Centre News

The seal of Centre College carries the motto Doctrina Lux Mentis, “Learning, the Light of the Mind.” Our forbearers founded this college out of a passionate commitment to learning, and the power of truth to enlighten the mind. They sought the education of the heart as well as the intellect. They sought not only to liberate intelligence but to nurture character, to enhance citizenship, and to enrich culture. Our forbearers laid this foundation, and we have joined them as followers in learning and service. We now enlist you as our companions and colleagues in this noble tradition.

As members of this great tradition, the Class of 2015 has selected a class motto that depicts the hopes and aspirations for their four years at Centre. The first-year class has chosen the following motto: “Promise me you’ll always remember: you are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Christopher Robins said these words in A.A. Milne’s famous work Winnie the Pooh.

I would now like to ask the first-year class to stand and remain standing.

Your class motto will be engraved on this plaque, which also bears the seal of Centre College. This plaque hangs in our library as a symbol of your class and a reminder to us all of the importance of scholarship and the pursuit of excellence. Please accept it as your challenge to become faithful members of this community and devoted sharers in our heritage.

Have comments, suggestions, or story ideas? E-mail elizabeth.trollinger@centre.edu with your feedback.

Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Forbes magazine ranks Centre 24th among all the nation's colleges and universities and has named Centre No. 1 among all institutions of higher education in the South for two years in a row. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, click here.