West Virginia State University (WVSU) is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding with a series of events beginning this month and continuing throughout the year.
Authorized by the U.S. Congress as a land-grant institution under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, the West Virginia Legislature established the West Virginia Colored Institute, now WVSU, on March 17, 1891, to provide education to African-American citizens.
“Since its establishment in 1891, West Virginia State has consistently and boldly embraced a commitment to excellence, accountability and student-centeredness,” said WVSU President Brian O. Hemphill. “Throughout the spring semester and for the duration of the year, the State family will celebrate its rich, storied history through a series of events designed to pay homage to the accomplishments of generations of Yellow Jackets who are proud to call West Virginia State home.”
In celebration of the 125th anniversary, and in tribute to Black History Month, the following are some of the events taking place in February:
“West Virginia State’s Love Story,” a lecture and tribute to Black History Month by WVSU Assistant Vice President for University Advancement, Adam Neal, and WVSU Director of Alumni Relations, Belinda Fuller, on Feb. 11 beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Dr. Ann Brothers Smith Conference Room of the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall.
“WVSU Land-Grant: Then and Now,” a lecture by WVSU Vice President for Research and Public Service, Dr. Orlando F. McMeans, on Feb. 18 beginning at 12:30, also in the Brothers Smith Conference Room.
West Virginia State University Day at the Capitol will take place Feb. 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main building of the West Virginia State Capitol Complex.
“125 Years of History at West Virginia State,” a lecture and tribute to Black History Month by WVSU History Professor, Dr. Billy Joe Peyton, on Feb. 25 beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Brothers Smith Conference Room.
“Earl Lloyd Day,” a tribute to WVSU alum Earl Francis Lloyd, “The Big Cat,” the first African-American to play in an NBA game, on Feb. 26 at noon in the D. Stephen and Diane H. Walker Convocation Center, Earl Francis Lloyd Lobby.
All events are free and open to the public.
Many of WVSU’s 125th anniversary events will take place around Founders Day on March 17, and include open houses of historic campus buildings, an exhibit on the University’s history of service in the Drain-Jordan Library and an art display in the Della Brown Taylor Hardman Art Gallery in the Davis Fine Arts Building.
On March 17, beginning at 12:30 p.m. there will be a campus-wide program and luncheon in the D. Stephen and Diane H. Walker Convocation Center with a formal program highlighting the history of the University and its impact. The celebration will include a birthday cake and a luncheon and is free and open to the public.
Following Founders Day, the University will continue to celebrate its 125th anniversary with events throughout the remainder of the year including a celebration of 100 years of ROTC on April 22, and the University’s annual Homecoming celebration Sept. 29-Oct. 1.
For a complete listing of all 125th anniversary events and activities please visit, www.wvstateu.edu/125.
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