Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Cheyney University celebrates 180-year anniversary
THORNBURY >> Cheyney University of Pennsylvania celebrated the 180th anniversary of its founding Wednesday, while its future is far from certain.
Last week, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors unanimously approved an $8 million line of credit to assist the nation’s first historically black college to continue operations while requiring a new institutional model.
A task force is being created to create that model and its first recommendations will be made as early as May 1.
Wednesday, however, was a time for reflection and celebration of Cheyney’s rich heritage, dating to its establishment in 1837 when Quaker philanthropist Richard Humphreys chose to dedicate $10,000, one-third of his estate, to create a school for “descendants of the African race.”
“One hundred and eighty years ago, that is a tremendous feat,” Frank G. Pogue, interim president of Cheyney University, said at the Founder’s Day Convocation at the Marian Anderson Music Center. “Think about it – in 20 years, Cheyney University will celebrate its bicentennial.”
He said Cheyney’s historical significance was not lost on Vice President Mike Pence.
Pogue was among the 92 presidents of historically black colleges and universities in Washington earlier this week to witness President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order signaling his support of historically black colleges and universities.
“And Vice President Mike Pence even shouted out, ‘Cheyney University’ and recognized Cheyney University as the oldest HBCU in the United States.”
Will support from the White House transfer into needed financial support for the colleges and universities? That is unknown, Pogue said.
“It is much, much, much too early to predict the outcome of the executive order,” he said “I think it’s fair to say that the gathering provided an opportunity for leaders of HBCUs to continue to tell our story.”
The interim president was joined by others in the audito-
rium lauding the university for its longevity and its impact.
“Cheyney University of Pennsylvania cherishes its legacy as America’s first institution for higher learning for African Americans,” Alphonso Coleman, president of the university’s National Alumni Association, said. “Our mission is to prepare confident, competent, reflective, visionary leaders and responsible citizens.”
He also said they carry their heritage forward.
“We uphold our tradition of academic excellence as we maintain our historical commitment to opportunity and access for students of diverse backgrounds,” Coleman said. “The journey began on Feb. 25, 1837, and since that time, thousands of young men and women have passed through the hallowed halls of this institution seeking knowledge to will and do.”
Robert W. Bogle, president
and CEO of the Philadelphia Tribune, has many connections to Cheyney. A 1975 alum, he serves as chairman of its Council of Trustees and was awarded its Excellence in Corporate Philanthropy Award Wednesday.
He beckoned on the Cheyney community to revisit their relationship and knowledge of founder Richard Humphreys.
“How does any of this relate to you or why you are here or even why you should be here?” he asked, noting that 1837 was a different time.
“Why does this matter today – 2017?” Bogle asked. “Well, it matters today because had there not been a Richard Humphreys, there certainly would not have been a Cheyney ... not at least in 1837.”
He told them to tap into the potential Humphreys envisioned for them when he set aside part of his estate for their education.
“The real value for being here is that you will be doing something for yourself that Richard Humphreys intended as an outcome for you,” Bogle said. “This education will take you some places you never thought or dreamed possible. Surely, you will earn more money (and) you will be aware of many things that may not have even crossed your mind just a few days ago.
“It will provide you a new sense, a horizon of opportunities,” Bogle continued, “and give you a greater sense of who you are and the things around you.”