The Rising from the Ashes: A Century of Progress and Innovation Reception was the culmination of a year of remembrance for ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ's most pivotal moment. 0
In the Great Hall inside the Global Commons building, hundreds gathered to celebrate ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s growth as a national institution during the Rising from the Ashes: A Century of Progress and Innovation Reception on Friday, Nov. 3.
One hundred years ago, in the dawn of a cold January morning, student William Terrell spotted flames inside the institution’s Main Building, which was home to dozens of classrooms, offices, gathering spaces and most of the school’s records to that point.
Despite Terrell’s quick action, the fate of the Main Building was sealed, and many felt that the same could be said about ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.
An editorial from the Raleigh News & Observer about the 1923 fire said that “ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ College seemed to be ruined and utterly hopeless when the flames died of their own gluttony. And among the serene oaks, there was nothing remaining of the things that a generation had built.
“To them, to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ,” the editorial continued, “it was the beginning again. These were people who knew of what uses ashes might be.”
President Connie Ledoux Book read this excerpt during her remarks at the reception and said the fire of 1923 was never about the ashes, but about the historic rise that followed.
“I am grateful tonight to have the opportunity to be reminded of the story of 1923, the story of people who know what uses ashes might be. The fire of 1923 was not ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s greatest catastrophe. Instead, it was the singular moment that gave birth to a strength of character that has permeated generations,” Book said.
“We are the people of that fire and our obligation is to pass that strength on to those who follow us. The Phoenix is ever rising, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is ever rising and that is ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s destiny.”
The reception was a celebration of the programs, initiatives, ideas, individuals and events that defined ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s astonishing rise from the ashes.
Guests strolled through the Great Hall and enjoyed displays that highlighted those various people and moments. Co-chairs of the 1923 Engagement Committee Kari Taylor and Jozi Snowberger thanked the committee for their work in planning and executing the various signature events on campus and thanked the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community for their participation.
“Tonight is the culmination of celebrating our growth and rise following the fire,” said Snowberger, assistant vice president of University Advancement parent engagement.
“We hope this is a great catalyst for the next 100 years at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ,” said Taylor, deputy chief of staff.
Barry Bradberry ’74, associate dean of admissions and special assistant to the president, is a figure who has lived through many of these events and spoke to those in attendance about various pivotal moments in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s history that he was involved in.
“The continuity and stewardship of this institution has been central to its growth and success. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to … many longtime trustees whose service exemplifies what ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is all about,” said Dave Porter, chair of the Board of Trustees.
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community is invited again to the Great Hall to take in the displays during a special College Coffee event where games and prizes can be won.
More information about the first and its impact on ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ can be found on the Rising from the Ashes: A Century of Innovation website.