The “Year of the Renaissance” was proclaimed at Concord University during a Founders Day Celebration marking the institution’s 142nd anniversary. The event was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 in the Main Theatre of the Alexander Fine Arts Center. Concord received its charter from the West Virginia Legislature on February 28, 1872.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Lori McKinney, director of the RiffRaff Arts Collective in Princeton, WV. McKinney is a volunteer with the Princeton Renaissance Project, a movement to bring revitalization and economic stabilization to downtown Princeton.
McKinney spoke of how she became inspired to bring new life to her hometown through art and music. With a colorful slideshow running behind her on the stage, she described the positive change now happening in Princeton.
She encouraged the audience to “rethink what is possible” and called on them to be inspired to impact their own communities.
In her remarks Concord Interim President Kendra Boggess said the day signified “a special event” for the University and offered a time to “recognize Concord’s place in higher education.”
She said the gathering also provided an opportunity to honor Concord’s constituents in areas including service, teaching, teamwork, spirit and philanthropy. Additionally, Founders Day is a time to focus on the contributions of surrounding communities, she said.
Special recognition was given to area West Virginia mayors for their leadership and contributions to the progress of the region. Recognized during the program were: Carol Bard, Mayor of Athens; Bill O’Brien, Mayor of Beckley; Tom Cole, Mayor of Bluefield; Joe Blankenship, Mayor of Hinton and Patricia Wilson, Mayor of Princeton.
