Established 1976 South Carolina State College Alumni Association, Tidewater Peninsula Chapter

In the spring of 1976, several alumni of South Carolina State College (SCSC) agreed on an idea to establish a local chapter in the Tidewater area. The group contacted T. J. Wilson, Director of Alumni Affairs at SCSC, for guidance on developing a chapter. Mr. Wilson appointed Augustus L. Owens as the regional director. They recruited potential members from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News, and the local military bases for the new chapter. In May 1976, a meeting was held at the Hampton Institute Student Union Building, and the plan was adopted to form the chapter.

 The chapter was formed, and various officers were elected. The elected officers were:

• President - Jesse Alexander

• Vice President - Robert D. Ayers Jr.

• Recording Secretary - June R. Owens

• Corresponding Secretary - Martha M. Ayers

• Chaplin - Howard M. Williams

• Treasurer - John Moorer (for a brief time), then Gwen O. Bruce

Other charter and associate members for the first meeting included:

• Miriam Williams

• Alice Alexander

• Jimmie and Marion Barnwell

• Alvin and Janice Wilson

• Robert and Alice Little

• Martha and Alvin Anderson

• Robert G. and Maggie O. Oliver

• W. O. and Edna Lawton

• Mattie W. and Noah Armstrong

• James Heyward

In June 1976, an organizational meeting was held at Ft. Monroe Officers Club. Items on the agenda were annual dues (National and local), selection of committees, and fundraising activities. 

The chapter's name and By-laws were adopted in November 1976. The meetings continue to be held at the members' residences on a rotating schedule in wholesome climates of fun and deliciously home-cooked meals.

 Some of the initial projects were recruiting students from the local area to attend SCSC, fundraising activities, assisting the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and supporting Homecoming affairs in Orangeburg, SC, with a parade entrant. The chapter has continued to support the general assessment and scholarship funds each year since the chapter's inception. In 1976, the national dues were $5, and the local dues were $10 per member per year.

 From the early beginning to the present, the chapter has been committed to supporting South Carolina State University's (SCSU) ideals and goals and improving all students' chances of success.