Virginia Union University Celebrates 154th Founders Day

February 01, 2019

(Richmond, VA) - Virginia Union University celebrated Founders Day Convocation and its 154th anniversary on Friday, February 1, 2019. The Allix B. James Chapel in Coburn Hall was filled to capacity as the class of 2019 donned black commencement regalia. The convocation was attended by faculty, staff, alumni, family and other supporters. Rev. Dr. Emory Berry Jr., was the keynote speaker.

“Wake up and stay woke!” preached Berry, a Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology (STVU) alum and senior pastor of Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia. “Who would have ever thought that slaves shackled in Lumpkin’s Jail would eventually become doctors, lawyers, and educators?”

VUU President and CEO Dr. Hakim Lucas encouraged the seniors, who have less than 90 days until graduation on May 11, to stand up, take out their cell phones, and commemorate the moment.

“Everyone tag me on your social media: 5-1-1, I will make it,” Lucas said about the graduation date.

After the convocation, VUU held its annual luncheon rally, where churches and organizations made gifts to the university. The new interim Dean of STVU, Dr. Gregory M. Howard ’04 opened the rally and gave the purpose of the occasion.  He introduced Rev. Dr. Leo Whitaker, Executive Minister of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, who presided. The rally is a time when support for the university is shown through giving. This year the rally raised more than $100,000 exceeding the fundraising goal.

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