Page 438 – HBCU Buzz

‘Retool Your School’ Grant Program Coming to Close for 9 HBCUs

Posted on Apr 14, 2015

(Black PR Wire) – ATLANTA, Apr. 13, — The Home Depot announced today that there is only ONE WEEK left to vote in the Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program. Established in 2010, Retool Your School provides support for campus improvement projects at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country. Since the program’s inception, approximately one million dollars in grant money has been awarded. Voters are encouraged to visit www.retoolyourschool.com to vote and help their favorite HBCU win a campus improvement grant of up to $50,000.

Online voting began February 27, 2015 and will end April 20, 2015. During this period, HBCU supporters can cast one vote per day per device for their favorite HBCU project. Supporters can also secure votes for their school by using the designated hashtag found here for each school via their social media channels. Each use of a school’s Retool Your School designated hashtag counts as one social media vote. Following the online voting, a panel of distinguished judges will also evaluate each school’s project proposals within the qualifying clusters. Judges will consider the depth of each proposal and the school’s ability to execute the project within the respective budgets of $50,000, $25,000, or $10,000, as applicable.

Xavier Captures Third Straight GCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 14, 2015

NEW ORLEANS, La. (GCAConf.com) – The Xavier University women’s team won the 2015 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference on Saturday at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans, La. The Gold Nuggets had eight individual event wins and one relay victory to claim the championship. The championship was the third in the row for Xavier and their fourth in the past five years.

Xavier totaled 202 points in winning the championship, with Edward Waters (158 points) and Dillard (138 points) following in second and third place, respectively. SUNO finished in fourth place with 65 points.

The Gold Nuggets got four first place finishes from senior Catherine Fakler (3,000 meter steeplechase, 800 meters, 1,500 meters and 5,000 meters). Fakler won the 1,500 for the fourth consecutive year and the 5,000 and steeplechase for the third straight year. Also finishing first for Xavier were Tylor Row (100 meter hurdles), Terri Cunningham (400 meter hurdles, high jump), Devinn Rolland (long jump), and the 4×800-meter relay team made up of Zahri Jackson, Fakler, Hannah Finnegan, and Reeka Belton. Cunningham won the 400 meter hurdles for second straight year, while Rolland claimed her fourth straight long jump title.

Wilberforce University Makes Changes, Works to Keep Accreditation

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 14, 2015

WILBERFORCE (AP) — The nation’s oldest historically black private university is making policy changes and spending more than $3 million on its southwestern Ohio campus in an effort to keep its accreditation.

The Higher Learning Commission sent a warning to Wilberforce University last June requiring the school to show why accreditation shouldn’t be withdrawn.

Members of an accreditation team will visit the campus this month to evaluate whether Wilberforce has resolved the issues outlined. They include low enrollment and financial deficits.

The commission has said loss of accreditation could result in students lacking eligibility for federal financial aid and having problems transferring credits.

FAMU Leading Scorer Jermaine Ruttley Expected To Transfer

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 14, 2015

One of the lone bright spots in the dismal season for Florida A&M basketball is leaving the program, according to reports.

Florida A&M leading scorer Jermaine Ruttley is transferring from the school, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Ruttley, a junior, led the Rattlers with 17.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Fast and Furious 7 Does Big Numbers at Box Office

Sonia Montalvo

Posted on Apr 14, 2015

Fast and Furious 7 made its theatre debut on April 3. The popular franchise bought in a whopping $143.6 million dollars at the box office on opening weekend.

According to theguardian.com this the film has the biggest April opening ever.

Fast and Furious 7 also made $240.4 million overseas which brings the grand total of ticket sales to $384 million, making the film the ninth biggest US launch of all time and the fourth biggest worldwide launch to date.

The fast paced action movie has been receiving great reviews. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an overall 83 %. According to USA Today, the film has a 90% positive response from its audiences.

New Yorker’s Richard Brody stated, “The director, James Wan, sends cars repeatedly airborne and seems himself to marvel at the results; the movie’s real subject is the stunt work, but its stars’ authentic chemistry lends melody to its relentless beat.” Other reviews of the movie include NPRs Mark Jenkins who states that the movie is, “As zippy, playful and amiably preposterous as the best of the previous models,” and Chicago Sun –Times writer Richard Roeper. “”Furious 7″ could have come across as ghoulish, but it’s not until the very end that we’re reminded of Walker’s fate, and the filmmakers handle it with taste and respect.”

The Fast and Furious franchise is rumored to install an eighth film, given the success of the seventh. In 2014 Universal stated that they plan to make 3 more installments of Fast and Furious, but it is uncertain whether it still holds to be true. Since Paul Walker’s death, there will have to be a new direction for the story line.

MTV.com states that there is no title or release date for the film, as of yet.

Fast and Furious is still in theatres.

Sports

ASU Band Brings ‘Bama State Style’ to Lifetime Network

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 14, 2015

The pageantry, show-stopping choreography and dazzling musicianship of the Mighty Marching Hornets Band will be front and center before a national audience as the new “Bama State Style” reality series premieres on the Lifetime Network.

The premiere of the television reality series featuring Alabama State University’s world-renowned Mighty Marching Hornets will air on Friday, April 17, 2015, at 10 p.m. (CST) on the Lifetime Network (check your local listings for channel and air times in your area).

The series chronicles the marching band from grueling practices to show-stopping performances during the fall of 2014. You’ll get up close and personal stories of the band members, as well as interviews with their esteemed director, James Oliver.

“The viewers will really see the hard work that the Mighty Marching Hornets put in all week in preparation for our eight-and-a-half-minute halftime show. They are going to be right there with us as we go through our pre-drill, practice and performance,” Oliver said. “Words cannot truly express how awesome this is for our band and for the University. The band’s appearance in this show will give the world a chance to see not only the musical opportunities here at ASU, but also the educational and academic opportunities.”

Ohio’s Most Reasonably Priced Higher Education Just Got More Affordable

Tommy G. Meade Jr.

Posted on Apr 14, 2015

Great news for Ohioans going to college.

Students attending Central State University and other Ohio schools could see tuition drop by as much as 5% under the Senate Bill 4 that would relieve some students of the burden of cost of school.

Dubbed the “The Senate Challenge,” the bill “would require each state institution of higher education to develop a plan to reduce in-state student cost of attendance by 5% for the 2016-17 academic year.”

[quote_box_center]From The Akron Legal News: As used in the bill, “state institution of higher education” means the University of Akron, Bowling Green State University, Central State University, University of Cincinnati, Cleveland State University, Kent State University, Miami University, Ohio University, Ohio State University, Shawnee State University, University of Toledo, Wright State University, Youngstown State University and the Northeast Ohio Medical University and any community college, state community college, university branch or technical college.

“While I do believe we need to make college more affordable for the average student, I do not believe that we need to micromanage higher education,” Faber said, noting that SB 4 is meant to establish the goal of reducing the cost of tuition and student costs by 5 percent and then empower the state’s public universities to accomplish the objective.

Under the bill, each university would have to submit its plan to reduce costs to the chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents by Sept. 1.[/quote_box_center]

CSU, located in Wilberforce, Ohio, is the state’s only public historically black college or university (HBCU). The school also is widely known as the state’s most affordable 4-year college. Central State serves mostly Black students, many of whom receive federal aid.

Its down-the-street rival is Wilberforce University, the country’s oldest public or private Black college.

According to the school website, last year tuition and fees at CSU was priced at $3,123 for in-state students, and $6,964 for students out-of-state for the 2014-15 academic year, respectfully.

Edward Waters College Wins 2015 Men’s GCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 14, 2015

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Edward Waters College (EWC) men’s team won the 2015 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) on Saturday at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Tigers had four individual event wins in winning the title. This is EWC Men’s Track & Field team’s third championship title in the past four seasons.

Edward Waters College totaled 156 points in winning the championship, with defending champion Dillard (121 points) and Southern University at New Orleans (103 points) following in second and third place, respectively.

The Tigers got two first place finishes from Kendal Thompson who won both the hammer throw and discus. Thompson won the hammer throw for the second consecutive year. Shane Harlow (3,000 meters) and Reymond Berhane (javelin) also claimed individual titles. Edward Waters College also had a championship-high 15 top-three finishes.

The Edward Waters College Women’s Track & Field Team also placed second in the 2015 Women’s GCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship Saturday at Tad Gormley Stadium. The Lady Tigers had 158 points falling behind Xavier University who totaled 202 points winning the championship.

Edward Waters College (EWC), accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges, and Schools (SACS) and member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), is a private, historically black, urban college which offers a liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the Christian principles of high moral and spiritual values. EWC was established in 1866 and is an African Methodist Episcopal Church-related institution of learning. It is the oldest private institution of higher education in the State of Florida.

News

Country’s 107th Black College ‘Officially’ Named, Kentucky’s Simmons College

Tommy G. Meade Jr.

Posted on Apr 13, 2015

It’s official @SCKY_1879 is America’s 107th HBCU. We got the designation today from Washington today. Go Simmons nation!

— Kevin W Cosby (@KWCosby) April 13, 2015

Cheers to Simmons College!

Simmons College in Louisville, Kentucky is now the country’s 107^th historically black college or university (HBCU), finally, thanks to a “designation from Washington,” tweeted President Dr. Kevin W. Cosby earlier today on his official Twitter account.

Founded in 1879, the university’s first leader, Rev. Elijah P. Marrs, served just one year in office. But Simmons flourished under the direction of Dr. W.J. Simmons from 1880-1890—the small college in a large city, even back then, had “competitive football, basketball, and baseball teams.” The school was basically renamed Simmons College because of Dr. Simmons and his contributions.

Last year in March 2014 I briefly covered Simmons College when it achieved the valued accreditation by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), therefore Simmons was dubbed as the nation’s latest Black college https://hbcubuzz.com/simmons-college-in-kentucky-named-the-nations-107th-hbcu/.

Today, Simmons serves many students with low-income and students that probably will be the first in their family to receive a higher education. Several students potentially Simmons could reach also are students with “limited resources to attend college.”

But Dr. Cosby insists with Washington’s approval and its accreditation status that the school “has met national standards necessary to produce graduates who are prepared to enter into selected professions.”

“The accreditation of Simmons College of Kentucky will have a ripple effect throughout west Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is the most monumental achievement, by African Americans, to take place in the state in the last 100 years.”

Dr. Cosby, a pastor and active tweeter, wrote on his Twitter, “I have never had a drink in my life…I might have my first today!” he said. “Simmons College is an HBCU! This is huge for the city, state and nation!” he added.

Tommy is HBCU Buzz’s Editor-in-Chief. Follow him on Twitter.

Buzz Killer

Howard University Family Mourns the Death of Cassius Fredd

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 13, 2015

Student at Howard University, Cassius Fredd died in Washington D.C. Sunday.

[quote_box_center]D.C. police confirmed they and D.C. Fire and EMS went to Northeast for an unresponsive man about 10:30 a.m. He was unconscious and breathing but taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.[/quote_box_center]

There is no identification or cause of death available at this time. Counselors will be available on campus Monday, according to Howard.

Stay tuned for more Information

Buzz Killer

SC State’s New Financial Officer Working on Payment Plans

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 13, 2015

South Carolina State University’s new chief financial officer is trying to work out payment plans on some of the school’s biggest bills.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports that Ed Patrick told trustees at a Thursday meeting that he is working on ideas to help the school pay off $23.5 million of debt.

Patrick says he is writing suggested terms to the state to pay off a $6 million loan that comes due in full on June 30. Patrick says he hopes to create a payment plan to spread the debt out over a number of years.

The state has put off decision on whether to extend the loan.

Patrick says he is also working on payment plans with food vendor Sodexo and maintenance provider DTZ.

This article was originally published WLTX

Buzz Killer

Police Investigate Stabbing on NC A&T Campus

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 13, 2015

Police are investigating a stabbing that happened on the North Carolina A&T University early Sunday morning, According to Fox8

The victim was transported to Moses Cone Hospital to receive treatment for a stab wound at 3:17 a.m.

When police arrived the victim told officers he was stabbed by an unknown person somewhere on campus. There is no suspect description available at this time.

However, According to News Record – An argument between the victim and another man broke out in the parking lot of Pride Hall, Richey said. The argument turned violent, and the suspect stabbed the victim in the parking lot on Benbow Road.

The investigation is ongoing.

News

Hillary Clinton is Running for President in 2016

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 12, 2015

The New York Times

Ending two years of speculation and coy denials, Hillary Rodham Clinton announced on Sunday that she would seek the presidency for a second time, immediately establishing herself as the likely 2016 Democratic nominee.

“I’m running for president,” she said with a smile near the end of a two-minute video released just after 3 p.m.

“Everyday Americans need a champion. And I want to be that champion,” Mrs. Clinton said. “So I’m hitting the road to earn your vote — because it’s your time. And I hope you’ll join me on this journey.”

The announcement came minutes after emails from John D. Podesta, Mrs. Clinton’s campaign chairman, alerting donors and longtime Clinton associates to her candidacy.

Mr. Podesta said that Mrs. Clinton would meet soon with voters in Iowa and host a formal kickoff event some time next month.

The announcement effectively began what could be one of the least contested races, without an incumbent, for the Democratic presidential nomination in recent history — a stark contrast to the 2008 primaries, when Mrs. Clinton, the early front-runner, ended up in a long and expensive battle won by Barack Obama. It could also be the first time a woman captures a major party’s nomination.

Entertainment

Kevin Hart and UNCF Award $50k Scholarships

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 12, 2015

Kevin Hart may be a comedic rock star and an international sensation, but he has not forgotten about the little guy.

Hart recently partnered with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to change the lives of a few young scholars. The former Temple University student has publicly shared that he values education and appreciates his opportunity to support and encourage the youth, especially in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Kevin spoke with Entertainment Tonight and shared how his mother was a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and though he could’ve attended the school for free, he had other plans.

As the four ‘Kevin Hart Scholarship’ recipients received $50,000 each, Hart honored their accomplishments. One winner even got starstruck and after a few moments passed, she blurted “you smell good” and asked for a hug. The laughing comedian obliged.

While each recipient received their scholarship, Kevin also offered a few words of encouragement and acclamations.

[quote_box_center]“This is me stepping up to the plate going, ‘Yo, what you’re doing is dope. You’re dope. You’ve got the opportunity to be the dopest of all dopetivity’…

Okay… time to give out some money! On behalf of myself and UNCF [United Negro College Fund], I am handing you a $50,000 scholarship.”[/quote_box_center]

The four students were chosen based on grade point average and financial need. Hart’s scholarship will provide an opportunity for students who are talented and are performing but happen to not have been born into the best financial situation. The young leaders will also be sent to Atlanta, GA for a UNCF event, “An Evening of Stars”, the nationally televised entertainment event in support of higher education.

According to the scholarship program, the typical criteria is:

Applicants must be a matriculating student at a UNCF member school or HBCU in Fall 2015.
Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants must be a high school senior (class of 2015); current college freshman (class of 2018), current college sophomore (class of 2017) or current college junior (class of 2016) at the time of application.
Applicants must have a demonstrated financial need (will be verified upon final selection).”

Celebrities giving back to the community have a rising appreciation.

Buzzing News

Claflin Wins $25,000 for Recycling

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 11, 2015

The Times & Democrat

Claflin University has won the $25,000 grand prize in PepsiCo Recycling’s 2014 Campus Recycling Challenge.

The $25,000 prize is for a campus-wide student celebration event, which will take place before the spring semester ends. More details will be announced at a later time. Second-place and third-place prizes of $15,000 and $5,000 were also awarded.

“Winning this recycling challenge shows how committed we are to sustainability efforts at Claflin University,” President Henry N. Tisdale said. “In my address on Matriculation Day last fall, I noted that sustainability would be a priority at Claflin. By investing in green efforts campus-wide, we are showing our commitment to the future of Claflin University, the state and the world.”

Claflin was among the first to introduce PepsiCo Recycling’s Dream Machine, a reward program that provides students, faculty, staff and campus visitors with a convenient way to recycle their plastic bottles and aluminum cans on the go. The Dream Machine kiosk is located outside the university’s Dining Center in the Panther Plaza courtyard. read more

Buzzing News

St. Augustine’s Has a New President

HBCU Editors

Posted on Apr 11, 2015

There is a new president at St. Augustine’s University in North Carolina. Nearly a year after Everett B. Ward filled the role of interim leader, he has been officially sworn is at the institution’s 11th president.

“The lifeblood of St. Augustine’s runs through my every vein,” said Ward, 56, a St. Aug’s alumnus. “I have a long affiliation here, having been born on the campus. My father attended St. Aug’s. We have been part of this institution for generations.”