Free Term Paper on a Gift to Tennessee State University
April 19, 2001--Tennessee State University has renamed the Heiman Street
Residential Complex the Harold E. Ford Sr. and John N. Ford Residential Complex.
The Ford brothers were joined by other family members for ceremonies help April
18 on the grounds of the complex.
"It is wonderful to see so many
senators here today; we can hold a budget meeting right now," Harold Ford said,
as he pointed out dignitaries in the audience. They included Lieutenant Governor
John Wilder, Deputy Governor Wendell Moore, Senator Gene Elsea, Senator Doug
Henry, Senator James Kyle Jr., and Senator Randy McNally.
After
receiving commemorative gifts, the Fords surprised the audience with a gift to
Tennessee State of $500,000.
"This is a truly outstanding donation, and
the Fords can be sure Tennessee State University will put it to good use," said
TSU President James Hefner.
There are 12 siblings in the Ford family,
most of whom graduated from Tennessee State University. On hand for the
presentation were brother Joe Ford; sisters Joyce Ford Miller and Ophelia Ford;
nephews James Ford Jr. and Edmund Ford; and Autumn Ford, John Ford’s daughter.
Harold Ford Jr., U.S. Representative, relayed his regrets for not being able to
attend, as did Governor Don Sundquist and former vice president Al Gore.
"I am proud today," said Lt. Gov. Wilder. "Is it because of the bricks
and mortar we are recognizing today? No, though we need bricks and mortar. Is it
because of Tennessee State University? No, though that is reason to be proud.
"I am proud because I look back to Purdy, Tennessee, where Otis Floyd
[former president of Tennessee State University] attended school in a one-room
schoolhouse. He let me walk by his side. I am proud when I think of Odell Horton
[United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee] working in
a cotton patch in Hardin County. He let me walk by his side. But nothing makes
me prouder than this family. I love you; God bless you."
U.S.
Representative Harold Ford Sr. became the first African American from the state
of Tennessee to be elected to Congress and served from 1975 until his retirement
in 1997.
Senator John N. Ford has served in the Tennessee State Senate
since 1974. He has been a key supporter of Tennessee State University throughout
his legislative tenure and played a significant role during the development of
the $112 million master plan for campus improvement.
Both Congressman
Ford and Senator Ford are alumni of TSU who have continually supported the
university throughout their careers.
The Harold E. Ford Sr. and John N.
Ford Residential Complex is a 122-unit dwelling with single-occupancy, two- and
four-bedroom apartments. The $11 million complex has a well appointed Community
Center complete with computer lab, beauty salon, exercise room, and activity
area. Residents’ rooms are cable TV- and computer-ready, and computer
workstations are part of each fully furnished bedroom.
Tennessee State
University is a comprehensive, urban, land-grant university offering 43
bachelor's degrees, 26 master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in six areas:
biological sciences, public administration, administration and supervision,
curriculum and instruction, psychology, and computer and information systems
engineering. The university has been recognized for the past seven years in U.S.
News and World Report's "Guide to America's Best Colleges