By LeMoyne-Owen College
LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) is hosting an event to kick-off its 160th Anniversary, commemorating the Collegeās legacy of providing an excellent urban liberal arts education that transforms students, institutions, and communities based on the theme, The Purple Reign Continues Exemplifying Leadership, Opportunity and Change.
As the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Memphis and the fifth oldest HBCU in the United States, LOCās administration is proud and excited to celebrate this historic anniversary with students, alumni, faculty, corporations, and many āMAGICā supporters.Ā The event will take place at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022, on the steps of Brownlee Hall as President Vernell Bennett-Fairs, along with 160th Anniversary Committee Chair, Linda McNeil, and Co-Chair, Jonathan Ealy, both LOC alums, kick-off the yearlong celebration.Ā The Collegeās Board of Trustees, other dignitaries, and supporters will also be in attendance.
āWe are beyond proud to call LeMoyne-Owen College, which has been a mainstay in this community for 160 years, home to alumni, change agents and a legacy that has changed the world,ā said President Bennett-Fairs. āA yearlong celebration is fitting for an institution that means so much to so many. Weāre excited to continue our mission to educate future leaders for many more years to come.ā
Throughout the 160th Anniversary Commemoration, LOC will utilize the talent of our students from our liberal arts programs and many of our greatest supporters. The College is continuously working to enhance student preparation and retention and assist students with pressing financial needs to support their educational pursuits. The 160th Anniversary Commemoration will serve as an opportunity to invite friends, corporations, nearly 65,000 alumni, and many others to celebrate the schoolās resilience and a capital campaign goal of $3 million in 2022.
Linda McNeil, 160th Committee Chair said, āThere is MAGIC happening on Walker Avenue! This year we will commemorate the Collegeās 160th Anniversary, celebrate its legacy, our alums and their contributions to the community, the collegeās dedicated faculty & staff, students, and the many supporters who help us continue to serve with excellence. Itās going to be a magical year as we highlight the Purple Reign.ā
There will be many opportunities for the community to join the celebrations. Commemorative yard and window signs acknowledging LeMoyne-Owen Collegeās 160th Anniversary will be placed in neighborhoods and businesses across the city. A list of events will be posted at www.loc.edu.
