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Belief in the mission — broadening access to the opportunities provided by higher education — is the norm at HBCUs, and especially at Morgan State University. Across our elegant, thriving campus, the National Treasure, we find alumni who chose to follow their student experience at Morgan with careers in service to Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University. Here, we spotlight a few of the graduates whose work as employees on the Morgan team is the ultimate affirmation of the University’s success in Growing the Future and Leading the World.
Roni Ellington, Ph.D.
Morgan Class of 1993 and 1997
Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Advanced Studies Leadership and Policy at Morgan
Life Member, Morgan State University Alumni Association
Dr. Roni Ellington has her high school counselor to thank for starting her rewarding, 22-year relationship with Morgan State University. Growing up in Washington, DC, Dr. Ellington knew very little about Maryland’s largest HBCU, but her counselor knew Morgan would be a good fit for the soon-to-be valedictorian who had a strong interest in math.
“I applied to Morgan, got accepted and received an honors scholarship…. I was told that the professors at Morgan would support me in being the best I could be, and they would be demanding yet caring. I found this to be accurate, and I never regretted my decision to come to Morgan,” Dr. Ellington says.
Dr. Ellington received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Morgan, and while working toward her master’s here, she became a math teacher for Baltimore City Public Schools then accepted an invitation to join Morgan’s math faculty, in 2003. She earned her doctorate in math curriculum and instruction from the University of Maryland in 2006 and has held her current post at Morgan since August of last year. The Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership and Policy works exclusively with advanced degree students to prepare educational leaders committed to bringing about positive transformation at all levels of education in urban communities.
As a student at Morgan, “I learned that I could do anything. I learned how to persevere through adversity and pursue work that not only furthered my goals but also contributed to the Black community,” says Dr. Ellington, who pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, in the Alpha Gamma Chapter at Morgan in 1989. “…I tell everyone who will listen that I grew up at Morgan and learned about my history and who I am through my tenure as a student and a Morgan faculty member…. I am forever grateful for my time here at Morgan and wish to continue embodying the University’s mission.”
Ron Stevenson
Morgan Class of 1995 and 2005
Director of Business and Auxiliary Services at Morgan
Life Member, Morgan State University Alumni Association
Member, Morgan State University On-Campus Alumni Chapter
Ron Stevenson arrived on Morgan’s campus as a first-year student in Fall 1990 — two years later than his fellow Washingtonian and fellow Honors scholar Dr. Roni Ellington — with his sights set on a degree in engineering. He eventually changed his
major to Business Administration and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in that field, a decision that has long benefited Fair Morgan.
“After graduation, I was working in retail as an assistant store manager with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and saw an opportunity to join the Morgan team (as assistant director of the University Store), share my new skills and expertise at alma mater and further develop my educational skills by attending graduate school,” says Stevenson, who became the store’s director in 2013 and took his current post four years later, leading the Office of Business Services and Auxiliary Enterprises. The Office manages essential support services such as the BEARcard program, the University Mail Room, the University Print Shop, University Banking and BEARtransit; oversees vendors managing the University Bookstore, Dining & Catering operations and Campus Vending; and provides fiscal management for the University Student Center, Residence Life and Athletics.
Stevenson says his work has involved him in the significant changes made at Morgan since his student days on campus, “before cellphones, when most of the campus activities were focused around McKeldin Center, the Welcome Bridge. I can recall all the flyers that papered the hallways of Jenkins, and the old, creaking floors of Holmes Hall,” says Stevenson. “You could feel the rich history of the University in the names and graffiti left scratched into the old desks back then…. It was a different time.”
“I would give Morgan a lot of credit for the successes I’ve had in life,” adds Stevenson, who pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., during his undergraduate years at Morgan, as a member of the Alpha Iota Chapter. “Through my journeys as a student and experiences as a staff member, I have truly enjoyed my time working here. I have had an invaluable experience working with very talented individuals at the University who are truly dedicated to providing the best to our students.”
Jamal Harris
Morgan Class of 1999 and 2005 Web Developer at Morgan Life Member, Morgan State University Alumni Association
Morgan is both “home” and “family” says Baltimore native Jamal Harris, who has been a vital member of the University’s Web team, in the Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, since February 2018. Harris has also earned two Morgan degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.
“Morgan is somewhat of a family school. My mother, older sister and some cousins are alumni,” Harris says. Also, as a student at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore, he decided to major in engineering, “so Morgan was perfect,” he adds.
His undergraduate experience at the National Treasure taught him that “Morgan is a big family, and building relationships is critical!” Harris says. “Whether it’s a professor, the facilities crew or the cashier when you’re buying lunch, you never know when you’ll need to reach out for a favor.”
Morgan today is “vastly different” from the school he attended in the late 1990s and early 2000s, says Harris. “The campus has grown substantially both academically and physically.” He credits the current generation of students for Morgan’s positive evolution, but he concedes that he has played a part in pushing the University forward with his design work for numerous web projects, including his work building the website for Morgan Magazine. “I consider my work in web communications to be a creative resource that works alongside the intellectual resource to support, empower and prepare high-quality, diverse graduates to lead the world,” Harris says.
“Morgan is immensely responsible for any successes I’ve had,” Harris says. “I learned how to learn at Morgan. As an engineering major, I was taught what it takes to solve problems. Among other things, being a brother of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity taught me perseverance. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
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Jon White
Morgan Class of 2001
Adjunct Professor of Computer Science at Morgan
Jon White, from Oxon Hill, Maryland, says he owes his career, and more, to Morgan State University.
“So much! I not only learned the core theories and math around computer science, but through grants to the University, I was able to build a supercomputer, learn Linux, computer networking, etc.,” says White, who received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Morgan. “Also, I learned presentation skills, what type of suit to buy for an interview and how to work within a team. These are all things I still use and apply today.”
“At the stage of life that I was in when I first enrolled (at Morgan), I honestly wasn’t thinking about college or career,” he adds. “My experience at Morgan taught me how to make an impact in the tech world, which has changed my life in so many ways. I’ve traveled the world for a conference and built systems that impact national security as well as the commercial industry.”
White is now a principal architect in his 13th year with Red Alpha, a software technology and consulting company with offices in Columbia and Annapolis Junction, Maryland. But his love of teaching, mentoring and “giving back” also led him to come home to Morgan. He joined the faculty last January.
“Morgan changed the trajectory of my life, and I’m so grateful,” White says.
Natasha A. Lewis-Williams
Morgan Class of 2006 and 2012
Associate Dean for Student Engagement at Morgan Member, Morgan State University On-Campus Alumni Chapter
Nastasha Lewis-Williams came to Morgan as an undergraduate from her hometown of Brooklyn, New York, in the Spring of 2004 as a transfer student, drawn to the University’s exceptional communications program, vibrant campus life, diverse student body and commitment to excellence.
Guided by professors including Oluwatosin Adegbola, Ph.D., now dean of Morgan’s Clara I. Adams Honors College, Lewis-Williams learned essential skills in strategic communications and earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies.
“It was (at Morgan) that I discovered my purpose in higher education,” LewisWilliams says. “My journey began as a volunteer in the Office of Student Life and Development, where I had the privilege of coordinating the Mister & Miss Morgan Pageant and Coronation. This experience ignited a passion within me, and I set a personal goal to one day return as a full-time employee. At just 23 years old, I was fortunate enough to achieve this goal.”
That year, 2008, she was hired as Morgan’s assistant director of Student Life and Development. A few years later, she began working toward her Master of Science in Higher Education Administration at the University. Since then, she has served in various other positions at Morgan, among them director of Student Life and Development, executive director of the University Student Center and Student Life, and her current post, associate dean for Student Engagement. She has also applied her communications knowledge within her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and as a member of Morgan’s On-Campus Alumni Chapter, which she serves as Marketing Committee chair.
Lewis-Williams believes her work with her team at Morgan — growing student organizations, coordinating innovative events and fostering strong internal and external partnerships — has supported a “significant transformation” of her alma mater since her student days. And she attributes much of her own success to Morgan State University.
“It’s difficult to fully capture the profound impact Morgan has had on shaping both my personal and professional life, and for that, I am eternally grateful,” she says. “I am committed to paying it forward by continuing to support the Morgan community and helping others achieve their own success, just as Morgan did for me.”
Gerard Zeller
Morgan Class of 2007
Manager of Grounds, Landscaping and Recycling at Morgan
Gerard (“Zell”) Zeller grew up in Baltimore’s Fullerton community, not far from Morgan’s campus, and launched a landscaping business there in the mid-1990s. So when he decided to get a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Morgan was a good, practical choice.
“…A combination of many studios and classes” in the degree program helped him and other students build their careers, says Zeller, who also has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Carnegie Mellon University.
Three years after receiving his Morgan diploma, Zeller accepted his current position at his alma mater, overseeing maintenance and upkeep of the campus grounds, as Morgan’s new president, David K. Wilson, was making improvement of the University’s ‘curb appeal’ a higher priority.
“There is no doubt my team has been instrumental in changing the face of the University,” Zeller says. “We set out every day to bring the best we can to the job.”
“…It is through the challenges that we face on a daily basis that I am able to assist others to continue the Morgan Mission,” Zeller adds. “Sometimes it is moving giant pieces of equipment to their new location. Sometimes it is removing items to make way for new progress. But most days it is just making the National Treasure look as good as possible when others drive by.”
Danny T. Molock Jr., Ph.D.
Morgan Class of 2011, 2012 and 2019 Director of the Office of Student Life and Development/Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life at Morgan Life Member, Morgan State University Alumni Association
It was music that brought Danny Molock to Morgan State University from his hometown of Denton, Maryland. But what has kept him at the National Treasure — where he has earned three academic degrees and has served as an administrator or faculty member since 2011 — is Morgan’s “unwavering commitment to advancement, growth and the unique HBCU experience,” Dr. Molock says. “Morgan is a place where students are challenged, nurtured and empowered, and as a higher education professional, I find deep fulfillment in contributing to that mission.”
“My journey to Morgan State University was deeply rooted in my desire to be part of the HBCU band experience. Growing up, I played the saxophone…. Witnessing the Magnificent Marching Machine perform, feeling the electrifying energy of the campus and experiencing the warmth of the Morgan community all confirmed that I had found my home,” Dr. Molock says. “…Beyond the band, I was drawn to Morgan’s
rich history, strong academic programs and commitment to student success.”
His employment at Morgan was a natural extension of his academic and leadership experiences as a student, Dr. Molock explains. Immediately after receiving his bachelor’s degree in Social Work, “I transitioned into a graduate assistant role with the Morgan Male Initiative on Leadership and Excellence (MILE), while pursuing my master’s in Social Work through the Advanced Standing Program,” he recalls. “This opportunity allowed me to stay engaged with student development while refining my skills in mentorship, leadership training and program coordination.”
His experience with MILE also helped him discover his passion for higher education.
“I realized that my purpose extended beyond social work and that I was deeply invested in empowering students, fostering leadership and helping young scholars navigate their collegiate journey,” Dr. Molock says. “This realization led me to pursue a Ph.D. in Higher Education/Student Affairs, fully committing myself to the field.”
Today, as a Morgan employee, “I take great pride in being a part of the University’s continued growth and expansion,” Dr. Molock says, “particularly in the ways we enhance the student experience and create new opportunities that weren’t as accessible when I was a student.”
And he credits Morgan, and his many mentors at the University, “for shaping the professional and personal successes I’ve experienced in my career. My time at Morgan has provided me with the foundation, mentorship and opportunities that have been instrumental in my growth as a leader in higher education,” Dr. Molock says.
Daniel Janak
Morgan Class of 2012, 2013 and 2019 Project Manager for Design and Construction Management at Morgan
Daniel Janak was born and raised in Baltimore and has spent much of his life at the National Treasure. His father, Bickram Janak, was assistant vice president of Finance and Management for Morgan from 1993 to 2018, “so I have technically been on campus since I was 3 years old growing up in his office in Truth Hall,” says Daniel. “Therefore, attending Morgan felt like a full circle moment for me.”
Choosing Morgan’s highly regarded Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering for his undergraduate education in civil engineering was an easy decision for Daniel, and after receiving his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 2012, he found good reason to continue his higher education at Maryland’s largest HBCU.
“I quickly realized that to be successful in this field, I needed to have a master’s degree, so I chose to focus on Project Management for my first master’s,” he explains. “A few years later, I sought to learn the business aspect of construction and universities, which led me to also pursue my MBA.”
The year of Janak’s undergraduate commencement, 2012, coincided with his first employment with Morgan, as a systems engineer in the School of Architecture and Planning. He took his current post in Morgan’s Division of Facilities, Design and Construction Management in 2015, the same year he received his Master of Science in Project Management from Morgan’s Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management.
“My primary responsibility is to ensure that new facilities and infrastructure projects are completed on schedule and within budget, which is essential for the smooth operation and growth of our institution,” Janak says. “In this role, I collaborate closely with architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, construction managers and various stakeholders to navigate complex project timelines and
budgets, ensuring key milestones are met without sacrificing quality or safety…. My work can be seen in recently completed projects such as the Morgan Business Center, Tyler Hall and the new Science Center.
“…I recognize that my work contributes to a broader mission: to create a robust resource for students,” Janak adds. “This esteemed institution has equipped me with a top-tier education that has not only broadened my knowledge but also enhanced my skills in effective communication. As a result, I am empowered to engage meaningfully with others and advocate for the construction and expansion of our campus facilities to create a vibrant and supportive environment for current and future students.”
Clarevonte (“Clay”) Williams
Morgan Class of 2017
Regional Director of Howard University and PNC Mid-South Regional Center for Entrepreneurship at Morgan State University
As a rising freshman, Clarevonte (“Clay”) Williams saw a culture at Morgan that seemed the perfect complement to his upbringing in Prince George’s County and Charles County, Maryland.
“In Charles County, I learned traditional values that emphasize integrity and perseverance, while my experiences in Prince George’s County taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience and working hard to achieve success,” says Williams. “…Morgan State University’s rich legacy of academic excellence, cultural diversity and commitment to empowering future leaders initially drew me to the institution,” he adds. “The supportive environment and emphasis on innovation aligned with my personal and professional aspirations. Additionally, Morgan’s strong sense of community and its reputation for nurturing talent made it the ideal place for me to grow both intellectually and personally.”
His time spent earning his bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Morgan taught him, “the importance of resilience, adaptability and community engagement,” says Williams. “The University instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and a desire to uplift others, which directly informs my approach to leading the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”
The Center seeks to empower Morgan students and alumni to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions, he explains. “By providing resources, mentorship and networking opportunities, I help individuals turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures.” His Morgan education also developed critical thinking, leadership and problem-solving skills that are essential in his current role, Williams adds.
Williams is not a newcomer to leadership. His experience working in venture capital, private equity and the National Football League has helped prepare him for his current role as regional director for the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, which is based at Howard University. He oversees all the center’s HBCU Entrepreneurship Ecosystems in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee.
An active member of the Morgan State University Alumni Association, Williams attributes much of his success to “the education, experiences and relationships I gained at Morgan…. The University provided me with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to pursue my goals, while the supportive community and dedicated faculty played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth,” Williams says. “…I am proud to represent the University in all of my endeavors. Morgan Forever, Forever Morgan.”
Michael Cheek
Morgan Class of 2017 Housekeeper Lead at Morgan
From administration to campus services to undergraduate and graduate education, Morgan has always been a family institution for Michael Cheek. “I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in May 1971, and my family moved to Baltimore six months after I was born,” says Cheek. “…My uncle Dr. King V. Cheek, who was president of Morgan from 1971 to 1974, offered my father a position to run the food service operations on Morgan’s campus. After moving from Knoxville, my mother, Edna Cheek (later a Morgan alum), also began working at Morgan as a room assignment coordinator in the Office of Residence Life, until she retired from Morgan in 2019. I grew up on Morgan’s campus (beginning at) the age of 4. When I didn’t go to school because of illness, I came to campus with my mother.”
The story continues with Michael Cheek’s enrollment in Morgan as a freshman in 1989, his dropping out after a semester and his employment in Morgan’s Housekeeping Division in 1995.
“It wasn’t until 2012 (that) I ultimately made the decision to return to school to finish what I had started and improve my quality of life,” says Cheek. “One of the things that caught my attention was a picture I saw hanging on the wall in the Admissions Office, and it really made me feel that I knew Morgan was the right fit for me. The title of the picture was ‘The Power of Education,’ and the quote resonated with me. It stated, ‘Even in the midst of our worst struggles, our forefathers knew that part of our advancement and growth began with a sound education.’ That quote spoke volumes to me, and I knew then that I made the right decision to return to school. I also have this picture hanging on my wall at home as well.”
The motivation was successful: Cheek earned his bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Morgan in 2017 and his master’s in the discipline two years later.
Cheek is proud of his alma mater and the work of the department he leads.
“I have witnessed amazing growth and expansion within the University since I have been on Morgan’s campus as a child, an employee and most importantly as a graduate of this wonderful institution of higher learning,” he states. “…I believe that our work within the Housekeeping Department has definitely contributed to the change and growth of the University. Our whole Physical Plant plays an important role in Morgan’s mission.” n
GreekLife Article Correction
Dear Readers,
Please note that our article titled “Sigma Gamma Rho Walks the Walk for Children,” published in the Fall/Winter 2024/25 issue of Alumni News, states incorrectly that Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., was founded by nine young educators in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922. Sigma Gamma Rho was organized that year by seven young African American educators.
We regret the error. n
Fostering a Familial Passion for Art
By Christina Royster, Morgan Class of ’93
Kenneth Royster’s bond with Morgan State University began long before Truth Hall and its bustling Academic Quad became familiar sights. As a child, he found his first artistic muse in a fundraising drive to cast the Frederick Douglass statue on campus. That early spark — kindled at Henry Winter Davis School No. 125 in Baltimore — revealed a world where art could be both passion and profession. The statue became a beacon, guiding him toward a lifelong commitment to legacy and art at Morgan State.
That memory lingers, he says, because it was the first time he realized one could make a living through art. Following in the footsteps of his older sister, a Morgan graduate, Kenneth grew in his resolve: Morgan State was destined to be his creative home.
After graduating from Baltimore City College in 1963, Kenneth arrived at Morgan amid the Black Arts Movement and the influence of visionaries like Buford Delaney. The campus became more than a place of learning: it was a living canvas of communal hope. He thrived academically, winning his department’s Creative Achievement Award in both his junior and senior years. Socially, he became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., in 1966.
Kenneth earned his B.A. in 1967 before pursuing an M.F.A. at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), a bold step in his artistic journey. He returned to Morgan as a professor in 1976, later serving as Fine Art department chair, and remained until his retirement in 2016. Alongside teaching, he built a prominent career in photography, exhibiting at institutions like the Anacostia Museum, The Baltimore Museum of Art and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. His exhibitions Praise and Praise 2, focused on the Black church, toured nationally. Today, he serves as chair of the board for the James E. Lewis Museum of Art, which is housed in Morgan’s Murphy Fine Arts Center and was founded by Kenneth’s mentor James E. Lewis, an artist and curator instrumental in shaping Morgan’s art legacy.
A Daughter’s Creative Path
Interwoven with Kenneth’s legacy is the journey of his daughter, Christina Royster. Majoring in English at Morgan State, Christina graduated in 1993, but her connection to the University began in her childhood. She spent countless afternoons on campus, absorbing the creative energy of her father’s summer art classes.
Although she once considered other universities — including the University of Virginia — choosing Morgan proved to be a defining decision. At Morgan State, she became the University’s first Thurgood Marshall Scholar, editor of The Spokesman newspaper and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her career took her to Hollywood, where she wrote for television shows such as Sister, Sister and For Your Love. She also became an award-
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(clockwise from top) Kenneth Royster, ’67; daughter Christina Royster, ’93; and granddaughter Morgan Hemby, ’25
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winning journalist, contributing to Baltimore City Paper, The Baltimore Sun and other publications. Today, she is president and CEO of Big Media Agency, a creative firm specializing in storytelling and marketing.
Continuing the Legacy
Kenneth’s granddaughter, Christina’s daughter Morgan Hemby, continues the family tradition as a senior at Morgan State, majoring in Screenwriting and Animation. Her love for the arts began when she was a preteen, performing in theater and dancing at A. Mario Loiderman, Montgomery County’s premier arts-focused middle school. She deepened her passion in high school through Duke Ellington School’s summer dance intensive and as a member of the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) program for screenwriting and film.
“It makes me enormously proud to know that I have a daughter and a granddaughter following a similar path.”
— Kenneth Royster, Morgan Class of 1967
Morgan’s achievements extend beyond the classroom. She interned with Daymond John of the ABC-TV series Shark Tank and returned to NSLC as a student teacher at the University of California, further honing her craft. With graduation approaching, she envisions a future in film and TV production, aspiring to build her career in Los Angeles or Atlanta. She’s also active on campus, serving as community service chair of Evolve (Elevating Voices of Leadership, Virtue and Excellence), and as a member of the Lacrosse Club, Future (Females United to Uplift, Reshape and Educate) and the Underground Studios Film Club.
A Lasting Influence
From Kenneth’s childhood memories at Morgan to his daughter’s and granddaughter’s artistic journeys, his legacy is painted across generations. His life stands as a testament to the transformative power of art.
“It makes me enormously proud to know that I have a daughter and a granddaughter following a similar path,” he says. “Where there is art, there is freedom, and Christina and Morgan have used their Morgan State educations to find their own measure of it.” n
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients 2025
The Distinguished Alumni Awards are the Morgan State University Alumni Association’s annual opportunity to recognize and spotlight some of our organization’s most outstanding leaders in service to alma mater and the broader community.
The celebration of the 2025 cohort of Distinguished Alumni took place at the 122nd Alumni Day and Class Reunion Luncheon. The awards were presented at the event on Friday, May 16, in the Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom of the University Student Center.
Alumni
2025 MEAC Distinguished Alumnus
J. (“Sam”) Brand, ’06 & ’10
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Kelvin Davis, ’97
Outstanding Young Alumnus Morgyn Wood, ’09
Chapter of the Year — Columbia/Howard County Alumni Chapter
Honorary Alumnus Charles (“Chuck”) Thomas
Emerging Leader of the Year Kimberly Harrison, ’95
Volunteer of the Year Lasava Tidwell, ’76
Samuel
CHAPTER AND CLASS NEWS
PG County Alumni Chapter Inspires Future Bears at Area College Fairs
The Morgan State University Prince George’s County Alumni Chapter has been on the move, actively engaging with future Bears at college fairs across the DC-Maryland-Virginia area while giving back to the community through service initiatives.
During the fall and winter months, the chapter proudly represented Morgan at the 19th Annual Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Epsilon Lambda (KEL) Chapter College Fair, the Alfred Street Baptist Church College Fair and the Suitland High School Navy JROTC College Fair & Career Day, making a lasting impact on prospective students and their families. The chapter’s team had meaningful conversations with students, parents and younger attendees eager to start their college journey, and, of course, with proud alumni. Chapter members showed up in full force, with seven members attending the KEL Fair, two joining Morgan’s Admissions team at the Alfred Street Fair and three supporting the Suitland High School event. The response was incredible: 63 Prince George’s County students signed up for the chapter’s scholarship opportunity at the Alpha Phi Alpha College Fair, followed by 44 at the Alfred Street Baptist Church event and 45 at Suitland High School.
November was particularly eventful, with the Alpha Phi Alpha College Fair drawing more than 1,600 students and the Alfred Street Baptist Church College Fair welcoming more than 10,000 attendees, including representatives from Morgan State Admissions.
Beyond recruiting future Bears, the Prince George’s County Alumni Chapter remains deeply committed to community service. During its Annual Outreach Day, on last Oct. 26, chapter members collected more than 1,000 essential items for Shepherd’s Cove Emergency Shelter, supporting women and children in Prince George’s County. The chapter is grateful to Turner Memorial AME Church for its continuous partnership, allowing the chapter to host its collection drive for the donated items.
Southern Maryland Alumni Honor Community Impact and Celebrate Young Scholars
The Morgan State University Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter celebrated its 17th Annual Blue and Orange Scholarship Dinner Dance and Awards Program last Sept. 14 at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center in Waldorf, Maryland. The program is an annual occasion at which the chapter honors individuals in the Southern Maryland community who are making a positive impact and celebrates students who have chosen to pursue higher education. Proceeds from the program provide scholarships to deserving students who will attend Morgan State University. Funds raised by the event also enable the chapter to engage in numerous community service projects with various organizations.
Beta Tau Alumni Chapter Celebrates 70 Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Service
The MSU Beta Tau Alumni Chapter recently marked a remarkable milestone: celebrating 70 years as the first undergraduate chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., in Maryland. To commemorate this achievement, the chapter hosted a two-day celebration filled with sisterhood, scholarship and service that embodied the essence of Sigma Gamma Rho.
The festivities kicked off last Dec. 13 with a street sign unveiling ceremony at the corner of E. Cold Spring Lane and Hillen Road in Baltimore. This heartfelt dedication honored the lasting impact of Beta Tau Chapter on the
Baltimore City community and the chapter’s continued excellence on the Morgan State University campus. The street sign was a generous gift from the Fall 1998 line of initiates, to recognize Beta Tau’s profound legacy.
The celebration continued the next day with the 70th Chapter Anniversary Golden Reflections Fundraising Gala. The enchanting evening brought together more than 100 sorors, family and friends to celebrate the rich history and vibrant achievements of Beta Tau. Thanks to the support of the community, the event was an overwhelming success, raising $10,625 from ticket sales, donations and sponsorships. The funds, which included contributions from more than 260 individual donors, will go toward establishing an endowed scholarship with the Morgan State University Foundation.
This impressive fundraising effort was accomplished in only four short months, following the establishment of the MSU Beta Tau Alumni Chapter with the Morgan State University Alumni Association (MSUAA) in July 2024.
Blue and Orange event honorees: (seated, left to right) Louvenia L. Banks, Calvert County Honoree; Daryl T. Hinmon, St. Mary’s County Honoree; Toyketa C. Webb, Charles County Honoree; and Andre D. Nottingham, Prince George’s County Honoree; (standing) Robert L. Riddick, Chapter President, Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter
Morgan State University Class of 1949 salutes their classmate M. Elaine Proctor Blackwell for her receipt of an honorary Doctor of Public Service from her alma mater, at Morgan’s 11th Fall Commencement Exercises last December. Morgan President David K. Wilson and the Honorable Kweisi Mfume, chair of the University’s Board of Regents, conferred the degree during the ceremony at Hill Field House, the latest of many well-deserved kudos she has received in recognition of her longstanding commitment to serving and promoting Fair Morgan.
Elaine Blackwell arrived on Morgan’s campus from her hometown of Brandywine, Maryland, as a first-year undergraduate in 1945, soon became a student leader and immersed herself in campus activities while earning her bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education, which
Inspired by the 2025 Alumni Day and Class Reunion!
she received in 1949. She also joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as an undergraduate and served as president of the sorority’s Alpha Gamma Chapter for the 1948–1949 academic year.
Upon graduating from Morgan, Elaine Blackwell returned to Prince George’s County to teach in its public schools, received a master’s degree from New York University in 1954 and joined the District of Columbia Public Schools in 1958. After her retirement in 1984 from the University of the District of Columbia, she was a program director for social services at the Delta Towers: an independent residential facility for the elderly.
Elaine Blackwell has demonstrated her dedication to Morgan in countless ways, among them: founding membership in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Alumni Chapter since 1949; longtime service as class agent for the Class of 1949 and service as organizer of the class’s 75th anniversary reunion in May 2024; oversight of the establishment of the Class of 1949 Endowed Scholarship; and establishment of the Harold D. Blackwell, Sr., scholarship for Morgan’s science majors, in honor of her husband, in 2013.
She is a life member of the Morgan State University Alumni Association and founder of the Effietee Payne Memorial Committee, created to honor the legendary Morgan head coach Dr. Effietee M. Payne.
What a celebration of Morgan pride, legacy and community! Thanks to you, this year’s Alumni Day and Class Reunion on May 16 was unforgettable.
Milestone classes ending in ’0 or ’5 have raised more than $2 million in the past five years, reflecting a deep commitment to Morgan. President Wilson’s updates inspired pride in our evolving campus and future. We honored three dedicated members of the Class of 1950, which led all classes in fundraising, and we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1975, which had 40-plus attendees at the event. We also recognized seven outstanding honorees and introduced the new Morgan State University Alumni Association Executive Committee.
Your continued engagement drives our success. Thank you!
Check out event photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ morganstateu/albums/72177720326301694
Class of 1975 Celebrates 50 Years
Morgan State’s Class of 1975, the final graduates of Morgan State College, has celebrated its 50th Anniversary Reunion! The milestone event took place during the Alumni Day and Class Reunion Luncheon, on Friday, May 16, 2025. As part of the reunion festivities, the class also participated in the Undergraduate Exercises of Morgan State University’s 148th Spring Commencement, on Saturday, May 17, honoring the 50th anniversary class as well as the new graduates. The occasion marked a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, reflect on shared experiences at Morgan and celebrate the enduring impact of higher education.
All members of the Class of 1975 were invited to this special celebration filled with joyful memories and opportunities to forge new connections. Class members can relive their Golden Commencement experience by visiting the online album of photos capturing the day’s event, at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCfUd4.
For more information about Class of 1975 activities and events, please email morganstateclassof1975@ gmail.com.
Class of ’99 Makes Great Memories for Its Silver Anniversary Homecoming
It was love, peace, unity and good times as the Class of 1999 celebrated its 25 years, during Morgan’s Homecoming 2024 weekend. The class created a Reunion Newsletter, attended the Homecoming Business Meeting, got “glammed up” for the Homecoming Gala and connected at the Class Meet & Greet in the parking lot of the ZIPS Cleaners in Northwood Commons. The classmates turned out in big numbers, thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and are looking forward to future events.
Next up for the Class of 1999 was the “I Love Morgan Day” Give to Morgan donation drive in April. Donations were applied to the class’s 30-year anniversary gift, to be presented to the University in May 2029.
The Adopt-A-Class in Reverse program was a huge hit last year and is planned to be continued in 2025. More information will be available soon.
Please email any suggestions for class events to msuclassof1999@gmail.com.
ON THE YARD
Student Living Reimagined
Cummings House, Baldwin Hall, HarperTubman House, O’Connell Hall: the names have been familiar to Morgan students for more than six decades. But for many alumni of a certain age, the memories of these facilities now need an update, as renovation or construction of student residences is launching a new era of modern student living on the campus known as the National Treasure.
Cummings House and Baldwin Hall, reopened in August, were the first of Morgan’s legacy buildings to be fully modernized. These legacy “dormitories” have been transformed into modern residences featuring energy efficiency and the latest in living amenities, including advanced connectivity, well-equipped fitness centers, wellness rooms, collaborative learning spaces and more.
Harper-Tubman House, the home of the University’s Clara I. Adams Honors College students, will be the next legacy residential hall to be fully reconditioned. The project, begun in
May of this year with the closure of the building, will be completed by Fall 2026 and will include a complete interior renovation, and replacement of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems. In addition, the entry area of the building will be demolished and reconstructed, and a picturesque, redesigned courtyard will be built.
To meet the demand of forecasted enrollment increases, Morgan has developed a comprehensive plan that includes constructing three new residential facilities on campus by Fall 2026. Two of those facilities, Thurgood Marshall Hall and Legacy Hall, opened officially last fall. The third will be O’Connell Hall Tower, a new facility replacing the existing O’Connell Hall, which was closed after the Spring 2025 semester and will be demolished. The new O’Connell, to be opened in Fall 2027, will include contemporary apartment-style accommodations and will house approximately 600 residents, up from the current number of 205.
Harper-Tubman
Cummings House Collaborative Space Baldwin Hall Renovation
A small contingent of alumni who stayed in O’Connell during their Morgan matriculation returned to campus in May for a “Good-Bye” walk-through of the “old” O’Connell Hall before it is demolished.
Bears Football 2025
Aug. 30
Sept. 6 Home
AL
Towson University Hughes Stadium
Sept. 13 Away TBD University of Toledo Toledo, OH
Sept. 27
Oct. 4 Away
Oct. 11
Oct. 25
Nov. 1
Nov. 8
Nov. 15
Nov. 22 Home
North Carolina Central University Hughes Stadium * Circle City Classic * Homecoming Game
Post your photos on Instagram and tag @MSUAlumniOfficial Show Your Morgan Pride! Wear BLUE and ORANGE to All Games .
Carl J . Murphy Fine Arts Center
Events – June–Sept. 2025
Calendar is subject to change. Visit www.murphyfineartscenter.org for the latest information.
June 23–Aug. 8 ......... Benjamin A. Quarles Summer Outreach Institute ..... James E. Lewis Museum of Art (JELMA)
June 23–Aug. 8 .........
June 28
Aug. 15
Aug. 30
Sept. 11
Sept. 25
Summer Youth Art Institute ................... James E. Lewis Museum of Art (JELMA)
“The Diary of Black Men” Gilliam Concert Hall
Todd Barkan presents Eric Roberson in concert Gilliam Concert Hall
Kevin Jackson in concert Turpin-Lamb Theatre
Matriculation Convocation Gilliam Concert Hall
Soprano Leah Hawkins in Recital Recital Hall
Homecoming Football! Saturday, Oct. 11 • Morgan Bears vs. VUL Dragons, Hughes Stadium Tickets available at Ticketmaster at (800) 653-8000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com, or before the game at the Box Office, University Student Center, first floor.
Necrology
Arno A. Adams, Sr. (Staff) ........ 12/28/2024
Deborah Hood Adams, ’73 ........ 10/27/2024
Claudia Rawles Anyaso, ’66 ....... 12/29/2024
Helen L. Beverly, ’71 ............. 1/31/2025
Isamae Bowie, ’58 ............... 7/28/2024
Lacy Brock, ’73 ................. 12/5/2024
Brian Vincent Brooks (Former Faculty/Staff) ........ 10/28/2024
Diane Diggs Byrd, ’68 ........... 10/15/2024
Donna Carter, ’81 .............. 11/20/2024
Michael J. Collier, ’77 ............. 2/16/2025
Delores Curbeam, ’65 ............ 9/24/2024
Constance Davenport-Fleming, ’73 .... 1/3/2025
William L. Davis, ’55 ............ 11/28/2024
Joyce Dennison, ’65 ............... 9/1/2024
Lloyd G. Fennell, Jr., ’93 .......... 10/16/2024
Eric G. Golden, ’82 ............. 12/10/2024
Mary J. Harris, ’60 ............... 8/28/2024
Gary A. Hart (Former Faculty/Staff) ... 9/28/2024
Claude Edward Hitchcock III, ’65 & ’69 (Staff) ..................... 2/18/2025
Marlene Jeffers, ’55 ............. 10/16/2024
Charles P. Jeffries, ’77 ............. 1/4/2025
Adam E. Jones, Jr., ’69 ........... 12/17/2024
Annie K. Bryant Jones, ’77 ......... 8/16/2024
Landis Lee, Jr., ’57............... 1/30/2025
Vincent O. Leggett, 75 ........... 11/23/2024
Brenda E. Lorrick, ’67............. 12/9/2024
Frank McDougald, ’65 ............ 7/31/2024
Edward R. McKay, Sr., ’64 ......... 9/17/2024
Levi B. Miller III, ’62 .............. 7/21/2024
Joan Nunley, ’64 ............... 12/24/2024
Helen D. Nuttall, ’74 .............. 9/1/2024
Kenneth N. Oliver, ’80 ............ 11/6/2024
William V. Ormond III, ’56. . . . . . . . . . 9/10/2024
Arlene M. Pierce, ’60 ............ 12/21/2024
Elizabeth R. Rivers, ’59 .......... 11/20/2024
Robert T. Schweitzer (Former Faculty/Staff) .......... 8/6/2024
*This list includes notices received on or before Feb. 26, 2025. Any notices received after that date will be published in the next issue of Alumni News.
CRYPTOGRAM
Did You Know?
Morgan’s academic excellence was recently acknowledged by national media! To read the message, determine the letters that match the numbers in the puzzle below. The first 10 completed puzzles received by the Office of Alumni Relations will receive a prize! Winning submissions must be received on or before August 30, 2025.
