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The Appalachian Institution, Inc. was founded to encourage study, understanding and appreciation of the history, accomplishments, and values of western civilization and to address the challenges and opportunities it faces in the 21st century. The Institution presents prominent lecturers in a continuing series of residential spring and summer retreats. Known as "The Great Ideas" program, it is a forum where the great ideas of past and present are explored in a serene, scholarly atmosphere. The program also includes evening cultural performances and instruction in subjects such as art history, foreign languages or painting. A number of athletic and mountaineering activities are available The Institution was founded by Ward Purrington of Raleigh, North Carolina who also serves as President and Chairman of the Institution's Board of Directors. Mr. Purrington is a graduate of Woodberry Forest School in Orange, VA and holds AB and JD degrees from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also attended Duke University Divinity School. He is retired from the practice of law in Raleigh, NC and was for many years an active participant in North Carolina State Government, including service as a member of its General Assembly, Utilities Commission, Board of Transportation , and The University of North Carolina System Board of Governors. He also served as Legislative Counsel to the Governor and as Secretary of the state Department of Revenue. He founded Carolina Ballet as the professional ballet of the Research Triangle (NC) Region, and is a past President of The American Friends of the Chateau de Compiegne.
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