N.C. Central University is turning 100 and its centennial celebration committee is reaching out to students for support and ideas.

The celebration kicks off July 2009 and runs through July 2010.

It will include department exhibits featuring outstanding students and faculty, a centennial choir and band, and conclude with a major convocation.

“The University was chartered in 1909 and the doors opened in 1910,” said William Evan, co-chair, with Arthrell Sanders, of the planning committee for the event.

Evan, class of 1962, is a former director of alumni affairs and is a Sanders, class of 1961, is a former English department faculty member.

“We’ve got 100 years of development to celebrat and we intend to celebrate it all,” Evan said.

There are 12 sub-committees planning the year-long celebration.

The University wants at least two on each committee.

“We’re being proactive so that it is going to be a stellar and prestigious event,” said Tomasi Larry, student government association president.

Larry said student participation in the planning stages is important.

Larry said that he would like to see student activities, such as homecoming, incorporate centennial themes.

Larry, who graduates this spring, said he hopes the new SGA president gets involved early.

“The University exists for students and that is why it’s most important for students to be involved,” said Evan, who is excited that students will have an opportunity to learn the history of the University.