Good morning, and welcome!

Today we're commemorating the 125th anniversary of our university expanding access to education in Northwestern North Carolina. And, we will welcome nine new members into the university’s esteemed Bell Ringers Society. Typically, we would hold this event on Founders Plaza. However, a couple of months ago, Mother Nature changed our plans and I think Mother Nature is a little chilly out there today too. Thanks to the hard work of many on our campus, we are fortunate to be able to gather today for this rescheduled event! In a few moments, we will invite the newest inductees of our Bell Ringers Society to ring the original Watauga Academy bell, which hung in the academy 125 years ago, symbolizing the tradition of calling students to classes, which began Sept. 5, in 1899 at Watauga Academy.

When fire destroyed the original Watauga Academy building in November 1946, the steeple that held the bell collapsed. The old steel bell was blackened by smoke, but it withstood the fire and was pulled from the wreckage by Crater Marsh, head of the college’s physical plant at the time. That bell now has a permanent home here in the Dougherty Administration Building, and these newest inductees into the Bell Ringers Society will ring it in a few moments.

Before we begin today’s program, I’d like to recognize a few special guests, after which I’ll provide some brief highlights of our history:

• We are honored to have Justin Somers, representing United States Sen. Ted Budd, joining us for today’s ceremony. Justin, thank you for being here!
• From the UNC System Board of Governors, a distinguished alumnus of Appalachian State University and an inaugural member of the Bell Ringers Society, Gov. C. Philip Byers is here today. Gov. Byers, thank you for joining us.
• Representing our Board of Trustees is Vice Chair Tommy Sofield, about whom you will hear more later, as he joins this year’s class of Bell Ringers.
• Representing our Foundation Board and presiding over today’s ceremony is the incredible Jeannine Underdown Collins. A two-time alumna, current Foundation Board member and former chair of the Board of Trustees and Foundation Board, Jeannine’s service to the university knows no bounds. Thank you, Jeannine!
• We are fortunate to have members of the Dougherty family here — including the grandson of D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty — Eddie Dougherty. 
• Doris Stam, an inaugural member of the Bell Ringers Society and the great-granddaughter of D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty. Doris will ring the bell on behalf of her aunt, Ellen Otterbourg, who is the granddaughter of D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty, and who will join the Bell Ringers Society today. Doris, thank you for representing Ellen at today’s ceremony.

We thank all the members of the Dougherty family as we honor their ancestors and our founders, who 125 years ago envisioned a future in which anyone who was willing to work hard could earn a high-quality education.

I’d like to also recognize and welcome past members of Appalachian State University’s Bell Ringers Society who are in attendance. Thank you for joining us.

Representing past chancellors of the university are, and please help me welcome:

• Dr. Harvey Durham and his wife, Susan; and
• Former first lady Rosanne Peacock, who will join the Bell Ringers Society today.

Each of your lives has been woven into the historical fabric of this wonderful institution, and we thank you for joining us today to celebrate.

125 years ago, three visionaries established a mission to provide access to education for the children and families of the High Country. 125 years and well over 150,000 alumni later, we recognize what an ambitious vision it was and acknowledge their remarkable legacy.

As we celebrate their achievements, we also join our home community in celebrating some significant milestones:

• Watauga County is 175 years from its founding;
• Boone is 152 (and if you want some fun facts about the significance of this number, you should ask Provost Specht);
• and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 75th year.

Together, our shared history is one of building lasting institutions and lasting relationships. At Appalachian State University, we cherish the many meaningful relationships, partnerships and friendships we have forged throughout our history. It has been these partnerships that have helped our university and our community to grow and be successful.

Before our institution received any state support, it was the local community that raised $1,100 and supplied labor and materials for our first building — the two-story, wood frame home of Watauga Academy. Its characteristic roofline is represented as a feature of the Founders Bell Pavillion.

In 1903, Watauga County and local entrepreneur Moses Cone matched state funding to support the Appalachian Training School.

The Appalachian State Normal School of the 1920s (which later became the Appalachian State Teachers College), and Watauga County Schools developed a cooperative institution — Appalachian Elementary School — through which our university provided both facilities and teachers for Watauga County students. The school, which operated from 1925 until 1975, allowed education students to gain valuable teacher training.

During World War II, Mountaineer students formed defense squads for Watauga County that included fire protection, utilities repair and fire watcher squads. Additionally, Cleone Hodges, a professor in health, physical education and recreation, taught Red Cross-sponsored first aid to Watauga County residents under then-governor Joseph Broughton’s plan for public education to aid defense programs.

In 1980, the AppalCART bus transit system began operation, and by September of 1981 it had expanded service for students and residents in the town of Boone by joining with the Watauga County Transportation Authority.

In 1999, we held our first Martin Luther King Day Challenge — an annual day of service projects for organizations across the High Country to bring students and the community together in memory of Dr. King. Through the years, the event has become multiple Mobilize the Mountains Days of Service held throughout the year, with student, staff and faculty volunteers contributing hundreds of hours to community service. A recent economic impact study indicated the university’s student and employee volunteers contribute an estimated $3.4 million in added income to the local five-county region each year. This is clearly reciprocal. Our students gain valuable insights, experience and empathy from these opportunities, which serves them throughout their careers and lives.

And in more recent years, this entire community came together to overcome the challenges of a global pandemic and to recover in the aftermath of a devastating storm.

These last two months have been trying times for App State students, faculty and staff, as well as the residents and business owners of the High Country. However, we continue to stand strong — Mountain Strong — with our neighbors, as we have for the past 125 years.

From economic development, to elevating the arts and support of cultural tourism, to building proud championship athletic programs that represent our region around the world, we’ve worked collaboratively, and sought to support one another.

The university and community’s shared history is one of building lasting institutions and lasting relationships, partnerships and friendships. It has been these partnerships that have helped our university and our community to grow and be successful. These partnerships will carry us forward, and will help us triumph — together — against the challenges ahead.

For 125 years, the institution now known across the nation as Appalachian State University — along with this community — has enriched the quality of life for the High Country by increasing prosperity, wellness and opportunity. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with our community.

We value our collective history with our community, and we’re excited for what the future holds.

Thank you so much for joining us for this special occasion!

It is now my pleasure to welcome Justin Somers, representing United States Sen. Ted Budd, from North Carolina.

Justin Somers

Thank you, Chancellor Norris, and for inspiring opening remarks this morning. So, this morning, I was running a little bit behind getting here. And as I was going through my closet as a UNC System graduate, I realized that all my ties were red. So I'll let y'all figure out where the tie-in is there.

I was lucky enough to find this nice yellow tie. It's got a little bit of blue in it, but hopefully with the black blazer and the App State 125 pin, that kind of makes up for it.

It is an honor and a privilege to be here with you guys this morning.

Sen. Budd regrets that he could not be here with you in person. The Senate is in session today. Helene recovery, the federal response and the disaster supplemental is what is top of line for him this morning.

Yesterday, I was in Avery County to participate in the White House Christmas Tree sendoff ceremony. They named that tree Tremendous. I think that has to do with the tremendous devastation that has happened in this region, and it also has to do with the tremendous response and tremendous amount of support that has come from this community.

It is always good, following something like what this region has been through, when we can come together at an event like this and celebrate milestones, accomplishments and achievements, as those still happen even in the midst of destruction.

Sen. Budd has used his time at Appalachian State University, and as an alumnus, to exemplify his understanding of this region. He cherishes his relationship with his university. And while I do bleed Wolfpack red, as a lifelong resident of this region, I certainly have a great understanding and appreciation of what this university means to this community. Thank you all for being here. 

Back on Sept. 17, Senator Budd took the Senate floor to have comments entered into the official Congressional Record recognizing this milestone achievement for Appalachian State that we are here to celebrate today. I will read those to you now, again. This is volume 170 of the official Congressional Record, number 144, in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024:

“Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing my alma mater, Appalachian State University, on the 125th anniversary of its founding. Established in Boone, North Carolina, as Watauga Academy in 1899, App State began as a teaching college with 53 students today and enrolls over 21,000 students, employs more than 3500 employees, and boasts more than 150,000 living alumni who exemplify the Mountaineer spirit every single day.

This strong and steady growth has established App State as a premier public institution and one of the largest in the UNC System. Given its worldwide reputation, App State has remained true to its mission as an institution known for service to its local and regional communities. App State is committed to increasing enrollment of students from North Carolina's rural populations and ensuring timely graduation with as little debt as possible.

The university's regional impact is undeniable, contributing nearly $2.2 billion to our state's economy. App State continues to maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its campuses in Boone, Hickory and online. The university is committed to supporting the workforce needs of North Carolina as one of our state's leading producers of graduates in business, education and health care.

Moreover, App State is stepping up to meet the growing needs in the areas of veterinary technology, health sciences and cybersecurity. App State’s success reach beyond the classroom to competitive sports, with more than 400 Mountaineer student-athletes in 17 NCAA Division I varsity sports. These student-athletes earned a cumulative GPA above 3.0 for the 12th consecutive year during the spring semester of 2024.

Since joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2014, Mountaineer athletics programs have won 13 conference championships. Four of those titles belong to the nationally ranked football team, the legendary triumphs of which are known from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to College Station, Texas. On behalf of the citizens of the state of North Carolina, I congratulate Appalachian State University on 125 years of service to our state and to our region.

I yield the floor.” 

When he read these comments on the Senate floor, I think he may have looked to the senators from Michigan and Texas — of course, the camera from C-Span doesn't pan out that far, but it's a nice image that I have in my mind.

I congratulate you on behalf of Sen. Budd, and I will present this congressional record to Chancellor Norris. And thank you all and congratulations.

Jeannine Underdown Collins

What a great crowd. Good morning, everybody. It's a great day to be on campus, isn't it?

When I was first asked to speak on the impact of Appalachian State University in our community, I thought, OK, let’s talk about the economic impact. For example, the $573 million contributed to our regional income, or the $2.2 billion statewide.

I could also cite statistics about the average class size of 25 students or the 16 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. I could also mention Appalachian has the third highest graduation rate in the UNC System, the largest undergraduate business program in the UNC System, the most National Board-certified alumni teaching in the country and has been ranked among the top 3 most innovative schools in the South by U.S. News & World Report for eight years in a row.

But, impact is more than numbers and stats.

For 125 years, generations of families have given their all to Appalachian. The staff, the backbone that keeps the university running 24/7, 365 days a year, do their job with pride and the result is making Appalachian look — and be — its best at all times. It may be the person in building services, or the one who rings you up in the cafeteria, or the parking lot attendant who helps you find your parking place — this morning or on Family Weekend. Or the chefs who ensure our students with food allergies can eat nutritious and tasty food every day. Or the landscaping crew who makes our campus beautiful every day. Or the person who answers the phone — yes, a real person! — and makes sure the caller on the other end of the line gets the help they need. Appalachian’s staff take pride in their work and connect the university with our community. Generations of local families have not only worked here, supporting our students and faculty, but they have supported their families, and served every corner of our community, particularly those who are the least visible and have the most needs. The difference made by Appalachian’s staff has connected generations and made a lasting impact!

For 125 years, the faculty have applied their expertise in the classroom, inspiring our students to have confidence in themselves, to step into the unknown with curiosity and to become innovative leaders and problem-solvers in their careers and their communities. They are published experts in their fields who not only represent Appalachian nationally and internationally, but also serve our community, raising families here, coaching community sports teams, supporting our schools, our religious communities and our service organizations. Appalachian’s faculty lead their students on expeditions to conduct research at the highest elevations in the world, work with them in labs to help cure diseases and inspire them to make our communities stronger, healthier and more prosperous. Our faculty make a lasting impact on their students and their mentorships often remain well beyond graduation, and become lasting friendships.

For 125 years, from an enrollment of approximately 53 in 1899 to over 21,000 in 2024, our students have embodied the legacy of Appalachian, studying and excelling in classes from education, to business, to government, to music, to health care. 

Appalachian’s students gain exposure to the global community through opportunities such as Holland Fellows, the Mandela Fellowship and the United Nations Climate Change Conference. They also learn through serving our community through organizations such as App Builds a Home, Mountain Alliance, Western Youth Network and F.A.R.M. Cafe.

These local-to-global connections allow them to explore their passions. Our students come, they learn, grow, and they go to make an impact on the world.

This is a school where a veteran with passion and a dream can take an idea and a solar-powered golf cart and build a nationally recognized and respected solar race team that competes — and wins — against some of the best engineering schools across the United States.

This university has nurtured our community through two pandemics and three historical floods.

This is a school where a football team can travel to Texas A&M and bring home not only a win but College GameDay. And where a baseball team can bring a community together on a beautiful spring evening in the most gorgeous stadium in the United States.

Appalachian brings the biggest names in the arts to perform for audiences of thousands as well as for K-12 students throughout the region.

This is the Appalachian community that came back to our campus in its darkest hour. Some never went home. Those that mucked the mud, cleaned the grounds and sidewalks and cooked and served the meals. 80,000 meals after the storm and over 6,100 Tuesday night for a community appreciation Thanksgiving. The ones that gave the hugs, the smiles, dried the tears and offered words of encouragement and the ones that came together throughout the region with love and donations for our disaster relief. Appalachian makes an impact and a difference.

You see, Appalachian is more than the 1,200 acres of buildings and greenspace — more than brick and mortar. It's the staff, the faculty, the administrators, and the students, who become a passionate and mighty alumni base, they are the experiences that make up Appalachian that change lives and communities — not just here in Boone, but throughout the world. 

Together, we make a lasting impact with our “Alma Mater in the hills!”

Happy 125th, Appalachian!

Dr. Bettie Bond

This is a fact. If you get old enough — and you stick around with people that you love — you become a real source of institutional memory.

I am so lucky. John and I came in 1971, and as a result, he and I have known every chancellor. You can start with Plemmons and then Wey, Thomas, Borkowski … 

I didn't know the Doughertys. But John and I do know the Doughertys. One day, when the university was in the process of moving the Dougherty house to Mystery Hill, there were some Physical Planet people out digging around in the yard, and John wondered what was going on. He walked over and they were digging up clumps of dirt that contained pawpaw tree roots. Yes, I'll take some of those. He brought them home and they have now taken over our side yard. If anybody would like to have a connection, as we do, with B.B. and D.D. through their pawpaws, all you have to do is come by.

Today, it is really such an honor for me to be able to ring this bell, to remember all those men who led our school over last 125 years, and also to remember there were so many people that made our lives as faculty members so good. Bill Strickland, Cratis Williams … I could go on and on.

When I ring this bell later in the ceremony, I want you all to remember at least one person who made such a difference for you.

We have absolutely wonderful staff here at the university, from the bottom to the top. They're just fabulous. As well as the faculty. 

But, we all know who runs the place, right? It's the secretaries. Yes, we know that. 

When I ring the bell later, please remember, for yourself, one of those people that made the difference for you in the last 125 years. 

Thank you.

Jeannine Uunderdown Collins

I am now honored to introduce Appalachian State University’s 2024 class of the Bell Ringers Society.

In a moment, we will begin the ceremony.

Chancellor Heather Norris will begin by ringing the Founders Bell three times, signifying our founders — B.B., D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty. 

Chancellor Norris, you represent the university’s current leadership and symbolize the future of this great institution. Please begin the ceremony with three rings of the Founders Bell.

Will each member of Appalachian State University’s 2024 class of the Bell Ringers Society please come forward as I read your name, ring the Founders Bell one time and then receive a pin from Chancellor Norris.

• Dr. Bettie Bond is a retired professor emerita of history for Appalachian State University who served 23 years. She taught, mentored and supported countless students, instructed the Watauga College United Nations curriculum and taught in the Adult Learner Program. Our community has benefited from Dr. Bond’s expertise and boundless energy in numerous ways, including through her support and leadership with the Appalachian Theatre, the Watauga County Historical Society, the Watauga County Community Foundation and the university and county libraries.

Today, she represents past, present and future faculty whose teaching, research and service spark the imagination and creativity of our student body.

• Vice Chancellor Hank Foreman has served the university for 31 years and is currently vice chancellor of external affairs and strategic initiatives, chief of staff and secretary of the university. While a graduate student here, he became a champion of the arts — a role he would continue throughout his career. His influence is felt throughout the region and includes curating, jurying and supporting hundreds of exhibitions and public art programs in the tri-state area, as well as his leadership of An Appalachian Summer Festival, the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts — of which he was the founding director and chief curator. It was his vision that led to the university’s arts corridor, and the Founders Plaza and Founders Bell Pavilion honoring our founders.

Today, he represents Appalachian State University’s arts programs and the significance of the university’s continuing arts legacy within the community and region. 

• Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman has more than 50 years of public service, the last 18 as sheriff. A two-time graduate of App State, Sheriff Hagaman is a Watauga County native and a U.S. Army veteran who has served not only his country but also his community in many roles. In addition to being our sheriff, he has served as the Boone Town Manager, a Watauga County Commissioner and an adjunct faculty member at the university, teaching political science and public administration.

Today, he represents the significance of the 125-year partnership between the university and the remarkable Boone community that has been our home.

• Kaaren Hayes recently retired after 36 years of service to the university and its Parent to Parent Family Support Network of the High Country, a program that provides resources and support to families who have children with special needs. During this time, she became the program director, earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and an undergraduate teaching certificate and raised three children. As program director, she grew Parent to Parent from serving Watauga County families to serving hundreds of families in seven High Country counties, building relationships with the university and educational, medical and service agencies to ensure comprehensive support. 

Today, she represents all staff — past, present and future — and the strong bond of community outreach at Appalachian State University.

• Kathryn Long, from Jackson, NC, is a senior communication sciences and disorders major. She is the university’s 58th student body president and a member of the Honors College. Kathryn has dedicated her academic career to helping other students, including serving as a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader, helping new students adjust to college life, and, serving, in her words, as “a walking book of knowledge about App State.” Kathryn’s leadership also includes serving as a student guide for the university’s Trailhead leadership development program, and the Spirit and Traditions Council of the Appalachian Popular Programming Society. She is the recipient of the Plemmons Leadership Scholarship in recognition of her leadership qualities and activities.

Today, she represents Appalachian State University students and the promise they have to make our university, and our world, better for each incoming generation.

• Ellen Otterbourg, granddaughter of D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty, is represented here today by her niece, Doris Stam. Ellen recalls visiting her grandparents at their Rivers Street home. Her memories of this university and its founders hold a special place in her heart. She spent many hours within Watauga Academy, the bell tower of which is replicated in Founders Plaza. She enjoyed her time with Uncle Blan and adored her grandmother. She loved listening to Lillie sing and play the piano and guitar. Thanks to her father, Reverend O.L. Brown, who captured and preserved the early history of the university and B.B., D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty, we have a primary source for understanding the foundation and legacy we celebrate today.

• Rosanne Peacock, Appalachian’s seventh first lady, dedicated herself to supporting students, lifting up and recognizing the importance of staff, and celebrating faculty. She made the Chancellor’s home the Appalachian House, ensuring it would be a welcoming place that belonged to the entire university community, and she established important traditions that honored the past and built for the future. Her many talents, love for the arts and passion for the university led her to develop a regular program on local television, during which she conducted countless interviews, helping share the university’s news, and built upon the community relationships she established and nurtured. She made a difference in the lives of students, faculty and staff at Appalachian in ways no other first ladies of our university have. 

Today, in addition to representing the few and influential women who have held the significant role of partner, hostess, liaison, and prominent citizen, she also honors the memory of her husband, Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock, and represents the Office of the Chancellor.

• Dr. Melba Spooner is dean of the Reich College of Education, one of the first colleges founded at the university. Dr. Spooner, who has served in her role as dean since 2016, is a nationwide leader in professional education accreditation efforts, who has held leadership roles at state and national levels on issues related to accreditation and education policy. She is also a statewide leader in developing and supporting efforts of university-school partnerships, which includes establishing Appalachian State University as one of the anchor institutions with the North Carolina New Teacher Support Program, and growing and developing the university’s laboratory school program.

Today, she represents the university’s legacy of providing educational access across the region.

• Board of Trustees Vice Chair Tommy Sofield is an alumnus of the Class of 1976. Tommy established himself as an entrepreneur and leader while still a student. He was captain of the 1975 Mountaineers football team, and to this day remains a champion for his alma mater. During his sophomore year, he opened a Boone sub shop, through which he would provide gainful employment to students for 14 years. He went on to develop successful manufacturing and real estate development companies, while raising a family with his wife and partner, Debbie. He is known for his kindness and compassion, and for being a source of strength for his community. Recognizing the significance of how a football scholarship changed his life decades ago, he and Debbie have determined to ensure that opportunity remains for others, and they have been enduring and significant supporters of App State Athletics and scholarship programs.

Today, he represents the university’s Board of Trustees and Mountaineer athletics.

Congratulations to our newest class of the Bell Ringers Society! You honor our university with your service and dedication. 

This concludes our program in celebration of Appalachian State University’s 125th year. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us today.

We hope you will join us next year for Founders Day, when we expect it will be much sunnier! We will induct a new class of Bell Ringers and again highlight meaningful moments in our history. 

Thank you!