RICHMOND, VA— Final weekend, Saint Augustine’s College (SAU) was the middle of a major occasion, SAU Day, at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. This occasion, marked by a powerful sense of solidarity and generosity, underscored the neighborhood’s uncompromising assist for SAU within the face of economic and accreditation challenges and sensationalized media protection.
It was a strong testomony to SAU’s resilience and dedication to its mission of educational excellence.
“It’s nice that church buildings far and close to come to the rescue of Saint Augustine’s College. What’s at present taking place is communities have mentioned, not on my watch. I take into consideration the spirit of Bishop Delany in Saint Augustine’s Chapel, constructed by college students, college, and employees getting rocks from a rock quarry. We’re doing the identical factor once more,” mentioned SAU Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess throughout the church’s livestream.
“We’ll construct this establishment again brick by brick, stone by stone, folks by folks, scholar by scholar, college by college, employees by employees. And in such a manner that we’ll nonetheless stand when the tumultuous winds blow.”
The theme of Ubuntu, an African philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness and collective id, resonated powerfully all through the occasion, echoing the sentiment that “I’m due to who all of us are.” This philosophy underscores the unity that binds the SAU household, a neighborhood constructed on shared values and a typical function. This enduring spirit of collaboration and assist makes SAU actually particular.
“There’s a Japanese artwork known as kintsugi. Kintsugi is a restore method by which ceramic items are put again collectively to kind a brand new entire, and the scars are then coated with actual gold. Behind this concept is that each one issues are distinctive, and breakage just isn’t the tip. This is SAU. Let’s be sure that this establishment doesn’t fall by the wayside and that these college students proceed to have the ability to develop and be fed,” mentioned Rev. Marlene E. Forrest, Rector of St. Philips Episcopal Church, throughout the church’s dwell stream.
“That is Ubuntu, everyone’s interconnectedness. Every little thing impacts everyone as a result of we’re all linked. This church believes in neighborhood engagement. And we don’t imply simply our neighborhood proper right here. We imply our wider neighborhood. Everyone seems to be our neighbor, so we wish to do our half.”
Probably the most impactful moments of the day was the beneficiant $7,000 contribution from St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. This substantial donation, a testomony to their unwavering assist for SAU’s mission and imaginative and prescient, will straight contribute to SAU’s progress and success, making a tangible distinction within the lives of our college students. The Richmond Petersburg Alumni Chapter additional exemplified their dedication by offering a nourishing meal for the scholars, fostering a way of care and neighborhood.
“It was an honor and a privilege for the Richmond Petersburg alumni chapter to host SAU Day in Richmond in partnership with St. Philip’s Episcopal Church,” mentioned Annette McFarland, Richmond Petersburg Alumni Chapter President.
“We have been so proud to lift cash in any manner that we might to help in any manner we will to assist our beloved alma mater, Saint Augustine’s College. As we stand with SAU and underneath Dr. Burgess’ management, I consider that it’s necessary for everyone to please belief the method now.”
President Linwood Brockett of the Washington DC Metropolitan Alumni Chapter demonstrated the alumni’s unwavering assist by presenting a considerable donation of $15,000. This important contribution, raised on the William Jefferson Jackson Annual Honors Award luncheon, is a testomony to the alumni’s steadfast dedication to supporting SAU’s progress and success.
“It was a terrific day certainly,” mentioned Linwood Brockett, President of the Washington DC Metropolitan Alumni Chapter, in a Fb put up. “Every little thing is working collectively for our beloved SAU!”
The assist prolonged to SAU throughout SAU Day serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, dispelling doubts and showcasing the unwavering dedication of the Falcon neighborhood. By way of unity, generosity, and shared values, SAU continues to thrive and empower its college students to attain greatness within the face of challenges.
Click on right here to assist SAU’s Falcon Satisfaction Initiative.
About Saint Augustine’s College Based in 1867 by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the mission of Saint Augustine’s College is to maintain a studying neighborhood by which college students can put together academically, socially, and spiritually for management in a posh, various, and quickly altering world.
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Demarcus Williams
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