Page 486 – HBCU Buzz

AAMU Mourns Death of Physics Professor, Dr. Mostafa Mark Dokhanian Found Dead on Campus

Posted on Jan 27, 2014

The Alabama A&M University family is mourning the weekend death by natural causes of one of its most noted professors.

Dr. Mostafa Mark Dokhanian, professor of physics, died on Saturday, January 25. Dokhanian had served in the AAMU physics program for more than 22 years. Kobler said Huntsville police investigated the death and determined it was from natural causes.

Dokhanian penned the successful grant resulting in an $8 million award from the National Science Foundation to fund the Alliance for Physics Excellence (APEX)
project. The five-year project aims to transform secondary physics education by integrating the latest teaching practices into secondary physics programs, ultimately impacting a quarter of the physics teachers in the state’s school systems and more than 40,000 students.

Fellow colleague and department chair Mohan Aggarwal describes Dokhanian as “a very gentle team player who had an eagle foresight, a hardworking scientist who helped our physics department grow to the present heights.”

Dr. Dokanian had also been the principal investigator for other projects, including the NSF-Pathway to Success Through Physics scholarships and the HBCU-UP program.

“Dr. Dokhanian was a very versatile educator, mentor and researcher for the physical sciences,” commented Aggarwal.

Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.

Buzzing News

North Carolina A&T Becomes First Official Winner Of Honda Battle Of The Bands

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 26, 2014

For the first time since the Honda Battle of the Bands competition was created, the crowd decided on an official winner via text message. The Blue and Gold Marching Machine of North Carolina A&T State University took home the title.

Thousands gathered Saturday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the 12^th annual HBOB, as it was called. Hosted by local radio personality Ryan Cameron, HBOB is a competition among bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the South. Schools were voted into the competition by their peers.

This year’s competitors were Winston-Salem State, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, South Carolina State, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T, Bethune-Cookman, Alabama State and Alabama A&M. The Marching Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College opened the competition. Renowned band director Cleopas Johnson was this year’s honoree.

Although the crowd was noticeably smaller than previous years, those who attended got to enjoy a performance by Big Sean.

In an impromptu, post-performance interview, Big Sean said that he’s been in the studio and shooting videos. He also noted that G.O.O.D. Music is working on “something big.”

Some of the highlights of this year’s Battle of the Bands competition were University of Arkansas Pine Bluff’s electrifying performance of “Clappers” by Wale and South Carolina State’s tribute to Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Referenced from Source

Buzz Killer

Rest in Peace, 20 Year old Brandon Robinson – Football Player Killed in SC State Shooting

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 24, 2014

Brandon Robinson has been identified as the victim in the shooting at South Carolina State University on Friday.

Robinson died from his injuries around 6 p.m.

The coroner’s office confirmed his identity to WLTX.

Robinson was 20 years old.

He attended Orangeburg Wilkinson High School and Orangeburg-Wilkinson Senior High School, according to his Facebook profile. He was from Orangeburg.

Police are looking for four suspects, including Justin Bernard Singleton.

Story developing; check back for updates

Buzz Killer

Student Shot in South Carolina State Shooting Pronounced Dead

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 24, 2014

Officials at South Carolina State University say a student who was shot outside an on-campus dormitory has died.

The university says the man was shot Friday afternoon at the Hugine Suites. The school says police are looking for four suspects who made it off campus.

University President Thomas Elzey choked back tears as he promised to keep his students safe. He said the student killed was a nice young man.

Campus Police Chief Mernard Clarkson says police don’t know what led to the shooting. The name of the victim was not released.

Clarkson says the campus is secure and students are safe.

South Carolina State is a historically black school with about 3,200 students in Orangeburg, about 40 miles south of Columbia.

Buzz Killer

Victim Injured in Shooting at SC State University

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 24, 2014

Shooting at SC State University

Friday, January 24, 2014

South Carolina State University is now on lockdown as police attempt to apprehend four suspects they believe are responsible for shooting a South Carolina State University Student.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, Campus police were called to the scene of The Andrew Hugine Suites Living and Learning community on campus.

Upon arrival, police confirmed that a shooting had occurred. One S.C. State University student had been shot. At this time, police are not divulging the identity of the victim.

Eyewitnesses on the scene of the incident identified at least four suspects in the shooting and police immediately began to pursue the individuals who, at that time, had left campus.

Students are safe. The perimeter of the campus has been secured, but the suspects have not yet been apprehended. For this reason, the University has initiated a campus lockdown in the event the perpetrators attempt to return to the campus.

Orangeburg City police and the Orangeburg County Sheriff Department are assisting in the investigation.

As police continue to search for the suspect, students, faculty and staff are urged to take precautions and contact campus should they observe any suspicious activity.

We will continue to give you updates as they become available.

News

Doug Williams might rejoin Redskins in front office job

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 24, 2014

There is a strong possibility that Doug Williams, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Washington Redskins, will rejoin the team in a front-office capacity, according to a person familiar with the situation.

“There’s a great possibility Doug will be going to the Redskins,” the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter. “I think there’s a very good chance of that.”

The timing of such a potential move was not immediately clear.

Neither Williams nor Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen responded to requests for comment.

Allen has been in Mobile, Ala., this week scouting college players at the Senior Bowl practices.

Williams formerly worked for Allen in the front office of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Williams nearly returned to the Redskins in a front-office job three years ago, he confirmed in November when he and other former players were honored by the team at a game at FedEx Field, but instead returned to Grambling for his second stint as the school’s head coach. Williams was fired by Grambling in September.

“You never know what’s gonna happen,” Williams said in November. “… After the season’s over and things like that, then you see what your next step is.”

The Redskins declined to confirm a report this week by CBS that Allen had met with Williams in Mobile about a front-office job. That report said there was no deal between the two sides but things were headed in a positive direction.

Williams would join a Redskins’ front-office mix that currently includes Allen and personnel executives Morocco Brown and Scott Campbell.

Allen said after the Redskins fired Mike Shanahan as their coach following a 3-13 season that he would inherit the final say over the team’s player-related decisions formerly possessed by Shanahan.

Allen has expressed confidence in Campbell and Brown, who interviewed for the Buccaneers’ general manager job earlier this month but was passed over when the team hired Arizona Cardinals executive Jason Licht on Tuesday. Brown interviewed last year for the Cardinals’ GM job. He is the Redskins’ director of pro personnel, while Campbell is the team’s director of player personnel.

William, 58, played for the Redskins between the 1986 and ’89 seasons. He was named MVP of Super Bowl XXII after he threw four touchdown passes, all in the second quarter, and passed for 340 yards when the Redskins beat the Denver Broncos, 42-10, on Jan. 31, 1988.

The Redskins’ newly hired head coach, Jay Gruden, worked with Allen in Tampa. So, too, did several of the team’s assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Sean McVay and secondary coach Raheem Morris. Ike Hilliard, just re-hired as the team’s wide receivers coach, played for the Buccaneers during that time.

Have a Redskins question? E-mail Mike Jones at mike.jones@washpost.com with the subject line “Mailbag question” for him to answer it in The Mailbag on Tuesdays.

AGB Search Picked to Assist Tuskegee University Find Next President

Tommy G. Meade Jr.

Posted on Jan 23, 2014

TUSKEGEE, Ala. – A team of consultants that offers their networks, perspectives, and broad ranges of search experiences will work with the Board of Trustees at Tuskegee University to help select the next man or woman to lead the historically black university.

On Saturday, Jan. 18 the board had chosen AGB Search to begin a national search for candidates for the Tuskegee top job after former president Dr. Gilbert L. Rochon announced his resignation last October—following a string of other HBCU presidents to resign or to be fired from office.

[Click here to see HBCU presidents on the move]

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Message from the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees:

On Saturday, the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees selected AGB Search to immediately begin a national search for the next president of our prestigious, renowned, and historical university.

Retired Maj. Gen. Charles E. Williams, chairman of the board of trustees, has selected Trustee Felker Ward to chair the Search Firm Management Sub-Committee. The committee is responsible for the day-to-day activities of this critical search. AGB Search will work closely with the board and the committee to identify and present a slate of highly competitive and credentialed candidates to lead and advance Tuskegee University.

AGB Search is an affiliate of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), and draws on more than 90 years of experience in educational and institutional governance as well as collaborative leadership.

With upward trends in student retention and academic performance, faculty teaching, research productivity and enrollment, Tuskegee University remains a globally competitive university that prepares graduates for success and service.

Impassioned and loyal, the Tuskegee University family of alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors, partners and leadership look forward to the opportunity to embrace a new president with vision and a record of high performance and leadership.

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Harris-Stowe to Host Artist in Residence Synthia Saint James During Black History Month

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 23, 2014

ST. LOUIS, MO – Harris-Stowe State University will host its first artist in residence, Synthia Saint James, February 2-8, 2014, with a lecture presentation on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at 7 p.m. in the Emerson Performance Center’s Bank of America Theatre.

Synthia Saint James is a world-renowned multicultural visual artist, author, popular speaker and architectural designer who has garnered numerous awards over her 40-plus year career, including the prestigious Trumpet Award and her first honorary doctorate degree from Saint Augustine’s College, both in 2010.

She is most celebrated for designing the first Kwanzaa Stamp for the United States Postal Service for which she received a History Maker Award and for the international cover art for Terry McMillan’s book “Waiting to Exhale.” Additionally, her paintings have graced the covers for more than 70 books, including books by Alice Walker and Iyanla Vanzant.

“Harris-Stowe is so pleased to offer such a special event to not only the Harris-Stowe community but the entire St. Louis metropolitan community as well,” said Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle McClure. “Ms. Saint James has the ability to capture and illustrate the ‘black experience’ in stunning and colorful ways, and I have been a fan of hers for many years. It is an honor that we will have her on campus during Black History Month so that she can share her expertise.”

During Saint James’ stay in St. Louis, the artist will interact with Harris-Stowe students in the classroom and serve as a guest lecturer in art classes. She will even participate in a finger-painting session with children enrolled at the William L. Clay Early Childhood Development/Parenting Education Center.

Wednesday’s lecture presentation, “The Creative World of Synthia Saint James,” will give the audience an in-depth look into the world of Saint James, her life and work, while viewing her art on exhibit. Displayed works of art will be sold that night, with 40 percent of the proceeds to be donated to HSSU. The lecture and reception is free and open to the public. Following Saint James’ week of residency at HSSU, her paintings will continue to be featured in the university’s AT&T Library and Technology Resource Center until March 1, 2014.

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News

Edward Waters College Raises Awareness About Human Trafficking

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 23, 2014

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Edward Waters College presents “Bought & Sold: Voices of Human Trafficking,” an outdoor exhibit made up of 26 billboard-sized panels that tell the stories of human trafficking survivors worldwide.

The piece comes to the campus by way of ArtWorks for Freedom. The non-profit organization partners with artists and anti-trafficking organizations in cities around the world to create multimedia art events that focus attention and inspire action against this silent form of slavery. According to their website, 27 million people are trafficked globally, half of them are children. Florida ranks third in the U.S. for human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is an international crisis that begins in our own community. A large number of victims are lured into modern slavery through force, fraud or coercion. Awareness can reduce the incidence of human trafficking in our community and beyond,” said award-winning photographer and artist Kay Chernush.

In 2005 an assignment for the U.S. State Department brought her face to face with the evils of human trafficking and modern slavery. Chernush began working with individual survivors and anti-trafficking organizations. Her innovative approach dignifies trafficked persons and re-frames how their stories are portrayed. The resulting series, “Bought & Sold: Voices of Human Trafficking, has been exhibited throughout the Netherlands and Singapore.

This is the first time this exhibit is on display in the United States. Edward Waters College is the first of three locations in Jacksonville to showcase the piece. Chernush wanted it to debut at Edward Waters College because of the College’s rich history of educating newly freed slaves. She hopes her piece will serve a similar purpose by educating others and eventually ending human trafficking.

Crystal Reed is a managing partner of Artworks for Freedom. She will be giving a presentation about the prevalence of human trafficking in Florida in the Milne Auditorium January 29th at 11:00 a.m. “I believe that “to whom much is given, much is required.” As a result, I left my work as a business litigation lawyer to dedicate my professional time, talent and treasure to working against the slavery that exists today. An old enemy with a new name – human trafficking – is more pernicious because its chains are invisible making the bondage easier to ignore, and its victims easier to silence,” said Freed. For more information about this initiative visit usa.artworksforfreedom.org.

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News

A New Academic Program That Will Give Benedict College Students “The Edge”

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 23, 2014

Benedict College has teamed up with three other local colleges to offer students an edge in the global technology economy in a program called Coursepower®. Benedict College, USC, and Columbia College will offer a minor in applied computing, while Midlands Technical College will offer an academic certificate. This new collaboration will give non-IT majors the technological groundwork to be better equipped for the digital world that influences every career path.

“We live in a digital age,” said Lonnie Emard, President of IT-oLogy. “So whether a student’s focus is pharmacy, political science or hospitality, a minor in applied computing will set them apart. This underpinning will become the norm in a few years. We are ahead of the curve here in the Midlands.” Benedict College is the first and only HBCU to offer this opportunity to its students.

By offering students the education that employers are demanding, this will provide employers with the workforce they need to be more competitive. According to Dr. Hong Jiang, Associate Professor, Mathematics & Computer Science Department, Benedict College, “Students can still register for the related courses (CSC 131 and CSC 239 are offered) for the minor in applied computing for Spring 2014.”

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Buzz Killer

Grand Jury Declines to Indict NC Cop Who Killed Former FAMU Footballer Looking for Help

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 22, 2014

A North Carolina grand jury declined Tuesday to indict a Charlotte police officer who killed an unarmed man by shooting him 10 times last year.

In a handwritten note, Mecklenburg County grand jurors said there wasn’t enough evidence to indict Officer Randall Kerrick, 28, for voluntary manslaughter and asked the state attorney general’s to refile the case with lesser charges.

But prosecutors immediately said they would resubmit the case after they learned that not all of the grand jurors were present for the decision. They didn’t specify whether they would stick to the original voluntary manslaughter charge or would seek lesser charges.

No explanation for why the grand jury voted with fewer than 18 members — 12 of whom must agree — was offered.

Kerrick, a three-year veteran of the Charlotte force, shot Jonathan Ferrell, 24, 10 times in a confrontation in September. Ferrell had crashed his car and staggered to a nearby home for help. Kerrick has been on unpaid leave ever since.

George Laughrun, Kerrick’s attorney, told The Charlotte Observer that Kerrick “feels like the weight of the world has been lifted from his shoulders.”

“He’s extremely relieved that the grand jury members saw fit to keep an open mind and not listen to all the propaganda on all the things he did wrong,” Laughrun said.

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Buzz Killer

Arizona State Fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon Suspended for MLK Day Party

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 22, 2014

An Arizona State University fraternity’s operations have been suspended following accusations that the local Tau Kappa Epsilon chapter hosted a distasteful party in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, replete with racist stereotypes and offensive costumes.

University officials planned to meet Tuesday with fraternity representatives regarding the off-campus party over the weekend.

“We regard the behavior exhibited as completely outrageous, extraordinarily offensive and wholly unacceptable,” said James Rund, ASU’s senior vice president for Educational Outreach and Student Services. “This kind of behavior is not tolerated by the university, and we intend to take swift and immediate action.

“We just don’t have room at the university to tolerate that kind of conduct.”

Alex Baker, a spokesman for the national fraternity organization, said the group does not condone racist or discriminatory behavior.

“It is with embarrassment and regret when a few individuals within our organization make decisions that do not align with the values and principles of Tau Kappa Epsilon,” Baker said in a statement.

Pictures from the party made their way onto social media websites, depicting guests dressed in basketball jerseys, flashing gang signs and holding watermelon-shaped cups.

“How can you not realize how stupid this is?” said Cuyler Meade, 25, an ASU junior. “It’s embarrassing if people look at ASU and think we’re all like that.”

The Rev. Jarrett Maupin, an Arizona civil rights activist, said the party antics were outrageous and offensive. He is calling on the school to expel all students involved and permanently ban the fraternity from affiliation with ASU.

“It was just a raucous, racist rally, and they used Dr. King’s holiday as a mask for racial villainy and harassment,” Maupin said Tuesday.

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Editorial

Five Strategies for Increasing Enrollment at HBCUs

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 21, 2014

As we commence 2014, college admissions and FAFSA application deadlines are rapidly approaching. Of course, we know that many open-admissions, online and non-selective institutions often accept applications and admit students up until the day before classes start. In fact, some even take students well into the semester. Research suggests, however, that late enrollees have much lower persistence rates than those who apply in a timely manner and have the opportunity to participate in orientation programs for new or transfer students.

In recognition of this reality, many school districts, colleges and universities, foundations and community based organizations have teamed up in recent years to support first generation students with completing admission applications and financial aid forms. These “help sessions” have aided tremendously in increasing college enrollment among students from less wealthy backgrounds.

At the three institutions that I had the privilege of leading, enrollment was always at the top of the priority list for me and my administrative colleagues. In addition to missing the opportunity to provide an optimal number of students with a high quality college education, we knew all too well that not meeting our enrollment targets had significant consequences that reverberated throughout the institution. Some of those included laying off faculty and staff, curtailing the procurement of essential products and services needed to support instruction, reducing student financial aid awards and deferring maintenance, among other consequences. The financial situation was destined to become even more volatile when combined with reductions in state appropriations and a decline in private gifts.

During my last chancellorship, which was at an HBCU, everything I thought I knew about university leadership was tested, especially with respect to enrollment management, quality improvement and financial affairs. Shortly after my arrival, the General Administration of the University North Carolina, with support from the Board of Governors, made the decision to shift from funding constituent universities based on quantitative growth to one based on a set of qualitative metrics, with which I agreed in principle. Just as the new metrics were introduced, the NC economy hit the skids and required budget cuts the likes of which most university leaders had never experienced. As the leader of a low-wealth university serving large numbers of first generation students, enrollment management took on new meaning for me.

I concluded that the following five strategies were key to the university’s long term enrollment stability and growth:

1. Increase the academic stature and status of the university by enforcing admissions standards. Too often HBCU are viewed as last resort institutions that admit students other universities will not. As a result, many better prepared students choose institutions they perceive as better, PWIs;

2. Increase the success and retention of currently enrolled students by enveloping them in a network of comprehensive academic and personal support services;

3.Collaborate with community colleges to increase the number of reverse transfers and dual enrollees;

4. Increase the number of Hispanic, Caucasian and other non-white students;

5. Increase the enrollment of academically eligible students who dropped out of college before completing their degree.

Given the aggressive recruitment tactics of PWIs seeking to meet their diversity objectives, and the growing attractiveness of proprietary online institutions, HBCUs must intensify their efforts to convey their value proposition not only to black students but to other ethic groups as well. Experience has shown that HBCUs can no longer assume that black students will automatically enroll just because it’s an HBCU. Today’s students have choices and they are exercising those choices based on what they perceive as being in their best interests.

In the years ahead, enrollment stability is the factor that will determine whether HBCUs will thrive or simply survive. How HBCUs respond to the enrollment challenge is up to them, not a third party!

Source

Editorial

HBCUs Need to Seek Leaders from Nontraditional Sources

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 21, 2014

by Caleph B. Wilson

In this environment of limited educational funds, stable leadership is the key to ensuring the health of any university. However, unsteady leadership acutely impacts historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). With the recent departure of Alcorn State University’s former president, M. Christopher Brown, another HBCU has seen a change in leadership. Unfortunately, some of these leadership changes have been marred in scandal.

As an Alcorn alumnus, I am very concerned with Brown’s unexpected departure. The Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), Mississippi’s public college and university governing body, is investigating Brown’s purchasing practices. In addition, the IHL is planning a search for Alcorn’s next president. During the search process, my No. 1 question is: How can alumni work with IHL to assist in finding the best candidates?

Traditionally, HBCU presidential candidates have moved from leadership positions at other HBCUs. Also, they have traditionally been alumni of HBCUs or minority serving institutions (MSI). In the past, that was a good formula for the HBCU seeking a new president. However, it leaves one HBCU without leadership while another one gains from their loss. This situation presents an opportunity to expand the leadership search outside the ranks of the traditional HBCU community.

Within the last few years there are some HBCU presidents that have switched institutions and left their previous schools in better shape than they left them. Presidents like Walter Kimbrough at Dillard and Ronald Mason Jr. of the Southern University System improved Philander Smith and Jackson State University, respectively. They represent the type of leadership that Alcorn should be looking for.

In addition to identifying candidates with the qualities of Kimbrough and Mason, the IHL and alumni should also seek candidates like Michael Sorrell of Paul Quinn College. Sorrell has been the leader of Paul Quinn College since 2007 and has moved the college from an unstable situation to solid financial and academic footing. Both Sorrell and Kimbrough represent new HBCU leaders who are not HBCU alums, which points to the fact that governing bodies and alumni should seek to find the best candidates for leadership positions wherever they are.

In addition to the examples above, HBCUs should also actively look for women to fill their top administrative positions. Recently, Gwendolyn Boyd was selected as president of Alabama State University, and Elmira Mangum was chosen at Florida A&M. Boyd has had a long career as an engineer and administrator at Johns Hopkins University. There are many other women who have successfully navigated the academy, business and government. By not effectively tapping into the many women who are leading our country, HBCUs are missing powerful and innovative leaders. The lack of women leadership is especially troubling given thatwomen make up the majority of the collective HBCU student body.

As for Alcorn, I would like to see a slate of candidates that come from diverse leadership backgrounds. Some universities have pulled leaders from cabinet members of the White House, federal or state government agencies or national organizations. Like all institutions, HBCUs deserve to be able to identify and consider the best pool of presidential and administrative leadership available.

If HBCUs are going to maintain their legacies, grow their roles in educating young people and provide a talented workforce for the world, HBCUs have to acquire solid, ethical leadership. The type of leadership that leaves Alcorn in a better state than he or she found it.

Caleph B. Wilson, PhD is a biomedical sciences postdoctoral fellow at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and co-founder of the National Science and Technology News Service. Follow him on Twitter: @HeyDrWilson

News

Comegy Set to Rebuild at Mississippi Valley State

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 21, 2014

(SportsNetwork.com) – Rick Comegy already has current scouting reports on his opponents.

He’s simply switched schools in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

On Tuesday, Mississippi Valley State University named the former Jackson State football coach as its new head coach.

“I don’t want to have a team that wins one year then goes away,” Comegy, 60, said. “I want to build a program here where the team is consistently winning every year. And it takes a little while to build a program, but if we get some guys that are committed, a staff that is committed and I can tell that we have a city that’s committed here …”

Comegy led Jackson State to the 2007 SWAC championships and appearances in the last two title games while compiling a 55-35 record in eight seasons.

His tenure with the Tigers was troubled at times, including the team’s 2011 ban from the postseason due to its poor NCAA Academic Progress Rate scores.

Unlike his ability to reload at Jackson State, Comegy has to rebuild with Mississippi Valley State. He is replacing Karl Morgan, whose contract was not renewed at Mississippi Valley State after he compiled an 8-35 record in four seasons, including 2-9 this past year.

Comegy has a 164-86 career record over 22 seasons at Tuskegee, Cheyney, Central State and Jackson State. Read Full.

Buzz Killer

D.C. Police Investigating Double Homicide Near Howard University Campus

HBCU Editors

Posted on Jan 21, 2014

WASHINGTON (WJLA) – Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police are investigating a double homicide after two bodies were discovered in a rowhouse in Northwest late Monday night.

When a relative went to the basement apartment on Girard Street and made the horrifying discovery around 11 p.m., D.C. Police raced to the scene.

ABC7 has learned from sources that a man and woman inside the basement were found face down, both shot in the head and executed, leaving a neighborhood in shock.

The male victim has since been identified as 36-year-old Oluremi Thomas of Northwest, D.C. The female victim has been identified as 24-year-old Keyonna Proctor of Southeast, D.C.

“The door was knocked down — I wasn’t sure if it was the police but I saw one of the bodies. I really just went home and grieved,” described one man who arrived at the murder scene Tuesday morning. He told us he was grieving for his niece, but wouldn’t speak on camera.

Despite the fact both victims were shot, the Howard University students who live next door said they didn’t hear anything at all.

“It’s even scarier that we didn’t hear nothing,” said finance student Marc Johnson. “That is kind of shaking me up a little bit.” The shocking crime happened just across the street from campus.

Sources say the victims were not students, and the home was reportedly just one block away from the scene of Omar Sykes’ murder.

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