Erskine Celebrates 175th Anniversary with ErskineFest

DUE WEST, SC – Erskine College will be celebrating the 175th anniversary of its founding with ErskineFest, a festival, homecoming and family celebration, which will honor Erskine’s remarkable history, intellectual achievements and rich cultural heritage. While special events celebrating Erskine’s founding have been ongoing throughout the month of October, ErskineFest will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 12-9 p.m.

Established in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Erskine College became the first four-year, church-related college in South Carolina. Erskine was named for Ebenezer Erskine, a pastor who played a critical role in founding the denomination. In the intervening 175 years, Erskine has remained dedicated to its original mission to provide a rigorous academic environment while preparing its students for responsible living, service and ministry, in both the church and society.

One of the highlights of the festival will be a special screening of “Due West of Ordinary: 175 Years of Erskine,” a documentary film by alumnus Will Frampton about the history of Erskine College and Seminary. The 90-minute film focuses on how Erskine has overcome adversity throughout its 175-year history.

“The story of Erskine is the story of perseverance during challenging times,” according to Frampton. “For example, Erskine closed down for five years during the Civil War. Many students died in the war, but the school reopened in 1866, rebuilt itself and eventually flourished. So, the story of Erskine is the story of pushing through and overcoming obstacles against all odds.”

In addition to the screening, is a full slate of family-friendly activities, including games and live music. Not only will there be a barbecue lunch, food trucks and Upstate food vendors will be on hand for dinner (4-7pm). Alumni will also have the opportunity to participate in an array of activities.

“ErskineFest is a celebration above all,” says Cliff Smith, Erskine’s Vice President for Communications. “It’s a opportunity to bring together the Erskine family, connect with one another and with the larger community. We’ve designed it to be casual and inviting, and to joyfully commemorate what God has graciously done with and through Erskine. We hope to see many of our alumni and their families this weekend.”

Smith went on to point out that the ErskineFest website is a great way for alumni to get involved with ErskineFest even if they can’t make it to Erskine’s campus for the festival. The festival website includes a robust collection of Erskine historical memorabilia. Visitors can browse historic photographs and newspaper clippings that document Erskine throughout its history. One section of the website is dedicated to alumni sharing their memories of Erskine. They can also post their Erskine pictures.

A full schedule of events can be found on ErskineFest’s website at 175.erskine.edu. All events are free and open to the public. Some require advanced registration.

About Erskine College

For 175 years, Erskine College (with a current enrollment of 600 undergraduates) has been a small place to prepare to do big things. It’s a place where young men and women are prepared to grow academically, socially and spiritually. Nearly half of all of Erskine’s graduates go on to graduate programs. Just as important, Erskine alumni enjoy exceptional graduate school completion rates.

Erskine offers undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, and graduate degrees in theological education on its historic campus in Due West, as well as a seminary campus in Columbia and additional instructional locations in Augusta, Greenville and Charleston, SC. Erskine’s mission as a Christian academic community is to equip students to flourish as whole persons for lives of service. Erskine’s undergraduate college consistently ranks among the top private colleges in South Carolina and competes in NCAA Division II as a member of Conference Carolinas. At the graduate level, Erskine Theological Seminary prepares persons for service in the Christian church. For more information, please visit 175.erskine.edu.