Memphis Mayor Paul Young and LeMoyne-Owen College President Christopher B. Davis formally announce City of Memphis and Shelby County’s designation of August 7 as LeMoyne-Owen’s 807 Day.
LeMoyne-Owen College, the only HBCU in Memphis and the fifth oldest in the country, received formal proclamations from the City of Memphis and Shelby County declaring August 7 as LeMoyne-Owen’s 807.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young and LeMoyne-Owen College President Christopher B. Davis announced the designation today during the college’s 807 Giving Day, its annual campaign raising funds benefiting the National Annual Fund and increasing support towards academic and institutional advancements.
“Every city has institutions that help define it, and LeMoyne-Owen is one of those institutions for the city of Memphis. As Memphis’ only HBCU, with roots dating back to 1862, this college has opened its doors for more than 160 years. For generations, LOC has developed leaders, expanded opportunities, and helped shape the story of our great city,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young. “I often say, one of the best investments we can make is in our young people. Every time we invest in a student, we invest in the city of Memphis. LeMoyne-Owen College is helping to make that vision possible every day. That’s why 807 Day is so important; and today we have an opportunity to invest in LeMoyne-Owen so they can continue opening its doors for the next generation of leaders.”
LeMoyne-Owen College, the source for Black excellence, touts premier programs such as its degrees in Cybersecurity and Business Administration. In recent years, the college has experienced increasing enrollment and launched major initiatives; including the Magician Advantage Loan Repayment Assistance Program, the new LOC Online flexible program, and advancing its focus on expanding the campus in the Soulsville community.
Shelby County Mayor-elect and LeMoyne-Owen Alumnus Mickell Lowery and President Christopher B. Davis commemorating 807 Giving Day.
“807 Giving Day is when Memphis gets an opportunity to demonstrate that they believe in what we’re doing here at LeMoyne-Owen College,” said President Christopher B. Davis during the press conference. “Someone asked me recently, ‘Dr. Davis do you really make magic at LeMoyne-Owen? And I respond with, both our City of Memphis Mayor and Shelby County Mayor-elect served on the board of trustees before they became mayors. That’s the Magic.”
“Today, LeMoyne-Owen College’s 807 Giving Day, benefits how we continue to celebrate, encourage, and build leaders,” said Dr. Roslyn Nichols, Vice President of Donor Prospect and Strategic Engagement at LeMoyne-Owen College.
The college’s 807 Giving Day telethon, from 8:07 a.m. to 8:07 p.m. is being held on campus in the Student Center’s Little Theater and is open to the public. The telethon is live streamed on the college’s social media channels. For information on how to give, visit loc.edu/807day or contact 901.750.4483.