“Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Excellence”
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – Florida Memorial University will commemorate 147 years of faith, scholarship, and leadership during its Founders’ Day Celebration on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. inside the Susie C. Holley Religious Center on campus.
Centered on the theme “Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Excellence,” this year’s observance carries historic significance as the university celebrates the leadership of its 15th president, William C. McCormick Jr., a proud alumnus whose presidency represents a full-circle moment in the institution’s 147-year journey.
“Founders Day is more than a commemoration — it is a reflection of faith in action,” President McCormick said. “For nearly 150 years, Florida Memorial University has remained rooted in the enduring legacy of our founders while continually rising in excellence to meet the challenges of each new generation. Our story is one of resilience, renewal, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.”
A Distinguished Alumnus Returns as Keynote Speaker
Adding to the momentous occasion, Bobby R. Henry, Sr., Publisher and CEO of the Westside Gazette and Immediate Past Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), will serve as the distinguished Keynote Speaker for the Founders’ Day Chapel Service.
A graduate of Florida Memorial College, Class of 1983, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Henry embodies the university’s enduring mission of faith, leadership, and service. His return to the campus as keynote speaker symbolizes the living legacy of FMU — producing leaders who shape communities locally and nationally.
As Publisher and CEO of the family-owned Westside Gazette, established in 1971, Henry has preserved and expanded the historic legacy of the Black Press. Under his visionary leadership, the publication has grown into a modern and influential media institution serving Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties with statewide and national reach.
Henry also founded and serves as executive producer of the 2-Minute Warning Show, a public affairs platform addressing civic engagement, education, social justice, and economic empowerment. His leadership extended nationally during his tenure as Chairman of the NNPA, representing more than 200 African American-owned newspapers across the country. In 2022, he was honored with the NNPA Lifetime Publisher Achievement Award for his contributions to journalism and community empowerment.
Having been appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Florida Black Business Investment Board, Henry currently serves as President of the Florida Association of Black Owned Media, Inc. He is also founder of the “Growing Our Voices” Youth Media Initiative, mentoring young people through journalism and community outreach.
A Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, and TMWPHGL AF&AM of Florida, Henry serves on the board of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center and as a Deacon at New Mount Olive Baptist Church. Guided by faith, family, and service, he is married to former Broward County Administrator Bertha W. Henry and is the proud father of four children.
“How can you not give back to the institution that gave you the opportunity to become an example of what happens when people believe in you? Florida Memorial gave me another chance to be that example. So, when I was asked to be part of Founders’ Day, I answered with Lion pride — ‘YES.’
A Day of Reflection and Celebration
Immediately following the chapel service, President McCormick will lead a special historical unveiling in the Nathan W. Collier Library. The celebration will conclude at the Smith Conference Center with a festive “Dinner and Jazz” gathering filled with fellowship, cuisine, and uplifting music.
University officials encourage early RSVP confirmation, as seating for the commemorative dinner is limited.
A Legacy That Lives
For 147 years, Florida Memorial University has stood as a beacon of resilience and opportunity — shaping global leaders rooted in faith and rising in excellence. With an alumnus serving as president and another returning as keynote speaker, this year’s Founders’ Day embodies the very essence of its theme.
The legacy is not only remembered — it is rising.
It’s Our Time.
