BLUEFIELD — Lighthouse on the Hill: The Bluefield College Story is now available for sale to the public.
The book, the school's first published history since 1972, was originally unveiled to alumni, faculty, staff and students during the college's Homecoming festivities on campus.
As part of the celebration of the release of Lighthouse on the Hill, the school offered a book signing and sale, featuring author David Armbrister, a 1954 Bluefield College alumnus and retired senior professor of history. Armbrister signed dozens of books during the event, including the first book to Librarian Werner Lind and President David Olive to be housed in BC's Easley Library.
Now, the Bluefield College Story is available for sale to the public at-large through the BC Bookstore at a price of $30.
The creation of a new published history for Bluefield College was a multi-year project that involved Armbrister in months of researching, interviewing, surveying, writing, editing and rewriting.
“It is a fascinating 140-page story of the people, the passion and the events that make Bluefield College,” said BC's Chris Shoemaker, director of public relations, “from its founding in 1922 to current day 2008.” The book also includes more than 200 photos, “that also tell the Bluefield College story,” Shoemaker said. According to other readers, it is a tremendous resource for local residents to learn more about the mutually beneficial relationship between Bluefield College and the community.
“Through this book, local residents will realize not only the importance of Bluefield College to this area, but also the importance of area people to the college,” said BC alumnus Clarence Mayberry. “Not many people are aware of the contributions local citizens and community leaders, past and present, have made to Bluefield College.”
Mayberry added that the new history book sheds light on how the college has “survived” more than 85 years, while still continuing to “produce outstanding leaders” for the community.
For more information about Lighthouse on the Hill: The Bluefield College Story, call the BC Office of Public Relations at 276-326-4212. To order a copy of the publication, call 276-326-4260.