Salem will mark its 240th Founders Day on April 27 with several events.

The celebration begins at 7 a.m. with the annual senior walk to Sister Elisabeth Oesterlein’s (first teacher at Salem Academy and College) grave in God’s Acre cemetery. Seniors robe and meet on the steps of Main Hall and process with the president, chaplain and deans to each place a daisy on Sister Oesterlein’s gravestone. Afterward, the seniors plant a class tree on campus with each senior being allowed to add a personal memento as the ground is being replaced around the tree. Afterward, a special breakfast is served in the Refectory.

That afternoon, students, faculty and staff will assemble in the May Dell for the Founder’s Day Convocation. Seniors will process in their caps and gowns; wearing funny sunglasses, as is tradition. During the convocation, one senior who has displayed exemplary leadership and made a mark on the Salem community will receive the distinguished Elisabeth Oesterlein Award.

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines will deliver remarks during the Founders Day Convocation and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Dean of the College, Dr. Susan Calovini, will give the Founders Day address.