as a legislative assistant for state Sen. andy Berke and for former state House Speaker Pro tempore Lois m. DeBerry. “I have known alfred Degrafinreid since he was a student at tennessee State university,” said Howard C. gentry, Jr., (‘74) Criminal Court Clerk Davidson County - 20th Judicial District. “He was one of my first hires in my mayoral campaign. gentry added, “He became my right hand man and a very valuable confidant. alfred is a rising star in the governmental and political scenes and he will achieve many great things and make us all very proud.” as a tSu student, Degrafinreid was heavily involved in the Student government association, the university Honors Program and kappa alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He enjoyed working with the administration to help solve problems that students faced, as well as making sure the voices of the students were heard. He said these organizations shaped his outlook on life, and began his pursuit of public service. Since graduating from tSu, Degrafinreid has supported the university through his contributions to the Bryan a. Collins memorial Scholarship Fund. He also speaks to high school students in middle and West tennessee about attending tSu.
Howard C. gentry, Jr., (Criminal Court Clerk Davidson County - 20th Judicial District), (left) joins alfred Degrafinreid II, during the tSu Centennial Homecoming Parade in 2012.
Degrafinreid’s future aspirations are to continue in public service. He is interested in working as a chief-of-staff for a mayor, governor or college president. “I eventually plan to develop a 501(c)(3) and mentoring program to help youth reach their potential by preparing them for a career in public service,” he said. “this program would also stress the importance of graduate and professional school.”
“[You have to] give back to those who gave to you,” he said. “actively seek mentors who work in the field you want to be a part of and be a mentor to those who actively seek your advice.”
Dr. Bruce rogers (former Dean, College of Public Service and urban affairs), alfred Degrafinreid II, and mayor Bill Purcell posed after Purcell delivered speech for rogers’ retirement Celebration at the avon Williams Campus of tennessee State university.
Indiana university robert H. mckinney School of Law was honored to have Hon. Patricia mcgowan Wald as commencement speaker, may 12, 2012. Degrafinreid II (full-time J.D. Division) was a student body elected speaker at the commencement.
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