Join us on March 20 at 12:30 PM in the Alumni Gymnasium for the Founders Giving Luncheon as we celebrate our Founders, recognize members of the 2025–26 Giving Societies, and honor the 1976 Championship Baseball Team. Tickets are $30 — click here to purchase.

Founders Observance 2026 | Future Forward. Focused.

Future Forward. Focused.

Wiley University invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to join us for Founders Observance 2026 — a three-day celebration honoring 153 years of legacy, leadership, and purpose.

Under the theme Future Forward. Focused., this year’s observance includes the Future Forward. Focused. Founders Giving Campaign with a $400,000 goal to support scholarships, academic programs, and student success initiatives aligned with the University’s long-term vision.

Every gift makes an impact. To participate, select “153rd Founders Observance Giving” under Donation Designation when making your contribution.

Click Here to Make a Gift
Click Here to Purchase Luncheon Tickets $30

Dates: March 19–21, 2026

Honoring the Past. Advancing the Future.

Founded in 1873, Wiley University stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and academic excellence. Founders Observance is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and achievements that shaped our institution while recommitting ourselves to the work ahead.

As we celebrate this milestone, we look future forward—focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening academic programs, and ensuring that Wiley University continues to thrive for generations to come.

Click Here to RSVP for Founders Observance

Alumni RSVP & Check-In

We look forward to welcoming alumni and friends home for Founders Observance 2026.

Alumni Check-In Locations:

  • Thursday: Ponder Welcome Center

  • Friday: Julius S. Scott, Sr. Chapel

Check-In Hours:
Thursday & Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Alumni who RSVP will receive an official Founders Observance badge and event information upon arrival.

Click Here to RSVP
Click Here to Purchase Luncheon Tickets $30
Full Schedule of Events

9 AM – 5 PM Alumni Check-In | Kenny Ponder Welcome Center

Alumni who check-in will receive an official Founders Observance badge and event information upon arrival

7 PM Marshall Wiley Club Mixer | Fred T. Long Student Union Ballroom

9 AM – 5 PM Alumni Check-In | Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel

Alumni who check-in will receive an official Founders Observance badge and event information upon arrival

11 AM Founders Observance Convocation | Featuring Guest Speaker: Dr. Crystal A. deGregory

12:30 PM Luncheon | Alumni Gymnasium | Tickets are $30 Click Here to Purchase

Celebrate our Founders and recognize those who have contributed their time, talent, and tithes, including members of the 2026 Giving Societies. Featuring members of the 1976 Championship Baseball Team.

Click here to view the 2026 Giving Societies.

2 PM Wiley University Founders Recognition Ceremony | Heman Sweatt Plaza
Ringing of the Bell • Dedication of the Founders Monument • Laying of the Wreath

4 PM Dedication & Reception: Henry Cecil McBay Center for Teaching and Learning | Fred T. Long Student Union Ballroom

7 PM Poetry Under the Stars | Legacy Wall

10 AM WUNAA Business Meeting & Elections | Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel

1 PM WUNAA & Pre-Alumni Council Purple and White Picnic | Legacy Wall
Student fun day with alumni featuring intentional networking, fun, and fellowship

6 - 8 PM WUNAA Pinning Ceremony | Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel

9 PM –12 Midnight WUNAA Founders Mixer (Fundraiser Event) | Alumni Gymnasium | Tickets are $30 & will be sold at the door

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Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 153 years of Wiley University’s legacy, we also look ahead to the meaningful moments still to come this season. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for the Golden and Silver Class Reunion, honoring the Class of 1976 (50 years) and the Class of 2001 (25 years), as we celebrate their enduring impact and lifelong connection to Wiley University. We also invite you to join us for Wiley University Commencement, where we will recognize the achievements of our graduating class and send them forth inspired.

Click Here to Learn More

Accommodations

Planning to stay in Marshall for Founders Observance? Explore local accommodations early to ensure availability. Recommended hotels include:

Stay Connected

Follow us for updates, announcements, and sneak peeks:

Contact Us

For questions or more information, please contact:
Email: advancement@wileyc.edu
Phone: 903.927.3300

Founders Celebration 2026
Future Forward. Focused.
Together, let us honor our past, celebrate our present, and envision a triumphant future.
Unable to attend? Consider making a gift—click here.
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