On Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Alcorn State University (ASU) celebrated its annual Founders Day at 10:00 am in the Oakland Memorial Chapel on the Lorman campus. This year celebrated 145 years of excellence at the University. Celebrating Founders Day provides an opportunity for Alcorn to reflect on its history and the sacrifices that all Alcornites have made to ensure that Alcorn keeps moving forward and contributing to a productive society.
The program began with a prelude by Mr. Tony Gordon, University Organist and was followed by the processional of platform guests. A selection by the Alcorn State University Concert Choir entitled ‘Dere’s No Hiding Place Down Here’ grasped the attention of many attendees. The posting of the colors was piloted by the Alcorn Braves’ Battalion and the invocation was given by Reverend C. Edward Rhodes II, Director of Student Religious Life. The occasion was led by Whitney Jackson, Miss Alcorn State University 2016-2017 and Jeremy Martin, Student Government Association President 2016-2017. Dr. Donzell Lee, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, introduced Dr. Josephine M. Posey, ASU History Research Associate, who did an expose’ of Dr. Walter Washington who was the President of Alcorn from 1969-1994. Tanya Carr, Office Manager in Marketing and Communication at ASU, stated, “It was good to hear about Dr. Washington and the legacy he left here at Alcorn.”
After Dr. Posey’s enlightening presentation was concluded, several prestigious Alcornites spoke and reflected on their experiences at Alcorn. The Alcornites who spoke were Emanuel Barnes, Sr., Vice President of the Division of Student Affairs at ASU, Dr. Norris A. Edney, former Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Chairman of the Department of Biology at ASU, Wiley F. Jones, 1964 ASU alumnus and Dr. Malvin A. Williams, Sr., Interim President of ASU from 2006-2007. Each spoke in high regard of the Institution and challenged the audience to continue the ongoing legacy. Dr. Malinda Butler, Interim Associate Dean for the School of Education and Psychology at ASU, stated, “I particularly enjoyed the speakers reflecting on Dr. Washington. There is an extreme amount of history here at Alcorn State University.”
The closing remarks of the program were given by Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., 19th President of Alcorn State University. In his annotations, Dr. Rankins stated, “Thank you all for supporting this event. May God bless each and every one of you, and may God bless Alcorn State University.”
For more information about this event or upcoming events, visit www.alcorn.edu or contact the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs at (601) 877-6140.