Staying the course

摘要

Whatever you do, Mr. Cunningham, don't turn all the lights on in this building atthe same time." So began Christopher Newport University's (CNU) classes on September 8, 1961. This university, which is now over 50 years old, has grown and thrived, developing beyond those dire words of warning from a city electrical inspector given just days before the start of classes in a renovated, abandoned public school building. CNU's consistent growth may be attributed to its vision and to its drive for excellence.Long before the doors opened in 1961, CNU's leaders knew they wanted the school to be more than a two-year college. They envisioned the day when not only Bachelor degrees would be offered but also Master's and Doctoral programs. The vision of what the college would become drove many decisions made during the first two decades of the college's existence.