Alumni Support Bowie State Students’ Return to Classes

63 Volunteers Demonstrate What Bowie Family Means

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Students returning to Bowie State University’s campus on Monday  were greeted by more than 60 alumni, many wearing BSU and fraternity and sorority jackets, and showing their concern for students’ well-being.  

Classes had been cancelled for a week following the shooting incident during the homecoming festivities on October 7. Alumni came to assure students that the university family is there to support them and ensure their safety.

The show of support from alumni was organized by the Office of Philanthropic Engagement with a call for alumni ambassadors over the weekend. Carla Hopkins, BSU’s director of alumni engagement, views alumni as perpetual stakeholders.

“Alumni know what it means to be on campus and sustain yourself,” said Hopkins. “Many of them took time off from their jobs to come and support the students. Bowie State is a family and for the alumni to come out on such a short notice shows their fervent commitment to the university.”

Hopkins says the plan was to have the alumni serve as Bowie State Ambassadors reinforcing that they are and always will be a part of the Bowie family. Sterlind Burke Sr., a retired high school principal, graduated from Bowie State with a master’s degree in education in 1988 says it was all about being there for the students.

“I just wanted to help,” said Burke. “Sometimes young people need a friendly face. I asked all of them if they would like a resource for academics, mental health or any other area. They always thanked me for being there. The entire experience for me was very positive.”

This isn’t the first time that Bowie State alumni have stepped up to help students. In August, alumni took students to the 60^th anniversary celebration of the historic March on Washington. Alumni also volunteer for commencement ceremonies, the CIAA basketball tournament, football and basketball games.

“Our job is to get our alumni involved with the university,” said Hopkins. “We want to bring more alum back to campus to attend programs, mentor students and stay active within the Bowie State community. Remember, it’s all about family.”

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.