Coastal Carolina University will celebrate its founding with a series of Founders Week activities scheduled for Sept. 15-22. President Emeritus David A. DeCenzo will be recognized during two of the events – a residence hall dedication ceremony and the Founders Day Convocation. Activities also include a CCU Birthday Party, a lecture by Charles Clary, recipient of the 2022 HTC Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Lecturer Award, and campus and community service projects.
The Founders Day Convocation is typically held during the third week in September to coincide with the anniversary of the opening of Coastal Carolina Junior College and its first day of classes on Sept. 20, 1954.
Thursday, Sept. 15
CCU Historical Founders Week Archives Exhibit
Sept. 15-22, 2022
Kimbel Library
Coastal Carolina University Archives and the Founders Week committee will showcase an exhibit on the first floor of Kimbel Library, featuring an overview of the institution’s history and acknowledgment of its founders.
Friday, Sept. 16
David A. and Theresa M. DeCenzo Hall Dedication
Friday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.
Tradition Lawn
Join the campus community at a dedication ceremony for DeCenzo Hall in honor of President Emeritus David A. DeCenzo and his wife, Theresa (Terri) M. DeCenzo, and their 18 years of service in masterfully orchestrating the transformation of a regional institution that is now nationally recognized both academically and athletically.
Founders Day Convocation
Friday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m.
Wheelwright Auditorium
The CCU community is invited to be a part of this historical event as President Emeritus David A. DeCenzo is recognized as an honorary founder.
The annual Founders Day celebration was initiated in 1987 as the University’s way to express appreciation to its 17 original founders and the former directors of Coastal Carolina Junior College. Since 1998, those whose spirit and determination have shaped the historic, academic, and physical development of the University and higher education in the region have been recognized as honorary founders.
Saturday, Sept. 17
CCU vs. Buffalo Football Game (White Out Game)
Saturday, Sept. 17, 1 p.m. kickoff
Brooks Stadium
Let’s fill Brooks Stadium as the Chanticleers take on the University at Buffalo on the surf turf. Fans are encouraged to show up early, be loud, and wear WHITE.
CCU students must swipe their CINO cards for entry into the game. Students should enter Brooks Stadium through Gate 2.
Sunday, Sept. 18
Campus Service Project – Zero Waste Football
Sunday, Sept. 18, 8-9 a.m. and 9-10 a.m.
Brooks Stadium (enter through Gate 2)
Volunteers will sort waste –recyclables and compostables – generated at the CCU football game. The aim is to divert 90% of the waste generated in Brooks Stadium through composting, recycling, and donation. All training and materials will be provided.
Click here to volunteer for the Zero Waste football campus service project.
Tuesday, Sept. 20
CCU Birthday Celebration
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2 p.m.
Prince Lawn
On Sept. 20, 1954, Coastal Carolina Junior College opened as a branch of the College of Charleston. Fifty-three students enrolled, taught by a handful of part-time faculty, with classes meeting after hours in Conway High School.
President Michael T. Benson and Provost Daniel J. Ennis invite the campus community to a birthday celebration commemorating the founding of the University. Enjoy a cupcake while listening to the Chanticleer Regiment, join in on singing “Happy Birthday” with members of the CCU Concert Choir, and pick up some Teal Tuesday swag!
HTC Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Lecture Series
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m.
Edwards Recital Hall
Each year, the HTC Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Lecturer Award is presented to a CCU faculty member who demonstrates outstanding teaching and brings about student learning through scholarship and mentoring. The 2022 award winner is Charles Clary, MFA, associate professor of visual art.
As the winner of this award, made possible through a generous donation from the Horry Telephone Cooperative, Clary will present a public lecture on the loss of his mother and father due to smoke-related cancers, titled “Memento Mori: The Fragility of Life.”
Campus Service Project – Mulching in the CCU Arboretum
Wednesday, Sept 21, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; 11 a.m. to noon; or 12:30-1:30 p.m.
CCU Arboretum (next to Wheelwright Auditorium)
Volunteers will assist CCU grounds staff with the installation of mulch at the new CCU Arboretum. All materials and training will be provided. The CCU Arboretum is a public garden, research facility, and green space located on our campus. The 1.5-acre arboretum features a collection of trees that are indigenous to the area and found throughout the campus.
Click here to volunteer for the CCU Arboretum campus service project.
Community Service Project – City of Conway Holiday Prep
Wednesday. Sept. 21, 10-11 a.m.; 11 a.m. to noon.
Conway Beautification Department – 2940 Jerry Barnhill Drive, Conway, SC 29527
Round trip CCU shuttle transportation will be provided.
Volunteers will assist the city of Conway with a variety of holiday prep work.
Click here to volunteer for the city of Conway holiday prep work community service project.
Thursday, Sept. 22
Campus Service Project – Mulching in the CCU Arboretum
Volunteers will assist CCU grounds staff with the installation of mulch at the new CCU Arboretum. All materials and training will be provided. The CCU Arboretum is a public garden, research facility, and green space located on our campus. The 1.5-acre arboretum features a collection of trees that are indigenous to the area and found throughout the campus.
Click here to volunteer for the CCU Arboretum campus service project.
Throwback ‘50s Lunch
Thursday, Sept. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hicks Dining Hall
Step back in time as Hicks Dining Hall is transformed for lunch into a 1950s diner to commemorate the year CCU was founded – 1954. Enjoy a selection of burgers, hot dogs, tuna melts, onion rings, and root beer floats.
Lunch: $9.75 / Faculty/Staff* $7.50
*Fac/staff meal plan $6.50 per meal or less. Cash, credit card, Dining Dollars, and CINO Cash.
CCU Trivia Game Night
Thursday, Sept. 22, 9 p.m.
Student Union Theater, Lib Jackson Student Union
Test your CCU knowledge and learn about Coastal’s history and traditions during CCU Trivia Game Night presented by Coastal Activities Board (CAB) and the Teal and Bronze Society.
Founders Day
The Founders Day celebration was initiated in 1987 as the University's way to express its great appreciation to its 17 original founders and the former directors of Coastal Carolina Junior College.
Through the years, those whose spirit and determination have shaped the historic, academic and physical development of the University and higher education in the region have been recognized as honorary founders. The Founders Day convocation was traditionally held during the third week in September to coincide with the anniversary of the opening of Coastal Carolina Junior College and its first day of classes on Sept. 20, 1954.
Selection as an honorary founder recognizes that the person or institution has:
• Been instrumental in the development of Coastal Carolina College or Coastal Carolina University • Reflected the ideals of the original founders • Contributed time, talent, or resources to the enhancement of the University • Demonstrated over time an exemplary commitment to the University • Demonstrated a passion for service to the University
Through the years, those whose spirit and determination have shaped the historic, academic and physical development of the University and higher education in the region have been recognized as honorary founders. The Founders Day convocation was traditionally held during the third week in September to coincide with the anniversary of the opening of Coastal Carolina Junior College and its first day of classes on Sept. 20, 1954.