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Alcorn’s Fine Arts Building, band rehearsal hall to be named after Joyce J. Bolden and Samuel S. Griffin (2217 hits)

Alcorn State University’s Fine Arts Building and band rehearsal hall will soon be named in honor of two of its most esteemed faculty members.

The Department of Fine Arts will name its building after Dr. Joyce J. Bolden, former chairperson in the Department of Fine Arts, and its band rehearsal hall after Samuel S. Griffin, former director of bands, at the Fine Arts Building Naming Ceremony Friday, Nov. 18 at noon. The Department is also requesting donations to go toward band instruments and other uses to improve the students’ experience in fine arts.

Dr. Bolden devoted more than 40 years of service to Alcorn. In addition to an outstanding teaching career, she made enormous contributions to the Department and the University as department chair. She spearheaded the initial accreditation efforts for the department in 1981. Since then, the National Association of Schools of Music has continuously accredited Alcorn. She’s also known for initiating scholarships for music majors and music ensemble participants. Since the initiation of these scholarships, hundreds of students have benefited from the financial assistance afforded them through these scholarships.

Samuel S. Griffin, also know as “Griff,” assumed the position as director of Bands in 1969 following a brief period as the assistant band director. He held his position until December 2012. He is well known for his auxiliary innovations with the marching band, including the Golden Girls and Purple Flashers Flag Corp. He led the marching band to halftime shows in numerous high profile venues in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, New york, Michigan, Missouri and Texas.

For more information about the Naming Ceremony or to make donations, contact the Department of Fine Arts at (601) 877-6261.

-ALCORN-

Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships that benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation, and world.