Monthly Newsletter. October 2023

Grambling State University

"Where Everybody is Somebody!"

Counting down the days to Bayou Classic 2023.

Interested in Becoming a Member?!

Becoming a part of the change is a picture away.


**FREE** for New GSU graduates for the 1st year!

Visit our Website

New Members


Let's Keep it Going! We have had 330 new members join GUNAA since January 2023.


Total Members: 3820


Dr. Tammy Richardson

GUNAA National President

C/O F'91


One thing is constant, and that is change! As we gear up for the upcoming holiday season and embrace the winter season, we find ourselves reflecting on all the exciting developments happening within our alumni community. It is with great pride that we extend our congratulations to our esteemed alumni who continue to shine on the international stage. Also, CONGRATULATIONS to our current GSU President, Richard Gallot Jr., in his appointment as the University of Louisiana System President with his tenure beginning in January!


Recently, we had the privilege of witnessing the inaugural D10 event, a showcase of incredible alumni achievements. This event served as a reminder of the incredible talent and potential within our alumni network. Let's continue to support and celebrate each other's successes.


In the spirit of unity and progress, let's set our sights on several key objectives:

  • Membership Growth: We urge all alumni to actively engage in recruiting new members. Together, we can expand our network and make it stronger than ever.
  • Kindness and Unity: Let's remember to be kind and show love to one another. Our unity is what makes us a truly special community.
  • Student Focus: Our 'dear ole school' relies on our support. Let's remain dedicated to the students and ensure the best experience possible.
  • Excellence: Strive to be the Best-in-Class alumni association. Our commitment to excellence sets us apart.
  • Reoccurring Donations: Even a small contribution can make a big difference. Let's make giving a habit.
  • Diverse Representation: As elections approach, we aim to have a diverse slate of candidates. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our association.
  • Membership Dues: To be eligible to vote in the upcoming elections, please ensure your dues are paid by December 31st.
  • Fundraising Initiatives: Get involved in our fundraising activities. We aim to increase endowments, scholarships, beautification projects on campus, professorships, and provide first-class activities for our alumni.


Let's embrace the changes that come our way and continue to grow as an alumni community. Your involvement and support are invaluable in shaping the future of our association and our beloved alma mater.

In his new capacity as President and CEO of the University of Louisiana System, President Gallot will serve >90,000 students across 9 universities. He will be the first Gramblinite and second African American appointed to the position. President Gallot begins his new role on Jan. 1, 2024. A search for a new GSU President has not begun. The selection process will be inclusive of Alumni.

GOLDEN TIGER ANNOUNCEMENT

GUNAA boasts an impressive lineage of GRAMFAM members spanning five to six generations! To cater to the diverse needs of our extended family, we are committed to organizing events, enhancing communication, and more. In light of this commitment, we kindly request our esteemed GOLDEN TIGERS to get in touch with our national office at 318.247.6770 if they require hard copies of materials or phone services. To ensure fairness and prioritize those who truly need assistance (specifically, individuals with disabilities or those lacking access to email and/or cellphones), we operate on an honor system. We appreciate your understanding in allowing this limited capacity to be available for those members who rely on it to stay connected with the alumni association.

NATlONAL CONVENTION - 2024 in HOUSTON

2023 GUNAA NATIONAL CALENDAR

24kt Gold Playing Card FUNDRAISER #2


We are currently in the midst of our second fundraiser and desire for every member to purchase at least one deck of cards.


These cards have a lifetime guarantee. Click here to order from a variety of D9, HBCUs, HBCU Bands, "for the culture", Black Live Matter, UNO, and other causes.


Click here to order!


Tell our Story...

GUNAA Historian,

Angelee Moody-Rhyne

gunaahistorian@gmail.com


Listed below are the 17 dedicated individuals who have served as National Presidents of GUNAA. Their leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization and its rich history.

  1. Henry L. Essex
  2. Reuben L. Gaulden
  3. Wilber Purvis, II
  4. Wesley O. Thompson
  5. E. Faye Williams
  6. Darrell Walters
  7. Jesse Prudhomme
  8. Johnny Adams
  9. James Bradford
  10. Sharon Armstrong
  11. Dr. Birdex Copeland
  12. Johnny Williams
  13. Clifton Lemelle, Sr.
  14. Melissa Bickham
  15. Russell Leday
  16. Thomas Jones
  17. (current) Tammy Richardson

Nursing Program - 100% pass!

Congrats to every student in the GSU nursing program for passing the required test to become a nurse on the FIRST attempt!!!! Thank you for upholding the legacy for producing top talent from Grambling State University. This is the 2nd year in a row for having a 100% pass rate! We can't wait to welcome you into GUNAA and share in your career accomplishments.


High School Day - 2023


The High School Day Alumni volunteers are the unsung heroes of Grambling State University, embodying the spirit of #GramFam pride and loyalty. Their selfless dedication to giving back to the university is truly commendable.


In their roles as Alumni Student Recruiters, these volunteers play a vital part in the university's success by connecting with academically talented students in their communities. Their one-on-one interactions, personal attention, and encouragement can be the deciding factor in a student's choice to attend Grambling over other schools. Their unique perspective as Grambling graduates holds incredible value and can inspire the next generation of leaders.


The Alumni Student Recruitment program not only rekindles the nostalgia of their own college days but also plays a pivotal role in securing a bright future for Grambling State University. Their efforts are an investment in the institution's continued success.


Moreover, the involvement of Alumni Chapters is remarkable, contributing to 37% of students attending the annual event. Their collective hard work and dedication have yielded tangible results, with a significant 10% increase in freshmen enrollment for the Fall 2023 semester. This success is a testament to the powerful impact of alumni involvement and their commitment to ensuring that Grambling remains a home for future Leaders and Best.

B.T. Crawford

(Arcadia) 

Terrebonne-Lafourche

(Houma)

Martha Adams

(Hammond) 

Douglas L. Williams (Houston)

Mildred S. Jones Chapter (Alexandria) 

Greater Houston Chapter

Ruston Chapter

Dallas Chapter

Tracking Our Success!


A little recap as Prez Gallot discuss the North Star and Guiding principles at GSU. He also addresses our requirement and retention efforts at GSU's most recent high school day.

Homecoming 2023 was EPIC!

National GUNAA President - Tammy Richardson, Erica West - Greene, GUNAA Business Manager and Antoinette Livingston - GSU Director for Career and Professional Development

CLASS of 1983 celebrated their 40-year reunion during Homecoming 2023.

GUNAA member, LaShanda Hurst, recognized as an Inaugural Distinguished 10 honoree

Alumni were greeted back at our "dear ole school!" for HOCO2023

Friday Meet and Greet at the National Alumni Office with HOCO Chairperson, Torry Dean, GUNAA Historian - Angelee Moody-Rhyne and GUNAA Business Manager - Erica West-Green

We show love to our alumni and future alumni as they visit with us

Alumni visiting the National Office

Friday Night's ALUMNI REUNION Party

Friday Night's Alumni REUNION PARTY

Saturday's BEYOND BREAKFAST Experience


GameDay Tailgate Event

Bayou Classic Road Show at Homecoming. National President - Dr. Tammy Richardson pictured with Grambling, LA Mayor Alvin Bradley, Sr.

Miss GSU and her court greeted GUNAA National President at Homecoming

Grambling State University Career services had a grand opening of the Career Closet and will accept donations year-round in an effort to prepare students for professional engagement. We urge everyone to DONATE and help as you can.


For more info., please contact the office of Grambling Career Services at - 318-274-3350

Yard Signs - For Sale!

We have a limited supply of Life Membership and Membership Yard Signs for Sale. To purchase, click the link. This is the perfect opportunity to show your school pride! Go Tigers !! Membership Chairperson: Crystal Sayles



Alumni Spotlight!

Congratulations GUNAA Member Shannon Frank Reeves, Sr


Alabama A&M University (AAMU), announced the appointment of GUNAA Member Shannon Frank Reeves, Sr. as Vice President of Government Affairs and External Relations. Congratulations!


Chapter Spotlight!

Northeastern Alumni Chapter


Within the last month The Grambling Northeastern Alumni Chapter participated in three HBCU College Fairs. Assisting over 500 students in their college decision making progress.



Seattle's Puget Sound Chapter



Puget Sound Chapter representing at the United Negro College Fund College/Career Fair held at the Garfield High School in Seattle! This is the largest gathering of HBCUs in the Pacific Northwest region.


Greater Dallas Chapters


The Metro DFW, Collie J. Nicholson and Dallas Chapters collaborated on a college recruitment fair in DeSoto, TX.

Southern California Chapter


The SoCal Chapter participating in the Region South/LA USD College and Career fair.


...Sports

PURCHASE Basketball SEASON TICKETS

Basketball Season has Begun


Purchase season tickets for $75 in support of the basketball season. The staff will donate any unused tickets to kids and other organizations in the local community. Click here to purchase

GSU vs Delaware State


Grambling will play Delaware on Friday, 11.17.23 at 6pm on the campus of Morehouse College at Forbes Arena. Alumni are encouraged to come out (far and near) and CHEER on our Tigers! This is the second annual "ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge" featuring the nation’s top HBCU student-athletes and coaches from the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC, and Atlanta Public Schools. Tickets are $20, General Admission

NOTE: The NBA HBCU All-Star Game will be in Phoenix, AZ on the weekend of Valentine's Day (2.17.24 to 2.19.24). We will share more information as it becomes available so you may properly plan your trip, accordingly.

GUNAA partners with G-Men Nation, Inc.


Members of GUNAA are encouraged to continue their football season ticket donations to G-Men Nation. Deserving students are given the unused tickets to attend the designated game(s).

GUNAA partners with Grambling Friends of Football, Inc.


Friends of Football's annual event with a theme of "Paying it Forward" was held on Friday, October 20, 2023 to a sold-out venue in Houston, TX. Five GSU students received scholarships, 3 GSU alumni were recognized for their community work and President Tammy Richardson participated in the program as well.

GUNAA partners with

Grambling Legends

The Tailgate party was received well by our alumni as we partnered with Grambling Legends. Lots of food and good times were had by all!

Football

Alabama State University will host Grambling State University in the Inaugural Port City Classic at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Saturday, November 4, 2023. There will be activities throughout the week leading up to game day.   Click here for details

VOLLEYBALL

The Lady Tigers are in the final phase of their SWAC conference games. Come out and support them. See the remaining schedule. Note the SWAC Tournament/championship will be in Houston, TX at Prairie View A&M University.


Alabama State (Daytona, FL) 1pm, Oct 29

Bethune Cookman (Daytona, FL) 7pm, Oct 29

FAMU (Daytona, FL) 11am, Oct 30

UAPB (Pine Bluff, AR) 2pm, Nov 2

SU (Grambling, LA) 2pm, Nov 12

Alcorn (Grambling, LA) 6pm, Nov 13

SOCCER

SWAC Regular Season Champs!



REPEAT! REPEAT! REPEAT! We are proud of our Lady Tiger soccer team as they continue to reign as Champs. Let's go get the tournament title too!

CROSS COUNTRY

All SWAC performances


Ruth Kibet finished third in the women's 5000m, while Mathias Chemboi paced eighth in the men's 8000m to highlight the Grambling State University men's and women's cross-country teams during SWAC Cross Country Championships.

LADY TIGERS

  • 2nd Place SWAC Championship
  • Ruth Kibet and Sharon Laibich - ALL SWAC 1st team


MEN's Team


  • 9th Place SWAC Championship
  • Mathias Cheboi - All SWAC 2nd team

#FOREVERGRAMFAM

Engaged in GUNAA?

Get Involved in GUNAA - Join a Committee!


GUNAA Committees are a vital part of the association and the heartbeat of all activities and planning. GUNAA is in search of volunteers who are talented and eager to utilize their gifts to positively effect GUNAA and GSU. Go to our website: www.gunaa.org/committees or click here: Committees

GUNAA National Alumni Office

Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday

9 am - 3 pm CST and peak periods on Fridays. Email: office@gunaa.org

Phone: 318.247.6770

P.O. Box 565 Grambling, LA 71245

www.gunaa.org

House Matters

Article II of our Constitution/Bylaws list 14 bullet points as the purpose of this organization. Below are the first six:

  • To facilitate better communications and relationships between the University, Graduates and Friends.
  • To cooperate with the University's Administration, Field Services, and other Alumni organizations in the promotion of worthwhile activities for the Grambling State University Faculty, Graduates, Students, Prospective Students and Friends.
  • To encourage the highest type of professional ethics and scholarship among the Alumni and Students.
  • To stimulate school loyalty, devotion and responsibility.
  • To further encourage professional enthusiasm, initiative and growth.
  • To provide a National Association to channel information to support local, state, regional and national programs.

We encourage all officers, regional representatives, committee chairs, and chapters to contribute content via gunaacommunications@gmail.com Note: All submitted material(s) are subject to leadership approval prior to publication. Editor: Errol Blaize. Jr

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