Letter From the Editor: Taking time for a big celebration

Taking time to celebrate the little things gives you a chance to revel in the big things when they happen. For generations, Furman University has found ways to celebrate the triumphs and challenges that come from being a top liberal arts and sciences institution while continuing a tradition of progress, innovation and leadership to ensure wins can be lauded for years to come.  

And this is a time to celebrate the big things. A Bicentennial Celebration is about as big a milestone as a higher education institution can achieve. Two centuries of learning – about itself and its students – is a feat that only a handful of colleges can claim. Two centuries of helping students build their worldviews, find their place in their community and understand that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. It’s an accomplishment to be heralded and one Furman plans to celebrate all year long.  

This year also marks a milestone for Furman magazine. This publication has been in circulation for 75 years and we plan to show how far we’ve come with this special commemorative issue. It will look a bit different than our readers are used to as we include stories on the urban legends that permeate our halls, highlight the communities that were home to Furman in those early years, learn more about the mascots – even before we were Paladins – and provide a scavenger hunt of historic proportions.  

The main attraction is our list of 200 things that make Furman University great. Because that is what this issue is all about and that is why we all – students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff – love this university. 

Jake Grove, Editor