WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., introduced a resolution to recognize Alcorn State University’s 150th anniversary. The resolution acknowledges the valuable education programs offered at Alcorn State and the University’s contributions to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and higher learning. It also commemorates the work of important faculty and alumni, including the university’s first president and former U.S. Senator, Hiram R. Revels.

“Alcorn’s history is a story that is linked to the history of our state and nation,” Wicker said. “Just as Alcorn’s first president, Hiram Revels, helped to carve a path for Alcorn graduates as the first Black U.S. Senator, I am confident that future Alcorn graduates will help to carve the path for this nation. I offer my compliments on 150 extraordinary years of higher education achievement and success.”

 “The commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University shines a spotlight on a venerable educational institution that has a special place in our history and our future. Alcorn, as it has been throughout its history, remains an HBCU leader in so many areas—most importantly as a source of opportunity and hope for generations of students,” Hyde-Smith said. “It is an honor to join Senator Wicker in honoring Alcorn State University on this notable milestone.”

Read the full text of S.Res.216 below.

RESOLUTION: Recognizing the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University.

Whereas Alcorn State University is celebrating its 150th year as our nation’s first Historically Black Land Grant University and the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi;

Whereas Alcorn University now referred to as Alcorn State University, was founded on May 13, 1871, in Lorman, Mississippi, resulting from Mississippi’s efforts to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved individuals;

Whereas Alcorn University derives its name from the sitting governor of Mississippi at the time of its founding, James L. Alcorn;

Whereas the first president of Alcorn University, Hiram R. Revels, resigned his seat as a United States Senator and our nation’s first African American senator, to lead the University;

Whereas Alcorn State University consistently ranks among the top 25 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report;

Whereas Alcorn State University provides a valuable education in agriculture, arts, sciences, business, education, and offers the only nursing program available at a Historically Black College and University in Mississippi;

Whereas a residential living option on the campus of Alcorn State University, the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village, pays tribute to Medgar Evers, the civil rights leader and 1952 graduate of the University.

Whereas Alcorn State University alumnus Steve McNair led a decorated career in the National Football League and was drafted third overall during the 1995 National Football League draft, the highest draft selection for an offensive player from a Historically Black College and University in National Football League history;

Whereas the successes of Alcorn State University are tied to the dedicated leadership and faculty who devout their careers to preparing future generations for excellence in academics and athletics. Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Senate recognizes the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University and celebrates the invaluable contributions of our country’s first Historically Black Land Grant University to higher learning.