Wilberforce University Alumni Association’s – (WUAA)
54th conference
July 27-July 30, 2023
In the Queen City of Cincinnati, Ohio
Preserving Our Legacy and Future By Sowing Our Treasures
Wilberforce University is the nation’s oldest private, historically black University owned and operated by African Americans. Its roots trace back to its founding in 1856, a period of American history marred by the physical bondage of people of African descent.
Wilberforce University was named after the great eighteenth-century abolitionist William Wilberforce, who said, “We are too young to realize that certain things are impossible… So, we will do them anyway.” This can-do spirit infused Wilberforce University with the strength to persevere, and the institution met with early success through 1862.
The outbreak of the Civil War forced the school to close its doors temporarily. This short setback did not deter the institution for long. In March 1863, Daniel A. Payne, a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal church, negotiated to purchase the buildings, and the University was re-incorporated on July 10, 1863. Bishop Payne opened the university’s doors with six students and a debt of $10,000. He became the first person of African descent to be the President of an American Institution of higher learning. Wilberforce University prospered as young African Americans sought to educate themselves at the end of the Civil War and promised a new social order. On April 21, 1865, a headline in the New York Times announced Wilberforce University was Destroyed by Fire. Yet, Wilberforce recovered, endured, and continued to grow. Throughout its 163-year history, Wilberforce University has demonstrated a formidable spirit of resilience and triumph and has never wavered from its sacred duty to educate and enrich its students.
The Wilberforce University Alumni Association (WUAA) aims to prepare students as global citizens with funding, student referrals, and inspiring lifelong learning through practical applications and overall support for the good of the continuing existence of Wilberforce University, which aligns with its mission.
The Cincinnati Alumni Chapter worked hard to assemble an array of activities, an epic experience for everyone, including the Spirit of Cincinnati – the Distinguished Hall of Fame Awardees – Alumni Spotlight Brunch, Riverboat Cruise, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Tour, Day Party, Green, and Gold Gala, Golden Wilberforce Club Inductees – Class of 1973, eight-four graduates in that class.
As Wilberforce University embarks upon 167 years of educating the next generation of leaders of this rich heritage, we must continue strengthening our legacy, the class of 1973.
/Suo Marte/: “By One’s Own Toil, Effort, Courage”
Mary Frances Walton, ‘73, is the author. She serves under the Reverend Tony Lee, pastor of Community of Hope AME Church.
