Graduating Seniors: Graduation Request Form and fee due by February 1, 2026. Questions? Contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@wileyc.edu
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Founders Observance 2026 | Future Forward. Focused.

Future Forward. Focused.

Wiley University proudly 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. Rooted in our rich history and guided by a bold vision for the future, Founders Observance 2026 reflects who we are and where we are headed. Under the theme Future Forward. Focused., this year’s observance also serves as a call to action through the Future Forward. Focused. Founders Giving Campaign, with a $400,000 goal to support scholarships, academic programs, student success initiatives, and strategic priorities aligned with the University’s long-term vision. Every gift—no matter the size—honors the vision of our founders and directly impacts today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. To participate, donors are encouraged to select “153rd Founders Observance Giving” under Donation Designation when making a gift.

Click Here to Make a Gift

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
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

7 - 9 AM Breakfast with Alumni, Board of Trustees, and Student Leaders | Location TBD

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 In the Wiley Tradition: Activism Is Our Calling | Featuring the 1976 Championship Team

12:30 PM Founders’ Observance Giving Luncheon | Alumni Gymnasium | $30
Giving Societies Recognition • Presentation of Checks • Remarks by President Herman J. Felton Jr.
Entertainment: A Cappella Choir of Wiley University • University Band • Debate Team

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 | Location TBD

7 PM Poetry Under the Stars | Location TBD

8 AM –12 PM WUNAA Business Meeting & Elections | Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel

1 PM WUNAA & Pre-Alumni Council Purple and White Picnic | Heman Sweatt Plaza
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) | Thomas W. Cole, Sr. Library

Exclusive Wiley University Apparel Fundraiser

In partnership with Exclusively HBCU, Wiley University is proud to offer exclusive, one-of-a-kind fundraising apparel boxes created specifically for the $5 Million UNCF Endowment Match Campaign.

This limited-edition collection features brand-new, updated Wiley University designs available only through this campaign. Each box represents more than merchandise—it is an investment in Wiley’s future, directly supporting endowment growth and long-term scholarship opportunities through the UNCF match.

This apparel fundraiser is a separate initiative from the University’s $400,000 Founders Giving goal and runs for a limited time only, now through March 2.

Click Here to View Apparel Box Options

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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