The Newton County Chapter of the Mississippi Alumni Association is looking for fellow Bulldogs to get involved.
At the Chapter’s second meeting, Sept. 25, the group discussed how community involvement would play a huge role in whether they succeed or not.
“I think community support is going to be key in growing this chapter,” Chapter President Joshua Yeager said.
Yeager said the Mississippi State Alumni Association provided a list of alumni in Newton County to help get the fledgling chapter off the ground. According to the records, there are about 1,500 state graduates in the area, he said. The issue is how to reach out to them.
“I want the entire county involved,” he said. “I want people from every town involved. What I don’t want is for us to be overworked. This is supposed to be for pleasure.”
Yeager proposed appointing a representative for Union, Decatur and Newton. A representative would be well established in the community, know the people and be able to spread the word about the Chapter, while also keeping the Chapter informed of any events or happenings that might be important.
Also, he suggested appointing a few members to run the Chapter’s social media accounts.
“We’re at the very beginning stages of this association,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know we exist. We need to get the word out there.”
While much of the meeting was geared toward organization and growth, the Newton County Chapter isn’t wasting any time waiting for more people. In their first meeting, the alumni agreed to participate in Decatur’s Treat Street event and nailed down the details in their second meeting.
“We’re all going to have a booth,” said Secretary Charlotte Griffin. “It’s just a good way for our alumni association chapter to get some exposure.”
Griffin said the Chapter plans to have both face painting and stickers available for children to enjoy. Having participated in Treat Street previously with her church, Griffin said those two activities tend to go over very well. Any alumni willing to help out with the booth are welcome to do so.
The future of Newton County’s MSU Alumni Association chapter is one of fun and comradery, Yeager said. He said his vision is one of ice cream socials, game day watch parties and group trips to Starkville to attend the games.
“The Chapter,” he said,”is supposed to be about connecting with other Bulldogs and having a good time. However,” he added,”people must get involved for that to happen. Any alumnus or former student of Mississippi State University is welcome to attend and participate in the Chapter’s meetings and activities.
For more information about the Newton County Chapter, contact the Chapter on Facebook or Twitter or attend the next meeting, which will be held 6 p.m. Oct. 16th at the East Central Community College cafeteria.
