ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ was founded in 1848 in Clarksville, TN, but in 1925, President Charles E. Diehl made the momentous decision to move the college to Memphis, believing that a move to a larger city would help to secure the college’s future. One hundred years on, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ proudly stands as everything Diehl envisioned when he sought the move: a world-class college, closely intertwined with its city, that continues to prioritize intellectual engagement and service to others.
Memphis is known for its blues and barbecue, but it is much more than that. It’s a city with a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, rich music heritage, a unique history, and deep culture. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students intern for Fortune 500 and 1000 companies, complete fellowships at Memphis nonprofits, and conduct high-impact undergraduate research, from assisting in the labs at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to studying animal behavior at the Memphis Zoo. These and other unique and immersive opportunities can be found through ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½' Lynne and Henry Turley Memphis Center for Community Engagement, the Buckman Center for Global Engagement, and the Spence Wilson Center for Interdisciplinary Humanities.
Featuring Muneer Nasser, The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Jazz Ensemble, and the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Faculty Players
Join us for the 2025 edition of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Night at the Shell! Celebrating our 100th year in Memphis, gather with faculty, staff, and fellow alumni on Thursday, October 23, as we celebrate our centennial with a lively concert in the famous Midtown Memphis venue.
Headlining our anniversary concert is trumpeter, composer, jazz historian, and author Muneer Nasser. Nasser bears the legacy of two rich musical careers; his father, bassist Jamil Nasser, hailed from Memphis before decamping to New York City and performed alongside iconic musicians such as fellow Memphian Phineas Newborn Jr., Red Garland, and Thelonius Monk. Muneer’s music weaves together a rich tapestry of influences, combining historic Memphis blues and New York pizzazz to create his very own brand of distinct jazz.
As the centerpiece of our 100 Years in Memphis programming, Muneer Nasser will perform alongside the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Jazz Ensemble and the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Faculty Players.
As part of his visit to Memphis, Nasser will give a public talk on Wednesday, Oct. 22, about the life and influence of his father. The talk will include a discussion of his book, Upright Bass: The Musical Life and Legacy of Jamil Nasser. The talk begins at 6 p.m. in Blount Auditorium on the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ campus. It is free but .
Ever since President Charles Diehl moved the College from Clarksville in 1925, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and Memphis have been connected to one another. This panel explores those connections during the late 20th century, as two distinguished ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ alumni and Memphis leaders discuss their experiences during a tumultuous and transformative time in the history of Memphis and the college. Moderated by ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Religious Studies professor Dr. Stephen Haynes, panelists Sally Jones Heinz ’81 and Russell Wigginton ’88 will reflect on the Civil Rights Movement and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis, as well as on the lasting impact that those events had on their life experiences and career trajectories. The conversation will not only bear witness to an important historical era, it will also prompt reflection on the college’s current and future relationship to one of America’s most important cities.
The event is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to . The event will take place on Tuesday, November 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Blount Auditorium in Buckman Hall.
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ into Memphis: 100 Years of Service campaign celebrates ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s century-long commitment to the City of Memphis. If you are a student, faculty, or staff member, learn more about how you can donate your time.
