Continued from pg. 3 years , When asked what is the second most important event in university history after its founding in 1887, answers varied. Miss UNCP 2012 Jocelyn Hunt, who sang the national anthem, reached back to 1972, “when the university became part of the UNC system,” she said. “It brought the university to another level.” Dr. Linda Oxendine, former chair of UNCP’s American Indian Studies Department, offered another landmark event from 1939. “I would say it was when we became of four-year college,” she said. Dorothy Blue, who wore her class ring from 1955, had a more personal answer. “In 1951, when they named Locklear Hall for my grandfather (Anderson Locklear),” she said. “Five generations of our family followed him here.” Dr. Richard Vela, who has taught English at UNCP since 1971, had a modern take on the university’s history. “To be honest, the biggest thing was the name change (to The University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1996). It changed the way people look at us.” Student Government Association President Brian McCormick considered the return of football as a possible answer, then offered this: “I believe it is the growth and expansion of the university to reach out to the entire state and nation. It did this while continuing to serve the community that founded this university. Without that growth, I would not be here.” The comments and the celebration both put a spotlight on the theme of 125th celebrations: “Honoring our Heritage, Soaring Toward Our Future!” Greg Richardson, Commission of Indian Affairs UNCP to expand its American Indian Studies programs to a national scale C b C g i n a t r 1 2 5 Y e ar el e s U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O R T H C A R O L I N A AT P E M B R O K E UNC PEMBROKE hancellor Carter announced the formation of the new Southeastern American Indian Studies (SEAIS) Program. The program is expected to be in place by the fall semester 2012. The announcement came one day after UNCP kicked off a 14-month celebration of its 125th anniversary and was endorsed by the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs and its Executive Director Greg Richardson. During a March 15 press conference on the steps of Old Main, Chancellor Carter said the program will transform the university into a center for the study of American Indians in the southeastern U.S. He said the university, with its existing American Indian programs, is ideally located to accomplish its mission. “Its academic, research and outreach missions will benefit all tribes in the southeast and serve as a resource to all who are interested in American Indian life,” Dr. Carter said. “The program will act as the intersection between disciplines outside of American Indian Studies to promote interdisciplinary curricula, research and outreach. “I have pledged that the historic purpose for which our institution was founded would remain a core attribute, even as UNCP continues to grow more complex and serves broader constituencies and purposes.” Ultimately, Chancellor Carter said the Southeastern American Indian Studies Program would become a stand-alone school alongside the schools of Business, Education and Graduate Studies and the College of Arts and Sciences. Richardson also spoke during the press conference. He said the commission has been in consultation with UNCP about the program. He hailed it as the realization of a long-held goal. “The Lumbee started this process in 1887,” Richardson said. “We, the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, want to let you know that we are here to support you.” Programs such as anthropology and archaeology may take root as the university steps onto the national stage with the new Southeastern American Indian Studies Program. The program was approved UNC General Administration, and Provost Kenneth Kitts will lead the next planning step by appointing an implementation committee next fall. 5 Spring 2012 UNCP Today