Founder's Day
Celebrating 123 Years of Albany State University
REIGNITING THE FLAME.
POWERING THE FUTURE.
Albany State University will commemorate 123 years of purpose, perseverance, and progress during Founders’ 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 you to gather in reflection and celebration, honoring our past while shaping the future we are called to build together.
Founder's Day Convocation Speaker
Dr. Ontario S. Wooden ('00)
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, North Carolina Central University
Friday, April 10 | 9 AM
Billy C. Black Auditorium, East Campus
Graveside Ceremony Following
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 nationally respected higher education leader with more than two decades of experience across multiple public university systems, Dr. Wooden is known for advancing student success, institutional innovation, and data-informed leadership.
Founder's Reflection and Presidential Message
Morning | Online
Community Day - A Taste of ASU
4-7 PM | West Campus, J-Building Parking Lot
Open to the Public
Guardians of the Flame Campus Appreciation Fest
5 PM
East Campus Pedestrian Mall
ASU Faculty, Staff, and Students Only
The Future of ASU Literacy Day with First Lady Scott
9 AM
Select Pre-K Schools
ASU Students Only
Rams in the Bush
5 PM
East Campus, Dr. Joseph W. Holley Fine Arts Center, Leroy L. Bynum Recital Hall
Students and Alumni Only
Convocation
9 AM
East Campus, Billy C. Black Auditorium
Open to the Public
Gravesite Memorial Service
10:30 AM
Lower East Campus Presidents' Burial Site
Open to the Public
ASU National Alumni Association Luncheon
11:30 AM
East Campus, C.W. Grant Student Union Ballroom
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
Presidential Investiture
2 PM
East Campus, Billy C. Black Building
Overflow seating in Jones Brothers HPER Complex
Open to the Public
Alice Coachman Track Invitational
8 AM
East Campus, Hampton Smith Athletic Field
Open to the Public
Blueprint Empowerment Conference
8:30 AM
East Campus, Billy C. Black Building
Students Only
ASU National Alumni Association Business Meeting
10 AM
West Campus, Student Center Ballroom
NAA Members Only
Blue and Gold Scholarship Gala
6 PM
West Campus Arena