The Dallas Chapter of Huston-Tillotson University’s International Alumni Association
Matherson, Dr. Donnie Breedlove, Mr. Frank Breedlove,
Dr. Larry L. Earvin, Mrs. Beverly Bolden, Ms. Berna Dean
Steptoe, Ms. Stephanie Anderson. Standing: Mrs. Kathryn Page,
Mrs. Millie Ferguson, Mr. Hervey Bolden.
The Dallas Chapter of Huston-Tillotson University’s International Alumni Association held its annual Pledge Brunch Weekend of activities Friday, November 8 through Sunday, November 10, 2013. Two alumni were honored for their contributions to the Dallas Chapter and the University. The 2013 Honorees were Mr. and Mrs. Hervey and Beverly Bolden.
The Pledge Brunch Weekend is held to recognize and encourage financial pledges to Huston-Tillotson University (HT) located in Austin, Texas. This annual event helps the Dallas Chapter accomplish its commitment to provide financial support to HT. Dallas Chapter President Berna Dean Steptoe explained, “We gather each year to secure financial commitments from alumni and friends, and to remind them that their monetary gifts help provide resources to educate, train and nurture some of our future leaders.”
The weekend kicked off with a “Friday Night Mixer” at the Warwick Melrose Hotel. Alumni gathered to enjoy a delicious meal with the HT President, fellowship and listen to piano music at the Library Bar located in the Hotel.
However, as usual, the highlight of the weekend was Saturday’s Pledge Brunch. A near record crowd – almost 200 guests – dined at The Golf Club of Dallas (formerly Oak Cliff Country Club). Celebrity Emcee Debbie Denmon wowed the crowd with her wit, charm and humor. Ms. Denmon, formerly an anchor at WFAA-TV, is now director of communications for the Dallas County District Attorney. Dr. Larry L. Earvin, Huston-Tillotson University president & CEO, presented the “State of the University.” Other guests who shared this momentous occasion were former State Representative Barbara Mallory Caraway, District Attorney Craig Watkins, Judge Dominique Collins, and Dallas City Councilman Dwaine Caraway.
The Dallas Chapter announced pledges and donations of over $40,000. Included in this amount are pledges of $10,000 each from alumni Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes and Mrs. Kathryn Strickland Page. Honorees Mr. and Mrs. Hervey and Beverly Bolden presented the University a $4,300 check. The Chapter expects to exceed its goal of $50,000 before it presents the money during the Reunion Weekend in May 2014.
Weekend activities culminated in a Sunday worship service at St. Paul United Methodist Church where the Rev. Elzie D. Odom, Jr. is senior pastor. The HT Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gloria Quinlan, performed. Immediately following church services, Dr. Earvin, Dallas Chapter officers, honorees, and the Brunch committee shared dinner at the home of President Berna Dean Steptoe.
