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.

Summary

Recognizes and records historical findings about Centenary College of Louisiana, detailing its 1825 charter origin, the 1839 founding in Mississippi that merged into Centenary College in 1845, relocation to Shreveport by 1908, and later campus developments such as the 1970 "Gold Dome." The resolution highlights the college's role as a long-standing liberal arts institution, its regional economic and cultural contributions, and recent growth in enrollment and programming. This measure is a symbolic, nonbinding recognition of the college’s history and regional impact and does not change law, create programs, or provide funding.

• Formally records Centenary College’s charter date (February 18, 1825) and early opening to students (January 1826).
• Notes Centenary’s origin from a 1839 Mississippi institution and a 1845 merger forming Centenary College of Louisiana.
• Describes the college as the oldest institution of higher learning in Louisiana and the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi.
• Documents Civil War-era losses and subsequent recovery that led to relocation to Shreveport in 1908.
• Highlights the 1970 completion of the "Gold Dome," used for athletic events and notable visitors.
• Recognizes the college’s role as a regional educator with national liberal arts rankings and contributions to Northwest Louisiana’s economy and culture.
• Acknowledges recent enrollment growth and expanded academic programming.
• Does not change law, create funding, or impose mandates; it is symbolic and commemorative.