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History of the Association

The Virginia State University Alumni Association (VSUAA) was organized in 1889. N.T. Goldsbery was elected as the Association’s first president. Although there were only a few intermitted gatherings and meetings held by the Association during the years between 1889 and 1903, by 1904 a more permanent organization had been formed.

life-member

In the early years of the Association, only one chapter existed - the national chapter. However, by 1914 the Alumni Association grew in size and ambition as eight chapters across the state of Virginia had been established. These chapters were located in Alexander; Smithfield; Suffolk; Richmond; Petersburg; Fredericksburg; Norfolk; and Boiling Green. In addition to these chapters, several organizations already on campus were organized to support the mission and goals of the Association. Some of these organizations included: the Tongue and Pen Society; The Training School; The April Group; the November Group; the Leap Year Group, The October Group, and the Victory Group.

Throughout the Association's rich history, 37 individuals have served as president of the Alumni Association. The first female president was Josie P. Harris, who assumed office in 1899. The longest-serving president was Milton T. Bailey who served from 1903-1932, totaling 29 years. The youngest serving president has been Franklin Johnson, Jr. who was 29 at the time he assumed office.

For more than a century, the Alumni Association’s mission has been twofold: 1) to foster lifelong relationships between the University and its alumni and 2) to support the University’s programs and mission. The Association has supported the University in various ways, including providing money for scholarships, recruiting students to the University, and supporting the University’s music and athletics programs. Although no accurate record can be found that documents how much money or how many students the Alumni Association has been responsible for, three early projects can be documented.

History

These include: 1) the purchase of the property where Locket Hall now stands in 1919, which was supposed to be called from that date, “The Alumni Field”, 2) the purchase of the Memorial Bench located on the Front Campus in 1939, and 3) the purchase of the University “Mace” in 1957.

With such a long life the Association has faced many challenges and seen many changes. In large measure, it reflects the much broader history of the University. Today, with a membership roster of over 1,000 and over 50 active chapters located across the country, the Virginia State University Alumni Association continues to be a committed partner to the University.

About Us

News From The VSUAA Chaplain

15 February 2025

Thank you for Joining Our First VSUAA Prayer Call of the Year!

Dear VSU Alumni,

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you who joined us for the first Virginia State University Alumni Association Prayer Call of 2025. Your presence, prayers, and unity in faith created a powerful and uplifting experience for all.

Because of your engagement and the positive feedback we received, we are excited to announce that the prayer call will continue once a month! Beginning in March, we will gather in prayer at 9 AM on the first Saturday of each month through December. We look forward to strengthening our spiritual connection and support for one another as we lift up our alma mater and our communities in prayer.

As we embark on this journey together, we are reminded of the words in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14:

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many.”

Our collective strengths as alumni across the country make us a force for good, and through this prayer call, we continue to unite in purpose, faith, and service. With gratitude and excitement, we invite you to mark your calendars and join us in prayer each month. A flyer with login details will be sent out soon.

Together, we are Building a Bridge to Greater!

Blessings,

Rev. Kenyana Dawson
VSUAA Chaplain

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