Walk Down Memory Lane

Quotes from Your Classmates


q Your Fondest Memories
of Tennessee State University (Tennessee A&I State)

My fondest memory at Tennessee State University is the day that my high school classmate, Addie Jones Turner, introduced me to her family friend, L. Pete Frieson.  That day lead to a sixty-two year marriage to Pete which produced twins, Ronald E. Frieson, Donald E. Frieson and daughter, Lisa M. Frieson.  Doris J. Lemmons Frieson, 1955

My most fondest memory while a student at TSU was getting a good education, living in the dormitory (meeting lifelong friends) and making Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Hazel Warren Sims, 1960

My fondest memory during my matriculation at TN A&I State University, was being a member of the Pepperettes, Tap Dance Group, with our sponsor Ms. Peggy Williams.  Practices were fun and engaging, as we prepared to perform during half time of the basketball games.  We also had a few performances at special events around the city of Nashville.  Good times! Annie P. Falls Moore, 1965

One of my fondest memories is singing in the concert choir.  We were blessed to travel on two occasion, while I was a member.  One trip was to Knoxville, TN and the other was to Detroit, MI.  We had some serious fun on the bus trip to both cities and sang our hearts out for the alumnus in both cities.  Barbara Jean White Wilson, 1965

Camaraderie, standard of excellence in academics, professionalism, career pursuit, historical legacy, commitment of educators, dominance in sports and social activities. Janice Keeling Dozier, 1970

I lived in Hankel Hall my senior year.  It was an experience to sign in before Mrs. Hankel on weekends.  Gloria Moore Jones, 1970

My most cherished memory of my stay at TSU is when my roommate and boyfriend threw a surprise birthday party for my 21st birthday.  The roommate become my best friend and the boyfriend became my husband.  The outcome was not my thinking at the time, but it worked out with both.  Janie Lane, 1970

I enjoyed movie night on campus.  The place would be packed with students from all the dorms.  Generally, it was quiet enough to enjoy the movie.  A close second was breakfast meals, my favorite meal of the day.  Johnell Norton, 1970

Meeting  Dr. George L. Davis as my advisor in the department of Political Science and History.  This distinguished professor guided my four straight years.  Homecoming was always big for us.  I miss TSU football Tigers playing Florida HBCU schools, especially FAMU.  My time on campus as a member of Alpha Theta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.  Elliott E. Pyles, 1970 

One of my fondest memories of my time at Tennessee State University is the Sunday lunch of fried chicken and the brown bag of a bologna sandwich, an orange or apple and a carton of milk that was given for dinner later.  Rita Elaine Pritchett Fleming, 1975

Winning intramural championships in football, basketball and softball.  Clarence M.L. Goldthree, 1975

Pledging Kappa Alpha Psi, getting my degree in child development and learning the game of football from some of the greatest coaches in football, namely Coach Alvin The Dean Cat Coleman, Coach John Merritt, Coach Bill Thomas and Coach Joe Gilliam, Sr.   Vince McCoy, 1975

Watching basketball games in a packed Kean Hall.  Charles E. Settle, 1975

As news editor for The Meter, staff members were privileged to ride to out of town games with the Student Government.  When we reached our destination, Coach Big John Merritt would pass out sack lunches to the football team and everyone else interested in those cold cut sandwiches.  That stuff was like ambrosia to broke students after a long road trip.  Coach was thoughtful and kind.  Ann Marie Beatty Anderson, 1980

I was and always have been a huge band geek, so it goes without saying that the TSU Aristocrat of Bands captured my heart from the very beginning!  During TSU halftime shows, the Aristocrats would play a tune entitled "Pick Up Your Feet," where the TSU fans and family would chant along: "Pick up your feet, Play your part, Drive, Drive, Drive!" Add to that was the unmatched voice of distinction of Professor Benjamin Kirk, assistant band director and show announcer, who would punctuate certain parts of the band's performances with his original call of "AYE-OO-GAH!"  Both were exclusive Tennessee State trademarks that will forever remain fondly etched in my memory of being in the "Land of Golden Sunshine."  Janice Anderson Hayes, 1980

Being elected by my peers to represent them as Miss Tennessee State University, 1979-1980. Chandra Norman Lipscomb, 1980

Pledged Alpha Psi and the relationships built back then and 13 friends are still celebrating together.  Elizabeth L. Sellers, 1980

Ms. McDougal's Class who allowed students to bring their children to class with them when they had to.  One son really impressed Ms. McDougal. I appreciated that more than anything.  Delilah Smith, 1980

My favorite memory was being Editor in Chief of the 1979-80 edition of The Meter.  Our staff of 30 created the University's first weekly newspaper (22 editions) with the largest distribution at 10,000 copies a week.  It was a momentous time since our class was the first under the merger of TSU and UT-Nashville.  I met and interviewed a lot of notable people among them Big John Merritt, Coach Ed Temple and Coretta Scott King.  But, my biggest thrill was working with the best group of student affairs staff members who were among the most talented and dedicated on campus!  Shelton Tucker, 1980