Peace College celebrated its inaugural Founder's Day on Wednesday with the unveiling of a new statue of the college's founding benefactor, William Peace. The unveiling was part of a yearlong series of events marking the 150th anniversary of Peace College's founding in 1857.

"We're delighted to recognize William Peace, who had the vision 150 years ago to help establish a school that would prepare women for taking roles of leadership," said Peace College President Laura Bingham.

The statue features a sitting William Peace, situated on a bench just outside the entrance to the college's Main Building. The statue was created by nationally renowned portrait artist and sculptor Chas Fagan, who was on hand for the unveiling. Fagan's sculpture work includes an eight-foot bronze of former President George H.W. Bush for a park in Houston, Texas. Fagan, of Charlotte, also has designed sculptures that are on display in the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

The City of Raleigh has proclaimed Wednesday as "William Peace Day" and the General Assembly was scheduled in the afternoon to take up resolutions honoring Peace.

Several hundred Peace students, alumnae, supporters and faculty and staff attended the events. Among the attendees were descendants of the brother of William Peace, who did not have children of his own. Also attending were two of the college's past presidents, David Frazier and Garrett Briggs.

During a special chapel service, the college bestowed its William Peace Medallion, one of the college's highest honors, to First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh. The church supported the founding of the college and also fought to keep it open during a struggle over the ownership of the college in the 1950s and early '60s. Members of the church's congregation are among the most ardent supporters of the college.

The day's festivities ended with a birthday celebration, featuring a large cake replica of the college's Main Building.

More information about Peace's anniversary year is available on our special Sesquicentennial website.

Alums, spend the weekend on campus with your Peace Sisters during Alumnae Weekend, May 18-20.

Alumnae Weekend '07 will include the option for an overnight stay on campus.

Register early and save. All registrations taken before April 4 will receive a $50 discount.

Alumnae may choose from three "resident student" package options or four "day student" package options.

To learn more about Alumnae Weekend '07 and to register, click here.