Just a few years after Pensacola State College was established as Pensacola Junior College in 1948, students began seeking ways to continue their ties with the college after graduation. In January 1955, the Alumni Association was chartered and Joe Frosio, a 1950 graduate, served as the first president. For more than half a century, Pensacola State alumni have played a vital role, supporting the college with their time and resources, cheering the Pirates at sporting events, applauding student efforts at concerts and plays, serving on PSC boards and giving valuable input to move the college forward. Many PSC alum have returned as professors, teaching in classrooms where they once were students. Many more have encouraged their children and grandchildren to begin their college journey at Pensacola State. In recognition of the importance of PSC alumni to the college and community, Pres. Edward Meadows recently revitalized the Alumni Affairs Office with PSC alum Patrice Whitten serving as Executive Director. Dr. Meadows pointed out that Pensacola State – the oldest college in this area – celebrated its 65th anniversary last September, and it was the perfect time to expand the college’s vision for alumni. “We are moving forward in many areas and strengthening our alumni connection is an important area,” Dr. Meadows said. “Part of an institution’s responsibility to its students is to offer them opportunities to stay connected after graduation. “Our college is proud of our grads. We are interested in them, and we want them to participate in the life of the college through our outreach in areas like the arts, athletics, continuing education, professional development, and of course, the Alumni Association.” While alumni activities on campus are on the horizon, Dr. Meadows said the college is currently making the most of technology to bring alumni together. “Because technology allows us to connect so easily, now is a great time to ramp up our efforts to reconnect with our alumni through the web and social media,” he said. “We have no doubt that we have alumni who love this college and want to stay connected and committed to it. Our new Alumni Affairs Office is working diligently to broaden that connection.” When she was asked to take the helm of the revamped Alumni Affairs Office, Patrice Whitten needed no introduction to her new position. It was like coming home for Whitten, who was a PSC student in the 1970s and also headed the PSC Foundation/Alumni Affairs for nearly two decades. “The Alumni Association is reaching out to our alumni. We want to hear from each one,” Whitten said. “Share your success story and upload a photo, create your profile, get email notifications of upcoming events and news or nominate a distinguished alumnus and join in the conversation." We invite you to visit our new website http://alumni.pensacolastate.edu
While there, sign up to receive our eNewsletter and feel free to join our online community and the Alumni Association.”
