PolicyBrief
S.RES. 543
119th CongressDec 11th 2025
A resolution commending Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its bicentennial and its years of service to the State of Louisiana and the United States.
IN COMMITTEE

This resolution commends Centenary College of Louisiana on its bicentennial anniversary and its long-standing contributions to education in Louisiana and the United States.

John Kennedy
R

John Kennedy

Senator

LA

LEGISLATION

Louisiana Resolution Honors Centenary College's 200 Years of Service and History

If you’re waiting for the next big policy fight, this isn’t it. Sometimes, the legislature takes a moment to acknowledge history, and that’s exactly what this resolution does. This bill is a formal commendation recognizing Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its bicentennial—its 200th anniversary.

The Bicentennial Breakdown

This resolution is purely ceremonial, serving as a legislative pat on the back for the college. It doesn't allocate funding, change regulations, or affect your taxes. It simply lays out the college’s impressive history, noting that Centenary is the oldest institution of higher learning in Louisiana and the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River. The findings section walks through its timeline, from the establishment of the College of Louisiana in 1825 and the merger in 1845, to its relocation to Shreveport in 1908, and the construction of the iconic Gold Dome in 1970.

Why It Matters to the Rest of Us

While this resolution doesn't change policy, it does officially recognize Centenary’s role as a leading educator and a nationally ranked liberal arts institution. For the Northwest Louisiana region, this recognition highlights the college's significant economic and cultural benefits—think about the jobs, local spending, and cultural programming generated by a university that has been around for two centuries. The resolution effectively puts the legislature on record celebrating the college's dedication and long-standing contributions to the community.

In terms of action, the resolution concludes by formally commending Centenary College and requesting that the Secretary of the Senate send signed copies to the college’s leadership, including the President, Provost, and the Bicentennial Planning Committee. It’s a nice gesture acknowledging a major milestone, reinforcing the idea that institutions like Centenary are long-term anchors in the state’s educational and economic landscape.