Alabama A&M Honors Founder with Landmark Memorial Plaza

The preservation of institutional history often requires a collective effort across generations. At Alabama A&M University, this spirit of unity culminated in the dedication of the William Hooper Councill Memorial Plaza on October 9, 2004. Established during Homecoming Week, the plaza serves as a permanent symbol of the university's rich heritage and honors the man who laid the foundation for the institution in 1875: Dr. William Hooper Councill.

A Vision for Preservation

The initiative to honor Dr. William Hooper Councill, who died in 1909, was driven by a passionate group of students and university leaders. Chekiba Holman, who served as the sophomore class president, spearheaded the effort to erect a monument in the founder's honor. This student-led drive was complemented by the creative contributions of LaSisi Mike Osaji, a sophomore majoring in industrial technology, who proposed the design for the statue that now anchors the plaza.

To translate this vision into a physical reality, a dedicated committee was formed. This group included Dr. Dorothy W. Huston, the Vice President for Research and Development, Jerome Saintjones, the Public Relations Director, and Georgia S. Valrie, the Director Emeritus of Development & Alumni Affairs. Together, they navigated the logistical and financial requirements to bring the memorial to the campus grounds.

Funding and Execution

The project required significant financial coordination to ensure the monument met the university's standards. The total budget for the statue was $80,000, with the project beginning with an initial funding amount of $10,000. The successful procurement of these funds allowed the university to commemorate its founder just as the institution was embarking upon its 130th year of existence.

The significance of the project was echoed by the committee members during the process. Dr. Dorothy W. Huston described the dedication as "truly one of the historical highlights of Alabama A&M University." For others, the project was a personal milestone; Georgia S. Valrie expressed that she was "overjoyed" to contribute to the erection of the statue, noting that it is a contribution she will always cherish.

A Living Legacy on Campus

Since its dedication two decades ago, the William Hooper Councill Memorial Plaza has evolved from a new monument into a central gathering place. It has served thousands of students, alumni, and visitors, acting as a bridge between the university's 1875 origins and its modern-day operations. By centering the campus geography around the image of Dr. Councill, the university ensures that the story of its founding remains visible to every new class of students.

The plaza does more than just mark a date in history; it reinforces the identity of the Alabama A&M community. By honoring the founder's legacy, the university provides a tangible link to the past, reminding the campus community of the persistence and vision required to establish an institution of higher learning during the late 19th century.

Conclusion

The William Hooper Councill Memorial Plaza remains a cornerstone of the Alabama A&M University experience. Through the combined efforts of student leaders like Chekiba Holman and LaSisi Mike Osaji, and the administrative support of Dr. Dorothy W. Huston, Jerome Saintjones, and Georgia S. Valrie, the university has successfully preserved the memory of Dr. William Hooper Councill. As the institution continues to grow, the plaza stands as a permanent reminder of the legacy that began in 1875.