The University of North Alabama is naming it's University Commons for the first African-American to attended Florence State University, which is now referred to as UNA.

The University Commons will now be known as the Wendell W. Gunn University Commons, according to a statement from university officials.

Wendell W. Gunn, who graduated from UNA in 1965, will be honored in a naming ceremony at 5 p.m. March 14. He will also be the guest of honor at the university's "Light the Fountain Ceremony" later that evening.

During the ceremony, the water and lights on the Harrison Fountain on campus are turned on to celebrate the beginning of spring.

Gunn received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry & Mathematics from the University of North Alabama in 1965, an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago in 1971 and an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from UNA in 2017.

Gunn went on to have many successes in his personal life and professional achievements in finance, science, business and politics.

He served as an international trade adviser to President Ronald Reagan. He later founded Gunn Solutions, technology consultants to institutional investment managers.

He returned to UNA to speak at the 2013 Fall graduation ceremony.

"Light the Fountain" will take place March 14, from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Harrison Plaza on UNA's campus.