Jackson State 8th Biennial Confab set for June 2-5 in N.O.

The Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc., (JSUNAA) and the New Orleans Metro Alumni Chapter will host the 8th Biennial Conference in New Orleans, June 2-5, 2011. The theme for the conference is, “Renewed Alumni: Preserving the Legacy, Embracing the Future.”

The purpose of the 8th Biennial Conference is to:
1.) provide enlightening and engaging workshops, panel discussions, and other activities for over 200 conference attendees from across the U.S.;
2.) encourage stimulating conversation to obtain feedback on ways to strengthen and enhance Jackson State University;
3.) transact the business of the JSU National Alumni Association; and
4.) provide opportunities for fellowship and networking while fostering “esprit de corps” in a major tourist destination — New Orleans!

Highlights of the conference include a dynamic keynote address by Roland S. Martin, a CNN analyst, national award-winning journalist and commentator for TV One Cable Network. Martin is host of “Washington Watch with Roland Martin,” and was named one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The conference will also feature a panel discussion regarding the health of African Americans and a discussion regarding the future of historically Black colleges and universities with the Presidents of Jackson State, Dil­lard Univ­ersity and Southern University of New Orleans.

The New Orleans Metro Alumni Chapter will host a reception for Mr. Terry Woodard, president of the JSUNAA, Dr. Carolyn Meyer, President, Jackson State Univ­ersity and Mrs. Lydia Payne Monie, President, New Orleans Metro Chapter.

Other activities include a community service project at the Ronald McDonald house, a Job Fair, The Campaign for JSU, awards banquet and gospel sendoff. The banquet, which features the keynote, Roland S. Martin, is open to the public. Tickets are available for purchase.

The New Orleans Chapter is a member of the “Southwest Re­gion” of the JSUNAA and is the only active chapter in Louisiana, says Lydia Monie, president of the chapter. “We are excited about hosting this event and welcome alumni from across the country to enjoy the city and everything it has to offer, along with the various activities that have been planned for this conference.”

The 8th Biennial Conference offers various sponsorship levels and souvenir booklet advertising opportunities for the business community. Please contact Gwen Caples, Director of Alumni and Constituency Relations, at (601) 979-6944, if you would like to serve as a sponsor.

The mission of the Jackson State University National Alumni Asso­ciation is to participate as a partner with the university in student recruitment, alumni retention and expansion, financial support, public relations and community outreach. The JSUNAA has approximately 40 board members and 60 alumni chapters that represent six regions in America. The association contributes to Jackson State University via scholarships, mentoring and participation in university activities. The JSUNAA is also actively involved in community service projects with local schools, nursing homes, homeless shelters, the arts, fundraising, Adopt-a-family and other events.

This story originally published in the May 30, 2011 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.