ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio Bicentennial Commission will dedicate a historical marker to Ohio University Monday, May 12, at 4 p.m. at the Class Gate, which is located on the corner of Union and Court streets.

Ohio University is the first institution of higher learning in the Northwest Territory, second west of the Allegheny Mountains, and the first in the United States to be endowed with land by the government with proceeds used to pay for its operations -- revenue from two townships was set aside to support the university.

It was chartered by the Ohio State Legislature on Feb. 18, 1804 and opened on June 1, 1809, as an academy with three students. Ohio University awarded its first undergraduate degrees in 1815.

Speakers at the dedication ceremony include President Glidden, State Representative Jimmy Stewart, Ohio bicentennial southeast coordinator Nichola Moretti and Andrew Verhoff, a historical consultant to the commission. A reception will be held following the ceremony.

The Ohio Bicentennial Commission has spearheaded two programs that have generated more than 500 new historical markers across the state that recognize historical events, people and places. Fifteen historical markers recognizing higher education, which are sponsored by International Paper, will be dedicated May 12 through May 25.