Alcorn retirement celebration honors more than 231 years of service
Alcorn State University retirees were the special guests of President M. Christopher Brown II at the annual Retirees Luncheon held on Monday, May 7 at noon in the Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility. Each spring, Alcorn honors employees who retired in the past year with a luncheon highlighting the retirees’ dedicated years of service to the University.
Executive Vice President and Provost Samuel L. White presided over the celebration. “This is a bitter sweet day,” said Dr. White as he acknowledged the retirees. “At Alcorn, you become a part of the family. And we will not say goodbye to our family. I am certain we will continue to see you as you engage in family activities.”
President Brown welcomed the opportunity to greet and express appreciation to those who have served the University with distinction, and helped set the standard for a high-quality teaching, living and learning environment.
“Alcorn is grateful to you for your legacy and devotion to our beloved institution,” President Brown expressed heartfelt thanks to Bernard Johnson, Letemeskel Asfaw, Edna Starks, Cleveland Hampton, Syble Jones, William Pinney, Sandra Watts, Benson Kariuki-Mwangi, and Laura Shelvy – nine individuals, with a combined total of more than 231 years of service. “Let me say in the most simple words—JOB WELL DONE. We wish you every success in your future endeavors.”
During the luncheon, the audience enjoyed a special presentation highlighting the honorees and the retirees received an engraved Alcorn clock commemorating their years of dedicated service.
Bernard Johnson retires with the most years of service having worked at Alcorn for nearly 39 years serving in various capacities and most recently as Alcorn’s postmaster. He remembers 1971 as his best year, “I met my wife here in 1971. I have only great memories of my time here at Alcorn.”
Johnson added, “It’s hard to say goodbye to your first love. I will be back volunteering everyday. Purple and gold forever.”
Vice President for Institutional Affairs and Interim Executive Director of the ASU Foundation Marcus D. Ward thanked Johnson for his years of service as he presented him with Alcorn’s new 140th Anniversary Commemorative Tie.
Congratulations and best wishes to all of our retirees, we will be seeing you.
