Golden Class of 1975
By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University’s Golden Class of 1975 commemorated their 50th reunion at the John Garrick Hardy Student Center by presenting O’ Mother Dear with a check for $100,696.88, with $10,000 of the amount providing 10, $1,000 scholarships to deserving students in the College of Education.
Each year, a group of Alabama State University alumni return to campus to reconnect with classmates and share memories in a series of events coordinated by the Office of Alumni Relations.
President Quinton T. Ross, Jr., addressed those celebrating five decades since graduating during the reunion luncheon.
“I did the math, and I was 8 years old when this class graduated,” said Dr. Ross. “Now, I’m welcoming you back home 50 years later as President of this great institution. You, Class of 1975, carved many of the paths we walk along to this day. Alabama State University is where history is made! All of you here today are history makers in your own right. I can see the vitality, the impact and love you have for O’ Mother Dear and the communities you serve. This special event, which coincides with graduation week, gives ASU a chance to celebrate its graduates and their unique paths since graduation. It’s a great time to be a Hornet.”
Ross reminded the group about life 50 years ago, including the Billboard No. 1 R&B hits: “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire, “Shoe Shine Boy” by Eddie Kendricks and “L-O-V-E (Love)” by Al Green.
Before the brunch activities continued, Rev. Cromwell Handy, director of Alumni Relations, asked the audience to join in a special prayer for Dr. Ross to express gratitude for his leadership.
Mrs. Joan Rainey Moore Hopkins and Alan Walker
Golden Class Reconnect
Two class members, Mrs. Joan Rainey Moore Hopkins, who earned her first degree in Physical Education with a minor in health, and Alan Walker, who earned a degree in management and marketing, had not seen each other in decades. Their story is shared by other classmates, making the 50th reunion celebration a unique experience for celebrants to capture stories, memories, journeys, and to catch up on big moves, small joys, career highlights, or life changes.
“It’s exciting to rekindle friendship,” said Hopkins. "It’s a significant event to reconnect with the past, celebrate shared history and build new connections for the future. The reunion provides the opportunity to see what’s new on campus and rediscover ASU.”
Hopkins, a recent recipient of ASU’s Spirit of Marion Award, stressed that her loyalty to ASU is born from a statement her parents used to tell her and her nine siblings, to always remember the people and the places that helped them.
“I found ASU in my freshman year in 1971, and I fell in love with ASU….If it wasn’t for ASU, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So, I decided to be a dedicated alumna and give back to my alma mater financially and by giving my time to help students following behind me.”
Hopkins noted her husband, Bobby Hopkins, and her twin brother, James Riley Moore, are also members of the Class of 1975. Her ASU bond also extends to her son, Terrence, who graduated in 2011.
“Thank God that he has blessed the three of us (me, my husband and brother) and the entire 1975 Golden Class to be here to experience this momentous occasion,” Hopkins said.
For Walker, the reunion fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie, “reminding me and my classmates of our mutual history and connection to our alma mater.”
“It’s stunning, just stunning to be back at ASU. I am filled with a profound sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the journey that has brought us here on our 50th Reunion. I only wish more classmates could be here with us to celebrate this milestone,” Walker said. “I did the reverse math on our reunion and when my Class was marching in 1975, the people that would have been 50 years before us would have graduated in 1925. It gives you some perspective on the length of 50 years.”
Both then and now, Walker and Hopkins said ASU has provided students with access to opportunities that they may not have had.
“Addressing educational gaps was key to the Class of 1975 dedicating themselves to their fundraising goal,” said Hopkins, who spent nearly four decades shaping young minds across Central and East Alabama Public School Systems.
Walker said he appreciates all that ASU has done for him.
“ASU was key. Without coming to ASU, I probably would not have been a business major, and not being a business major, I wouldn’t have gotten my first job in the high-tech industry, which provided a very good living for me and my family…ASU made a man out of me,” said Walker.
Coming from Michigan, Walker said his high school swim coach encouraged him to attend ASU.
“My swim coach was an ASU alumnus. When I finished high school, he said, 'If you don’t have firm plans, think about coming to ASU.' I did and glad that I did,” he said.
Campus Changes
One of the biggest surprises for attendees was how much the campus has changed. Since 1975, Alabama State University has added new buildings and expanded its facilities to 63 permanent buildings to 146 acres. The student population and academic programs have also increased over the last 50 years.
“I’m amazed by changes on campus, notably the ASU Football Stadium, the Interpretive Center and all the other new buildings. (Former ASU President) Levi Watkins would have never imagined his name on that big, beautiful building on campus. In 1970, we had no money, and this place is fabulous. The campus is beautiful, the buildings are beautiful, but not as near beautiful as the people here. It’s something else,” Walker added. “I’m also impressed with the new academic degrees.”
Die-hard ASU alumna Hopkins said although she’s on campus a lot, she is still in awe of ASU’s transformation.
“I can remember the time I could count the buildings on maybe two hands, and paid just hundreds of dollars per year in tuition and fees,” said Hopkins, who attends most ASU events decked out from head to foot in ASU gear. “I'm happy that my classmates can see how much their alma mater has changed since they were students.”
Reunion Events
ASU’s planning ensured the Class of 1975 had a memorable reunion. For four days, April 30 to May 2, the reunion events included making a pilgrimage to the University's founding site at Marion, Alabama, attending a reception, touring the campus, socializing with classmates, attending the Golden Class Gala, and the highlight – walking with the current graduating class during the Spring Commencement.
Plans are already in the works for the Class of 1976 reunion. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 334-229-4280.