DENMARK, S.C., February 17, 2025- Voorhees University proudly announces its annual Founder’s Day and Springfest celebrations, scheduled for April 6-12, 2025. This weeklong event will honor the university’s rich history while offering an exciting lineup of activities for students, faculty, alumni, and the community.
Founder’s Day Convocation Featuring Distinguished Speaker Dr. Everett B. Ward
On Thursday, April 10, at 10:00 a.m., Voorhees University will host its 128th Founder’s Day Convocation in Dawson Center. This year’s distinguished keynote speaker is Dr. Everett B. Ward, a renowned educator, public administrator, and humanitarian with over 35 years of national leadership experience.
Dr. Ward has served as the 11th president of Saint Augustine’s University, a North Carolina state government administrator, and general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. During his tenure at Saint Augustine’s University (2014-2019), he successfully restored the institution’s accreditation, strengthened academic programs, and expanded external partnerships. Dr. Ward’s commitment to higher education extends to his service on multiple national and regional boards, including the United Negro College Fund and the Association of Episcopal Colleges and Universities. He has also made significant contributions to civic engagement, leadership development, and African American leadership studies. A frequent speaker on these topics, Dr. Ward continues to advocate for social progress and educational excellence.
Following the convocation, attendees will participate in the traditional processional to the Memorial Gardens, followed by a reception at Wright/Potts Library. At 3:00 p.m., guests are invited to a special viewing of the E.E. Wright Documentary in Massachusetts Hall Auditorium.
Springfest 2025 Activities
Springfest 2025 will feature a variety of engaging events for the Voorhees community:
- Sunday, April 6: Spring Choir Concert
- Monday, April 7: Board of Trustees Meeting, HBCU Commission of the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church Meeting, and an Ice Cream and Desserts Bar Social sponsored by the Board of Trustees
- Tuesday, April 8: Mister and Miss Voorhees University Pageant
- Wednesday, April 9: Student Activity
- Thursday, April 10: Founder’s Day Convocation and related activities
- Friday, April 11: Student Activity
- Saturday, April 12: Presidential Scholarship Gala Reception (6:00 p.m., Dawson Center), Presidential Scholarship Gala (7:00 p.m., Dawson Center), and the Springfest Concert/Dance featuring “The Promise Land Band” (9:30 p.m., Dawson Center)
Voorhees University invites all alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members to join in these celebratory events as we honor our history and embrace the future.
For more information about Voorhees University’s Founder’s Day celebrations, please contact Mr. Willie Jefferson at williej@voorhees.edu or call 803.780.1049.
