[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 24 (Friday, February 28, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATION OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONCORD COLLEGE

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, on February 28, 1872, the West 
Virginia State Legislature passed a proposal to create the Concord 
State Normal School. Now, 125 years later, Concord College, as it is 
commonly referred to, educates some 2,400 students in a wide range of 
programs. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with my colleagues 
my pride in this remarkable institution that celebrates its 125th year 
of bringing southern West Virginia's best and brightest together.
  The enabling legislation that created Concord provided no State funds 
for the school. So the townspeople raised $1,700 by subscription to 
erect the first building on land donated by Mr. William Harvey Martin. 
On May 10, 1875, 70 students attended classes that first session in a 
rough frame building. In 1885, under the leadership of principal Capt. 
James Harvey French, the school received $5,000 in State funds to build 
a new brick building to recognize the service given the State by the 
school. That new building was completed in 1887, and the first 
dormitory was built in 1891, on North State Street. In 1896, the town 
in which the college is located changed its name to Athens in 
recognition of Concord's role as a crucial and influential center of 
education for southern West Virginia.
  In November 1910, the downtown facilities were destroyed by fire. The 
faculty and students were resilient, as typical West Virginians are, 
and they began holding classes the next day in other locations about 
town. The current campus site on Vermillion Street in Athens was bought 
by the town in early 1911. The campus endured a second and even more 
damaging fire in 1912, but Concord rebounded stronger than ever.
  On July 1, 1919, Concord gained its independence from the State 
Normal School in Huntington. The title of principal of the institution 
was changed to president. The school awarded its first baccalaureate 
degree to three graduates in June 1923. Eight years later the school 
changed its name to the Concord State Teachers' College. Under the 
direction of President Joseph Franklin Marsh, Sr., the named changed 
again in 1943, to the current Concord College.
  President Joseph F. Marsh, Jr., one of the longest serving 
presidents, oversaw the construction of the Alexander Fine Arts Center, 
Centennial Hall, three residence halls, the faculty housing units at 
Witherspoon Park, and the maintenance building. Years later, in the 
administration of President Meredith N. Freeman, enrollment grew and 
several new academic programs were established. And as of 1991, under 
the direction of current president, Jerry Beasley, Concord became one 
of the first institutions in the Nation to join the prestigious Bonner 
Scholars Program. The Bonner Program rewards students who are actively 
involved in public service by helping to finance their college 
education.
  This program, in particular, is very dear to me. In 1964, I moved to 
West Virginia as a VISTA volunteer. To see that our young people want 
to be involved in community service warms my heart and gives me hope 
for the future.
  In recognition of the legislative act founding Concord State Normal 
School, an anniversary convocation has been designated for today in 
Athens.
  Mr. President, Concord College is an enormously important part of 
West Virginia higher education, and continues to be an institution West 
Virginia residents are proud of. The 125th anniversary convocation 
taking place today is a program commemorating the college's beginning--
and its future. I have no doubt the school's future will continue to be 
a bright one.

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