CSU Homecoming 2008 Recap

October 10-12, 2008

(One for the Record Books!)

Greetings Alumni and Friends:

Hundreds upon hundreds of Alumni & Friends returned for the Homecoming Celebration with picture perfect weather as a backdrop.

The Dayton Marriott Hotel once again served as the Hotel Headquarters with the Crown Plaza and the Doubletree functioning as over-flow hotels. All were at capacity.

Highlights of the Homecoming Weekend

Wednesday, October 8:

CSU Gospel Music Concert- under the direction of William Henry Caldwell, Conductor.  Performing artist included Mr. Laurence Ingram and the CSU Chorus. The concert served to a spiritual blessing to all in attendance.

Thursday, October 9:

Jammin at Noon in the Honor of the late Jay ‘B-Bop” Crosby ’50 was well attended with participants enjoying good food and plenty of line-dancing.

The Miss CSU Coronation Ceremony for Miss Central State University 2008-2009 (Miss Tiara Spires) along with her Royal Court took place at the Robeson Cultural and performing Arts Center. The entire event proved to be “Outstanding”.

Friday, October 10:

College of Business & Industry Annual Scholarship Golf-Outing was successful as usual and aided by extremely good golfing weather.

Alumni Awards Recognition Banquet- Keith A. Perkins ’82 served as the Master of Ceremony. The Rev. Dr. Preston T. Adams, III ’82 was the Key Note Speaker and rendered a most inspiring message.  The awardees were The Honorable Joyce Beatty ’72 Alumnus of the Year, Dr. James A. Elam, FY2008 Top Alumnus Contributor and Ms. Urcelle Carter Willis, FY2008 Legacy Donor of the Year.

CSU Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were Chris Nelms ’75, Baseball; Toney Howell ’81, Baseball; 1965 & 1968 Men’s Basketball Teams; Norman Perkins ’86, Football; 1963 Men’s Mile Relay Team; William Moore ’65, Track and William Hicks ’67, Track.

Special Acknowledgement was given to the 2008 Achievement Hall of Fame honorees Ms. Doris Nicholson ’51, Mr. Felton Page ’69 and Mr. Samuel Williams ’57-Posthumously. Additionally the Class of 1948 was recognized as they celebrated their 60 Class Reunion.

The 2007 Class Reunion Challenge Winner was awarded to the Class of 1967.

The 2008 Classes in Reunion are 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 93, 1998 and 2003. To date the classes in reunion have contributed over $335,210.

The Class of 1958 is the 2008 Legacy Class and set the contribution tone by donating over $35,000.A special thank you to the Class of ’58 for their long term support and dedication to our beloved Central State University.

The CSU Athletes & Friends Honor Dance designed to display our appreciation for the accomplishments of former CSU athletes followed the Banquet.

Saturday, October 11:

The morning began with the Alumni & Friends Breakfast Social, followed by the GAA General Meeting with over 200 alums in attendance. Mr. Vernon Ford ’70, GAA President, gave a very positive report on the State of the GAA. Especially, noting that the GAA was fiscally sound and operation responsibly. President John W. Garland ’71 provided very informative remarks on the direction in which the University must focus in order to meet our “Speed to Scale” objectives. The General Meeting went very well with alums interacting positively.

The Alumni Memorial Service was held in the Sunken Garden and was well attended. The Rev. Randall Harris ’73 provided the Invocation and President John W. Garland ’71 the Occasion. The CSU Chorus rendered two musical selections and the service concluded with Words of Payer and a Memorial Balloon Launch in honor of fallen alums.

After the Memorial Service alums and friends processed to Grill 155 where a Dedication Service was held honoring the late Ma Beatty for her years of service to the University family. The dining area at Grill 155 is now named Ma Beatty’s.

This year’s Homecoming Parade was one of the largest in a long time with the participants displaying outstanding “Marauder Spirit” as they paraded around the campus on a “Picture Perfect” afternoon to McPherson Stadium. Langston University of Oklahoma was our competitor for the afternoon and we give them a fight for their money; however, we came up short.

Hundreds upon Hundreds of Alumni & Friends attended the daylong activities on campus. We rekindled friendships and enjoyed the family spirit atmosphere of our beloved Alma Mater.

Young and older alums alike enjoyed the Greek Step Show held after the football game and as it was very well attended.

The Marriott Hotel was the backdrop for the Annual Marauder Jam otherwise known as “The Official Alumni Party.” Live entertainment with a disc jockey & Dancing was the order of the evening. More than 300 alumni & friend were in attendance with an outstanding time had by all.

Sunday, October 12:

The Homecoming 08 festivities culminated with the Alumni & Friends Gospel-Jazz Breakfast with over 500 persons in attendance. The Key Note Speaker was The Rev. Douglas Demetrius Prather .who delivered a very inspiring message. The CSU Chorus was splendid as usual. Additionally, CSU student Joseph Glenn and his” Steel Jazz Band’ added to the spiritual mood of the morning. President John W. Garland ‘71 gave closing remarks.

In closing we sincerely thank and appreciate the hundreds of Alumni & Friends that supported, assisted and participated in Homecoming 08. As I said earlier, this was truly one for the record books and very successful in the historical spirit of our Alma Mater.

Respectfully,

Keith ‘82

For God, For Central, For State