HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — One hundred twenty-five years ago today, the campus of Oakwood University was born right here in Huntsville!
FOX54 News' Keneisha Deas was at the Historically Black Seventh-day Adventist institution as the school celebrates its past, present, and future.
Oakwood University was once the site of a slave plantation. Oakwood University President Leslie Pollard says the school has years of ‘delivering service to God and humanity.’
“Think about our Community Health Action Center that has been established in partnership with Huntsville Hospital. It’s a concrete symbol of how we delivering healthcare to one of the most underserved of our areas,” said Pollard.
Oakwood University 125 Celebration Time Capsule
The Oakwood University experience as a student is the end for some.
“I originally chose Oakwood because my dad is a pastor and both my parents went here. So it was kind of like just following the legacy,” said Oakwood University Senior, and OU Miss UNCF, Briana Brooks.
“I’m a senior. This is my last year. I graduate in the spring,” she said.
However, while the Oakwood University experience is simply the end for some, it's the beginning for others.
“I came from DR [Dominican Republic], and I said this is a good university. They offer the things that I want to. The thing is, right here in Huntsville they [have] the Redstone Arsenal,” said Oakwood University Freshman, Cesar Mercedes.
“There’s so much just rich, rich history on this campus and I love that it’s an HBCU,” said Brooks.
The university ended the days' festivities with a burial of a time capsule and fireworks display. The time capsule includes the university's magazines signed by students.
Other events have been planned for the year-long 125th-anniversary celebration, which will span the entire school year.