An enthusiastic crowd gathered on the Campus Plaza at Alcorn State University on April 28, 2011, at 12 noon to launch the Always Alcorn Annual Fund Campaign. This year’s campaign marks the start of new expectations for students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University.
Alcorn State University 18th President M. Christopher Brown II reiterated the importance of financially supporting the University. “We {Alcorn State University} are engaging possibilities and pursuing excellence. Philanthropy must be an institutional priority. At the start of this academic semester, 78 students could not pay their final tuition balance– every Alcorn student deserves to graduate. Giving to the annual fund helps us seize educational opportunities and achieve excellence.”
President Brown has set the overall campaign goal at $1.1 million. Last fiscal year, which ended June 30, the annual fund closed with $1,090,836, a record-breaking increase of 18.3 percent over the previous year. SGA President Corey Cooper understands that the campaign provides the chance for all to contribute to Alcorn at any giving level. “I only have $5 in my pocket and today, I proudly give it to my University. Every dollar makes a real difference in the life of a student.”
Dr. Alpha L. Morris, honorary chairperson says, “I came to Alcorn with my late husband, Dr. Jesse Morris and graduated in 1952. I have worked as an assistant and associate professor and now serve as the chair of the Department of Social Sciences. This is not about me – it is about Alcorn. Every graduate must give back to the University that has given us so much. Let us stand behind our young and energetic, new president – give today.”
Public gifts and pledges were made during the kickoff with several attendees giving $1000, including the Always Alcorn Annual Fund General Chairperson Ms. Exie T. Griggs Williamson ’55, Rev. Edgar Lewis ’09, Judge Cedric Bush ’03, and Dr. Cassandra Vaughn ’84 who encouraged fellow employees to use her method of giving to the University through payroll deductions, “Have your gift deducted from your check monthly!”
