WSSU to celebrate Founder’s Day with virtual celebration

Winston-Salem State University will honor its 128th year and founder Dr. Simon Green Atkins with a virtual celebration. The university will commemorate Founder’s Day on Monday, Sept. 28. The livestream broadcast will begin at 8:45 a.m.

“Founder’s Day historically has been a staple of our homecoming week of activities,” shared

Kimberly Fair-Reese, executive director for University Donor Events and University Advancement. “It was important this year that we still celebrate our beginnings and commemorate our 128th year. We invite the entire Ram family to join us virtually.”

WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson and senior administration made the difficult decision to cancel 2020 Homecoming in June. The move, due to the coronavirus pandemic, sparked Chancellor Robinson’s idea to celebrate Founder’s Day with a virtual program that honored the university’s core traditions.

Founder’s Day activities will begin at 8:45 a.m. with the traditional Wreath Laying Ceremony at the S.G. Atkins Statue. A litany commemoration and candlelight ceremony will follow. The ceremony will conclude with a retrospective video of our Founder’s Day celebrations featuring university choir performances, alumni achievements and other poignant moments from celebrations over the years.

“We’ve had such dynamic events in the past. This special video will be our walk-through time and highlight what Founder’s Day means to us,” added Reese.

Due to health and safety guidelines, the university asks that only invited program participants attend the in-person portions of the ceremony. WSSU students, alumni, faculty and guests are encouraged to participate virtually in the livestream event.

Winston-Salem State University was founded as Slater Industrial Academy on Sept. 28, 1892. Learn more about the university’s history.

About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.