Holden inspires at AWS Social

Baton Rouge’s first lady and Southern University employee, Lois Holden, urged the strive for excellence at the Autumn Tea Social, Thursday in A.W Mumford Field house.
The event was presented by the Association of Women’s Students. Holden candidly spoke to attendees about having pride in the university and how much it personally meant to her.
Attendees were urged to leave motivated, to be excellent, and to leave continuing to work towards excellence.
Holden opened with, “Education is one of the great tools in life. No matter your background if you go out and learn, you know just as much as the next person. Learning is not just in the classroom. Everyday is a classroom.”
She continued to discuss the thought of excellence and how it translates into our lives.
 ”There is not a university in the world that does not have high expectations as part of their philosophy,” said Holden.
Holden explained the need for intelligence and that some of it we already possess and it can only get better with time and experience.
 ”You are intelligent people don’t kid yourselves. If you get caught in a rainstorm and you have a rain coat, you know what to do with it. You possess initiative. You may be thinking what a good idea excellence is but still some of you do not know nothing about it…Maybe you remember when you sat down and heard a speech of setting high goals and striving for excellence.” said Holden.
Holden discussed the need to have pride in the institution, how southern changed her life, and the need to be aware of the situation at the university.
 ”Southern University was like a light for me. And I followed that light… There are so many people that walked with me and talked with me. And they are the reason behind so many of my successes.” said Holden.
She continued to thank the students for allowing her the time to speak and also leaving them with advice.
 ”It’s very good for me to be in the presence of young minds, young souls. My career is probably on the downfall but yours are just about to take off.” said Holden.
Holden concluded thanking the students for their attendance and attentiveness during the social.
The social concluded with mingling and dinner. Tickets for the event were $5 and all proceeds benefited the Thanksgiving luncheon for youth participating in Big Buddy- Baton Rouge.