Jackson State University will celebrate its 139th Founders’ Week activities Oct. 17–19 with a series of forums and a convocation honoring the institution’s legacy of achievement, success and sustainability.
“This is a time for us to pause and reflect on the contributions that Jackson State University has made over its history to Mississippi and to the world through alumni, students and faculty. We know that individuals, families and entire communities have benefitted from the impact of Jackson State in myriad ways,” said Dr. Marie O’Banner-Jackson, dean of Undergraduate Studies and CyberLearning, who is chairing this year’s Founders’ Week Committee.
“We invite not only our alumni but our supporters and friends to join us for this important and meaningful occasion,” she added.
Known for her motivational and inspiration style, nationally renowned speaker Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre will present the keynote address at the Founders’ Day Convocation at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, on the lawn and quad of the H.P. Jacobs Administration Tower, 1400 John R. Lynch St.
Appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation, Butler-McIntyre also served as the 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. The former director of human resources for the Jefferson Parish School System in Harvey, La., has also worked as a teacher, principal, summer school principal and executive personnel administrator for her school district.
JSU’s Jake Ayers Institute for Research in Urban Higher Education has developed a forum series leading up to the convocation. All events will be held in the Dollye M.E. Robinson Liberal Arts Building, Lecture Rooms 166/266 and feature the Undergraduate Studies Chorale. The schedule includes:
Monday, October 17, 11:00 a.m.
“Video Presentation on Presidents and Buildings”
Dr. Hilliard Lackey, presiding
Dr. Lucille Green, occasion
Heather Wilcox, “Video Presentation on Presidents and Buildings”
Tuesday, October 18, 11:30 a.m.
Robert M. Walker, presiding
Dr. Robert Luckett, occasion
Dr. Ivory Phillips, presenting “The Quest for Excellence Despite Obstacles”
Wednesday, October 19, 11:00 a.m.
Keith McMillian, presiding
Clincy Harris, former JSU drum major, “Academic Excellence and the Boom”
Cason Burk, former JSU basketball player, “Excellence in Athletics and Academics”
In case of inclement weather the convocation will be held in Rose E. McCoy Auditorium on JSU’s main campus.