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April 19, 2001--Tennessee State University has renamed the Heiman Street ResidentialComplex the Harold E. Ford Sr. and John N. Ford Residential Complex. The Fordbrothers were joined by other family members for ceremonies help April 18 on thegrounds of the complex.

"It is wonderful to see so many senators here today; we can hold a budget meeting rightnow," Harold Ford said, as he pointed out dignitaries in the audience. They includedLieutenant Governor John Wilder, Deputy Governor Wendell Moore, Senator GeneElsea, Senator Doug Henry, Senator James Kyle Jr., and Senator Randy McNally.

After receiving commemorative gifts, the Fords surprised the audience with a gift toTennessee State of $500,000.

"This is a truly outstanding donation, and the Fords can be sure Tennessee StateUniversity will put it to good use," said TSU President James Hefner.

There are 12 siblings in the Ford family, most of whom graduated from Tennessee StateUniversity. On hand for the presentation were brother Joe Ford; sisters Joyce Ford Millerand Ophelia Ford; nephews James Ford Jr. and Edmund Ford; and Autumn Ford, JohnFord’s daughter. Harold Ford Jr., U.S. Representative, relayed his regrets for not beingable to attend, as did Governor Don Sundquist and former vice president Al Gore.

"I am proud today," said Lt. Gov. Wilder. "Is it because of the bricks and mortar we arerecognizing today? No, though we need bricks and mortar. Is it because of TennesseeState University? No, though that is reason to be proud.

"I am proud because I look back to Purdy, Tennessee, where Otis Floyd [former presidentof Tennessee State University] attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. He let mewalk by his side. I am proud when I think of Odell Horton [United States District Judgefor the Western District of Tennessee] working in a cotton patch in Hardin County. He letme walk by his side. But nothing makes me prouder than this family. I love you; Godbless you."

U.S. Representative Harold Ford Sr. became the first African American from the state of Tennessee to be elected to Congress and served from 1975 until his retirement in 1997.

Senator John N. Ford has served in the Tennessee State Senate since 1974. He has been akey supporter of Tennessee State University throughout his legislative tenure and playeda significant role during the development of the $112 million master plan for campusimprovement.

Both Congressman Ford and Senator Ford are alumni of TSU who have continuallysupported the university throughout their careers.

The Harold E. Ford Sr. and John N. Ford Residential Complex is a 122-unit dwellingwith single-occupancy, two- and four-bedroom apartments. The $11 million complex has

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a well appointed Community Center complete with computer lab, beauty salon, exerciseroom, and activity area. Residents’ rooms are cable TV- and computer-ready, andcomputer workstations are part of each fully furnished bedroom.

Tennessee State University is a comprehensive, urban, land-grant university offering 43

bachelor's degrees, 26 master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in six areas: biologicalsciences, public administration, administration and supervision, curriculum andinstruction, psychology, and computer and information systems engineering. Theuniversity has been recognized for the past seven years in U.S. News and World Report's"Guide to America's Best Colleges