Bowie State University Gala Celebrates 160 Years

Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Others Attend to Show Support

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311   media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.)—Bowie State University marked a historic milestone with a glamorous 160th Anniversary Gala event that brought together alumni, faculty, students, and supporters, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, to honor the university’s rich legacy and demonstrate their unwavering support for the school. 

“You don’t have the excellence in Maryland without Bowie State,” said Governor Moore. “It has been the foundation of so much of what we depend on, so much of what we’re proud of and so much of what we hope for the future. We’re here not to just celebrate the past but also look toward the future as well.” 

The evening featured elegant dining, live performances and moving tributes that reflected Bowie State’s enduring impact as Maryland’s first HBCU. Under the theme “Celebrating 160 Years of Excellence,” university leaders highlighted Bowie State’s growth from Baltimore Normal School for Colored Teachers, a teaching school founded in 1865, to a leading institution in innovation, research, and higher education. 

Bowie State President Aminta H. Breaux addressed the hundreds of guests in attendance, emphasizing that the history of the university is filled with sacrifices made by others committed to education. 

“I stand on the shoulders of folks who went through a lot of struggles for us to be here tonight,” said Breaux. “The legacy for me is to keep uplifting this institution and making sure it is here for another 160 years.” 

Outstanding alumni and supporters whose contributions have helped shape the university’s trajectory were recognized at the Gala. Honorees included notable figures in education, business and public service who have all demonstrated a deep commitment to Bowie State’s mission. It was announced through a special “BSU drone show” that the university’s Campaign for Excellence has reached $67 million in contributions. 

Entertainment for the evening included live music performances and a celebratory atmosphere that blended tradition with a forward-looking spirit. Alumni and friends of the university used the event to reconnect and reflect on the institution’s legacy while also looking toward its future growth.  

Funds raised from the gala will go directly toward student scholarships and programs that support student success and innovation. 

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University continues to serve as a beacon of access and excellence in higher education, remaining a vital force in shaping the futures of students in Maryland and beyond. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.