Oakwood University Celebrates 120 Years

November 27, 2016:    Oakwood University recently celebrated its 120th anniversary with a week of activities ending on November 16. The festivities marked 120 years since Oakwood Industrial School opened its doors to 16 students.

The historically black Adventist school is ranked among the Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the Southern Region and the Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. It also has listed in the top 20 institutions of higher learning that send African Americans on to medical schools.

Dr. Ernest E. Rogers, the school’s first full-time professor of Biblical languages, was honored on November 10 with the dedication of the E.E. Rogers Biblical Languages & Resource Center.

The facility will harness computer technology to aid students in learning and using Biblical languages.

Also on November 10, a portrait of Oakwood’s first African American president J.L. Moran was unveiled at Moran Hall, commemorating the pioneer who led the institution from 1932-1945.

The week showcased a variety of services, featuring notable alumni and a November 12 Sabbath evening Gospel Music Fest where Oakwood’s award-winning Aeolians choir and other guest choirs performed.

On the November 16 anniversary, the school held a “Happy Birthday Oakwood!” party with all those attending encouraged to wear Oakwood gear on Founder’s Day in exchange for a free commemorative t-shirt.