West Virginia Universitys Center for Black Culture and Research will host the 2003 Belmear New Student Open House from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, August 28, at the Center (590 Spruce Street).

The Open House at the CBC &R is an annual barbeque to welcome new and returning WVU students,said Dr. Katherine Bankole, director of the CBC &R.Each year students get another opportunity to meet with faculty, staff and administrators, and we welcome everyone to attend this fun event.

University faculty, staff, upperclass mentors in the Centers PASSkey (Personalized Academic Support Service) program and members of the community will be available to talk with freshmen and returning students throughout the day.

Horace and Geraldine Belmear, for whom the event is named, both worked with WVU s African-American student population for many years.

The Belmears have dedicated more than 50 years to ensuring the recruitment and success of African-American students at WVU ,Bankole said.

In 1971, Geraldine Belmear became advisor for black student 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.

For more information on the Belmear New Student Open House and barbeque, call 304-293-7029.