Meridian-Lauderdale County Alumni Chapter History

The Alcorn State University Alumni Association Meridian-Lauderdale County Chapter had it's first business meeting January 11, 1975, at 6 p.m. in the Lamplighter Room at Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge.

After the meeting was called to order, the members stood at attention while singing the Alcorn Ode followed by prayer by Mrs. H. Satisfield.

The overall objectives of the newly organized chapter were, and still are, to promote the general welfare of the University and to engage in community service projects.

During the meeting, officers were elected and later installed by Mr. Henry Houze, acting Director of Alumni Affairs at Alcorn State University. It was at this time that Mr. Houze presented the Chapter's Charter to the president, Miss. Davis, and other officers.

The newly organized Chapter boasts an enrollment of some 60 members from Meridian and Lauderdale County.

In addition to the officers and chairmen of committees, other Alcornites attending the meeting were Mrs. Etoria Harris, Miss Janice Williams, Miss Carolyn Davis, Miss Mae Carol Hart, John Parker, Miss Christine Hayes, Miss Darnice Scott, LeRoy Bridges, Mrs. Myra Catching, Haney Catching, Mrs. Dorothy Shadwick, Miss Bettie Green, Miss June Landingham, Miss Redia McQuarters, and Miss Annie McQuarters. Also, attending were Mrs. Allie Faye Turner, Mrs. Dollie Carter, David Carter, Mrs. Margaret Little, Mrs. Gloria Williams, Theodore Price, Willie C. Yearell, Mark McDonald and Miss Bobbie Adams.

An interest in forming an Alcorn State University chapter in Lauderdale County was initiated by Mr. Rudolph Fairley, Allie Faye Turner, Leonard Turner, and Hargie Davis. Each of these individuals created a list with telephone numbers, of other Alcornites in the area. Calls were made, a meeting date was set, and the establishment of an ASU chapter took place.  The following officers were elected: President, Hargie A. Davis; Vice-President, Emanuel Barnes; Secretary, Helen Satisphere; and Treasurer, Rudolph Fairley.  The chapter had regular meetings once a month.

Numerous fundraisers, activities, and events were planned.  The first big fundraiser was a chartered bus trip to the first college football game played in the New Orleans Superdome – Alcorn State University and Grambling University. Alumni from other universities participated in this weekend activity which enabled the Alcorn Chapter to fill the chartered bus to capacity.

The second fundraiser was very unique in that it involved the cooperation and participation of the local chapters of Mississippi Valley State University, and Jackson State University.