Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi awards Alcorn grant for fitness project
January 19, 2012 – The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, Healthy Campus/Healthy Community, awarded Alcorn State University Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) a $315,219 grant for the “HPER for Fitness” project.
Dr. Garry Lewis, assistant professor in the HPER Department, whose dedication to health and fitness helped secure the grant, spearheaded the project. “We congratulate Dr. Lewis and HPER Department for attaining the grant,” stated Dr. Samuel L. White, executive vice president and provost. “We thank him for being an advocate for securing resources to support the University’s programs and encourage all employees to follow in his footsteps – stepping up for fitness while being advocates for fundraising.”
“The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi is elated to help Alcorn and the state of Mississippi make progress toward a healthier future by providing the funding, resources and leadership needed to continue our commitment to a healthier Mississippi,” said Sheila Grogan, executive director of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, during the check presentation on January 17, 2012, on the University’s Lorman campus.
The funding will secure fitness equipment, help renovate the swimming pool, enhance the fitness curriculum, and design a fitness program for faculty, staff, students, and citizens in the surrounding counties to curtail the obesity rate.
“HPER will work hard to get this project up and running by the spring 2012 semester,” said Dr. Lewis. “We look forward to serving faculty, staff, students, and citizens in the surrounding communities. Alcorn is deeply thankful to the Blue Cross Blue Shields of Mississippi Foundation for their support and investment in our institution.”
Pictured L to R: Dr. Alfred Galtney, Research and Sponsored Programs; Dr. Johnny Thomas, chair, Department of Health and Physical Education and Recreation; Sheila Grogan; Dr. Gary Lewis; President Brown; and Dr. Samuel L. White.
