UNION UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES MURFREESBORO FOUNDING

As part of Union’s bicentennial observance, university leaders celebrated the existing historical marker at the location of its original campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The historical marker ceremony was held March 2 at what is now the Central Magnet School campus.

Union was chartered by the Baptist General Association of Tennessee in 1848. The school’s buildings were used as hospitals for armies during the Civil War, but as a cholera epidemic broke out around the South, the Murfreesboro institution was forced to close in the 1870s.

In 1907, trustees of Southwestern Baptist University in Jackson chose to rename the institution “Union University” in honor of the Murfreesboro school.

“The historical marker helps us honor those who came before us at Union University,” said Keaghlan Sheridan, director of alumni relations at Union University. “The marker reminds us of Union’s long history and of the influence it has had in both the Jackson community and middle Tennessee community.”

Prior to the historical marker ceremony, Union University leaders and alumni gathered at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville to pray for the university and to praise the Lord for his faithfulness in Union’s 200-year history.

Union Selects 100 For Induction Into Bicentennial Hall Of Honor

Union University recognized the 100 inductees into its Bicentennial Hall of Honor during a Legacy Luncheon Sept. 23 in the Carl Grant Events Center as part of the university’s bicentennial kick-off celebration.

“With a long and storied history, Union University has been the beneficiary of a number of individuals who have served faithfully and made a significant impact upon the institution,” Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said. “We wanted to recognize some of the most significant people who have helped make Union University the excellent, Christ-centered school that it is today. We are so grateful for all of these individuals and the ways that God has used them to make a difference in the life of Union University”

The Bicentennial Hall of Honor was designed to recognize and honor those who have contributed in a significant way to the vision and mission of the university. Union accepted nominations and based its final selection decision on the following criteria:

• Inductees embody the core values and mission of Union University.

• Inductees hold a degree from Union, worked at Union or served on the Board of Trustees.

• Inductees could be either living or deceased.

• Inductees are those whose dedication and achievements have significantly affected the university and should be honored for their contributions.

• Inductees supported and advanced Union’s mission through leadership to alumni, students and/or the community.

A full listing of inductees is available at uu.edu/200/hall-of-honor.