Centennial celebration among 2011 highlights
Chadron State College had many highlights in 2011 as it commemorated its first century of service.
The 14-month centennial observance was punctuated by the homecoming celebration Oct. 1. During the activities, the Chadron State Foundation announced it had exceeded $16 million in its first-ever multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign, far exceeding the $11 million goal. The full slate of homecoming events included the dedication of three new physical features – the Campus Entrance Portal at the corner of 10th and Main streets, the Centennial Flag Plaza, and “The Muses,” a bronze sculpture between Old Admin and Sparks Hall. The celebration was underscored by a remarkable fireworks display that lit up the night sky.
As CSC observed its centennial, it also celebrated growth of its student body. In November, CSC reported a 3.4 percent increase in the headcount and a 4.8 percent increase of full-time equivalency over fall 2010. While the institution’s online enrollment continued an upward trend, so too did its on-campus residency. CSC officials said the number of students living on campus was at a 15-year high this fall.
CSC has become accustomed to enrollment increases in recent years. As classes began in August, 2,933 students were enrolled compared to 2,294 on the first day of the fall 2005 semester – representing a six-year increase of nearly 30 percent.
In CSC sports, highlights included winning the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Cup in June, and the decision to add a cross country team in 2012. The annual RMAC sportsmanship award honors one member school for its players, fans, staff and coaches. In addition, two teams were honored for academic prowess. The CSC track and field team was named the Division II Indoor Men’s Scholar Team of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, and the women’s basketball team honored by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association for having the second-highest grade-point average among Division II schools.
Of course, not all the news at CSC was positive in 2011.
The bad news included investigations into possible fundraising violations involving transactions of CSC’s football program outside the college and foundation. In December, CSC announced Coach Bill O’Boyle’s contract would not be renewed and that a search for a new coach would begin in January 2012.
In the spring, many were sad to see the demolition of the Kline Campus Center, the former student center that had been deemed a financial burden for its high maintenance and utility costs. Despite the loss of the building, an improved parking lot has been constructed in the area and new landscaping features are beginning to adorn the space.
Category: Campus News