INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State University (WVSU) hosted a dedication ceremony today, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, for the new Fred D. Thomas Jr. Learning Center.
The center, located on the sixth floor of Wallace Hall, is named in honor of 1950 WVSU alumnus Fred D. Thomas Jr. who made a significant financial contribution in 2018 to establish a high-tech learning center for students in the education department.
The dedication ceremony featured remarks from WVSU President Anthony L. Jenkins, WVSU Education Department Chair Patricia Wilson, WVSU education students Deja Smoot and Isaac Cosby as well as from Fred Thomas. Following the ceremony, tours of the new Fred D. Thomas, Jr. Learning Center were given.
Thomas is a 1950 graduate of WVSU who served as a middle school science teacher and curriculum coordinator for 35 years for the West Babylon School District on Long Island, where he also volunteered teaching English to non-native speakers. Following his retirement, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he continues to make his home.