The University of Lynchburg will host its inaugural Founders Week celebration, beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, April 16. The schedule, which runs through Sunday, April 21, is chockablock with events aimed at students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University.
Founders Day pays homage to the contributions of Josephus and Sarah Hopwood, who founded what was then Virginia Christian College in 1903. It also celebrates what University President Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar describes as Lynchburg’s “long-standing culture of philanthropy.”
“Founders Week is not only a week to remember Josephus and Sarah Hopwood and their founding vision for this incredible institution,” the president wrote in an email to the campus community.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the University of Lynchburg — in time and talent, not just treasure. The five $100 gifts the Hopwoods invested in 1903, including their own, have grown into a vibrant community of innovative, supportive, and service-minded Hornets.
“Giving is in our DNA. It’s what makes us so different from many other institutions — and an undeniably life-changing place to be.”
Founders Week will include numerous public events, all of which are free to attend.
At 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, the softball team hosts Roanoke College for a doubleheader on Moon Field. Tuesday’s games also are a “code red,” meaning all other Lynchburg athletic teams are strongly encouraged to attend in full force to show support for their fellow athletes.
From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, University of Lynchburg students will present scholarly research and creative and/or service-learning projects at the annual Student Scholar Showcase. The event is held at various locations across campus, including Schewel Hall.
At 5 p.m., women’s lacrosse will play Shenandoah University on Shellenberger Field.
Lynchburg’s ninth-annual GiveDay will be held on Thursday, April 18. The fundraising event, with a goal of garnering 1,000 individual donations, will include numerous matches and challenges to help gifts go even further in support of The Lynchburg Fund and other funds across campus. GiveDay progress can be followed on the University’s Facebook page.
At 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20, Lynchburg’s Choral Union will present “Lighter Fare” at Snidow Chapel. The concert includes what has been described as a “choral musical with a slightly witty twist.”
Selections include “Animal Crackers,” by composer Eric Whitacre, along with well-known and newly conceived jazz arrangements. Several guest artists also will perform.
In partnership with its Greek life organizations, the University will host the Special Olympics on Saturday, April 20. The public is invited to cheer on the athletes from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Shellenberger Field.
Other Saturday events include baseball vs. Shenandoah University at noon and 3 p.m. on Fox Field and softball vs. Averett University at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Moon Field. Also, the Daura Gallery of Art will be open to visitors from noon to 5 p.m.
Closing out the Founders Week events, the women’s tennis team will host Hollins University at Crosswhite Athletic Club, located at 118 Davis Cup Road in Lynchburg.
Founders Week is the first of four “Cornerstone Events” to be held at Lynchburg this calendar year. Others will include Commencement, Hornet Days/Move-in Day, and Homecoming/Parents and Family Weekend.
