About the
Charter Members Of the eight members of the first class graduating with a baccalaureate degree – the class of 1924 – five were made charter members of the Vintagers Club during a special ceremony held Saturday, August 21, 1971. They were: Dr. Reginald C. Neblett (Owensboro, Ky.), Thurman Ramsey (Chicago, IL), Aeolian E. Lockert, Sr. (Nashville, Tenn.), William Lowe (Memphis, Tenn.), and Walter Van Potter (Nashville, Tenn.). Three members were deceased at the time of induction: Dr. Walter D. Denney, Mrs. Lora Myers and Attorney Christopher Purdy. Dorothy Greer Smith (‘42)
Aeolian Lockert, Sr. (deceased) — Remembered as “Lock,” he married the former Miss Ophelia E. Pitt, who also attended Tennessee State. They had five children: Edward, Estelle, Morris, Maxine and Arnell, all of whom attended Tennessee State. Lockert, a retired teacher, remembered most vividly the chapel or auditorium programs at the university as well as football games, entertaining legislative groups, the many good instructors and the first president, Dr. William Jasper Hale. William McKinley Lowe, Sr. (deceased) — Lowe married the former Miss Aline Baine. They had three children: William, Jr. and Jeseus, who attended Tennessee State, and George Anthony. A former chemistry teacher, Lowe’s most vivid memories of the university was the president and faculty was very sympathetic.
Edith Otey, first Vintager president
Reginald C. Neblett (deceased) — “Reggie” as he is remembered, married the former Miss Hattie L. Ross, who also attended Tennessee State. A former physician (general practice), he was an active staff member of the Owensville (Ky.) Davies Country and Our Lady of Mercy Hospitals and formerly served the Owensboro Education Commission. He said his most memorable time at Tennessee State was “when I met my sweetheart, who subsequently became my wife and when I represented Tennessee State at the World’s Student Volunteer Movement in December 1923 at Indianapolis, Ind. Walter Van Potter (deceased) — Remembered by his friends as “Pot,” while in college he was director of the chapel music, a member of the YMCA and sang in the chorus and quartet. A retired public school teacher, he remembered most vividly the “wise” counsel and judgment of President Hale and dedicated teachers, academically and personally.
Barbara Murrell, current Vintager president
ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition
Thurman Ramsey (deceased) — Retired U.S. employee, who resided in Chicago, Ill. 39