Professor of Anthropology Dr. James Jordan gave a lecture on March 24 in Jarman Auditorium about the history and life of Joan d’Arc, who is our Patron Saint Joan of Arc, and how her life relates to Longwood’s mission of citizen leadership.
At the event, Jordan told many stories about the history and life of Joan of Arc. A part of his talk also included speaking about the Longwood Class of 1914 and Joanie on the Stony.
Junior and member of the Longwood 175 planning committee Paige Rollins said, “Dr. Jordan is part of the history here at Longwood, and his knowledge of the world and Longwood history is something that is interesting and relevant to students.”
The theme of the event was “Joan of Arc- Past, Present, Longwood!” With about 60 people in attendance, the sponsors of the event gave away 175th Anniversary buttons, and every student that attended got a chance to be entered into a raffle in order to win an “LU Swagbag.”
Rollins said, “I think we had a great turnout for this event! Dr. Jordan was so pleased to share his love for Longwood with the student body, and he did an amazing job transporting us back to the times of Joan d’Arc.”
Not only is this Longwood’s 175th birthday, but it is also the “Joanie on the Stony” statue’s 100th birthday as well.
Rollins said, “This week is a celebration of all our university’s accomplishments, and we celebrate her [Joan of Arc’s] tie to Longwood as well.”
All last week (March 24 through March 28) was Longwood University’s 175th Anniversary Celebration Week.
With many special activities to celebrate, the Student Government Association, Longwood 175th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee, Longwood Public Relations and the Office of the President put on this special event in Jarman to start off the week.
Later in the week, more exciting events took place to celebrate Longwood’s birthday. Wednesday was Organization Day, and the Longwood community came together to take a Longwood Human 175 Photo on Wheeler Lawn at 3:30 p.m.
Class Color Day was on Friday, and students were asked to wear their class color, either red or green.
Past events were Monday’s Lancer Pride Day, Tuesday’s Birthday Celebration in the Lankford Student Union Ballroom that featured food, body and balloon artists, music and a magnet and keychain photo booth.
These events were planned by the Longwood 175th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee, which included Director of the Office of Student Union and Involvement Susan Sullivan, Program Coordinator for Disability Resources Cam Patterson and Rollins.
