WVU Alumni Association to host 12th Annual Capital Classic luncheon

January 17th, 2008

West Virginia University will be welcomed by a sold-out crowd of alumni and friends as part of the 12th Annual Capital Classic luncheon Wednesday, Jan. 23, prior to the WVU -Marshall basketball games. The event, hosted by the WVU Alumni Association, will take place at noon at the Charleston Embassy Suites.

More than 35 affiliates, divisions, units, schools and colleges of WVU are set to participate in the luncheon. WVU President Mike Garrison will make his first Capital Classic address to alumni, legislators, parents and friends of WVU . His speech will focus onWVU as a Unifying Force in West Virginia.

Gov. Joe Manchin III is expected to attend the luncheon and offer greetings to the more than 600 alumni and friends of WVU in attendance. Brief visits also will be made by the mens and womens basketball coaches and players. Many government officials and legislative leaders also are expected to be in attendance.

Our Capital Classic events are a wonderful opportunity to bring together alumni, parents, community leaders and friends in the Kanawha Valley to support WVU ,said Steve Douglas, president and CEO of the WVU Alumni Association.

That evening, alumni and fans can meet and greet fellow Mountaineers at WVU Fanfare, a reception in the Civic Center North Hall from 6-7:30 p.m. The event will highlight the success of WVU athletics on the national stage.

Fanfare annually attracts thousands and is free and open to all WVU fans. It is sponsored by the WVU Alumni Association, WVU Foundations University Fund, The Daily Athenaeum, WVU s Office of Events and Ceremonies, the Mountaineer Athletic Club and Liberty Mutual.

The event will include several displays, appearances by coaches, an interactive game, unique giveaways, photo opportunities (bring your own camera), video highlights, complimentary snacks, a Mountaineer Market for purchasing your favorite WVU merchandise and more.

The Chesapeake Energy Capital Classic womens game tips off at 5:30 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center. The mens game follows at 8 p.m. Both games are sold out.