Charter Day set at Waynesburg U.
WAYNESBURG – Waynesburg University will celebrate its 164th year and the 163rd anniversary of its charter during a convocation at 11 a.m. March 19 in Roberts Chapel.
The program will reflect on students, faculty and staff who have established lives defined by leadership and service. The public is cordially invited to attend.
“As we come together to celebrate the 163rd anniversary of Waynesburg University’s charter, we stand on the strong foundation of 1849,” said Waynesburg University President Timothy R. Thyreen. “Year after year, our university continues to inspire students to lead lives of purpose through adherence to the mission of faith, serving and learning.”
The Rev. Robert H. Crilley, a 1956 graduate of Waynesburg College and former senior minister of Fort Street Presbyterian Church in Detroit, Mich., will address those in attendance.
Educated first at Waynesburg College and then at Princeton Theological Seminary, Yale Divinity School and McCormick Theological Seminary, Crilley was the senior minister of Fort Street Presbyterian Church for 27 years.
While there, his initiatives to help the poor and the homeless provided free clothing, food, showers, medical care and spiritual direction to more than 600 people each week. He instituted multiple community programs, including a voluntary choir, a homeless center and a weekly lunch hour worship service for working men and women.
In 1993, the college awarded Crilley an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree, and in 1999, he was the recipient of the college’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. He is a member of the Paul R. Stewart Society and has served on the Waynesburg University Alumni Council.
In addition to Crilley’s address, titled “Giving Praise through Faith, Learning and Serving,” the annual celebration will include a procession of faculty. Special recognition will be given to seniors in the Stover Scholar, Bonner Scholar, Leadership Scholar and Honors Academy programs at Waynesburg University. The Convocation also will include a prayer service and special musical selections by the University’s Lamplighter Concert Choir.
For more information, call Mary Fox at 724-852-7677 or visit www.waynesburg.edu.