Southernites Celebrate 123 years of Education, Tradition

O Southern, Dear Southern
Thy praises we shall sing…
The first two lines in Southern University’s alma mater could not have been more appropriate in the 2003 Southern University Founders’ Day festivities.
“Southern University: A Lamp Still Burning,” was the theme of this year’s occasion and many events that were held to honor the birth and progression of the nation’s largest land-grant historically black university.
Last Friday, members of the Southern University System’s faculty, staff, students and alumni came together to start an early celebration of praise for the 123rd birthday of Southern University.
The 7:30 a.m. prayer breakfast started off a full day of events that praised the founders of Southern University and those who have kept that “lamp burning.”
The breakfast included a 22-minute pictorial essay and video that brought attendees the history and legacy that was created by the vision of P.B.S. Pinchback, T.T. Allain, T.B. Stamps and Henry Demas.
The message was delivered by Shelton C. Dixon, pastor of Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.
Following the prayer breakfast, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new alumni house for the S.U. Alumni Federation.
Those in attendance included Senator Cleo Fields, SU System Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Tony Clayton and SU System Board of Supervisor member Johnny Anderson. SU System President Leon R. Tarver was on hand with a hard-hat and shovel for the event and SU Alumni Federation President Donald C. Wade provided introductions and presentations for the new house that is scheduled for immediate construction.
“This is a big step for the Alumni,” said Clayton. “Hopefully, it will bring more graduates of Southern University home.“
Next for the day was the 2003 SU Commemorative Founders’ Day Ceremony held by the Southern University Laboratory School.
The ceremony included a pilgrimage by students and faculty of the school and other members of the Southern University System. Members walked from the Lab School to congregate on the bluff at the gravesites of the founding Clark family to pay homage.
SU System Board of Supervisors Chairman Albert S. Gilliam was on hand at the Founders’ Day Convocation, which immediately followed the ceremony by the SU Lab School.
A luncheon that honored 20, 30 and 40-year service employees took place immediately after the convocation. Members honored included SU New Orleans Chancellor Press Robinson, who was honored for putting in work at Southern for over 40 years.
On Saturday, the First Annual Founders’ Day Celebrity Golf Tournament was held. The event was held by the SU Alumni Federation and sponsored by TES Enterprises.
Rounding out the evening was the premier of Louisiana Performances with music from Vo-du McBeth Opera.