“He did what people thought was impossible.”: ASU celebrating Founders Week

The University reflected on the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Winthrop Holley and the foundation he laid.

ALBANY, Ga. – Albany State University (ASU) fondly remembered Dr. Joseph Winthrop Holley this morning, and rightly so as it’s “Founders Week” on campus. The RAMily celebrated 119 years of Legacy and Tradition today with a convocation and wreath laying ceremony.

Dr. Portia Holmes Shields is the 7th and 1st female President at ASU and was the keynote speaker for the convocation. During her speech she highlighted how Dr. Holley paved the way for students.

“Just imagine founder Holley addressing students beginning their religion and manual training. Convincing them that despite Jim Crow Laws and racists practices they can overcome any and all obstacles to a bright future. And this admonition has not changed.” said Shields.

Dr. Holley founded what was then known as Albany Bible & Manual Training institute in 1903. 40 years later, the institution joined the University System of Georgia.

TyJa’ Barnes-Jones is the student body president and a graduating senior at ASU who tells me that today they celebrate.

“We’re actually celebrating the man who started it all. Celebrating higher education, and being able to come somewhere that’s affordable, that’s for us, that celebrates us, that has culture we relate to…” said Jones.

Jones reflects on one of Dr. Holley’s quotes, “You cannot build a chimney from the top.” and says that he did just that.

“He literally got down and did the work. He talked who he needed to talk to, make connections where he needed to make connections to create something that someone had not seen before here in Albany. An institution at that time on bible and manual training to provide education to African-Americans who did not have access to things like that.” said Jones.

Barnes adds that seeing the living legacy Dr. Holley left behind continues to inspire.

“It encourages me and lets me know that I can do literally anything I set my mind to in this world. So that is why I appreciate Dr. Holley so much, because he did not take the easy route.” said Jones.

And not only does TyJa believe it’s important for students and staff to know about Dr. Holley’s life and legacy, but for the Good Life City as a whole.

“It takes a village to raise a child. So we should all be focused on who we can help the future youth become educated, become empowered and grow greater than ever we were.” said Jones.

ASU will wrap up founders week with a scholarship gala Saturday, April 9th at 6 p.m.