West Virginia Universitys Center for Black Culture and Research invites the community to two upcoming welcome-back events for students.

“We always look forward to this time of year when we have the chance to meet new students and friends and welcome back returning students,”said Katherine Bankole, CBCR director.

“These are great opportunities also for the community to meet faculty and staff who are interested in supporting our mission here at the center,”Dr. Bankole said.”I hope to meet many new friends from the area at both of these occasions.”

The 2001 Belmear New/Returning Student Reception will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, for all new, transfer and returning African and African American students.

In addition to faculty, staff and community members, upperclass mentors in the Centers PASSkey (Personalized Academic Support Service) Program will be available to talk with freshmen about how best to prepare for success at WVU .

This annual event honors Horace and Geraldine Belmear, who for three generations have served the WVU and the African American communities by dedicating more than 50 years to ensure the recruitment and success of WVU s African American population.

The center also will be host of an annual New/Returning Student Open House and Barbecue from noon-3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at the center at the corner of Spruce and Prospect streets.

Everyone is invited to attend. Call 293-7029, ext. 110 for more information or to make a reservation.