Southern welcomes back Col. Paris Davis, alum and Medal of Honor recipient

On Tuesday, July 18, Southern University stood at attention for the return to campus by Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Army Col. Paris D. Davis (retired). A Southern alumnus, Davis received the highest designation by the U.S. military in March, 60 years after his heroic act to save fellow soldiers in a battle during the Vietnam War. Davis was presented with the Medal by President Joe Biden at the White House during a ceremony.

Davis began his day talking with incoming freshmen participating in the Jaguar Success Academy and ended with a reception attended by the Southern University community, state and elected officials, and others. Also in attendance was U.S. Army Gen. Russel L. Honore (retired). Both Honore and Davis are alumni of Southern's ROTC program, which is now in its 75th year.

On Wednesday, Davis and Honore participated in the unveiling of "Heritage," a monument dedicated to Louisiana African-American veterans. Our students are truly standing on the shoulders of greatness. It is located in downtown Baton Rouge, adjacent to the State Capitol.

To view a photo gallery of activities, go to bit.ly/3K66kmw.

To learn more about "Heritage," go to the Southern University-curated site at https://www.sus.edu/HeritageMonument.