Chapter
History
Originally Drafted by Charles W. Pleasants, ’61
The Virginia Beach Alumni Chapter was organized in the fall of 1976 by a core of alumni from then Norfolk State College, now Norfolk State University. The founding group included Phillip D. Brooks, chief administrator at Norfolk Community Hospital, who served as the organizing chairman. The first elected officers were Jeanette C. Brown, President; Phillip Brooks, Vice President; Arnetta Sherrod, Secretary; and James Sears, Treasurer. There was a total of nineteen charter members.
Other alumni who have served as Chapter President are listed below. The Chapter has bestowed honorary membership to L. Douglas Wilder, former governor of Virginia, Dr. Harrison B. Wilson, former NSU President, Robert “Bob” Fields, local business professional, and Dr. Marie V. McDemmond, NSU President. Herman Valentine and Phillip D. Brooks hold life membership in the Chapter.
Three members, Dr. Howard G. Adams, Charles W. Pleasants, and Jeanette C. Brown have served as NSU Alumni Relations Directors. Charles W. Pleasants and Willie L. Brown have served as NSUAA National President. Aurella Addison and Angela Lee have been Ms. Alumni and Clarence “Juicy” Smith was the historic first Mr. Alumni. Chapter members who served on the NSU Board of Visitors include Viola Madison and Willie L. Brown
Major Virginia Beach Alumni activities have included the annual Thanksgiving Scholarship Dance; scholarship raffles; March of Dimes Walk-a-Thons; baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas through Union Missions’ Ministry; Dine-in for Aids; and the tennis tournament.
In 1986, the Chapter adopted the Dozoretz National Institute for Minorities in Applied Sciences at NSU as a special project, to provide educational and social activities and support to young, talented scholars. An endowed scholarship to assist Virginia Beach residents attending Norfolk State was established in 1992. A program designed to recognize and award excellence in academics and athletics was instituted by the Chapter in 1995. Scholarships were also established by/in honor of Virginia Beach Chapter members – the Gerald DeForest Tyler Accountancy Endowed Scholarship and the Charles W. Pleasant Memorial Scholarship.
Over the years, numerous alumni and friends have held active and associate membership with the NSUAA Virginia Beach Chapter. The Chapter and individual contributions of the members continue to provide support for a quality education to Norfolk State University Students.
Virginia Beach Chapter Presidents
1976-78
1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82
1982-84
1984-86
1986-90
1990-92
1992
1992-96
1996-98
1998-02
2002-06
2006-08
2008-10
2010-12
2012-14
2014-16
2016-20
2020-Present
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Norfolk State University Alma Mater
By Virginia’s golden shore,
There’s a place that we adore
Where Norfolk’s sun shines bright
Down on our campus sight.
The walls of Brown Hall
Will always give a call
To all striving to succeed,
Forging onward, bound to lead.
Though the years we spend are few,
You will teach us what to do.
In splendor we’ll relive
The glorious time you give.
We’ll wave the green and gold.
To praise thee a thousand-fold.
A guiding light to us you’ve been
Unwav’ring to the end.
Chorus
Oh, Norfolk State, we love you.
Oh Norfolk State, we’ll always be true.
And when we leave we’ll shed a tear,
For to us you’ve been so dear.
And leaving shed a joyful tear
For our Alma Mater dear.