The Golden Class of 1965 proved it’s just as relevant and current today as it was 50 years ago, dropping a sweet $100,000 check into JSU coffers over Homecoming weekend. It even vowed to contemporaries that it would “bust a groove” with the “Nae Nae” – a dance move that has even gotten Hillary Rodham Clinton into the act.
Dr. Hilliard Lackey III, a member of the class, said, “We’ve been meeting for a year, accentuating that we’re still here. … Last year, we were challenged by the Class of ’64 to match or exceed their giving. We decided that we would raise more money. Talk is cheap. Work is hard. We came along the time as Mohammad Ali. He used to talk that smack. Then he got in the ring, and he backed it up.”
Lackey said his class refused to be outdone.
“The Class of 1964 said, ‘We have $68,000 or something like that.’ … We said, ‘Whatever you got we’re going to top it.’ So, we initially said we would do $69,000,” Lackey said.
After much deliberation, Lackey suggested $100,000.
“Through our efforts … this was like winning the World Series. The Super Bowl. … Every class that follows us will have to learn to do the ‘limbo rock’ and get down under the bar or come over the bar.”
Nevertheless, the Class of ’65 presented a $100,000 check to President Carolyn W. Meyers, who acknowledged the group’s sacrifice for investing in the university and enabling it to thrive for the rest of the 21st century.
“Thank you for not just talking the talk but walking the walk,” Meyers said.
The class said it would add an additional $3,638 to the total within the next several days.
The challenge now moves on to the Class of 1966, said Lackey, whose 1965 class made a special half-time appearance during Saturday’s Homecoming game for another public presentation of the $100,000 check.
Acknowledging all alumni in attendance and especially the Class of 1965, Yolanda Owens, president of the JSU National Alumni Association, said, “Homecoming is a special time to celebrate memories and rekindle friendships from our past. This celebration is especially meaningful when you embark on a milestone anniversary celebration. … We’re elated that you have chosen to spend your time this weekend at Jackson State.”
Owens then encouraged graduates to fine-tune their interest by getting involved with the national alumni association to help advance the goals of the university.
As for its plans to rock the dance floor, the Golden Class of 1965 lived up to its promise Friday night at the Mississippi e-Center@JSU with the “Nae Nae” – a popular dance that has crept into the upcoming presidential race, with Clinton showing her moves on a recent edition of the “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
Needless to say, the JSU Golden Class of 1965 did not disappoint as they rocked the night away.