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Houghton College Celebrates 125th Anniversary
HOUGHTON, N.Y. — Houghton College welcomed back thousands of alumni, friends and parents this weekend to commemorate 125 years of “Celebrating the Journey… Transforming the World.”
Click here for slide show of 125th Weekend Celebration.
Festivities began on Thursday with the naming of the Campus Center Lounge in honor of Robert Van Dyk, class of 1975. Van Dyk has been a supporter of campus projects that directly impact the student body including the fitness center and Java 101.
A ceremony was held on Friday morning celebrating the opening of Houghton’s new Business Investment Center. Equipped with a 24-foot-long stock ticker streaming the latest quotes, LCD screens showing market commentators and their predictions, and four dual-screen trader stations presenting market research results the Investment Center serves as trading room, a classroom and a study area for Houghton business students.
The Founder’s Day Convocation included multi media presentations highlighting the past 125 years of Houghton’s rich history. During the convocation Wilson and Eleanor Greatbatch were awarded the Houghton Medal and Paul Young, Houghton College professor of psychology, was recognized as Alumnus of the Year.
On Friday afternoon 39 alumni participated in panel discussions reflecting on their professional journeys. Areas of discussion included creation care, medicine, law, business, communication and cultures, service and justice, ministry, research and development and education.
In the evening the Ortlip Art Gallery celebrated the works of Houghton College Art Alumni in a reception for the exhibit, “Celebrating the Visual Arts." Following the art reception James Barcus, class of 1959, presented a lecture. The evening concluded with a celebration and fireworks on the Quad.
Saturday highlights included the grand parade, alumni house renovation kick-off and a festival on the Quad, which included a Ferris wheel, games and rides. The College Choir, comprised of alumni and current students, presented a concert on Saturday night, followed by a birthday cake celebration and Spot.
125th celebration activities concluded on Sunday with a joint worship service at Wesley Chapel.
