Alabama State University Celebrates University Pioneers

By Alexis Butler

On Friday morning, Feb. 7, Alabama State University celebrated the close of its 120th Founders’ Week with a pre-convocation campus processional.

“We would like to honor the Marion 9, the freed slaves, who had the courage to pull their resources and build this school of higher learning for African Americans, which is now Alabama State University. We would also like to recognize the presidents who have led this university and have helped shape it into the global institution that it has become,” said ASU President Quinton T. Ross Jr.

Students, faculty and staff gathered around the memorial bell, located between the academic mall and the Levi Watkins Learning Center, in remembrance of those who have helped shape ASU.

Ross led each bell ring by naming the founders from the Marion 9, followed by the names of all university presidents who have served at ASU.

Following the bell-ringings, there was a procession to the Dunn Oliver Acadome to attend the Founders’ Day convocation.