roslyn-clark-artis_web.jpgMIAMI GARDENS — Florida Memorial University is preparing to celebrate another milestone birthday. South Florida’s oldest university will conduct the 2014 Founder’s Day Convocation on Thursday, March 13.  The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Susie C. Holley Religious Center, followed by a birthday party at the Smith Center. 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 Day tribute and ceremonial wreath laying by The FMU Royal Court; and musical performances by The Ambassador Chorale. A panel discussion entitled ‘Reflections in Time’ to discuss community leaders’ roles and memories in the civil rights movement, will be moderated by Adora Obi Nweze, president of the Florida State Conference and the Miami-Dade branch of the NAACP.

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 given to a male), Sarah Blocker Meritorious Award (highest honor given to a female), and the Humanitarian Award (Instituted in 1897). Dr. Artis will preside over the ceremony.
The university is located at 15800 NW 42nd Ave., Miami Gardens.

For other information, contact Erica McKinney at 305-626-3626.