Dear Southernites:
As I sat in church at Bethel AME for "Southern University Day" last Sunday morning, I was deeply saddened to hear President Belton's announcement that Lashuntae Benton and Annette January had been shot and killed earlier that morning. I immediately thought about my own children. Where was my college student? Is he safe? The loss of a child is truly a parent's worst nightmare. It was a sad Sunday morning for the Jaguar family. This tragedy has touched so many of our students, faculty and students. On behalf of our alumni all across America, I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Benton and January families.
I later slipped out of my pew at Bethel AME Church to drive to the Lafayette Metropolitan Chapter Founders' Day and Scholarship Banquet Sunday afternoon. I was the guest speaker and was troubled that I had to speak to young high school students who were excited about joining the Jaguar family this fall. I didn't know all the facts surrounding Ms. Benton and Ms. January's death, and I was finding it tough to think motivational thoughts. When I arrived at the banquet, I met the new students and their families. The energy of these young scholars and the public family displays of affection and admiration actually began to lift my spirits.
President John Broussard, Ms. Irene Bernard, and all the alumni in the Lafayette Chapter are to be commended on another successful event and their efforts to continue to recruit new scholars to our alma mater. I enjoyed sharing comments about the greatness of our dear Southern University and the fantastic work of the Alumni Federation and our chapters around the country. Special thanks again to Councilman Patrick Lewis for giving me the "Key to the City" that day. It was indeed a surprise and an honor.
The alumni in the Acadiana area continue, year after year, to recruit great students for Southern. Ms. Etta Brew, President of the St. Martin Parish Chapter, and other members of her chapter, were there in support of their sister chapter. St. Martin had similarly hosted their successful scholarship banquet the week before in Breaux Bridge. During my speech, I announced our upcoming National Academic Signing Day event that is set for Saturday, April 23rd. We have picked up more chapters and even a few churches that plan to participate in the event next Saturday. We now have chapters all across the nation on board for this national student recruitment event.
I rounded out our week last night with alums, administrators and fans celebrating the successes of our basketball programs and the individual players this year. The Hardwood Club sponsored another great gala at the Belle of Baton Rouge Hotel. As you know, our men won the SWAC Championship and made a laudable appearance in the NCAA tournament. The ladies had a fantastic season as well. The Hardwood Club does a fabulous job of raising funds and supporting our basketball programs.
This week has been tough for the Jaguar Nation. Please continue to pray for our students and their families.
Preston
Preston J. Castille, Jr., JD
National President-HBCU Alumni Coalition President
Gwendolyn Perry Honore
