Centennial Committee Recognized at Final Breakfast

VALDOSTA - Members of the Valdosta State University Centennial Steering Committee enjoyed breakfast Tuesday morning, June 24, in final celebration of their accomplishments as a team and to look forward at the university’s future.

"You have been an integral part of this university in showcasing the history and celebrating its centennial,” President Ronald M. Zaccari said. "There is no way I can stand here this morning and fully thank you for all you have done and how you have touched the future of the campus.”

As President Zaccari stood before the committee, individually thanking each member for his or her contribution, he made his appreciation clear and explained the committee’s end means a new beginning for VSU, which will now refocus its time and resources into developing a strong university brand and preparing for the future capital campaign.

Each member received a beautifully framed photo of the West Hall dome, illuminated by a fully burst firework, which was taken by Jeff Grant, director of Publication and Design Services at the first Centennial Lawn Celebration.

"The photo truly captures the essense of who you are and what you’ve done for the university,” Zaccari said to the members.

Chartered by President Zaccari in 2006, the committee was tasked with creating events and opportunities in celebration of the university’s centennial birthday, which would extend until 2013, 100 years after its first classes began. The group has since been responsible for many successful events that have combined history with the university’s primary mission, ultimately involving the community in collaborative celebration.

The committee’s list of accomplishments includes the Centennial Fun Run in August, various student art competitions and the Centennial Lawn Concert. It also funded the framing and hanging of historic biology prints in the Hugh C. Bailey Science Center as well as the more than 40 life-sized portraits displayed across campus in VSU’s first ever Hidden History tour last October, each of which will carry on the committee and University’s legacy.

Committee Chair Mary Gooding also addressed the group and thanked them for their efforts, both in public and behind the scenes, claiming that the group’s best accomplishment was its ability to bring the community involved and on campus. She assured members that the cornerstone events the community enjoyed will continue to be funded through other avenues and while the committee has met for the last time, its legacy will be carried on through its impact.