national alumni association handbook€¦ · savannah state university national alumni association...

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

HANDBOOK 2014

Published in 1989 Revised in 1996 Revised in 2014

Table of Contents

President’s Letter ....................................................................................................................................... 1

History of SSUNAA ..................................................................................................................................... 2

Organizational Chart .................................................................................................................................. 4

National Alumni Association Membership ................................................................................................ 5

Roster ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Alumni Chapter Organization .................................................................................................................... 8

Installation of Local and National Elected Officers .................................................................................. 12

Alumni Activities ...................................................................................................................................... 14

SSUNAA OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

Chartering Ceremony ............................................................................................................................... 16

Charter Certificate.................................................................................................................................... 17

Pinning ..................................................................................................................................................... 18

Covenant .................................................................................................................................................. 19

Constitution and Bylaws Proposed Changes ........................................................................................... 20

Membership Application ......................................................................................................................... 21

Financial Forms

3rd Quarter .................................................................................................................................. 22

Annual Report ............................................................................................................................. 24

Candidates Application ............................................................................................................................ 26

Homecoming Queen Form ....................................................................................................................... 30

1

March 2014

GREETINGS FROM NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Greetings Alumni,

First let me thank Dr. Clemontine Washington, Mrs. Dorothy Wilson and alumni association liaison Mrs.

Alvernia Jackson for accepting the challenge to update our SSUNAA Handbook. This handbook is a very

useful tool for chapter operations. Although not a new document, the handbook provides basic

information about the operations, processes and regulations of our association and provides answers to

some of your questions. It serves as a guide for the association to move forward as “One SSU(NAA)” and

to establish a degree of uniformity among alumni chapters.

It is important that we preserve the tiger pride, history of the university, the legacy of the national

alumni association and ensure that we adhere to the original purposes. Finally, we must continue to

recruit quality students and provide financial assistance for scholarships and endowments.

Please keep this booklet available and use it as needed.

Remember – “You can get anywhere from here”

In True Tiger Spirit,

Roy L. Jackson, National Alumni President (2009- 2015)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the members of Savannah State University National Alumni Association thank, recognize, and

appreciate the tireless efforts of former National Alumni President Dr. Jimmie C. Jackson, for the

development and implementation of the National Alumni Association Handbook in 1987.

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HISTORY OF

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

There is evidence that the organization of alumni clubs started as early as 1923 when a group organized in what was then known as high school alumni clubs. The records indicate that in 1923, the officers were listed as:

Edward Earl Parrish Cedar Keys, FL Anna Aliza Platts Savannah, GA Jesse Wade Pollins Pineland, SC Aubert Evans Reddick Savannah, GA David Isaac Riley Shellman, GA Rosa Lee Samuel Midville, GA Henry William Tarver Waycross, GA Robert Louis Williamson Eastman, GA Jewel Whitney Young Swainsboro, GA

After careful consideration, the Georgia State clubs increased and thus became the Georgia State Association. The officers were:

L. L. Ison President Iona Frazier Vice President J.C. Fisher Secretary

Understanding the need to develop these clubs into a more organized representative group, which would serve the college and the administration, the Alumni Association was organized. The membership of the Association was composed of graduates from the High School, Normal and College Departments. Our records indicate that during the 1931-32 school year, Georgia State Industrial College had the following officers listed according to the local branch.

J.L. Delaware President Mattie Victory Vice President E.S. Warrick Secretary Bessie Flipper Asst. Secretary R.P. Pickney Treasurer O.H. McIver Reporter

Finally in 1934, the Alumni Association elected officers:

H.M. Collier ‘08 President C.C. Strickland, M.D, ‘03 1st Vice President H.L. Lawrence ‘21 3rd Vice President Carrie Lou Lavender ‘16 Secretary Amanda Curley ‘20 Corresponding Sec’y Ethel Warrick ‘17 Treasurer

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Georgia State College Clubs were organized in Savannah, Valdosta, Waycross, Philadelphia and New York. In 1947, the members of the Alumni Clubs and State Clubs began to investigate the possibility of becoming an organized national body. By 1949, the Alumni Association of Savannah State became nationally chartered. The purpose of the Alumni Association is to promote the welfare of the school and to assist in advancing the mission and goals of the college administration. Branches of the Association are widely scattered over sections of the country. Among the most were Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C. and Savannah. Scholarships and other awards were made annually by the Association to the college. Today the Alumni Association has been organized as the Savannah State University National Alumni Association, representing more than 22,000 alumni worldwide. The following distinguished individuals have served as president of the National Alumni Association:

Dr. Frankie Golden Ellis 1945 - 1949 Mr. Albert S. Bacon 1949 - 1951 Mr. L. D. “Duke” Kennedy 1951 - 1952 Mr. John McGlockton 1952 - 1956 Mr. Leonard Law 1956 - 1960 Mr. Willis H. McBride 1960 - 1964 Mrs. Josie B. Sessoms 1964 - 1968 Dr. Daniel Washington 1968 - 1971 Mr. James O. Thomas 1971 - 1977 Mr. Earl F. Brown, Jr. 1977 - 1979 Mr. William Weston 1979 - 1983 Mr. Roy L. Jackson 1983 - 1985 Dr. Jimmie C. Jackson 1985 - 1989 Mr. Charles Young 1989 - 1991 Atty. John M. Clark 1991 - 1995 Dr. Jimmie C. Jackson 1995 - 1997 Mr. John M. Brown 1997 - 1999 Dr. Percy A. Mack, Jr. 2000 - 2005 Dr. Shirley McDuffie 2005 - 2009 Mr. Roy L. Jackson 2009

Savannah State University is one of three members of the Georgia Association of Black State Universities and the over 120 member Council of National Alumni Associations representing the nation’s HBCUs. In 1998, SSUNAA kicked off its first million dollar scholarship endowment program (Committee of 1000 for the Millennium) to serve as a feeder program to the Wall of Scholars Endowment campaign created in 1996 by Dr. Margaret C. Robinson, Professor Emerita and chair of the National Life Membership Committee. In 2010, the SSUNAA Million Dollar Campaign effort was reinstituted under President Roy L. Jackson to generate needed financial support for the university.

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SSU NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

National President Savannah State University Alumni Liaison Office of Alumni Relations

Executive Vice President Immediate Past President (Appointed by President)

National Vice President

Regional V P’s Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Chaplain

Treasurer Financial Secretary

Parliamentarian General Legal Advisor Reporter (appt. by President) (appt. by President) (appt. by President)

National Alumni Committees

(Chairs appt by President)

Athletics Audit Alumni Recruitment/Reclamation Awards

Budget/Finance Constitution/By Laws Fund Raising Governmental Affairs

Homecoming Long Range Planning Penny Fund Student Recruitment

Time & Place

National Alumni Chartered Chapters

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MEMBERSHIP (Refer to: Official Documents Section for Membership Application or the SSUNAA website)

It is recommended that SSUNAA membership drive is conducted annually April 1 – June 15 and fees/applications reported to National Treasurer by June 30th for the year beginning July 1

Membership in the Savannah State University National Alumni Association maybe classified as: Annual -$70 Annual membership is available on a year- to- year basis and payable to

SSUNAA by June 30th for the year beginning July 1st. Standard Life- $600 Standard membership increases to $800 - October 2014 and increases

to $1,000 - October 2015 Subscribing Life Three annual payments are required. (ie. $600 – first $250; 2nd -$200;

final- $150) Prestigious Life- $1,500 May be paid in full or in one payment after attaining the level of

Standard Life Membership

Diamond Life - $2,500 May be paid in full or in one payment after attaining the level of

Standard or Prestigious Life Membership

Associate -$70 An Associate Membership is available for friends of Savannah State University – adults with a genuine interest in the development and progress of SSU

Complimentary- 1 year SSU recent graduates (alumni) who have graduated from SSU are

eligible for a one time complimentary one-year membership ending in

May or December depending on Spring or Winter Commencement date

Honorary Any person having made a significant contribution to Savannah State

University and is not a regular or associate member may be selected as

an Honorary Member upon recommendation of the Executive

Committee

All annual paid members will receive a membership card. All fully paid life members will receive a lapel

pin, a membership card and a plaque commensurate to each level.

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ROSTER OF NATIONAL ALUMNI CHAPTERS (charter date) (ACTIVE and INACTIVE)

Alabama (2007) ....................................................................................................... Huntsville, AL Albany (1951) ................................................................................................................ Albany GA Athens- Clarke County (1990) ............................................................................... Athens, GA Atlanta Downtown (1997) ................................................................................... Atlanta, GA Atlanta Metro (1960) ........................................................................................... Atlanta, GA Augusta (1948) ................................................................................................... Augusta, GA Bainbridge-Decatur County (1968) ........................................................................ Bainbridge, GA Baldwin County (1986) ........................................................................................ Sandersville, GA Baltimore (1985) ..................................................................................................... Baltimore, MD Ben F. Hubert (1972) ................................................................................................ Fitzgerald, GA Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, New York (1973) ...................................................... Brooklyn, NY Burke County (1990)........................................................................................... Waynesboro, GA California (2007).................................................................................................... Sacramento, CA Central/Sun Coast Florida (2012)................................................................................. Tampa, FL Charlotte (2003) ....................................................................................................... Charlotte, NC Cincnnati – Dayton OH (1993) ................................................................................ Cincinnati, OH Columbia McDuffie County (1981) .............................................................................. Harlem, GA Columbia .................................................................................................................. Columbia, SC Columbus (1975) ...................................................................................................... Columbus, GA Detroit (1975)................................................................................................................ Detroit, MI District of Columbia (1957) ................................................................................. Washington, DC Dublin – Laurens County (1988)................................................................................... Dublin, GA East Atlanta Suburban (2013) ..................................................................................... Atlanta, GA Elbert-Hart-Franklin County (1978) .................................................................... Bowman, GA Emanuel County (1990) ........................................................................................ Swainsboro, GA Fort Valley (1974) .................................................................................................. Fort Valley, GA Gainesville (1990)................................................................................................... Gainesville, GA Golden Isles (2004) ........................................................................................ Brunswick, GA Green –Hancock County ............................................................................................... Sparta, GA Hampton Roads (2012) ............................................................................................ Hampton, VA Indianapolis (1973) ............................................................................................... Indianapolis, IN Jacksonville (1982) ............................................................................................... Jacksonville, FL Jefferson County (1987) .......................................................................................... Louisville, GA Jenkins County (1991) .................................................................................................. Millen, GA Macon Metro (1986) .................................................................................................... Macon, GA Manhattan, New, York (1966) ............................................................................. Manhattan, NY Miami –Dade County (1969) ......................................................................................... Miami, FL Madison- Morgan County (1997)............................................................................... Madison, GA Metro New York (1995) ........................................................................................... New York, NY Montgomery County (1990) .............................................................................. Silver Spring, MD North Jersey (1995) ...................................................................................................... Newark, NJ Philadelphia (1965) .............................................................................................. Philadelphia, PA Prince George’s County (1991) ..................................................................................... Bowie, MD Raleigh- Durham (2014) ............................................................................................. Durham, NC Savannah (1931) ...................................................................................................... Savannah, GA

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South Dekalb Perimeter (1990) ................................................................................. Decatur, GA Tallahassee (1987) ................................................................................................. Tallahassee, FL Toombs Montgomery County (1995) ........................................................................... Vidalia, GA Tri- County Area (1955) ................................................................................................Claxton, GA Valdosta (1995) ......................................................................................................... Valdosta, GA Washington County (1987) .................................................................................. Sandersville, GA Waycross .................................................................................................................. Waycross, GA Winston Salem ................................................................................................ Winston Salem, NC

Bold = Active Chapter

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ALUMNI CHAPTER ORGANIZATION

Purpose of Alumni Chapters The primary purpose of the Alumni Chapter is to bring together an organized effort of alumni to work cooperatively to promote the progress and the development of Savannah State University. Chapters should encourage participation more fully in the life of the university and encourage association with other Savannah State alumni and friends in the surrounding community. Chapters are very important in the promotion of the interests and needs of the University.

Chapters should: 1. Provide a means of strengthening the tie between alumni and the university 2. Keep alumni informed of the university’s program, progress and the challenges through regular

meetings 3. Support and donate in the SSUNAA/SSU annual fundraising campaign 4. Represent the university in the community 5. Encourage the interest of outstanding high school students 6. Assist in identifying and locating alumni in the area and maintain an updated membership list 7. Welcome new alumni to the community 8. Present a united front in support of the University 9. Assist in promoting the University’s image in the local news media

Organize/Reactivate an Alumni Chapter

The following steps are suggested to Organize/Reactivate an Alumni Chapter:

Step 1 Contact a nucleus of five (5) or more alumni and call a meeting of these people. At this meeting, determine if there is potential for a chapter in the area and if those present are committed to support the formation of a chapter.

Step 2 If the above mentioned nucleus decides that there is reasonable chance of success and that there is desire for an alumni chapter, the group should consider itself as an organizational committee and elect a chairman and vice chairman

Step 3 The organizational committee should submit a Letter of Intent to the Regional Vice President. The Regional Vice President should communicate/meet with the group before making a recommendation to the National President/National Association. If the National Association’s Executive Committee deems the establishment of a new chapter to be in the best interest of the body, it will advise the Regional Vice President/Director of Alumni Relations to arrange for the chartering and installation ceremony of the new chapter. The decision should be given within 30 days of the Letter of Intent. (Note: national association membership fee for each alum must be paid and submitted to national treasurer in advance of Regional VP making recommendation)

Step 4

After receiving approval, the committee should decide on a time, date and place for an organizational meeting

Step 5 Elect the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, chaplain, and other officers as necessary. These persons should comprise the chapter’s executive committee

Step 6

Establish two committees: Constitution and Special Projects. Select/elect chairpersons. Refer to SSUNAA Constitution/By Laws as a guide to develop chapter’s Constitution and Bylaws.

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Step 7 Work with Regional VP and Alumni Relations Director to develop program for the Chartering and Installation (of officers) Ceremony. This ceremony should be fitting and impressive, as this, to a large extent, will determine the kind of success the chapter will have. Advance and follow-up coverage in the local news media should be given. Every effort will be made to have the University President, University Advancement Officer, and other University officials attend the ceremony. The National Alumni President should conduct the chartering ceremony and present the chapter charter.

The Alumni Chapter Meeting

Planning

Choose the best date and make certain that there is no conflict with a campus or national alumni association event, national/local holiday or community social event

Mail notice of the meeting one month to three weeks prior to the meeting

Prepare a news release and/or radio announcement to be released approximately 10 days before the meeting

About 4 days before the meeting, call persons on the membership/mailing list

Recruit alums who can bring something to the table and don’t be afraid of diversity

Meeting

If new officers have been elected, give them an opportunity to say a few words

A program sequence or agenda should be developed. It is important that the agenda is followed during the meeting. Copies should be made available to members.

Prepare a proposed time schedule for the agenda and inform attendees of the schedule. Avoid lengthy, unproductive meetings. Preplanning and preparation prevent disorganization.

Prepare copies of chapter minutes and treasurer’s report to be distributed

The Executive Committee should meet prior to the chapter meeting to discuss and recommend items for chapter consideration. The executive committee’s report should be made with recommendation for adoption (allow sufficient time for discussion)

Form a host/hostess committee(reception group)

Identify and acknowledge alumni attending for the first time and also other guest

After the meeting send a report of activities along with pictures to the Alumni Relations Office so that the chapter’s activities can be shared with other alums

Make an effort to advertise the meeting in the local press. This may attract interest from untapped alumni in the area and serves to inform your community that Savannah State University is represented in the area

In addition to hosting meetings to discuss the business of the chapter and/or university, chapters should periodically host other settings that will also attract alumni in the area. The following are some suggestions:

Informal Settings o No formal agenda o Round table discussion (ie. book review, social or political issues, community

problems, university updates) o Serve light refreshments

Buffet Dinner o May be held in the home of an alumni o Members can organize a covered dish/pot luck dinner to reduce costs o Movies/slide presentations can be shown

Picnic or Cookout o Suitable for family recreation o Good “get acquainted” function

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Bingo Party (part of income can be applied to chapter treasury)

Card Party o May be held in home of alumni or an inexpensive site o Can be used to strengthen the chapter’s treasury

Banquet/Dinner o This type function may be reserved for an annual (major) fundraiser.

Dinner/Dance o This type function may be reserved for an annual (major) fundraiser.

Mix and Mingle Business/Social Set o Great early evening mixer (immediately after work hrs) o May be held in conjunction with informal gatherings o May be held at private facility or home of alumni o Give alumni an opportunity to become better acquainted with each other

Tours and Excursions o Suitable for family recreation o Can strengthen treasury. This is particularly true if activity is open to family/friends

not associated with the chapter

Suggested Alumni Chapter Projects

Support the university’s quest for outstanding students. Recruit capable students to attend Savannah State as they plan their educational future.

Provide scholarships for outstanding students, athletes and students with special talents. Be knowledgeable of university’s schools, programs and extra-curricular activities such as music, drama, seminars, etc.

Recruit/ reclaim alumni in the area to build chapter and national alumni association membership

Be aware of potential areas of support within the local community and notify the University Advancement Office to make them aware of this existence.

Present awards in the community for outstanding scholarship, alumni service or citizenship

Sponsor picnic or social for local recently admitted freshmen prior to the beginning of fall semester, Winter break or other appropriate time

Sponsor a local forum for discussion of educational issues/challenges within the community as well as on college campuses

Identify persons to represent the chapter/university at local civic ceremonials or university activities

Establish a welcoming committee to welcome and assist new SSU graduates and other alums moving into the local community.

Sponsor the University’s choir(s), band or other groups

Provide the local high school media centers and counselors offices with information on the university

The Successful Chapter

There are many vital factors to being successful however the following are most important

Schedule regular chapter meetings

Hold productive and timely meetings

Elect committed, progressive and dedicated chapter officers

Do not allow elections to become popularity contests

Develop an accurate mailing/email list of its membership

Prepare an activity schedule and distribute to chapter members

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Delegate the chapter’s activities to standing and ad-hoc committees. Don’t foster a one man chapter. (Note: assure that committees are headed by dedicated, responsible persons). The president should charge each committee with specific responsibilities on behalf of the chapter/university

Request written committee reports so that only important points are verbally reported

Become financially independent and maintain an annual budget for each committee and activity

The chapter should be supported by the entire membership through nominal dues.

Insure that the chapter is represented at SSUNAA meetings/conferences, and SSU events

If chapter meeting is not a success, determine why it failed and make correction for future meetings

Do not leave meetings at loose ends

Understand and work cooperatively on behalf of Savannah State University (it’s all about SSU)

Invite prominent men and women to your meetings

Tips for preparing News Releases

Brevity in the style of all newspaper and radio releases. When preparing a story for local release, make the information clear and concise.

Include WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and WHY in the story and the name/telephone of the contact person

Limit stories to one typewritten, double spaced page. Only exceedingly important stories should be longer. Email and faxed stories are accepted by most media

When possible, provide a picture to be published with the story

Develop a personal relation with editor of the paper or radio station by delivering the first few stories personally.

Important meetings with an outstanding speaker are worthy of an advance and a follow-up story.

Send information about your chapter activity to the Alumni Office/SSUNAA for the Alumni Anchor.

Radio coverage by the local media is very important and will usually reach a larger number of alumni

Services from the Alumni Office/SSUNAA

The Alumni Office and/or SSUNAA will provide:

Coordination of activities thru the organizational phase

Rosters of known alumni in area

Mail/email notices of the organization meetings (the organizational chairperson should prepare information to include date of meeting, time, place, program format, other deadlines)

Videos of campus activities

Brochures and pamphlets on campus development

A university speaker when possible

Admissions information

Notices of seminars, workshops and other programs sponsored by the university

Up to date information on job opportunities that will allow alumni to apply if interested/qualified

It is suggested that the alumni relations director visits each chapter every other year or upon request

Alumni Anchor publication

Information relative to the National Alumni Association

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INSTALLATION OF LOCAL & NATIONAL ELECTED OFFICERS The officers of the national and local bodies shall be installed by a person appointed/selected by the newly installed president. The newly elected officers and the body should be informed of the time and place of the installation. Symbols and arrangements of the installation ceremony are left to the discretion of the president or the person installing.

THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY National and Local

Installing Officer: The members of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association (chapter name for local ceremony) have found you worthy to receive the honor and confidence of national leadership and trusteeship. True to our ideal of service, you now have been called to labor with even greater energy for the Association. Your fidelity, industry and judgment will deepen the broadening influence of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association throughout the nation (local community, if applicable). Your zeal will quicken the cooperation of all members. Your vision will make brighter the goal of our united efforts. As our representatives, you are living emblems of our association. Are you now prepared to accept your charge? If so, please answer “Yes I Am”.

Officers- Elect (Answer): Yes I Am Installing Officer: To our President Elect (name): It shall be your duty to preside at all meetings of the Association (chapter); to enhance a due observance of the Constitution and By Laws; to decide all questions of order; to offer for consideration all motions regularly made; to apportion duties which the Association or Executive Committee may deem necessary and to appoint all Committees not otherwise provided for elsewhere in the Constitution. You shall have the power to call the Executive Committee into special session at any time and to resolve urgent business matters pertinent to the Association during a period of crisis. Do you accept?

President Elect: I Do Installing Officer: To our Vice President Elect (name): You shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President and perform such duties as may be assigned by the President. Do you accept?

Vice President Elect: I Do (National Only) Installing Officer: To our Executive Vice President (name): You shall assist the President and Director of Alumni Relations and serve as special assistant to the President, Vice President and the Executive Committee. Do you accept?

Executive Vice President Elect: I Do (National Only) Installing Officer: To our Regional Vice Presidents Elect (name/region): You shall assist the President and Director of Alumni Relations in alumni field service. You shall coordinate programs in your respective region and perform such duties as may be assigned by the President. Do you accept?

Regional Vice Presidents Elect: I Do Installing Officer: To our Recording Secretary Elect (name): You shall keep a record of the proceedings of the Association and a record of the official membership roster (National: maintain a list of active chapters). Do you accept?

Recording Secretary Elect: I Do

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Installing Officer: To our Corresponding Secretary Elect (name): You shall work closely with the Recording Secretary so that records may be kept up to date and also assist the Recording Secretary by keeping copies of correspondence for the record and serve as secretary in the absence of the Recording Secretary. Do you accept?

Corresponding Secretary Elect: I do Installing Officer: To our Financial Secretary Elect (name): You shall receive and record all incoming funds and promptly receipt the same to the Association’s Treasurer. Do you accept?

Financial Secretary Elect: I Do Installing Officer: To our Treasurer Elect (name): You shall receive all monies belonging to the Association from the Financial Secretary, make necessary disbursements with the approval of the President, keep an account of all receipts and expenditures and shall make biannual (local - regular) reports to the Association. Do you accept?

Treasurer Elect: I Do Installing Officer: To our Chaplain Elect (name): You shall open and close the meetings with prayer, lead devotional services if so desired and endow the members with religious inspiration. Do you accept?

Chaplain Elect: I Do Installing Officer: To our Reporter (name): You shall announce, in local and national mediums of communications, all activities of the Association that will acquaint the public with goals, objectives and accomplishments of the Association. Do you accept?

Reporter: I Do Installing Officer: To our Parliamentarian (name): You shall assist with any questions that may arise in interpreting bylaws and rules, or in connection with the work of the Association and of officers and committees and shall give advice to the presiding officer when requested.

Parliamentarian: I Do Installing Officer: I now have the honor of declaring you duly elected or appointed installed officers of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association (chapter name for local ceremony).

(ask membership to stand)

Membership stands and repeats after installing officer: We as members - pledge our loyalty and support - as you guide this organization in the fulfillment of its purposes.

Installing Officer: I congratulate each of you for being elected to serve the alumni association. I now ask that President (name) share a few comments with us.

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SSUNAA OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

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THE CHARTERING CEREMONY

The National Alumni President (or designee) will present the charter to the new chapter. The installation of chapter officers will take place at this time also. Members of Savannah State University National Alumni Association (name of new chapter), you have expressed a desire to renew your pledge to support Savannah State University and the Savannah State University National Alumni Association. You have expressed a desire to organize a chapter with alumni of Savannah State University which will facilitate you working together while renewing the fellowship which you experienced as students at SSU In organizing an Alumni Chapter, the bonds will be more flexible, yet there is a definite responsibility and commitment of each of you to maintain the ideals of this association as you serve your community in the name of the SSU National Alumni Association. Therefore, Do you this day renew your adherence to the ideals of SSU and the National Alumni Association? If so, you will answer, “I Do”. Do you promise to observe the Constitution and Bylaws of the national association and any guidelines that may be established from time to time by the Executive Committee? If so, you will answer, “I Do” I declare you, your associates and successors the SSU National Alumni Association (name of chapter), to exist and to have succession as such. You will be subject to the rights and responsibilities of the association under the present and future Constitution and Bylaws. As a chapter you are invested with all rights, duties and privileges that any alumni chapter or member may now possess. In confirmation of these privileges and responsibilities which are now yours, and by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the National Alumni Association, I present this charter to (name of chapter) thus signifying the chartering ceremony has been duly performed.

REACTIVATION/RE-CHARTERING CEREMONY of CHAPTER LAST PARAGRAPH/SENTENCE: In confirmation of these privileges and responsibilities which are now yours, and by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the National Alumni Association, I now declare the Reactivation of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association (name of chapter). I present this charter to you thus signifying the re-chartering ceremony of the chapter.

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PINNING CEREMONY FOR GRADUATES

REQUEST EACH GRADUATE AND ALUMNI PARTICIPATING IN THE CEREMONY TO STAND - THE

ACTUAL PINNING CEREMONY IS AFTER THE READING BELOW…

THIS PINNING CEREMONY IS VERY SPECIAL TODAY. I ASK THAT EACH ALUMNI PLACE THE PIN AS

CLOSE TO THE HEART AS POSSIBLE.

AND, I ASK THAT THE PIN IS PLACE CLOSE TO THE HEART BECAUSE THE HEART IS THAT ORGAN

WITHIN YOUR BODY THAT IS THE SOURCE OF MAN’S EMOTIONS AND DEEPEST FEELINGS. IT

CAUSES THE EMOTION OF LOVE.

THEREFORE WE HOPE THAT BY PINNING YOU CLOSE TO YOUR HEART, YOU WILL ALWAYS

SHOW LOVE, PRIDE AND DEVOTION FOR THIS UNIVERSITY AND YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY

BECOME AN ACTIVE AND INVOLVED ALUMNI.

AS AN ACTIVE AND INVOLVED ALUMNI YOU WILL TAKE PRIDE IN GIVING BACK FINANCIALLY TO

ASSIST IN ADVANCING THE MISSION AND GOALS OF THE UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION.

REMEMBER, “YOU CAN GET ANYWHERE FROM HERE” AND WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT YOU WILL

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR SSU WHEREVER YOU GO.

CONGRATULATIONS…

LET THE PINNING BEGIN

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SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL ALUMNI COVENANT

Graduates/now Alumni, please stand and raise your right hand and signify your understanding

by saying “I do so understand.”

As a Savannah State University graduate, you must keep in mind the high purposes to which you

have aspired and for which this great university has prepared you: intellectual development,

moral behavior, compassionate relationships and personal actions for the good of the

commonwealth. Do you understand?

Graduates: I do so understand.

As a Savannah State University graduate you must be alert to opportunities to advance the

legitimate interests and welfare of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association

and, through the Association, to assist in the continued development of Savannah State

University. Do you understand?

Graduates: I do so understand

As a Savannah State University graduate, it is incumbent that you give financial support to the

Savannah State University National Alumni Association and to your Alma Mater as a means of

providing an educational legacy for those who will follow you. Do you understand?

Graduates: I do so understand

Considering what you have just heard and have read silently, do you covenant with members of

the Savannah State University National Alumni Association?

Graduates: I do hereby covenant with the members of the Savannah State University National

Alumni Association and solemnly pledge my loyal support to my Alma Mater Savannah State

University.

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Savannah State University National Alumni Association Candidate Information Packet

Thank you for expressing an interest to serve as an officer in Savannah State University National Alumni Association. The Candidate packet should be completed and presented to the Chairman of the nominating committee by the due date. The packet should include:

A letter of Interest

Biographical Information

Completed Application

Verification of Attendance at Annual Meetings

Verification of participation in fundraisers

The qualification for elected officers is listed in Article V of the Constitution and are listed below for your convince.

Article V– Minimum Qualifications for Elected Officers Section 1. To be eligible for an elected office, all candidates must meet the following qualification: A. Must be a member of a local chapter and/or the National Alumni Association for a period of two years prior to candidacy. B. Must have registered and attended one of the last two annual meetings prior to candidacy. C. Must have financially supported one of the last three National Fundraising efforts excluding the National Raffle. D. Must have served a minimum of (2) years in a leadership role on a local, region or national level as an officer, committee chairman or committee member. E. Must complete the application for candidacy and present to the nominating committee by September 30th proceeding the election year.

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Savannah State University National Alumni Association

Application for Candidacy

Name Last First Middle

Street Address Mailing Address

Phone Number: Home Work Cell

City State Zip Code

e-mail

Office for which you are Applying

Chapter Membership Years of Membership

National Involvement

A. Membership Status (Please Check)

Regular Basic Life Prestigious Diamond

B. Annual Meetings

1. List the last two Annual Meetings for which you registered

2. List the last two Annual Meetings that you attended

C. Fundraising

1. Have you financially supported SSUNAA fundraisers? Yes No

2. List the last three fundraisers you financially supported

a.

b.

c.

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List Leadership Positions Held at the Local, Region and National level

Local:

Position Held Term of Office Terms Served

Region:


29

National


I affirm that the information provided on the application is true and correct. I understand that falsification of any information in this application is subject to denial of participation in the election process.

Signature Date

31

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