Albany State University to celebrate Founders Day

ALBANY — More than a century ago, Albany State University founder, Joseph Winthrop Holley, a pastor, educator and philosopher garnered support for his vision to provide higher education to Southwest Georgia residents. The pioneer’s vision was realized and today ASU stakeholders include students from around the nation and the world.

Friday at 10 a.m. in the ASU ACAD Auditorium, ASU alumni and the campus family will honor Holley’s legacy during the university’s 111th Founder’s Day Convocation.

Albany native and ASU alumnus Paul McKendrick, superintendent of Tuscaloosa, Ala., city schools is the keynote speaker.

McKendrick attended Monroe High School during the Albany Civil Rights Movement and grew up near famed civil rights attorney C.B. King. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Albany State and a master’s degree in English from Bowling Green State. From Harvard University, he secured a master’s degree in Administration, Planning and Social Policy and a doctorate in Administration, Planning and Social Policy, with a concentration in the Urban Superintendents Program.

At the convocation, six ASU faculty and staff members will be acknowledged for reaching the 25 years of service milestone. Immediately following the program, guests will gather at Holley’s burial site, located in front of L. Orene Hall, for a graveside service.

Sponsored by the ASU National Alumni Association, the Founder’s Day Luncheon is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. in the J.C. Reese Multi-purpose Room. Luncheon tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. To purchase tickets, contact the ASU National Alumni Association at 229-435-2386 or ASU Alumni Affairs at 229-430-4658.

For more information telephone ASU Office of University Communications at 229-430-4671.