BULLDOG ONE ENDOWMENT FUND

When it came time to start planning the 50th anniversary celebration of Bowie State University’s (BSU) first Greek/Non-Greek organization, the Prince George’s County Graduate Chapter of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc., sprang into action. Spearheaded by Alvin Pindell (‘71), president of the Prince George’s County Graduate Chapter, the Grooves wanted to do something very special to commemorate this significant milestone in the organization’s history. And something special they did.

In April of this year, the Grooves hosted a town hall meeting titled, “How Do Greek and Non-Greek Organizations Enhance the HBCU Experience?” Thirteen groups were represented, including the Divine Nine (Black Greek letter organizations) and four independent organizations. It was during this town hall that the men of Groove Phi Groove announced their signature initiative that would commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the organization. They were planning to establish the Bulldog One Groove Phi Groove Endowed Fund and challenged all other affinity organizations to establish an endowment at Bowie State as well.

“Since we hold the distinction of being the first pledge organization on BSU’s campus, I wanted to commemorate our 50th anniversary by being the first pledge organization to establish a fully funded endowment (at Bowie State),” said Pindell.

It takes a minimum of $10,000 to establish an endowed fund at Bowie State. Within a three-month timeframe, the Grooves raised that amount and much more. During the Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. 2017 National Conclave held in Memphis, Tennessee this July, the Prince George’s Graduate Chapter presented a $13,000 check made payable to the Bowie State University Foundation. The endowed fund will support scholarships for deserving undergraduate students who attend BSU and preference will be given to students who are members of the Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. organization.

When asked how the Grooves were able to raise $13,000 in such a short timeframe, Pindell credits: 1) The invaluable resources of BSU staff, in particular Davine Snead, assistant director of development, who helped them navigate the process. 2) The Grooves made establishing an endowment a top priority of the chapter and explicitly defined a clear set of goals and targets. 3) The Grooves outlined a step-by-step strategy to appeal to the membership and recognize donors of the fund. The founding donors, members who donated $1,000 or more, will be formally recognized during a ceremony at the Goodloe Alumni House.

As Bowie State University’s Homecoming is rapidly approaching, Pindell is challenging other affinity groups and his fellow alumni to establish an endowment at BSU. “An endowment is the best investment you can make at your alma mater because it pays dividends in perpetuity. We want this initiative to spread to every HBCU campus in the nation.”The Grooves ultimate goal is to grow the Bulldog One Groove Phi Groove Endowed Fund to $1,000,000, which will yield maximum scholarship dollars for BSU students. With their level of commitment and focus, they are well on their way!

Like the Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc., you can make a difference too!

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