Washington-area alumni will welcome WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. for his annual State of the University address at noon Tuesday, March 25, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. The National Capital Area Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association will host the speech and luncheon.

The event also provides an opportunity for the extended WVU family to acknowledge the stalwart support of West Virginias congressional delegation: Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller and Reps. Alan B. Mollohan, Nick J. Rahall II and Shelley Moore Capito.

“We have a very distinguished group of advocates on Capitol Hill,”said Stephen L. Douglas, Alumni Association chief executive officer.”They are passionate in their support for higher education in West Virginia. This event provides us with a welcome opportunity to express our appreciation.”

The State of the University address on Capitol Hill is a highlight of the WVU calendar thanks, in large part, to the efforts of the National Capital Area Alumni Chapter.

“We are proud to provide President Hardesty a meaningful forum with our congressional delegation, alumni and friends and corporate partners. Its an uplifting, information-rich presentation every year that makes us all proud to support our alma mater,”said Mike Fulton, chapter leader.

Units of West VirginiaUniversity are encouraged to purchase luncheon tables for their administrators, faculty, alumni and donors. For more information, contact Kevin Berry, assistant director of the WVU Alumni Association, 293-4731.

In addition, a number of tables will be available for corporate sponsors, who will be publicly recognized at the event. BearingPoint, Golin/Harris International, Information Manufacturing Corp. and KBR /Brown&Root have made reservations to date. For more information on table sponsorships, contact Fulton via e-mail at mfulton@golinharris.com .

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the John F. Nicholas Jr. National Capital Area Chapter Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to Washington-area students attending WVU .

The WVU Alumni Association, chartered in 1873, represents more than 145,000 university graduates residing in every county in West Virginia, every state in the union and approximately 60 foreign nations. With nearly 100 registered chapters and constituent groups, the associations 26,000 dues-paying members support Homecoming Weekend, the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni and dozens of other social and philanthropic programs.