Lehrer to showcase Victoria College’s ‘Celebrate the Journey’ events

Victoria College will celebrate almost 100 years of impacting the Crossroads region with “Celebrate the Journey” events on Tuesday, April 2 including the grand opening of a Museum of the Coastal Bend exhibit, a John W. Stormont Lecture and recognition of one of VC’s most renowned alumni.

Victoria College alumnus Jim Lehrer, former news anchor for PBS NewsHour and moderator of 12 presidential debates, will kick off the day-long series of events by opening the Museum of the Coastal Bend’s outdoor exhibit, “The Journey: Victoria College Through the Decades” at 11 a.m..

Sponsored by the Victoria College Foundation, the exhibit examines the varying roles of Victoria College. Visitors can learn how VC has responded to student and community needs and outside influences such as wars, social movements and the economy.

“In these days of headline-driven news and fast-paced lives, museum exhibits offer us a chance to reflect and find meaning,” said Sue Prudhomme, VC executive director of cultural affairs. “As the college approaches its 100-year anniversary, ‘The Journey’ offers an important tool for reflection on the many roles that Victoria College has filled through the years and a springboard for planning the course over the next 100 years.”

A ceremony honoring Lehrer, who attended Victoria College in 1953-55, will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the historic site of the Trailways Bus Station, located near the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts.

Lehrer will conclude the day’s events at 7:30 p.m. at the Leo J. Welder Center with a lecture titled “All Aboard.” Lehrer will speak about his time as editor of VC’s newspaper, The Jolly Roger, while working nights at the local bus depot as a ticket agent.

All events are open to the public, and admission is free.

“We look forward to celebrating Victoria College’s prestigious past while also providing a glimpse into our exciting future,” said VC President Dr. David Hinds. “We are very proud to have Victoria College’s own Jim Lehrer showcase this event, and we welcome the public to join in celebrating the success of its community college.”

The Museum of the Coastal Bend is located on Victoria College’s Main Campus at 2200 E. Red River Street. The Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts is located at 214 N. Main Street, and the ceremony will be held near 101 W. Goodwin Avenue.