Featured Golden Graduates

My journey began in the summer of 1976. That orientation on campus was not just an introduction to college — it marked the beginning of a lifelong transformation. I immediately formed unbreakable bonds with friends like Yvonne W. Gibson, Andrea Ross, Glenda Brown, and Ruby S. Nelson. Beyond my own peers, I found meaningful mentorship and support from members of the Class of 1972 and from instructors who recognized my potential long before I recognized it in myself.

I also had the privilege of witnessing a new era at Bowie State University, including the establishment of the BSU football team and the birth of a new chapter of Bulldog pride.

One of the defining pillars of my college experience was becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Through my sorority, I learned the true meaning of sisterhood — uplifting one another to become the best versions of ourselves. I embraced the importance of scholarship, committing to the intellectual rigor required of a leader, and service, understanding that education is a powerful tool to strengthen and uplift our communities.

Bowie State did not simply give me a degree; it gave me a life. BSU taught me to become a thoughtful, informed, and compassionate educator who was fully prepared for the complexities of the professional world. Most importantly, Bowie State is where I met my husband, forever weaving the university into the fabric of my family.

As the years passed, my role evolved from student to steward. Taking pride in BSU’s humble beginnings in 1865, I have dedicated myself to helping secure its future. Through my parents’ endowment — the Dr. Cleophus and Marion Hatcher 5K Scholarship Walk — I have worked to help pave the way for future Bulldogs. I have also remained committed to networking with and encouraging fellow alumni to pour back into the institution that poured so much into us.

Standing here in May 2026 as a Golden Graduate, I reflect with immense pride on the journey from orientation in 1976 to this celebration today. Through it all, the mission has remained the same: helping one another become the best versions of ourselves.

Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog. Bowie Bold!

Bowie State University: My Home Away From Home! When I first arrived on campus, tears were building inside while smiles remained on the outside to impress my parents. I was their first child to attend college! I remember thinking, Oh my goodness, what have I gotten myself into? Bowie was a small college in a rural area with only a few buildings, and I had enrolled without ever visiting the campus. Most students from my area attended HBCUs along Interstate 95 or 85, so why had I chosen Interstate 495 and Route 50 instead? The answer was simple — my hometown friend, Avis, was attending Bowie. We shared similar personalities, and I believed that if she loved Bowie, I would too.

What I quickly discovered was that Bowie State University truly became my home away from home. Our caring professors always had our best interests at heart, teaching us valuable life skills while maintaining outstanding academic rigor. Bowie prepared us for the world. Whenever we stepped into any classroom, we were confident, bold, and prepared to excel. The professors, teachers, librarians, security officers, maintenance staff, and cafeteria workers all became part of my extended family.

While at Bowie, I met the love of my life, Marvin Gibson, on campus. We have now been married for 48 years. In the spring of 1975, I was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Delta Chapter, embracing a lifelong commitment to service, scholarship, sisterhood, and social action. I was also honored to make the Dean’s List, serve as president of the Education Club, and become a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society.

As a summa cum laude graduate in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology, I pursued a fulfilling career in teaching. My journey first took me back home to Lawrenceville, Virginia, and later to Washington, DC, and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Along the way, I was blessed to receive several honors, including Rookie Teacher of the Year, a nomination for the Christa McAuliffe Outstanding Teacher Award, the Maryland General Assembly Citation for Legislative District 25, and the Subway Outstanding Teacher Award, nominated by a parent.

June 5, 1976 — 50 years ago — remains one of the most exciting days of my life. On that day, I received my diploma, a new car, and a marriage proposal!

And look at Bowie State University now — a state-of-the-art university that continues to transform lives and shape future generations. BSU for Life! My Home Away From Home!

Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Bowie State University!

Being a Golden Graduate has given me the opportunity and privilege to reflect on my career as a Licensed Social Worker and the many blessings that began at Bowie State University. As a student at BSU, I was well prepared in my field of study and earned scholarships to attend two PWIs, where I obtained my Master of Social Work degree as well as a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling. I was also licensed as a Minister of the Gospel.

During my journey, I became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and proudly celebrated my Golden year in 2025. There is truly no comparison to attending an HBCU during the 1970s and maintaining lifelong friendships through the years. Today, the West/Spriggs family proudly represents four generations of Bowie State graduates.

BSU played a significant role in shaping my professional career as a Social Worker with the Department of Human Services in Washington, DC. In retirement, I was honored to establish an endowment in my name to support Social Work students and help future generations pursue their educational and professional goals.

The seventies were such a MEMORABLE ERA at BSU, and I feel very fortunate to have been there from 1971 to 1976.

After graduating, I began my professional career as an accountant. In November of that same year, I married my college sweetheart, Larry Williams, also a 1976 BSU graduate.

I acquired extensive experience at multiple federal agencies. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, manual systems transitioned to automated ones, and I had the opportunity to serve on several transition teams.

Fifty years later, I look back with heartfelt gratitude for Dr. Sammye Miller and Professor Richard Lowery. Their positive energy, care, and guidance prepared me to soar.

I feel so blessed and grateful for my time at BSU: for the education that equipped me for an outstanding career, for the beautiful memories, and for the lifelong friends who have become more than friends — they are FAMILY.

I am now Golden, and I am BSU4LIFE.

Bowie State University will always be the place where everything started for me. It is more than the school I attended — it is the foundation for who I am, what I have accomplished, and how I serve others. As a first-generation college student, arriving on campus was both exciting and intimidating. I was away from home for the first time and uncertain about what to expect, but Bowie State welcomed me with open arms and quickly became my home away from home.

The friendships I built at Bowie became lifelong relationships rooted in love, support, and shared experiences. Those bonds continue to shape my life today. More importantly, Bowie helped me discover my voice, confidence, and purpose. The professors and mentors I encountered challenged and encouraged me to strive for excellence not only academically, but also in leadership, character, and service.

The values instilled in me at Bowie State became the foundation for both my career and community involvement. Those lessons inspired my commitment to advocating for children and families through leadership roles such as President of the Board of Directors 

for the Maryland Children Alliance, Director of the Child Advocacy Center of Prince George’s County, and Director of Mental Health Services for the Baltimore Child Abuse Center.

Bowie State also strengthened my passion for service and community engagement, including my role as President of the Baltimore Chapter of the Bowie State University National Alumni Association and Sergeant at Arms of the Baltimore County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Even throughout my career as a federal employee with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the principles of excellence, resilience, and service that Bowie poured into me remained at the center of my work. When I reflect on my journey, I see how deeply Bowie State shaped both my heart and mind. It gave me the opportunity to grow, learn, persevere, and become the woman I am today. I love Bowie State University deeply. It’s my home, my foundation, and the place that set me on the path I’m still walking. Bowie made me who I am, and I carry its spirit with me everywhere I go.

Gloria Green ('76)

Being a Golden Graduate means embracing a life shaped by service, creativity, and purpose. I have been blessed with opportunities to empower adults, inspire thousands of students, and serve as a steady light for many along the way. Through teaching art and life skills, I have built upon the strong foundation instilled in me by my parents, friends, church family, Bowie State University, and years of learning and experience.

I thank God for good health, stability, and the opportunity to uplift others through my work and service. This honor affirms the meaning and impact of my journey and reflects the light I continue to share with those around me.

Dr. Colin Cooper ('76)

From 1972 to 1976, BSU was my sanctuary—a place where I was nurtured, challenged, and inspired to excel. As a summa cum laude Psychology major, Miss Junior, and a student-athlete, I thrived under the mentorship of Dr. Ingram and Mr. Lowery, whose guidance shaped both my academic and personal journey.

That strong foundation propelled me to become the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and ultimately led me back to BSU as a tenured professor.

Being recognized as a Golden Graduate is a full-circle moment—one that honors not only my own achievements, but also my family’s legacy as I carry forward the distinction of earning our second college degree. It represents 50 years of excellence, service, and unwavering Bulldog pride. The journey continues.

Glenda Brown ('76)