Alcorn School of AREAS to Host Alumni Day, Pictorial Dedication

Alcorn School of AREAS to Host Alumni Day, Pictorial Dedication

September 10, 2016 has been designated as Alcorn State University School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences Alumni Day. The School’s day-long alumni activities will culminate with a Pictorial Celebration, in collaboration with the Office of Development, according to Dr. Gwendolyn L. Gordon, director of the School’s alumni and staff development.

The pictorial dedication, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Conservatory Room of the Ecology and Natural Resources Building will honor posthumously Dr. W.C. Boykin, Sr., Dr. Jesse A. Morris, Sr., Eunice Powell and Dr. Kenneth L. Simmons, Sr. whose three buildings within the School are named.

Dr. Boykin served as the first Alcorn State University extension administrator and Dr. Morris served as the first superintendent of the Alcorn Branch of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. In 1993, the Agriculture Science Building was renamed in honor of Drs. Boykin and Morris.

Eunice Powell was one of seven women who were the first to graduate in Home Economics from Alcorn State in 1919. In 1923, she became the first director of the Division of Home Economics. The Human Sciences Building was named in her honor in 1955.

Our final honoree, Dr. Simmons established the School’s first Cooperative Education Program, and later began the planning process for the Industrial Technology Building, which opened in 1982 and named in his honor.

According to Gordon, the purpose of the Alumni Day is more than just old friends reconnecting, but more of bridging the gap between the School of AREAS and alumni, expressing the importance of committing to our students, and establishing and rekindling active partnerships.

Speakers for the program will include family members of the honorees as well as alumni from the Departments of Agriculture, Human Sciences and Advanced Technologies.

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. For additional information, Dr. Gwendolyn L. Gordon at 601.877.6253 or [email protected] or Shea Gray, administrative assistant, at 601.877.6378 or [email protected]