CLARENDON, TX – Sept. 1, 2023 – Clarendon College is celebrating a momentous milestone this month as it marks 125 years of providing higher educaBon to students across the region.
“We are excited to recognize 125 years of excellence in education and community growth,” says Clarendon College President Tex Buckhaults. “We will not only commemorate our rich history and celebrate our past over the next year, we will look ahead and celebrate our bright future.”
The Texas Panhandle’s first college was established as Clarendon College & University Training School, opening its doors on September 5th, 1898 in Clarendon. Today, classes are also offered in Pampa, Childress, Amarillo, and Canyon. The College also provides dual credit classes for high school students and online classes.
“Since the day our doors opened, we’ve had an unwavering belief in an educaBon rooted in values, creaBvity and intellectual curiosity,” says Buckhaults. “We are proud to offer students across the region an opportunity for success close to home.”
An anniversary celebration will be held at Clarendon College Saturday, September 9th kicking off the year of observances. A public meet and greet at the Vera Dial Dickey Library will take place from 2pm to 4pm where people can enjoy a display of some of the history and arBfacts of the College’s past.
That evening, an invitation only event will be held at the Bairfield Activity Center for donors, current and former members of the Board of Regents, and other dignitaries.
“On September 27, the college is inviting all former volleyball coaches and players to attend the volleyball game that day,”explains Buckhaults. “Then, former basketball coaches and players will be invited to games on November 14, and former so ball and baseball players and coaches will be invited to ballgames on April 27.“
Additional plans throughout the year include a dinner theatre and the creation of a commemorative coin for the 125th anniversary. The college rodeo team is also planning to incorporate anniversary observations during its NFR send-off next year.
Buckhaults says Clarendon College also plans to raise funds to replace trees on campus that have been lost over the years. Graduation festivities in May will cap off the year’s celebraBons.
