GAFFNEY, S.C. (courtesy limestone.edu) — During its council meeting on Monday, June 8, Blacksburg Town Council voted unanimously to proclaim July 1, 2020, as “Limestone University Day” in honor of the first official day that the institution will be operating as Limestone University.
Limestone College was founded in 1845 and will move to university status on July 1 to reflect the institution’s growth and increased diversity of degree offerings.
The proclamation read in part, “For 175 years, Limestone has been providing our residents with access to higher education. The contributions that Limestone makes to the local economy include enabling its students to acquire the skills to become more productive and valuable as a result of their education. The effect of that education is measured in increased lifetime earnings, which is also an asset to the local economy.”
The Gaffney City Council passed a similar Proclamation on June 1 during its virtual meeting, and Cherokee County Council is expected to proclaim July 1 as “Limestone University Day” during its in-person meeting on June 22.
“We are honored that the Town of Blacksburg chose to recognize Limestone in this very special way,” said Limestone College President Dr. Darrell Parker. “We’re thrilled about our move to university statues, and we’re even more excited to be a part of the future growth of our local communities like the Town of Blacksburg. We are also very appreciative to the City of Gaffney and Cherokee County for also recognizing July 1 as ‘Limestone University Day.'”