Alcorn State University National Alumni Association donates $10K for student scholarships

Alcorn State University National Alumni Association donates $10K for student scholarships

Alcorn State University National Alumni Association donates $10K for student scholarships  

On Thursday, March 27, at the Vicksburg Expansion Office, Dr. John Walls Jr. ’68, chairman of the National Alumni Association Foundation and Vice Chairman Matthew Thomas Jr. ’65 presented to President Alfred Rankins Jr. a $10,000 gift for student scholarships.

“I remember my days at Alcorn,” expressed Dr. Walls. “For graduates of Alcorn, we may leave Alcorn and enter in to the world of work, but Alcorn never leaves us. This gift is a small testament to our commitment to current students.”

Thomas agreed and added, “It doesn’t get any better than this when we can take the financial burden off of students, so that they can focus on their education.”

Over recent years, the National Alumni Association Foundation has given over $100,000 for student scholarships.

President Rankins expressed appreciation to the Foundation. “Every gift matters,” said President Rankins. “Every day the Alcorn family works to carry out its mission to invest in the knowledge and character of its students, to nurture them and revitalize our communities. Thanks to the loyalty of our alumni who care so greatly for this institution and generously give all they can to help support current students’ education.”

Miss Alcorn 2014-15 Cortni Cooper, a junior biology/pre-physical therapy major, said, “I am a focused and determined individual. The Foundation scholarship I’ve received has assisted me in paying for my education or more importantly has allowed me to do so in a worry free manner. I personally want to thank every alumni who has ever given back to help support current students in earning their degrees. I look forward to the day when I can be in their shoes to help another student along the way.”

Pictured L to R: Janice Gibson, director of Development and Alumni Affairs, President Rankins, Jessie Hayden, a junior, agriculture economics major, Cortni Cooper, Matthew Thomas Jr., Cierra Smith, a sophomore, nursing major, Condrea Collins, a senior, political science major, and Dr. John Walls Jr.