HENDERSON, Tennessee — June 11, 2020 — A video produced by Freed-Hardeman University, “150 Years: This Is My Story,” will stream on Facebook Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m. The hour-long compilation includes interviews conducted by FHU President David R. Shannon and video footage submitted by alumni to commemorate the university’s 150-year history.
“As we near the end of our 150th celebration, it just seemed right to listen to Freed-Hardeman,” FHU President David R. Shannon said. “You’ve heard the old cliché, ‘if walls could talk’ . . . well, let me tell you, alumni can — and what wonderful stories they have!”
The video includes memories from alumni representing a variety of decades. One is from author and minister John Smith (’60), who recounts his memories of Chapel Hall, including the time President H.A. Dixon came into Chapel Hall and joined him in prayer. Henderson native, FHU alumnus and Makin’ Music co-founder John R. Hall (’62) remembers when the Henderson Church of Christ met in Chapel Hall. Alumnus and Chester County Middle School Principal T.J. Kirk (’06) describes his experiences as an African-American student at FHU. Caleb Guard (’08) carries on a tradition he began at FHU of impersonating beloved FHU faculty, and Lauren Rogers (’20) shares her memories as an intercollegiate athlete.
“FHU family members have so many wonderful stories to tell about their days here. We’ve selected only a handful to share on the broadcast,” Dr. Cliff Thompson, creative director of the video, said. “I hope this will be the beginning of an ongoing conversation that makes the school stronger and her alumni more connected.”
Following the broadcast, the full video, along with dozens of other videos submitted by alumni, can be viewed at fhu.edu/150th-anniversary. Alumni who have a story they want to tell can still do so. “We want alumni from all generations to share their stories, as we create a digital scrapbook,” Shannon said. Videos for the scrapbook may be submitted to alumni@fhu.edu.