The first Founders' Day Luncheon was held at noon on October 14, 1987, in the Hampton/Newport News Room of Webb Center. The guest list was composed of the following groups:

Norfolk City Council

Norfolk City School Board

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

General Assembly Leadership for the seven cities - Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach

Executive committees of the Alumni Board, Board of Visitors and Education Foundation

Selected faculty and staff

University Medal and honorary degree recipients Founders' and Rectors' Society

Alumni from the 1930s

The program consisted of a welcome from President Joseph M. Marchello, remarks by Frank Batten, chairman of the board of Landmark Communications, awards presented by Robert M. Stanton, rector of the Board of Visitors. G. William Whitehurst was master of ceremonies.