NORFOLK, Va. - The second president of Norfolk State University, Dr. Harrison B. Wilson, passed away at the age of 94 on Sunday, July 28. Wilson led NSU from 1975-97.
The University will hold a celebration of his life on Saturday, Aug. 3. Dr. Wilson will lie in state from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center. A processional of Dr. Wilson and the Spartan Legion Band will take place along the perimeter of NSU from 2:15-3 p.m., and a celebration of life service will begin at 3 p.m. at the Wilder Center.
In lieu of flowers, please make a tax-deductible gift to the Norfolk State University Foundation Inc. In the memo section, please write Harrison B. Wilson Endowment.
The celebration of life service will be streamed live at
www.nsu.edu.Â
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JAVAUNE ADAMS-GASTON
Dear Members of the Norfolk State University Community,
The Spartan family mourns the loss of one of its stalwart champions. It is with sadness that we announce the passing of former Norfolk State University President, Dr. Harrison Benjamin Wilson, who led our fine institution from 1975-1997. Dr. Wilson died on July 28 surrounded by his family.
Dr. Wilson's legacy is embedded in Norfolk State University. He had a transformational impact on the lives of countless individuals. He embodied the spirit and history of this great institution, and we are grateful for his many contributions. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
Please join me and my husband, Dmitri, in sending our deepest sympathies to Dr. Lucy Wilson and the entire Wilson family, along with our lasting thanks for his dedication to Norfolk State University.
Sincerely,
Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D.
President
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MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR RALPH NORTHAM
"I join the entire Spartan community in mourning the loss of Dr. Harrison B. Wilson. For more than two decades, his leadership brought tremendous achievement to Norfolk State University and charted a new course for the institution, both in academics and in athletics. As we reflect on his extraordinary life, legacy, and good will, my thoughts are with his wife, Dr. Lucy Wilson, his family, and the students, educators, and many others who loved him and learned from him."
