The Jackson State University National Alumni Association will pick up its award for National Alumni Chapter of the Year by the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation Inc. during the foundation’s 28th annual conference Sept. 25-29 in Atlanta. The organization’s extensive involvement in university and community activities and impressive financial support were highlighted.
The JSU association was selected for a number of reasons, said Esther T. Brown, the foundation’s program coordinator, Legacy Lecture Series.
Brown said the association is involved in member recruitment, active in the local community and collaborates with other organizations, such as Hands on Atlanta, the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge and the Mississippi Society of Georgia.
“The association represents the university at 90 percent of the college recruitment fairs in the metro area and other recruiters are often surprised to learn that the JSU booth is staffed with alumni volunteers,” Brown said.
Terry L. Woodard, president of the JSU National Alumni Association, thanked all members and supporters for their dedication.
“We’re committed to our alma mater as we continue to support and advance the university, President Carolyn W. Meyers and her leadership team, our students, faculty and staff, and most importantly, the alumni,” Woodard said.
“I congratulate the JSU National Alumni Association for being named the National Alumni Association of the year. The association actively supports university endeavors and helps to recruit high-caliber students to JSU,” said Dr. Steven Smith, director of JSU Alumni Relations and Constituency Services.
In addition, the association serves as a leader among alumni associations of other universities as it partners with alliances for events, including the annual SWACFest weekend in which “all SWAC alumni associations come together in fellowship before becoming staunch rivals in the upcoming football season,” Brown said.
The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation is a nonprofit that formed its mission around assisting alumni associations and other organizations as they work to ensure survival and stability of the nation’s historically black colleges and universities. The organization also serves to educate the general public about the contributions of HBCUs and their alumni.