12/17/2019
History of the East Baton Rouge Parish Chapter
Southern University Alumni Federation
Mrs. Olga O.K. Gaines
The East Baton Rouge Parish Chapter of the Southern University Alumni Federation began in the late 50’s and early 60’s because the Home Chapter was exclusive to employees of the University. In that I was no longer an employee, but was interested in being a contributing graduate, I joined a group who sought guidance from the Alumni Federation. We obtained the Alumni Federation’s Constitution and By-Laws, Robert’s Rules of Order, the Chapter Leaders Handbook and started a plan action to assist our beloved University.
We extended into various parishes with membership such as Ascension and West Baton Rouge. Meetings were held in members’ homes, churches and local businesses.
Fundraisers in members’ homes included fish fries, car washes, Pay for Play parties, etc. These fundraisers were all for Southern University. We had family picnics, whereas we used them as a mean to solicit and recruit members.
On September 14, 1983, the EBRP Chapter became chartered. In 1981–1986, during SU football Coach Otis Washington’s reign, the Chapter established the first Women’s Football Clinic.
In 1987, the EBRP Chapter began to co-host the Alumni Federation National Conference in Baton Rouge through 2015. The Chapter has consistently attended conferences in other cities where they were held. We presented our scholarships and donations each year. Many of our chapter members served as executive officers on the Alumni Federation Board.
In 1987, the EBRP Chapter instituted its first “Alumnus of the Year” Award and continues to present this award every year.
In 1988, the EBRP Chapter introduced the Life Member Breakfast. The name was later changed to the Alumni Breakfast. This event has consistently been held each year.
In 1995, the EBRP Chapter was the host of the SUAF National Alumni Conference. In 1999, the EBRP Chapter, under the guidance of members David Quiett, Melvin Robinson and former SU Football Coach, Otis Washington, the Chapter’s Homecoming Golf Tournament was established. In 2011, the name of the golf tournament was changed to the David Quiett Memorial Golf Tournament after his untimely death. This event continues to be held on the Friday before Homecoming.
In 2005, the EBRP Chapter welcomed more than 1,000 students that migrated to the Baton Rouge campus from New Orleans, as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The EBRP Chapter, in conjunction with former SU Director of Alumni Affairs, the late Donald C. Wade, was there to provide and assist in the distribution of clothing, supplies, as well as financial and emotional support.
The EBRP Chapter was co-host for Southern University’s FABULOUS Homecoming Round-Up through 2015.
The Chapter started as a successful wheel of Southern University Alumni Federation and it will continue to roll “as mighty as the river that flows out to the sea…and stand out bold for thee.”
