Central State University to host events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1974 tornado
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on March 22, 2024 In 1974, two violent tornadoes wreaked havoc across the eastern United States, causing devastation and destruction in their wake. Central State University, Ohio's only public Historically Black University, was hit hard by one of these tornadoes, with an estimated 80% of its campus destroyed. Despite this, the people of Central State refused to be defeated. Their unwavering commitment to one another and to their community saw them through a trying time, and their story of resilience continues to inspire today. The tornado was no ordinary weather event — it was part of the infamous Super Outbreak that affected 13 states across the eastern United States, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction and devastation, according to the National Weather Service. In total, 148 tornadoes were documented from this event, causing 335 deaths and over 6,000 injuries, the NWS reports. Ohio was one of the hardest hit areas, with 159 deaths and over 4,000 injuries reported in the Ohio Valley region alone. Two violent F5 tornadoes wreaked havoc in Xenia and Sayler Park, a western suburb of Cincinnati, with the former being one of the deadliest with 34 deaths. The Xenia tornado is one of the costliest U.S. tornadoes on record, with damages totaling approximately $250 million in 1974. On the 50th anniversary of the tornado, the University will commemorate its spirit of resilience and perseverance, celebrating the strength and determination of its students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Marauder Strong: Central State remembers 1974 tornado During Communication Week, a student- and faculty-led, week-long event, several tornado-related sessions will take place, and the public is invited to attend. The main event will be a memorial service from 4:15-4:45 p.m. on April 3 at Walter G. Sellers Alumni Tower/William Galloway Hall, which is one of the few structures that stood intact after the storm. However, much of the building was destroyed, making it a poignant example of Central State's resiliency. In the case of inclement weather, the memorial service will move to Charles H. Wesley Arts and Science Building Auditorium. Speakers will include retired Professor Robert Marcus and Nathan Bouldin, a member of the class of 1974. Additionally, a survivors' panel will take place from 9:30-10:45 a.m. on April 4. Panelists will include graduates of the class of 1974 Obie Houston and Victor Davis; Greta Winbush, '76, professor of Psychology and Gerontology; Alma Brown, Xenia tornado survivor and administrative secretary in the College of Education whose mother worked in the Office of the President and whose father worked at the CSU Police Department in 1974; and Dr. Lesa Taylor DeVond, Xenia tornado survivor and director of Central State University-Dayton, whose father was also working at Central State as chief engineer of the power plant. Please refer to the agenda below for other events commemorating the tornado. Communication Week Central State Remembers the 1974 Tornado Storm Chasing Tuesday, April 2 | 9:30-10:45 am. Mass Communications Center TV Studio Guests: Storm chasers Aaron Rigsby and Laci Graham Campus-wide Tornado Drill Wednesday, April 3 1:30-2 p.m. Memorial Service April 3 | 4:15-4:45 p.m. Alumni Tower* Guests: Retired professor Robert Marcus and Nathan Bouldin ‘74 *Inclement weather: Charles H. Wesley Arts and Science Building Auditorium Survivors’ Panel April 4 | 9:30-10:45 a.m. Mass Communications Center TV Studio Guests: Alma Brown, Dr. Lesa Taylor Devond, Obie Houston ’74, Victor Davis ‘74, and Greta Davis, ’76 Forecasting and Preparedness: Then and Now April 4 | 12-12:50 p.m. Mass Communications Center TV Studio Guests: Ethan Raby, Director, Greene County Emergency Management; and Ashley Novak, meteorologist, National Weather Service Library exhibit: 50 Years Since F5 Tornado Struck April 1-30 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hallie Q. Brown Library About Central State University: Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with a 135-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. Central State ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges in five categories, including Best Undergraduate Engineering Program and Top Public Schools. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally. EEO Statement: Central State University, an 1890 Land Grant Institution, is committed to the full inclusion of all people and does not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV / AIDS states, marital or family status, military status, national origin political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (937) 376-6540. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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