Interim President Lee helps Alcorn alumna celebrate her 100th birthday
The union of Alcorn State University's community was on full display during the 100th birthday celebration of one of the university's oldest alumni.
Interim President, Dr. Donzell Lee traveled to Greenville, Mississippi Saturday, July 28 to help honor Mrs. Millicent Burns Jackson during her 100th birthday celebration. Jackson, who earned a bachelor's degree from then Alcorn College in 1940, went on to be a staple in the Washington County area where she served as a science teacher and school administrator.
Supporting Jackson during her celebration was a proud moment for Lee. He appreciates Jackson for all she has done for her community.
"It was a pleasure spending time with one of Alcorn's most precious jewels on her momentous occasion," said Lee. "Living to see 100 years is truly a blessing worth celebrating. Mrs. Jackson spent her life serving others with her wealth of knowledge, and her alma mater is proud of the excellence she has exuded during her years of service."
Dr. Rhoda JaMille Jackson, the eldest of Mrs. Jackson's children, spoke about her mother's love for Alcorn and her appreciation for Lee's support on her monumental day.
"My mom loves Alcorn," said Rhoda. "She goes to the university's national meetings because she is an avid Alcornite. She was thrilled to see Dr. Lee at her celebration with a purple and gold basket filled with ginger snaps and Werther's Original Candy, which are some of her favorite things. It was a lovely gesture."
Lee's appearance touched Rhoda, and it showed her that the links in the Alcorn chain are some of the strongest.
"We were honored and touched that he would come to share a special moment with one of Alcorn's earliest graduates. His visit shows me why my mom loves Alcorn so much. Dr. Lee's presence is an example of that strong Alcorn bond. I don't think there's anything like it."
For Dr. Horace Montgomery Jackson, Jackson's son, witnessing Lee and a crowd of people celebrate his mother was the highlight of the evening.
"It was so wonderful to watch Dr. Lee and everyone else walk into the backyard and see how large the celebration was," said Horace. "My mother is one of the most dedicated Alcorn alumni that I've ever seen."
