Tar Heels have always been ones to celebrate success.

That tradition continued today when the University and the General Alumni Association (GAA) teamed up to host a birthday celebration for the now 90 year-old UNC legend, William C. Friday who served as UNC-system president from 1956 to 1986.

The event was held in the Carolina Club at the Hill Alumni Center from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today and was open to the public.

“We have no idea how many people will be attending since it is a public event, but we are prepared to be full of people,” GAA President Douglas Dibbert said before the event. “Based on the buzz we have heard, there will be many of President Friday’s family, friends and colleagues there.”

The room was filled with several of Friday’s close friends and colleagues as soon as the doors opened, and the line of people waiting to congratulate Friday and his wife didn’t seem to end.

Although most guests wanted to wish Friday a happy birthday, one guest had something else he wanted to tell his old friend.

“I have been restoring a jeep for him for the past several years and I am here to explain why it’s not finished yet,” fellow fraternity brother and navy officer P.H. Craig said.

Many at the event say that Friday’s presence on campus has been felt since he first became a student.

“In our time, everyone knew Bill Friday,” long-time friend Arthur Colston said. “Whether it was running into him at the post office or in class, it was harder to not know Bill than it was to know him.”

Friday said that the celebration was not for his life and accomplishments, but for everyone who has worked together to make the University what it is today.

“This is a celebration of each of you,” Friday said. “I hope that this university’s spirit takes care of each and every one of you until you are 90 years old.”