Courtesy of Tuskegee University
This weekend Tuskegee University celebrated the 104th Founders’ Day. During the weekend, the classes of 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, and 1982 gathered virtually to celebrate not only the vision of the university’s founders but also celebrate their reunion years — especially the marking of the 75th graduation anniversary for the Golden Tiger Reunion Class of 1947.
On Friday morning, the alumni reunion events began with an Estate Planning Seminar hosted by alumnus Greg Dash ’98, the State of the University with Dr. Morris, and a Class Recognition Virtual Ceremony with entertainment by Dzyre Band and DJ Tron.
On Saturday, alumni virtually took part in an alumni-led panel discussion on the Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen: Aviation to Aerospace, Followed by the annual William L. Dawson Lecture and the William L. Dawson Concert—all held virtually.
“The participation from alumni in the virtual programming was monumental,” said Kym Holland, alumni affairs and reunion programs coordinator. “Our alumni exemplified what Ret. Major General Mark Brown referenced as “casting down your bucket where you are” during his address.”
On Sunday, a limited number of alumni, faculty, and staff filled the Chapel for the university’s annual Founders’ Day Convocation. Along with performances by the Golden Voices Concert Choir, the ceremony included a keynote address by USAF Ret. Major General Mark Brown ’86, Executive Director of the Student Freedom Initiative, posed a simple question to the alumni, “What is the founders’ day assignment [our call to action]?”
Brown charged alumni to use their imagination as they reflected on Booker T. Washington’s historic speech at the Cotton States Exposition in 1895. “Cast down your bucket where you are,” Brown said quoting Washington. “Booker T. urged people not to flee to a new land but to invest in their own. We are the help that we need. Perhaps this is the assignment. Have we cast down our buckets where we are? Let’s pour back into the school that freely poured into us. If for no other reason, let’s remember the worth of our teaching. Are we not diligent sons and daughters? If so, we are the help that we need,” said Brown.
The university’s annual Founders’ Day Weekend included a celebration of giving by members of the alumni reunion classes for that giving year, which begins on July 1. Collectively, class members contributed more than $489,770.23 to support the university.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the phenomenal giving of our alumni,” said President Charlotte P. Morris. “Our alumni participation is truly an indicator that we have committed sons and daughters who are willing to step up when needed—even during challenging times.”
This weekend the university also launched its new alumni relations platform—The Golden Tiger Network. Aimed at boosting alumni engagement, the Golden Tiger Network will allow Tuskegee alumni to connect with classmates, network with others in their industry and join local communities specific to their region. They can also stay engaged with the university by sharing alumni news, serving as a mentor, learning about career opportunities, giving to programs that matter, and much more.
