History/Role
About
The West Virginia University Alumni Association was founded on June 19, 1873, by 16 graduates who met in the University Chapel at the call of Reverend Alexander Martin, the University's first president.
The group was composed of Marmaduke H. Dent (first president of the Alumni Association), Class of 1870; Oliver H. Dille, Class of 1871; William E. Jolliffe, Class of 1871; Benjamin W. Smith, Class of 1872; and these members of the Class of 1873: Daniel B. Purinton, Edmund T. Bullock, Taylor B. McClure, John T. Harris, Charles M. Babb, James T. Waters Jr., William T. Pritchard, James F. Brown, George P. Lynch, William L. Boughner, Thomas H. Price and Marcellus L. Temple, who signed the first Constitution in that order.
Today, the Alumni Association takes great pride in representing more than 170,000 graduates who reside in every county in West Virginia, every state in the Union and approximately 60 foreign nations. With nearly 100 registered chapters and constituent groups, the Alumni Association's 28,000 dues-paying members support Homecoming, the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni and dozens of other social and philanthropic programs. The organization is involved in numerous activities including student recruiting, public service, University advocacy and career networking. The Erickson Alumni Center serves as the home away from home for alumni and friends of WVU.