Each year Founders Week celebrates the pillars of Grambling State University and honoring its founder and first president Charles P. Adams.
The breakfast brought administration, alumni, Grambling residents, students and some faculty/staff to the Black and Gold Room in the Favrot Student Union on Monday.
Fans from the surrounding areas were also in attendance along with Greater Grambling Chamber of Commerce and mayors from nearby towns: Arcadia, Ruston, and Farmerville.
“Grambling State University, a place where we nurture diamonds in the rough, we are here to celebrate the beginning of founder’s week,” said Dr. Frank G. Pogue, GSU president.
More than 350 individuals were present at the breakfast.
Dr. Pogue and Grambling Mayor Edward Jones signed the proclamation during the opening ceremony prior to the breakfast. Reverend Clifton Lewis, pastor of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church in Ruston, brought the blessings over the food before the program began.
Following were greetings from the current Miss Grambling State University Geralka Jackson and SGA president Jonathan Allen.
“I love the atmosphere and environment of fellowship,” says Brianna Sutton Jr. marketing major from California as she stood in line chatting with other students about the unity.
At intervals of 15 minutes community members, faculty, administration and alumni took turns serving breakfast at the different stations. With the lines steady moving Aaron James served as timekeeper, which alerted the different departments to change stations.
Pauline Lee, co-chairman of the breakfast, has worked with the event for the last 20 years.
“The breakfast has been exceptional, and I hope to continue to work at this capacity. This year’s event has brought out at least between 300 and 400 guest here today,” Lee said.
“I am just elated over everything that is taking place,” she said.
The ceremony set the tone for the celebrating of 111 years for Grambling State University by providing community outreach and a beacon of hope for thousands.
As one of the most sought after events of Founders Week this breakfast has become a time for fellowship and a chance for friends who have supported their alma mater and the positive endeavors it has made.
From permanently holding the name as World Famed Tiger marching band to Most Winning Coach in football, Eddie G. Robinson.
Some alumni who went to Grambling under the direction of Adams were also in attendance.
Brittany Smith who serves as Miss Plus Couture 2011-2012 says she was honored to be apart of the event along with her church who purchased tickets for the breakfast.
It was an experience to see the leaders of the community and university not only chat but also serve food. “It’s different being on the other side of the spectrum for the faculty to serve the community its uplifting we can celebrate together,” said Smith.