West Virginia University at Parkersburg, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley and the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce, will host a Business After Hours and open house event on Tuesday, April 16, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on the Parkersburg campus.

“We are rolling out the blue and gold carpet for the community with a fashion show, live music, and much more, as we welcome everyone to tour our campus,” said WVU Parkersburg President Chris Gilmer. “We want everyone to know we are WVU Parkersburg Proud.”

The theme of the event is “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway musical “Rent” and celebrates the idea that a year can be transformative in a person’s life. A 1970s-themed fashion show featuring WVU Parkersburg students, staff and faculty will kick off the event at 5 p.m. in the College Activities Center.

Following the fashion show, guests will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours of the campus to learn more about the college’s academic offerings. Also included on the campus tours will be catered food stations, entertainment, music and fun activities.

“When we met with Dr. Gilmer and his team as they started planning this gathering, I was inspired by how much he loves this campus, the students and employees, but, more importantly, that he wants the community to love it, too,” said Jill Parsons, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley. “Incorporating the ‘Seasons of Love’ theme to remind the community of the history and legacy of WVU Parkersburg will be a blast back to the 1970s. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to reinforce what a great resource WVU Parkersburg is for the Mid-Ohio Valley as they showcase many of the programs and activities at the school.”

Lawrence R. Greene will present an African drum session, and tours of the newly-renovated, state-of-the-art nursing simulation labs will be available throughout the evening. Guests can also view demonstrations of the college’s new high-tech robotic arm equipment.

The Rhodes Family, comprised of Dusty Rhodes playing the guitar and granddaughter Rebecca playing the fiddle, will showcase the sounds of Appalachian music. Also providing musical entertainment during the event will be The Smoot Theatre Barbershop Quartet.

Additionally, a “Seasons of Love: A Year in the Life of 1971” exhibit will be on display, and local student actors will be performing songs from the musical “Rent” in the theater.
“Belpre Area Chamber members and Board of Directors are excited to be joining our friends from other area chambers at this exciting event,” said Karen Waller, executive director, Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce. “This proves there really is no barrier such as a state line when we gather to support education, workforce development, and business growth in our valley. This new partnership will certainly prove beneficial to the Belpre area as we work to expand and retain business.”