Honors College, Program Dedicated to Spikes

The Southern University Honors College building and its program was officially dedicated to former System’s President, Dr. Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes on Thursday.
“We wanted to give something to honor her dedication to the institution, so we named the Honor’s College and program in her namesake so that her legacy can live on,” said Southern University System President Dr. Ralph Slaughter.
The dedication was quite eventful and included a number of dignitaries that joined the Southern University family in honoring such a dynamic leader.
Many visitors came in the hopes of being able to experience a true phenom in higher education.
“I am honored to attend, because I was a student during Dr. Spikes tenure and I will always have a great deal of respect and admiration for her,” said Ursula Shorty, Director of Financial Aid.
The dedication of the Dr. Spikes served as the true testament of a woman that has given her all to this institution, during some of the university’s harshest struggles. Spikes led Southern when the institution was in a state of financial turmoil and through her dynamic leadership and poise, she was able to restore a state of normalcy amidst confusion.
“She helped to save this institution from itself and she helped to save this institution from others,” said Johnny Anderson, Chairman of the Southern University Board of Supervisors.
The Southern University Human Jukebox, under the dynamic direction of Lawrence Jackson, serenaded the audience with a rendition of total praise that intertwined both instrumental and vocal music. In addition the Southern University Concert Choir also honored Spikes by singing “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho.”
“This was a befitting tribute to a historic trailblazer, a superbly executed event, and a proud day for Southern University Baton Rouge,” said Captain Kent V. Flowers, Commanding Officer Southern Naval ROTC, of the dedication
The official unveiling was proceeded by a salutation in Spikes’ honor. There were numerous individuals that read testimonies of Spikes’, followed by a repetition by the audience that said, “We salute and honor you today.”
As Spikes made her way to the podium her presence was immediately recognized by an eruption of applauses. Spikes praised the hard work of many individuals and expressed her gratitude for the honoring of her name.
“This is where I spent most of my life, right here on this campus”, said Spikes. “This is where my heart is.”