UNG begins celebration of 150-year history
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia (UNG) launched its yearlong Sesquicentennial Celebration on Aug. 12, marking 150 years of service to the region and the state. The annual Faculty-Staff Convocation ceremony, the first significant gathering for the academic year, served as the celebration kickoff. Throughout the year, UNG activities on each of its five campuses will focus on the university's legacies of academic scholarship, leadership and service.
"The determined spirit that led to the creation of then-North Georgia Agricultural College, sustains us still today. We have unwavering commitments to student success and service to our region and state, and, for nearly 150 years, we have produced civic, professional and military leaders who make a positive impact in their communities and beyond," UNG President Bonita Jacobs said. "Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are an invaluable part of our legacy, and we are eager to celebrate this milestone with them."
UNG's Sesquicentennial serves as an opportunity to honor the university's heritage, celebrate its present achievements, and focus on where it will lead next.Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are an invaluable part of our legacy, and we are eager to celebrate this milestone with them.
Dr. Bonita Jacobs
UNG president
The university will celebrate the 150th anniversary through numerous annual events such as Starlight at the Gainesville Campus, Gold Rush Days alumni gatherings, Parent-Alumni Weekend, the Scholarship Gala, Oconeefest, and the Blue Ridge Tomato Sandwich Supper.
The university began as North Georgia Agricultural College in 1873 in Dahlonega, Georgia, and was renamed North Georgia College in 1929.
In 1996, due to its much wider scope of academic programs, the University System of Georgia reclassified the college as a state university and renamed it North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU).
Gainesville Junior College was founded in 1964, becoming Gainesville College in 1987 and Gainesville State College in 2005. It expanded in 2003 to include the university's Oconee Campus. In 2013, NGCSU and Gainesville State College consolidated to become the University of North Georgia. The Cumming Campus opened as a joint venture between NGCSU and Gainesville State College months before the consolidation, and UNG opened its Blue Ridge Campus in 2015. Both campuses have expanded access to higher education across the north Georgia region.
UNG is one of only six federally designated senior military colleges, which include The Citadel, Norwich University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Military Institute. It has been preparing future officers to serve in the U.S. Army since the university's founding in 1873.
For more information about UNG's Sesquicentennial, including related events and a digital timeline, visit ung.edu/150.
President outlines 'big bets' for UNG
UNG President Michael Shannon on Oct. 3 released a white paper outlining seven strategic 'big bets' to position UNG to meet the needs of its students, communities, the state, and the nation.
Oconee garden honors UNG military history
Students in a biology class on UNG's Oconee Campus have created the Red, White and Blue Honor Garden as part of the pollinator garden on campus.
Sweet Finale events set for late April
UNG will hold Sesquicentennial Sweet Finale events on each campus to wrap up the semester as part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. A time capsule and maple trees are also part of the festivities.
Governor, chancellor help celebrate 150th
UNG continued to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a Corps of Cadets review by Gov. Brian Kemp. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue and Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson also attended the event in Atlanta.