Skip to main content

Appalachian Today

News and events at Appalachian State University
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Accolades
  • Alumni
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Athletics
  • Awards and Honors
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Gifts and Grants
  • Global
  • Health and Wellness
  • Publications
  • Research and Creative Works
  • Safety
  • Scholarships
  • Students
  • Sustainability
☰ Menu
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact

App State celebrates 124 years of history with Founders Day festivities

View larger image

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts, center, with the 2023 members of App State’s Bell Ringers Society. Pictured with Everts, from left to right, are Bob Snead ’55 ’57, Rebecca Eggers-Gryder ’83, Dr. Harvey Durham, J.P. Neri, Bruce Guy and Linda Guy. Photo by Chase Reynolds

“Today, we celebrate App State’s 124-year legacy of educational leadership and those who shaped it into the institution it has become. The principles our founders set forth continue to guide us to be the forward-thinking university we are today. Because of their leadership and their vision for educational excellence, we are changing lives — and changing the world.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

“Founders Day is an important time for us to reflect on the past and to also consider how future generations will remember the present. It is up to each of us to foster a university community of which B.B., D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty would be proud.”

Dr. Karl Campbell, professor in App State’s Department of History

By Brian Miller
Posted Sep. 21, 2023 at 1:36 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University celebrated its sixth annual Founders Day on Sept. 7 to commemorate the first day of classes held in 1899 at Watauga Academy — the predecessor of App State — and honor App State’s founders, B.B. Dougherty, D.D. Dougherty and Lillie Shull Dougherty.

“Today, we celebrate App State’s 124-year legacy of educational leadership and those who shaped it into the institution it has become. The principles our founders set forth continue to guide us to be the forward-thinking university we are today. Because of their leadership and their vision for educational excellence, we are changing lives — and changing the world.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

“Today, we celebrate App State’s 124-year legacy of educational leadership and those who shaped it into the institution it has become,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts. “The principles our founders set forth continue to guide us to be the forward-thinking university we are today. Because of their leadership and their vision for educational excellence, we are changing lives — and changing the world.”

The festivities began with the Founders Day ceremony at App State’s Founders Plaza, with many Dougherty family descendants in attendance. App State senior Sofi Rohlman — a music performance major from Charlotte — opened the ceremony with a vocal performance of App State’s alma mater. Chancellor Everts and Dr. Karl Campbell, professor in App State’s Department of History, then spoke to guests about the significance of Founders Day.

“Founders Day is an important time for us to reflect on the past and to also consider how future generations will remember the present. It is up to each of us to foster a university community of which B.B., D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty would be proud.”

Dr. Karl Campbell, professor in App State’s Department of History

View larger image

App State senior Sofi Rohlman — a music performance major from Charlotte — sings App State’s alma mater to open the 2023 Founders Day ceremony. Photo by Troy Tuttle

View larger image

Former App State Provost Harvey Durham rings the Founders Bell as one of this year’s inductees into the Bell Ringers Society. Photo by Troy Tuttle

“Founders Day is an important time for us to reflect on the past and to also consider how future generations will remember the present,” said Campbell. “It is up to each of us to foster a university community of which B.B., D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty would be proud.”

The ceremony included the rededication of a portrait of Lillie Shull Dougherty, which hangs in L.S. Dougherty Hall — the academic building named in her honor. Dr. Paul Worley, professor in and chair of App State’s Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, represented faculty in L.S. Dougherty Hall by unveiling the portrait.

“On behalf of my department, we are truly humbled to be in the building named after such an amazing, dynamic educator, and to carry her legacy forward,” said Worley. “We hope that from its new location, the portrait will help students who walk through the building put a face with Lillie Shull Dougherty’s name, contributing to ongoing efforts which underscore her importance in the university and its founding.”

“I think App State’s founders would have been thrilled to hear these success stories today, but I don’t think they would have been surprised. They thought about the potential of this place and what an academic institution could provide, and I think they knew it could have a global impact — and I’m proud to say that it has made a global impact.”

Dr. Lee Ball, App State’s chief sustainability officer

View larger image

Dr. Paul Worley, professor in and chair of App State’s Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, right in foreground, and Andrea Elaver, assistant director of university events, unveil the rededicated portrait of Lillie Shull Dougherty — one of App State’s three founders — during the 2023 Founders Day ceremony at Founders Plaza. Photo by Troy Tuttle

“I think App State’s founders would have been thrilled to hear these success stories today, but I don’t think they would have been surprised. They thought about the potential of this place and what an academic institution could provide, and I think they knew it could have a global impact — and I’m proud to say that it has made a global impact.”

Dr. Lee Ball, App State’s chief sustainability officer

The ceremony concluded with the traditional ringing of the Founders Bell, as six new members — representing faculty, staff, students and alumni who have made an impact on App State’s history and future — were inducted into the Bell Ringers Society. Each inductee had a chance to ring the bell before receiving a commemorative pin from the chancellor.

“An iconic symbol of App State’s history, the bell plays a prominent role in our institutional traditions and stands as a testament to the university’s enduring legacy of academic excellence,” said Everts. “As we ring the bell today, its rich tone calls out to all Mountaineers, reminding us of the significance of a vision, 124 years in the making, to ensure access to education for all.”

Following the ceremony, Founders Day continued with several more events in the Grandview Ballroom of Kidd Brewer Stadium’s north end zone facility, each revolving around this year’s theme of innovation, resilience and sustainability at App State in the past, present and future.

View larger image

Pictured, from left to right, are App State junior Zach Howard, Griffin Honea ’23 and Greta Browning of University Libraries at the 2023 Founders Day poster exhibit. Photo by Kyla Willoughby

View larger image

Dr. Baker Perry, professor in App State’s Department of Geography and Planning, speaks about his time installing weather stations around the world as part of the 2023 Founders Day sustainability lecture. Photo by Kyla Willoughby

Events included a poster exhibit by students, faculty and staff, as well as a lecture for guests to learn about the university’s many sustainability efforts.

Speakers included Griffin Honea ’23, a postgraduate scholar in App State’s Office of Sustainability, who spoke about App State’s history of resilience and sustainability; Dr. Baker Perry, a National Geographic Explorer and professor in App State’s Department of Geography and Planning, who spoke about the current environmental research being conducted by App State faculty; and Dr. Ava Udvadia, professor in and chair of App State’s Department of Biology, who spoke about App State’s future Innovation District.

“I think App State’s founders would have been thrilled to hear these success stories today, but I don’t think they would have been surprised,” said Dr. Lee Ball, App State’s chief sustainability officer. “They thought about the potential of this place and what an academic institution could provide, and I think they knew it could have a global impact — and I’m proud to say that it has made a global impact.”

View larger image

Members of Team Sunergy showcase their multi-occupant solar vehicle, ROSE, outside Kidd Brewer Stadium’s north end zone facility on App State’s Boone campus to conclude the 2023 Founders Day celebration. Photo by Kyla Willoughby

View larger image

Jeannine Underdown Collins ’79 ’81, left in foreground, who is pictured with Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Jane Barghothi, received the university’s inaugural 1899 Legacy Society Award during the 1899 Legacy Society Luncheon on Founders Day. Photo by Chase Reynolds

Founders Day concluded outside the north end zone facility with a meet-and-greet opportunity with Team Sunergy, App State’s solar vehicle team, and a tour of the team’s solar vehicle ROSE (Racing on Solar Energy).

Founders Day also offered a luncheon for members of App State’s 1899 Legacy Society, which consists of alumni and friends of the university who have included gifts to App State in their estate plans. Jeannine Underdown Collins ’79 ’81 received the inaugural 1899 Legacy Society Award, which recognizes a Mountaineer who is highly engaged, has made a planned gift commitment and has shown meaningful philanthropic support to the university. Underdown Collins is chair of the Appalachian State University Foundation Board.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

App State Bell Ringers Society — Class of 2023

App State inducted six new members into its Bell Ringers Society during the Founders Day ceremony on Sept. 7. Each inductee had a chance to ring the Founders Bell before receiving a commemorative pin from App State Chancellor Sheri Everts.

  • Harvey Durham — Durham served App State for 39 years. He was the university’s longest serving provost, having served for 24 years, and also served as acting chancellor. Durham represented App State’s faculty.
  • Rebecca Eggers-Gryder ’83 — Eggers-Gryder is district court judge in North Carolina’s 24th Judicial District. She has remained engaged with App State in various ways, including officially swearing in many members of App State’s Board of Trustees. Eggers-Gryder represented the Town of Boone and Watauga County.
  • Bruce and Linda Guy — This husband and wife team has, together, worked for App State for nearly 15 years. Both are locals and have lived in the High Country vicinity all of their lives. Bruce is an employee with App State Parking and Transportation and Linda is an employee with App State Environmental Services. The Guys represented App State’s staff.
  • J.P. Neri — Neri, from Raleigh, is a senior history major at App State. He is the university’s 57th student body president and a Chancellor’s Scholar. Neri represented current App State students.
  • Bob Snead ’55 ’57 — Snead served App State for 31 years, beginning as the director of Alumni Affairs, then becoming vice chancellor of development. He also served as An Appalachian Summer Festival’s board chair. Snead represented App State alumni.
App State celebrates Founders Day with ‘Year of the Woman’ theme
App State celebrates Founders Day with ‘Year of the Woman’ theme

Statue of D.D. Dougherty dedicated at Founders Plaza

Sep. 30, 2022

App State celebrated its fifth annual Founders Day on Sept. 6 in honor of the first day of classes held at Watauga Academy in 1899. Events included a poster exhibition, panel discussion, statue dedication, ceremony and cemetery tour.

Read the story
On Everest, App State faculty fine-tune tools for sky-high scholarship
On Everest, App State faculty fine-tune tools for sky-high scholarship

Dr. Brian Raichle joins Dr. Baker Perry and Sherpa team for weather station maintenance in Nepal

July 27, 2023

App State professors Dr. Baker Perry and Dr. Brian Raichle conducted weather station maintenance with a group of elite climbing Sherpas on Mount Everest as part of a National Geographic Society expedition, supported by Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative.

Read the story
App State’s Team Sunergy places 2nd at 2023 Formula Sun Grand Prix
App State’s Team Sunergy places 2nd at 2023 Formula Sun Grand Prix

Solar vehicle team clocks fastest lap time, completes most laps in multi-occupant category — and wins competition's Teamwork Award

July 10, 2023

Team Sunergy, App State’s solar vehicle team, placed second in the multi-occupant vehicle category of the 2023 Formula Sun Grand Prix in Topeka, Kansas. Over the course of three days, the team completed 275 laps for a total of 687.5 miles.

Read the story
Construction of App State’s Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research set to begin this summer
Construction of App State’s Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research set to begin this summer

The academic facility will be the first net-zero energy building in App State's new Innovation District

June 9, 2023

Construction for App State’s Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research — the first academic building of the university’s Innovation District — is set to begin in July. The facility, offering classroom, office, laboratory and event space, will be built to the rigorous sustainability standards of the Living Building Challenge.

Read the story

About Founders Day

Appalachian State University celebrates Founders Day each fall to honor the university’s founders — B.B. Dougherty, D.D. Dougherty and Lillie Shull Dougherty — and the first day of classes at Watauga Academy, held Sept. 5, 1899. App State began this annual tradition in 2018 with the dedication of Founders Plaza, a touchstone to the university’s early days that is located at the campus entrance on Hardin Street.

About the Bell Ringers Society

A new tradition at Appalachian State University — the ringing of the Founders Bell, an iconic symbol of App State’s history — was established Sept. 5, 2019, as the university celebrated its second annual Founders Day. Twelve members of the App State Community were selected to ring the bell 10 times each to signify the university’s 120th anniversary as an innovator and leader in higher education. These 12 bell ringers are the inaugural members of App State’s Bell Ringers Society. New members are inducted into the society each year to ring the bell on Founders Day.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

“Today, we celebrate App State’s 124-year legacy of educational leadership and those who shaped it into the institution it has become. The principles our founders set forth continue to guide us to be the forward-thinking university we are today. Because of their leadership and their vision for educational excellence, we are changing lives — and changing the world.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

“Founders Day is an important time for us to reflect on the past and to also consider how future generations will remember the present. It is up to each of us to foster a university community of which B.B., D.D. and Lillie Shull Dougherty would be proud.”

Dr. Karl Campbell, professor in App State’s Department of History

“I think App State’s founders would have been thrilled to hear these success stories today, but I don’t think they would have been surprised. They thought about the potential of this place and what an academic institution could provide, and I think they knew it could have a global impact — and I’m proud to say that it has made a global impact.”

Dr. Lee Ball, App State’s chief sustainability officer

App State Bell Ringers Society — Class of 2023

App State inducted six new members into its Bell Ringers Society during the Founders Day ceremony on Sept. 7. Each inductee had a chance to ring the Founders Bell before receiving a commemorative pin from App State Chancellor Sheri Everts.

  • Harvey Durham — Durham served App State for 39 years. He was the university’s longest serving provost, having served for 24 years, and also served as acting chancellor. Durham represented App State’s faculty.
  • Rebecca Eggers-Gryder ’83 — Eggers-Gryder is district court judge in North Carolina’s 24th Judicial District. She has remained engaged with App State in various ways, including officially swearing in many members of App State’s Board of Trustees. Eggers-Gryder represented the Town of Boone and Watauga County.
  • Bruce and Linda Guy — This husband and wife team has, together, worked for App State for nearly 15 years. Both are locals and have lived in the High Country vicinity all of their lives. Bruce is an employee with App State Parking and Transportation and Linda is an employee with App State Environmental Services. The Guys represented App State’s staff.
  • J.P. Neri — Neri, from Raleigh, is a senior history major at App State. He is the university’s 57th student body president and a Chancellor’s Scholar. Neri represented current App State students.
  • Bob Snead ’55 ’57 — Snead served App State for 31 years, beginning as the director of Alumni Affairs, then becoming vice chancellor of development. He also served as An Appalachian Summer Festival’s board chair. Snead represented App State alumni.
App State celebrates Founders Day with ‘Year of the Woman’ theme
App State celebrates Founders Day with ‘Year of the Woman’ theme

Statue of D.D. Dougherty dedicated at Founders Plaza

Sep. 30, 2022

App State celebrated its fifth annual Founders Day on Sept. 6 in honor of the first day of classes held at Watauga Academy in 1899. Events included a poster exhibition, panel discussion, statue dedication, ceremony and cemetery tour.

Read the story
On Everest, App State faculty fine-tune tools for sky-high scholarship
On Everest, App State faculty fine-tune tools for sky-high scholarship

Dr. Brian Raichle joins Dr. Baker Perry and Sherpa team for weather station maintenance in Nepal

July 27, 2023

App State professors Dr. Baker Perry and Dr. Brian Raichle conducted weather station maintenance with a group of elite climbing Sherpas on Mount Everest as part of a National Geographic Society expedition, supported by Rolex and its Perpetual Planet Initiative.

Read the story
App State’s Team Sunergy places 2nd at 2023 Formula Sun Grand Prix
App State’s Team Sunergy places 2nd at 2023 Formula Sun Grand Prix

Solar vehicle team clocks fastest lap time, completes most laps in multi-occupant category — and wins competition's Teamwork Award

July 10, 2023

Team Sunergy, App State’s solar vehicle team, placed second in the multi-occupant vehicle category of the 2023 Formula Sun Grand Prix in Topeka, Kansas. Over the course of three days, the team completed 275 laps for a total of 687.5 miles.

Read the story
Construction of App State’s Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research set to begin this summer
Construction of App State’s Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research set to begin this summer

The academic facility will be the first net-zero energy building in App State's new Innovation District

June 9, 2023

Construction for App State’s Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research — the first academic building of the university’s Innovation District — is set to begin in July. The facility, offering classroom, office, laboratory and event space, will be built to the rigorous sustainability standards of the Living Building Challenge.

Read the story

Share

Topics

  • Alumni
  • Community Engagement
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Students
  • Sustainability

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

Share

Topics

  • Alumni
  • Community Engagement
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Students
  • Sustainability

Other Recent Posts

  • 20 App State ROTC cadets commissioned to serve as Army second lieutenants
    20 App State ROTC cadets commissioned to serve as Army second lieutenants
  • App State awarded $2.3M to advance innovation in NC agriculture
    App State awarded $2.3M to advance innovation in NC agriculture
  • Kristen S. Bonatz appointed general counsel and vice chancellor of institutional integrity at App State
    Kristen S. Bonatz appointed general counsel and vice chancellor of institutional integrity at App State
  • Campus emergency siren test to be conducted June 4
    Campus emergency siren test to be conducted June 4
  • App State student-athletes extend 3.0 GPA streak to 26 straight semesters
    App State student-athletes extend 3.0 GPA streak to 26 straight semesters
  • App State nursing program receives $1 million commitment from Bedford Falls Foundation
    App State nursing program receives $1 million commitment from Bedford Falls Foundation
  • 4 new and reappointed App State Board of Trustees members to begin new terms July 1
    4 new and reappointed App State Board of Trustees members to begin new terms July 1
  • App State awards degrees to over 4,200 graduates ready to shape the future
    App State awards degrees to over 4,200 graduates ready to shape the future
  • Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
    Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
  • Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
    Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
  • N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
    N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
  • App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
    App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Galleries
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • COVID updates
  • Contact

App State

Copyright 2025 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

University Communications
ASU Box 32153
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6156
[email protected]

Abouts

Disclaimer | EO Policy | Accessibility | Website manager: montaldipa (beltmr) .. | Website Feedback

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Snapchat