On October 2, Fairmont State University honored Dr. Paul Opp, a Fairmont State College Professor of Speech in the 1920s. In 1925, Opp and a handful of other FSU faculty and students founded Alpha Psi Omega, an honorary theater organization.
APO now has more than 1,048 active chapters across the United States.
The ceremony took place at Fairmont’s Woodlawn Cemetery, where Dr. Paul Opp and his wife are buried.
“Paul Opp was born an educator, [and] he saw firsthand how the arts could transform lives,” said Julia Kirby, the president of Fairmont State’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega.
Opp knew that theater was “not just about the stage, but about character, creativity, and service to others,” she added.
As part of the Alpha Psi Omega centennial celebration, the organization will present Peter and the Starcatcher, with performances scheduled for October 31–November 2 and November 6–8. Following the 2:00 p.m. matinee on November 2, a special reception will be held to commemorate APO’s 100th anniversary.
