By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Central State University, Ohio’s only public historic black college (HBCU), organized an alumni gathering the weekend of June 21 at downtown Toledo’s Renaissance Hotel. The university’s National Alumni Association (NAA) selects a different city each year, allowing alumni known as Centralians and Marauders to gather, network and support scholarship endeavors.
Centralians from across Ohio, Michigan, Texas, Florida and Indiana convened at The Heights on Friday, NAA breakfast and scholarship lunch on Saturday, and evening reception at TolHouse Saturday evening.
“I’m grateful that Centralians have traveled from near and far to join us in Toledo. Thank you to the previous interim president Dr. Alex Johnson, current CSU president Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, CSU NAA board and CSU trustees,” said Rev. John Jones during the scholarship brunch. “It’s wonderful to have each of you here. This brunch is about scholarships which is critical to the success of our beloved organization. Toledo is working on a chapter, so we’re coming soon.”
The occasion received a proclamation from Toledo City Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. The proclamation acknowledged Central State University and Central State University National Alumni Association’s commitment to education and recognized the conference occurring in Toledo. Jones read the proclamation, delivered a warm welcome and introduced the guest speaker, Calvin Burney, Jr., PhD.
Burney, an advocate for education serves as a youth advisor for Alpha Esquires, a youth affiliate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Morehouse College graduated, and superintendent of Rise and Shine Academy a charter school located in North Toledo.
“Each and every one of us should use our God given ability to ensure that youth don’t fall victim to the gap,” began Dr. Burney. “We have to make sure our babies’ futures are secured.”
In addition to the above-mentioned activities, the weekend also launched efforts to establish a Toledo chapter of NAA. Toledo’s own Rev. John C. Jones has been recruited as chapter president and at least six others have committed to this effort.
Centralians that are interested in supporting the chartering of a Toledo chapter can contact Jones at (jonesjo313@gmail.com). Individuals interested in learning more about the campus and student benefits for students can visit www.centralstate.edu The 2025 NAA convening will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina.
