Stillman College Celebrates 150 Years With Founder’s Week

One of Tuscaloosa's most historic institutions is preparing to celebrate a milestone that doesn't come around very often: 150 years of history, education and tradition.

Stillman College has announced its 2026 Founder's Week celebration, marking a century and a half of serving students and building a legacy in West Alabama.

The celebration, themed "150 Years of People, Purpose, and Possibilities," runs November 8–15, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members.

Founded in 1876, Stillman College has played an important role in Tuscaloosa's educational and cultural history as one of Alabama's historically Black colleges and universities.

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And this year's celebration is packed with opportunities to recognize that legacy.

Festivities begin Sunday, November 8, with worship at First Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m., followed by a pilgrimage walk and wreath-laying ceremony honoring founder Rev. Dr. Charles A. Stillman on Monday.

Wednesday's activities include prayer at the campus bell tower and the Miss Stillman and Mister Stillman Coronation.

The official 150th Founders Day Convocation takes place Thursday, November 12, at 11 a.m. in Birthright Alumni Hall.

Friday brings an athletics golf tournament and a New Member Reveal and Yard Show.

Saturday's festivities include Family Day, an alumni flag football game at Stillman Stadium and the Dinner en Gold Sesquicentennial Gala at the Bryant Conference Center.

The celebration concludes Sunday, November 15, with a farewell brunch at Magnolia Café.

Stillman encourages attendees to review its updated schedule for specific event times and locations.

For the Stillman community, it's more than an anniversary. It's a celebration of 150 years of people, purpose and possibilities.