Grambling Tigers Alumni Association Convention Held in Chicago

On a serene, autumn day, 106 years ago, the germinating idea for today's Grambling State University was conceived. Founded on November 1, 1901 as a private industrial school to educate African American citizens of North Central Louisiana, Grambling University is now a comprehensive University offering undergraduate, graduate, professional and continuing education programs.

But more about that later, because the Grambling Tigers just pounced on Chicago!

The Grambling University National Alumni Association, Inc. held its 2007 National Alumni Convention in Chicago at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza from July 26, through July 29. Alumni (Tigers) from around the country converged, or should I say "pounced" on Chicago!

The theme of the convention was "A Gathering of Tigers: Reviving the Commitments While Bridging the Gap".

The Convention opened Thursday, July 26 with registration and the Executive Board Meeting. A reception and fun Carnival was the highlight of the evening.

Following business activities on Friday, attendees boarded a bus and headed out to see the renowned play, "The Color Purple".

Saturday was a full day of activities including a Golf Tournament, plus a Tour and Sight-Seeing trip, including the Sears Tower, Harpo Studio and the Harold Washington Library. One highlight of the tour included picture-taking opportunities of the Michael Jordan's statute at the United Center. And at the DuSable Museum of African American History, in addition to picture-taking opportunities, the Grambling Alumni was treated to a complete tour of the Museum's exhibits.

Saturday's activities were capped off with the Black & Gold Banquet and Ball. According to Fred Hearn - Chairman of this year's event - the school colors are black and gold - thus the name. Church Services were held on Sunday followed by the Grambling Alumni brunch hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Hearn.

During the convention, James E. Bradford, Past President of the Grambling University National Alumni Association, urged each member to recommit themselves to the cause of Grambling State University. He went on to say "Let this convention be the springboard for a new beginning for all alumni."
Mr. Bradford, whose tenure as President just ended after 14 ½ years, concluded by saying "Let's remember what makes us all one - the spirit of Grambling State University and the pride of the Black and Gold!"

Sharon Armstrong, the newly elected President of the Grambling University National Alumni Association said that it was an honor and privilege to serve the Alumni and Grambling State University. She went on to say "When Tigers gather there is a unity and power to overcome all obstacles. Therefore, I know we will put all our energy into moving GUNAA forward and building it into a greater organization...My thanks and gratitude goes out to the Windy City Alumni Chapter, who is hosting this year's convention".

LeBlanc Martin, President of the Windy City Chapter of the Grambling University Alumni Association, used a sports analogy to relate the importance of the convention's theme.

He said "The theme of the 2007 Grambling University Alumni Association is 'A Gathering of Tigers: Reviving the Commitments While Bridging the Gap'". He then went on to say "I believe that a top priority for GUNAA is to eliminate or mitigate 'sideward motion' in our organization. To understand my usage of the term 'sideward motion', you must envision a rowboat team. A team of row boaters has maximum efficiency and speed when all members of the team row in synchronization. When some members elect not to row, or to row with a different timing than the majority, the rowboat does not move with the best efficiency. We must find a way to '...bridge the gap'".

And of course, the life-blood of any university is the student body. In an interview with Annie F. Moss, Acting Director of Admissions & Recruitment and
Don Lewis, Admissions - both indicated that they are extremely busy as student recruitment continues to increase. According to Ms. Moss, students naturally gravitate towards the Grambling name.

MORE ABOUT GRAMBLING UNIVERSITY...

Grambling University is centrally located in Gramblilng, Louisiana. Today's Grambling provides all the benefits expected of any major university. However, it still maintains the advantages associated with attending a small, more nurturing college.

One of the giants of Grambling, and indeed of all college football, celebrated Grambling football coach, Eddie G. Robinson passed on April 3, 2007. He coached at Grambling for 56 years and was known as one of the winningest coaches in the business. Robinson won 17 championships in his SWAC conference.

And who has not heard of the Famous Grambling Tiger Marching Band? They have won numerous Battle of theBands competitions; and they have performed not only nationally, but world-wide!

The outstanding achievements of Grambling University and its Alumni should not be surprising. After all, Grambling's motto is...
"THE PLACE WHERE EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY!"