Centenary Muses make it easier for Centenary students to get around
SHREVEPORT, LA — Two new small passenger buses are now in service at Centenary College of Louisiana thanks to the generosity of the Centenary Muses.
Formed 35 years ago, the Centenary Muses are a support group best known for their annual Book Bazaar held each September in the College’s Gold Dome. Proceeds from the book sale and other activities, such as the fall and spring Literary Study Series, support educational activities and campus projects.
The buses were officially presented to the College during the group’s August 10 luncheon.
Vice President for Development Fred Landry says funding from the Centenary Muses provides important enhancements to campus life. “The buses are the most visible sign of their support, but the Muses have been active for so many years in so many ways that no student or class has not been touched by their efforts.”
“This helps so much with providing learning opportunities off campus by making travel easier,” Landry adds.
Grace Bareikis, a retired Centenary faculty who now serves as the Book Bazaar Committee Chair, says her group receives requests from students and faculty for items to enhance educational experiences or improve life on campus. Knowing that campus vehicles used for student trips needed an upgrade, she says the Muses were excited to receive a proposal for these passenger vans.
“We knew the students needed these and wanted these,” she said. The vehicles make student transportation much more efficient and comfortable for students and their faculty. What makes the Muses' work more special, Bareikis noted, is that most members are Centenary graduates, giving back to the school.
The buses, identified by their distinctive Centenary graphics, carry up to 15 passengers each and will be used for class field trips and for transporting student athletes to and from games. The buses have also been pressed into service as shuttles for the College’s recent commencement and during the annual meeting of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.
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The 2016 Book Bazaar organized by the Centenary Muses is scheduled for September 9 and 10 in the Centenary College Gold Dome. Doors open Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. Parking is available at the Dome. Proceeds from books and other media sales support Centenary students and programs.