alumninews national alumni association president’s message My Brothers, Upon graduation, I left Morehouse with a sense of disenfranchisement, and for quite some time, harbored an indiscriminant sense of indifference towards my alma mater. As the years passed and I matured, it became apparent to me that the only way to move beyond my feelings was to confront them squarely and deal with them. Thus, I began to immerse myself in my local alumni chapter, seeking to be a local agent for change with hopes that my efforts would one day have a positive impact on the institution as a whole. I started as a member at-large in the Atlanta Chapter, and advanced to vice president and then president. Now, a short seven years later, I am fortunate enough to represent this Association nationally—and it all began as a conscious decision to look beyond my personal frustration and see the greater good that could be accomplished by becoming a part of the solution.
Take another look at the Association For several months, the Association has been busy increasing its exposure and supporting chapters around the country. Last fall, National worked with the Atlanta Chapter to welcome the freshman class. In October, we journeyed to Columbus along with the Maroon Tiger football team, and alumni provided a true tailgating experience. We worked alongside our dedicated members of the Columbus Chapter as it hosted the Tuskegee Classic. This was repeated during the Wingate game in North Carolina. Our MCNAA board members have graduate years that span nearly four decades, making it the most chronologically diverse Board in recent times. This is a strength and an example of how we can combine the wisdom and experience of our seasoned alumni with the new perspective and technological advances of our more recent graduates to bring about accelerated growth and stability within the Association. Take another look at our varied alumni and the great things they are doing around the country and the world. Look at David Roach ’91 with Mo’ Better Food in Oakland, Calif. David works to provide organic food to inner cities, where access to such food is difficult. Then there’s Elijah Watson ’98 with the STARS program in North Carolina, enhancing the efforts of the local school system by providing youth mentorship and an educational curriculum with proven results. Take a look at alumnus Toussaint Gaskins ’90 in the Virgin Islands working to bridge the wealth gap by developing a system for communicating cultural values as they relate to fiscal responsibility and philanthropy in urban communities.
Take another look at our institution This past November, I had the opportunity to attend my first Morehouse College Board of Trustees meeting. I must admit that, going into the meeting, I had a preconceived notion (not the result of any verifiable recent actions by the College, but my lingering perception from 1993) of the topics of discussion and expected a cursory overview. I was wrong. The presenters spoke about the new health care center, which has improved resources to address not only physical infirmities, but personal counseling needs, as well. We discussed the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center and Music Academic Building, home to the music department, the world-renowned Glee Club and the mighty Morehouse Marching Band. The world-class facility boasts recording studios, an outdoor amphitheater, and an acoustically balanced performance hall. This is a long way from my band days in the bottom of Brawley Hall, where the band could be heard in classrooms throughout the building. Also discussed was the College’s response to criticisms of poor customer service and financial reporting. The College has since undergone customer service training sponsored by the Ritz Carlton Hotel Group. The Finance Office has begun implementing better financial controls and reporting procedures, with the hopes of responding immediately and accurately to stakeholders’ requests. As I sat there, it became apparent to me that the Morehouse I critiqued daily, the Morehouse that I took issue with, the Morehouse that I said has never changed, is not the same Morehouse. I realized that I was guilty of freezing Morehouse in a space and time based largely on the experiences of my matriculation. So, I had to challenge myself to take another look at our alma mater. Not through my 1993 lenses – but through a new, 2011 view. Now I challenge you to take another look at our alma mater. Take another look at the Alumni Association. Take another look at our alumni brethren. And, finally, take another look at yourself and see where you fit in. Identify where and how you can contribute to this ever-changing, constantly growing and continually advancing story of success and transformation that is our Dear Old Morehouse. Sincerely,
Kevin R. McGee ’93 President MCNAA NOTE: MCNAA is an independent 501c3 organization.
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