On February 5, 1908, First District A & M officially opened its doors
with four faculty members and 15 students. News of the school's opening
spread throughout the area and by the end of March, enrollment had grown
to a high of 42 students.

For the local citizenry, this date 100 years ago marked the completion
of an impressive bid of land, labor, utilities and cash. What could not
possibly have been known at the time, is that Georgia Southern
University would educate more than 75,000 alumni in its first century of
existence. Local residents at the time would also be surprised to learn
that thousands of students are currently pursuing their degrees from all
parts of Georgia, the United States and the world.

After 100 years, Georgia Southern University continues to open its doors
to students and educators, to discoveries, ideas and the pursuit of
knowledge. Through these doors walk tomorrow's leaders -- the
scientists, the educators, the business people, the healthcare
professionals and more.

One hundred years after the first day of class, we continue to be
thankful for those who put forth the effort and resources to establish
this institution. As classes begin on campus today, we recognize 100
years of outstanding education and wonder what those original 15
students and four faculty members would think if they were to walk onto
campus today?