“You are making history today!” announced Jen Johnson through a megaphone. The assistant dean for student services was speaking to over 300 students, faculty and staff who shouted and cheered as they took their place within the outlines of a “one” and two “zeros” staked out on CIU’s soccer field.  

Wearing white t-shirts reading “A Century of God’s Faithfulness 1923-2023,” the group braved the 90-plus degree heat to celebrate CIU’s 100^th anniversary by forming a “Human 100” while waving up at a photography drone “piloted” by CIU Staff Photographer Noah Allard.

Johnson said the photoshoot was a collaboration between Student Life and other campus departments with the students “jumping in and making it their own.” 

“It really is history in the making and I’m so excited to be a part of it,” she added. 

About a half dozen male students broke into an impromptu (and a bit off-key) rendition of “Happy Birthday to CIU” as they waited for the drone to be in the proper position. Following the 15-minute photoshoot, the “Human 100” broke rank and swarmed around coolers stocked with grape, lime and orange popsicles.

As CIU Interim President Dr. Rick Christman made his way to a shady spot near the field he said he had never participated in this kind of photoshoot.

“It’s really neat to see students, faculty and staff out here having a good time as they participate in this century mark for CIU,” Christman said.

CIU alumni Lee and Tammy Tumey were in the photo. The couple, who are also employed by CIU, represent a combined 50-plus years of CIU’s history.

“If you’re looking for me in the photo, I’m the guy in the white shirt on the second row,” Lee quipped.

Of course, everyone was wearing a white shirt.

Afterward, sophomore Becca Kohlmyer was relaxing on a couch and recuperating from the heat in the air conditioning of the Rossi Student Center.

Understanding the historic significance of the photo, Kohlmyer says she’ll “absolutely” look for herself in the photo. “Who doesn’t?” she asked.

Check out the 100^th anniversary events at CIU.edu/100.

CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South.  Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.