A resolution commending Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its bicentennial and its years of service to the State of Louisiana and the United States.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 543
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-07: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S90; text: CR 12/11/2025 S8677)
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-08T21:09:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 543) aims to honor Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its 200th anniversary (bicentennial) and to recognize its long-standing contributions to higher education, the state of Louisiana, and the United States.
Key Provisions
- Historical Background: The resolution outlines the college's origins, including its establishment in 1825 as the College of Louisiana, its merger in 1845 with Centenary College (founded in 1839), its relocation to Shreveport in 1908, challenges during the Civil War, and modern developments like the construction of the "Gold Dome" in 1970. It highlights the college's status as Louisiana's oldest institution of higher learning and the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River.
- Achievements and Contributions: It praises the college's role as a leading educator in Northwest Louisiana, its national recognition as a liberal arts institution, economic benefits to the region through cultural, intellectual, and athletic activities, and recent growth in enrollment, programs, and extracurriculars.
- Actions by the Senate:
- Commends the college for its bicentennial and service to Louisiana and the U.S.
- Recognizes its dedication to higher education in Louisiana and the Northwest Louisiana community.
- Requests that the Secretary of the Senate send an enrolled copy of the resolution to the college's president (Dr. Christopher L. Holoman), provost (Dr. Karen Soul), and the Bicentennial Planning Committee.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a ceremonial resolution with no binding legal effect and introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves solely as a formal expression of congressional appreciation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Communities: Provides symbolic recognition that may enhance the college's prestige, potentially boosting local pride, enrollment, and economic activity in Shreveport-Bossier and Northwest Louisiana through increased visibility of its programs and events.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal impact; only involves the Senate Secretary in transmitting the document, with no funding, regulatory, or operational requirements.
- On International Relations: None; the resolution is entirely domestic in focus.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Centenary College of Louisiana: Primary beneficiary, receiving formal commendation and recognition for its history and contributions.
- College Leadership and Community: Includes the president, provost, bicentennial committee, students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Shreveport-Bossier community, which benefits from the college's educational and cultural role.
- Louisiana Residents and U.S. Senate: Indirectly affected through affirmation of the state's educational heritage; sponsored by Senators Kennedy and Cassidy, reflecting support from Louisiana's congressional delegation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as this non-binding resolution does not alter laws, rights, or government powers; it aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to express commendations.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Senators from both parties) for educational institutions, potentially fostering goodwill in Louisiana without partisan controversy. It underscores the Senate's role in celebrating cultural and historical milestones.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-07: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S90; text: CR 12/11/2025 S8677)
- 2026-01-07: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-01-07: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-01-07: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-12-11: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-12-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Commending Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its bicentennial and its years of service to the State of Louisiana and the United States. — issued 2026-01-07 — PDF (3 pages)