CLEVELAND — A celebration of 70 years for Truett McConnell College, now Truett McConnell University, was held Saturday at Freedom Park in Cleveland.
In 1946, the Georgia Baptist Convention made a decision to create a new two-year college in the mountains of Northeast Georgia.
At a rally in Cleveland on July 23, 1946, it was announced at a rally that the city had been chosen as the site of Truett McConnell College.
The history of Truett McConnell University began long before that day in 1946, when George W. Truett and his cousin F.C. McConnell opened a Christian private school in Hiawassee. Their vision evolved into what is today's Truett McConnell University.
During a ceremony Saturday to recognize the special day, TMU President Dr. Emir Caner recognized those contributed to the success of the university. There was recognition of former faculty and staff, those who attended classes at Truett in the past, board of trustees and board of visitors for the college.
A special recognition was made to the Cleveland Kiwanis Club, which raised $90,000 for the start of the school; and to four families, Jamie Campbell, Joseph House, Dr. L.G. Neal and the Hershel Palmer families, who donated 417 acres for the creation of the school campus.
Cleveland United Methodist Church was recognized for providing classroom and chapel facilities at the beginning. Other recognitions went to the City of Cleveland, White County Government and to retiring White County News Publisher Billy Chism for their support of the college in the past.
Truett McConnell College's first employee, Dr. Louise Holcomb, and class of 1949 member Ethelene Dyer Jones, shared memories of their time at Truett.
In his remarks, Caner said the university has grown from the 54 students in that first class in 1947 to 2,100 students today.
Caner also said the Lord has smiled on endeavors of people from 1946 until now as they relate to Truett McConnell.
Following the ceremony, the birthday celebration began with the cutting of a cake and food for those attending.
