attends the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 26th Awards Gala at Washington Hilton on November 12, 2014 in Washington, DC.

HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University, a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education and a leader among the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities has begun preparations for twin celebrations in 2018 – the University’s 150th anniversary of its founding as Hampton Institute in 1868, and a celebration of the unparalleled executive tenure of Dr. William R. Harvey, HU’s president for the past 40 monumental years.

“Celebrating a Legacy and a Legend of Excellence” is the theme of a combined series of events and observances over In the coming year. The celebration, with planning and preparation led by Hampton University students, administrators, faculty, alumni, sponsors and the Hampton community, beings this month.

“We look forward to celebrating with the global community, residents of the Commonwealth, and anyone who values educational excellence,” said Dr. William R. Harvey, Hampton University President. “ As we embark upon the university’s 150th anniversary and my 40th anniversary as president of Hampton, we’ll reflect on the stellar achievements and undeniable progress that this university has accomplished.”

“We welcome the participation of businesses, organizations and other partners who wish to support this once-in-a-lifetime observance,” Harvey said. “We look forward to producing leaders who will change the world in the next 150 years.”

For more information on this monumental dual anniversaries celebration visit www.huanniversary.com

About Hampton University

Rich in history, steeped in tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. Since its founding in 1868 as Hampton Institute by Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, this educational institution has consistently pushed the boundaries of its success. At Hampton University, opportunity for success is the theme of every day, and success is the expectation of everyone. Our central keystone values are innovation, aspiration and competitive success, and those values transform the lives of students, faculty, and the administrative leadership of our University.

This post originally appeared on Hampton.edu.