Centenary College's Class of 2030 moves in

SHREVEPORT, La. — Centenary College Class of 2030 students moved into their homes-away-from-home today, many coming from all over the country.

Student orientation leaders, faculty, and staff were on hand to help them, including President Christopher Holoman and First Lady Connie Holoman.

Many first-year students will get about a week to settle in on campus before taking off for Paris on Friday. They will start their classes in the City of Lights even before the rest of the campus community returns. The fall term officially begins Aug. 24.

Last year, Centenary celebrated its bicentennial marking a milestone few American institutions can claim.

“What sets Centenary apart isn't just our history. It's what happens here every day. Our faculty know their students by name, challenge them personally, and champion them long after graduation,” said Holoman. “That's been true for 200 years, and it's the foundation we're building our third century on.”

Mickle Hall is an example of building on that foundation. In June, Centenary broke ground on the first phase of a multi-million-dollar renovation of the historic 1947 science building. Phase one adds a new ADA-compliant entrance and accessibility ramp, with completion expected by late August and a ribbon cutting following the President's Convocation on Aug. 25.

In February, Congress approved a $10 million federal appropriation supporting the renovation, which will transform Mickle Hall into the School of Health Sciences.

Looking ahead, Gents football returns to Atkins Field on Sept. 5, when Centenary hosts Westgate Christian University at 6 p.m., the first of five home games including a homecoming matchup against Austin College on Oct. 17. For tickets and the full schedule, visit gocentenary.com.

The Meadows Museum of Art, located on Centenary's campus, is launching three new exhibitions in late August that will run through Dec. 4. To see what's coming, visit their website at themeadowsmuseum.com.

Book lovers should mark Sept. 18-19 for the Centenary Muses' Book Bazaar, a beloved campus tradition supporting the college and its students.