Spotlight Centenary a hit; historic fundraising tops $50 million
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Spotlight Centenary brought together alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students for an unforgettable evening at the Gold Dome. Guests enjoyed a chef-curated dinner, open bar, live music, dancing, and a program filled with inspiring performances and heartfelt tributes. Hosted by alumnus Herb Lang ’98, the evening featured a stirring performance by the Centenary College Choir — including a piece commissioned for the bicentennial — followed by a drone show produced by Sky Elements Drone Shows, finalists from Season 19 of America’s Got Talent. But the highlight of the night came from College President Christopher L. Holoman, who took to the stage to deliver an exciting announcement about the College’s historic fundraising effort, Forward: The Campaign for Our Third Century. The campaign originally launched with a $40 million goal, which was later raised to $50 million. President Holoman shared that this expanded goal has now been surpassed, with the campaign reaching a current total of $51,114,202.23 as of December 6. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Centenary College President Dr. Christopher Holoman stated “This was an incredible finish to an amazing year. I was so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen and especially for the generous contributions to our comprehensive campaign. Centenary is well positioned to meet the challenges of the future.”
Proceeds from this campaign will fund student scholarships, new program initiatives and physical improvements to campus, especially the science facilities in Mickle Hall.
Timed as the grand finale to the College’s year-long bicentennial celebration, Spotlight Centenary capped off 200 years of history and set the tone for the future. Earlier events in the bicentennial year included the kickoff campus-wide birthday celebration, a signature historical exhibition at the Meadows Museum of Art, the Highland Parade neighborhood Mardi Gras party, the Art Stroll showcasing student and community art, a worship service honoring the College’s United Methodist heritage, a Centenary Rhapsody reunion with more than 200 alumni choir members, and the student Bicentennial Bash.
Spotlight Centenary was co-chaired by John E. Atkins (H’16) and his wife Lindsay Atkins, alumna ’01. Both are longtime champions of Centenary’s mission and legacy. Their leadership helped bring this milestone celebration to life.