Founders' Week 2024

A week of Celebrations

The 157th anniversary of our founding was not just a celebration of our University, but it also served as an opportunity to officially welcome and Inaugurate our 15th President, Valerie Kinloch Ph.D. '96.

Tuesday
Photo from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and JCSU concert
Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The week of events kicked off with a joint concert titled “Portrait of a Queen,” featuring the JCSU Concert Choir, JCSU Drumline and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. This year was the second consecutive year of this partnership. More than 400 tickets were issued for this event, held inside the Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium, April 2, 2024.

Wednesday
Volunteers showed up to pick up and deliver groceries for the Golden Bull Market
Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Golden Bulls from across campus participated in a day of community service, during which each student, faculty and staff member was asked to give just an hour of their time to participate in one of four community service projects.

Dr. Kinloch talking to Cathy Bessant
Thursday, April 4, 2024

The day started off with the return of a long-kept tradition, the Scholarship Luncheon, which allowed annual and endowed scholarship donors to meet students who are the direct beneficiaries of their contributions. 

In the afternoon, the University held the Inaugural Panel Discussion Black Educational and Economic Empowerment, a discussion with thought leaders to discuss these important topics.

Friday
President Valerie Kinloch with Mace
Friday, April 5, 2024

The day the whole campus has been waiting for arrived Friday as hundreds of students, faculty, staff and special guests packed the Crown Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center for the inauguration ceremony.

After the ceremony, the campus community gathered back on campus to celebrate the event. 

Saturday
Jessica N. Williams ’04 and Stephen Graddick IV ’16 hosted the event
Saturday, April 6, 2024

A celebration is demanded after a ceremony like an inauguration. On Saturday, donors, friends of the University, faculty, staff and students gathered again in the Crown Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center for the Arch of Triumph Awards and Inaugural Ball.

Sunday
Photo of some of the party platform from Honors' Convocation 2024
Sunday, April 7, 2024

Sunday started off with a big "Thank You" to those who have graciously given to our University. More than 20 alumni and friends of the university ushered into the New Science Center's Innovation Room to be recognized for their support and financial contributions to JCSU over the years at the annual 1867 Giving Societies Brunch.

The afternoon concluded with the final event of the week, the annual Founders' Day Convocation featuring an address by Garry L. McFadden ’81, Sheriff of Mecklenburg County.