Celebrating Furman University's Bicentennial
Together, we reflect and aspire.

Join us as we celebrate and reflect on our 200-year journey, honor our community’s achievements, and inspire future generations of Paladins as we enter our third century.

In the mirror of time, we reflect on our history of engaged learning, sustainability and innovation. As one of the oldest universities in the nation, Furman’s story is a tale of growth, resilience, adaptation, impact and influence. We remember that we pioneered engaged learning, the backbone of The Furman Advantage, even as far back as the early 1900s, finding the value of an individualized high-impact approach to a liberal arts and sciences education.

Our bicentennial reminds us of our humble beginnings in Edgefield, South Carolina, and our good fortune to have been relocated to our beautiful 940-acre campus in Greenville, South Carolina. Greenville is not only the four-year home to our students, but it is our community that we continuously aim to nurture, serve and positively impact.

Furman remains steadfastly dedicated to delivering a world-class education, advancing innovation, ingenuity and meaningful outcomes, fostering a thriving and inclusive community, and ensuring a strong and sustainable future. These commitments will guide us into our third century.

Celebrate 200 Years with Us

Throughout 2026, we invite alumni, families, friends, and the broader community to participate in special gatherings that reflect on our 200-year journey and envision the possibilities ahead. Each event offers unique opportunities to connect with fellow Paladins, share memories, and contribute to the continuing Furman story. Create lasting memories as we collectively mark this historic milestone and launch into our next century together.

Paladin Legacy Lives On

Stay connected by following the latest bicentennial news, feature stories, and special announcements throughout our celebration year. This is your source for all the stories that bring our 200th anniversary to life.
And, whether you graduated 50 years ago or less than five, we want to hear the tales that capture your time at Furman. We want to hear all about your first day on campus, where you met your college sweetheart, what you remember about celebrating your birthday or how you felt on that last day of class. Share your stories for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue of the Furman Magazine or on Furman's social channels.
Bottling Joy

Introducing Bonhomie, a new limited-release wine collaboration between Kennington Family Winery and Furman University. Two varieties for every occasion – a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc – Bonhomie, named after Furman’s yearbook – is available now.

Shop Bicentennial Exclusives
Heritage Collection

Vintage logos, throwback jerseys, t-shirts and more—this only happens every two hundred years. Shop our exclusive bicentennial merch at the Bell Tower Bookstore & Bistro and online.

Furman University: A Bicentennial History, 1826-2026

The definitive chronicle of Furman’s 200-year journey written by Courtney L. Tollison Hartness 99, the Distinguished University Public Historian and Scholar at Furman University, and published and distributed by Duke University Press.

Pre-order your copy of this comprehensive history today or pick up a copy at the campus Bell Tower Bookstore & Bistro in February.

Recipes from Around the Lake - Coming Soon!

From family kitchens to cherished traditions—savor recipes shared by alumni spanning 200 years of Paladin memories.

Invest in Our Next Century

Your partnership ensures Furman’s continued excellence for the next 200 years. Support scholarships, innovation, and the transformative experiences that define The Furman Advantage.

Contact Us

Have a question regarding our bicentennial? Contact us via the link below.