Alcorn State University recognizes 92 President’s and 341 Dean’s Scholars at its 66th Biannual Honors Convocation
On October 23, 2012, Alcorn State University recognized the academic achievements of its undergraduate students at the 66th Biannual Honors Convocation. The Convocation, being one of the University’s most significant academic traditions, was held in the historic Oakland Memorial Chapel. This year’s theme was Traditions Matter: Embracing our Legacy of Academic Excellence in Undergraduate Education. Ms. Yolanda Cash Jackson, attorney-at-law, Becker and Poliakoff, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, served as the keynote speaker and congratulated 92 President’s and 341 Dean’s Scholars.
Dr. Thomas Sturgis, director of Honors Curriculum and Pre-professional Programs, presided over the ceremony which opened with an invocation by Rev. Larry Nicks, associate minister of the Greater Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, and a selection by the ASU Concert Choir.
Miss ASU 2012-13 and Dean’s Scholar Airnecia Mills welcomed the audience and Dr. Samuel White, executive vice president and provost, addressed the scholars, “You are role models demonstrating to your peers that hard work and dedication are the pathways to success, congratulations!” The program continued with selection “Ride On King Jesus” by the ASU Men Chorale.
Student Government Association President 2012-13 Marcus Mercy introduced the keynote speaker, Yolanda Cash Jackson, an experienced government law attorney who has established a strong reputation in the community for her leadership and commitment to civic, charitable and professional organizations. Serving since 2010 on Becker & Poliakoff’s Management Committee, Jackson holds a number of honors and awards.
During her powerful message to Alcorn scholars, Jackson asked them to open their minds and focus on “the gift that keeps on giving, a gift that we received from our ancestors who ran the race and fought for it, shed their blood for it and gave up their lives for it. Now it’s our responsibility to make sure that it does not end. Use your gift, give it, talk about it, share it and live it like your life and the future depended on it because it does.”
The program continued with recognition of the honorees by Dr. Gwendolyn C. Dooley, assistant director, Office of Pre-Professional and Honors Curriculum Programs. Dr. Larry Konecky, chair and professor of music, Fine Arts Department, presented a special award and check for $4,800 from The Presser Foundation to Larry Macklin, a senior majoring in music performance.
In his closing remarks, Alcorn President M. Christopher Brown II noted the outstanding achievement of the honorees and recognized their parents, guardians and loved ones, as well as Alcorn faculty, staff and alumni who contribute to our students’ success. He urged the audience to focus on the concept of the “gift that keeps on giving” and share the message with others.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Alcorn Ode.
President’s and Dean’s Scholars: if you’d like a press release to be sent to your hometown newspaper, please follow the link www.alcorn.edu/studentreleases to fill out a release form.
Attention students desiring to retrieve their President’s and Dean’s Scholar awards and certificates: please come to the Pre-professional and Honors Curriculum Building between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Dr. Dooley at 601.877.6138 or email at [email protected] .
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