Plot to Purpose: Central State Alumni Unite to Support Students through Service

Homecoming at Central State University is a time for alumni to return to campus, reconnect with friends and celebrate the traditions that unite generations of Marauders. On Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, a new initiative added another dimension to that tradition: giving back to the students carrying the university’s legacy forward.

Plot to Purpose: Alumni Greek Give Back brought together members of the Divine Nine, representing historically Black fraternities and sororities, and the broader Central State alumni community for an act of service focused on supporting current students. Held at the designated fraternity and sorority plots in front of Foundation Hall 2, the event took place before the Maroon City Greek Step Show, creating an opportunity for alumni and students to connect ahead of one of Homecoming Weekend’s signature events.

The initiative addressed a need that can be overlooked amid Homecoming festivities. While students look forward to participating in campus traditions, financial limitations can force difficult choices between purchasing event tickets or outfits and covering everyday necessities, including food and personal hygiene products.

Through Plot to Purpose, alumni sought to ease some of that burden while reinforcing a central message: membership in the Central State family does not end at graduation.

Turning alumni pride into a purpose

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For Ayesha Harris, a 2014 Central State graduate and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the inspiration for Plot to Purpose grew from her lifelong connection to the university and her desire to create more opportunities for alumni and students to interact.

A Central State legacy, Harris grew up attending Homecoming with her family. Although she witnessed the excitement and camaraderie that define the annual celebration, she wanted to establish a space where alumni could engage directly with current students in a meaningful way.

“I am a CSU legacy. My grandfather also went to Central State, and I've been coming on Homecoming since I was a child,” Harris said. “And I never actually saw a space where alumni and current students could interact.”

Harris recalled being inspired by a sorority sister who would give gift cards to people she encountered during Homecoming. The gesture demonstrated how a simple act of generosity could make a difference and helped shape her vision for an organized opportunity to give back.

“I figured Plot to Purpose would be the great opportunity where alumni can feel comfortable to give back and just interact with students, and students can be comfortable to interact with other alumni,” she said.

The initiative established a setting for alumni to support students with essential items, offer encouragement and build relationships that can continue beyond the Homecoming weekend. 

Divine Nine unity across generations

A defining feature of Plot to Purpose was the collaboration among alumni representing multiple Divine Nine organizations. Representatives from different fraternities and sororities worked together to bring Harris’ vision to life, demonstrating that a shared commitment to service can transcend organizational letters and colors.

Committee members included:

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.: Ari Burroughs ’15
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.: Brandi Lewis ’15 and Tyler Harris ’14
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.: Wayne Trotter ’22
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.: Anyla Demmons ’19 and Sheila Dabney ’14
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.: Devante Jackson ’20
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.: Khalilah Forte ’04
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.: Bria Spaulding ’20 and Monique Foster ’15

Harris said the initiative drew support from people across generations and geographic locations, united by their willingness to contribute to the effort.

“We had so many different people from different places, different time zones,” she said. “I'm proud to be able to share my idea and people to jump on and be like, you know what, this is great.”

That spirit of collaboration reflected the initiative’s broader purpose: to demonstrate unity among the Divine Nine and the Central State alumni community while creating positive connections with students.

For Harris, that unity also carries a message for current students who are members of Greek-letter organizations.

“For the D9, that's on the yard now, I want them to know, even though we have different letters, different colors, we're here to serve and love each other, and we're honestly all one” she said.

Mentorship that extends beyond graduation

Beyond providing material support, Plot to Purpose emphasized the importance of alumni serving as mentors, advocates and sources of encouragement for students navigating college life.

Harris encouraged returning alumni to be intentional about the relationships they build with current students and to offer the kind of guidance that can help students recognize their potential.

“My charge to alumni is just to be loving, be that person that they didn't have on campus, be a mentor, just be somebody that the students could look up to and know once they graduate,” she said.

Harris drew from her own undergraduate experience to underscore the value of those relationships. She credited Dr. Aikens, who was serving as dean of the College of Business during her time at Central State, with helping her stay on track to graduate in four years. She also recognized Dean Fry for his support.

Their guidance reinforced her belief that relationships with faculty, staff and other members of the university community can have a lasting impact on a student's journey.

Harris also offered advice to students about making the most of their time on campus.

“Communicate, be social,” she said. “Don't be afraid to speak to someone just because they're older. They look different. Just go out and get it.”

She encouraged students to remain fearless and relentless in pursuing their goals, while recognizing that the connections they develop at Central State can become some of the most meaningful parts of their college experience.

Building a tradition of giving back

For Harris, the long-term vision for Plot to Purpose extends well beyond its inaugural gathering. She hopes the initiative will become an annual Homecoming tradition that alumni anticipate as an opportunity to return to campus and invest in the next generation of Marauders.

“I dream for it to be an annual event every year, even if I'm not able to be here, that this is something that alumni look forward to coming back to,” she said.

She also hopes the students who benefit from the initiative will eventually return as alumni and continue the cycle of generosity, mentorship and service.

The goal aligns with the broader belief that Homecoming is not only a celebration of the university's history but also an opportunity to strengthen the community responsible for its future.

Plot to Purpose offers a model for how alumni organizations can turn their pride in Central State into tangible support for students. By bringing together members of the Divine Nine and alumni across generations, the initiative reinforces a lasting commitment to service, fellowship and student success.

As Marauders return to campus year after year, Harris hopes the tradition will continue to remind students that they are part of a community that extends far beyond their undergraduate years — one that remains invested in their growth, their well-being and their future.