Eastern University recently marked a historic milestone with a weeklong Centennial Celebration, honoring 100 years of faith, learning, and community.
The weeklong festivities surrounding March 19, Eastern’s founding date, united students, alumni, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests for a series of inspiring events, including a special Founder’s Day Chapel, a black-tie gala, worship services, academic symposiums, and more. The celebration highlighted Eastern’s enduring mission and the impact of its graduates around the world.
“For a century, Eastern University has been a place where faith and intellect come together to transform lives,” said Eastern President Dr. Ronald Matthews. “As we celebrated this milestone last week, we spent quality time reflecting on our rich history and looking forward with great hope to the future God has in store for us. It was a beautiful, inspiring week of community fellowship ending with a renewed commitment to our mission of Faith, Reason, and Justice.”
Centennial Kickoff Worship Service
Eastern University and Palmer Seminary kicked off the Centennial Celebration with a powerful worship service on March 15 at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and faith leaders gathered in a spirit of praise to honor Eastern’s 100-year legacy. The service featured inspiring messages, a new centennial song with other uplifting music, and reflections on the school’s history and mission. A reception followed, allowing attendees to connect and celebrate this historic milestone together.
Aerial 100 Photo
On Monday, March 17, Eastern students, faculty, and staff gathered on the Auxiliary Field to celebrate a century of Eastern by forming the number 100 for an aerial photoshoot, capturing a monumental moment in the university’s history. Dressed in Eastern gear, the community proudly looked up and cheered for the historic photo-op.
“It was so amazing to see everyone coming together for the centennial picture on the field,” said Anisah Smith, a junior marketing major. “The whole centennial week was amazing, but that moment on the field, watching everyone cheer together, was a key moment I’ll definitely remember.”
Founders Day Chapel
On Wednesday, March 19, Eastern marked its official Founders Day with a special chapel service and fellowship celebration. Held in McInnis Auditorium, the event featured worship, music, and reflections on Eastern’s rich history and enduring legacy. Following the service, a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiled the new Eastern Timeline, a tribute to the university’s past, including fun facts about Eastern. Guests enjoyed refreshments while exploring the new Art Hall, watching a film shot on campus in the early 1900s, and experiencing the relaunch of Eastern’s radio station, Studio 1300.
Centennial Fundraiser Gala
On Friday, March 21, Eastern University hosted a Centennial Gala at the St. Davids Golf Club, featuring a cocktail hour, seated dinner, and dancing, with all proceeds benefiting The Eastern Fund. This black-tie, invitation-only event brought together key supporters to honor the university’s past and raise funds to contribute to its flourishing future.
“The gala was a wonderful time of honoring Eastern’s transformative legacy over the last century,” said Luisa Wilsman, Eastern’s Vice President for Advancement. “Through all of the reflections, testimonies, dining, and dancing, there was a joyful spirit of celebration and gratitude for everything God has done in and through our university.”
Looking to the Future
As Eastern University enters its second century, the Centennial Week has energized its commitment to academic excellence, faith, and community. This milestone is not just a celebration of Eastern’s past but a powerful reminder of the transformative work yet to come. Eastern will continue to empower generations of leaders, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, ensuring that the university’s legacy thrives for another 100 years and beyond.
Take a deeper dive into Eastern University’s past by checking out its Centennial website or magazine.
