Alcorn salutes 13 retirees with 310 years of collective service to the University

Alcorn salutes 13 retirees with 310 years of collective service to the University

Alcorn salutes 13 retirees with 310 years of collective service to the University

Alcorn State University recognized its 13 retirees that collectively devoted 310 years of service to the University with a special luncheon held August 6, 2013, in the Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility.

During this annual event, Alcorn honored its faculty and staff who retired in the past year: Mrs. Mary Brown ’78, Mr. Chester Cain ’80, Mr. Alex Fleming, Mr. Samuel Griffin ’90, Mr. Jerry Howard, Mr. Phil B. Luke, Dr. Alpha Morris ’52, Mrs. Quida Pittman ’76, Mr. Charles Ruth ’67, Mr. Willie Sanders ’96, Robert Saxton, Mr. Fred Thomas Jr., and Mr. Henry Williams.

Presiding over the celebration was Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dameon Shaw. He expressed gratitude to the retirees for helping to make “our beloved Alcorn the beacon of excellence.” We take a moment today to celebrate, reflect upon our years with the retirees and to wish each of them success as they look forward to a future with new challenges and rewards.”
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.

“This is a bitter sweet occasion as we say farewell to our esteemed colleagues,” said Dr. Brown. “As I look at our honorees today, I see that each of them has a sense that their life was a series of stepping stones from success to success, and from their bright smiles I can tell that all is well in their world.”

During the luncheon, the audience enjoyed a planned giving presentation by Chris Havard, regional vice president of Primerica Financial Service, who shared with the audience about financial aspects of retirement.

The program continued with a special presentation where each honoree that each received an engraved Alcorn clock commemorating their years of dedicated service.

Fred Thomas served the University as custodian supervisor for over 28 years. He said, “Alcorn is my home. I was born here and was elated to have worked here for so many years. When I retire, I will keep in touch and would love to come back on a part-time basis.”

Dr. Alpha Morris has been an indispensable part of Alcorn for over 41 years educating generations of students and serving as professor of sociology and chair for the Department of Social Sciences. “I thank my University for the many opportunities I was given to make a difference in people’s life,” stated Dr. Morris.

Samuel Griffin retires with the most years of service having worked at Alcorn for more than 46 years! Vice President for Institutional Affairs and Executive Director of the ASU Foundation, Inc. Marcus D. Ward thanked Griffin for his years of service as he presented him with Alcorn’s 140th Anniversary Commemorative Tie.

Congratulations and best wishes to all of our retirees, the Alcorn family is grateful to you.

Pictured L to R: Mr. Griffin receives Alcorn clock from President Brown.