Continuing 25 years of tradition, WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. will deliver the annual State of the University Address in Washington, D.C., at noon Tuesday, June 10, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. The National Capital Area Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association serves as the host for the speech and luncheon.
The event was originally scheduled for March 25, but was postponed when war with Iraq became imminent. However, chapter leaders were able to quickly provide an alternative date for this important highlight on the WVU calendar.
Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the John F. Nicholas Jr. NCAC Scholarship Fund, which offers financial assistance to many Washington-area students who attend WVU .
“The State of the University has served an important role over the years,”explained Stephen Douglas, CEO of the WVU Alumni Association.”This event has always allowed us to keep the congressional delegation and their staff informed of the progress, challenges and needs of the state’s flagship university,”he continued.
Invitations have been extended to Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller and Reps. Alan B. Mollohan, Nick J. Rahall II and Shelley Moore Capitoall of whom are expected to attend the event or send a representative.
“This is such an uplifting and information-rich presentation that makes us all proud to support our alma mater,”said Mike Fulton, co-chair of the event.”The luncheon has grown from a crowd of 80 in 1979 to a capacity audience this year,”he continued.
Corporate sponsors Bering Point, General Electric, Golin/Harris International, Information Manufacturing Corp. and KBR Services Inc. join a number of sponsors in supporting the State of the University.
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 association’s 26,000 dues-paying members support Homecoming Weekend, the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni and dozens of other social and philanthropic programs.
