WILBERFORCE — Central State University will celebrate its rich history and recognize outstanding alumni doing its 130th Charter Day Convocation.
Taking place 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 7 in the Paul Robeson Cultural & Performing Arts Center, the celebration will feature a keynote speech by the Rev. Dr. Gloria Wade-Dillon, class of 1977.
Dillon, a Xenia resident, is the pastor of Glory Ministries Church. She graduated magna cum laude from Central State University with a BS degree in education. She has a MS degree in counseling from the University of Dayton, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton. Dillon also has completed course work at Payne Theological Seminary, Wright State University, Antioch University, Seattle Pacific, and Louisiana State University.
Six accomplished alumni will be inducted into the CSU Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame. They are: Harold L. Flowers, Southlake, Texas, class of ‘59; Dr. Thomas E. Simpson, Gahanna, Ohio, class of ‘65; Dr. Hazel Symonette, Madison, Wis., class of ‘68; Alvin R. Scott Sr., deceased, class of ‘69; Dr. James E. Gordon, Boiling Springs, Pa., class of ‘73 and Timothy L. Tramble Sr., Cleveland, class of ‘93.
The Charter Day Convocation is a time-honored celebration that reflects on the 1887 establishment of the Combined Normal and Industrial Department at Wilberforce University, which later became a separate state entity of higher education, Central State University. Today, as an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State is expanding science, technology, engineering, mathematics and agriculture (STEM-Ag) academic programming, research and education; developing partnerships within Ohio’s agricultural industry; enhancing facilities; and engaging the local communities, all for the future growth and sustainability of the University.
The public is invited to attend.