Savannah State University will mark 136 years of educating students and expanding opportunities during its Founders Day celebration at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 12 in Tiger Arena.
The event will welcome alumna Pearl Dowe, a 1994 graduate and senior vice provost for Academic Affairs at Emory University, as keynote speaker and recipient of the Richard R. Wright Sr. Award of Excellence, according to a community announcement.
The award is Savannah State's highest honor and recognizes leadership and service in social, educational and civic arenas. Named for the institution's founding president, the recognition highlights Dowe's path from Savannah State student to a national higher education leader.
Founders Day brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni
and supporters to reflect on the university's history while looking ahead to its future.
“For 136 years, Savannah State has opened doors to opportunity and prepared graduates to lead with purpose,” said Jermaine Whirl, president of Savannah State University. “Dr. Pearl Dowe’s journey speaks to the power of that mission. She has carried the promise of her SSU education into a remarkable career of scholarship and leadership, and we are proud to welcome her home. As we honor our founders, we also celebrate the people who are writing Savannah State’s next chapter.”
Alumni award nominations now open
The university is also seeking nominations for the Cyrus G. Wiley Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes graduates whose achievements, leadership and service reflect positively on Savannah State and their communities.
According to the announcement, the award honors alumni who demonstrate leadership in their professions, contribute to their communities and help create opportunities for others.
Nominations will be accepted through Oct. 26.
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This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah State Founders Day brings alumna home for top award
