AUSTIN- Huston-Tillotson University officials announced a 12 percent increase in enrollment from last year and the highest enrollment since the 1952 merger with 882 students matriculating. The increase represents nine years of growth under Larry L. Earvin who became president in 2000. Increases during the period have also occurred among males and Hispanics.

University officials credit the enrollment increase to targeted, concentrated recruitment efforts that included face-to-face visits, letters, and follow up telephone calls by not only recruiters but faculty and staff. In addition, scholarship opportunities through programs such as the W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program and Pathway to Academic Success and Socialization (PASS) program also contributed to the success. The William Edward Burghardt DuBois Honors Program, which is named for the African-American sociologist, civil rights advocate, and intellectual of the 20th century, seeks to attract academically talented students whose high school accomplishments indicate their intellectual ability, level of motivation, and leadership potential.

PASS, which includes a summer bridge component, is designed to help entering first-year students succeed in college through a living-learning community that includes cultural enrichment, recreation, and group activities designed to promote interpersonal skills and leadership. Huston-Tillotson, a four-year, historically Black, liberal arts University with a 134 year history, is comprised of students from 14 countries, including the United States. The commemoration of two higher education institutions will be honored when Huston-Tillotson University celebrates Charter Day on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009. 

The two colleges—Tillotson College, founded by what is now the United Church of Christ, and Samuel Huston College, founded by The United Methodist Church—have roots that date to 1875. Charter Day represents the official designated celebration of the trustee signing of the Charter of Incorporation by the State of Texas that established Huston-Tillotson College (now known as Huston-Tillotson University). The 1952 merger created one of the largest Black Protestant church-related colleges in the country. 

The Friday, Oct. 23 convocation will be held at 10 a.m. in King-Seabrook Chapel, 900 Chicon Street, will recognize top ranking seniors, feature the concert choir under the direction of Gloria Quinlan, and the jazz combo under the direction of Javier Stuppard. A fall symposium begins the Charter Day celebration on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 11:00 a.m. in King-Seabrook Chapel.  This year’s event features Jean-Marie Ngendahayo, addressing “Recommendations For a New Policy Toward Africa: Realities and Hard Choices.”

Ngendahayo, from the east-central African country of Burundi, previously served as a member of the Burundi Parliament.  He was a consultant in the peace building process in rural areas and was known for his widespread democratic views against anti-democratic ideals.  He ultimately obtained refuge in the United States and is now a visiting scholar at Texas Lutheran University.

Artifacts from the University’s largest collection of African art, the Melissa and Kevin Katz Collection, will be on display in the Downs-Jones Library prior to the convocation.  The mixed collection of ceremonial pieces from different countries and tribes is hundreds of years old and filled with intrigue and history. The celebration will conclude on Sunday, Oct. 25 during University Day at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1160 San Bernard, at 10 a.m.  Earvin will speak and music will be provided by the concert choir.  

All programs are free and open to the public.  For more information, visit the www.htu.edu site.