Alumni News is published biannually by the Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications.
Any questions or concerns about this publication may be directed to:
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS, Alumni House, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251 or (443) 885-3015.
edition was
earlier this year for excellence in design and editorial content,
“Gold” honors at the
Awards and the
Advertising Awards and an “Award of Distinction” from The Communicator Awards. That’s the power of Morgan storytelling. Go Bears!
Thank you to everyone who submitted an article for Morgan State University Alumni News. As always, we welcome the opportunity to share your information with the Morgan family. However, because of space limitations, it was not possible to
include all submissions in the printed publication. If your news does not appear in these pages, never fear: your voice will be heard! Articles not published in the printed newsletter may be viewed on the MSU Alumni Association website at alumni.morgan.edu
IRA Gifts: Are you age 73 or over? Turn your Required Minimum Distribution into impact for students. Donate directly from your IRA to Morgan, and reduce your taxable income.
HBCU Endowment Gifts: Are you a MD resident? Make a gift to any endowment at Morgan, and receive a 25% state income tax credit.
more info, email chanel.newsome@morgan.edu.
IT’S TIME TO PAY YOUR ANNUAL DUES!
Please note: We’ve made a modest adjustment to alumni membership dues to help offset rising operational costs and expand the services you value most— like scholarships, programming and stewarding meaningful connections. This ensures we can continue offering impactful opportunities for our growing alumni family. Your continued support means the world and helps us keep building a stronger, more connected alumni community — together. Your annual dues will continue to support the MSU Alumni Association, with $5 directed to our Endowed Scholarship Fund. Your fidelity to Fair Morgan is truly appreciated.
Annual dues payments can be made online at https://alumni.morgan.edu. Or mail your payment to: Morgan State University Alumni House 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251. Questions?
Please email them to the Alumni Relations team at alumni@morgan.edu.
Please be on the lookout for your dues renewal notice. Thank you! THANK YOU FOR MAKING
Welcome to the newest edition of Morgan State University Alumni News! Each time we connect with you, we’re reminded of the remarkable strength of the Morgan family. Your continued engagement and pride in your alma mater inspire everything we do. The success of Morgan is reflected in the achievements of its students and distinguished alumni — like you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, for believing in our mission and for being vital partners in advancing our shared vision for the future.
In this issue, we explore Goal 3 of the University’s current strategic plan, Transformation Morgan 2030: Leading the Future, a goal that states our bold commitment to achieving R1 Very High Doctoral Research University status — the nation’s highest distinction for research universities. Reaching this milestone is both a declaration of academic excellence and a testament to Morgan’s growing influence as a national leader in innovation, discovery and graduate education.
For the University, achieving R1 will reinforce our position as Baltimore’s premier anchor institution and Maryland’s leading public urban research university. Morgan is already driving discovery through its network of public-impact research centers, including the Center for Urban Health Equity, and through leading research initiatives in areas such as equitable artificial intelligence and machine learning — efforts firmly rooted in our mission to address pressing societal challenges and increase our global impact.
For our students, this pursuit creates powerful opportunities for research and experiential learning. From autonomous systems to assistive robotics, they are producing high-impact work that prepares them to thrive as confident, competitive leaders.
As you read this issue, I invite you to learn more about the research initiatives moving Morgan toward R1, and also enjoy exciting updates from alumni chapters and classes, reflections on the life and legacy of President Emeritus Earl S. Richardson, and much more that continues to define the Morgan experience.
With Bear Pride,
Endia M. DeCordova, ’99, MBA Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Morgan State University Executive Director, Morgan State University Foundation
Endia M. DeCordova
Achieving R1
How Morgan State’s Next Milestone Is Shaping the Future of Research, Innovation and Alumni Pride
At Morgan State University, ambition and excellence are colliding with purpose. The University’s pursuit of Carnegie R1 classification — the highest designation for doctoral research activity among U.S. universities — signals not just a goal but a transformation. For Morgan, this isn’t merely about prestige. It’s about fostering innovation that empowers students, strengthens alumni pride and elevates Morgan’s voice in national and global conversations about research and discovery — reflecting the University’s distinctive role as a public impact research institution committed to addressing the most pressing challenges facing urban communities.
As the institution builds momentum toward its expected 2028 recognition, voices from across the Morgan community — students, researchers and leadership — are asking what R1 truly means and why it matters.
Defining R1: A New Chapter in Excellence
“When you hear R1,” says David Nyarko, a doctoral student in engineering, “what immediately comes to mind is the highest research intensity: sustained external funding, strong doctoral productivity and discoveries translated from lab to society.”
For Nyarko, student lead for several research projects in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and assistive robotics, R1 is more than a classification. It’s a mindset. His work on the BWI autonomous wheelchair project (internally nicknamed, “UrbanFlow”) exemplifies Morgan’s commitment to research with real-world impact — research that not only advances technology but also improves lives. The project, supported by the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program, demonstrates Morgan’s growing ability to blend academic inquiry with tangible solutions in practical, operational settings.
“STEM gives me the tools to solve real problems,” Nyarko says. “Turning advanced AI and robotics into everyday solutions is where purpose meets engineering.”
That sense of purpose echoes across Morgan’s research ecosystem — from the University’s schools and STEM degree programs to its critically relevant research centers. The Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS) and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are cultivating a generation of scholars whose work is both cutting-edge and community-centered.
A Legacy of Research and a Vision for the Future
Willie E. May, Ph.D., vice president for Research and Economic Development at Morgan, is clear-eyed about what R1 means.
“It is not, in fact, necessary,” he says with a reflective pause. “But since Morgan decided to expand beyond being simply a comprehensive university and to pursue a research agenda, why would we not strive to be among the best?”
Dr. May, a distinguished scientist and former director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), knows what it means to meet rigorous research standards. The
David Nyarko
Willie E. May, Ph.D.
“…Since Morgan decided to expand beyond being simply a comprehensive university and to pursue a research agenda, why would we not strive to be among the best?”
— Dr. Willie E. May, Morgan Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Continued from page 3
Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education defines R1 universities as those with “very high research activity,” typically averaging at least $50 million in annual research expenditures and producing 70 or more Ph.D. graduates per year.
At present, Howard University is the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to hold this designation. Morgan aims to join that elite group by 2028.
The implications are enormous.
“Advantages are prestige and respect among peer organizations,” Dr. May explains. “R1 is considered the ‘gold standard’ for research universities.” He cites the Carnegie Classification, U.S. News & World Report and The Washington Post, all of which describe R1 as the pinnacle of higher education excellence.
But for Morgan, the pursuit is about more than status. It’s about demonstrating that an HBCU can compete at the highest level of research while staying true to its mission of access, equity and community transformation.
Innovation That Impacts Lives
Derrick Cook, another student researcher in Morgan’s School of Engineering, shares Nyarko’s passion for creating technology with human impact. His work focuses on AI-driven robotics and intelligent automation, fields that sit at the intersection of mechanical design, machine learning and social good.
“R1 means innovation and excellence,” Cook says. “It’s recognition that Morgan is producing high-impact research and leading discoveries that shape industries and communities.”
Cook’s research aligns with Morgan’s strategic priorities, particularly its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and humancentered innovation. For him, R1 status reflects a level of University support that enables students and faculty researchers to “push beyond the classroom.”
“Morgan has given me mentorship, lab resources and opportunities that let me innovate,” Cook explains. “The University truly invests in students who want to lead in STEM.”
That investment is paying off. Morgan’s
“R1 strengthens the value of every Morgan degree. It reflects a legacy of excellence that alumni helped build and shows the next generation that Morgan is a global leader in research and innovation.”
— Derrick Cook, Morgan Electrical Engineering Senior
HHH
Derrick Cook
researchers are publishing more, securing competitive grants and collaborating across disciplines to solve complex challenges, from mobility and energy to public health and urban infrastructure. At the close of fiscal year 2025, Morgan surpassed $100 million in research commitments for the first time in the University’s history. Each project builds the institutional capacity that moves Morgan closer to the R1 threshold.
What R1 Means for the Morgan Community
The pursuit of R1 status isn’t just an academic endeavor. It’s a collective movement that involves faculty, students, administrators and alumni alike.
For students, R1 will mean enhanced research training, greater access to grants and internships, and deeper engagement with global innovation networks. For faculty, it will expand opportunities for collaboration, funding and recognition. And for alumni, R1 will elevate the long-term prestige of their degrees.
“It directly raises the brand and market value of every Morgan degree,” Nyarko emphasizes. “It catalyzes partnerships and philanthropy, expands research-driven problem solving that benefits communities, and amplifies alumni influence across industry, government and academia.”
Derrick Cook agrees: “R1 strengthens the value of every Morgan degree. It reflects a legacy of excellence that alumni helped build and shows the next generation that Morgan is a global leader in research and innovation.”
These reflections point to a shared truth: R1 is not the destination. It’s the natural evolution of Morgan’s mission to serve through discovery.
Alumni Pride and the Power of the Morgan Network
When asked why R1 should matter to Morgan alumni, Dr. May doesn’t hesitate: “Pride in seeing Morgan being recognized among the top echelon of research universities.”
He encourages alumni to play an active role in the journey, by spreading the word, mentoring students and sharing Morgan’s achievements within their professional circles. As he puts it, the University’s success reflects the strength and unity of its alumni base.
For many graduates, seeing Morgan approach R1 is deeply symbolic. It represents decades of progress since the University’s founding and a validation of the excellence that has always existed within its walls — now being recognized on the global stage.
Vision Forward
Morgan State’s pursuit of R1 status is not just about joining an exclusive list. It’s about redefining what’s possible for an HBCU in the 21st century. It’s a commitment to research that uplifts communities, empowers students and honors the legacy of those who came before us.
And in that pursuit lies the essence of the Morgan spirit: Growing the Future, Leading the World. n
Honoring the Legacy of Morgan President Emeritus Earl S . Richardson
Sept. 12, 2025, brought heartbreak, as news of the passing of the University’s ninth inaugurated president began reaching the family of Morgan alumni. Earl S. Richardson, Ed.D., took the helm at Morgan State University in 1984, first as interim president, in February, then as the University’s ninth inaugurated president, in November of that year. For the next 26 years, Maryland’s largest HBCU experienced what became known as the “Morgan Renaissance,” a period of tremendous growth, development and enhancement, in the credentials of its faculty, in its academic programs, in its learning and living facilities, in its impact on the nation’s workforce, in its research conducted, in funds raised to support the mission and in countless other areas. Dr. Richardson’s leadership elevated Morgan to the status of a doctoral research institution, expanded academic programs, strengthened faculty excellence and transformed the campus with more than half a billion dollars in new and renovated facilities.
Under his stewardship, Morgan’s enrollment grew significantly, the qualifications of incoming students rose, and the University’s
graduates went on to excel across every field of endeavor. Dr. Richardson’s commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire confidence restored faith in the University at a time when its future was uncertain. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, innovation and an unshakable belief in the transformative power of education.
In recognition of his outstanding service as Morgan’s president, Dr. Richardson was designated by the University’s Board of Regents as distinguished professor emeritus, and a new library named in his honor was constructed on Morgan Commons. After his retirement from the presidency in 2010, he increased his tireless advocacy for equity and funding parity for HBCUs in Maryland — an ultimately successful effort — and served as research associate in Morgan’s Robert M. Bell Center for Civil Rights in Higher Education and as a professor in the University’s graduate school of Education. He resigned from service to the State of Maryland in June of 2020.
Dr. Richardson will forever be remembered as a towering figure in Morgan’s history — an exceptional leader whose life’s work profoundly shaped our institution and enriched the lives of countless students, faculty, alumni and friends of the University. n
Dr. Earl S. Richardson
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Celebrates 55 Years of HBCU Excellence
Launched in 1970 to showcase the athletic excellence, academic achievement and cultural pride of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S. Southeast and MidAtlantic, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is celebrating its 55th season this year!
Morgan State University is a founding institution of the MEAC, an NCAA Division I participant whose six other pioneering schools included Delaware State University, Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, South Carolina State College and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Over the past five decades, while the MEAC has evolved in membership and scope, its legacy of elevating student-athletes and shaping futures has remained ever impactful.
“…The MEAC has been synonymous with opportunity, pride and achievement,” says
MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills. “This anniversary is a tribute to our storied past, vibrant present and ambitious future,” adds Stills about the conference’s yearlong celebration. “We will shine a spotlight on the teams, individuals and moments that defined our journey from our founding in 1970 through today.”
The conference leadership promises an unforgettable competitive slate for the MEAC in 2025–26, with championship tournaments across all sports and community celebrations planned at key venues.
“This isn’t just a look back; it’s a blueprint for the future,” Commissioner Stills adds. “As we celebrate our 55th year, we affirm our commitment to supporting student-athletes, strengthening programs and enhancing opportunities for success on and off the court.” n
CHAPTER AND CLASS NEWS
CHAPTER AND CLASS NEWS
Annapolis/Anne Arundel County Chapter Hosts Summer ‘Meet and Greets’ and Scholarship Award Ceremony
The Annapolis/Anne Arundel County Alumni Chapter welcomed alumni, family and friends of Morgan to its Summer Meet and Greets at the Green Turtle in Crofton, Maryland, this past May and July. These special events provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the achievements that continue to shape the legacy of Morgan State University.
The Meet and Greets began with a warm welcome from the chapter president and allowed alumni from various graduating classes to network, share experiences and rekindle old friendships. The events were a chance for the chapter members to reflect on how far they’ve come and how the values and education received at Morgan continue to influence their lives and careers.
A highlight of the July Meet and Greet was the annual presentation of scholarships to outstanding local students. These scholarships,
many funded through generous alumni contributions, recognize academic excellence, leadership and community involvement. The award ceremony not only honors the recipients but also celebrates the spirit of giving back that defines the Annapolis/Anne Arundel County alumni community and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the next generation. Other chapter events to support scholars and keep alumni connected are being planned for the near future. The chapter encourages all local alumni to attend these events, reconnect with peers and take pride in the incredible impact the chapter continues to make, as it celebrates tradition, inspires the future and continues building a legacy of excellence. Interested alumni may join the chapter and follow its schedule of activities and events on Facebook and via the chapter’s website, www.msuaaac. com.
DC Metro Chapter Calls for ‘Boots on the Ground’ Alumni Participation
For the Morgan State University Alumni Association’s 77-year-old Washington, DC Metro Area Chapter, “boots on the ground” means…
Last August, for the 39th consecutive year, the chapter hosted its annual crab feast at Martin’s West. Nicole Edwards and her committee pulled out all the stops in planning the sold-out event, which was a serious party for a purpose that attracted approximately 500 alumni, friends and family. Benny the Bear joined in the fun, accompanied by several members of the University Athletics staff, including Melvin Hines, deputy athletic director; Nadine Domond, head Women’s Basketball coach; and several assistant coaches. The chapter was excited to reach its goal of raising approximately $20,000 to help academically worthy students continue their matriculation at the National Treasure.
The chapter continues to identify innovative strategies for the recruitment of new members.
Chapter members were asked to bring a Morganite to their festive and lively meeting last spring to institute the “Bring-a-Bear” Membership Drive. Jennifer Broadwater and her committee provided catered food, great games for all to participate and a room of everything imaginable colored orange and blue. The drive has helped double the chapter’s membership since last year and has been established as an annual event.
Next year, the chapter will utilize the popularity of one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports, pickleball, by hosting a two-day tournament entitled “Dinking for Scholarships. (Yes, that’s “dinking” — the act of hitting the ball with a drop shot — and not “drinking.”)
The chapter anticipates a turnout of more than 400 players and healthy competition between the MSUAA chapters in the region. For those unfamiliar with the game, the tournament will include a skill clinic with local pickleball pros. For information about sponsorship, vendor and volunteer opportunities, contact the chapter president, Richard Allen Moore II, at richard. moore609@verizon.net.
The Rev. Dr. Charles D. Fletcher, Jr., of Morgan’s Class of 1970, has been inducted into the Legacy Hall of Fame as the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. Dr. Fletcher, a member of MSUAA’s Delaware Alumni Chapter and the Association’s Pi Alumni Chapter, was celebrated during a luncheon event in September at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel. In selecting him for the Hall of Fame, the Foundation recognized Dr. Fletcher’s extraordinary contributions as an educator, author, technologist, minister and advocate for Black excellence. A proud Morgan graduate and committed leader, he served as MSUAA president and as a member of the Morgan State University Foundation Board from 2015–2017 and 2017–2019.
Born in Baltimore, Dr. Fletcher received his early education in the Baltimore City Public Schools then earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics at Morgan. He continued his education at Carnegie Mellon University, earning a Master of Science in Public Sector Management from the School of Urban and Public Affairs in 1974, then advanced further, obtaining a Ph.D. in Systems Analysis and Economics for Public Decision Making from Johns Hopkins University. Pursuing knowledge beyond the secular realm, he received an Associate of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Calvary Bible Institute and was ordained as a Reverend by Dr. Richard M. Avant of Calvary Baptist Church, Dover, Delaware, dedicating himself to the Gospel of Jesus the Christ.
Dr. Fletcher’s influence in higher education spans more than 44 years, with a particular focus on integrating technology in academic environments, as an educator and innovator at Morgan and later at Delaware State University. He is also renowned as an author of numerous works related to Black achievement and history.
Dr. Fletcher is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Morgan State University’s Magnificent Marching Machine has achieved another marquee milestone in band history. Fresh off an international performance in Italy during the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, your Magnificent Marching Machine now sets its sights on representing the National Treasure and the entire HBCU community on one of the world’s grandest stages: the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade. Check your local listings and be sure to tune in on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026.
The Rev. Dr. Charles D. Fletcher, Jr., ’70
Howard County Chapter’s Mid-Year Report Showed the Power of ‘Giving Back’
The Morgan State University Alumni Association (MSUAA) Howard County Chapter continues to embody its powerful motto, “Let’s Give Something Back.” In the first half of 2025, the chapter delivered an inspiring mix of service, celebration, outreach and scholarship that uplifted the Morgan community and made a lasting local impact. A few of the chapter’s many highlights follow:
• The monthly chapter meetings featured guest speakers, including students Anna Itakpe and Kaylynn Brommel, as well as Maryland State Delegate Terri Hill.
• In February, the chapter hosted a powerful Black History Month event at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center that was featured on Baltimore’s WMAR Channel 2 News.
• In April, the chapter held one of its most successful fundraising events yet, the Scholarship Fundraiser: Caribbean Day Party. Proceeds supported the chapter’s scholarship efforts.
• May brought 2025 Chapter of the Year honors for the Howard County Chapter at Alumni Day, and a Paint & Sip event that offered chapter members the chance to unleash their artistic spirit while enjoying group fellowship.
• In June, the chapter hosted its Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony, the culmination of a year of giving, awarding $33,790 to 26 of 58 applicants. Some are first-generation, and many balance studies with jobs or caregiving. Top scorers stood out for character, leadership, service and GPA. Behind every scholarship is the Morgan spirit.
The Howard County Chapter continues to grow its reach and impact, ending the first half of 2025 with 118 active, paid members — a testament to the firm and united Morgan alumni presence in the region. With a vibrant community, a spirit of service and a deep commitment to student success, the Howard County Chapter proudly moves into the second half of 2025 — ready to do even more to “Give Something Back.”
Northern Virginia Chapter Inspires Attendees and Supports Morgan Students at Father’s Day Event
The Northern Virginia Alumni Chapter convened its second annual Father’s Day Brunch, in June, at the Old Hickory Golf Course in Woodbridge, Virginia, featuring an outstanding program. The mistress of ceremonies for the occasion was Judge Kiah D. Spinks, a distinguished member of the chapter, and the introduction of the guest speaker was delivered by The Honorable Larry D. Turner, also a chapter member. The keynote address was delivered by retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William E. (“Kip”) Ward, an esteemed alumnus, who engaged the audience with his insightful remarks.
The celebration was further enriched by heartfelt tributes to fathers, as well as a musical performance by Chris Knight, which enhanced the vibrant and festive ambiance. Attendees participated in drawings for door prizes, a 50-50 raffle and a fun photo booth, and enjoyed an array of exquisite foods. This annual fundraising event supports students from Northern Virginia attending Morgan State University, our esteemed alma mater — an enduring national treasure.
The Richmond-Petersburg Alumni Chapter proudly held its 11th Annual Membership Retreat and Student Send-Off, awarding $4,000 in scholarships and gifts to four deserving students from the local area.
The celebration included a cookout for the scholars and their families, bringing together alumni and supporters to cheer on the next generation of Morganites. Guests also received Morgan State swag bags, adding to the Bear Pride spirit of the day.
The chapter remains committed to uplifting students and strengthening the Morgan alumni network throughout the Richmond-Petersburg community.
Lt. Gen. William E. (“Kip”) Ward, U.S. Army (Ret.), ’71
Southern Maryland Chapter Celebrates a Milestone in Blue and Orange
The Morgan State University Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter celebrated its 20th Anniversary Blue and Orange Scholarship Dinner Dance and Awards Program on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center in Waldorf, Maryland. Chapter members assembled for a chapter photo in preparation for the event, where the chapter received numerous citations from Maryland State and Charles County representatives and awarded scholarships to 21 students who have chosen to pursue higher education at Morgan State University.
Class of 1969 Reunion Committee Expresses Gratitude, Forges Ahead
The Class of 1969 Reunion Committee remains committed to supporting its ClassSponsored Endowed Scholarship Fund and Morgan’s Food Resource Center through annual donations. In fiscal year 2025, the committee awarded scholarships to six Morgan State University students. The committee members extend their heartfelt appreciation to all classmates who have contributed!
The committee is actively working to plan and implement initiatives that keep classmates connected and support our Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan State. In March, the Class of 1969 hosted its Third Annual Spring Luncheon, at
Colin’s Seafood Restaurant and Grill. Members of the Class of 1968 were invited to join the celebration. The luncheon was a wonderful afternoon of great food, fun and fellowship.
In addition, during the Alumni Day and the Class Reunion event on May 16 this year, the Class of 1969 hosted a table in support of the Morgan State University Alumni Association’s outstanding celebration.
The class encourages all its members to stay connected and involved with Morgan. Join the Class of 1969 Facebook group for updates about upcoming events and activities. For additional information, please contact Nellie Shields Maskal, class agent, at orblue6947@gmail.com.
Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter members, with chapter officers (seated, left to right) Janice Cooper, Secretary; The Rev. Dr. George F. DeFord, Historian; Sylvia Proctor, Chaplain; Robert L. Riddick, President; Victor Watson, Treasurer; and Gloria Savoy, Corresponding Secretary
Photo by Art Lawson, ’74
The Class of 1975 Demonstrates Morgan Pride and Commitment
The Morgan State University Class of 1975 commemorated its 50th Anniversary with notable enthusiasm and pride. Members participated actively in Alumni Day and the Spring Commencement ceremony, demonstrating their commitment and school spirit. Their generous donation of $174,165 to the Morgan State University Foundation on Alumni Day, with a participation rate of 38.1%, secured them the distinguished position of fifth among reunion classes ending in “0” or “5,” thereby reflecting robust support for their alma mater.
Looking forward, the class intends to maintain its active involvement through various upcoming initiatives, including organized accommodations for classmates during Homecoming; a prominent Homecoming float; a reserved table at the always-sold-out Homecoming Gala and advertising in the event program; participation in the 2025 Alumni Homecoming Brunch; and other activities, such as purchasing tickets for the highly anticipated Homecoming football game.
Spring Commencement 2025
Three Alumni Appointed to Morgan State University Foundation Board
The Morgan State University Foundation has announced the appointment of three distinguished Morgan alumni, Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige, Classes of 1981 and 1985, David J. Brashear, Class of 1997, and Omar S. McIntosh, Class of 2000, to its Board of Directors. Their addition strengthens the Foundation’s mission to advance Morgan’s excellence through leadership, philanthropy and alumni engagement.
A two-time Morgan graduate, Nellons-Paige is co-founder and managing partner of the NellonsPaige Group, a national strategic advisory firm she leads with her husband, former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. A seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience, she is also a senior advisor to the Texas High-Speed Rail project and an active, longtime advocate for HBCUs.
“Serving on the Foundation Board is both an honor and a homecoming of the heart,” says Nellons-Paige.
Brashear is president and CEO of Altus Technology Solutions, an engineering and IT
services firm he founded in 2004, which now employs more than 160 professionals. A certified information systems and network professional, he is also active in community and environmental organizations.
“I look forward to contributing my energy and experience in support of Morgan’s continued growth,” Brashear says.
McIntosh, the executive vice president of Smoot Construction Company of Washington, D.C., brings nearly 30 years of industry leadership overseeing major public and private projects across the MidAtlantic and Northeast. A dedicated community advocate, he advances workforce development, supplier diversity and professional mentorship, while steering strategic growth and operational excellence at SmootDC.
Their appointments come as Morgan celebrates record enrollment and an historic $63-million gift strengthening its endowment and future impact. n
Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige, ’81 and ’85
David J. Brashear, ’97
Omar S. McIntosh, ’00
Men’s Basketball Schedule
Morgan Bears, 2025–26
Game times are to be announced. Visit morganstatebears.com for more information.
Date At Locations
Dec. 13 .............. Niagara University ................... Hill Field House
Dec. 19 at University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA
Dec. 21 at University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
Dec. 23 ................. at Loyola Marymount University ................ Los Angeles, Calif.
Dec. 30 .............. Penn State Brandywine ............... Hill Field House
Jan. 3 .................. at University of Maryland Eastern Shore* ........... Princess Anne, MD
Jan. 10 .............. South Carolina State University* ........ Hill Field House
Jan. 12 .............. North Carolina Central University* ....... Hill Field House
Jan. 17 ................. at Delaware State University* ................... Dover, DE
Jan. 24 ................. at Howard University* ....................... Washington, DC
Jan. 26 at Norfolk State University* Norfolk, VA
Jan. 31 at Coppin State University* Baltimore, MD
Feb. 7 ............... University of Maryland Eastern Shore* .... Hill Field House
Feb. 14 ................. at South Carolina State University* . .
. Orangeburg, SC
Feb. 16 ................. at North Carolina Central University* .............. Durham, NC
Feb. 21 .............. Delaware State University* ............ Hill Field House
Feb. 28 .............. Howard University* .................. Hill Field House
March 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norfolk State University* .............. Hill Field House
March 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coppin State University* ............... Hill Field House
Home games are in boldface. *MEAC opponent
your photos on Instagram and tag
Women’s Basketball Schedule
Your Morgan Pride! Wear BLUE and ORANGE to All Games .
Morgan Bears, 2025–26
Game times are to be announced. Visit morganstatebears.com for more information.
Date At Locations
Dec. 14 ................. University of Central Florida .................... Orlando, FL
Dec. 16 ................. at Louisiana State University .................... Baton Rouge, LA
Dec. 19 at Davidson College Davidson, NC
Dec. 21 at Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, MD
Dec. 30 at Towson University Towson, MD
Jan. 3 at University of Maryland Eastern Shore* Princess Anne, MD
Jan. 8 ............... North Carolina Central University* ....... Hill Field House
Jan. 10 .............. South Carolina State University* ........ Hill Field House
Jan. 17 ................. at Delaware State University* ................... Dover, DE
Jan. 22 .............. Norfolk State University* ............. Hill Field House
Jan. 24 at Howard University* Washington, DC
Jan. 31 at Coppin State University* Baltimore, MD
Feb. 7 ............... University of Maryland Eastern Shore* .... Hill Field House
Feb. 12 at North Carolina Central University* Durham, NC
Feb. 14 ................. at South Carolina State University* ............... Orangeburg, SC
Feb. 21 .............. Delaware State University* ............ Hill Field House
Feb. 26 .............. Norfolk State University* .............. Hill Field House
Feb. 28 .............. Howard University* .................. Hill Field House
March 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coppin State University* ............... Hill Field House
March 11–14 MEAC Tournament Norfolk, VA
Home games are in boldface. *MEAC opponent
Carl J . Murphy Fine Arts Center
Fall/Winter/Spring 2025–2026
Calendar is subject to change. Visit www.murphyfineartscenter.org for the latest information.
2025
MSU Choir Christmas Concert
Dec. 14, Gilliam Concert Hall
2026
Theatre Morgan Presents “Voices of Protest”
Feb. 14 and Feb. 21, Turpin-Lamb Theatre
Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) All State Concerts
Feb. 22 and Feb. 25, Gilliam Concert Hall
New Chamber Ensemble Music Concert
March 12, Recital Hall
Je’Caryous Johnson Presents “B.A.P.S.”
March 13–15, Gilliam Concert Hall
Musical Theatre at Morgan Presents “Once on This Island”
April 6–12, Gilliam Concert Hall
Morgan State University Magnificent Winds Concert
April 20, Gilliam Concert Hall
Morgan State University Choir Spring Concert
May 5, Gilliam Concert Hall
Morgan State University Jazz Ensemble Concert
May 9, Gilliam Concert Hall
Turpin-Lamb Theatre
Gilliam Concert Hall
Morgan Choir Performances
Visit www.msuchoir.org for the latest information. Fall/Winter/Spring
2025 2026
Annual MSU Choir Christmas Concert
Dec. 14, 4 p.m., Gilliam Concert Hall, Murphy Fine Arts Center
Performance at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m.
African American Flag Rededication Convocation
Feb. 5, 11 a.m., Turpin-Lamb Theatre, Murphy Fine Arts Center
Concert at Howard Community College
Feb. 13, 2026
Entwistle Concert at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Baltimore, MD
Performance at Sharon Baptist Church
March 15, 4 p.m., Baltimore, MD
Musical Theatre at Morgan Presents Elton John’s “Once on This Island”
April 7–12
GospelFest Concert with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
April 9, 7:30 p.m., Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore, MD
Honors Convocation
April 16, 11 a.m., Gilliam Concert Hall, Murphy Fine Arts Center
Necrology
DECEASED MSU ALUMNI, FACULTY, STAFF & STUDENTS ‘GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN’
*This list includes notices received between March 1 and Sept. 30, 2025.
Any notices received after these dates will be published in the next issue of Alumni News.
Word Search, Hidden Message
MORGAN CHAMPIONS
Test your knowledge of Bears Athletics greatness by finding the hidden words and uncovering the secret message in the puzzle below. First, find all the words in the list below. Words can go in any direction and share letters as well as cross over each other. Once you find all the words, copy the unused letters starting in the top left corner into the blanks to reveal the hidden message. The first 10 completed puzzles received by the Office of Alumni Relations will receive a prize! Winning submissions must be received on or before January 31, 2026
