TSU Kicks off Centennial with Founders’ Day Convocation

Tennessee State University kicked off its year-long Centennial Celebration, Wednesday, Sept. 14 with the annual Founders’ Day and Opening Convocation at the Howard C. Gentry Complex.

The Reverend Gerald L. Durley, a 1964 TSU alumnus and senior pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga., was the keynote speaker.

Born in Wichita, Kan., Dr. Durley grew up in California and Colorado. He is a psychologist who was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960′s, and was a member of the first U.S. Peace Corp to go to Nigeria, West Africa. Dr. Durley has been a university professor and administrator at Illinois University, Clark Atlanta University and the Morehouse School of Medicine.

The Founders’ Day Convocation was the official kick off event commemorating the university’s 100th anniversary as Nashville’s only public university and highlighted its traditions, legacy, academics, alumni and contributions to higher education.

“This is an exciting time for Nashville and Tennessee State University,” said Dr. Portia H. Shields, president. “We are proud of TSU and how we have grown with the community. During this year not only are we going to honor our traditions and history, but also launch into our future…our next 100 years.”

Throughout the year, Tennessee State University will be the site of special events and celebrations marking the Centennial.

Greetings from the President   In 2012, we will commemorate Tennessee State University’s Centennial and celebrate the remarkable journey that has transformed TSU into a leading institution focused on excellence in scholarly inquiry and research, and life-long learning. Our Celebration promises to showcase the most exciting events ever held in one year at TSU; and, we will be rolling out the Big Blue carpet for you.  Please take a moment to browse this Website to learn more about upcoming centennial events and explore parts of TSU’s past, present and future. Then, send us your ideas. Share your own TSU story. Get involved in reflecting on our glorious past. As the 100th anniversary fast approaches, you are also encouraged to make a gift toward our Centennial Fund. Now is the time to give a little more – more time, more energy, more expertise and, yes, more donations. Tennessee State University has always been an institution devoted to making a strong impact on the world. As we celebrate our wonderful TSU life, we ask you to join in where you can. Make the commitment today that our celebration will be your celebration, too. Sincerely, Portia H. Shields, Ph.D.