This year marked the 175th year of the founding of Waynesburg University, but it was also a celebration of Lee’s 10th year in his role as president.
That moment in time is commemorated with Charter Day, which was held on March 19 this year. The day included a chapel service in the morning where awards were given to some of the best professors, and of course, Charter Day chicken, which was served in the Benedum Dining Hall.
The convocation address, titled “Miracle of the Light,” was delivered by The Rev. Dr. Thomas Hall II, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and retired pastor, according to the University website.
Before the message from Hall, Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee awarded Dr. Richard Leipold the Professor Emeritus in Computer Science award. Lee recognized some of the contributions Leipold made over his 32 years of teaching.
“Dr. Leipold’s citation addressed his many contributions to the university,” Lee wrote in an email interview. “His work has created a legacy not only in his reputation that now all follow, but also in the caliber of the many students he has educated that are now out doing work in the world.”
Three other professors received Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence awards. According to the University website, Todd Hamel, a part-time lecturer of computer science, William Stough, the program director for the master of business administration and associate professor of business administration, and Dr. Christian Hayes, an assistant professor of biology and director of marine science, were the recipients.
Lee spoke of his love for the place he calls home that still runs strong after a decade of serving as the leader of the University.
“One of the best parts about being president is to tell the story of this wonderful place. Through the years, I have taken time to learn a number of the stories of our alumni and the history of the university,” Lee wrote. “The more you learn about the university, the more you discover how this institution has stayed faithful to its mission through much of its history.”
To Lee, the day is just one that encapsulates the ongoing history of the University.
“From the beginning, this institution was founded as a place to produce people who live lives of purpose for the glory of God, which is the mission of Waynesburg University,” Lee wrote. “It has been focused on living out that relationship that we as Christians have with our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Dean of Students Kelley Hardie, who oversees some of the planning for the festivities, also spoke on the importance of the day.
“It’s a huge accomplishment. Our mission has existed now for 175 years,” Hardie said. “It’s just such a blessing to be able to carry that on through our mission of service. This Charter Day is definitely going to be one to remember, and to celebrate, and to carry on the mission for more years to come.”
Even though Waynesburg University is specifically celebrated on Charter Day, that shouldn’t stop people from considering the history for years to come.
“By using moments like Charter Day, and other special events, to remind us of that mission. By continued conversations that we have in the classrooms about living a life of purpose for the glory of God,” Lee wrote on how the mission is enforced daily. “Through the individuals, the faculty, staff and students that are here now, and those that will come in the future, and our shared commitment to stay faithful to that mission through the years.”