THE FIRST DECADE: 1982 - 1991

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On June 14, 1982, Virginia B. Coleman (Class of 1950), founded what was to become the Howard L. Cornish Baltimore Metropoilitan Chapter of the Morgan State University National Alumni Association; the Chapter's name was formally adopted during that first year. In the following year, Chapter membership rose to 36, and the Chapter established its meeting date as the first Saturday of each month, except July and August.

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In 1984, the Chapter drafted and ratified its Constitution and By-Laws, held its first formal election of officers, with Virginia B. Coleman being elected as the Chapter's first president, and adopted its motto: Motivate - Support - Unite.

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Early in its history, the Chapter decided that its focus would be to foster the development of, and to provide financial assistance for deserving students. Thus, in 1984, the Chapter sponsored its first scholarship fundraiser, i.e. "A Day at the Races". In 1984 and 1985, the Chapter selected Forest Park Senior High School as those from which they would actively recruit seniors for enrollment into Morgan State University; in 1985, an Academic Excellence plaque was awarded to Desiree Humphries; and in 1986, Academic Excellence plaques were awarded to the valedictorian of each Baltimore City High School, as well as to the valedictorian of Morgan State University.

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In 1986, the Chapter hosted its first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship and Recruitment Breakfast, which has, since become the Chapter's premier scholarship fund-raising vehicle. In that first year, four scholarships were awarded to Morgan State University students. In the next five years, a total of twenty-six scholarships were awarded. The increased number and amount of scholarship awards was made possible by the Chapter's partnering with Carnation (later Nestle' USA). Guest Speakers for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast were: The Honorable Parren J. Mitchell; The Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ; Dr. Joseph I. Durham; Dr. Ruthe T. Sheffey; Reverend Frank M. Reid; and Dr. Benjamin S. Carson.