HomeMy WebLinkAboutSouthwestern 175th Anniversary_02.2015
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on February 5, 2015, Southwestern University – Texas’ first institution of higher education and the
State’s leading undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university – celebrates the 175th anniversary of its charter, which
dates to 1840. Like our great State and the City of Georgetown, Southwestern has progressed from its early pioneering
roots to become a vibrant and diverse place of growth and potential; and
WHEREAS, since 1873, when local citizens joined Texas Methodist leaders in bringing a central Methodist
College to Georgetown, the University and City have been inextricably joined and mutually supportive; and
WHEREAS, families moved to Georgetown to educate their children and started local businesses that remained
in the City and flourished; and
WHEREAS, in the hard times of the depression, some of these same merchants accepted University scrip from
Southwestern employees and forgave debts; and
WHEREAS, over the decades, Southwestern faculty and staff have assumed leadership roles in the City and the
citizens in turn have supported the University; and
WHEREAS, Southwestern’s Office of Civic Engagement sends hundreds of Southwestern student volunteers
into the community, senior citizens take classes on campus through Senior University and Georgetown citizens take
advantage of the many cultural opportunities offered on campus. Southwestern has shaped timely conversations by
bringing world renowned speakers to campus for the benefit of the campus community and Georgetown residents; and
WHEREAS, today, Southwestern University remains true to its core purpose, “Fostering a liberal arts
community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity.” Southwestern is
consistently recognized as one of 40 colleges in the publication Colleges That Change Lives. Southwestern celebrates its
place as a leading institution of higher education in Texas and the nation. Both U.S. News & World Report and USA Today
College rank Southwestern University the #1 National Liberal Arts College in Texas; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the above and the continuing and enduring vibrant relationship between
Southwestern University and the City of Georgetown
I, DALE ROSS, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, do hereby honor
and celebrate Thursday, February 5, 2015 as the
175th Anniversary of Southwestern University