Clark Atlanta University Hosts 35th Founders’ Day Spring Convocation

Courtesy of Clark Atlanta University

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) hosted its 35th annual Founders’ Day Spring Convocation for the 2023-2024 academic year Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Leonida S. Epps Gymnasium.

Clark Atlanta University Founders’ Day Convocation serves as an uplifting and inspiring ceremony that brings CAU family, alumni, and supporters together to celebrate the institution’s past, present, and future. The event is open to the public, including students, faculty and staff, alumni, and the greater Atlanta community.

This year’s Founders’ Day Convocation is dedicated to the memory of the university’s second president, Dr. Walter D. Broadnax, who served the institution from 2002 – 2008. Under

Dr. Broadnax’s leadership, Clark Atlanta University became the only private historically Black college or university classified as a doctoral/research-intensive institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

“The 2023 Founders’ Day theme is “Learn, Lead, Change” which were a part of the Broadnax Administration”, said Gay-linn E. Gatewood-Jasho, Executive Director, University History, Traditions and Ceremonials. “The theme respectfully allows us to pause in a reflective manner. Though we are remembering Dr. Walter D. Broadnax as the second president of Clark Atlanta University, we presently embrace the theme with thoughts and actions of who we are as an institution of higher learning.”

Guest speakers for the convocation—whom all served under Dr. Broadnax’s administration— are Dr. Dorcas Bowles, former Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Mrs. Marcia Jones Cross, Special Assistant to the President for Operations; Reverend Herbert R. Marbury, Ph.D., former University Chaplain and Director of Religious Life; and Mr. Phillip L. Anderson, former Undergraduate Student Government Association President.

Additionally, the convocation will include special recognition for undergraduate and graduate scholars whose exemplary academic achievements allowed them the distinction of making the Dean’s List.