Four Philadelphia HBCU Alumni Associations including the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania C-Club, Delaware State University, Shaw University and Jackson State University held a fun filled cabaret. Saturday evening’s event was a joint fundraiser held at St. Raymond’s Hall in Germantown.
There was a fantastic turnout for the “Old School HBCU Cabaret.” Nearly 600 supporters had a great time at the annual affair. DJ “Sweet” Lou Williams did a fantastic job bringing back memories of college days with a blend of back in the day hits.
The HBCU Old School Cabaret Officers who formed the 2013 Planning Committee did a fantastic job! Those individuals were Delaware State University Alumni Association (DSUAA) President (Philadelphia Chapter) Anthony H. Lawson; Immediate Past President and Past National President, Alfred Outlaw; Vice President, Rose Austin; Shaw University Alumni Association (SUAA) President (Philadelphia Chapter) Anthony Jackson; Shaw SUAA Vice President, Dianne Whiting; (JSUAA) Jackson State University Alumni Association (Philadelphia Chapter) Dr. Vernon Ross Jr.; Victor Wyatt of Jackson State and Cheyney University Alumni C Club President Robert Hunter.
Lawson said, "I was the first college graduate in my family. I was taught that education is a treasure that will follow you forever. Everyone in our chapter recognizes this fact and has dedicated themselves to helping African American students from Philadelphia find that same treasure we all found when attending Delaware State University. To that end, we provide financial support through scholarships for DSU students and bus trips to the DSU campus for high school students who may be interested in attending our alma mater. This cabaret is our signature event and we're especially happy to join our HBCU brethren and have a partnership all around raising dollars to support African American youth for all four Universities."
Jackson, said, “Fundraising among alumni associations of our HBCU Institutions must reach out to local alumni. Many of our graduates enjoy gathering in an enjoyable social setting where they can also raise money to support our university.”
White added, “Our HBCU’s are rich in tradition and have left a legacy for which we can be proud. Shaw University has transformed the lives of individuals and the surrounding community for many years. The four schools coming together to raise dollars is our way of giving back so the tradition can continue. Shaw University is committed to continuing the legacy of academic excellence. Many thanks to all who made this event an overwhelming success.”
Special out of town guests from the Delaware State University Alumni Association were : Dr. K. Bernard Chase, National President from Md.; Sheila Davis, National vice president DSUAA from Delaware; Theodora White, national recording secretary DSUAA from Delaware; J. Cagney France, national treasurer from Delaware; Shaw University National Alumni Association President James Shaw; and regional Vice President Barbara McSweeney.
Jackson State alumna, Dr. Sebronette Barnes, accomplished director of Cheyney University Gospel Choir was also among those “Out & About.”
“The C-Club at Cheyney is committed to Cheyney University’s 12 varsity sports and the cheerleading squad and serves as the booster club to enhance school spirit, increase attendance at sporting events, raise money for the department and build overall enthusiasm for the University.”
Hunter is an energetic advocate of Cheyney University and spoke enthusiastically about future commitment to his alma mater.
Junious Stanton, national president of the Cheyney University Alumni Association, was among the many distinguished members of the university family in attendance. It was especially nice for Stanton to celebrate his birthday with classmates and longtime friends.
Jackson State and Shaw University also had strong representation at the signature event.
Ross, JSU Delaware Valley Alumni President commented, “The JSU Delaware Valley Alumni Chapter’s goal is to help students strive for academic excellence so they may show their appreciation for the greatest ever given. The cabaret not only provides an opportunity to raise funds to support scholarships and book purchase assistance, but it also provides an opportunity for graduates to network with the other 3 chapters to make the Cabaret a flagship event.
Ross also serves on the board of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association.
Congratulations and best wishes to these historic HBCU’s for their outstanding commitment to continuing education.
Special thanks to Cheyney alumni member Don Hackney and Delaware State’s Al Outlaw for their assistance.
Have a fantastic week “Out & About” everyone!
