Events commemorating UNG's 150th anniversary

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UNG President Bonita Jacobs (center) cuts the cake to mark the 150th anniversary of UNG’s first class alongside Sesquicentennial Celebration Co-Chairs Jimmy Faulkner (left) and Pat Guthrie (right) I’m in.

The University of North Georgia (UNG) held a community celebration on January 6 to mark the 150th anniversary of the school opening. This is the latest special event in UNG’s Sesquicentennial Celebration and serves as an opportunity to honor the university’s legacy, celebrate its current achievements and highlight where it will lead next.

United Nations President Bonita Jacobs thanked alumni, faculty and staff for their contributions to the United Nations legacy at a ceremony held at the Center for Library Technology on the United Nations’ Dahlonega campus.

“Our history is a rich and colorful tapestry woven by our alumni who have distinguished themselves personally and professionally as talented and creative scholars, teachers, mentors, outstanding and successful students and leaders of character. “Together we will build a proud tradition and a legacy of scholarship, leadership and service that characterizes the University of North Georgia. Who knows what we’ll accomplish in the next 150 years.”

Interpretive historian Ken Johnston drew David Lewis, the first president of the college, then known as North Georgia Agricultural College, based on entries from Lewis’ diaries and letters.

Associate Professor and Special Collections and Digital Initiatives Librarian, Allison Garoop, also shared information about the Sesqui Centennial exhibit at the Dahlonega Library. Galloup has led the development of exhibits featuring UNG’s historic artifacts for the year-long Sesquicentennial Celebration.

“President Lewis’ sense of humor I learned from his diary when he appeared very stoic and determined in the photos and minutes. I learned through a letter the cadet wrote to his girlfriend , had a front row seat to Young Love,” said Garoop. “I was able to look back on the origin and evolution of an institution that has continued for 150 years.”

${_SerializerTool.serialize($image.getChild('alt').text,true)} — Interpretive historian Ken Johnston drew David Lewis, the first president of the college, then known as North Georgia Agricultural College, based on entries from Lewis’ diaries and letters.

The January 6th event also featured the UNG Press release of The University of North Georgia: 150 Years of Leadership and Vision. This is a collection of essays celebrating the growth of his UNG since its founding as the North Georgia Agricultural College in 1873. Dr. Katherine Adams, coordinator of his UNG’s Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Practice Program, edited this book with faculty members, Dr. Michael Lanford and Dr. Jason Mayernick. There are a total of 36 contributors from UNG.

“Not only does this book encompass the story of UNG, the people who make up our university, and UNG’s commitment to its students and community, but its collaborative creation itself informs UNG’s vision and mission for today and tomorrow. It also serves as a representation,” said Adams.

Lumpkin County Commissioner Chris Dockery and Dahlonega Mayor Joanne Taylor released a proclamation marking the 150th anniversary of UNG.

The event concluded with a reception that included a birthday cake. UNG also plans to hold the university’s 150th anniversary celebrations at each of its five campuses from January 9 to 11, with birthday cakes at each event and the installation of time capsules on each campus.

UNG’s Sesquicentennial celebrates the university’s 150-year legacy of scholarship, leadership and service. For more information, visit ung.edu/150.