ASU Fall Convocation-150 Years Forward, The Time is Now

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By Anthoney Lewis

Montgomery, AL– Alabama State University hosted its 2017 Fall Convocation on October 3, 2017 at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. The university’s 15th President Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. was the guest speaker.

This year’s convocation was a significant occasion as ASU celebrates 150 years of higher education along with the 15th President of the university, Dr. Ross. “Today is a day of transition” said Dr. Leon Wilson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Today is the day we welcome our new president.”

There were musical selections from the ASU Marching Band and ASU University Choir. Several faculty members and student leaders gave greetings and expressed their pride in the university. “We celebrate on behalf of the fruits of labor of the Marion Nine, Martin Luther King Jr., The Civil Rights Movement, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott” said Sha’Diamond Mayfield, Miss Alabama State University. “What will we leave behind for the next 150 years?”

President Ross was welcomed by the audience with a standing ovation. He began by expressing his gratitude to faculty, staff, students, family and friends. “There is no place like home. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as president” he said. “It was God’s design.” While at ASU, Ross served as President of the Student Government Association.

The Convocation address focused on moving the university forward for the next sesquicentennial. To do so will involve perseverance and collaboration. It will also require putting students first. “Employees have to realize that we are here to serve students. They are the most precious resource that we have and they can help tell our story” President Ross said. “Without students, this university will not exist.”

Creating a new norm of care and service will help keep ASU on a forward path. Ross stated that now is the time to re-evaluate values, thinking, and customer service. He also stated that we must work together to make sure the basic needs of students are met. “Students come first and we should serve them pleasantly and professionally at all times without any exceptions.”

Toward the end of his address President Ross made a $50,000 pledge to the university. He gave a charge to make ASU a destination campus and to engage stakeholders along this journey. The convocation ended with a presentation from the ASU Theatre and Dance Guild and singing of the University Hymn.

All rights reserved, Gumptown Magazine. Copyright 2017. 

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