Dear Falcons and Supporters,

 

On this occasion of Saint Augustine’s University’s Founders Day, as we embark on our 157th year of legacy and excellence, I am honored to address you with a message of gratitude, resilience, and hope.

As we reflect on our shared history, we honor the legacy of our founders from the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, who established SAU as a beacon of hope for future generations. On this day, July 19, 1867, SAU was chartered as a “Normal School and Collegiate Institute” with the vision “to afford young men and women superior advantages for obtaining a thorough academic education, to train and equip teachers for efficient service, and to prepare young men for the Holy Ministry.” One hundred fifty-seven years later, we acknowledge the many achievements of our students, faculty, staff, and over 11,000 living alumni. We remain dedicated to sustaining a learning community where students can prepare academically, socially, and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing world.

Today, SAU stands at a critical juncture, facing financial and accreditation hurdles that demand our collective strength and dedication. Despite these challenges, I assure you that SAU will continue to thrive and open its doors for the Fall semester. We are guided by our commitment to academic excellence and student success, drawing strength from our storied past and the resilience that defines our university.

Our fight for accreditation is ongoing, and your steadfast support remains pivotal in securing SAU’s future. We must stand united in adversity, dispel rumors, and affirm that SAU is accredited and here to stay. Together, we will triumph in our mission to preserve SAU for generations.

As we celebrate Founders Day and embrace the challenges ahead, I invite you to join me in shaping a better SAU that exemplifies excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Your collective energy, passion, and commitment to supporting the Falcon Pride Initiative have sustained us during trying times, fueled our momentum toward more significant achievements, and are appreciated and crucial in ensuring a future where SAU survives and thrives. Your support is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for it.

Let us forge ahead together on a path of resilience and renewal, ensuring our legacy endures for centuries. Thank you for being an integral part of SAU.

 

With Falcon Pride,

 

Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, Interim President

Saint Augustine’s University

Download