Ret. General Alvin Bryant Dies at 72


Alvin J. Bryant, the president of the Florida A&M National Alumni Association, died Friday, Feb. 5, he was 72-years-old.

The Goulds, Fla. native graduated from FAMU in 1959 as the top academic Army ROTC scholar and served his alma mater for two consecutive terms as president of the National Alumni Association from 2004 until Dec 31, 2009.

Under his leadership, the association fundraised more than $750,000 for the university, the Marching 100 and established the first FAMU-NAA endowed scholarship.

“He aligned himself with the strategic mission and goals of the university and was passionate about helping us to meet those goals,” said President James H. Ammons.

“In my eight years as a college president, I have not worked with a more dedicated and supportive national president,” Ammons said.

“He served as president during one of the most turbulent periods in FAMU’s history and will be remembered for mobilizing alumni to help restore FAMU’s legacy and reputation.”

Carmen Cummings Martin, executive director of alumni affairs, said Bryant will be missed and reflects on his rich legacy.

“He loved FAMU. He helped other struggling students go to college,” said Cummings. “He constantly gave of his time, talent and treasure.”

“He rallied alum and led them towards the goal of supporting Florida A&M. That was the way he conducted himself. He reinforced our academic mission,” said Cummings.

Aside from his work at FAMU Bryant served as a Major General of the United States Army and a board certified surgeon known for addressing many issues significant to the African-American community.

He also worked as a surgeon after earning a medical degree from Howard University. Last year, the city of Hampton, Va. honored his military efforts and made Veterans Day Alvin J. Bryant Day.

Bryant is survived by his wife, Sandra Bryant, seven children and fourteen grandchildren.

The wake and memorial services will be held at the Second Baptist Church East End, 3307 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, Va. The service will begin at 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12.

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0 responses to “Ret. General Alvin Bryant Dies at 72”

  1. As a FAMU alum and military veteran, I appreciate the many contributions, sacrifices on behalf of others and the legacy established by this leader and scholar. He honored me during the ocassion of my military retirement and I certainly honor him.

    Thomas L. Mitchell, Jr., Lt Col, USAF (ret), CFM, CFMJ
    Life Member, FAMU NAA

  2. February 12, 2010

    My deepest and sincere sympathy to the Bryant family, I am a graduate of Mays High

    School’s Class of 1966″ and Mr. Bryant was my Biology and Chemistry teacher.

  3. As a Military Veteran and FAMU Alum, I am truly honored to say that General Bryant was an outstanding leader, teacher, educator, friend, mentor, and more importantly dedicated. His contributions to the University, ROTC, NAA, and personal sacrifices will be greatly missed.

    Kenneth D. Johnson, Sr
    LTC ( US Army Retired)

  4. Memebers of the Brevard County Chapter had the pleasure of Dr. Bryant’s attendance

    when we hosted the Regional Nine Conference in Melbourne, Florida.

    Our local President is Mr. Richard “Dick” Blake.

    Our Anual Scholarship Gala is scheduled on April 3, 2010. For additional information,

    please call 321-632-2096.

    With Sympathy and love to the Family. We miss Dr. Bryant already.

  5. In Revelation 4:1 it speaks about that promised door being open in heaven; his journey on this side was long and his contributions were many. He touched so many…
    My deepest and sincere sympathy to his wife and family. We have truly lost a GREAT ONE!

    Kelvin L. George
    Colonel, USA
    Life member, FAMU NAA

  6. I served in the 310th TAACOM in the early 1990’s under Major General Alvin Bryant’s command. He was a great leader and role-model for young officers specifically young minority officers; God Bless his soul.

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