 | The Tidewater Chapter of North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association was organized in 1952 in Norfolk, Virginia by the following dedicated Aggies: Hattie Ambrose, Thelma Burney, Arnell Burrus, Carl Dargan, Herman Fonville, Jean Fulcher, Juanita Glover, Walter & Doris Hamilton, Melvin July, Charlie Jones, John & Lillie Jones, Clarence Lee, Vernetta Lee, Warren & Martha Polson, Edgar Rawls, Arthur & Mary Southerland, Hursel Wiggins and John Williams. The Chapter is comprised of members from the seven cities, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Suffolk. The Chapter was officially incorporated in 1988.
The Tidewater Chapter sponsors many diverse fundraising activities to support the University's Annual Fund Campaign. For several years, the Chapter sponsored an "Aggie Pre-Holiday Extravaganza" that consisted of a fashion show, dance and breakfast. In April 1987, under the leadership of Vernetta Lee, '52, the chairman of the Alumni Project Staff, the Chapter sponsored a theatrical production entitled "Beyond the Darkness - A Sociological Drama in 3 Acts." The piece was written and directed by our own Leonard Watkins, '40. This production received rave reviews in the Virginia Pilot-Ledger Star, The Daily Press and the Norfolk Compass.
The Chapter traditionally sponsors a "Wine & Cheese Reception" to attract new members in mid-September. Through this effort, the Chapter has gained national exposure within the Alumni Association and several National Alumni Presidents considered it an honor to be asked to speak at Chapter functions. Each year the Chapter hosts an annual cook-out where alumni, current students, incoming freshmen and their parents are treated to a fun-filled afternoon with good food, great friends and fond memories The Chapter has also hosted many Mideast Regional Meetings. In October 2003, Dr. James C. Renick, our former Chancellor was the guest speaker for this event. The weekend long event culminated in a midnight, moonlit cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk, which raised over $700 for the University's Marching Band. The Chapter has and continues to support the University in its recruitment efforts by holding recruitment workshops and volunteering at local area college fairs.
The Tidewater Chapter also developed deeper ties to our local community by actively participating in the The Daily Press' Annual Christmas Fund, The Society for the Aid of Sickle Cell Anemia's Scholarship Program, Alpha Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Delta Kappa's "Share a Book With A Friend Project" and Southeastern Virginia Foodbank. In keeping with the West African proverb that states "It takes a village to raise a child", the Chapter sponsored a "Rites of Passage" for five African American young men in our community. Because we know that "a family that prays together, stays together", the Chapter fellowships on the 2nd Sunday in February for Black History Month at a member's church.
Not only does the Chapter realize the importance of academics but athletics as well. Three members of the Chapter have been inducted into NCA&T Athletic Hall of Fame. Cornell Gordon, '68, a former player for the New York Jets in 1983; the late George S. "Big City" Green, '40, in 1984 for his outstanding performance in baseball and Heyward Mckie, '69, in 1994 for his heroic fetes in football. Due to our rich heritage in athletics, the late Clarence Lee, '52, spearheaded the fellowship with both the men's and women's basketball teams and coaches over a meal each year when the teams play in the local area.
The Tidewater Chapter has produced several National Alumni Award winners. George S. Green - Distinguished Service Award in 1989; Wanda Parnell, '84 - Young Alumnus Award in 1990; Dr. Lois Fears, '53 - Alumni Achievement Award in 1991; Frances V. Peppers, '85 - Young Alumnus Award in 1994 and Shandette E. Harper, '96 - Velma R. Speight Young Alumnus Award in 2005.
The inaugural president was the late Arnell Burrus During the 56 years since the Chapter's inception, the gavel has been passed through many hands Succeeding presidents have included Walter Hamilton, Vernetta Lee, Helen Griggs, Rita Southall, Marolyn Wiggins, Johnnie Johnson, Clarence Lee, Charlie Jones, Thurman Boone, Dr. Lois Fears, E. Lewis Brame, Wanda Parnell, Frances Peppers, Mary Williams, Rev. Samuel Eady, Regina Summerville, and Christopher Tompkins and currently Samuel Jenkins.
The Tidewater Chapter remains in tune with the National Association's motto of "No Steps Backwards" and indeed our future is bright.
AGGIE PRIDE IS NATIONWIDE!!!! |
