Kendria Haley and Roderick McNair
MC301 Contributors/ Staff
Praising the many accomplishments of Jackson State University, Dillard University alumnae, Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, delivered a Founders’ Day address that audience members will not soon forget.
The event on Oct. 20 celebrating JSU’s 139 years of existence, begin with the ceremonial Bell Ringing Service. Students and other attendees watched as the esteemed processional entered the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center led by executive cabinet members, that included President Carolyn W. Meyers, deans, administrators, and faculty.
Student Government Association President Kendall Bunch delivered the occasion.
“Let us never forget how far we have come and all that we have accomplished. And while we reflect, let us never get tired on this journey, because it is the journey of the past that helped us reach the present, and it is the journey of the present that will lead us to the future,” said Bunch.
After an address from Miss JSU Destiney Lawrence and a stirring rendition of Halleujah from the JSU Chorale, Butler-McIntyre took the stage and the attention of every person in attendance with a high-energy speech that included the often repeated mantra “J. S. U. space in between”.
The topic for Butler-McIntyre’s address was “When are you going to say something?”
“I read in an article that Jackson State had reached an enrollment of 10,000 students becoming one of the largest HBCU’S in the nation. Ya’ll have something to say! Ya’ll have something to say,” said Butler-McIntyre.
Butler-McIntyre, a native of New Orleans, La., graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University and also earned a master’s degree from the University of New Orleans, all before age 20. She recently retired from the Jefferson Parish Public School district after 20 years of service. She also served as the 24th National President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., from July 2008 – July 2013.
With a speech reminiscent of a sermon heard on Sunday morning from a Baptist minister, Butler-McIntryre said, “Today, today, today is Founders’ Day at Jackson State University, we are celebrating the founding of this university. Today we pause to provide an opportunity for us to reflect about the history and the heritage of this great university.”
Butler- McIntyre stressed the importance of having pride in the school’s rich heritage. Using the example of JSU’s seal and mace, she explained that the seal and mace were only for JSU and they set the university apart from any other university, therefore making it one of a kind.
“That’s what a good J.S.U., space in between, education will do for you, set you free,” Butler- McIntyre said when she explained the significance of the outspread wings on the university seal.
Some of the students attending the program said that event was the best Founders’ Day program they have attended.
“I really enjoyed Dr. Butler-McIntyre. Originally, I only came just to get extra credit for my class but as the program went on, it made me proud to be a part of the JSU family,” said Stephen Thomas, a senior engineering major from Mobile, Ala.
Thomas added, “My favorite part was when she touched on the topics of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. I think that everyone that was in the room could relate to those points.”
Other students commented on the importance of the Founders’ Day celebration.
“Not only does the Founders’ Day celebration acknowledge the great accomplishments of those before us, but it also paves the path ahead for current and future students. It brings everyone and everything together in pride,” said Rhis Harris, a freshman art major from Jackson, Miss.
Shakara Perry, senior therapeutic recreation major from Natchez, Miss. said, “I believe that it is important to celebrate Founders’ Day because it reminds us of how far we have come as an institution. It’s a great way to display our appreciation for our abundant opportunities.”
Marquis Reed, a senior criminal justice major from Port Gibson, Miss. attended the event and had this to say.
“We came together today to celebrate the legacy of Jackson State; our past, our present and our future. I am beyond proud to be a part of it,” Reed said.
Photos by William H. Kelly III
