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Beginning with his college days, Dr. John W. Barco’s entire life was spent with the university as a student and professor. He prepared for college at Virginia Seminary and College, Lynchburg, Virginia and entered Wayland College, Washington, D.C. in 1898. At that time, Wayland College and Richmond Theological Institute were
in the process of merging to form Virginia Union University (VUU). Thus, he transferred to VUU in 1899. He continued his graduate studies at Newton Theological Seminary and the University of Chicago, specializing in the ancient languages: Hebrew, Greek and Latin. He began his long teaching career at VUU in 1903. He was Professor of Latin from 1907 -1922 and Professor of Hebrew from 1905 until the courses were discontinued. From 1928 he served as Vice President until his retirement in 1953. He was Vice President -Emeritus until his death in August 1964. Our chapter honors this dedicated scholar, administrator, man of varied interests, teacher, and friend.
John W. Barco was a most extraordinary gent.
Whose whole career was at Virginia Union University spent.
Dr. Barco graduated as a student from VUU…
He was a member of the “Class of 1902.”
Dr. Barco is a man this Alumni chapter holds dear.
Dr. John W. Barco is a man we revere.
On these “hallowed grounds” of Virginia Union University, it was clear,
From 1929 to 1947, he was Vice-President, here.
He studied here, he taught here,
He recruited students to come here; he retired here.
He was not seeking fortune or fame.
Our Gymnasium bears his name.
With Go, at Virginia Union University, he achieved.
In God and Virginia Union University, he believed.
The John W. Barco Alumni Chapter seeks to honor the memory and legacy of this devoted man,
As we no serve to bless our beloved VUU over and over again.
Commissioned by Order of the John W. Barco Alumni Chapter
Composed by Margery Lee Houston
November 28, 2017
The John W. Barco Alumni Chapter of the Virginia Union University National Alumni Association was established under the administration of Dr. John Ellison. The chapter was named for Dr. John W. Barco (Class of 1902), Vice President (1929 – 1947) and Co -Founder of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Wilbert Bellamy was a John W. Barco Alumni Chapter member who worked tirelessly to recruit students from the Richmond metropolitan area to attend Virginia Union University. The chapter’s scholarship is named in his honor. The chapter consists of alumni residing in the Richmond-Metropolitan Area and friends who wish to assist the chapter in fulfilling its goals and purposes.
The Scholarship Committee of John W. Barco Alumni Chapter of the Virginia Union University National Alumni Association, is responsible for establishing a criterion and identify eligible students to receive scholarship funds. The committee after approving the recipients of The Wilbert Bellamy Scholarship Award, then present the information to the chapter members and inform recipients of their award. The committee is operated under the 2nd Vice President of the chapter.
The Chapter strives to implement our mission to recruit students, reclaim alumni and raise funds to help sustain the university. Your gift of time, support and panther love play a crucial role in the continued success of the chapter. As an active and financial member, you will make a worthwhile difference in helping to accomplish this mission. Join us TODAY!
Let us continue to help “thy hallowed grounds and dear old walls”.
We Value You!
The Ways and Means Committee is dedicated to planning and implementing activities through fundraiser events that support the Chapter’s mission and objectives. John W. Barco chapter members are encouraged to actively participate in these endeavors that inspire and uplift, both students and Virginia Union University at large.
The Remembrance Committee communicates with all Chapter members due to illness, birthday, a milestone achievement occasion, or traumatic occurrences by remembering them with cards, emails, calls, text messages, flowers, etc., as directed by the President and/or the Executive Board and the general body.
The Community Outreach Committee consists of a chair, co-chair and four members. The committee continues to put the image of the university out into the community as stated in our bylaws with following activities: