Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 30, 2008—Georgian Court celebrates its Centennial year with Centennial Film Classics, a Monday night film series featuring movies from each of the eight decades that the university has resided in Lakewood. The latest installment for the 1930s decade, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), will be shown on Monday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Little Theatre on GCU’s Lakewood campus. The film received the Academy Award for Best Writing of an Original Story and was nominated in 10 additional categories.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 26, 2008—On Saturday evening, October 18, 2008, Georgian Court University will celebrate its 100th birthday in lavish style with the formal and elegant “Centennial Ball.” The black-tie event will take place in and around the historic and magnificent Gould Mansion on the Lakewood campus, with proceeds from the evening’s events dedicated to Georgian Court’s Scholarship Fund.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 25, 2008—On Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 2:00 p.m., Georgian Court University President Rosemary E. Jeffries, RSM, Ph.D., delivered the annual State of University speech to a crowd of about 250 in the university’s historic Casino building. The speech, which took on special significance in this, the university’s Centennial year, gave a nod to the past and a hint of what lies ahead for the Sisters of Mercy-sponsored university.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 22, 2008—In 2006, an estimated 17,602 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes—an average of one every 30 minutes. These deaths constitute 41 percent of the 42,642 total traffic fatalities, according to MADD, Mothers against Drunk Driving. Now, Georgian Court students will experience the sobering reality posed by drunk driving when the National Save a Life Tour comes to campus on Tuesday, October 7, in the Casino building from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The tour brings a DWI simulator to promote general awareness among students of the issues behind drinking and driving.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 22, 2008—After 100 years of providing academic excellence in the Catholic tradition, Georgian Court University is about to celebrate a real “first:” their very first Blue & Gold Homecoming Weekend, scheduled for Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5. [NOTE: see full release for event cancellations.]

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 19, 2008—On Friday, October 10, take a whirlwind tour of Italian sculptor Bernini’s best works—from the comfort of your own seat. You’ll virtually travel to Italy as you enjoy an Italian meal and music, then sit back with dessert and coffee as Lisa Festa, Ph.D., GCU assistant professor of art, shares a multimedia presentation of the artist’s spectacular and enduring sculptures.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 18, 2008—Sit back and enjoy the musical styling of a fascinating music legend with “At Home with Nat ‘King’ Cole.” The jazz pianist and pop singer will be brought to life in a historical performance about his rise to stardom on Thursday, October 9, at 6:00 p.m. Part of Georgian Court’s Conversations across Time series, the performance is produced by St. George Productions of Medford, New York.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 17, 2008—As part of the university’s Centennial Celebration, Georgian Court University has instituted the annual Court of Honor to recognize the accomplishments of the university’s most notable alumni. One hundred alumni were selected to celebrate the first hundred years, and will be lauded at a celebratory dinner marking their induction on Saturday, September 20, at 6:00 p.m. in the Mansion on the Lakewood campus.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 17, 2008—On Thursday, October 2, Georgian Court University will hold a special Blessing of the Animals in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on the Arts and Science Arcade, the lawn in front of the Arts and Science Center on the Lakewood campus.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 16, 2008—The Georgian Court University Bookstore, run by the Follett Higher Education Group, is celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday, September 24, GCU’s Centennial Day, by hosting a book signing. William Noble and Angela Whitehill, Island Heights, N.J., will sign copies of their books from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the University Bookstore.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 15, 2008—Georgian Court University offers a glimpse into the passionate life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo with “Frida Kahlo: Vibrant Paintings, Vibrant Life,” a multimedia presentation, on Friday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. Part of Georgian Court’s popular Adventures for the Mind and Palate series, a complete Mexican dinner will be served. Enjoy dessert and coffee during the presentation.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 10, 2008—According to a USA TODAY/ABC News/Gallup Poll, 41 percent of baby boomers who have a living parent are helping take care of them, with personal help, financial assistance or both. Another 37 percent think they will someday. Think you might be one? Find out how to make a plan for the future with one of these free financial planning seminars offered by Georgian Court’s Office of Planned Giving.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 11, 2008—To celebrate 100 years as a Mercy institution of higher education, Georgian Court University is sponsoring the Mercy Marathon, a community service marathon. Conducted in conjunction with more than a dozen area nonprofit organizations, it will begin during “Mercy Week,” September 22–28, 2008, and provide an opportunity for all GCU students, staff, faculty members, alumni, and friends to roll up their sleeves and make a difference in the community.

Lakewood, N.J., Sept. 11, 2008—Georgian Court University will officially kick-off its yearlong Centennial Celebration with a grand-opening of the new $26-million Wellness Center on Wednesday, September 24. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be conducted by university president Rosemary E. Jeffries, RSM, Ph.D., and coincides with Mercy Day, the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy—a day celebrated around the globe by the Sisters of Mercy, GCU’s sponsoring organization.