SC State Alumni Newsletter — Keeping the Legacy Alive
“So Hard!”
11 May 2026Smoke, Fire — and a Magnificent Decision
Years ago I learned something called Gestalt — speak only from experience. If you don’t have real experience with the subject at hand, sometimes the best thing to do is listen, observe, and learn. More individuals should start practicing that.
Honestly? I was nervous. I was thinking President Conyers could do no wrong, the ship was smooth sailing — and then it felt like we hit the iceberg. But as captain of this big ship, President Conyers got us back on course.
No matter where you stand politically, we can all respect the wisdom in that call. So Hard!
SCSU Spring 2026 Commencement ↗The Wire Has a Goal — and We’re Just Getting Started
Someone recently asked me: “What is the goal for the Wire?” In my eyes, the goal is to continue providing a method of communication among former Bulldogs while highlighting athletes — past and present.
I would love to have former Bulldogs join me by Zoom or in person to tell our stories, celebrate our people, and keep this Bulldog connection strong. I wanted to highlight a very special Bulldog to kick things off — but due to meeting after meeting after meeting, that person chose not to participate at this time. No problem — we will circle back.
I also conducted the first Bulldog Wire podcast with the great Doug Stewart — he absolutely killed it. But when I went to edit, the recording wasn’t there. I did not hit record. I owned my faux pas, called Doug, got laughed at, and he agreed to redo it. From now on, I promise: I will hit record!
Oliver “Ollie” Dawson — A Name Every Bulldog Should Know
I came across an article on Oliver “Ollie” Dawson posted in one of the Facebook groups. He was definitely exceptional. Coached Bulldog football teams, led basketball squads, ran track, played tennis, directed golf — all while serving as athletic director for 16 years. And he was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.
Please read the clipping below. This is our history. This is our pride.
📰 Ollie Dawson Selected for the S.C. Athletic Hall of Fame — a true Bulldog legend
President Conyers Sets Audacious Goals — I’m In 1000%
The Capital Campaign kicked off this week, and President Conyers has set some bold goals. I am fully behind him. My fellow Bulldog Laddie Howard pledged $1,000, and I am going to do the same. We cannot just talk about it — we have to BE about it.
Read the $41M Campaign Story ↗Goal: 100 New Members by End of Summer
We need to come back and give back, so we can help those coming behind us have a great experience and keep alive the culture, pride, and meaning of attending an HBCU.
Membership is only $60 for the year. Let’s set a goal to sign up 100 people by end of summer. Are you in?
Iron Sharpens Iron — Share What Inspires You
We are adding new features to the Wire. If you have read a great book, listened to a good podcast, or come across something positive, motivating, educational, or inspiring — please share it with me so I can share it with the Wire.
One that stands out for me personally is Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. Highly recommend.
Also — if you would like to be highlighted on the Wire, don’t be shy. Let me know and we are going to make it happen. If there’s someone else you think deserves a spotlight, send me their name too. We want to celebrate our Bulldogs.