MSU ALUMNI HOUSE Contents Baltimore, Maryland Homecoming 2008. 1 President’s Message. 2 In the News . 3 Alumni on the Move . 4 Chapter & Class News . 6 Letter to the Editor . 8 Life Members 2008 . 9 Necrology . 9 The Alumni Calendar . 10 ALUMNI•NEWS Fall 2008 Homecoming 2008 “WE’RE IN TO WIN” MSU Athletic Director Floyd Kerr is leading the doing with the late Coach Effietee Payne and the charge for the big Homecoming game on Oct. 25, scholarship fund named after her. It is a wonderful when the Morgan Bears take on Delaware State thing that ties us into the alumni and gets us to the Hornets. “We’re in to win!” he says, “and our new next level. Anytime we can give recognition to a lineup is going to prove that.” major contributor to our programs from past years, it Head Football Coach Donald Hill-Eley weighs in is very important.” on some strengths that Morgan will be bringing to the Kerr is also looking to enhance Morgan’s sports pro- Homecoming game. gram with electronic media and mobile communications. “Our defense is No. 1 in the league, and we’re No. “The idea of networking electronically and reach- 2 in the nation. So we’re ready to defend,” he says. ing new audiences is the way we want to move,” he “This year is going to be very exciting,” says says. “We want to be plugged in! Social websites like Kerr. “Delaware State is our league rival. They were Facebook are very important to us and have a lot of No. 1 last year. This year, they’re picked to finish value. We will be telecasting on ESPN this year, and we second in the league, and we’re picked to finish are excited about that, too, because our fans will be able fifth. But we’re in to win!” to access the game through cell phones and the web. The Bears have five home games this year, Our new website will feature some new interactive fea- “which is important to our plans to build a broad- tures like live text messaging and mobile capabilities based, integrated marketing program to tell the that will allow our fans more real-time access to events. Morgan story through sports,” says Kerr. “Part of that We also want to enable podcasting for all future games.” story is acknowledging our accomplishments and the Of course, the big game will be only one of many ties to our past, as some of our former athletes are exciting events at Homecoming 2008. Continued on page 2 Alumni News • Fall 2008 1 MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY n B ALTIMORE, MARYLAND ALUMNI NEWS n MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE “WE’RE IN TO WIN” Alumni Day 2008 Continued from page 1 The room bustled with laughter and warm hugs, as alumni from classes ending in “3” and “8” Greetings Fellow MSU National Alumni Association Alumni and Friends gathered to celebrate their reunions, along with Annual Meeting* other alumni, friends and various chapters, at the of MSU: This meeting is a great opportunity to hear 68th Annual Alumni Awards and Class Reunion about all aspects of the University’s develop- Luncheon, in May. During the reception, between It is with great pride ment. Dr. Richardson will be the keynote speak- greeting old friends and sharing fond memories and humility that I assume er and will conduct a question and answer ses- and current events, attendees feasted on fresh fruit, the role of President of the sion following his address. This is a critical time cheese and crackers, all centered on a beautiful for Morgan State University as it has been forced Morgan State University chocolate fountain, followed by a delectable lunch. into the role of the flagship institution in a fight Reflecting on the luncheon, one alumna, Rita National Alumni for fairness in higher education. Also, hear from Association. I promise to S. Norman, shared the following comments in an e- our Chapter Presidents as they bring us up-to- mail to her Morgan alumni “Circle of Love” friends. work diligently to insure date on their chapter activities. This forum is “…While I was at the Alumni luncheon, one that Morgan remains a open to all MSU graduates and friends. A of the speakers, Ms. Cheryl Hitchcock, V.P., Gloria E. Wayman well-respected voice, both reception will follow. locally and nationally. Institutional Advancement, stressed how Morgan Our students face many challenges as Tailgate Party State’s contributions from alumni are so low that they pursue their educational goals in our Fraternities, sororities and independent it is embarrassing. She was ‘straight up.’ She ever-changing world. I feel encouraged organizations entertain members and friends in the made a point in stressing (that) it’s not the parking area of the Montebello Complex staff park- that wherever I may go, I will find amount of money that you give to the MSU ing area. Activities begin Saturday, Oct. 25, as early Foundation, it is the number of people that give. Morgan graduates who have strategically as 8:00 a.m. and last well into the evening. placed themselves in Corporate America As she spoke, and as I watched Agnes (Agnes and are waiting for the call to step for- Life Member Reception* Ogletree, ’83) stand up with her award (for Life ward to offer their time, talents and finan- This event, for current Life Members, as Membership), I thought about myself. Here I am, cial assistance to MSU. well as those who join on the spot, will be host- the organizer of the ‘Morgan Circle of Love,’ with Today, I am sounding the alert and ed by the MSU National Alumni Association in almost 300 members, and I have not paid my making the call for ALL Morgan gradu- the main ballroom of the University Student dues this year. As a matter of fact, I have not paid ates, in every walk of life, to support our Center, on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9:00 my dues for many years. Is there a reason? Not a.m.–12:00 noon. Show your Life Membership students financially as they achieve aca- really. I meant to. I had the envelope; and I still Card for admission. demically. I offer my personal testimony: have it in my room at home. I’m terrible at pay- when you help remove the financial bar- All-Classes Reunion* ing my dues. I was embarrassed and ashamed of riers for students who desire an educa- Celebrate Homecoming with your friends by myself, because I was sitting here with a $350.00 tion, you are able to take great pride in joining in and doing all of the line dances. DKNY pocketbook, and a wallet to match (which knowing you have participated in the There is no cost for this event, and the most people probably think is a ‘knockoff ’ development of tomorrow’s leaders. To music is always jumping. Meet your class mem- because many of my bags are fake; but they look bers here, and begin to plan for your Alumni those alumni and friends of MSU who good). This is disgusting! You want to hear some Day 2009 formal class reunions. give generously in so many ways, thank more dirt, since I’ve already told my business. My you, and please continue to do so. daughter received an academic scholarship to As you return to our absolutely gor- Morgan Memories* If you are looking for the after-hours spot attend Morgan this past year. God forgive me!!! geous campus to enjoy Homecoming to cool your heels, this is it. Come and show But, you know what, family? I don’t get embar- 2008, please remember that our students your fellow class members you still have the rassed or feel bad. I make changes within myself. are waiting for that Morgan pride and stamina for late night fun and excitement. So, this time next year, that award that Agnes passion to awaken inside of you!!! Admission: $30. received is going to be hanging in my office. A lifetime membership is $400.00, and you can pay Sincerely, MSU National Alumni Association Candlelight Memorial Service* it in installments (because you know I don’t have Come and pay homage to your classmates any more money after buying that bag). I’m Gloria E. Wayman, ’90 and friends who have completed life’s journey. copying Joyce Brown on this e-mail because ‘talk President, MSU National This is a time to reflect on all of the good times is cheap,’ and I’m sending my first installment shared. Alumni Association directly to her office.” As you make plans to attend the luncheon next *See the Alumni Events Calendar on page year, what story will you have to share? Prepare now 11 for locations and times. to be part of the celebration! 2 Alumni News • Fall 2008 ALUMNI NEWS n MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Show You Care, IN THE NEWS Every Year! Morgan State University is a thriv- Summer Campus Tour ing part of the Baltimore community and a nationally-known institution because of alumni like you. But we need your help to ensure that opportunities for achievement and success are avail- able to our most deserving students, every day. Please give your gift today and bring a deserving student one step clos- er to their goal of being a graduate of Morgan State University. Every gift, regardless of size, goes a long way in providing assistance with tuition and Alumni visited the newest features of MSU’s campus during a special tour conducted on June 27, 2008.