Savannah State celebrates 136 years at annual Founders Day

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah State University (SSU) is celebrating its annual Founders Day on Thursday.The university is celebrating 136 years of legacy as Georgia’s first HBCU. This year’s celebration will kick off at 9:30 a.m. in Tiger Arena.Dr. Pearl Dowe, a 1994 graduate and senior vice provost of Emory University, will be the keynote speaker.She will also receive the Richard R. Wright, Sr. Award of Excellence, SSU’s highest honor. Named in honor of Savannah State’s founding president, the award recognizes exceptional leadership and service in social, educational and civic areas.“For 136 years, Savannah State has opened doors to opportunity and prepared graduates to lead with purpose,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Savannah State University. “Dr. Pearl Dowe’s journey speaks to the power of that mission. She has carried the promise of her SSU education into a remarkable career of scholarship and leadership, and we are proud to welcome her home. As we honor our founders, w