Bishop Joseph W. Walker surprises SU officials with $10,000 donation

Minutes before speaking to a Homecoming 2013 Ecumenical Service audience at Southern University, Bishop Joseph Walker, III, surprised officials Monday with a $10,000 donation to the school's world famous "Human Jukebox" Marching Band.

Walker, a Southern alum and pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., called Chancellor James L. Llorens called Director of Bands Lawrence Jackson to the podium and presented them with the check.

Walker, a former member of SU's marching band, said his time at Southern was among the best periods in his life. He said the money will be used for the band and scholarships for students.

The donation is just the beginning of what he and his wife plan to give back to his alma mater, said Walker, who is also Bishop-elect, of the international Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.

"This is an amazing gift that will truly benefit our students," said Jackson said. "Bishop Walker has already been a friend of our marching band."

Llorens said Walker's generosity  "is no secret on this campus. The entire Southern University family appreciates this donation from Bishop Walker and his wife, Stephanie. This donation will help a number of band members, in need of financial assistance, continue their education."

Walker, after his announcement, offered SU faculty, staff, students and the Southern community a message of hope, grace and inspiration.

The event also kicked off the upcoming celebration of the university's 100 years the Baton Rouge campus. The official celebration will be held in 2014.