Alumni and friends from around the nation expressed their love and support for Virginia State University. The excerpts that we have published represent the sentiment of the many letters that we received. They have been edited for space.

The cover was designed by Terri Curtis, a senior, majoring in graphic design at Virginia State University. Terri is also interning with Urban Views Weekly.

Dear Alumni and Friends of VSU,

During this time of Thanksgiving, my family and I pause to reflect on the blessings we’ve experienced in the face of adversity our University has faced. First and foremost are the blessings God has bestowed upon us to have the opportunity to serve this wonderful University and our students. In addition to the incident in Winston-Salem, NC, we tragically lost a promising student. On behalf of myself, the Board of Visitors, Administration and entire Virginia State University family, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wilkins’ family, and any of you who knew Eric, studied with him or considered him a friend.

Over the past week-and-a-half our strength and unity has been challenged. The response of our alumni, students, friends and campus community has been overwhelmingly positive. Through our collective support and love we will charge forward and carry on. We are so very grateful for the blessings of love and support we’ve received from around the country.

I’m sure you share my sentiment that the events of 2013 give the impression that there is a never-ending rain falling upon us on the Hill, and our students’ outstanding work and accomplishments are being overshadowed. It goes without saying that our students now need all of our support and presence more than ever to amplify their voices and champion their great work. We are blessed with an outstanding student body who work diligently day in and day out to build better lives for themselves and their families. Their stories are touching. Their commitment is inspiring. There is so much to be proud of at Virginia State! In the past month alone, our University and our students have received numerous accolades and awards. A team of 14 VSU students placed first in the team competition at the 7th Annual HBCU Career Development Marketplace taking home the Tariq Shane Spirit of Professionalism Award. Four VSU students received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to participate in a study abroad program during the spring 2014 academic term. Our Bachelor of Social Work program received full accreditation. These are just a few of the wonderful examples of the achievements of our students. Two VSU Extension researchers have been awarded more than $620,000 in grants by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for projects related to food safety and supply. These are the dayto- day success stories that are commonplace on our campus! For this work we are truly thankful!

Last week’s ordeals were catalysts for increased and enhanced Alumni involvement on campus. I’ve heard from many of you, collectively and individually, reaffirming your passion for your beloved Alma Mater.

For these things I am truly grateful and through them, I am truly blessed. May your Thanksgiving provide peace and blessings,

Dr. Keith Miller
President

 

I am a proud 1986 Alum of Virginia State University. As a first generation college student, I could not have selected a better institution of higher education to learn and develop as a 17 year old African American female from the Southside of Chicago. As a result of the quality education, positive learning and family oriented environment, many of my family members also earned degrees from VSU. I know without a shadow of a doubt that my success at VSU laid the foundation for my past and present successes. As a result, I consider myself an ambassador for VSU and will continue to support the institution financially and as a member of my local Alumni Association.

In Trojan Love!

Dr. Sharron (Vincent) Credle
VSUAA of Prince George’s County, MD
Charter Member and Vice President

 

“I am a proud 1986 graduate of Virginia State University and I am thankful for my enriching experience at VSU. I chose VSU because my high school principal was also a VSU graduate who had gone on to Harvard to further her education. Today, I am employed as a Managing Editor for a leading Fortune 500 publisher in New York City

I received a first class liberal arts education and with brilliant, thoughtful, and nurturing professors, who not only viewed me as a student, but like family. My mother to this day always remembers the personalized experience that VSU offered. She was so impressed by not only the education that VSU offered, but the support services.

I enjoyed having James Farmer as a visiting professor while I was there, and I am convinced that my exposure to this esteemed gentleman influenced me to become a local NAACP President in later years. VSU made me into a confident, open-minded leader. I have accomplished so much professionally and personally, and I owe it all to my fantastic education and the friendships that I gained via VSU.

Since graduating and returning to VSU for Homecoming over the years, I have continued to receive the love and support of my fellow alumni. There is a bond and a unity that provides strength for all of us in the VSU family. It truly is a unique and empowering experience being a VSU Trojan, and for life!!

Peace and Blessings!”

Karen G. Edmonson| Managing Editor | Medical Publishing Division?McGraw-Hill Education

 

 

Samuel and Florence Rhue LOVE VSU; it has been an important part of our lives since we met there on the campus in the late 60’s.  We owe Virginia State for the excellent education we received, the lifelong friends we made, and the foundation upon which we’ve built our lives.  We are truly two of the “loyal sons and daughters true to orange and blue.”

Sam & Florence Rhue

 

 

Far above the Appomattox sits the school I love.  I am thankful for the education I received at Virginia State University.  The professors were knowledgeable and helpful.  The campus is beautiful.  Not only did I make friendships that continue to this day, but I met my husband at VSU.  I am proud at how much VSU continues to grow.  I love VSU.

Tia T. Anthony Hayes, Class of 95

 

 

I am thankful for the life experiences and education I received as a graduate of VSU. Being a former basketball player allowed me to forge many friendships not only at VSU but throughout the CIAA.  VSU also allowed me to meet my wonderful fiancé and VSU graduate LeVonda Bell.  We are Trojans for life!!!

Richard Whitfield, Jr.

 

 

It is with the utmost respect and gratitude that I acknowledge the outstanding contributions that Virginia State University has made to this region of Virginia.   Virginia State University has served as a first generation institute for many students who have achieved many outstanding accomplishments.  Personally, I am eternally grateful for the educational opportunities that the institution has afforded me.  As National President of the Virginia State University Alumni Association, I have been able to interact with many alumni and friends of the University.  These interactions have been positive and encouraging.  As we move forward from this point, I encourage everyone to continue to support VSU for all that it has done and surely for all that is forthcoming.

Erenest E. Miller, President
VSUAA

 

 

Very grateful and proud that my son is a graduate of VSU class of 2012 and is currently attending graduate school as well. ?Grateful to the faculty and staff for their dedication and commitment to helping my son achieve his dream. ?May God Bless VSU with continued success and prosperity….

Rhonda Jackson

 

 

I am Thankful to my alma mater, VSU for providing me an opportunity to acquire my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1994. I am also Thankful to VSU for providing me with the skills in order to pursue a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland; I was prepared.  Finally, I am thankful for the interminable commemorations, the friendships, and camaraderie with my contemporaries which I continue to enjoy to this day!

Jemal A. Cheatham

 

 

After graduating from VSU in 2010, I was greeted with several job offers to join the Hospitality Industry. The dedication and consistent motivation I received from my department, some of my now “life-long” friends, and the University as a whole, supported me to become a successful SODEXO food-service manager for the past 3 years. Moreover, VSU has taught me to remain encouraging, innovative, and proactive. I continue to thrive on these foundational characteristics as I pursue my Master’s degree at the University of North Texas in International Sustainable Tourism where I am the program’s first of two African-Americans to do so!

E’Lisha Fogle

 

 

There never ceases to be an “attitude of gratitude” among the cadets at Virginia State University’s Trojan Warrior Battalion for the tremendous support they receive from Dr Keith T. Miller, the administration, faculty, staff and fellow students. From the numerous opportunities provided to the cadets to demonstrate their patriotism and camaraderie by presenting the colors at the football games to being a part of Founder’s Day ceremonies, the cadets know they are a proud part of the university’s lineage and legacy. The unique opportunity provided to the cadets to not only serve the campus community but eventually their country and fellow citizens all starts right here at Virginia State.

Daniel M. Maloney, DML
LTC, LG
Chair, Military Science Department
Virginia State University
Trojan Warrior Battalion

 

 

VSU looked at “what was” and turned it into “what it could be”.  Along the way, many paid my salary, but it was VSU that made it possible for me to earn one.  The VSU faculty gave me a sense of “What it means to be a professional” and helped  to clarify  my moral and ethical values. Finally, Colson Hall provided the setting for me to meet my wife of 48 years.

Dr. James H. Stith
VSU ’63, ’65 (Physics)

 

 

I am thankful to VSU for giving me the opportunity to pursue a career in education.  I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Family & Consumer Scienceand a Master’s Degree in Education at VSU.  With encouragement and support from VSU faculty and staff I was inspired to pursue a Ph.D.  I am now an assistant professor at a historically Black college because of the foundation I was given at VSU.  Thank you VSU for leading me to my “dream” career and giving me the courage to soar to new heights.

Dr. Jada E. Brooks
Class of 2002 and 2004

 

 

Growing up in Buckingham Virginia as one of nine children and graduating from high school with NO money,  VSU through scholarships, loans and grants gave me the opportunity to get a college education.  Even though I transferred to VCU during my second year due to marriage and a move to Richmond, VSU prepared me to excel at VCU–graduating at the top of my accounting class.  After passing the CPA exam and working four years in public accounting, VSU gave me an opportunity to teach for a year at the VSU Business School under a KPMG Professional-in-Residence Program.  This was one of the most rewarding years of my career.  To VSU, I am forever grateful.

Juanita B Leatherberry, CPA

 

 

When I walked through gates of VSU on a hot summer afternoon in 1999 I knew my life was about to change. I met people who taught me about friendship, I met educators who taught me about working hard, and I met mentors who taught me about honor and respect.  I am thankful to VSU for providing me the opportunity to grow, develop, and become an upstanding contributor to my community. Thank you VSU!

Corey Scott
2003 – Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
c/o 2006 – Master of Education in Counseling

 

 

I am a 4th-generation VSU Alumnus, and I am thankful to VSU for my life as it is today!  Thanks to VSU, I have an awesome career, have some of the most amazing friendships I could ask for, and was given the opportunity to continue a family legacy.  I bleed Orange and Blue and will always love VSU!

Adairius Trent
Class of 2004

 

 

I am honored and proud to be counted as an alumnus of Virginia State University and as your state representative in the Virginia House of Delegates.  Virginia State University has proven itself to be a top academic institution and economic engine for the Greater Petersburg Area..

Rosalyn R. Dance
Delegate 63^rd District

 

I am thankful for the opportunity that Virginia State College (now University) afforded me to earn a college education.  I was fortunate to be the recipient of a four year basketball scholarship as well as a two year scholarship for out of state students.  In addition, I was also afforded a two year employment opportunity as well as participation in the advanced ROTC program.  All of these opportunities allowed me to pay for all of my college expenses and to graduate with my class (1963) as well as receive a commission into the U.S. Army.  As they say, “the rest is history.”

Virginia State University through its then basketball coach, Shelton “Post” Matthews, made it all possible, and for that I am forever grateful.  I was the youngest of four children born of immigrant parents (Guyana) who emphasized the importance of an education.  For all of us the desire was there, but the means was lacking.  My family could assist me only with a nominal sum towards my entire college expense, but they did what they could and encouraged my quest.

Virginia State University was a blessing in so many other ways as well–friends for life, greater appreciation for the struggles of Southern African American people, travel (domestic and foreign), leadership, professional relationships, associations and growth and development as a person.

For all this Virginia State played an overwhelming role and I, as a New York State Supreme Court Justice and a judge for over 25 years, say thanks to them for I have much to praise God for this Thanksgiving.

Bert A. Bunyan

 

I am thankful to VSU for my entire college experience.  My four years of undergraduate were four of the best years of my life.  From leaving home in 2005 and graduating in 2009, VSU provided me with so many opportunities to succeed.  I am so thankful for the life-long friends and mentors that I met and still remain close with today.  But most of all I am thankful to VSU for allowing me to meet my future husband.  Brandon Fortune and I began dating in August 2006 and are engaged to be married in August 2015.

Monique Toliver

 

I am THANKFUL for VSU because it is where four generations of my family, I am the third, obtained degrees.  My VSU Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems has afforded me a solid career path and comfortable lifestyle.  Words cannot express how THANKFUL I am for that blessing.  I am THANKFUL to VSU because I met my husband, sorors and lifelong friends there.  Most of all I am THANKFUL to have an alma mater that has proven to be consistently resilient regardless of the controversy, challenge or obstacle!  Hail Virginia State!!!

Kimberley Landy-Martin (’90)
VSU Foundation Board – Vice Chair