Alcorn State University News November 10, 2022 Coca-Cola of Natchez and Coca-Cola United presented Alcorn State University with items to ease the burden of travel and assist student-athletes with their nutrition and hydration needs. Executives from Coca-Cola joined Alcorn State University's President Felecia M. Nave and the Department of Athletics to make a check presentation and donate supplies and a truck trailer to support athletics. Coca-Cola's relationship with Alcorn spans over ten years. "I want to thank Coca-Cola - Russ, Morio, and Carter - for what has been a tremendous partnership," said Dr. Felecia M. Nave, president of Alcorn State University. It is a relationship that, since I arrived, they have answered and gone above and beyond whenever we've made a request. We have moved from having Alcorn branded on their delivery trucks that travel throughout Southwest Mississippi to what is culminating today to this trailer being donated to the University. Alcorn State University is very appreciative of the relationship." In addition, Coca-Cola filled the trailer with over 500 cases of water, Powerade, and BodyArmor for student-athletes to keep them hydrated on the playing field. "Coca-Cola United of Natchez and the Coca-Cola Company are certainly excited to offer this special gift of a trailer to the Alcorn State University Foundation highlighting our special partnership with Alcorn State University," said Russ Hendley, on premise sales operation manager, Coca-Cola United. "We hope that the gift of this trailer will be of help as they move around the country spreading excellence through athletics. Go, Braves!" Alcorn's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Raynoid Dedeaux expressed his appreciation for Coca-Cola's partnership. "Great partnerships are built on trust, shared vision, and a common goal," said Dedeaux. "Coca-Cola and Alcorn State have built its partnership for over a decade. The vision has been shared over and over again. Today's donation is just another sign of a good partnership. We thank you, Coca-Cola - Russ, Morio, and Carter. This is huge, and it's a blessing for recruiting and the University as a whole." The trailer eases the financial burden of the Athletics Department for transportation costs associated with truck rentals to transport the football team's equipment for away games. "I want to thank our partners at Coca-Cola for this wonderful donation to the Athletic Department," said Fred McNair, head football coach. "Now, we can be identified on the road as we travel. Our program no longer has to rent trucks. We thank Coca-Cola for donating to our program and the Athletic Department." Alcorn is the third Historically Black College and University (HBCU) that Coca-Cola has made this type of significant investment. "This is a proud moment for Coca-Cola United to associate with a great institution like Alcorn State University with an iconic brand like Coca-Cola," said Morio Lee, Director of Multi-Cultural Marketing & Community Affairs, Coca-Cola United. "You will see this truck as a mobile billboard that calls out Alcorn State wherever you go. We are happy to deliver that to the University as well as be the best partner we can be. We've been supporting HBCUs for a long time, and that is what makes us great partners. We look forward to a long-term relationship going forward." Aaron Tatum, a junior graphic designer in the Office of Marketing and Communication, designed the trailer graphics. "We are so excited about what this does for our football program, Athletics Department and how it helps Alcorn raise its profile and visibility in Southwest Mississippi and the world," said Nave. LaTasha Denard Executive Assistant HBCU Library Alliance (678) 210-5801 ext. 102 http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> ldenard@hbculibraries.org<mailto:Ldenard@hbculibraries.org> "Transforming for Tomorrow while Preserving the Past." Sandra M. Phoenix, Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance 678-210-5801 ext. 101 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Seek justice, honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/