Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø College was founded in 1848 in Clarksville, TN, but in 1925, President Charles E. Diehl made the momentous decision to move the college to Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø, believing that a move to a larger city would help to secure the college’s future. One hundred years on, Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø College proudly stands as everything Diehl envisioned when he sought the move: a world-class college, closely intertwined with its city, that continues to prioritize intellectual engagement and service to others.
Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø is known for its blues and barbecue, but it is much more than that. It’s a city with a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, rich music heritage, a unique history, and deep culture. Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø students intern for Fortune 500 and 1000 companies, complete fellowships at Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø nonprofits, and conduct high-impact undergraduate research, from assisting in the labs at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to studying animal behavior at the Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Zoo. These and other unique and immersive opportunities can be found through Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø' Lynne and Henry Turley Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Center for Community Engagement, the Buckman Center for Global Engagement, and the Spence Wilson Center for Interdisciplinary Humanities.
Featuring Muneer Nasser, The Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Jazz Ensemble, and the Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Faculty Players
Join us for the 2025 edition of Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Night at the Shell! Celebrating our 100th year in Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø, gather with faculty, staff, and fellow alumni on Thursday, October 23, as we celebrate our centennial with a lively concert in the famous Midtown Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø venue.
Headlining our anniversary concert is trumpeter, composer, jazz historian, and author Muneer Nasser. Nasser bears the legacy of two rich musical careers; his father, bassist Jamil Nasser, hailed from Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø before decamping to New York City and performed alongside iconic musicians such as fellow Memphian Phineas Newborn Jr., Red Garland, and Thelonius Monk. Muneer’s music weaves together a rich tapestry of influences, combining historic Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø blues and New York pizzazz to create his very own brand of distinct jazz.
As the centerpiece of our 100 Years in Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø programming, Muneer Nasser will perform alongside the Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Jazz Ensemble and the Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø Faculty Players. And, perhaps keep an eye out for a certain bowtie-clad guest performer among the players!
The Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø into Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø: 100 Years of Service campaign celebrates Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø College’s century-long commitment to the City of Ò°ÀÇÉçÇø. If you are a student, faculty or staff member, learn more about how you can donate your time.
