The steering committee and numerous sub-committees consist of university employees, students, alumni, retirees, and supporters and friends from the greater community. McDemmond appointed Paul E. Shelton, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the NSU Foundation, Inc., as chairman of the steering committee. 

The celebration committees will plan at least three major activities to take place this fall. Included among them are: a Norfolk State University Founder's Day Convocation to be held in the spacious Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall on campus on September 17th; an Emerald Anniversary Green and Gold Ball, a black-tie event at the Chesapeake Conference Center on November 3rd; and a student concert with its date and venue yet to be determined.

Since opening its doors on September 18, 1935 with 85 students, Norfolk State University, or as it was known then as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University, has educated thousands of students for more than six decades. From its humble beginnings, the university has emerged as one of the largest historically black institutions of higher education in the nation with a legacy of excellence in education. 

In issuing the presidential charge to the celebration committees at a kickoff luncheon earlier this month, McDemmond said, "At the dawn of a new millennium, the university is poised to celebrate its 65th Anniversary. The observance of this historic milestone is an opportunity to affirm our commitment to excellence, celebrate NSU's accomplishments, and acknowledge friends of the university who have supported our mission and goals." She further stated, "The anniversary activities will also honor our founders and individuals that made significant contributions to the evolution of Norfolk State University." 

During its soon to be 65 years of existence, Norfolk State University has educated people from all 50 states in the union and more than 38 other countries and territories. Among its more prominent alumni are: Rev. Dr. Saint Paul Epps, the first student to pay his tuition and fees in 1935; Tim Reid, television and motion picture director, producer, and actor; Nathan McCall, journalist and author of best sellers "Makes Me Wanna Holler" and "What's Going On"; Randall Robinson, executive director of TransAfrica; Leon Carter, sports editor of the New York Daily News; and Ernest "Ernie" Hodge, co-chief executive officer of the country's largest African-American owned automobile holding company located in Atlanta; 

Also Dr. Julian M. Earls, NASA physicist and division chief; Rear Admiral Evelyn Fields, the first African-American and first woman to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officers Corps; The Honorable Susan D. Davis, Raymond Jackson, and Jerome James, sitting judges; The Honorable Yvonne B. Miller and L. Louise Lucas, Virginia state senators; Alveta Ewell, Regina Mobley, and Marvin L. Lake, media celebrities; and many more. 

For more information about Norfolk State University's 65th Anniversary, contact the Office of University Relations at (757) 823-8373 or the Office of Alumni Relations at (757) 823-8135. 

April 18, 2000
###GDT### 

NSU Home    Sitemap    Contact Us  

© Copyright Norfolk State University -  All Rights Reserved.