Jackson State University News April 13, 2012 Alumni donate record $2.56 million to Jackson State University (JACKSON, Miss.) - Jackson State University alumni surprised JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers when they presented her with a record $2.56 million in cash and pledges during the university's inauguration events in March. "Along with our students, our alumni are the best ambassadors Jackson State University has," Meyers said. "When they show such strong support for their university, it fosters a culture of giving." The record contributions were the result of JSU's "Alumni Challenge," which launched just six months ago. The campaign aimed to raise at least $1 million from JSU graduates before Meyers' March 2012 inauguration. To date, alums have contributed $2,561,093 in cash and pledges. The JSU National Alumni Association took the lead in fundraising efforts. "Our alumni love their school and are proud of all that is happening at Jackson State," said alumni association president Terry L. Woodard. "This year they stepped up as never before to show how much they support Jackson State and its students." Two alums - JSU graduate Cortez Bryant and an anonymous donor - each made a contribution of $500,000 in gifts and pledges. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.