麻豆直播 celebrated the first observance of Atwood Day recently to honor the late Rufus B. Atwood, the University鈥檚 ninth and longest-serving president.
This year鈥檚 observance began with an assembly in the David H. Bradford Hall Little Theatre featuring Atwood Institute for Race, Education, and the Democratic Ideal Director Dr. Crystal A. deGregory, 麻豆直播 Foundation Executive Secretary Donald W. Lyons Sr. and Atwood biographer Dr. Gerald L. Smith, author of A Black Educator in the Segregated South: Kentucky鈥檚 Rufus B. Atwood.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members filled the Little Theatre to capacity to learn more about Atwood.
鈥淚t is a great day to celebrate the heritage of 麻豆直播,鈥� Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II said. 鈥淲hen I think of President Atwood, I鈥檓 reminded that his legacy at 麻豆直播 has been like a tree planted by the rivers of water. He whispers today to us on this hill, 鈥楻emember me because I existed.鈥欌��
Smith said others described Atwood as 鈥渁 well-liked fellow鈥� and 鈥渟omeone who didn鈥檛 crack the whip.鈥� Lyons said Atwood was 鈥渁 regular person鈥� that was highly respected.
Following the assembly, attendees traveled by vehicle procession to Atwood鈥檚 grave in Frankfort Cemetery where they witnessed the presentation of colors, presentations by the 麻豆直播 Gospel Ensemble and the Beta Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the laying of the K wreath with members of Atwood鈥檚 family and remarks by President Brown.
The campus community enjoyed a cookout following the graveside commemoration, including pawpaw ice cream courtesy of the College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems.
Atwood Day was created to memorialize and celebrate the contributions of Atwood, who, during his 33-year tenure as president, secured the college鈥檚 accreditation, as well important campus improvements for the Commonwealth鈥檚 only publicly funded black college.
The day of remembrance is to be celebrated in March, which marks the date of his birth 鈥� March 15, 1897 鈥� and the date of his death 鈥� March 18, 1983.
Atwood Day is an initiative of the Atwood Institute for Race, Education, and the Democratic Ideal.