Greetings H&I Family!
I am very excited and proud to inform you that this year is our 50th Class Reunion for the Henderson Institute Alumni Association! We are celebrating our Golden Anniversary milestone, marking 5 decades since the graduating class of 1930 invited all HI Graduates, former students, faculty, and admin. staff, etc… to the very first HI Class Reunion in 1976! This year’s 50th Class Reunion will be held during the weekend of Friday, September 11th through Sunday, September 13th, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Next, we would like to thank our loyal HI Membership Body and Friends of HI who continue to provide financial and additional levels of support in keeping the Association fully functional. Collectively, this structural coalition has kept the Association operational since its inception.
Finally, our legacy members have also provided new energy and a fresh commitment to advancing the reality of the HI Association. All classes of membership; volunteers, donors, and our all-important past and present Officers have truly dedicated unlimited hours to growing our Legacy, Dear Ole H& I. We have reached a very significant milestone of 50 years in existence. All take a moment to thank those who have gone before us and give yourselves a very special hand as we still rise despite the many challenges.
The following are Historical Highlights including the past year:
The Museum Planning Committee constantly reminds us that our “HI Historical Museum has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America since November 29, 1995.” Although it’s only a two-story building, it demands national attention.
The HI Historical Museum continues to serve the Vance County community and the HI Association membership as a beacon of our history. Over the years, the Museum has been a hub for HI alumni, school groups, church groups, families nationwide and 2026 is no different. One hundred and two guests visited the Museum last year, including students, educators, parents, families and parishioners.
The Museum is Open to the Public every Thursday from 1:00-4:00 PM and special tours can be scheduled by calling the Museum office at least 72 hours in advance. The contact number for the Museum, is 252-430-0616. All Donations to the Museum are greatly appreciated.
Robert Bogan National Scholarship Committee continues to provide Vance County Schools, with an overall explanation of the Scholarship requirements. The Principal of Vance County Early College also reviews the scholarship application process, including the application form\requirements, with members of HI to ensure consistency. This broader approach has reached additional college-bound students while familiarizing them with the application process prior to submitting their packages to the Bogan Scholarship Committee.
Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) HBCU Scholarship Festival – HI provided the opportunity for twenty-three Vance Co. High School Juniors and Seniors to attend the ASBC-HBCU Scholarship Festival in Springfield, Va. last year. HI is looking to increase the number of students this year. HI Board members and members of the Vance County Board of Ed. are planning to attend the 2026 HBCU Scholarship Festival to be held at the same location. We received positive feedback from the students who made the trip last year.
The HI Veteran’s Day Program 2026 – took place at the HI Historical Museum and approximately 38 HI veterans attended the annual program. Representatives from the Vance County Veterans Services Office, reviewed the services available to the 2,500+ veterans currently residing in Vance County and our event was received favorably by the attendees. This will continue to be an opportunity for the veterans to stay connected and share their stories/experiences with each other. When entering the HI Historical Museum, the first thing visitors see is a wall with photos of graduates who served in the US Armed Forces and a display of service ribbons on officer uniforms.
The Vance County Veterans Services Office (VSO) invited the HI Veterans, along with all Vance Co. Veterans, to a workshop luncheon they hosted at the Southern Charms Event Center located on Garnett St. in Henderson. The event was well attended, and our Vets learned a lot, ate a lot and had a ball.
HI Website Committee ensured the site covers Henderson Institute’s complete history from 1887 to 1970. The HI Museum virtual tour and Yearbooks from 1952 to 1970 are also accessible from the site. The 2025 Reunion pictures were posted last September. The Website still provides an opportunity for you to pay dues, registration for the 2026 Reunion and to make donations to HI. Continue to visit our website at Henderson-Institute.org for updates.
The HI Officers are looking forward to another year of highlighting our History and continuing to work with the Vance County/Henderson Community.
Thank you for your continued commitment and dedication, “Let’s We Forget”!
William ‘Bill’ Holden,
Chairman