Mississippi Valley State Receives $50,000 Grant from Coca-Cola Foundation

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The Coca-Cola Foundation provided a $50,000 First Generation Scholarship Grant to Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU).

To qualify for the first generation scholarship, students must have maintained a grade point average of 2.8 (4.0 scale) and be the first in their immediate family to attend college.

The grant will support scholarships of $3,125 per year over 4 years to 4 students. Each student will receive $12,500 over four years of college which will provide much needed financial assistance to further their education.

“The Coca-Cola Foundation First Generation Scholarship Program is creating opportunities for students who may otherwise not attend college. These opportunities will ultimately change the destiny of each student and their families. The Coca-Cola Foundation is simply the best and we thank them for their vision and commitment to changing the lives of young people in the Mississippi Delta.” says Donna H. Oliver, President of Mississippi Valley State University.

Since 1993, the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship Program has helped more than 1,200 students on more than 400 campuses become the first in their families to attend college.

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About the Coca-Cola Foundation: The Coca-Cola Foundation is our Company’s primary international philanthropic arm. Founded in 1984, the Foundation was established in the U.S. as a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Foundations grants are awarded throughout the year on business plan priorities, tax requirements, legal compliance and approval by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. At the Coca-Cola Foundation, we help keep that commitment every day by partnering with organizations around the globe to support initiatives and programs that respond in a meaningful way to community needs and priorities.

About Mississippi Valley State University: Mississippi Valley State University, as a Carnegie Classified Master’s University, provides comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in education, the arts and sciences, and professional studies. The University is driven by its commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, service, and research–a commitment resulting in a learner-centered environment that prepares critical thinkers, exceptional communicators, and service-oriented, engaged, and productive citizens. MVSU is fundamentally committed to positively impacting the quality of life and creating extraordinary educational opportunities for the Mississippi Delta and beyond.

Morgan Returns to Artscape with ‘Roadhouse Project’

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Morgan State University’s School of Architecture & Planning enters its second year of participation in the annual Baltimore Artscape festival.

This year’s project is the “Road House,” an interactive music/live act venue completely made of reusable wooden pallets from Mexico and unused shelves and other wooden products found on and near the Morgan campus. Fully constructed, the project will cover more than 8,000 square feet.

Commissioned by Jim Lucio, Coordinator of the Roadside Attractions portion of Artscape, Morgan State students Desmond Brown, LaTayia Wilson, Kendra Jenifer, James Thompson, Jessie Kraus, Marcus Clark, Jeff Grey, Patrick Mfoudi, Sean Talbott, Darius White, Hao Hyunh, and Tuan Pham partnered with Morgan professor Michael Zebrowski to complete the project.

Referenced MSU

FAMU Begins Nationwide Search for Anti-Hazing Compliance Officers

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“Our goal is to rid our campus of hazing and continue our efforts to create a safer environment for our students.” said Robinson. 

The jobs that were announced on the University’s website are Special Assistant the the President for Anti-Hazing and the Department of Music Compliance Officer will also be advertised in Diverse Issues in Higher Education and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

The Special Assistant will be responsible for the overall management of the university-wide anti-hazing initiatives in collaboration with the University student judicial system, pursuant to the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct and Due Process Regulations.

The Compliance Officer will be responsible for ensuring the overall compliance of the Department of Music, specifically bands and ensembles with university policies and procedures and the Department of Music guidelines specified in approved handbooks.

The new searches were initiated just two weeks after FAMU began a nationwide search for a new Director of Marching and Pep Bands.

“Our goal is to rid our campus of hazing and continue our efforts to create a safer environment for our students.” says FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson.

All three positions will play leading roles in implementing new policies and procedures that are critical to the future of the Marching “100,” which has been suspended for the 2012-13 academic year. Robinson says the goal is to have all three positions filled by the end of the fall 2012 semester.

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Tobacco Ban At Langston University To Promote A Healthier Campus

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Effective July 1, 2012 all three campuses at Langston University became tobacco free. The ban complies with Governor Mary Fallins’s executive order that bans the use of tobacco for all state-owned and state-leased properties, including all public colleges and universities.

The ban applies to all faculty, staff, students, visitors, for all University owned properties, facilities and grounds. Langton President believes this measure will improve the overall quality of the campus for all.

“Considering the hazards that arise from exposure to tobacco products, this ban will certainly help us provide a cleaner and safer environment for our students, employees and visitors,” said LU President Kent Smith, Jr. “It is important that we do all we can to protect our campus population from being susceptible to illnesses or injuries that could result from tobacco use in the workplace.”

With the new ban in place, it is expected that a number of smokers on campus will seek treatment to kick their nicotine addiction.

The executive order for the state of Oklahoma comes after Governor Fallin’s observation of tobacco being a contributing factor in the state’s poor national health rankings.

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About Langston University:  Founded as Oklahoma’s only historically black college or university (HBCU), Langston University is dedicated to enhancing the intellectual, social and economic condition of the students it serves by affording them excellent teaching, research and services programs and opportunities.

Obama talks FAMU hazing on campaign trail

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(CNN) – President Barack Obama weighed in this week on a hazing incident at Florida A&M University which attracted national attention and resulted in the death of a band member.

Following a campaign appearance in the state on Thursday, CNN affiliate WCTV in Jacksonville caught up with the president who commented on last November’s death of band member Robert Champion. Champion was badly beaten on a band bus after a football game in Orlando.

“Well, obviously the loss of that young man’s life is heartbreaking. I think that we can’t tolerate bullying of any sort, anywhere. And when we send our young people to college we expect them to be there to learn and to get a great experience, not to be beaten. So, you know, I’m pleased this has gotten attention,” said Obama, adding that while tradition is something to be continued, “We don’t need this kind of bullying to be a part of it.”

Provost Larry Robinson, acting interim President at FAMU, is a former member of the Obama administration.

The University’s nationally esteemed marching band also played at the President’s inaugural parade. Referenced

Usher’s Stepson – 11year old Kile Glover Passes Away Following Jetski Incident

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We were heartbroken to learn that Tameka Raymond’s son Kile, Usher’s 11-year-old stepson was unable to overcome the injuries he suffered during an accident earlier this month.

Kile died after being taken off life support today. this was his last tweet


According to TMZ reports:

Usher’s 11-year-old stepson has passed away this morning from injuries suffered in a tragic jetski accident in Georgia earlier this month … TMZ has learned.

Doctors removed 11-year-old Kile Glover from life support after it was determined the injuries were too severe to overcome. We’re told Kyle’s mother, Tameka Foster, struggled tremendously with the decision.

According to our sources, Tameka is understandably devastated.

Glover was injured on July 8 … as he was riding in an inner tube that was connected to a pontoon in Lake Lanier. According to authorities, a family friend who was riding a jetski behind the pontoon lost control and collided with Glover’s tube.

The accident is currently under investigation.

Q & A | Correlation/similarities between the African-American retention rates at PWIs vs HBCUs

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Is there any correlation/similarities between the African-American retention rates at primarily white institutions (PWIs) versus historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)?  What are the factors, if any, causing and/or preventing students from graduating and accomplishing and undergraduate graduation on time (within 4-5 years)?”  I was told I would receive a response and be connected with a student government officials so these questions could be answered and overall concerns I have, they we may both have, could be discussed.

 

Question From,

TJ Watters

Undergraduate | Indiana University

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Announces Huge Partnership for HBCU Community

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A huge partnership has been announced by a giant in the HBCU community to provide public secondary schools to more effectively prepare blacks for college.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) will partner up with Baltimore-based Connections Education, to create TMCF Collegiate Academies that will combine traditional classroom learning with online learning techniques to engage students in rigorous college preparatory curriculum, while also addressing 21st Century learning needs.

The goal of the tuition-free, open enrollment secondary schools is to “pipeline” students into college, according to TMCF spokesperson Juontonio Pinckne .

“We’ve heard the call for educational reform,” he said. “We believe that this is a market where we can have a cradle-to-the-grave pipeline in order to support our schools, strengthen the talent that is coming into our institutions…and essentially [create] a better, more qualified, globally competitive member of society in the end.” Says Pinckne.

The secondary academies, which organizers hope to launch by the 2014-15 school year, will be established on or near various HBCU campuses. The partners hope to open as many as ten academies in the next five years with the first Academy projected for Southern University in New Orleans, where discussions are already underway.

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About TMCF: The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is named for the U.S. Supreme Court’s first African-American Justice. Established in 1987, TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization and for more information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit: www.ThurgoodMarshallCollegeFund.org.

About Connections Education: Connections Education® is an accredited provider of high-quality, highly accountable virtual education solutions for students in grade K–12. Connections Education is now part of the global learning company Pearson. We are committed to expanding quality education through technology and helping students achieve both academic and personal success. For more information, visit www.ConnectionsEducation.com.

 

Senators propose cap on “overload” college fees for CSU students, and others

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State Sen. Tom Sawyer, D-Akron, with support from State Sen. Peggy Lehner, R-Kettering, proposed a bill Tuesday, July 17, 2012 that would limit fees college students pay for taking extra credit hours on top of a full-time load.

Students who decide to take more credit hours to graduate early, or who wish to double major, will benefit from Sawyer’s Ambition Penalty Relief Act if passed, which aims to cap what a university considers a maximum full-time course load.

Central State University students pay full-time tuition for courses they take between 12-18 credit hours. Above those hours, however, students pay an additional “overload fee” of $144 per credit hour.

“I don’t think that a student should be basically fiscally punished for being willing to take on a heavier load than the average student is,” said Lehner, chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee.

For more information, please visit the Dayton Daily News:

Howard University Freshman Leadership Academy Summer Studies in China and Japan

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From July 23rd though August 10th, members of the Howard University Freshman Leadership Academy (FLA) will participate in an intensive cultural exchange to China and Japan. This will be the first year the FLA includes studies to Japan and the second year the group will travel to China.

The FLA participants will have the opportunity to visit universities, businesses, and historic sites while learning about global trends, Chinese and Japanese history, education and leadership.

“The Freshman Leadership Academy’s studies and cultural immersion in Asia builds on President Ribeau’s vision for expanding Howard’s international footprint and answers the call of President Obama’s 100,000 Strong Initiative,” said Barbara Griffin, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs. “Today’s students must become globally competent citizens in order to be competitive and truly effective in our increasingly interconnected world.”

In China, tours and excursions will include visits to the Shanghai World Financial Center, Beijing Normal University, major local corporations, and organizations. In Japan, students will visit cultural sites and learn about the history through visits to the largest city in Japan, Tokyo, as well as two smaller cities, Hakone and Nikko.

Currently the FLA has eight students studying abroad from countries ranging from Cape Town, South Africa to Granada, Spain.

About the FLA: The Freshman Leadership Academy (FLA) was created during the 49th Administration of the Howard University Student Association to expose 1st year students to the specific duties, responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges associated with all aspects of student leadership. The Academy is open to all freshmen and transfer students at the university. The mission of the Freshman Leadership Academy is to develop individual leadership skills in a group environment through developmental training, service opportunities, and relationship building.

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ABOUT HOWARD

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 30 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University’s Web site at www.howard.edu.

Harlem’s ‘Queen of Soul Food’ Sylvia Woods dies at 86

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New York’s legendary “Queen of Soul Food” Sylvia Woods, whose iconic restaurant drew dignitaries and ordinary folk from all over the world to Harlem to taste her fried chicken, died Thursday at 86.

News that she died broke just as Mayor Bloomberg was paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of “Sylvia’s” at a gala reception at Gracie Mansion.

“We lost a legend today,” the mayor said. “Generations of family and friends have come together at what became a New York institution.”

The Woods family said she was surrounded by loved ones when she lost her battle with Alzheimer’s.

 Tributes quickly began pouring in.“Sylvia’s has been more than a restaurant, it has been a meeting place for black America,” said the Rev. Al Sharpton, who recalled dining there with everyone from President Obama to Caroline Kennedy.Rep. Charles Rangel said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of a friend.

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Jada Pinkett-Smith Fights Against Human Trafficking

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Actress Jada Pinkett Smith jetted to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to testify before Congress about the need to combat human trafficking.

The star, accompanied by her movie icon husband Will and 11-year-old daughter Willow, met with officials on Capitol Hill during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee meeting and appealed to legislators to step up their fight, arguing, “Slavery robs us of the thing we value most: our freedom.”

The 40-year-old also announced plans to launch a new campaign to help victims, according to the Associated Press.

Willow Smith took to Twitter.com about her time in the U.S. capital, sharing a photo of herself seated behind one-time U.S. presidential nominee John Kerry’s placard and tweeting, “I’m getting radical on human trafficking.”

This isn’t the first time Pinkett Smith has spoken out against the illegal trade of human beings – she recently teamed up with fellow actress Salma Hayek to make a new video for the Don’t Sell Bodies campaign, which fights against the exploitation of women and children around the world. referenced

VIDEO: George Zimmerman Interviewed By Fox News’ Sean Hannity; Says Events Were “All God’s Plan”

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Fox News’ Sean Hannity sat down in a recent interview with George Zimmerman, who has admitted to the shooting and murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman used the interview as an opportunity to provide his version of what happened in the critical moments leading up to the shooting. His lawyer was there by his side, and during the interview he said “it was all God’s plan”.

VIDEO | FAMU Robert Champion’s Roommate on HBO’s

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Violent Band hazing at FAMU. Real Sports debuts Tues., July 17 at 10pm ET/PT on HBO. For more information on HBO Sports, visithttp://itsh.bo/HKXeb8.

Watch HBO Sports series and events online at HBO GO®http://itsh.bo/mqq7g6.

Connect with HBO Sports on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/hbosports

St. Aug Hosts YMCA for Fifth Year

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For the fifth consecutive year, Saint Augustine’s College’s has opened its doors and campus to the YMCA and various local youngsters during its summer camp. “Saint Augustine’s College is the perfect fit for our camp,” said Dexter Hebert, senior director of Community Outreach at the YMCA. “Not only are we serving the community but we’re giving kids a chance to be on a college campus. St. Aug is our home.”

 

The YMCA’s summer camp is a fairly inexpensive camp despite the various amenities offered to campers. “We host community fundraisers, receive donations for locals and St. Aug doesn’t charge for hosting the camp, which has allowed us to subsidize the camp’s costs.”

 

“We are not just a typical summer camp. We are intentional in all the activities and character building we do in this camp. We believe in skill development of our kids and understand the academic challenges our kids face, so we have tried to incorporate an academic component to help them in every area of their lives.” During the camp, participants are taught to play various sports such as lacrosse, but also the campers have reading hour, participate in math activities and a weekly devotional with local ministers.

 

In addition to offering a wide variety of activities both academic and physical for the campers, the YMCA being on campus has also afforded many St. Aug students employment opportunities. “A number of our counselors are Saint Augustine’s College students and we’ve gone on to hire many of them post college,” said Hebert. Each counselor is required to undergo an interview process and 30 hours of staff training.

 

Furthermore, the YMCA and St. Aug hosted Healthy Communities Day, Thursday, July 12, in MLK Conference Center, an annual event focused on providing health screenings for the campers. For more information on the YMCA’s Summer Camp, click here.