Samford University's Children's Learning Center will celebrate its fifth anniversary Monday (JULY 21) with special afternoon activities.
An open house from 5 - 6:30 p.m. will include a brief program at 5:30 p.m. featuring Center students, and honoring Mr. and Mrs. Paul Piper of Waco, Texas. The Piper's family foundation made a significant financial contribution for the Center's construction. The Pipers will be honored for "distinctive leadership in early childhood education," according to David Finn, associate professor of education and faculty director of the Samford CLC.
The public is invited to the anniversary and open house.
The program also will acknowledge Samford's relationship with neighboring Southern Progress Corporation, which provides the CLC with an annual grant that allows Southern Progress employees to use the Center's services.
The CLC opened in July of 1998 to provide services to Samford families, and as a teaching laboratory for Samford education students. "Our goal is to provide a model for early childhood education," Dr. Finn said.
A unique aspect of the Center, Finn added, is its focus on children with special needs. The Center also features child-centered art from a variety of artists who frequently show their art at Loretta Goodwin Galleries. Goodwin has a granddaughter who attends the CLC.
The Samford Children's Learning Center is located at 1939 South Lakeshore Drive, near the Homewood National Guard Armory.