Glenville State College celebrates 150 years this week

Glenville State College at Glenville, West Virginia, in the central Mountain State, kicks off its sesquicentennial celebration this week, culminating with Founder’s Day events on February 19, the anniversary of the college’s founding 150 years ago.

College president Dr. Mark A. Manchin spoke of his excitement about the anniversary and the direction the school has taken since first being established as a school for educators.

“This institution means so much, not only to me, but to its student body, faculty and staff, alumni, and the surrounding Gilmer County community,” Manchin said during a launch ceremony.

“Today, we look back and remember our storied past while also imagining an even brighter future with the renewed optimism that once-in-a-lifetime milestones like this bring to mind.”

In 1872, the passage of West Virginia Senate Bill 52 allowed for a branch of the state normal school to be established at Glenville. It was originally founded to serve the educational needs of citizens by preparing teachers to serve in state classrooms.

Since then Glenville has expanded its mission and now prepares students for careers in teaching, business, land resources, criminal justice, music and art, science and mathematics, the social sciences.

A special Premium Night dinner is scheduled for Thursday, February 17, from 4:30-8 p.m. in Mollohan’s Restaurant at the college and is open to students, faculty, staff, and the community.

An alumni event for former Pioneer Wrestlers will take place on Friday, February 18 at 5 p.m. in the Waco Center, followed by senior night for current team members.

Saturday, February 19 will be packed with activity, according to public relations director Dustin Crutchfield.

Admissions staff will hosting an open house for prospective students and Pioneer basketball teams will take on West Virginia Wesleyan College in the Waco Center at 1 and 3 p.m., and the Pioneer baseball team will challenge Mansfield University in a double-header, also at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Sue Morris Sports Complex.

Students may take part in a “snowball tailgate” in the Waco Center parking area, and the Advancement and Alumni Offices will open “The Deck” inside the Waco Center beginning at noon.

The annual Founder’s Day-of-Giving fundraising campaign drive will take place throughout the day. Closing out the evening is a Founder’s Day Gala that begins at 6 p.m. in the Mollohan Campus Community Center.

“This will be a great week of events to kick off our 150th-anniversary celebrations,” Manchin added.

“I hope to see many of our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends at these events.”

For more information about Glenville State College, contact the College’s Office of Admissions at admissions@glenville.edu or call 800-924-2010.

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