Summary of S. Res. 543 (113th Congress reference: S. Res. 543)
A Senate resolution commending Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its bicentennial and for its years of service to Louisiana and the United States. The measure is a non-binding, ceremonial resolution recognizing the college’s history, contributions, and role in higher education.
Purpose and Intent
- Acknowledges Centenary College of Louisiana’s bicentennial (200 years of existence) and longstanding service to the State of Louisiana and the United States.
- Honors the college’s history, evolution, and contributions to higher education, the Northwest Louisiana community, and the broader public life of the region.
- Requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy of the resolution to the college’s leadership and planning committee.
Key Provisions (What the bill does)
- Commendation: The Senate formally commends Centenary College of Louisiana on its bicentennial and its years of service to Louisiana and the United States.
- Recognition: The Senate recognizes Centenary College’s dedication and longstanding contributions to higher education in Louisiana and Northwest Louisiana.
- Transmittal Request: The Senate respectfully requests that an enrolled copy of the resolution be transmitted to:
- The President of Centenary College of Louisiana (Dr. Christopher L. Holoman)
- The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Dr. Karen Soul)
- The Centenary College of Louisiana Bicentennial Planning Committee
Who/What is Affected
- Centenary College of Louisiana: The primary beneficiary and subject of the commendation.
- Northwest Louisiana community and state: Recognized for the college’s regional impact on education, economy, culture, and public life.
- Senate protocol: Formal acknowledgment through a non-binding resolution.
Background Highlights Included in the Resolution
- Centenary College’s origins trace to the College of Louisiana (established Feb 18, 1825) and its early role as a leading institution in the state.
- The college opened its first class in January 1826.
- It merged with Centenary College in 1845 to form Centenary College of Louisiana, becoming a historic liberal arts college—claims to be the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi.
- Civil War challenges, relocation to Shreveport in 1908, the “Gold Dome” constructed in 1970, and ongoing growth noted as part of its long-standing regional leadership.
Procedural Timeline
- Introduced: December 11, 2025 (S. Res. 543) by Senators Kennedy and Cassidy; referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Discharge: Committee discharged by Unanimous Consent (date reflected as January 7, 2026).
- Agreed to in Senate: January 7, 2026, by Unanimous Consent, without amendment and with a preamble.
- Overall status: A ceremonial resolution; no substantive policy changes or appropriations involved.
Impact
- An official, formal recognition by the U.S. Senate of Centenary College’s bicentennial and contributions.
- Public acknowledgment that can be used by the college for commemorative materials and institutional prestige.
