History of the Washington, D.C. Metro Area Alumni Chapter

The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Alumni Chapter of the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association was founded in 1975 through the vision and leadership of two distinguished Alcornites, Shelby Buford and Adron Parker. Recognizing the need to unite Alcorn graduates living in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas, they sought to create a network that would strengthen alumni bonds and give back to the university that helped shape their lives and careers.

The chapter’s first meeting was held on June 29, 1975, marking the beginning of an organized effort to mobilize Alcorn alumni across the D.C. region. With strong enthusiasm and participation, a second meeting was convened on July 20, 1975, at 110 Maryland Avenue NW on Capitol Hill. During this pivotal gathering, plans were finalized to establish a formal structure and elect officers to lead the chapter forward.

On March 9, 1976, the chapter was officially chartered and incorporated in the District of Columbia, becoming one of the earliest organized alumni bodies outside the state of Mississippi. From that point forward, the Washington, D.C. Metro Area Chapter committed itself to recruiting alumni, engaging in community service, and generating scholarship funds to assist deserving students from the region who aspired to attend Alcorn State University.

Throughout the years, visionary leaders have continued to build upon the foundation laid by the chapter’s founders—expanding outreach, strengthening alumni engagement, and deepening the chapter’s impact within the D.C. community.

In 2007, the chapter achieved another major milestone by securing its 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable status from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, further enhancing its ability to raise funds and sustain its scholarship and enrichment initiatives.

Today, the Washington, D.C. Metro Area Alumni Chapter stands as one of the most active and respected Alcorn alumni chapters in the nation. With more than 200 Alcornites residing in the region and an active membership base exceeding 100, the chapter continues to embody the spirit of "Service, Scholarship, and Unity."

As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we honor the legacy of those who came before us while advancing our mission to support students, strengthen alumni engagement, and uphold the proud traditions of Alcorn State University — “The Reservation.”

A Golden Voyage

Celebrating 50 Years of Alcorn Pride, Legacy, and Academic Excellence!

Team Members