Members of Connor's Temple present check to SSU President Earl Yarbrough In 1996, Rev. Bennie R. Mitchel1, Jr. met with a group of Savannah State Alumni to discuss some issues concerning Savannah State College.

It was during this time that the vision of a special program sponsored by Connor's Temple Baptist Church for giving recognition and support to Savannah State originated.

A program was held in the fall of 1996 at Connor's Temple. The speaker for the event was Mr. John Clark, SSU graduate. The program was very inspirational. From this event it was decided that this celebration should be an annual event.

Alumni in attendance on January 18, 2004 observance met after church to discuss the SSU program format and individual giving.

It was agreed that each CTBC member with the status of SSU Alumnus would contribute $] 00 each year toward a CTBC Endowed Scholarship Fund pledge of $10,000 to be paid over a period of three years. With the church's fun financial support and Alumni contributions to Savannah State University toward the endowed pledge of $10,000, $2,460.00 was deposited in 2004 $2,932.23 was deposited in 2005; and $4,607.77 was deposited in 2006. The Endowed Scholarship was presented to the University on February 28, 2006. Due to the overwhelming success in raising the first $10,000 , with the full support of the church the committee agreed to raise another $10,000 over another three years: 2007, 2008, and 2009, totaling $20,000. As of December 5, 2008, $17,815 is on deposit at Savannah State University. The balance, $2,185, was presented to the University during the February 8, 2009.