Harris, keynote speaker at ASU’s homecoming convocation Friday, made sure “one of the largest counties in the State of Georgia had its books in order every single day,” ASU President Everette Freeman continued.
Harris, from the Class of ’72, told the audience of returning alumni, faculty and students that “regardless of how topsy-turvy the world may be ... the good news is, there is no place like home.”
ASU graduates “stand out in a crowd,” becoming doctors, lawyers, teachers, ministers and business leaders able to weather difficult times because of the strong foundation that was the vision of founder Joseph W. Holley in 1903, Harris said.
Cliff Porter, interim vice president for Institutional Advancement at ASU, recognized dozens of groups at the convocation, including sports teams, student government, Miss Albany State Britney Muhammad and her court and 21 returning alumni who participated in a “teach-in” in college classes Friday.
Athletic Director Joshua Murfree revealed two surprise homecoming guests, Olympic gold medalist and Albany native Angelo Taylor and radio personality Doug Banks.
Concluding the convocation, Gladys Ward McCullough Sapp, a member of the Class of ’46 and author of ASU’s alma mater, led the singing the alma mater, pumping her fist with the crowd in ASU tradition during the song’s middle and last lines. She will serve as grand marshal of ASU’s homecoming parade, which starts at 9 a.m. today.
Other homecoming events included a performance by hip-hop artist Shawty Lo and a City of Albany-sponsored block party Friday, the football game against Clark Atlanta University today and a concert by the Manhattans and step show tonight.
“This is a celebration, and we are always happy to have visitors come to our city,” Albany Commissioner Dorothy Hubbard, a member of ASU’s Class of ’70 told the group. “Get a designated driver, be safe, and have a wonderful weekend.”
Homecoming is “when old friends come together with new friends for good times,” Dougherty Commission Chair Jeff Sinyard said.
