Albany State University (ASU) will commemorate 123 years of purpose, perseverance, and progress during Founder’s Week 2026, held April 6–11, under the theme “Reigniting the Flame. Powering the Future.”
This observance honors ASU’s founder, Dr. Joseph Winthrop Holley, whose vision in 1903 established an institution grounded in faith, discipline, scholarship, and opportunity. Throughout the week, ASU invites students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners to gather in reflection and celebration, honoring our past while shaping the future we are called to build together.

Founder’s Week will feature a series of commemorative and forward-focused events across both campuses. Community engagement will take center stage on Tuesday, April 7, during Community Day – A Taste of ASU, hosted at the J-Building (Allied Health, Community Service, and Theatre), and surrounding areas on West Campus from 4:00–7:00 p.m. for the Albany community. This interactive showcase highlights the university’s academic colleges, student organizations, residence life, arts programs, and community partnerships, offering prospective students and local families a vibrant introduction to the ASU experience.

On Wednesday, April 8, faculty, staff, and students will be celebrated during the Guardians of the Flame Campus Appreciation Fest, a high-energy gathering recognizing the everyday heroes who power the institution’s mission.

Thursday, April 9, expands ASU’s impact beyond campus through The Future of ASU – Literacy Day with First Lady Scott, a community-centered initiative designed to inspire early learners and reaffirm the university’s commitment to educational empowerment. That evening, alumni and students will connect during Rams in the Bush, an exclusive networking experience. Designed to foster mentorship, professional growth, and intergenerational connection, the event underscores the enduring strength of the RAMily.

Founder’s Week reaches its ceremonial pinnacle on Friday, April 10, with a series of signature events open to the public. The 123rd Founder’s Day Convocation will be held at 9:00 a.m. in the Billy C. Black Auditorium on East Campus. The keynote address will be delivered by distinguished alumnus Dr. Ontario S. Wooden, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at North Carolina Central University. A respected scholar and national leader in student success and institutional transformation, Dr. Wooden’s return to his alma mater represents a powerful full-circle moment for the university community.

Immediately following Convocation, the campus will gather for the traditional gravesite memorial service honoring Dr. Joseph Winthrop Holley, reaffirming the foundation upon which the institution stands.

The National Alumni Association Luncheon will be held after the gravesite memorial service at 11:30 a.m. in the C.W. Grant Student Union Ballroom. Tickets can be purchased here.

That afternoon at 2:00 p.m., ASU will mark a defining historic milestone with the Presidential Investiture Ceremony of Dr. Robert O. Scott in the Billy C. Black Auditorium. While rooted in the spirit of Founder’s Day, the Investiture stands as a distinct and historic moment in the university’s continuing journey, formally affirming leadership and vision for the years ahead.

Founder’s Week continues Saturday, April 11, with the Alice Coachman Track Invitational on Lower East Campus at 8 a.m. The Blueprint Empowerment Conference is a new event for students to connect with alumni to grow the next generation of ASU leaders. The conference will feature alumni speakers, industry exposure, and career empowerment. The National Alumni Association will also host the Business Meeting that morning.

The week will conclude with the Blue and Gold Scholarship Gala at 6:00 p.m. in the West Campus Arena. This elegant evening of celebration serves as a premier fundraising initiative dedicated to expanding scholarship opportunities and advancing student success. As ASU “Reignites the Flame” of its founding mission, the Gala provides alumni, corporate partners, and supporters an opportunity to directly power the future of Ram scholars.
Tickets can be purchased here. Sponsor information can be found here.

For 123 years, Albany State University has stood as a beacon of access, excellence, and transformation in Southwest Georgia and beyond. Founder’s Week 2026 invites the entire community to honor that legacy while recommitting to the shared work of shaping what comes next.

For event details and ticket information, visit www.asurams.edu/foundersday.
 
 
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Founder's Week Event Schedule

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Convocation Speaker Headshot

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Blue and Gold Scholarship Gala Graphic

ASU Founder, Dr. Jospeh W. Holley