APLU Joining 1890 Universities National Wellness Walk

APLU staff and members institutions took part in the 1890s National Wellness Walk to both celebrate the 125th anniversary of the second Morrill Act and raise money for the Justin Morrill Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Each of the 19 1890 Land-Grant Universities led students, faculty, alumni, and community supporters April 23 on a walk or run of 1.89 miles. Participants can also choose to be active for 1,890 seconds (about half an hour). Those unable to join a campus-led or organized event are still encouraged to complete the walk on their own.

In celebration of the 1890s universities, APLU staff walked a 1.890 mile route through Washington, DC. The walk included a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, where APLU staff briefly viewed the Struggle for Justice Exhibit as a commemorative event. In addition to contributions from individual staff members, APLU will donate $18.90 to the Justin Morrill Scholarship Fund for every staff member who participates.

The Morrill Act of 1890, enacted 28 years after the original Morrill Act of 1862, established black land-grant universities. The legislation gave states funds to establish state universities for persons of color if race was an admissions factor at the existing state university. Commonly referred to as 1890 Universities, these institutions have a track record of “serving the underserved” and “reaching the unreached.” Today, these campuses are proud to remain the custodians of access to and opportunity for higher education in underserved communities.

Contributions to the Wellness Walk are tax deductible and benefit the Justin Morrill Scholarship funds for students majoring in food, agricultural and environmental sciences. For more information or to donate, visit http://www.1890universities.org/giving.