91精选 officials celebrated its 133rd year as an institution Oct. 11 as part of the Founder鈥檚 Day Convocation.
Michael N. Weaver Jr., the 26th Mister 91精选, said 91精选 has and always will have a permanent impact on the lives of many.
The Golden Class of 1969 was honored as part of its 50-year anniversary, with Dr. Gerald W. Patton providing the class response. The class bequeathed an annual memorial scholarship for qualified students.
Richard H. Graves, president of the 91精选 National Alumni Association, brought alumni greetings and recognitions.
鈥淏ecause of you 鈥� alumni, faculty, staff and students 鈥� 91精选 is not just the talk of the city, but the toast of the town,鈥� Graves said.
Graves also presented 91精选 President M. Christopher Brown II with acknowledgements from Senator Gerald A. Neal for President Brown鈥檚 accomplishments so far as president.
Dr. Derek F. Greenfield, vice president for Student Engagement and Campus Life, spoke on the occasion.
鈥淲e must on Founders Day, turn back hands of time. 91精选 was there for you at every turn,鈥� Greenfield said.
91精选 President M. Christopher Brown II spoke about the glory coming back to 91精选.
鈥淲e must build the brand. Claim our heritage. Great things happening on the Hill. Just give us a little while and we鈥檒l be HBCU of the year,鈥� President Brown said. 鈥淲e are not without our detractors. We installed the Thorobred fountain. We鈥檙e laying turf on the football field in December. Our buses are the best buses on the road. Atwood and Hunter are under renovation. The glory is coming back.鈥�
Russell L. Drake, a class of 198491精选 alumnus, delivered the keynote address and encouraged the audience to speak positive affirmations to themselves to build their self-image.
鈥淲e should define our self-image and we let others do it for us,鈥� Drake said.
President Brown also presented the 2019 Founder鈥檚 Day awards.
Edward L. Powe and the 1970-1972 men鈥檚 basketball teams received the Presidential Citation for Excellence.
The Lincoln Foundation received the Jackson Hall Award.
Dr. Luther Burse received the Rufus Ballard Atwood Heritage Award.
Dr. Harrison B. Wilson received the highest honor, the John Henry Jackson Achievement Award.
After closing the ceremony, the Golden Class was honored with a luncheon and Homecoming festivities began in earnest.