PARKERSBURG, W.Va. -- West Virginia University at Parkersburg is holding a series of events this month to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The celebration kicks off Sept. 12 on the Parkersburg campus.

A gala fundraiser is planned for Sept. 16 in the college activities center. A convocation ceremony will be held on Sept. 17.

Former college presidents Erik Bitterbaum and Eldon Miller are expected to be in attendance at the gala and convocation.

The Parkersburg branch of WVU opened in September 1961 with 104 students in a former elementary school. It became Parkersburg Community College in 1971 and was re-designated WVU Parkersburg in 1989.