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The University of North Georgia (²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ) on Jan. 6 hosted a community celebration of the 150-year anniversary of the school's first day of classes. It was the latest special event in ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's Sesquicentennial Celebration, which serves as an opportunity to honor the university's heritage, celebrate its present achievements, and focus on where it will lead next.

²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ President Bonita Jacobs thanked alumni, faculty and staff for their contributions to ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's legacy in the celebration in the Library Technology Center at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's Dahlonega Campus.

"Our history is a rich and colorful tapestry woven by talented and creative scholars, teachers and mentors; bright and successful students; and graduates who have distinguished themselves personally and professionally as leaders with character," Jacobs said. "Together, we will continue to build upon our proudest traditions and our legacies of scholarship, leadership and service that are the hallmarks of the University of North Georgia — and there is no telling what we will accomplish in the next 150 years."

Interpretive historian Ken Johnston portrayed David Lewis, the university's first president when it was known as North Georgia Agricultural College, based on entries from Lewis' journals and correspondence.   

Allison Galloup, an associate professor and special collections and digital initiatives librarian, also shared information about Sesquicentennial exhibits on display in the Dahlonega library. Galloup has led development of exhibits featuring ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's historical artifacts for the yearlong Sesquicentennial Celebration.

"I learned about President Lewis' sense of humor from his journal when he seemed so stoic and steadfast in photos and meeting notes. I had a front-row seat to young love through a cadet's letters to his girlfriend," Galloup said. "I was able to look back on the building and evolution of an institution that has stood for 150 years."

The Jan. 6 event also marked the release by ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Press of "The University of North Georgia: 150 Years of Leadership and Vision," a collection of essays that celebrates ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's growth from its establishment as North Georgia Agricultural College in 1873. Dr. Katherine Adams, coordinator of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's Doctor of Education in higher education leadership and practice program, edited the book along with faculty members Dr. Michael Lanford and Dr. Jason Mayernick. It has a total of 36 contributors from ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ.

"This book not only encompasses the stories of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, the people who make up our university, the commitment to students and communities of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, but also its very creation through collaboration serves as a further representation of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's vision and mission for today and tomorrow," Adams said.

Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Chris Dockery and Dahlonega Mayor JoAnne Taylor presented proclamations marking ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's 150th anniversary.

The event wrapped up with a reception that included a birthday cake. ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ is also holding celebrations of the university's 150th anniversary from Jan. 9-11 on each of its five campuses with birthday cake at each event and plans for a time capsule to be installed this spring.

²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ's Sesquicentennial celebrates the university's 150-year legacy of scholarship, leadership and service. For details, visit ung.edu/150.