West Virginia Universitys Center for Black Culture and Research will host the 2002 Belmear Reception to welcome new, returning and transfer African students at 6 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 22) at Erickson Alumni Centers Durrett Hall.

“This is a great activity for students to meet university community members and become more acquainted with the center,”said Katherine Bankole, director.”I hope we see lots of new faces, as well as many familiar ones.”

University faculty, staff and community members, as well as upper-class mentors in the centers PASSkey (Personalized Academic Support Service) program, will be available to talk with freshmen and other new students.

Horace and Geraldine Belmear, for whom the event is named, also will attend. The Belmears both worked with WVU s African American student population for many years before their retirements.

“The Belmears have dedicated more than 50 years to ensuring the recruitment and success of African American students at WVU ,”Bankole said.”We are certain that those attending will enjoy meeting the Belmears and benefit greatly from the experiences they will share.”

In 1971, Geraldine Belmear became advisor for black students at WVU . She was named assistant dean of student life in 1981 and assistant coordinator for minority affairs in 1985. Although she retired from the University in 1987, Mrs. Belmear continues to encourage young African Americans to pursue a college education.

Horace Belmear is a West Virginia State College graduate who earned his masters degree from WVU . He was WVU assistant dean of Admissions and Records for many years and later served as WVU s undergraduate minority recruiter. He retired in 1993.

The Center also will host a noon-3 p.m. barbecue on Thursday at the Spruce Street center.

The public is invited to attend both events, although reservations are suggested. For more information, call 304-293-7029.