RELEASED: Sept. 11, 2003

DANVILLE, KY—Centre College honored Fred Vinson, Class of 1909, and 13th Chief Justice of the United States, on Monday, Sept. 8. That day marked the 50th anniversary of Vinson's death.

Stephen Dexter, a senior and Centre's Student Government Association president, said that students learned a lot about Vinson and his legacy.

"Fred Vinson is more than a tradition of taking a portrait (known as "Dead Fred") to football games and other events," said Dexter, a Danville, Ky., native who emceed the event. "He was a dedicated public servant who served in all three branches of the federal government, and, according to many, could have been the President of the United States.

"I think we all leave here inspired to live a life of service to others as Mr. Vinson did."

Dan Stroup, professor of government, spoke on Vinson's time on the Supreme Court. Clarence Wyatt, Pottinger Associate Professor of History, spoke of Vinson's early years and dedication to Centre. Stan Campbell, director of Centre's library, portrayed Vinson's good friend and boss, President Harry Truman.

The program was concluded as Barbara Hall, professor of music, led the crowd in singing Centre's alma mater, "Centre Dear."

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has indicated plans to do an article focusing on the sometimes unappreciated aspects of Vinson's career. As a sidebar, the newspaper plans to feature the recent world travels of "Dead Fred" with a recent Centre graduate (for more details, see http://www.centre.edu/tjandfred/).