Centre

Johnny Jones, 29 November 1993

I had never heard of Centre college before we started Amy's college search. The first thing I thought was, "What a boring name!" The next thought was, "Why do they spell it that way?" When I learned it was in Danville, Kentucky, we had to look it up on the map. It was worth the trouble. We learned Centre was founded in 1819 by a group of Presbyterians. Financial supporters included George Washington, John Adams, and Aaron Burr. During the Civil War, the college's main building was occupied and used as a hospital by both sides to the conflict: Confederates first, then Union.

Centre was recognized in 1903 by Woodrow Wilson when he commented: "There is a little college down in Kentucky which in 60 years has graduated more men who have acquired prominence and fame that has Princeton in her 150 years." Wilson, later to become U. S. President, was then president of Princeton. We were told that this tradition continues; that many Centre graduates are highly successful in their fields, including banking and international studies. Centre is still small: only about 900 students attend classes there. Our tour guide was really into horses. Her key ring, belt buckle, and pin all featured horses. That part of Kentucky is, after all, bluegrass country. Centre is very much tied to its region.

But, since 1985, Centre has had the distinction of being tops in the percentage of alumni giving to the school. Recently 73.5% of alumni gave financial support. Graduates love the school, and show their admiration with donated dollars. That money translates into generous scholarship programs for qualified students.

In spite of being named the #1 up and coming liberal arts college by U. S. News and World Report, Centre maintains a friendly, down home atmosphere. When Amy didn't meet us for lunch at the alumni office, no one worried except me. "It's small. People will take care of her," the admissions secretary assured me. She was right.

I liked the commitment to teaching on the part of Centre professors. Over 90% of them hold a PhD or its equivalent in their field. The student faculty ratio is a healthy 11:1. The average class size is 16, and few classes have more than 30 students. Do you know how rare that is these days?

We got to see the end of a children's production at Norton Center for the Arts. That facility has hosted all kinds of productions, from dancers like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolf Nureyev to Broadway shows like Cats and Amadeus. Internationally known groups such as the Bolshoi Ballet, the Sistene Chapel Choir, and the Philadelphia Orchestra have performed there. On a lighter side, Emmylou Harris and the Smothers Brothers have also been included. There is an emphasis on service at Centre. The majority of students volunteer to help. Some of the activities include adopting a grandparent at a nursing home or helping build a house for the needy.

We also like the opportunity Centre presents for students to join faculty in research. Topics have included space science data analysis as part of the JOVE Project in cooperation with NASA, and studying 1950's Brooklyn and Italian-American culture. There are ample opportunities for study abroad, also. The financial aid officer we spoke with just returned from a year in London with her husband, a popular English professor there.

Athletics are important at Centre. 90% of their students take part in intramurals. Their college viewbook says, "Intramurals are a good way to make friends, stay in shape, and have fun."

But what is Danville like? I learned it is a town of about 18,000, and home to eight Fortune 500 companies. Centre is right in town; in fact, a major street intersects campus. The locals   to like the college, and the kids like the town. Lexington is about 30 miles away. Amy laughs when people talk about how small Centre is. After all, it is larger than Viburnum! Its offering of 23 majors includes Dramatic Arts, Anthropology, and Psychobiology.

I was impressed by what David Greer said about the school: "I've become more open and comfortable with myself, more willing to express myself. Centre gives you chances to try so many things, so much support--it seems to have a way of bringing people out." That's a very positive word for a college.

Quotes and facts were taken from Centre's viewbook.