UNC marks 211 years

Several members of the University community will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors today as they gather to celebrate UNC's 211th birthday.

Officials laid the cornerstone for Old East on Oct. 12, 1793, marking the birth of public higher education in the nation.

And, faculty, staff and students will honor the University's history during the annual University Day convocation at 11 a.m. today in Hill Hall auditorium.

"(This day) reaffirms the notion of public education and the role the University plays in the state and in the nation," said Steve Allred, executive associate provost and chairman of the University Day committee.

Classes are cancelled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today.

Jim Johnson, the William Rand Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of management and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center, will present the keynote address during today's ceremony.

Each year, the convocation ceremony features a keynote speaker, usually drawn from the faculty. However, more prominent names, such as John F. Kennedy in 1961 and Bill Clinton in 1993, have made addresses in the past.

"I think this is an exciting event every year, and it attests to the accomplishments of the University," Johnson said.

Johnson, also co-director of the Center for Sustainable Enterprise, said he will discuss the changing demography in today's public universities.

He said he also will stress the need for higher education institutions to be more entrepreneurial in educating students.

Johnson heads the Durham Scholars Program, which helps provide college access to disadvantaged youth. He is involved with Triangle Night Flight, a basketball league that reconnects idle minority men with employment and educational opportunities, and the Urban Enterprise Corps.

His research has concentrated on inequality in the United States, particularly how it affects socially and economically disadvantaged youth; entrepreneurial approaches to alleviating poverty, job creation and community development; interethnic minority conflict in industrial societies; business demography; and issues of diversity in the workforce.

Officials said they hope faculty, staff, students and community members will show wide support for the ceremonies.

"This is probably, tradition-wise, one of our biggest days on campus," said Student Body President Matt Calabria. "I encourage all students to come."

Other events slated for the ceremony include the presentation of five Distinguished Alumna and Alumnus Awards. There will be performances by the UNC Chamber Singers and the Crown Chamber Brass.

For the full schedule and more information about the event, visit www.unc.edu/universityday.

Contact the University Editor udesk@unc.edu.