Winston-Salem State University celebrates 117 years

This Friday, Founder's Day,  Winston-Salem State will honor 117 years.  

WSSU was founded Sept. 28, 1892 as Slater Industrial Academy. 

The events of the day will  include a  tribute to the University's founder, Simon Green Atkins and numerous other activities. 

"It [Founder's Day] means a lot to me," said Theodis Chunn, Mister Winston-Salem State University 2008-2009, senior, mass communications major.  

"It signifies the history and legacy of the University." 

 This year two individuals will deliver the keynote address, Archie Roberts and  Leonard Wheeler. 

Robert is  a former NFL quarterback  and a retired cardiologist.

He is also the founder of the nonprofit Living Heart Foundation and co-director of the NFL Player Care Foundation Cardiovascular Testing Program.  

Roberts is providing free   cardiovascular health screenings for WSSU students, faculty and staff Oct. 30.

Wheeler played in the NFL for eight years, retiring from the Carolina Panthers in 2001. Wheeler is an executive, personal coach and motivational speaker, and serves on the National Steering Committee for the NFL Players Association, the governing body for retired NFL players.

Founder's Day activities begin with a wreath placing ceremony at the Atkins statue.  

Following the wreath placing, the Convocation program will take place in the  K.R. Williams Auditorium. 

During the Convocation there will be greetings  from mayor of Winston-Salem, the WSSU Board of Trustees, the National Alumni Association and the Student Government Association. 

See related Convocation story on Page 2

Other Founder's Day events include the Mini Parade and Pep Rally at the clock tower.