West Virginia State University officials, students and alumni celebrated the historically black college's founding on Thursday with a ceremony on campus honoring its 125 years of history.
"This place we love so dear is still alive," said Ann Brothers Smith, chairwoman of the university's Board of Governors.
Thursday's event was one of many in a year-long celebration of the university, which was established in 1891 by acts of Congress and the West Virginia Legislature to provide African-Americans the equivalent of a high school education.
The Founder's Day ceremony included speeches from university President Brian Hemphill, as well as local and statewide lawmakers. It also featured the release of a short documentary highlighting the university's history and its impact on West Virginia and the nation.
Over the years, the university has changed, from a small school for former slaves to a full-fledged institution of higher education. It has produced some of the country's preeminent black leaders, like Carter G. Woodson, the father of black history who taught at West Virginia State; Leon Sullivan, a civil rights leader and social activist; Earl Lloyd, the first black man to play in the National Basketball Association; and Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who made significant contributions to NASA's space exploration efforts.
"You've done so much for the state," said Tim Armstead, speaker of the House of Delegates.
During the ceremony, a representative of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin noted the university's impact on West Virginia's economy while reading a proclamation for the school. Through its various programs, the university has a $225 million impact, he said.
While continued budget cuts to higher education have left many schools strapped for cash, Hemphill said West Virginia State's 125 years of service to the Kanawha Valley will continue.
"We've changed lives," he said.
Senate President Bill Cole, who also spoke at Thursday's ceremony, echoed Hemphill's statement.
"I believe the best days for West Virginia State are ahead," he said.
In addition to the ceremony, the university on Thursday hosted a concert with the Charleston Chamber Orchestra and a book signing with Charles Byers, a former provost who is releasing a collection of drawings of campus buildings.
The university will continue celebrating its founding throughout the year, until homecoming in October.
A complete listing of all 125th anniversary events and activities can be found at www.wvstateu.edu/125.
Reach Samuel Speciale at sam.speciale@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-7939 or follow @samueljspeciale on Twitter.