Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Darlington to honor Dr. Elson Floyd ('74) with Celebration of Life service
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
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Darlington to honor Dr. Elson Floyd (’74) with Celebration of Life service

September 20, 2015 | 1169 views

Darlington School will host a Celebration of Life service in memory of Dr. Elson S. Floyd ('74) on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 3 p.m. in Morris Chapel. The 2004 Distinguished Alumnus and lifelong friend of the school passed away in June due to complications from cancer.

"As the first African-American graduate of our school, Dr. Floyd's historical significance is undeniable," said Head of School Brent Bell. "More importantly, we carry great pride in the way he lived his life to the full embodiment of our motto: Wisdom more than Knowledge; Service beyond Self; Honor above Everything. We look forward to this opportunity to connect present-day Darlington students with Dr. Floyd's legacy both here at Darlington and beyond."

After graduating from Darlington School, Floyd went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Speech, a Master of Education in Adult Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher and Adult Education, all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

 

Prior to his appointment as the first black president of Washington State University in 2007, Dr. Floyd served as president of the University of Missouri System and of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He also held numerous administrative positions at his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and at Eastern Washington University.

 

"Our Celebration of Life service will feature reflections by students, faculty, friends and family, and will take place during our Upper School students' weekly chapel time," said Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer. "We are thankful that Dr. Floyd's wife, Carmento, will be able to join us for this very special program, along with some of his classmates."

Click here to read "Darlington School mourns the loss of Elson Floyd ('74), first black graduate and lifelong friend," which was published on Darlington's website in June. 

A lifelong supporter and advocate for Darlington, Floyd was a former trustee, a Visitor Emeritus, a Distinguished Alumnus, and a member of the Second Century Campaign’s National Campaign Cabinet. A scholarship endowed in his honor through the Second Century Campaign is awarded annually to minority students of all ethnicities who possess strong character and leadership skills.

This event is not open to the public.