Alumni and Community Leaders honored at 2nd annual Hall of Fame Banquet

Alumni and Community Leaders honored at 2nd annual Hall of Fame Banquet

Honoring our legacy — our alumni.

Dr. Albert J. Allen, ’71, Dr. Virginia Caples, ’67, Dr. Worth Haynes, ’65, Dr. Patrick Igbokwe, ’76, Dr. Earline Strickland, ’60 and Modestine Smith, ’51 (posthumously), were given high esteem by the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at its 2^nd annual Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet held August 18, at the Jackson Marriott in Jackson, Mississippi.

The Alumni Hall of Fame banquet is an annual event held to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of alumni and supporters of Alcorn State University School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. Awards are given to men and women who have displayed outstanding achievements and contributions through their profession, and whose community services have aided as an impetus to others. The proceeds from the event will be used to provide scholarships to students majoring in programs within the School.

The event played host to over 200 alumni, family and friends. The Rev. John Wicks, Jr., presided at the event and set the tone for the evening by reciting the first stanza of the “Alcorn ‘Ode.” The sultry music by Jessie Primer, III furthered the mood with his jazz rendition of various songs to make for an exceptional purple and gold affair.

The audience was graced by a warm welcome from Dorothy Kerney-Wilburn, committee member, followed by the official Alcorn greeting from Dr. Alfred Rankins, Jr., president, of Alcorn State University. Each honoree or family member was presented an award by James Hill Sr. and Pearlean McReynolds, committee members, Dr. Rankins, Jr., Dr. Edmund Buckner, newly-appointed dean and director of land-grant programs, and Delmer Stamps and Judith Ward, co-chairs. A video presentation and a special musical tribute concluded the program.

“We are indebted to the 2017 class of honorees for being trailblazers in the areas of agriculture, and family and consumers sciences,” says Stamps. “Their professional career accomplishments and contributions along with their religious, community and social service exemplifies what it means to be an "Alcornite."

“I am appreciative to the committee and honorees for their dedication and support for this year’s event to provide scholarships for students majoring in Advanced Technologies, Agriculture, Biotechnology and Human Sciences,” says Ward. “Special congratulations to the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2017.”

“We appreciate all program participants, planning committee members, sponsors, advertisers, patrons, and banquet attendees, for their support and financial contributions,” adds Stamps.