[Posted Jan. 21, 2008]

Alumni Gifts Help Recovery At

Morris Brown College

ATLANTA - Alumni giving at Morris Brown College is at an all-time high, according to Dr. Stan Pritchett, acting president at Morris Brown University, who reports that 600 alumni gave over $800,000 dollars during the last seven months of 2007.

   “The average amount of this surge in alumni donations is $1,500 dollars per giver and this sets a record for the college,” said Dr. Pritchett. “In addition, coming back after the recent holidays, we have received close to fifty checks in amounts ranging from $500 to $3,500 per giver.  Our challenge, however, continues to be that of raising the percentage of alumni giving across the board and to see the younger Morris Brown alumni start to give back,” Pritchett continued.

   In 2007, Morris Brown held its first Annual Walk-A-Thon for student scholarships and raised $70,000.  One week later, the Alumni Association hosted the Annual Legacy Awards Gala—Restoration in Vision and Commitment for Excellence and raised another $50,000. Earlier this year, $20,000 was raised in a brick campaign for the Alumni Plaza.

   “These efforts describe the dedication and commitment to the revitalization and restoration of Morris Brown that its alumni have for their alma mater,” said George Hopkins, MBC National Alumni Association President and a member of the Morris Brown Board of Trustees.  “We hope to engage the same enthusiasm and support among all Morris Brown College alumni and all alumni of any HBCU (Historical Black College and University) who believe in the future of Black Colleges.” 

    The Morris Brown College Alumni Association is gearing up for a Leadership Forum which will be held during the up-coming Founders Day on March 14, 2008.  All alumni are encouraged to get participate in the forum.

   Morris Brown College was founded in 1881 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  The campus is located near the center of the city of Atlanta and is replete with historic buildings, such as Fountain Hall, dating back to the late 1800’s.  During its 127 years of service, Morris Brown has produced outstanding leaders in many diverse fields and is noted for preparing educators. 

   In 2002, the university lost its accreditation, leading to the installation of a new Board of Trustees that is focused on responsible fiscal control and a revitalization plan to implement strategic programming and regain accreditation.

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