The Interlocking Directorate Charged with Commemorating our Institution's
Demisemiseptcentennial?
We've all heard of a centennial celebration marking a 100th anniversary, a sesquicentennial for a 150th birthday and even some bicentennial observances noting a 200th anniversary, but a demisemiseptcentennial?
That's the term for a celebration of a 175th anniversary.
We'll leave its use to those who want to stand on ceremony while we plan our own.
A Message from President Jean Scott
Marietta College has always taken great pride in the observance of its signature anniversaries and we approach our 175th in 2010 with a commitment to celebrate in a way that is consistent with our history and appropriate to the aspirations of Marietta College today.
A look at our past celebrations is instructive. On the date of the 50th anniversary or "semi-centennial" of the College in 1885, President Andrews was center stage both for his impending retirement and for his rousing rhetoric in delivering his "Historical Discourse."
On the occasion of the College's 75th anniversary in 1910, The President of the United States, William Howard Taft, enlivened the festivities.
When Marietta marked its centennial in 1935, President Parsons presided over a series commemorations that began on Founders Day and did not conclude until the first week of June and, in 1985, President Cleland led the institution's efforts to properly observe the sesquicentennial.
It is both humbling and exciting to occupy the position of leadership for the College as we approach the 175th anniversary of its charter, and I take very seriously the responsibility for ensuring that we observe this significant milestone in an appropriate fashion.
That is why I have convened a special committee with wide-spread representation to explore the unique opportunities associated with such a celebration. While this falls far short of the twenty-two sub-committees created for the organization and coordination of the centennial anniversary, I am confident we can get the job done. It may seem premature to launch this effort more than two years in advance of the actual observance, but there is much work to do.
It really is quite interesting to go back to the anniversary addresses of past presidents and see how the themes of scholarship, student support and the advancement of both the liberal arts and preparation for professions were identified upon the founding of the College and affirmed repeatedly throughout our history.
As we approach our 175th anniversary, it seems particularly fitting that we hold those fundamentals closer than ever, celebrate their enduring impact upon the lives of our students and the ultimate benefits they hold for generations to come.
