Executive Director of the State Bar of Georgia Damon Elmore, ’93, delivered the keynote address for SSU’s 134th Founders Day Observance. In a ceremony that celebrated the university’s rich heritage, legacy, traditions, and unwavering commitment to education and academic excellence, the university observed Founders Day by presenting awards named for the first two presidents of the college. The university presented the Richard R. Wright Award of Excellence to Dr. Thomas “Teddy” Adams, ’80, and the Cyrus G. Wiley Distinguished Alumni Award to Dr. Marilyn Taylor, ’73. 

“Our Founders Day Awards recognize the enduring spirit of our beloved university that lives on today through our students and our alumni,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Alexander. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing our graduates excel in their chosen professions and continue to inspire younger generations through their hard work, dedication to their community and moral fiber.”

The Richard R. Wright Award of Excellence acknowledges corporate and community leaders, as well as alumni, who have made significant contributions in social, educational, and civic realms.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Salutatorian), and a Master of Science in Public Administration from SSU and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Thornhill University, Dr. Adams served the City of Savannah for 34 years retiring as the Director of Street Cleaning after implementing the best streamlined operational program of its kind in the country. 

In addition to his exemplary civil service, Dr. Adams, 83, is a Vietnam War veteran, three-time author and a local jazz legend. During his Air Force Band career, the trombonist studied with renowned Japanese jazz saxophonist Sadao Watanabe while in Tokyo, Japan. After returning to his native Savannah, he co-founded the Savannah Jazz Festival, the Savannah Jazz Association and the Savannah Jazz Orchestra. Savannah’s first Jazz Ambassador and one of the first Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame inductees teaches music theory as an adjunct professor at SSU, has released six albums to date, and continues to perform at jazz festivals, concerts and events.

The Cyrus G. Wiley Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes outstanding alumni who exemplify the high ideals cherished by the University and demonstrate exceptional support and loyalty to SSU. This award also celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions made by these distinguished alumni on national, regional, and local stages.

Dr. Taylor, a Quitman, Ga. native, graduated from SSU with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education. She completed advanced studies at Armstrong State College and Georgia Southern University. In 1996, she earned a doctor of education degree from South Carolina State University. A career educator, she retired as an administrator and international mentor for principals. She recently began a new career as a real estate agent. 

Dr. Taylor is an avid supporter of the SSU community. She established the Dr. Kenneth F. Taylor Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2018, named for her dearly departed husband, a former SSU professor. She is a Director on the SSU Foundation, Inc., a member of the SSU Presidents Club, and a diamond life member of the Atlanta Downtown Chapter of the SSU National Alumni Association. Additionally, she is a golden life member of the Phi Pi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is a member of the Fayette County Retired Educators Association, a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and worships at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, Ga.

SSU, originally founded as the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youths, was established through an act of the Georgia General Assembly on Nov. 26, 1890. SSU transitioned to its current location on Oct. 7, 1891, following an initial session in Athens, GA. From modest beginnings, SSU has grown to become Savannah's premier institution of higher learning.