By Alexis Clark
The Tennessee State University National Alumni Association (TSUNAA) turned the City of Miami “Blue and White” for the 66th National Convention in the sunshine state. It had been four years since TSUNAA held an in-person annual convention due to the pandemic.
More than 200 members attended the alumni conference including TSU President Glenda Glover. The three-day convention, themed, “Tiger Renaissance: Celebrating TSU Excellence of Yesterday Today and Tomorrow,” included several presentations, panel discussions, and activities such as, “Tiger’s Choice: National Day of Service,” where delegates held community service activities across the city.
President Glover held a “fireside chat” to discuss strategies for the University’s sustainability. Her focus was preparing students for success.
“As we continue to evolve as a university, we must continue to meet our objective of molding students minds through education and preparing them for the global marketplace,” President Glover said during the event.
“It is only with your help that we can assist so many students in achieving their academic dreams. With your continued support, we remain excited about what the future holds for TSU students of tomorrow.”
TSUNAA National President Charles Galbreath said the goal of the national gathering of alumni is to provide networking opportunities updates on their alma mater, while fostering loyalty, interest, and university support.
“We also have hope in bridging the gap by bringing inspiring and informative plenary sessions and luncheons for all age groups to enjoy,” Galbreath said. “We must continue to identify innovative ways to increase our membership, increase our alumni giving, and increase our impact within the undergraduate experience. The students need us as they are becoming us.”
Highlights of the alumni conference included an open ceremony, followed by plenary sessions and a power luncheon with keynote speaker, Author Candice Benbow, who is an ’04 TSU alum. There were also sessions with the world famous AOB and Athletics. This included a Roar City Live session with Dr. Mikki Allen, director of athletics, including head football and basketball coaches Eddie George, Brian ‘Penny’ Collins and Ty Evans.
The AOB and Industry session featured Director of Bands Dr. Reginald McDonald, Platinum recording artist and producer DUBBA AA, Grammy award winning producer Dr. Dallas Austin, and Multi-award-winning recording artist and producer Dr. Sir the Baptist. The latter two recently received honorary degrees from the university.
There was also a presentation by State Rep. and TSU alum Dr. Harold Love Jr., and Charles Galbreath.
Panelist AVP Terrance Izard and Dr. Carjamin Scott discussed recruitment and admission, which was moderated by TSU alum Portia Johnson, while Microsoft senior executive and TSU alum Reginald Shareef served as the keynote speaker during Saturday’s power luncheon.
TSUNAA closed out the three-day convention with an iHEART award ceremony followed by an all-white yacht party.
