-UNIVERSITY TO HOLD FOUNDER'S DAY CEREMONY ON MARCH 13TH-

(BLACK PR WIRE) – MIAMI GARDENS, FL (March 6, 2014) – Florida Memorial University is preparing to celebrate another milestone birthday. South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University and oldest University will conduct the 2014 Founder’s Day Convocation on Thursday, March 13, 2014. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Susie C. Holley Religious Center, followed by a Birthday Party at the Smith Center. As a special treat, alumni, students, faculty, administrators and staff will gather to celebrate this landmark birthday at a big cake-cutting ceremony. 

“Founder’s Day is a time to not only reflect on our rich 135 year history and our many historical accomplishments, but a time to look towards the future and embrace all that God has in store for us,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, president of Florida Memorial University. 

Highlights of the ceremony will include an Invocation by Rev. Joe Turner, FMU class of 1991; a Drum led Procession of Students, Faculty and Staff; a Traditional Founder’s Tribute and ceremonial wreath laying by The FMU Royal Court; musical performances by The Ambassador Chorale; and a panel discussion entitled ‘Reflections in Time’ to discuss community leader’s roles and memories in the civil rights movement, moderated by Adora Obi Nweze. 

Annual high University honors will be extended during award presentations for exceptional service to the University and outstanding achievements in the honoree’s community; The Nathan W. Collier Meritorious Award (highest honor bestowed upon a male), Sarah Blocker Meritorious Award (highest honor bestowed upon a female), and the Humanitarian Award (Instituted in 1897). Dr. Artis will preside over the ceremony. 

Key community leaders and elected officials have been invited to attend and participate in the festivities. 

Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution offering 41 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1879, the University has upheld a commitment to providing a solid foundation for thousands of young people and opening doors to educational opportunities that may have otherwise been closed to them. As South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized for being the birthplace of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” and the home of Barrington Irving, Jr., the first and youngest pilot of African descent to fly solo around the world. Florida Memorial University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). For more information, visit www.fmuniv.edu. 

For more information about Founder’s Day, contact Erica McKinney, JD, FMU’s Director of Public Affairs and Marketing, at (305) 626-3626.