TAMU-C Alumni Gather in Sulphur Springs,
at Tuesday Afternoon Reception

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Dr. Dan Jones, President of TAMU-C, addressed the large crowd of TAMU-C Alumni
gathered at a reception on Tuesday afternoon.

 

You can imagine the challenge of gathering all the individuals in the greater Hopkins County area, that have attended Texas A&M University-Commerce, East Texas State University, or East Texas Teacher's College, together. Well, that's what was attempted on Tuesday afternoon, and the size of the crowd indicated that organizers did a very good job. A "packed" crowd gathered at the Holiday Inn Express, on Tuesday, for a reception and an attempt to organize local alumni. "I knew there were loads of alumni from this area, but when you get a crowd like this, it is astounding," expressed Wayne Galyean, on of the event organizers and a member of the TAMU-C Alumni Board. "We're certainly pleased with the interest and feel that a group this size can certainly make a difference in helping local students achieve their educational goals and learn of the many, many great experiences offered at TAMU-C!"

 

 

 

"I'm certainly pleased to have this kind of crowd and support, right here in our own backyard!" exclaimed an excited Dr. Dan Jones, President of TAMU-C. "With numbers of interested alumni, like this, much good can be done and reflect positively on our university!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jones addressed the large group of TAMU-C Alumni and revealed that there is the highest enrollment in the university's 121 year history, with 10,647 students enrolled for the fall semester. "Like a large portion of you in this room, there is still a constant 60% of those students that are 'first generation' students in their family to go to college," revealed Jones. "And, they need the support and encouragement from alumni such as you to offer them the positive influence that only you can provide!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Many of you have walked in their very same shoes, and nothing can motivate them more, than you sharing with them the experiences you have had, after working one or two jobs, while attaining an education that has made a difference in your life," continued Jones. "Your very lives and successes are what these students need to hear about and keep them focused on attaining their goals!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Certainly, the students we have at the university are dressed a little bit different, than you were, and yes, you probably wouldn't recognize some of the methods of learning in the classrooms, but the 'core' needs and experiences are much the same as they were when you were students," expressed Jones. "Presently  we have over 500 students enrolled at the university from the Hopkins County area, and they need your support and encouragement!"

 

 

 

Galyean challenged the group to contribute to the scholarship fund that can allow students to help meet some of their financial needs, while attending TAMU-C. "I'm going to pass the 'offering plate,' like at church and ask you to help make dreams come alive for students, attending TAMU-C," denoted Galyean. "And, remember this fund, when bestowing gifts and supporting students in our community!"

"It was great to connect with people right here in Sulphur Springs, that many times you forget are alumni of TAMU-C, and shared the very same experiences that you did, in Commerce," allowed Markeda Price Fisher. "We all had a great time and as Dr. Jones and Wayne encouraged, we need to do our part in encouraging and supporting the students that are attending today!"

 

 

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