Excited Alcorn alumni and friends welcomed new Head Football Coach Jay Hopson and his coaching staff at a Meet and Greet Fundraiser hosted by the Vicksburg Warren Chapter of the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association in Vicksburg on July 13.

More than 150 people were in attendance for the event donating over $13,000 to benefit football program. Dr. John Walls ’68, Vicksburg Warren Chapter member and president of the National Alumni Foundation, welcomed alumni and friends.

Vicksburg Mayor Paul Winfield greeted Coach Hopson in his home town and stated, “The city of Vicksburg is committed to help sustain and promote the success of the Braves.”

LaKesha Batty ’99, president of the Vicksburg Warren Chapter, said, “Coach Hopson and his staff have the full support of the Vicksburg Warren Chapter.” Coach Hopson introduced new Athletic Director Dwayne White and the Braves coaching staff and discussed his expectations for the team and the program. “With this coaching staff and administration we are going to achieve great things. Our vision for the Braves is to get better and better each week, and to compete for the championship every year. Our goal is to build a team that fights the battle and wins.”

Coach Hopson answered questions by alumni and guests, thanked them for their support, and encouraged giving to the program to sustain the team’s development. “To expect first-class games from the Braves we need to provide first-class conditions.”

He added, “We want to ignite and increase interest in the program. So, come to the games!”

“The new coach and his team are great,” shared Pike County Alumni Chapter President Henry Tucker ’66, who played football at Alcorn in 1962-66. “Alcorn alumni look forward to the Braves successful development under the new leadership and are happy to make our donations and support the effort.” Alcorn’s 18th President M. Christopher Brown II welcomed the 18th Head Football Coach Hopson, Dwayne White and the coaches, and commended the Vicksburg Warren Chapter for being a loyal next door supporter.

“I am so happy to see the football program re-energized,” said Santa Carpenter ’73, treasurer for the Vicksburg Warren Chapter and a life member of the National Alumni Association. “I’ve always been an avid supporter of the program – I’ve been buying my season tickets every year since they built the new stadium. I made my contribution today too and will encourage other alumni to do the same.”

To make a donation to the football program, visit www.alcorn.edu/foundation or contact ASU Foundation at 601.877.6296.

Pictured (L to R): Dr. Walls shaking hands with Coach Hopson.