As Furman University approaches its third century, Dr. Nashieli Marcano, Archivist for Digital Collections, is leading an exciting new initiative: The Paladin Legacy Project: Preserve Your Stories. This project empowers Furman’s student organizations to document their unique histories, ensuring that their legacies are preserved for future generations.
Through her work in Special Collections and University Archives, Nashieli has long understood the importance of capturing the diverse voices that shape Furman’s campus culture. The Paladin Legacy Project is a response to that mission—equipping student groups with the resources they need to preserve their organizational records and make them part of Furman’s historical narrative.
Why Your Story Matters
Every student organization at Furman contributes to the richness of campus life, and The Paladin Legacy Project provides the tools to safeguard those contributions. Whether your group has been around for decades or was just recently founded, documenting your history shows the progress, development, and impact of your organization on the Furman community and beyond.
Even if your group’s records are minimal—such as social media posts, photos, or meeting notes—those materials still play an important role in telling your story. By contributing to this project, your organization can ensure its legacy lives on long after your time at Furman.
What Can You Preserve?
The project offers guidance on how to preserve a wide range of materials, from physical artifacts to digital media. You can contribute:
- Founding Documents (constitutions, bylaws, policies)
- Meeting Materials (agendas, minutes, video/audio recordings)
- Publicity and Publications (posters, newsletters, event flyers)
- Social Media Content (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok)
- Artifacts and Merchandise (T-shirts, banners, keychains)
Even small contributions help paint a picture of your organization’s role in Furman’s history.
Your Choices, Your Legacy
The Paladin Legacy Project gives you full control over what is preserved. You decide what materials to share and what should remain private. With options like access restrictions, use limitations, and redaction of sensitive information, your records can be tailored to your organization’s needs.
Get Involved!
Interested in preserving your organization’s history? Visit The Paladin Legacy Project: Preserve Your Stories website to learn more about how to get started. For personalized assistance, reach out to Nashieli Marcano, who is available to help guide your organization through the process and answer any questions.
The project is already gaining traction, with groups like SDC, FPA, AKA, FUSAB, HOLA, DREAM, and YDSA expressing interest in participating. If your student organization would like to get involved, contact Nashieli to schedule a consultation.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to Elizabeth Scott (’26), Kathie Sloan, and Christy Allen for their invaluable help in bringing this project to life.
By contributing to The Paladin Legacy Project, you can ensure that the story of your organization becomes a lasting part of Furman’s legacy. Join us in preserving the impact of Furman’s student organizations for future generations!