On Oct. 26 at the B.N. Duke Auditorium, N.C. Central University celebrated its 54th annual Founder’s Day Convo-cation.

In preparation for the event, the Telecommunications Education Center assisted in the distribution through the campus-fiber network on NCCU’s Channel 30. Students could also watch the Founder’s Day program via their computers.

A simultaneous telecast was shown at the University Theatre in the Farrison-Newton Comm-unications Building.

The ceremony began with the Procession of Color by the Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps.

During the procession, Eugene Eaves, director of international programming and university marshall, encouraged those who were standing to view the ceremony at the Farrison-Newton Communications Building.

Leroy Wray, senior Class president, welcomed guests and invited everyone to enjoy the upcoming homecoming activities.

Chancellor James Ammons recognized and inducted 41 new members into the Society of Golden Eagles.

The Society of Golden Eagles is an honorary association of alumni that have been graduates of NCCU for 50 years. Each inductee wore a gold banner and were presented certificates by Ammons.

Ammons also presented the Chancellor’s Award of Merit to outstanding alumni.

The first honoree was Mildred “Mama Dip” Council, owner of Dip’s Restaurant in Chapel Hill.

Chancellor Ammons spoke of her famous fried chicken and “soul food” as he introduced her.

The second honoree was Dudley Flood, a member of the UNC Board of Governors. Flood has received over 300 awards. The third recipient was William G. Smith, president of Mutual Savings Bank and Chairman of NCCU’s Board of Trustees.

Then Harold T. Epps, Chairman of NCCU’s Industry Cluster remarked on the success of NCCU’s recent Industry Summit. Epps said that NCCU received $540,000 for student scholarships and presented Ammons with a check for that amount.

Ammons also recognized special guests at the ceremony including his wife, Judy Ammons, the NCCU Foundation Board, members of the Fall Summit, the Society of Golden Eagles, students from the Fayetteville Street School, and faculty, alumni, and students.

A narrative of the life of James E. Shepard, founder of NCCU was read by alumni, Arthrell Sanders, retired professor of English and Roger R. Gregory.

During the narrative, NCCU’s university choir sang selections and two solos were performed.

Ammons, Stephanie Jackson, SGA president and Kay T. Thomas, national president of NCCU’s alumni association took part in a candle lighting truth and service ceremony.

After NCCU’s Alma Mater was sung, the audience and participants of the Founder’s Day program went to the Shepard Circle for the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Members of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, NCCU Alumni Association, and The Pan Hellenic Council took part in the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Students seemed to enjoy the Founder’s Day Program.

“I really enjoyed the program today. I thought it was nice that the university honored the 50-year graduates. They give students something to strive for,” said nursing senior Aledra Hillsman.