A Message from the Chair
Samuel L. Williams, Jr. '68
Good Afternoon Alumni!
As we stride into a promising New Year, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each of you for a year filled with accomplishments and success. Your support and trust in electing me as your Alumni Chair are deeply appreciated.
It's imperative to acknowledge that our separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is in a stable financial position, yet there's room for growth. As part of our administration's core focus, we aim to diversify revenue streams to bolster the General Alumni Association of Fisk University’s (GAAFU) financial standing.
Our foremost initiative involves augmenting our Life Membership program by welcoming 200 new members by year's end, with a goal of 100 new members within the initial 90 days. Achieving this milestone will result in a revenue increase of $150,000 by year's end and $75,000 within the first ninety days.
Upon reaching our Life Membership goal, we'll contemplate adjusting the membership fee, subject to approval by our esteemed Board of Directors. I urge you to seize this opportunity to fortify the success of our program.
Our inaugural Board Meeting was held in Nashville on Saturday, February 3, 2024. During this gathering, we deliberated our goals, mission, vision, and proposed amendments to our bylaws. Expect some correspondence outlining our recommendations, disseminated to all financial members. Ensure your 2024 dues are settled to receive this correspondence.
Having engaged with our new President, Dr. Agenia Clark, I am genuinely impressed by her remarkable demeanor, style, and dedication. I believe her tenure will be exceptional, and as loyal alumni, we're committed to supporting her vision for Fisk. My heartfelt appreciation extends to Janine Smith and her administration for their commendable work. Additionally, I wish to express gratitude to Tennessee State Representative Sam McKenzie for his unwavering support as our fellow Alumni Trustee. Lela Wingard Hughes and Frank Simmons have elevated the role of Alumni Trustee, and their contributions deserve commendation.
Allow me to outline some commitments I urge each of you to undertake:
1. Sustain your Annual Giving to Fisk.
2. Enroll in the Life Membership program and fulfill your payment.
3. Encourage your classmates to join this initiative.
4. Attend Homecoming 2024 (November 3-9) and graduation and reunion weekend (May 3-6, 2024). It's an enriching experience, even outside your reunion year.
5. Engage with your local association, pay your dues, and actively participate
8. Help recruit new students to Fisk by referring students you know and by representing Fisk at college fairs in your area.
7. Should you have any queries or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. We're here to address them.
Together, let's embark on this journey to strengthen our alma mater, Fisk University, further. Your continued support is integral to our collective success and enhancing the GAAFU brand.
Warm regards,
Sam Williams '68, Chair
General Alumni Association of Fisk University, Inc.
2/7/2024