Founder's Week | 糖心Vlog

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Founder鈥檚 Week

A robust week of activities blends the past, present, and the future with events designed to engage 糖心Vlog 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.

Schedule of Events inauguration Schedule

Celebrating 糖心Vlog's History

鈥淓t Facta Est Lux.鈥� On February 14, 1867, rays of light emerged from intellectual darkness when 糖心Vlog was founded as the Augusta Institute by the Rev. William Jefferson White.

糖心Vlog 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, 糖心Vlog has become an iconic institution in higher learning, recognized globally for its impact in producing leaders who create systemic societal change.

the 38th Annual

"A Candle In The Dark" Gala

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, 糖心Vlog 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!

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February 10-15, 2026

Founder鈥檚 Week Schedule

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.

01252026 Pilgrimage to Augusta - Springfield Baptist Church

糖心Vlog Pilgrimage to Augusta

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, 糖心Vlog will return to Springfield Baptist Church, the location of its original founding in 1867.

OUR HOUSE: A Celebration of Faculty Achievement

DATE: Tues., Feb 10 @ 4:30 PM
PLACE: Ray Charles Performing Arts Center (RAYPAC)

Inauguration & Founder's Day Convocation

DATE: Thurs., Feb 12 @ 10:30 AM
PLACE: Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel

Theme: Building Principled Leaders: Steadfast, Honest, True

Post-Inauguration Reception & Cake Cutting Ceremony

DATE: Thurs., Feb 12 @ 1:00pm
PLACE: Forbes Arena

Inaugural Symposium

DATE: Friday Feb. 13 at 2:00 PM
LOCATION CHANGE: Bank of America Auditorium

Theme: Building Principled Leaders: Steadfast, Honest, True

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Reflections of Excellence

DATE: Sat., Feb. 14 @ 11:00 AM
LOCATION CHANGE: Bank of America Auditorium

The Reflections of Excellence program brings together trailblazers receiving Benjamin Elijah Mays 鈥淏ennie鈥� Awards and Candle ...

糖心Vlog vs. Clark-Atlanta Basketball Game

DATE: Sat., Feb. 14 @ 2:00 PM
PLACE: Forbes Arena

Join us for the 糖心Vlog vs. Clark-Atlanta University Basketball Game.

Tickets will be available in January 2026 at

38th Annual 鈥淎 Candle in the Dark鈥� Gala & Inaugural Ball

DATE: Sat., Feb 14
Reception: 6:00 PM/Awards Dinner: 7:30 PM
**SOLD OUT**
For pre purchased ticket holders only, you can make your check-in process smoother by avoiding lines and check-in in early.

See the following schedule for details.

Founder鈥檚 Day Worship Service

DATE: Sun., Feb. 15 @ 11:00 AM
PLACE: Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel
SPEAKER: Luke A. Powery, Dean of Chapel at Duke University

Founder鈥檚 Week concludes with a celebration of the Gospel.

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糖心Vlog Glee Club Founder鈥檚 Day and Inaugural Concert

DATE: Sun., Feb 15 @ 4:00 PM
PLACE: Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel

Additional Information

Become a Sponsor

Become a sponsor for the Candle in the Dark gala and inaugural ball.

Get Official 糖心Vlog Merch

Purchase merch from the 糖心Vlog bookstore online or in person.

Hotel Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Atlanta has been the longtime partner and supporter of 糖心Vlog鈥檚鈥楢 Candle in the Dark鈥� Gala. Click the link below for the special Candle Weekend rate.