LSU President F. King Alexander will join the ranks of Michael Jordan, Smokey Robinson and Cuba Gooding Jr. tonight when he is inducted into the Boys and Girls Club of America national Alumni Hall of Fame.
Alexander is one of eight honorees recognized this year by the organization, which is also inducting into its 2016 class a former NBA player, comedian, model, music producer, minister, corporate executive and U.S. Tennis Association executive.
For Alexander, the honor is particularly meaningful. Growing up, he was active for 11 years in the Boys Club of Gainesville, Florida, where his family lived. As a young child he played on the club’s sports teams. When he was older he volunteered there, coaching and working the soft drink dispenser.
“This is really special,” he says. “That organization meant the world to me and my family.”
Alexander’s brothers were also active in the club, and when they had all grown up and moved on his mom founded the Gainesville Girls Club chapter.
“It keeps kids safe and busy doing healthy, productive activities, which is invaluable,” Alexander says. “When they go home at the end of the day they’re worn out. That’s the way it should be.
BGCA annually recognizes distinguished alumni during its National Conference, which is being held this year in New Orleans.
Alexander was named president of LSU in 2013. Previously, he served as president of California State University, Long Beach. He is an internationally respected expert in higher education finance and public policy, and frequently publishes in national journals and for organizations in this field.
BGCA was founded more than 100 years ago has today has more than 4,100 clubs around hat world that serve more than four million young people annually.
—Stephanie Riegel
