from the Executive Board of the

Morgan State University New Jersey Chapter

From the President’s Desk: Honoring Black History Month & Our HBCU Legacy

As we proudly celebrate Black History Month, I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you our Morgan Alumni Family for the many ways you continue to uplift, support, and strengthen our New Jersey Alumni Chapter.

Whether you have volunteered your time, shared your talents and resources, supported our efforts from afar, or carried the intention to engage, your presence and commitment matter. Every contribution seen and unseen reinforces our collective mission and affirms the enduring power of the HBCU experience.

Morgan State University stands on a legacy built by trailblazers, scholars, activists, innovators, and leaders who dared to push boundaries and create opportunities where none existed. As Morganites, we are the living continuation of that legacy. Through service, mentorship, advocacy, and excellence, we honor those who came before us while paving the way for future generations of Bears.

Our chapter thrives because of your pride, your engagement, and your unwavering commitment to Morgan excellence. Together, we preserve our history, celebrate our culture, and advance the promise of higher education rooted in purpose and empowerment.

May this Black History Month inspire reflection, action, and renewed dedication to community, leadership, and legacy. Thank you for all that you do to ensure that Morgan’s story—and the HBCU impact—continues to be told with strength and pride. 💙🧡🐻

Forever Morgan, Morgan Forever

Claudia Ruffin, President New Jersey Alumni Chapter

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Morgan State University New Jersey Chapter Meeting

Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm

Fellow Morganites!

We invite you to join us for our monthly meeting. Our chapter officers will present the latest updates and share their exciting goals for the upcoming year.

Join the Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87318286749

Meeting ID: 873 1828 6749

MSU NJAC: Pride in the Past, Purpose in the Present

🚀 Don’t wait - Join us and help keep the Morgan legacy thriving in New Jersey!

⏰ The countdown is on! Our chapter year runs July 1 – June 30, and it’s time to lock in your 2025–2026 membership with the Morgan State University NJ Alumni Chapter! 💙🧡

Whether you’re a first-time member or making a proud return, your support keeps our traditions strong, energizes our events, and ensures the Morgan legacy continues to shine right here in New Jersey.

Let’s make this year bigger, bolder, and more Bear-strong than ever join us today! 🐻✨

✨ Don’t just cheer from the sidelines be part of the action! ✨

Join or renew today and let’s keep making Morgan history together! 🐻💙🧡

• $85 for non-Life Members (both local chapter and national dues)
• $50 for Life Members (Alumni local chapter only)
• $35 for Associate Members (Non-Alumni local chapter only)

https://morganalumnj.org/membership/

There are three (3) ways you can pay your chapter dues: PayPal, if using PayPal please add $3.00 to cover their fee; Zelle, send to msunaanj@gmail.com. There is no fee to use Zelle; or mail your check to MSUAA-NJ Chapter, P.O. Box 6134, Somerset, NJ 08875.

Morganites may pay their dues for no more than two consecutive years.

🔥 Calling All Proud Morganites! 🔥

Now’s your moment to pay it forward and keep the Morgan Bears spirit roaring in New Jersey! 🐻💙 Join a Morgan State University NJ Alumni Chapter committee and put your energy, ideas, and skills to work shaping future generations, supporting current students, and making a real impact.

✨ Your time + your talents = a stronger Morgan family.



Jump in today let’s make greatness happen together! 🚀

Click Here to Join a Committee

MORGANITES! 📣 Volunteer Opportunity – College Fair Representative

Our future Bears need YOU!



Help inspire and guide the next generation of students toward Morgan State University and the HBCU experience.

Whether you can greet guests, share your college journey, or hand out materials your presence can make a difference.

Volunteers Sign up today and let’s show up strong for Morgan!

https://signup.com/go/ObMWKqG

Community Service Spotlight

As part of our chapter’s community service efforts, we proudly participated in the CFB HBCU Event in Hillside, NJ. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Morganites and alumni from other HBCUs, strengthen community ties, and represent Morgan excellence beyond our chapter walls.

Events like this remind us that Morgan Pride extends far beyond campus it lives in how we show up, serve, and support our broader HBCU community.

Forever Morgan. 🧡💙🧡💙🧡💙

Happy Valentine’s Day, Morganites & Supporters!

This Valentine’s Day, the Morgan State New Jersey Alumni Chapter sends heartfelt wishes to our incredible Morganites, supporters, and friends. Thank you for the love you continue to show our alma mater, our chapter, and the communities we proudly serve.

May your day be filled with joy, connection, and Bear pride. 💙🧡

Once a Morganite, always a Morganite.

Special Chapter Shout Out 📣



A special shout out to our own La-Tonya Johnson for creating the chapter’s new logo!

La-Tonya continues to generously share her skills and talents with the chapter in ways that keep us relevant, visible, and moving forward. Her creativity and commitment reflect the very best of Morgan leadership in action.

Thank you, La-Tonya, for your dedication and continued commitment to MSU and the NJAC community!

Get Ready to Groove: Soul Line Dance — Where Culture Meets Community

February 13, 2026 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm

Step into rhythm, culture, and connection at Soul Line Dance, a high-energy, HBCU-inspired experience that celebrates movement, music, and Black cultural expression. Mark your calendars and get ready to step, slide, and shuffle your way into a fantastic night of rhythm and pride.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned dancer, everyone is welcome. Our dynamic instructors will guide participants through a range of line dances, from beginner-friendly steps to advanced routines. 💃🏽

📍 Location: Terrace Ballroom

1020 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

📅 When: Every Second Friday

🎉 Happy Birthday, February Morganites! 🎉

The Morgan State University New Jersey Alumni Chapter extends warm birthday wishes to all members celebrating this February! 🎂✨

This month, we celebrate our visionary Aquarians and intuitive Pisces leaders, creatives, and changemakers who inspire progress and lead with purpose. Whether you’re sparking innovation, strengthening community, or turning ideas into action, may your birthday month be filled with clarity, success, and meaningful connections.



February represents forward momentum, reflection, and renewed focus. We are truly grateful for each of you and for the pride, leadership, and unwavering Bear spirit you bring to New Jersey and beyond. 💙🧡

Here’s to a year of growth, impact, and continued Morgan excellence.

Happy Birthday to all our February Bears! 🐻🎉

Keep leading, uplifting, and showing the world what it truly means to be Morgan Made. 🎈✨

Bears Take the Court at the 2026 MEAC Basketball Tournament 🏀

Morgan State Bears and Lady Bears are gearing up for March excitement as the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Basketball Tournament approaches, set for March 11–14 at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.

As the MEAC Tournament kicks off, alumni are encouraged to rally behind our Bears and Lady Bears as they represent Morgan State with pride on the conference’s biggest stage. The event brings together the best of MEAC basketball, and with games streamed on ESPN+ and television coverage culminating on ESPN networks, fans near and far can tune in to support.

Whether you’ll be in Norfolk cheering in person or watching from home, let’s show our Morgan State pride and spirit. This tournament is more than a competition it’s a celebration of our student-athletes’ hard work, community support, and Bear pride that unites alumni and fans across the country.

Stay tuned for updates as the Bears and Lady Bears tip off toward MEAC glory!

Tickets for the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament (March 11-14 at Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk, Va.) are now on sale through member institution box offices and online via Ticketmaster.

Ticket Book Pricing:

Senior: $139.45* (Purchased at the Norfolk Scope Box Office Only)

General Admission: $179.45

To purchase tickets or for more information on the 2026 MEAC Basketball Tournament, visit MEACHoops.com. 

Morgan State University Homecoming Weekend — Save the Date!

Start Planning Today

Morganites, it’s time to mark your calendars and get ready to come home! Morgan State University Homecoming Weekend is on the horizon, and excitement is already building for a powerful celebration of Bear pride, tradition, and togetherness.

Homecoming is more than a weekend it’s a reunion of generations, a showcase of our rich HBCU legacy, and a chance to reconnect with classmates, friends, and the Morgan community that helped shape who we are today. From spirited events and alumni gatherings to campus traditions and unforgettable moments, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re returning to relive cherished memories or experiencing Homecoming with fresh eyes, your presence makes this celebration even more meaningful. Let’s show up, show out, and represent Morgan with pride, unity, and excellence.

Stay tuned for more details on events, alumni activities, and chapter meetups as Homecoming approaches.

Until then spread the word, plan ahead, and get ready to Come Back Home to Morgan. 💙🧡🐻

Chapter Newsletter Submissions

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any chapter news to share, such as Alumni Spotlights, upcoming HBCU events, sporting events, charity events, college fairs, committee meetings or announcements about recent passings, please email us at prvp@morganalumnj.org. We look forward to hearing your updates!

Issue: February 2026