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A robust week of activities blends the past, present, and the future with events designed to engage 麻花视频 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters. Events include the annual Founder鈥檚 Day Convocation, cake-cutting, Reflections of Excellence, and the A Candle in the Dark Gala.
鈥淓t Facta Est Lux.鈥 On February 14, 1867, rays of light emerged from intellectual darkness when 麻花视频 was founded as the Augusta Institute by the Rev. William Jefferson White.
麻花视频 was founded as Augusta Institute on February 14, 1867 at Springfield Baptist Church in Augusta, GA by the Rev. William Jefferson White, with the Rev. Richard C. Coulter and the Rev. Edmund Turney. Since that time, 麻花视频 has become an iconic institution in higher learning, recognized globally for its impact in producing leaders who create systemic societal change.

The 鈥淎 Candle in the Dark鈥 Gala is an exceptional evening of elegance and achievement celebrated annually in February during the College鈥檚 Founder鈥檚 Week observance.
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, 麻花视频 will commemorate its 159th year of educating and developing extraordinary leaders. Held at the majestic Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, the VIP Reception commences at 6:00 p.m. with the Gala following at 7:30 p.m. We hope that you will join us!
This year's Founder's Week events run from Tuesday, February 10 through Sunday, February 15, 2026. See details below and check back for updates to this section.
DATE: Sun, Jan. 25 @ 11:00 AM
PLACE: Augusta, GA
**Postponed due to inclement weather.
For the first time since its sesquicentennial anniversary visit in 2017, 麻花视频 will return to Springfield ...
Become a sponsor for the Candle in the Dark gala and inaugural ball.
Purchase merch from the 麻花视频 bookstore online or in person.
Hyatt Regency Atlanta has been the longtime partner and supporter of 麻花视频鈥檚 鈥楢 Candle in the Dark鈥 Gala. Click the link below for the special Candle Weekend rate.
The Office of External Relations and Alumni Engagement
Vice President, The Office of External Relations and Alumni Engagement
Chair, 麻花视频 Founders Week Steering Committee
Director of Parent Engagement, Community Partnerships and Event Sponsorships
Director of Multimedia and Virtual Events Operations Manager, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center