By Bowie State University
Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest Historically Black College/University (HBCU), will celebrate its 157th Founders’ Day on Wednesday, April 20 welcoming back a young alumnus, Luke Lawal (’11) as keynote speaker. The forward-looking program will recognize the achievements of current students while also honoring the impact of long time faculty and staff who helped advance the institution.
The annual ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Communication Arts Center Myers Auditorium, and will include recognition for Deans List students and recent retirees. Alumni and friends are invited to join students, faculty and staff for the celebration.
The entrepreneurial journey of Lawal builds on the legacy of achievement and innovation instilled in every BSU student. CEO and founder of L & Company, a minority-based corporation in Los Angeles, Lawal’s diverse portfolio of businesses reflects his passion for entrepreneurship and giving back to his community. His first venture, HBCU Buzz, begun when he was a student at BSU, was created to generate awareness of HBCU collegiate culture. Currently the leading source of HBCU news, the media outlet provides trends and breaking news about all black colleges and universities and earned him a spot in the “DMV 30 Under 30” in 2014.
Lawal continues to innovate with focus on his next business venture, Taper, an app designed to change how hair stylists and barbers engage with their consumers, as well as his mental health entity, Root Care Health.
“Bowie is such a special place to me for so many reasons,” said Lawal. “It was where I started HBCU Buzz in my dorm room and it was where I was able to build a solid foundation for my success in life.”
The Founders’ Day program will feature special recognition of the 1,150 students who were named to the Dean’s List of each college for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the fall 2021 semester. The growing number of students attaining this level of academic achievement reflects the quality of the BSU educational experience.
Equally as important are the faculty and staff who dedicated much of their lives in service to Bowie State University. The contributions of those who retired from the university in 2021 will be honored.
Capping the ceremonial part of the day will be the dedication of a signature torch saved from demolition of the George M. Crawford science building and installed in the new Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Nursing, continuing its legacy of lighting the path for scientists and mathematicians matriculating at Bowie State.
“Founders’ Day at BSU honors our past while celebrating the promise of tomorrow,” said President Aminta Breaux. “The Bowie State of today stands because of the determination and commitment of many since 1865 to assure that we continue to provide a quality education for students seeking to better their lives. It’s a day of celebration for the entire campus.”
