Mississippi Valley State University will begin a yearlong celebration of its 60th anniversary with a round of activities this week.
Gary McGaha, president of Atlanta Metropolitan College and a graduate of Valley, will deliver the keynote address for the celebration.
“How fortunate MVSU is to celebrate its 60th anniversary and welcome one of its own home,” MVSU President Donna Oliver said. “Dr. McGaha’s contributions to higher education are well documented and we celebrate his accomplishments as a product of The Valley.”
The convocation will be held Thursday beginning at 11 a.m. in the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium.
Prior to the convocation, a memorial ceremony will be held at the gravesite of founding president and first lady, Dr. J.H. White and Mrs. Augusta White.
Mississippi Valley State University was initially established under the name of the Mississippi Vocational College in 1946. The school was created to train teachers for rural and elementary schools and serve as an outlet for vocational training. In its first academic year, 1950-51, it had only 14 students and seven faculty members.
The name of the institution was changed to Mississippi Valley State College in 1964.
It has been known as Mississippi Valley State University since 1974, when Governor William A. Waller signed into law the bill granting the institution university status.
The schedule for Founder’s Week:
Monday
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: 60th Anniversary Pep Rally Celebration includes pep band, cookout, fraternities/sororities, DJ (pavilion)
Tuesday
11 a.m.: Valley Family Forum, panel discussion (Business Education Building Auditorium). Open to the public.
Wednesday
11:30 a.m.: Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon (Charles Lackey Recreation Center)
7:30 p.m.: MVSU Symphonic-Wind Band Spring Concert (H. G. Carpenter Auditorium). Open to the public.
Thursday
10 a.m.: Gravesite Ceremony
11 a.m.: Founder’s Day Convocation, featuring Dr. Gary A. McGaha, president of Atlanta Metropolitan College (H. G. Carpenter Auditorium). Open to the public.
Friday
11 a.m.: Video viewing of "The Legacy of Dr. James Herbert White" (Sutton Auditorium). Open to the public.
