Alcorn alumni and supporters packed into the MSU Riley Center on Friday as the Meridian/Lauderdale County Alumni Chapter held its annual Purple and Gold Scholarship Gala. The annual fundraising event is held both to support the university and award scholarships to local students planning to attend Alcorn in the fall.

 

This year’s gala held special significance as it marked the 50th year since the local alumni chapter’s founding in 1975. Hargie Crenshaw, a 1964 graduate of Alcorn and first chapter president, said the Meridian/Lauderdale County group was founded to support the university and help younger generations through awarding scholarships.

 

“To date, thousands of students, thousands of students have experienced and completed their education at Alcorn State University as a result of scholarships provided by this chapter,” she said. “It is the intent of this chapter to further support and participate in local, state and national activities and interests to support and provide scholarships to students attending Alcorn State University and continue to support and strengthen the viability of our dear Alcorn State University.”

 

Emmanuel Barnes, class of 1974, who served as the first vice president of the Meridian/Lauderdale County chapter, said he got involved with starting the chapter because of how much he enjoyed his time at Alcorn. Since beginning, he said, the chapter has grown far beyond what he had dreamed.

 

“I had a great experience at Alcorn, and that’s what encouraged me to be a part of the humble beginnings of this chapter,” he said. “Had no idea it would become what it is, and won’t take credit for it because I was not involved in that part, only that part at the beginning.”

 

Barnes said thanks is owed to those who have built on the foundation he and others put together, growing the chapter from a small group to a strong organization. The chapter currently has 61 members and has given more than $250,000 to Alcorn and the Alcorn State University Foundation in recent years.

 

Krystal Gates, a 2021 graduate of Alcorn and former scholarship recipient, said the scholarship to attend Alcorn was more than just money. Through the chapter, she connected with other alumni in the community and unlocked new paths and opportunities. The chapter connected her with Wilbert Jones, who leads the Greater Meridian Health Clinic. That connection led to experience in the medical field, which in turn helped her complete her degree in biology.

 

“So to the students that are here tonight receiving a scholarship, please don’t look at this moment as just receiving money for college, but realize that you are joining a family, and they will support you throughout everything,” she said.

Joshua Reed, who also received a scholarship to attend Alcorn from the chapter, said his time at the school helped give him the education, understanding and confidence to be successful both in and outside of his career.

 

“Every step along the way shaped me up to who I am today, so Alcorn wasn’t just a school for me. It was a turning point in my life,” he said. “It gave me the tools, the confidence, the support that I needed today to become the man I am now.”

 

Tammy Chadwick, class of 1990, said the recipient of this year’s scholarship is Northeast High School’s Crislyn McNeil. McNeil is currently the president of the science club at Northeast, as well as the leader of the Orcanet group in DeKalb, and has a 3.9 GPA, Chadwick said.

 

“Ms. McNeil plans to major in education and psychology,” she said. “She attends Canaan Baptist Church where she is actively involved in various activities.”

 

In addition to the scholarship, the Meridian/Lauderdale County chapter presented a check to the Alcorn State University Foundation to support academics at the university. Friday’s gala also featured speakers from Alcorn State University, a reception and entertainment provided by the 601 LIVE band.