US Fifth Circuit Court Judge Carl Stewart to Deliver Speech at Centenary College’s Founders’ Day Convocation

Celebrating Heritage and Achievement

Centenary College, founded in 1825, is a well-respected institution, known not only for its historic significance as the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River but also for its commitment to fostering diversity and academic excellence. On February 22, the college will celebrate its storied history and recent achievements during the annual Founders’ Day Convocation.

Highly respected United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Carl Stewart has been announced as this year’s keynote speaker for the occasion. His speech will commence at 11:10 a.m. in Brown Chapel. To further honor his dedication and commitment to the legal profession, the college’s Diversity Committee will present Judge Stewart with the Mary Celeste Reagan Alumni Trailblazer Award.

Tracing Judge Stewart’s Remarkable Career

Judge Stewart boasts an illustrious career filled with a wealth of experience and significant milestones. Apart from being a trustee of Centenary College, he made history as the first African American Chief Judge of the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals—an influential court with jurisdiction over federal courts in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.

“Judge Stewart’s close association with Centenary spans many years,” noted Centenary’s President, Dr. Christopher L. Holoman. “He is a true alumni Trailblazer and a stalwart supporter of our institution. We eagerly anticipate his speech as we commemorate Centenary’s rich history and envision the future of our almost 200-year-old institution.”

Honoring Faculty and Staff Members

The Founders’ Day Convocation will also serve as a platform to celebrate and honor the dedication of Centenary’s faculty and staff. Dr. Jeff Hendricks, Chris Derrick, Dr. Scott Chirhart, Dr. Michelle Glaros, Dr. Karen Soul, and Lauren Hawkins will receive special recognition, marking milestones of service spanning from 10 to 40 years at the college.

Boosting Charitable Giving

In a simultaneous effort to promote charitable giving, Centenary will host its annual Giving Day on February 22. This event gives friends and supporters of the college unique opportunities to donate to various funds, such as the ambitious $50 million capital campaign, Forward: The Campaign for Our Third Century.

Centenary College, a selective residential national liberal arts college, maintains close affiliations with the United Methodist Church and forms part of the Associated Colleges of the South. For more details about the college and its initiatives, visit centenary.edu.