Contributing Writer – Dr. Lizzie White
GUNAA-Ruston Chapter hosts 5th Annual Scholarship Gala that honored Baseball’s Ralph Garr, Scholarship Recipients and Leadership Donors
Ralph Garr, Major League Baseball Legend, was guest of honor and keynote speaker for the 5th Annual Scholarship Gala sponsored by the Ruston Chapter of Grambling University National Alumni Association. This black-tie event was held Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the Black and Gold room on the campus of Grambling State University. There were approximately 150 in attendance. The theme for this years’ event was “Sowing Seeds for Scholars.” In keeping with the theme, the chapter presented GSU President Dr. Willie D. Larkin with a check in the amount of $20,000 to increase the Chapter’s Endowed Scholarship which was established two years ago.
Garr, a Ruston native, was honored for his exemplary character as a big name sports icon, and for his generosity in giving his time and lending his name to numerous charities. He was inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame in 1985, the Grambling State University Hall of Fame in 1991, the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame in 2006, the International League Hall of Fame in 2008, Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Ark-La-Tex Museum of Championships in 2014.
As part of the chapter’s celebrating his outstanding achievement, Ralph Garr was presented with several citations including a United States Flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol and a proclamation, both from U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham, a proclamation from each, La State Rep. Patrick Jefferson, Grambling Mayor Edward Jones, Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker, and Grambling State University President Dr. Willie D. Larkin. To help celebrate his achievements, Garr had friends to travel all the way from Atlanta, GA and Houston, TX.
His accomplishments earned mention in Sports Illustrated “Faces in the Crowd” right around the time he was being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 3 rd Round of the 1967 Major League Baseball Draft.
Garr and his wife have one son and three daughters. His son, like his father, is a baseball scout for the St. Louis Cardinals. Garr currently serves as a scout for the Atlanta Braves.
2016 Scholarship Recipients
The annual gala also focused on two scholarship recipients and six Ruston Chapter members who were honored as Leadership Donors. The scholarship recipients were Jessica Clinton, a 2016 graduate of Ruston High School with a 3.2. GPA and Alianndra Williams, a 2016 graduate of Ruston High School with a 3.8 GPA.
The Leadership Donors were chapter members who gave $1,000 or more to the Gala’s Fundraising campaign. Each of these has participated as leadership donors in the past.
Thoughts of Some Donors
Grey Ludley, Law Enforcement Sergeant, LSU Health Science Center, Monroe, La.
I have been a supporter of Grambling State University for many years and in a number of capacities from being a Police Officer for the University for 11+ years to serving in many other university-related activities. I have been a season ticket holder for GSU Football in addition to giving to the KGRM Radiothon each year. However, my experience as being a leadership donor as well as an active member of Ruston Chapter of Grambling University National Alumni Association, Inc. by far has been the most rewarding experience to date. By being able to help some deserving student further their education at Grambling is what it is all about. The Bible tells us in Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed”. I feel that it is my duty and obligation to help feed the mind of some young person because someone that came before me fed me as well. GOD bless Dear Ole Grambling.
Michelle Wright, Executive Director, Lincoln Council on Aging
By awarding scholarships to the University, it helps to insure that there is a future GSU. Throughout life, we have some good days and some great days. As individual donors, we are helping GSU through its good days, so it can get back to its great days.
Ethel Drayton, Elementary Teacher, Jackson Parish School District
Giving back to GSU is a way of expressing my gratitude and love for my alma mater. It’s also rewarding to know that I have played a part in assisting others with furthering their education.
Patricia Hutcherson, University Registrar, Grambling State University and Executive Director of Enrollment Management
I count it a blessing to be a three-year leadership donor for the GUNAA Ruston Chapter, Inc. and always embrace the opportunity to give back to my alma mater. The scholarship will be a legacy and assist so many students who are in need of gap funding to successfully complete their degree programs. I have already committed for the next chapter giving opportunity. It’s all about giving back!!
Ida Alexander, Retired Teacher, New Orleans School District and H&R Block 8-years Tax Pro
GSU was a very important part of my life as an educator. As a leadership donor, I wanted to ensure that this university continues to offer this opportunity to others by “Sowing Seeds for Scholars.”
Dr. Lizzie White, GUNAA-Ruston Alumni Chapter President and Retired English Professor, Louisiana Tech University
In my opinion, the Gala was absolutely remarkable, something every community should have from time to time. The mission of our Scholarship Gala is to honor those in the community that have worked so hard in making a positive difference in the lives of young people. Our scholarships are awarded to need-based students as a means of assisting them in their quest to realize their dreams. When I reflect on my alma mater and what it means to me, I always wonder what my life would be like had it not been for Grambling College. As a leadership donor, I feel honored to be able to give back so that the next generation of young people may have an opportunity, like I did, to follow their dreams.
To date, the GUNAA-Ruston Alumni Chapter has donated $70,000.00. Proceeds from the Scholarship Gala go towards the Coach James Wicks Duncan, Sr. Endowment Scholarship created by the chapter, which supports students at Grambling State University.