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On Tuesday (March 30), the William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill welcomed its 1 millionth conference participant since opening its doors in 1991.

On Tuesday (March 30), the William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill welcomed its 1 millionth conference participant since opening its doors in 1991.

Bobbi Earp of Franklinton, a participant in a conference held by Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN), was recognized as the Friday Center’s 1 millionth conference attendee. The Duke University Libraries employee was presented with a commemorative letter from UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp and a number of other small gifts. Earp said she was honored to be the 1 millionth participant. “I always attend the TRLN conferences,” she said, “but for this one I was away and had to request permission to register late, so I almost missed this, but now I certainly am glad I didn’t.”

Center director Norman Loewenthal presented the commemorative items to Earp.  “Congratulations on being the millionth,” said Loewenthal, “and symbolizing all the learners and all the learning that have made this facility such a landmark within the University, the state and beyond.”

“It is very fitting that people working with books are here today, because you are the perpetual force of the University and every high school and grammar school,” said UNC President Emeritus William Friday, who participated in the celebration with his wife, Ida. The center is named for the couple. Friday, who first described the center as “the citizens’ classroom” at its groundbreaking ceremony, noted that his vision has been realized by the number of participants who have come through the center’s doors.

“This occasion reminds us of the important work being done at the Friday Center,” Thorp said. “The Friday Center stands as a central source of support for UNC’s mission to extend knowledge-based services and resources to the citizens of North Carolina and is indicative of the University’s strong commitment to public service.”

Photo:   http://tinyurl.com/yfp8lwy. Caption: Bobbi Earp received presents Tuesday from Friday Center director Norman Loewenthal, left, and William and Ida Friday, right, for being the 1 millionth conference participant at the Friday Center.

Friday Center contact: Tyler Ritter, (919) 843-5836, etritter@email.unc.edu
News Services contact: Susan Houston, (919) 962-8415, susan_houston@unc.edu

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