Twelve graduates of the class of 1952 returned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation, as guests of the college. They donned their caps and gowns to participate in commencement exercises, watching from their special seats as the President of the Association, Ruth Payne Brown, received the BSC medallion. The prized award was given to her by BSC President Robert Moore for her dedication to Bluefield State College, The Alumni Association, and all BSC alumni. "Mrs. Brown has worked closely with BSC students, faculty, staff, and administration to build bridges of cooperation through special programs, banquets, and frank discussion and communication," he said.

Following commencement exercises, President Moore and President Brown joined Doris Payne, Chairperson of the BSC Alumni House Advisory Council, and other alumni and friends in a special "ground-breaking celebration," marking the beginning of the rehabilitation of Hatter Hall/BSC Alumni House. Construction began on May 20, 2002, and is scheduled for completion in October, 2002. The Association has contributed $11,000 to the project. Alumni and supporters have made individual contributions of approximately $53,000.

The 50-year graduates attended their class banquet on Friday evening, May 10, an annual event for their reunion. Vivian Baumgardner, class of ‘52, served as chairperson for the occasion.

Weekend activities ended with an awards banquet, attended by alumni, administration, faculty and staff of BSC, the graduating class of ‘52, Executive Board and general members of the Association, and friends. Outstanding performances showcased the event, with an interpretive dance, "Anticipation," performed by Dwayne Mosley and Ronnel Thompson, both recipients of BSC Alumni Association scholarships. Tirrah Hunt (also a BSCAA schoalrship recipient), Drema Leftwich, and Tasha Neal rendered two beautiful selections, entitled "Free" and "Total Praise." Patricia Petty-Wilson, guest pianist, recited a powerful rendition of Psalms 1 and sang "May the Works I've Done Speak for Me."

Recognition was given to all members of the Executive Board for services rendered for the Association. Special gifts were presented to Vivian Baumgardner, Lillian Holly, Ora Johnson, Minnie Marshall, and Orphus S. Taylor for special services. Committee chairpersons of special projects were given plaques for continuous service throughout the present administration. Recipients were Lola Harris for the Scholarship Committee, Mildred Hairston for the Membership Committee, Doris Payne for the BSC Alumni House Advisory Council, and Selba Boyd as the "unsung hero," working wherever needed.

Anthony Dillard, Jim Nelson, Peggy Turnbull, and Shelia Johnson, BSC staff members, were given gifts in appreciation for their continuous support of the Association.

The Cleveland, OH Chapter, BSCAA, Inc., earned the honor of being the "Most Outstanding Chapter," for its support of the Association during this administration. Frederick Parks,, chapter president, accepted the plaque for his chapter. Dr. Robert E. Moore, BSC President, was awarded a special plaque in recognition of the support he has given the Association for the past four years. The awards banquet came to an end with Frederick Parks' presentation of a plaque to Mrs. Brown in recognition of her outstanding leadership, 1998-2002.

The business session confirmed plans for the BSC Alumni Reuniion 2002 to be held in Concinnati, OH, July 9-12, with the Cincinnati Chapter serving as host. Dave Clemons is reunion chairman.


June 18, 2002