GUNAA

Newsletter

January 2026

Grambling University National Alumni Association

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A Message from Our President

Dr. Tammy Richardson

College of Business -1991

As we begin a new year, January serves as both a moment of reflection and a call to action. We enter this year grounded in our proud legacy and energized by the work ahead to strengthen our organization, support our alma mater, and engage alumni across generations.

This month, our focus is on setting a strong foundation for the year. Committees are activating their annual work plans, chapters are preparing for programmatic and membership growth, and national leadership continues to advance key priorities that will position GUNAA for long-term sustainability. From governance and compliance to fundraising and alumni engagement, we are committed to operating with excellence, transparency, and purpose.

January also marks an important time to recommit to service. Whether through chapter involvement, volunteerism, mentorship, or financial support, every alumnus has a role to play in ensuring that Grambling State University continues to thrive. Your engagement—no matter the form—directly contributes to the impact we can collectively make.

As we move forward, communication and collaboration will remain central to our work. We encourage all alumni to stay informed, attend meetings and events, and share ideas that will help us better serve our community. Together, we will continue to honor the past while building a stronger future for GUNAA and GSU.

We look forward to a productive and impactful year ahead and thank you for your continued commitment and support.

Communications from the Vice President

Crystal Sayles

Drafting Design

Engineering Technology

Class of 1988

VP Crystal Sayles, January invites us to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader who showed us the transformative power of service, sacrifice, and collective action. As we honor him through our Day of Service, we are reminded that communities flourish when we give our time, share our gifts, and commit to supporting one another. That same spirit sustains our National Alumni Association. Our mission, programs, and support of our beloved university all depend on active participation from our members at both the local and national levels. This year, I invite you to lend your voice, talent, and leadership by joining one of our national committees. Your involvement will help strengthen our work, expand our impact, and ensure that we continue building a legacy our alumni can be proud of. We need you and your contribution truly matters. Join Today!

https://www.gunaa.org/committees

Announcements

Attention all Gramfam, we invite you to help us spread the word about an exciting opportunity to support GUNAA and leave a lasting mark on Grambling State University. Through the Alumni House/Brick Project, you can turn your support into a permanent legacy by purchasing an engraved brick to honor a loved one, commemorate a special moment, or celebrate your Grambling pride.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will support renovations to the National Alumni Office, ensuring it continues to serve future generations of Gramblinites. Every brick purchased is a meaningful investment in our past, present, and future.

Please share this initiative with your friends, family, and networks, and consider participating today https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/gunaa. Thank you for your continued commitment, support, and dedication to GUNAA!

Grambling State University is excited to honor our Golden Graduates—alumni celebrating 50 years—with a special recognition of the Class of 1976 in May 2026. We’re asking for your help to reconnect with members of this milestone class and ensure they are included in this meaningful celebration.

If you are, or know, a member of the Class of 1976, please encourage them to visit gram.edu/goldengrads to learn more and register. Thank you for helping us celebrate the legacy and lifelong bond of our Golden Graduates!

Spring 2026 High School Day registration is now live! You can access the link Grambling State University - High School/Preview Day for information and registration. Pre-registration will end on Friday, February 20th at 12:00 PM (any registration submitted without payment by this date will be voided). This special event is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends, expose prospective students to the Grambling Experience, enjoy special performances, and watch our Men and Women's basketball team take on Florida A&M University in a doubleheader!

Event Details: Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Time: Check-In begins at 8:30am

Location: Grambling State University (403 Main Street, Grambling, LA 71245)

Registration Costs: Individual Registration: $35 Group Registration (10+) $30 per person

Important:

No on-site registration will be available.
No cash payments will be accepted.
Payments can be made via check or credit/debit card.
A 3% processing fee will be applied for card payments made on the day of the event.

Grab your GUNAA 2024 merchandise for just $5, while supplies last! Items can be picked up at the National Office or shipped directly to you (shipping fees apply). Local chapters are encouraged to take advantage of this special opportunity. www.gunaa.org/shop PAY: Zeffy

GUNAA Celebrations & Member Spotlight

Congratulations to Life Member, Alvin Washington! He received the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Lambda Kappa Kappa chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Well done!

Congratulations to GUNAA Member, Al Turner, CEO and President of Turner & Turner Contracting. He was appointment as the 2026 Board Chairman of the United Way of Central Louisiana.

Sports

The mission of the Grambling State University Athletics Department is to build on our national reputation of winning championships, graduating student athletes, and developing leaders. Come out and support our teams. Visit all sporting schedules at gsutigers.com

Congratulations to the Grambling State University Department of Athletics on an outstanding Fall 2025 academic performance, highlighted by a 3.277 term GPA and 3.181 cumulative GPA. With 51 student-athletes earning a 4.0 GPA and 214 achieving a 3.0 or higher, this achievement reflects a strong commitment to excellence in the classroom.

Well done, Tigers!

Women's Basketball

Men's Basketball

Baseball

Softball

Alumni Chapter Spotlight

Shine the light on your chapter! We encourage all officers, regional representatives, committee chairs, and chapters to contribute content via gunaacommunications@gmail.com

Morehouse Chapter

Bastrop, LA

Dancing, fellowship and good eating! Local chapter members had a beautiful night out at the Christmas Gala.

Los Angeles Chapter

Los Angeles, CA

Nothing compares to the smiles on the children’s faces at the G Committee Toy Giveaway! It was a heart-warming day filled with laughter, joy, and the true spirit of giving. Our members proudly came together to serve the community we love, putting service first and making a meaningful impact where it matters most. Another amazing day of giving back—and a powerful reminder that when we serve, we uplift everyone.

Madison Parish Chapter

Tallulah, LA

A big win for a great cause! The Madison Grambling Alumni Chapter in Tallulah, LA turned up the excitement by raffling off a 58” TV to support our annual scholarship program! Thanks to incredible community support, ticket sales raised over $600 for scholarships. Congratulations to our lucky winner, Ms. Emma Blackshire—a proud Gramblinite and dedicated faculty member at Madison High School.

Monroe-Ouachita Chapter

Monroe, LA

Calling ALL Ouachita Parish Seniors!

The Monroe–Ouachita Chapter of GUNAA is now accepting scholarship applications—don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future! Eligible students are encouraged to apply today and take the next step toward achieving their academic goals. Applications are due by March 10, 2026, so act now, gather your materials, and submit your application. For questions or more information, contact monroeouachitascholarship@gmail.com

Los Angeles Chapter

Join the Grambling University Alumni Association of Los Angeles for the 34th Annual Scholarship Breakfast Fundraiser and help support the next generation of Tigers. Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 8:30 AM at The Grand Long Beach, and be a part of a meaningful morning of fellowship, purpose, and impact. Your participation and $65 donation help open doors through education—don’t miss it!

Douglas L. Williams Chapter

Houston, TX

The MLK Unity Parade was a success! The Douglas L. Willams Chapter received a ton of love and great exposure for our dear ole school. #MLKParade #GramFamLove #WhyNotGrambling

B.T. Crawford Chapter

Beinville Parish and Surrounding Areas

Local members doing the work of Dear Ole’ GSU by giving back and providing scholarships for the future Tigers.

Ray D. Molo Chapter

Lake Charles,LA

Chapter members celebrated the holidays in style.Thanks for all you do in the community!

Metro Atlanta Chapter

Calling all Grambling alumni and supporters🍿 Please support our popcorn fundraiser and invest in the work that keeps our alumni community thriving. One purchase, big impact.

Purchase Tickets Here

Douglas L. Williams Chapter

Houston, TX

The time has come to get your tickets! You do not want to miss this event. This is your opportunity to support your Houston area students wishing to become future alumni. This scholarship event will also highlight of our best local area vendors!

Tickets available online only and for presale only through March 15th. Prices will increase starting March 16 and will end March 21st.

Purchase Tickets Here

Retraction: In our previous newsletter, we incorrectly listed the Bayou Classic Parade chairpersons as Ingrid and Fred Johnson. The correct listing is Ingrid and Kevin Johnson. We regret the error.

IN OTHER NEWS

ANTHONY D. TURNER SCHOLARSHIP

Now is the time to take action and invest in our future. We encourage eligible students and supporters to spread the word about the Anthony D. Turner Scholarship, with applications due by April 1, 2026. Every application submitted and every connection shared helps create opportunity and lasting impact. For questions or additional information, please contact the Anthony D. Turner Scholarship at info@adtscholarship.org

Scholarship Application

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA SYSTEM BOARD SETS 2026 LEADERSHIP AND ADVANCES SYSTEMIZATION EFFORTS

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors met to establish its 2026 leadership and advance a systemwide strategy focused on institutional sustainability, alignment, and long-term service to Louisiana. During the meeting, the Board and the Governor’s Office honored Dr. Mildred Bernice Gauthier Gallot for her lasting contributions to higher education and her influence on System President Rick Gallot. Leaders emphasized student success, measurable outcomes, and a high-quality student experience as guiding priorities, while also discussing systemization efforts to improve operational effectiveness and preserve each university’s unique mission. The Board will continue this collaborative work throughout 2026 to strengthen institutions and uphold public trust.

THE EMPOWERMENT GAP: WHY POWER, NOT PARTICIPATION, SHAPES HBCU FUNDING

The article “The Endowment Gap Is a Story About Power” challenges the persistent misconception that HBCU alumni don’t give, showing that participation rates are often competitive while institutions still struggle to build substantial endowments due to structural inequities. It explains how historic underfunding, wealth disparities, debt burdens, and biased philanthropic systems limit the ability of HBCUs to convert loyalty into long-term institutional wealth. Rather than a lack of generosity, the piece argues the endowment gap reflects broader economic and systemic barriers faced by HBCUs and their alumni.

Read Full Article Here

Louisiana & HBCU Impactors

Chairperson: Vinson Primas

Join the Social Committee

Do you enjoy planning memorable events and bringing people together? The Social Committee is seeking engaged alumni to help plan and execute some of our most anticipated moments, including the Bayou Classic, Homecoming, and other major alumni classics throughout the year.

As a member of the Social Committee, you will:

Play a key role in planning high-visibility signature events
Collaborate with fellow alumni to create engaging, well-organized experiences
Help strengthen alumni connections, pride, and participation
Contribute your creativity, leadership, and organizational skills in a meaningful way

This is an excellent opportunity to serve, lead, and leave a lasting impact on our alumni community while working behind the scenes of our most celebrated traditions.

If you are organized, collaborative, and passionate about alumni engagement, we encourage you to step forward and join the Social Committee. Together, we will continue to elevate our events and create experiences worth remembering.

Get involved. Make an impact. Help us bring our traditions to life.e.

Email the Social Committee to Join

Voice Services

Available for GUNAA members who graduated or attended GSU before 1986. Please contact our national office at 318.247.6770 In the spirit of fairness —please reserve this limited service for members who depend on it to remain engaged with the alumni association.