JONES: It's all about Alcorn

Meridian Lauderdale Alumni Chapter President Wilbert Jones said the annual Purple and Gold Scholarship Banquet that raised nearly $30K is all about supporting Alcorn and its students.

Lorman, Miss. (May 3, 2014) – More than 500 alumni, students, city and state officials including Alcorn supporters gathered in the Riley Center masterfully decorated in the royalty of purple and gold for the Meridian Lauderdale Alumni Chapter’s Purple and Gold Scholarship Banquet April 26, in Meridian, Mississippi.

The annual event honors our community partners, corporate sponsors as well as raises funds for high achieving students. The Meridian Lauderdale Chapter offers scholarships for local students at the high school, undergraduate and graduate levels who will be attending Alcorn through its scholarship program, said Jones.

Alumni demonstrated the theme “Teaming Together for Success with a Legacy to Remember,” uniting their efforts to support and strengthen Alcorn’s most valuable resource – its students.

Kiana Grant, Fabian Mason, Jordyn White, Jakharriea Betts, Regina Warren, and Aeneas Wright of Meridian High School and Shereatha Hodges, a Grambling State University transfer, are seven students with ACT scores 25 or above, receiving $1,000 scholarship awards once enrolled at Alcorn.

Being able to provide scholarships and additional support to our alma mater is incredible, said Jones as he presented President Alfred Rankins Jr. with a check for $20,000.

“Thanks for continuing to create opportunities for Alcorn students,” expressed President Rankins. “Your donations open doors of opportunities and create a world of possibilities for our students and the communities we serve.” ??

Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the ASU Foundation Inc. Marcus Ward was the guest speaker at the Banquet and spoke about the value of an Alcorn degree and HBCUs.

Jones thanked all in attendance for their financial donations and continued support of Alcorn. He challenged the audience to raise even more money next year.

-ALCORN-

Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships that benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation, and world.