Weeklong Celebration Planned for 114th Founders’ Day

Source: http://www.alasu.edu/news/news-details/index.aspx?nid=1517

Release Date: Dec 17, 2013

Alabama State University will celebrate its 114th Founders’ Day, on Feb. 3-7, with a week of activities honoring the hope and heritage of the Marion Nine.

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Alabama State University will celebrate more than a century of educational excellence during its annual Founders’ Day celebration.

This year’s theme is “The Legacy of Nine: Honoring Their Hope and Our Heritage.”

During the weeklong festivities, Feb. 3-7, the University will host a series of events honoring the memory of the bold visionaries, known as the Marion Nine, who helped establish a legacy of education that continues to touch lives around the world.

Some events include a student lecture series, a community day of service, wreath-laying ceremonies and the Founders’ Day Convocation.

The schedule is as follows:

Monday, February 3

Student Lecture Series (time TBA)
The Student Lecture Series provides an opportunity for students to be exposed to various speakers and topics to expand knowledge and provoke discussion in diverse areas to include political, social, economic, religion, art, and culture. The Student Lecture Series is designed to develop students intellectually and socially.

Tuesday, February 4

ASU’s Community Day of Service (time and details TBA)
The Community Day of Service is an opportunity for Alabama State University to continue the rich legacy of giving back and serving as a valuable community partner.  The day is designed to connect ASU students, administrators, faculty, staff, and alumni to various public schools as a part of the University’s “Read and Rise” initiative to make a difference and have a positive impact on the community. “Read and Rise” volunteers visit schools throughout the City of Montgomery for the day to read and engage with students.  This is important for students to see successful people in the community as representatives of the University. In addition, a visit to Marion, Alabama will be made in the morning by approximately 200 ASU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters.

Wednesday, February 5

Lunch-n-Learn
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fred Shuttlesworth Dining Hall
The Lunch-n-Learn is a unique opportunity for students, ASU leadership, faculty, staff, and alumni to engage on an informal level while dining together to share ASU anecdotes and life experiences.  This lunch allows interaction and communication with each other that may not take place in the classroom or other formal settings.

Thursday, February 6

Early Childhood Center Assembly
9 a.m.
Zelia Stephens Childhood Center
The Early Childhood Assembly showcases the learning and development of students at the on campus Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center.  The program features the students of the center who honor past and present presidents of Alabama State University.

A Tribute to ASU’s Leadership – Celebration of Service
11 a.m.
Ralph Abernathy Auditorium
The Tribute to ASU Leadership provides an opportunity to honor the Founders along with past and present ASU Presidents.  The program is student led and features various student organizations showcasing their creativity in celebrating the rich legacy of the institution.

Wreath-laying Ceremonies
1 p.m. (Immediately following Tribute to ASU Leadership)
Academic Mall / Oakwood Cemetery
The Wreath-Laying Ceremonies occur on the Academic Mall, Greenwood Cemetery, and Oakwood Cemetery where several past ASU Presidents have been laid to rest.  These ceremonies honor the memory and life of each.

Friday, February 7

Founders’ Day Convocation/Presentation of the Spirit of Marion and Spirit of Tullibody Awards
10 a.m.
Dunn-Oliver Acadome
Speaker: Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, Alabama State University’s President-elect
The Founders’ Week Convocation culminates with all members of the University Community convening at the end of Founders’ Week in celebration of the University’s rich history dating back to 1867.  The Convocation features an address by a speaker that is an Alumnus of Alabama State University or someone closely tied to the University. The Spirit of Tullibody and Spirit of Marion Awards, which recognizes ASU Alumni for making a difference in the community and world are also presented during Convocation.

All Founders’ Day events are free and open to the public.

For more information, call 334-229-6795.