On May 2-4 2025, we celebrated our Alumni Reunion Weekend at Tennessee State University, a leading institution of higher learning and historically black university (HBCU).
We returned to the Land of Golden Sunshine by the Cumberland’s fertile shore. It was extra special for us, The Vintagers! Fifty years ago, the class of 1975 graduated and this year, we returned to reminiscence, give back, and celebrate the deep roots and strong legacy that bind us as proud TSU Tigers.
It was a long road, but it was paved with the strength of our ancestors and parents. I grew up in abject poverty in the segregated South. My family and I lived in shacks without electricity or indoor plumbing until I was almost fifteen years old. In spite of our circumstances our parents expected their five children to do their best, set goals, and achieve. We did!
I enrolled at TSU winter quarter in 1972. I graduated high school in 1971 with a class of 433 inner city and mostly poor students. Many of us lived in housing projects. The dedicated teachers, principals, and our parents refused to believe we had a bleak future. I worked during the summer and also took fall quarter off to work, earn, and save money. I would be leaving home and living in a college dorm 200 miles away. To get home, my choices were to ride the Greyhound or Continental Trailways bus. All I had was a footlocker with a few clothes and bedding. I didn’t know what to expect but wanted to have some funds. Later, I learned a few classmates had cars and for $5.00, fellow students could ride home round trip. Those funds came in handy!
Fortunately, I graduated high school with honors. Thanks to my high school guidance counselor, I earned a partial scholarship to TSU. During the summer before my junior year, she encouraged me to volunteer and arranged for me to work as a candy stripper at a local hospital within walking distance of where I lived. My four older siblings had graduated high school, gone to college, trade school, or the military. I didn’t want to disappoint our parents or siblings. I was the last sibling and was also determined to succeed.
At TSU, I met students from all across the United States. Many grew up similar to me. Those who had successful parents didn’t judge us. We were all TSU Tigers! We stood in long lines together to register for classes and apply for financial aid. Many of us forged lifelong friendships.
We joined clubs, sororities, and fraternities that interested us. We became involved in extracurricular activities, sports, became cheerleaders, majorettes, and members of The Aristocrat of Bands. Some students were elected to leadership positions. We also became politically involved. We turned voting age and were able to vote for the first time! Whether we chilled or explored other opportunities, this was a new and welcoming experience. This was all new for us, but we learned as a TSU family. I majored in Nursing and graduated in May 1975.
Our dedicated TSU president, deans, staff, and instructors guided us to excellence. Many of us fell, but they showed us how to get back up! We studied hard and played hard! Whether we remained friends or lost contact, one thing we have in common is, “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger.”
It’s difficult to believe it’s been fifty years since we graduated from “The Tennessee State University.” I met old friends and met new friends. We made new memories to cherish. The years separated us by distance but not by the TSU bond. We picked up from where we left off.
The Vintagers shared graduation with over 600 amazing graduates. We were honored to wear our golden robes, caps, blue stoles, and sit in the front two rows. We looked back and were proud to see a sea of blue robes behind us. We were excited for these young future leaders-whatever they aspired to become. We looked around the overflow crowd and saw the masses of loved ones who came to support the next generation.
We’re now in the silver Tiger’s club. Our capable and energetic Alumni Reunion Team made sure our reunion year was memorable. Our legacy will continue to stretch beyond the ground s of TSU, inspire, flourish, and light the way for many generations to come! Excellence is our standard. We thank you!
Francie Mae. May 4, 2025