Southern University celebrates 146 years of academic excellence, legacy with events throughout March

Southern University celebrates 146 years of academic excellence, legacy with events throughout March

Today, Southern University and A&M College celebrates Founders' Day, commemorating 146 years of academic excellence and the legacy of leadership, scholarship and service that has shaped the institution for generations. The celebration is part of Founders Month, a series of events recognizing the university's history and continued impact on students, alumni and the broader community.

Founded in New Orleans in 1880 by Joseph S. Clark, Octavia Clark, John S. Jones, Emma Mayberry and James B. Moore, Southern University was created to provide educational opportunities for African Americans in Louisiana. The institution later relocated to Baton Rouge in 1914 and has grown into one of the nation's leading historically Black universities, producing leaders across fields including education, business, science, public service and the arts.

Today, the Southern University System - the only historically Black university system in the country, consisting of Southern University and A&M College, Southern University Law Center, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Southern University at New Orleans and Southern University at Shreveport - continues to expand access to education while developing the next generation of leaders.

Throughout Founders' Month, the university will host several events celebrating Southern's legacy and future. The highlight of this year's observance will be the investiture of Chancellor John K. Pierre on March 27 at 10 a.m. in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Additional events include Churching with the Chancellor, a weekly celebration through worship as Pierre visits churches throughout March. Stops include:

• Living Faith Christian Center, 6375 Winbourne Ave., on March 15 at 10:15 a.m.
• Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, 9700 Scenic Highway, on March 22 at 11 a.m.
• Greater Philadelphia Baptist Church, 24497 Cook Road in Zachary, on March 29 at 10:45 a.m.

Other events include Jag-A-Thon hosted by Southern University Athletics, Academic Homecoming and Jazz & Arts on the Bluff, bringing together students, alumni and community members to honor the university's enduring impact.

For all events and more on Southern's legacy, go to subr.edu/foundersmonth.

Click here to take a look back into Southern University's history.