West Virginia State University will begin celebrating its 125th anniversary this month.
While the official anniversary isn't until March 17, the historically black college will begin festivities in February as part of Black History Month, which was begun by Carter G. Woodson, former academic dean at the school. The college was founded in 1891.
"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," said WVSU President Brian Hemphill in a statement.
The university will celebrate its 125th anniversary and Black History Month with several lectures and special tributes on campus.
Many of the events will take place around the university's Founders Day on March 17. During that time, the university will have open house events and tours of historic buildings on campus.
On March 17, the university will have a campus-wide program and luncheon at its new convocation center. It'll highlight the university's history and impact in West Virginia.
A complete list of anniversary events can be found at www.wvstateu.edu/125. They are free and open to the public.
West Virginia State University was authorized by Congress as a land grant institution under the Second Morrill Act of 1890.
The state Legislature established the university the following year as the West Virginia Colored Institute. It has since been renamed three times - to West Virginia Collegiate Institute in 1915, to West Virginia State College in 1929 and to its current name in 2004 when university status was granted.