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CHAPEL HILL -- Gov. Bev Perdue helped UNC-Chapel Hill celebrate its 216th birthday Monday.

University Day brings together students and faculty to celebrate the history of the school and look toward the future. Oct. 12 marks the laying of the cornerstone of Old East – the institution’s first building and the oldest state university building in the nation.

"It really just represents the tradition of Carolina and how we are proud to be Tar Heels and we're going to celebrate the day we first got started here," sophomore Tricia Combs said.

University Day is a chance for the Carolina community to look back and celebrate 216 years since the start of public higher education in the U.S. back in 1793, as well as a chance to remember the historic day together.

"Carolina is a great university," UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor Holden Thorp said. "We face challenges today, but in looking at our history, we know that we can endure and excel."

University leaders acknowledge what a tough year it's been not just at UNC Chapel Hill, but for all of North Carolina.

"During the last year, the greater university composed of 17 campuses has abolished over 900 positions," UNC System President Erskine Bowles said.

But leaders also believe the universities will play a key role in overcoming the challenges and emerging from the recession as a global leader.

"We need your ability to create change and progress through knowledge and innovation. That is the way. That is the solution for lifting this entire state, and positioning North Carolina to lead America and the world," Perdue said.