House Resolution 32

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSION OF THE ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND RECOGNIZING ITS 2010 MID-WINTER CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN TUNICA, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association was organized in 1890 and has a present membership composed of residents of numerous states and foreign countries; and

WHEREAS, through the years, the Alumni Association has operated to promote the ideals of the university, increase public awareness of the positive achievements of the institute and to encourage students to seek scholarships which the association provides on a yearly basis; and

WHEREAS, Alcorn State University has awarded many degrees since it opened in 1871. Alumni have distinguished themselves in business, industry, government, education, public and foreign service. Those who have been a part of the campus share a unique common bond of friendship and an unending dedication and respect for all that the university is and represents; and

WHEREAS, the Alcorn Alumni Association was founded under the leadership of Dr. A.D. Snodgrass, who was the association's first president and a member of the first graduating class of 1882; and

WHEREAS, the first African-American female to receive a college degree in the United States was a graduate of Alcorn State University; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's first African-American female legislator, Alyce Clarke, is also a proud graduate of Alcorn State University; and

WHEREAS, the 2009 Alcornite of the Year is Mrs. JoElla Walls of Vicksburg; and

WHEREAS, the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association will hold its 33rd annual mid-winter conference entitled "Alcornites Building A Better Future From Our Roots" in Tunica, Mississippi, February 25-28, 2010; and

WHEREAS, the officers presiding over the mid-winter conference will be James McDonald, President; James Stubbs, 1st Vice President; and James Hill, Sr., 2nd Vice President; and

WHEREAS, the 20,000 registered members of the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association are dedicated to the future of their university and to the improvements of the quality of higher education in Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association for their efforts to support their university and extend best wishes at this organization's 2010 mid-winter conference in Tunica, Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be furnished to the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association, the President of Alcorn State University and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.