Central State University to host events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1974 tornado

Above: Central State University and public officials are pictured outside the post office, where the only on-campus fatality occurred. Read more about the storm. Photo courtesy of the Greene County Historical Society.

In 1974, two violent tornadoes wreaked havoc across the eastern United States, causing devastation and destruction in their wake.  

Central State University, Ohio's only public Historically Black University, was hit hard by one of these tornadoes, with an estimated 80% of its campus destroyed. Despite this, the people of Central State refused to be defeated.

Their unwavering commitment to one another and to their community saw them through a trying time, and their story of resilience continues to inspire today.  

The tornado was no ordinary weather event — it was part of the infamous Super Outbreak that affected 13 states across the eastern United States, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction and devastation, according to the National Weather Service.   

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In total, 148 tornadoes were documented from this event, causing 335 deaths and over 6,000 injuries, the NWS reports. Ohio was one of the hardest hit areas, with 159 deaths and over 4,000 injuries reported in the Ohio Valley region alone. Two violent F5 tornadoes wreaked havoc in Xenia and Sayler Park, a western suburb of Cincinnati, with the former being one of the deadliest with 34 deaths. The Xenia tornado is one of the costliest U.S. tornadoes on record, with damages totaling approximately $250 million in 1974.  

On the 50th anniversary of the tornado, the University will commemorate its spirit of resilience and perseverance, celebrating the strength and determination of its students, alumni, faculty, and staff. 

Learn more about Central State's efforts during and after the storm.

Marauder Strong: Central State remembers 1974 tornado 

During Communication Week, a student- and faculty-led, week-long event, several tornado-related sessions will take place, and the public is invited to attend.  

The main event will be a memorial service from 4:15-4:45 p.m. on April 3 at Walter G. Sellers Alumni Tower/William Galloway Hall, which is one of the few structures that stood intact after the storm. However, much of the building was destroyed, making it a poignant example of Central State's resiliency.  

In the case of inclement weather, the memorial service will move to Charles H. Wesley Arts and Science Building Auditorium.  

Speakers will include retired Professor Robert Marcus and Nathan Bouldin, a member of the class of 1974.  

Additionally, a survivors' panel will take place from 9:30-10:45 a.m. on April 4 at the Mass Communications Center TV Studio. Panelists will include graduates of the class of 1974 Obie Houston and Victor Davis; Greta Winbush, '76, professor of Psychology and Gerontology; Alma Brown, Xenia tornado survivor and administrative secretary in the College of Education whose mother worked in the Office of the President and whose father worked at the CSU Police Department in 1974; and Lesa Taylor DeVond, Xenia tornado survivor and director of Central State University-Dayton, whose father was also working at Central State as chief engineer of the power plant.  

Register by March 27 to receive a name tag for special events and sessions during Communication Week. Advanced registration is not required but is appreciated. 

Secure Your Spot

Communication Week  

Central State Remembers the 1974 Tornado 

Storm Chasing 
Tuesday, April 2 | 9:30-10:45 am.  
Mass Communications Center TV Studio 
Guests: Storm chasers Aaron Rigsby and Laci Graham 

Campus-wide Tornado Drill 
Wednesday, April 3 
1:30-2 p.m. 

Memorial Service  
April 3 | 4:15-4:45 p.m. 
Alumni Tower* 
Guests: Retired professor Robert Marcus and Nathan Bouldin ‘74 
*Inclement weather: Charles H. Wesley Arts and Science Building Auditorium 

Survivors’ Panel 
April 4 | 9:30-10:45 a.m.  
Mass Communications Center TV Studio 
Guests: Alma Brown, Lesa Taylor Devond, Obie Houston ’74, Victor Davis ‘74, and Greta Davis, ’76 

Forecasting and Preparedness: Then and Now 
April 4 | 12-12:50 p.m. 
Mass Communications Center TV Studio 
Guests: Ethan Raby, Director, Greene County Emergency Management; and Ashley Novak, meteorologist, National Weather Service 

Library exhibit: 50 Years Since F5 Tornado Struck 
April 1-30 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Hallie Q. Brown Library 

As we mark 50 years since this historic event tested our resilience, we invite you to share your stories of strength, perseverance, and unity.

Let's celebrate the spirit of Marauder Strong as we honor our past and look forward to a brighter future together. 

Share your pictures and stories by emailing connect@centralstate.edu by April 1.

Preserve your history. The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center will digitize your photos of the 1974 tornado. Contact the museum at 937-376-4944 for more information.