Week of celebration in store to commemorate WVU Parkersburg’s 50th anniversary CONTACT: President's office, 304.424.8200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Parkersburg, W.Va. 9/1/11 – In celebration of its 1961 beginnings, West Virginia University at Parkersburg will hold a series of events during “Founders Week,” Sept. 12 – 17. The week concludes with a gala fundraiser and special convocation ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary. The schedule of activities includes:   Campus kickoff, Monday, Sept. 12, 11 a.m. – Members of the college community can enjoy hot dogs, refreshments and music by the Glenville State Bluegrass Band in the school’s courtyard. WVU at Parkersburg Foundation Annual Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 11:30 a.m. – This meeting takes place in the college’s community room. Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 5 p.m. – Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its after-hours event in the college’s community room. A special visual impact presentation by Richard Hight will follow at 7 p.m. in the theatre. Hight is a renowned inspirational keynote speaker who uses the fine arts to creatively communicate positive, life-changing messages. WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors Meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 5:45 p.m. – The Board of Governors will meet in room 2209-2211. Action items on the agenda include approval for a certificate program in general studies and a reduction in graduation fee. Visit www.wvup.edu/board_of_governors to view the complete agenda. Alumni reception, Thursday, Sept. 15, 5:30 p.m. – WVU Parkersburg alumni are invited to visit with former instructors and classmates and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres. Special performance, Thursday, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. – The Profs will perform in the college theatre. This musical group includes former WVU Parkersburg professors George Lamb, Gene Barry and Roger Allen. 50th Anniversary Gala, Friday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m. – The college activities center will be transformed into a garden party to celebrate the theme: “Strong roots, flowering future.” Tickets are $75 per person and include a sit-down dinner and entertainment by the Tim Courts Band from Bob Thompson Productions, Inc. Call 304-424-8200 for tickets. Convocation, Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – College faculty, staff, retirees and the community are invited to participate in convocation commemorating 50 years since the first class at the Parkersburg Branch of West Virginia University took place. “For the past 50 years, our institution has educated thousands of individuals – providing the knowledge and experience needed to be successful in the workplace,” said WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage. “We hope to see alumni, retirees and members of the Mid-Ohio Valley community come out and celebrate with us.” The Parkersburg Branch of West Virginia University opened in September 1961 with 104 students. It was located in an abandoned elementary school, provided by Wood County Schools, on Emerson Avenue. It became Parkersburg Community College in 1971 and was re-designated WVU Parkersburg in 1989. The college has grown to be the fourth largest public college in West Virginia with more than 4,500 students. For additional information, contact: Katie Wootton WVU Parkersburg Director of Marketing and Communications 304-424-8203 E-mail Recent Releases News Archive