

"I have had such a positive experience with the CLC because of the support system it created for me during college," said Kayla King '15. "CLC helped me grow in my faith and introduced me to broader ideas through the academic component. Hearing incredible speakers throughout the years like Donald Miller, Phyllis Tickle, and Enuma Orkoro has been really powerful, too."

Centenary Archivist Chris Brown '01 and student worker Kayla Ruth '15 researched and prepared the exhibit. It is on display through December 2014 and is also accessible online at centenary.edu/archives.

The mission of the Centenary College Archives and Special Collections is to collect, preserve, and make available the historic records of the College and the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. For more information, contact Chris Brown at 318.869.5462 or archives@centenary.edu.