Bill Summary
This resolution commends Centenary College of Louisiana as it celebrates its bicentennial, acknowledging its significant contributions to education in Louisiana and the United States. Established in 1825, the college has a rich history, including its founding in Jackson, Louisiana, and subsequent merger with Centenary College in Mississippi in 1845, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in Louisiana. The resolution highlights the college's resilience through challenges such as the Civil War and its relocation to Shreveport in 1908. It recognizes the college's role in enriching the local community through educational, cultural, and athletic activities, as well as its recent growth in enrollment and academic offerings. The resolution calls for the transmission of the commendation to key officials at the college, including its president and provost, and acknowledges the efforts of the Bicentennial Planning Committee.
Possible Impacts
The resolution commending Centenary College of Louisiana has several implications for people in the community and beyond. Here are three examples of how it could affect individuals and groups:
1. **Increased Community Pride and Engagement**: The recognition of Centenary College's bicentennial can foster a sense of pride among local residents and alumni. This celebration of the college's history and contributions may encourage community members to engage more with the institution, leading to increased attendance at events, lectures, and cultural activities offered by the college. This could strengthen community ties and promote a culture of support for local education.
2. **Enhanced Recruitment and Enrollment**: The resolution highlights Centenary College's longstanding contributions to higher education and its status as a nationally ranked liberal arts institution. This recognition may enhance the college's reputation, making it more attractive to prospective students. As a result, enrollment could increase, leading to a more diverse student body and greater opportunities for local students to pursue higher education.
3. **Economic and Cultural Benefits**: The acknowledgment of Centenary College's economic contributions to Northwest Louisiana may attract attention from businesses and investors interested in partnering with or supporting the college. As the college grows and continues to offer educational and cultural events, it can lead to increased economic activity in the region, benefiting local businesses and providing residents with greater access to cultural and intellectual resources. This can enhance the overall quality of life in the community.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 543 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 543
Commending Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its
bicentennial and its years of service to the State of Louisiana and the
United States.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
December 11, 2025
Mr. Kennedy (for himself and Mr. Cassidy) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Commending Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its
bicentennial and its years of service to the State of Louisiana and the
United States.
Whereas, on February 18, 1825, the College of Louisiana was established by the
State legislature in Jackson, Louisiana, where, in the young State, it
quickly established itself as one of the leading colleges in the United
States;
Whereas, in January 1826, the college opened its doors to its first class of
students;
Whereas, in 1839, Centenary College was founded in Brandon Springs, Mississippi,
under the auspices of the Mississippi Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, honoring the centennial of the ministry of John
Wesley, the founder of Methodism;
Whereas, in 1845, the College of Louisiana and Centenary College merged to
create Centenary College of Louisiana, which is today the oldest
institution of higher learning in Louisiana, and the oldest chartered
liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River;
Whereas Centenary College of Louisiana was debilitated by the loss of property
and life during the Civil War and struggled to regain its prominence;
Whereas, in the early 20th century, a group of forward-thinking church, civil,
and philanthropic leaders proposed relocating Centenary College of
Louisiana to Shreveport, a move that was completed in 1908;
Whereas, in 1970, construction of the ``Gold Dome'' was completed and has since
played host to countless athletic events, as well as to a President of
the United States and an individual who would later become President;
Whereas, throughout its history in Northwest Louisiana, Centenary College of
Louisiana has been a leading educator in its region, truly establishing
itself as Shreveport-Bossier's college, and has been consistently
recognized as a nationally ranked liberal arts institution;
Whereas Centenary College of Louisiana generates significant economic benefit
for the Northwest Louisiana region and enriches the local population
with its cultural, intellectual, and athletic activities available to
the public; and
Whereas Centenary College of Louisiana has grown markedly in its enrollment,
academic programming, and extracurricular offerings in its last decade,
reflective of its prominence as a comprehensive liberal arts
institution: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) commends Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion
of its bicentennial and its years of service to the State of
Louisiana and the United States;
(2) recognizes Centenary College of Louisiana for its
dedication and longstanding contributions to higher education
in the State of Louisiana and the Northwest Louisiana
community; and
(3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate
transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to--
(A) the President of Centenary College of
Louisiana, the Honorable Dr. Christopher L. Holoman;
(B) the Provost and Vice President for Academic
Affairs of Centenary College of Louisiana, the
Honorable Dr. Karen Soul; and
(C) the Centenary College of Louisiana Bicentennial
Planning Committee.
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