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Central State University Celebrates 139th Charter Day and a Record Day of Giving
By TiaMarshae Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications
Posted Mar 04 2026
Central State University proudly celebrated its 139th Charter Day, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters for a powerful day of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to the future of the University.
This year’s celebration carried even greater significance as Charter Day also served as Central State’s Day of Giving, a collective effort that demonstrated the strength and generosity of the Marauder community.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of alumni and friends, Central State’s 139th Charter Day Giving Day generated more than 560 gifts from nearly 500 donors, raising over $116,000 in support of our students and programs. The strong participation across all giving levels reflects the growing culture of philanthropy and pride in Central State’s future.
The day’s program was filled with tradition, inspiration, and moments that honored the University’s legacy while looking confidently toward the future.
The ceremony opened with beautiful musical selections from the Central State University Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Winston, and the Robeson Chamber Winds, under the direction of Dr. Alvin Level, whose performances set a powerful tone for the celebration.
Student leadership also played a meaningful role in the program. Nathan Hart, Mister Central State University, and Asia Kimpson, Miss Central State University, welcomed guests and helped frame the significance of the day for the campus community.
Aleigha Williams, President of the Student Government Association, delivered remarks that captured the resilience and enduring spirit of the University.
“Charter Day is about remembering where we started, but also about recognizing where we are going,” Williams said. “We are a University that has weathered storms, financial challenges, societal change, and moments of uncertainty, yet through it all Central State has never stopped producing greatness.
That resilience lives on in our classrooms, lives in our student organizations, and it lives in every student who chooses to rise even when circumstances attempt to press them down.”
The program also featured inspiring reflections from Traci Bell-Thomas ’92, President of the Central State University National Alumni Association, who reminded the audience of the important role alumni play in sustaining and advancing the University’s mission.
Board of Trustees Chair Jacqueline Gamblin reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting the University’s continued growth and success, emphasizing the importance of leadership, stewardship, and partnership.
In his remarks, President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti delivered a powerful charge to the campus community, calling on alumni, students, faculty, and supporters to remain committed to building on the University’s proud legacy while advancing its future as a premier destination for academic excellence and innovation.
One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony came as the University honored the 2026 Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame inductees, whose accomplishments reflect the extraordinary legacy of Central State graduates.
This year’s honorees included:
- Dr. Greta Winbush ’76
- Cheryl D. Marcus ’80 and ’96
- Maxton A. Singletary II ’81
- Anthony E. Gardner ’92
- Crystal R. Allen ’05
Their stories of leadership, perseverance, and service inspired those in attendance and highlighted the lasting impact of Central State alumni across generations.
During her remarks, honoree Crystal Allen ’94 reflected on the responsibility alumni carry in shaping the future of the University.
“There are generations represented in this room, and generations yet to be born, that are depending on us — depending on me — to believe and labor for better, and I will not fail this institution, especially when it refused to fail me.”
Special appreciation was extended to the student volunteers from the National Pan-Hellenic Council, whose support helped ensure the success of the day’s celebration.
From the powerful music that filled the hall to the stories of achievement shared by alumni and students, the 139th Charter Day celebration served as a reminder that Central State University is more than an institution — it is a community rooted in purpose, resilience, and excellence.
As the University reflects on 139 years of history, the Marauder community continues to move forward with pride in its legacy and confidence in the future.