SU celebrates 136 years; Founders’ Day 2016

The Southern University Founders’ Day celebration was held last week which consisted of an opening reception, The Southern University Lab Pilgrimage, a NASA Exposition, Employee service Dinner and Convocation.
With this years’ theme of “Continuing the Journey and Surpassing Boundaries”, the convocation guest speaker and first African American female astronaut, Dr. Mae Jemison enlightened the students on how to take advantage of their time.
Jemison was welcomed by Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. M. Christopher Brown.
“What do we call her? distinguished and today the Southern University and A&M College calls her friend. Ladies and gentlemen it is my high privilege and personal pleasure to present to you the worlds first African American female astronaut with 100 and 90 hours 30 minutes and 23 seconds launched in outer space,” said Brown as Jemison approached the podium.
“If you wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes, if you don’t wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes,” said Jemison as she began her speech.
“Right now you are sharing with me your time, which is important. Time is irreplaceable, and we all have at our disposal,” said Jemison.
Jemison went on to further explain how valuable time is.
“While our time is limited it has infinite possibilities. There are 86 thousand 400 seconds in each day and each one of those seconds are extremely precious, because we can do with each of those seconds exactly as we please, but we can never get a single one of those back, but it’s the choices that we make, its what we decided to do with those seconds that give it its unlimited potential,” said Jemison.
Explaining the importance of attending college Jemison mentioned that it is about getting a seat at the table.
“What difference does it make if you have a place at the table, but I look and do just like everyone else.”
Jemison also mentioned that be involved and invited to Southern University, even though she didn’t attend college her was an incredible connection.
Former Southern University engineering students were recognized and given Jaguar Pride Medals of Honor. The honorees were Hugh V. McKnight, Morgan M.Watson, Warren August, George Bourda, Lawrence Champagne (Deceased), Tommy Dubone (Deceased),William Porche, Frank Williams, Howard Turnley, Charlie Baker, William Pipkin, W. T. Winfield, and Henry Thurman (Deceased).
The honorees were amongst the first group of African Americans to be recruited for NASA in 1964 through a Cooperative Education Program. The group of students traveled from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Huntsville, Alabama, with hopes of integrating the NASA workforce.
The honorees were welcomed back to campus during an opening reception, which included there familles and special guest.
Convocation was presided by Vice Chancellor for The Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Dr. Brandon K. Dumas.
“I consider it a high honor and privilege to welcome you to the 136 year Founders’ Convocation. Our journey has been a difficult one, but has yield us with great rewards. I am, because Southern is,” said Dumas.
The musical selections were done by the Southern University Wind Ensemble directed by Nathan Haymer, SU Gospel Choir directed by Ernest Bowman and SU Concert Choir directed by Charles Lloyd, featuring vocalist Jacqueline Paige Green and Amber Brown.
Closing remarks were done by President- Chancellor Dr. Ray L. Belton.