Bluefield State College Alumni House:

Hatter Hall, the stately campus residence of many BSC Presidents, greets students, alumni, and guests at the east entrance to the campus.

Pictured in front of Hatter Hall are Alumni House committee members  (first row) William "Tank" Williams,  (second row, left-to-right) Doris Jean Payne, Ruth Payne Brown,   (third row, left-to-right), Earl Williams, and BSC President Dr. Robert Moore.

At this time it is our hope that you have received your communication regarding the establishment of Hatter Hall as an Alumni House. Hatter Hall, located at the east entrance to campus, is the home of former presidents of our beloved alma mater. We believe that the idea of preserving this home as a historical landmark excites you as it does us. We believe further that our house represents the PAST that we are a part of and serves as a beacon to the FUTURE that will remain in our hearts forever, even until eternity.

In this issue of the Blue and Gold, we will provide you background information about the project. Our proposal for Hatter Hall as an Alumni House/historical landmark has already been accepted by our Bluefield State College Alumni Association at its annual Executive Committee meeting. The original proposal read:

"The Bluefield State College Alumni Association (BSCAA) proposes that Hatter Hall at its location of the Bluefield State College (BSC) campus be converted to use as the BSC Alumni House. Hatter Hall, the former residence of the College President, and Conley Hall, the main classroom building have been the focal point of the campus since their construction during the 1930s. This conversion would be a positive symbol of the desire of the administration to preserve the heritage and historic integrity of BSC as a historically Black institution. As an Alumni House, this facility could house the College Archives in a highly accessible location, become one of the tools available to the admissions office as a port of the student recruitment process, and include a meeting area for the planning of activities to increase alumni support for College programs"

A committee was appointed and began its work on Saturday, September 29, 1995. To date we have: (1) researched possibilities for recognition of the hall as a historical landmark, (2) met with Dr. Robert Moore, President of Bluefield State College on three separate occasions, secured Dr. Moore's support and leadership in the acquisition of the facility, (3) fixed an immediate goal of raising $100,000 by the year 2000, (4) formulated two task forces - Fund-raising and Fiscal management, (5) pledged financial support, and (6) over the past two years, we have met in several different cities to develop our strategic plan of action to make our dream a reality.

To achieve this goal, we are depending on you! You are the key that unlocks the future success of this endeavor. Why? Because of the part that you have played in the strong past and the contributions you are making toward its dynamic future.

Alumni comment sheets received by September 20, 1997, clearly indicate that not only is there a high level of interest in this project but also a willingness to support it. If you have not done so, please return the comment sheet you received with your letter dated August 26, 1997. Should you have further concerns, please feel free to contact, Ruth Payne Brown (Class of 1955), Committee Chairperson by phone at (410) 448-2695 or fax at (410) 521-3465. NOTE: The fax number in the correspondence was printed incorrectly.

In the next issue of the Blue and Gold we will outline the project name, pledge process, IRS tax exemption number and additional information concerning how to make your financial contribution to this worthy project. We are counting on you to make our dream become a reality. As Langston Hughes wrote,  

Deirdre Guyton, President/Bluefield State College National Alumni Association
Ruth Payne Brown, Chairperson/Alumni House Committee
Earl Williams, Co-chairperson/Alumni House Committee

Committee Members
   Carl Boyd
   Velma Bradshaw
   Edward Coleman
   Susie Guyton
   Virginia Hebert
   Robert Moose
   Doris J. Payne, Consultant
   William L. Williams, Jr., Consultant