125 Years and New Beginnings

Published: April 13, 2021

On Wednesday, September 20, 2017, Greenville University will celebrate its 125th birthday and its official inauguration as University.

On September 20, 1892, the institution held its first Convocation as Greenville College. A century and a quarter later, it will host another special Convocation celebrating the schools history and looking forward to its future.

Festivities begin at 8 a.m. with the dedication of the Hogue Memorial Tower, named for Wilson T. Hogue, the Universitys first president. The Convocation chapel follows at 9 a.m. in H.J. Long Gymnasium.

Events continue throughout the day, capped by a birthday bash and fireworks.

Yet the 125th celebration means more than a party. Birthdays are important events that bring an opportunity to celebrate and to reflect, says Greenville University President Ivan Filby.The older we get, the more we have to reflect upon.Greenville College, now Greenville University, has 125 years of history to ponder.

As Filby looks back at the Universitys history, he says, one lesson emerges clearly: the Lords faithfulness.

We have experienced times of struggle and times of growth; times of mourning and times of celebration; tragic fires and moments of awe and wonder.In all these times, we have put our trust in the Lord and found Him faithful, Filby says.

The University remains an institution of Christ-centered learning as it moves forward into the future of higher education.

While we look forward to our next 125 birthdays, we do not know what they will bring, says Filby.Likely there will be good days and challenging days.But we can be sure of is this:the Lord who has faithfully been at work for the last 125 years will guide and strengthen us each and every step along the way.