Bear Battalion Alumni Chapter History

Established in October 1996
Chartered on October 22, 2002

In October 1985, the Morgan State University ROTC Alumni Association was established. The ROTC Alumni Association is a key supporter of the program and sponsors numerous Bear Battalion events throughout each school year. The ROTC Alumni Association currently has over 400 members. They provide monetary support to the Cadets in the form of Scholarships, purchases of equipment, learning resources, and the annual Sabers presented to Cadet Corps Battalion Commanders during commissioning ceremonies.  This group also sponsors several training events during the year.

In October 1996, the chapter was reestablished. On October 22, 2004, the ROTC Alumni Association was renamed the ROTC Alumni Chapter, and it was officially chartered as a chapter under the Morgan State University Alumni Association. 

The Morgan State University ROTC Hall of Fame was established in May of 1971, rededicated on April 24, 1983, and amended in July 1995.  The Hall of Fame was inspired by past Professor of Military Science, Colonel C. M. Hurtt, for the purpose of honoring those Morgan ROTC alumni who distinguished themselves and/or gave their lives while rendering military service to the nation.

When rededicating the Hall of Fame, Professor of Military Science, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald A. Copes, expanded the enshrinement criteria to include consideration for any Morgan ROTC alumnus with the following criteria.  Anyone who rendered honorable military service to the nation and subsequently distinguished themselves by high achievement and/or significant contribution for the betterment of Morgan State University, the armed forces, and the nation or society, in general, is eligible.  The Hall of Fame is intended to highlight the fact that ROTC instruction not only develops good military leaders but develops good citizens who are capable of being leaders in all their endeavors. This Hall of Fame serves as an inspiration and a source of pride for all members of the Morgan community.

An amendment to the ROTC Hall of Fame was introduced under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph C. Bozeman, Jr. to clarify that eligibility for induction would include officers that attain the rank of Colonel or higher.  Also included can be those that made significant contributions to society or provided extraordinary service and support to the Bear Battalion ROTC program.  Anyone who achieved national or state prominence gave their lives in support of our national defense or received recognition for bravery can be considered for this honor.  

Most notable Morgan State Bear Battalion ROTC Hall of Fame Inductees are all General Officers from Morgan State College/University.  Some notables include Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) George Forrest, Mr. Earl Graves, Lieutenant General (Retired) Arthur Gregg, and posthumously inducted is Colonel (Retired) Daniel H. Joyce.  Mrs. Brenda Joyce established a scholarship in her husband's name and memory by donating $20,000 to the university.  All General Officers are automatic inductees.  More than forty people are in the Morgan State University Hall of Fame.

Morgan State University ROTC Alumni continue to strive and give back to the university.  This is evident by the scholarships and support given to ensure that the Bear Battalion continues to succeed.  Two other notable products of the Bear Battalion who continue to support the university are Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode, Sr., director and organizer of the nationally acclaimed Amachi Program, and Mr. Earl G. Graves Sr. Founder and Publisher of Black Enterprise magazine.

There are far too many Alumni that support the ROTC efforts and we cannot name them all. However, The ROTC Alumni Chapter and Enhancement Team are both led and operated by Morgan’s State University ROTC Alumni.  Women continue to make significant contributions to the military by serving in areas of conflicts in Djibouti, Iraq, Afghanistan, and all around the world. While the Bear Battalion has a storied and significant past, the future awaits the many great accomplishments that our future ROTC students will achieve.