VSU Alumni News and Events, May 8, 2019

Alumni Feature: Herbert Brown, '09

Herbert Brown, ’09 currently serves as not only the Marketing Manager of family-owned Browntown Farms, and also serves as the County Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In his role at Browntown Farms, his duties include planning, planting, harvesting, and marketing crops. He also handles the business aspects of the farm. This operation is run by both Herbert and his father. In his USDA role, he administers farm programs to local farmers and landowners. He implements policies that help farmers in times of need. This includes disaster assistance, conservation, price and market support, and risk programs. 

He selected VSU for higher education because of its land grant status that offered Agriculture Business. “I wanted to attend an HBCU and VSU was the perfect choice since it was close to home and I was already familiar with the University. I have been in love with the VSU culture since I was a kid. Back then, I used to go to the basketball games, homecoming parades and summer programs. Since day one, VSU always felt like home to me” said Herbert. 

He credits VSU for giving him a good foundation. VSU taught him the skills he needed to succeed not only in the workplace but in life. He was introduced to his current USDA job through an internship program while attending VSU. “Even as a freshman, my Intro to Ag Class and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) class helped me when I would perform my internship duties”. He is a 5^th generation farmer and VSU gave him the skills to continue his family farming operation. “In the past, I never would have imagined that I would be a farmer but thanks to VSU, I have found my purpose in life. I’m forever grateful that VSU will always be a part of me”. 

His advice to future Trojans is to always make a way. “Even during the tough times, you are preparing yourself to handle what’s yet to come. You may not know where you are headed but always remember where you started. Take advantage of all your resources and listen to people who you can learn from. No matter what you want out of life, put yourself in position to get it. Stay involved, learn as much as you can and take advantage of internship opportunities. Never forget the importance of time. It’s your most valuable resource” 

Interested in reading and engaging with Trojans across the country? Made a goal to read more books this year? The Alumni Relations team is interested in hearing from Trojans who would be interested in joining a virtual book club. Please visit HERE to express your interest.

Giving

 Fiscal Year 2019 is Coming to an End!

 Have you made your gift yet?

There are less than 60 days remaining in the fiscal year! Have you made your gift yet?   

June 30th marks the end of fiscal year 2019. Check to see if your name is on our donor roll HERE or how much your fund has raised this fiscal year HERE. 

Our highest priority and area of greatest need is the Tuition Assistance Fund! Your contribution provides immediate scholarship opportunities for students registering for the Fall 2019 semester.  

To make your gift click HERE.

Marvin C. Allmond, '72 Recognized with Singleton Hall Auditorium Renaming

The auditorium in Singleton Hall, home of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business has been renamed the "Marvin C. Allmond Auditorium" in honor of alumnus Marvin C. Allmond, '72. 

Mr. Allmond (pictured center) currently serves as the Managing Partner for Allmond & Company, LLC. He has provided career opportunities for more than forty graduates at Virginia State University over the last five years in entry-level positions. 

Mr. Allmond has supported several scholarship funds at VSU including; The Marvin C. Allmond, CPA, CFE Endowed Scholarship Fund and The Frasier Brickhouse Legacy Fund. 

In addition, Mr. Allmond was instrumental in assisting with restoring the AACSB accreditation for the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. 

Mr. Allmond continues to be a major supporter of Virginia State University through his time, talents and treasure. We appreciate the gifts of Mr. Allmond, a Loyal Son of Virginia State University.

Eleven VSU Trojans Recognized as Arthur Ashe, Jr. Scholars

Virginia State University had eleven student-athletes that were selected as Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholars. 

The Virginia State University Athletics department continues to stay true to their mission of developing academic and athletic champions! 

In line with the Trojans mission, the Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholars Award, sponsored by The Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine, honors undergraduate students who have excelled in the classroom as well as on the athletic field. 

To read the full article please click HERE

VSU Student-Athletes partner with Samaritan's Feet International to Donate 300 Pairs of shoes to Petersburg Elementary Students

Virginia State University Athletic Department’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) teamed up with Samaritan’s Feet International to give 300 students a new pair of shoes and athletic socks. 

The giveaway took place at Cool Spring Elementary School in Petersburg on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. 

To read more click HERE.