N.C. Central University has concluded its year-long series of centennial observances and now looks to the future.

The centennial ended Thursday on a scorching afternoon of pageantry along Fayetteville Street, which was shut down for a couple hours so alums could celebrate.

The party drew hundreds on an obscenely hot day. They ate cake, listened to the usual complimentary plaudits from Gov. Beverly Perdue and other dignitaries, and cheered the dedications of a new garden and some other notable historic sites.

But the centennial has been about a lot more than just pageantry. Under the leadership of Chancellor Charlie Nelms, the university presented on a year of substantive academic events tied to the centennial.

Here's more.

A year of observances linked to N.C. Central University's 100th birthday come to a close this afternoon.

The university is throwing itself a birthday bash that starts at 3 p.m. and will include some words from dignitaries like Gov. Beverly Perdue.

Festivities today are on the Brant Street Plaza just off of Fayetteville Street. Among the highlights: the dedication of a new Centennial Garden and the re-christening of the old Holy Cross Catholic Church, relocated earlier this year from its original spot along Alston Avenue.

It will now be known as the Centennial Chapel.

Events today begin with the ringing of the NCCU Bell. A representative of the U.S. Postal Service will unveil the new NCCU Centennial Cancellation stamp.

And perhaps most importantly, there will be cake.

So come on out.

I wrote recently about the dilemma facing N.C. Central University as it plans its centennial celebration: How do you throw a big bash when money's so tight?

William Evans has a lot to say about it. A 1962 NCCU alum, Evans is co-chairing the centennial effort and had lots to tell me about the university.

Here's excerpts of our conversation:

Why is this centennial a big deal for the NCCU community?

100 years. 100 years and a lot of very interesting, wonderful things have happened that tell the growth of this institution. That's why it's so important. And of course as you talk to individuals, there are personal reasons as well.

You talk about the growth. Reflect on that.