Approximately 250 people gathered in historic Dorsey Gym and virtually via Zoom to participate in Columbia College’s 175th Anniversary Charter Day Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 22.
The event featured a warm welcome from the Spirit Squad, an inspiring performance from the Jane Froman Singers, a presentation on the College’s enduring history by Distinguished Professor Dr. Brad Lookingbill, and commemorative videos highlighting the past, present and future of the institution.
Several CC and community leaders shared remarks to recognize the milestone, capped by a ceremonial cake cutting and the singing of “Happy Birthday.”
“As we celebrate our 175th anniversary, please know that everyone here plays a key role in continuing to fulfill our mission,” Columbia College President Dr. David Russell told the crowd of faculty, staff, students, alumni, Trustees and community members. “I want to thank each of you for being part of the Columbia College story that continues to be written.”
Lookingbill, who joined the faculty in 1996, took listeners on Columbia College’s version of “The Eras Tour,” mirroring the approach of singer-songwriter sensation Taylor Swift on her recent worldwide tour. He touched on the history of Columbia, Missouri; the roots of Christian Female College; and its evolution to the four-year, coeducational, nationwide Columbia College that we know today.
“For the last 175 years, Columbia College has sustained three founding principles: a belief in the fundamental importance of the liberal arts, a broadening of opportunities for those previously denied access to higher education, and a willingness to adapt in response to the evolving needs of society,” he said.
Following Lookingbill’s presentation, Board of Trustees Vice Chair Anita Abbott Timmons ’58 and Student Experience staff member Emily Cote ’25 starred in a pre-recorded conversation honoring the past and present of the institution. The video provided a testament to while much looks different about the college across its many chapters, so much remains the same.
Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of Higher Education & Workforce Development for the State of Missouri, attended the ceremony and read a certificate on behalf of Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, recognizing and extending “best wishes to Columbia College for 175 years of providing students with opportunities for academic excellence, innovation and service.”
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and Boone County, Missouri, Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick ’06 spoke during the event about Columbia College’s long-standing partnerships in the mid-Missouri community.
“Just like Columbia College, the idea of inclusion, excellence and civil service is at the heart of our community,” Buffaloe said. “When I think about academic excellence and civic engagement, I’m so appreciative of the way that Columbia College continues to open its gates for our community to gather together.”
“Christian College, now Columbia College, opened up doors and really helped shape Boone County as a place that valued education, opportunity and progress,” Kendrick said. “Today, those values persist across the county and are what makes this such a special place to live. Columbia College has remained a presence and a vital institution that is critical to the success of the county.”
On behalf of Columbia College Board of Trustees Chair Dale Coe Simons ’65, Board of Trustees Secretary Genie Rogers reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting innovation in programs, technology and student support, allowing the College to remain a place “where tradition and progress walk hand in hand.” Rogers’ great-great uncle, Joseph Kirtley Rogers, served as the third president of the College from 1858-1877 and is memorialized in the namesake Rogers Gate.
“This milestone invites us to pause with gratitude, reflect with pride and acknowledge the profound impact this institution has had on countless lives while creating an enduring affinity that binds alumni and friends across decades and across the globe,” Genie Rogers said. “May this 175th anniversary reaffirm our shared pride, strengthen our connection and inspire us all to carry forward the mission and spirit of Columbia College for generations to come.”
Emily Nunan, a senior majoring in History Education, summed up the experiences of nearly 100,000 alumni through Columbia College’s first 175 years when she kicked off the lineup of speakers at the event. Nunan has served on main campus as a First-Year Mentor, President of the Campus Activities Board and President of the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society.
“Columbia College has truly been transformative in my life, and I am grateful for all the lessons I have learned here and the friendships I have made,” Nunan said.
Click here to view a full photo gallery from the event!
