Savannah State University will celebrate 125th Anniversary beginning Thursday, November 12 with the Founders’ Day Ceremony at 10am in Tiger Arena.
Each year Savannah State University takes a day to recognize those who have served the school and made its foundation stronger.
The annual observance celebrates the history of the institution and those who have contributed to its success. The ceremony includes a guest speaker and the presentation of awards to members of the community. Edna B. Jackson, mayor of the city of Savannah, will be the guest speaker. As an alumna and SSU retiree, she will share her memories and express her thoughts on SSU’s importance in the area.
Additionally, awards will be given to four alumni and retirees. The Richard R. Wright Excellence Award, named for the first president, honors corporate or individual citizens, alumni and outstanding leaders, who have distinguished themselves through their expertise in social, educational and civic arenas.
This year’s recipients are Annette K. Brock, Ph.D., and Charles Elmore, Ph.D. Brock worked at Savannah State for 33 years as professor and administrator, including as interim president of SSU. Elmore taught at Savannah State for more than 35 years, leading the Journalism and Mass Communication program to accreditation.
The Cyrus G. Wiley Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes outstanding alumni who exemplify the lofty ideals of SSU and demonstrate extraordinary support and loyalty to the university.
This year’s recipients are Percy Mack, Ph.D., and Dorothy Wilson, each lifelong educators. Mack has served as the superintendent of schools in Columbia, South Carolina; Dayton, Ohio; and as an assistant superintendent of the DeKalb County School System.
Wilson is a retired public school teacher. She also volunteered with Greenbriar Children’s Center, the Department of Family and Children Services and served as the president of the Georgia Retired Educators Association.
On Friday, November 13, at 9 a.m. in the Student Union ballroom, Cheryl D. Dozier, DSW, President of Savannah State University (SSU), will give the annual State-of-the-University address.
Dr. Dozier will report on the 2014-2015 academic and fiscal year. She will highlight significant faculty and student achievements; report on the progress of the strategic plan implementation; and address future efforts coming to the Savannah State campus.
Following the address, at 2 p.m., will be a discussion featuring past Savannah State presidents. The panel will be themed “Building Savannah State University’s 125-Year Legacy.
On Saturday, November 14, the Anniversary Gala will be held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center beginning at 7:30 p.m. Governor Nathan Deal will be the speaker for the gala, which is the hallmark event of the university’s quasquicentennial celebration.
Net proceeds from the university’s premier fundraiser, silent auction and acclaimed community event will support student scholarships. During the black-tie affair, the university will present Awards of Excellence in service, leadership, scholarship and philanthropy.
The gala co-chairs are Charles F. McMillan, president and owner of Mc- Millan and Associates, and David E. Paddison, president of Seacrest Partners, Inc. The title sponsor is SSU Foundation, Inc. and the presenting sponsor for this year’s gala is Thompson Hospitality, SSU’s foodservice provider. Individual seats are $125 and a reserved table for 10 with a sponsorship ranging from $2,500-$25,000.
To reserve seats online, visit http://www.savannahstate.edu/gala. For more information, contact the Division of University Advancement at 912-358- 3059.
