Danville’s U.S. representative honored Centre College’s 200th anniversary by entering information about the college in the Congressional Record on Jan. 11.

Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) included some of Centre’s history, which began on Jan. 21, 1819, in his entry for the record.

The Congressional Record is the country’s official record of the activity in the U.S. Congress.

“What began as a small Presbyterian college with only two professors and five students, Centre has grown into one of the top liberal arts schools in our country,” Guthrie wrote. “Given the name Centre to reflect its location in the center of Kentucky, Centre College has become a true center of academic excellence in the commonwealth.”

Guthrie included information about Centre’s low student-to-faculty ratio, robust study abroad programs and its numerous graduates who have gone on to become well-known leaders.

“Its alumni include two United States vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. I have had Centre graduates on my staff and have always been impressed by their diligence and the quality of their work,” Guthrie wrote. “My colleagues may recognize Centre College as the host of not one, but two vice presidential election debates, both in 2000 and, because the 2000 debate was handled so well, again in 2012.

“I commend Centre College for its commitment to education, and to the success of its students. I am proud to represent Centre College in Congress. Congratulations to Centre College — here’s to the next 200 years.”

A spokesperson for Guthrie, Lauren Gaydos, said Guthrie “also plans to introduce an official bill honoring Centre.”

Centre is kicking off its bicentennial celebration today. The evening celebration starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Norton Center for the Arts.

At 8 p.m., “Pieces of Time,” an exhibition of photographs from the Centre archives, will officially open. A dessert reception and toast to the College’s 200th anniversary from Alumni Association President Hank Alford ’89 will conclude the evening’s festivities.