ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio Bicentennial Commission dedicated a historical marker to Ohio University Monday, May 12, at the Class Gate on the College Green.

"We're pleased to be a part of the state's bicentennial as we prepare for the university's bicentennial," Ohio University President Robert Glidden said. "We hope to carry Ohio's bicentennial into the university's bicentennial celebration."

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.

"As Ohio's history has grown, Ohio University has been a part of. It. The university has played an integral part in educating the leaders of this state and beyond," said Ohio Bicentennial Southeast Coordinator Nichola Moretti.

"So much of this area of the state's history is linked to Ohio University," state Rep. Jimmy Stewart said.

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.