A red carpet, beautiful flowers, more than 100 people, decorated tables and amazing scenery. This was the look and feel of the 17th Annual Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet held in the Assembly Center.”We wanted to recognize those alumni who have gone out in the world and achieved at a very high level,” said Dr. Robert Dixon, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
“We want our community to know that there are Grambling graduates who achieve at a very high level, and we think that these individuals who were honored here tonight are role models for are students.”
The event started with a video by President Horace A. Judson that explained the purpose and state of GSU.
“When we say reclaiming the legacy it does not mean that the legacy is gone,” Dr. Judson said. “We want to establish ourselves as one of the best universities in the state of Louisiana.”
As the event went into full swing, master of ceremonies Chris Moore introduced the Hall of Fame inductees. This year’s inductees were Rev. David Jefferson, Virgil Robinson, Everson Walls, Dr. Yvonne E. McIntosh, Attorney Richard “Rick” Gallot, Otto O. Meyers III, Dr. Richard Rayford, Dr. Mildred B. Gautheir Gallot, Dr. David Wright, Wilbert Ellis, Dr. Lenton Malry, and Ronald E. Childs.
“It is an honor and a privilege,” Dr. Yvonne E. McIntosh said. “I am just thrilled to be recognized at home by my home school.”
Wilbert Ellis said, “I have received a lot of awards but this means so much to me. This is my alma mator and this is such a great honor.”
After four selections from the guest female vocalist Mary Griffin, the award medals were presented to the inductees.
“It means a great deal to all of us,” Dr. Dixon added. “We are proud of what our graduates have accomplished and we want to raise those accomplishments up so they will motivate and excite other students to do the same.