Greetings Fellow Alumni and Friends:
As an alumna of Texas Southern University I could not be prouder of the University’s accomplishments. During commencement two of the University’s most distinguished alumni will join us. Mr. Kermit R. Crawford, President, Pharmacy, Health and Wellness at Walgreen Co. will serve as our Commencement Speaker and Michael Strahan, Super Bowl champion, “Fox NFL Sunday” co-host, and “Live with Kelly and Michael” co-host will receive the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degree. Critically revered actress of film, television and theater Viola Davis, best known for her Oscar-nominated role in “The Help” recently visited campus. She held a craft talk with theater and communications students and later gave candid remarks about her impoverished life growing up and the difficult plight of being black and female in the movie industry. She captivated the audience each time she spoke with her stories of triumph and perseverance.
Recently, Texas Southern University was chosen as one of only 42 sites nationwide to house to the prestigious Confucius Institute aimed at developing academic and cultural programs related to Chinese language and cultures for our students. The partnership TSU has established with the Chinese government and Beijing Jiaotong University will open the global marketplace for our students, faculty, alumni and the community. The University is also on solid financial ground as evidenced by Moody’s decision to increase Texas Southern’s Bond Ratings another 2 points for a third time – making this the fifth increase in three years. Also, Texas Southern University’s Board of Regents recently approved and released plans for a $41.5 million, 215,000 square foot Resident Housing Complex – an 800 bed freshmen facility scheduled to be completed by July 2014.
Each year, as we welcome new students to Texas Southern University we are reminded of the legacy left behind by alumni. More than 27% of all African American pharmacists in the U.S. graduated from TSU, the second-largest producer of pharmacists; 17 % of all Houston Independent School District Teachers and administrators hold degrees from TSU; and 43% of newly licensed African American attorneys from Texas graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in the last five years. For many of us, our days at TSU were some of the best experiences of our lives. And now, our involvement as alumni is critical to the success of the University. Without our efforts the University cannot thrive.
The students who attend Texas Southern University depend on the support of alumni. Without the participation of alumni mentoring students and assisting with fundraising and scholarship initiatives, the students and university cannot succeed. I encourage you to re-establish your commitment to our students and to Texas Southern University through your continued interest. As alumni it is not only our responsibility, but our duty to give back.
As one of the nation’s largest HBCUs, in the fourth largest city in the U.S., and one of the fastest-growing and forward-moving cities in the world, Texas Southern University has embarked on a historic transformation to move the institution into the foreground of major urban-serving universities. All roads really do lead to Texas Southern, as sung in our “Alma Mater” song.
Alumni - I encourage you to save the dates for our 2013 Homecoming October 16-19, 2013. The Tiger Paw Golf Classic and Alumni Mixer will be held on Thursday, October 17th ; the President’s Gala on Friday, October 18th and all homecoming day activities including tailgating, the parade and the homecoming game will be held on Saturday, October 19th. More detailed information will be forthcoming.
To update your contact information, please fill out this form. Alumni and friends—I look forward to your continued support of Texas Southern University.
Go TIGERS!
Connie L. Cochran, '90
Executive Director of Alumni Relations & Special
Continental Airlines supports Texas Southern University and serves as the official airline for TSU events.
