ASU hosting Founder’s Day ceremonies today

ALBANY — Albany State University will celebrate 112 years of academic excellence at the 2015 Founder’s Day Convocation at 10 a.m. today in the Billy C. Black Auditorium.

The annual event celebrates Albany State University’s founder, Joseph Winthrop Holley. This year’s theme is “One Past. One Future. One ASU.”

“Founder’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on Albany State’s history, celebrate its accomplishments and prepare for its future,” said ASU Interim President Arthur Dunning. “Dr. Holley laid the foundation, and each of us plays a unique and crucial role in carrying on his tradition of excellence.”

Alumnus Darryl A. Chapman, Sr., DMD, will serve as keynote speaker. Chapman is a native of Albany, and has successfully practiced family dentistry in Cordele for 30 years.

“When I think about the impact that ASU has had on my family and the success that we have enjoyed as a result of that, I am overcome by my sense of love and gratitude. My five siblings and I were educated at ASU, and we were a part of an excellent academic and social experience,” Chapman said. “The regard and honor that I have for the institution that the founders established on the banks of the Flint River in my hometown can never be overstated.”

Founder’s Day Convocation will feature remarks from 2015-2016 Tournament of Roses president Mike Matthiessen. The ASU Marching Band has been invited to perform in the January 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on New Year’s Day. The ASU Marching Band is the only band from Georgia participating.

“We are excited to host Mr. Matthiessen and his wife at our Founder’s Day Convocation,” said Sue Polite-Solomon, ASU director of Alumni Affairs. “This is an excellent opportunity for him to meet our students, faculty, and staff, and see exactly what makes Albany State University an extraordinary institution.”

Albany Mayor and Albany State alumna, Dorothy Hubbard, will offer convocation greetings.

The convocation will include a noon gravesite service at the founder’s burial site on campus and a 12:30 p.m. luncheon at the Student Center Ballroom with ASU alumnus and former superintendent of the Dougherty County School System, John Culbreath serving as guest speaker.

Founder’s Day will continue with a 2 p.m. alumni business meeting in Peace Hall room 127. A 5 p.m. student and alumni fish fry on the ASU practice field will close out the day’s festivities.