Alcorn State University (ASU) celebrated its 153rd Founder’s Day Convocation on Thursday, September 26th. This event was held at the Oakland Memorial Chapel on the ASU campus. It began at 10:00 am and was a testament to the University’s history of achievements.
The Convocation began with a prelude, performed by Tony Gordon, the University’s organist for the Fine Arts Department. The crowd was filled with reverence and admiration, moved by the lovely preludes to the Institution’s legacy.
The ceremonial posting of the colors was executed by the Alcorn Brave Battalion. The crowd remained in quiet reflection until it was time for the National Anthem, which was performed by Ernest Fields IV, a Junior Vocal Performance major at ASU. Afterwards, the Black National Anthem was performed by the audience and the invocation was delivered by Reverend Dr. C. Edward Rhodes II, Director of the Hiram Rhodes Revels Institute.
Kristian D. Bryant, ASU’s 67th SGA (Student Government Association) President, extended a heartfelt welcome to the University, staff, guest, family and friends. Following Bryant’s welcome, Dr. Valetreasa Tolliver-Cook, Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Social Work and Sciences, delivered the occasion.
The program continued with two selections from ASU’s Chorale. Dr. J. Janice Coleman, Professor of English, granted a retrospective on Alcorn. Reverend Austin Warren, Assistant Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, introduced the guest speaker, Reverend Brian Crawford. Reverend Crawford, President of Mission Mississippi, presented a powerful message about leadership.
The Convocation reached its conclusion with presentations and acknowledgements by Dr. Renardo Murray, Associate Dean and Professor of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences. ASU’s 21st President, Dr. Tracy M. Cook, gave the concluding remarks.
The benediction was presided over by Rev. Rhodes. Henry L. Davis, English Professor, stated, “This is truly a blessing to be able to celebrate another year of this University’s legacy. I’m glad that I was able to attend along with some of my students this time, so they can understand how historical this Institution is.”
(Photo Credit: alcornstateu on Instagram)