In looking through the terrific collection of North Carolina newspapers recently added to Chronicling America, I came across a note from Chapel Hill describing what sounds a lot like an early version of the Carolina Covenant.
Launched in 2003, the Carolina Covenant is UNC’s promise to encourage and support all qualified students, regardless of their ability to pay. It is an innovative program that has been the model for many others around the country.
Here’s what I found in the October 6, 1836 issue of the North-Carolina Standard, a Raleigh paper:
While the phrase “too indigent to defray College expenses” sounds old-fashioned, the sentiment is very much the same as the current program.