A record crowd of alumni and friends will celebrate West Virginia University and its land-grant mission as part of the 16th Annual Capital Classic luncheon. The sold-out event, hosted by the WVU Alumni Association, will be held at noon Jan. 18 at the Charleston Embassy Suites. More than 35 affiliates, divisions, units, schools and colleges of WVU are set to participate in the luncheon which takes place prior to the WVU-Marshall men’s basketball game.

WVU President Jim Clements will discuss the importance of West Virginia’s land-grant university to the state, nation and world and preview a video that highlights WVU initiatives in the K-12 STEM education, rural health care, research and outreach abroad. They represent and celebrate the land-grant mandate. Hundreds of alumni, legislators, government leaders, parents and friends of WVU are expected to be on hand for the event.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, as well as Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin, are expected to attend the luncheon and offer greetings. The men’s basketball coaches and players will also visit briefly.

“The Capital Classic is always a great celebration of West Virginia University. Our alumni and fan base is tremendous here in the Kanawha Valley, and this event serves as a great opportunity to share the story of WVU’s land-grant mission and service,” said Steve Douglas, president and CEO, WVU Alumni Association.

The WVU women’s team will face off against Marshall on Tuesday, Jan. 17, hosted by the Alumni Association. Before attending the women’s game, alumni and fans can meet and greet fellow Mountaineers from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Salons D & F at Charleston Marriott Town Center (200 Lee St. East, Charleston).

Fans can view the Orange Bowl Trophy being presented by United Bank, as well as enjoy performances by the Mountaineer and WVU Cheerleaders . Attendees will also have the chance to win a one-of-a-kind prize basket courtesy of the WVU Women’s Team.

Prior to the men’s game, alumni and fans can gather at the North Hall of the Charleston Civic Center for Fanfare Jan. 18 from 5:30-7:30. These events, which annually attract thousands, are free and open to all WVU fans and are sponsored by the WVU Alumni Association.

Fanfare will include the Orange Bowl Trophy, interactive games and displays, unique giveaways, video highlights, performance by musician Jackson Monsour, complimentary snacks and Zide’s Mountaineer Market where fans can purchase their favorite WVU merchandise.

The Chesapeake Energy Capital Classic women’s game tips off at 7 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center (Jan. 17). Tickets for the women’s game can be purchased at the Civic Center Box Office or by calling 304-345-SHOW. The sold-out men’s game tips off on Wednesday (Jan. 18) at 7:30 p.m.

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CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304.293.0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu