We are…Champions. We are Alcorn.
Some say champions are born and others say that they are made. At Alcorn, we believe in creating champions by nurturing the entire person – building knowledge and character wisely. We require excellence and equip our students with the necessary tools to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. It’s the development of courage and confidence that allows us to turn challenges in to winning opportunities.
The SWAC Alumni Association honored two Alcorn champions during the SWAC Alumni Association annual Legends Reception & Awards Dinner and Roast in December 2013 in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Dennis Thomas, Alcorn class of 1974 and commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, was among those who received Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Southwest Athletic Conference event.
Harlan Stefann Robinson, Alcorn class of 1982 and marketing and promotions manager at Texas Southern University, received the highest award given that evening, the Charles “Chuck” Prophet Memorial Master Award. The honor is named for Prophet who was a longtime sports information director at Mississippi Valley State University.
“The SWAC Alumni Association proudly recognized Dr. Dennis Thomas and Mr. Harlan Stefann Robinson for their accomplishments in their chosen fields and their dedication to the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” says SWAC Alumni Association President Roscoe Nance. “They are to be commended for being shining examples of the high caliber of citizens that SWAC produces. Having known each of them for three decades, I have witnessed first-hand their loyalty to the conference and Alcorn as they have reached back and given back. They both are richly deserving of these awards.’’????? ?
Thomas, a Heidelberg, Miss., first made a name for himself playing football at Alcorn. He was named Outstanding College Athlete of America in 1974, topping a football career at Alcorn that began when he was only 16. Thomas accumulated numerous accolades during his undergraduate career, including a two-time Pittsburgh Courier First Team All-American and First Team Black Mutual Sports Network All-American.
Thomas, who was an assistant coach at Alcorn and head coach at South Carolina State University, served as athletic director at Hampton University. Alcorn, Hampton University and the SWAC have all inducted him into their Halls of Fame.
He has been commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference since 2012.
“It was a great night for Alcorn,” says Alumni Director Janice Gibson with pride. “The prestige of having two Alcornites honored at the event along with our student scholarship recipients filled us all with great joy and humility.”
Robinson began his professional career as an assistant sports information director at Alcorn. His career has taken him to Albany State University, Southern University and Prairie View A&M University. During his career, he has organized numerous high-profile athletic events: the Bayou Classic, the State Fair Classic, the TSU Relays, the Labor Day Classic, the Atlanta Football Classic and the Southwestern Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament.
“The Alcorn State University A-Club congratulates Alcornites, Dr. Dennis Thomas and Mr. Harlan Stefann Robinson for their achievements and recognition,” says A-Club President and Judge Cedric C. Bush. “These gentlemen continue to represent the spirit of excellence that was instilled in them many years ago at Alcorn. It is with great pride that we extend a heartfelt “pat on the back” to both of them for their dedication and perseverance to collegiate athletics. Their character exemplifies the true meaning of the Alcorn athletics tradition…Home of Champions.”
Alcornites everywhere continue to celebrate with these champions. Now, what are you wait
