Founder’s Day is a time to reminisce about the things that have occurred in your life, in the past and the impact that those things had and how it guided you in the path that you’ve chosen – Cora J. Graham Peavie.
The 2019 Founder’s Day Convocation was held on Thursday, September 26th at 10:00 am in the Oakland Memorial Chapel on the campus of Alcorn State University (ASU). The program began with a prelude led by Tony Gordon, an Instructor in the Fine Arts Department. Following, there was the processional of guests and a selection by the ASU Men’s Chorale. Next, the posting of the colors was done by the Alcorn Braves’ Battalion and the Invocation was carried out by Wesley Foundation Director, Reverend Tara Hayes.
Continuing on with the program, Jakhia Gray, Miss Alcorn State University 2019-2020, and James Herrington, SGA 1st Vice President, presented the occasion. Afterwards, Dr. Benedict Udemgba, Professor and Chair of the School of Business, introduced the speakers. The speakers consisted of Alcorn State Alumni from the School of Business, Wiley F. Jones, 1964 graduate, Charles Mock, 1974 graduate, and Cora J. Graham Peavie, 1984 graduate.
After presentations were given by the speakers, the program came to an end with a selection by ASU’s Concert Choir, followed by the closing remarks done by Dr. John G. Igwebuike, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the Benediction was presided over by Reverend Dr. C. Edward Rhodes II, Director of Student Religious Life.
Junior Business Administration major, Steven Alphin, stated, “This Founder’s Day I learned about the rich 148-year history that has made Alcorn State University what it is today. I was amazed to learn that the first class was comprised of only 187 students. It was indeed an enriching experience.”