Youngest HBCU President turns 40, celebrates with scholarship reception

Youngest HBCU President turns 40, celebrates with scholarship reception

January 25, 2012 – Appointed at age 38, Dr. M. Christopher Brown II just completed his first year on the job as Alcorn State University’s 18th president on January 10 and turned 40 on Thursday, January 26.  

With students always at the forefront of his initiatives, Dr. Brown declined several invitations to celebrate his 40th birthday, but welcomed the opportunity to host a scholarship fundraising reception. In lieu of gifts, a minimum donation of $40 per guest (in recognition of his 40th birthday) is required to attend the February 2 event at the Jackson Marriott Downtown at 7:00 p.m., which will support student scholarships. 

 “President Brown gives selflessly all the time to support his students and I truly admire that about him,” says Senior Vice President and CFO Betty Roberts. “I was thinking that I would still buy him a gift along with the $40 donation, but decided against it because he would surely think why didn’t I give more to aid our students.” 

Also on Thursday, February 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., President Brown is calling for all Alcornites and friends to join him and the ASU National Alumni Association in Jackson at the Mississippi Capitol for Purple and Gold Day to advocate for adequate funding for Alcorn State University. 

“Purple and Gold Day is one of the most visible advocacy days in Mississippi for Alcornites and reminds legislators of Alcorn’s role as one of only two public land-grant institutions in the state,” says President Brown. “It is essential that we voice Alcorn’s legislative agenda, that we have a strong presence of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends working togetherfor a common cause – to continue to impact Mississippi’s economy by investing in the knowledge and character of our students.”  

“As a state recipient of financial aid, it’s important that the student body is represented at Purple and Gold Day to support the continuation of growth at Alcorn State University,” states Cameron Jenkins, a senior music major.  

It comes around once a year, “One day and one place only – the Mississippi Capitol – the time of year every great Alcorn supporter will show up and engage our elected officials,” says ASU National Alumni Association President Percy O. Norwood Jr.  

For additional information on Purple and Gold Day or to RSVP, contact Alumni Director Janice Gibson at [email protected] .  

To attend President Brown’s 40th Birthday Student Scholarship Fundraising Reception, call (601) 877-6111 or visit www.alcorn.edu to pay and register online.