Tim Green of Lincoln University named to USA College Football Preseason All-American Team

Lincoln University senior defensive end Tim Green (Fanwood, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS) continued to add to his list of honors as he was named Monday to the USA College Football NCAA Division II Preseason All-American Team.

Green, who has earned the Lindy’s Sports College Football, Beyond Sports Networks All-American Team honors and was a preseason All-CIAA selection, led NCAA Division II statistically in sacks and was Lincoln’s first-ever Division II All-American, grabbing the honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the Associated Press Little All-American Team and D2football.com (honorable mention).

An All-CIAA first team performer and an ECAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Green, who was named as one of three players to watch in the CIAA by getrealfootball.com and the Boxtorow Preseason All-American Team, was fourth on the team in tackles in 2011 with 56, including 43 solo stops. He added 15 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups and one safety.

The Lions begin the 2012 season as State Farm Presents…The Battle of the First as Lincoln opens its new stadium against rival Cheyney on Saturday, Sept. 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Referenced from Lincol

Paine College School of Professional Studies Selects New Dean, Dr. David Chamblee

Dr. David Chamblee has been appointed by Paine College president Dr. George C. Bradley, as the Dean of the School of Professional Studies.

Chamblee will be responsible for leading the coordination and supervision of the following areas within the School of Professional Studies: Department of Education, Department of Education, and the Department of Business.

Chamblee is skilled in management and engineering. He previously served as Quality Engineering Manager at Tyco Electronics Corporation, managing the relocation of several product lines to China, which resulted in a multi-million cost savings.  Prior to working for Tyco Electronics, Chamblee was employed as a manufacturing process engineer at Marconi Communications. He has also served as an adjunct professor and the Vice President of the Applied Engineering Technology Department Advisory Board for the School of Technology at North Carolina A & T State University.

“My vision for the School of Professional Studies is to provide an extraordinary service to all students utilizing the engage, inspire and transform model,” he said.

Chamblee holds a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina A & T State University, a Master of Science degree from Bowling Green State University and a doctorate in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A & T State University.

The Paine College Community warmly welcomes and congratulates Chamblee on his new position.

DSU’s Dr. Melikechi Prepares for NASA Work

NASA’s Curiosity Rover has landed on Mars.

Now DSU’s Dr. Noureddine Melikechi will soon contribute his optics expertise as part of the Curiosity ChemCam Team and assist the space agency in analyzing the data that comes back from Mars through the rover.

Culminating a 367 million-mile and 36-week flight from earth, the Curiosity Rover was lowered gently by ropes from a rocket backpack onto the Mars surface inside its Gale Crater at 1:32 a.m. EST on Monday, Aug. 6.

Dr. Melikechi, who is also the dean of the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology as well as the University’s vice president of research, showed his excitement during a morning press briefing with local media on Aug. 6.

“Imagine, you build something that you can’t test, send it 570 million kilometers, and it works for the first time,” said Dr. Melikechi, referring to the complex landing technique. “I am so proud to be a part of this mission, which includes about 300 scientists – of which I am one – and thousands of engineers.”

He and two graduate assistants, Alissa Mezzacappa and Angela Lundberg, are part of the mission’s ChemCam Team. The ChemCam (Chemistry and Camera suite), one of 10 instruments on the Curiosity, will be used to study the soil and rocks at each place Curiosity stops.

The ChemCam will shoot an infrared laser – more than a million watts of power – at rock surfaces on the planet. The resulting light will be read by the unit’s spectrometer, which is expected to provide new information concerning the rock composition of the planet.

The ChemCam utilizes a technology called laser-induced spectroscopy, which has been used in determine the composition of objects in extreme environments such as nuclear reactors and on the sea floor. However, this is the first time the technology has been used in space exploration.

After the Curiosity does some preliminary checks and scientific work during its early days on the planet, the ChemCam will shoot its first laser blasts in mid-August, Dr. Melikechi said.

The primary goal of the Curiosity mission is to study whether the Gale Crater area of Mars has evidence of past or present habitable environments. Dr. Melikechi said the mission will be looking for the past or present existence of liquid water, the chemical elements required to sustain life, and a source of energy, all necessary elements for habitability.

“It is my hope that we will see something that no one expects,” Dr. Melikechi said.

24 Hour Theatre Project returns to Fayetteville State, August 24-25

Fayetteville State University (FSU) Theatre announces its fourth 24 Hour Theatre Project on August 24-25, 2012.  The project invites participation from FSU students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the community to the highly caffeinated adventure in which plays are written, rehearsed, designed, and performed in 24 hours.  A trend over the last decade in educational and professional theatres, 24 Hour Theatre is a burgeoning tradition at FSU, which introduces a new Bachelor of Arts curriculum in Theatre this year.

24 Hour Theatre will involve a kickoff event on Friday, August 24th, at 7:30 p.m., followed by an overnight writing session by playwrights.  After finishing their writing by early the next morning, the freshly-minted scripts will be taken up by actors, directors, designers, technicians, and managers who will rehearse the plays throughout the day in time for a 7:30 p.m. performance of the plays on Saturday night.  Students and other interested participants will be able to engage in one of a variety of production areas, from writing to acting to stage management to lighting operation.  Participants can apply to participate in the project here.  Participation is limited; certain production roles, such as writing and directing, are extremely limited, so get your application in as soon as possible.

The goal of 24 Hour Theatre is to produce fully realized scripts, usually of 10-20 minutes in length, and to put participants into active production roles with intense demands.  The result is a mixture of high creativity, artistic impulse, sleep deprivation, temper, improvisation, failure, success, and caffeine.  Participants are forced to make decisions on a deadline – a bit like Survivor for theatre – and learn firsthand the necessities of prioritization, problem-solving, and good humor.  Above all, 24 Hour Theatre usually sees great success at creating bonds between participants and working to create a community of theatre makers in a short period of time.

The 24 Hour Theatre Project performances begin at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, August 25th, in FSU’s Butler Theater.  The new plays may not be suitable for all audiences. Referenced from FSU

FAMU announces new halftime concept during football games

With its marching band sidelined because of a deadly hazing incident, Florida A&M University has announced an “enhanced football experience and halftime entertainment,” to keep fans cheering during this season’s home football games.

In addition, the school’s athletics department has partnered with Visit Tallahassee, which promotes the city as a tourist destination, to create travel packages that include game tickets along with a hotel room. The effort is designed to drive game attendance and overnight visits, the school said.The school did not provide full details but said fan who attend this season’s four home games can expect new entertainment options, including old school vs new school DJ competitions, performances by “major recording artists” and a contest to win a meet-and-greet with the artists.

With its famed Marching 100 band suspended for the entire 2012-2013 school year because of a hazing death, Florida A&M University had been looking for new ways to keep students and fans engaged this football season.

In a press release issued Tuesday, FAMU officials did not mention the band or refer to events that led to this year’s changes. They instead focused on football and a season of new entertainment options.

“We have a promising team this football season ready and excited to showcase their talent on the gridiron,” FAMU Athletics Director Derek Horne said in the release. “Our guys have been putting in extra time with drills over the summer, and adding the excitement of the enhanced halftime experience is sure to make this a very exciting football season as FAMU celebrates 125 years.”

The school announced the band’s yearlong suspension in May following the death of a 26-year-old drum major, Robert Champion, on Nov. 19. Champion died during a hazing incident on a bus after a football game in Orlando. Eleven band members were charged with felony hazing in connection with his death; two others were charged with misdemeanors.

FAMU opens its football season Sept. 1 in Nashville against Tennessee State.

Opponents for home games include Hampton University (Sept. 15), Savannah State (Oct. 13), South Carolina State (Oct. 20), and the FAMU homecoming game against North Carolina Central (Nov. 10). Referenced from Qcity Metro

Gunman, officer, bystander dead in shooting near Texas A&M

College Station police say a gunman killed a Brazos County constable and a bystander and wounded a police officer and another bystander near Texas A&M University just after noon today.

Brian Bachmann, the longtime Brazos County constable, an elected position, was attempting to serve eviction papers at a home in the historical district of College Station about 12:15 p.m. CT (2:15 p.m. ET) when someone inside shot him as he approached.

Police came under fire when they responded, and a 30-minute gunbattle ensued. The gunman was mortally wounded and he died in custody, police said.

The university, about 90 miles northwest of Houston, issued a Code Maroon emergency just before 12:30 p.m. CT, instructing students and school personnel to avoid the area.

Update at 8:52 p.m. ETThe Dallas Morning News hasposted the Texas driver’s license photo of Thomas Caffall, reportedly the gunman.

The Morning News also reports that College Station officials have corrected the age of the dead bystander, Chris Northcliff, saying he was 43. Earlier statements had said he was 65 and 51.

Update at 8:24 p.m. ET: Citing several sources, The Eagle is identifying the gunman as 35-year-old Thomas Caffall. It says his Facebook page has multiple photos of guns. Police have not released the gunman’s name.

Police said that besides the gunman and Bachmann, a former sheriff’s deputy, the dead include 51-year-old College Station resident Chris Northcliff, who was walking down the street when the gunman opened fire. Police earlier said a 65-year-old man had been killed.

A 55-year-old woman was also wounded while walking down the street, but her identity has not been released. Police said she underwent surgery and is listed in critical condition.

College Station Police Officer Justin Oehlke underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the calf. Two other College Station police officers suffered injuries not from gunfire.

Update at 5:38 p.m. ET: The dead civilian is a 65-year-old man, the assistant College Station police chief says, according to the Associated Press.

Update at 5:08 p.m. ET: A memorial page for officers killed in the line of duty says Bachmann had served as the electedconstable of Precinct 1 in Brazos County for 13 years and was in law enforcement for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and children.

 

Before Bachmann, the last Brazos County Precinct 1 constable to be slain wasMarcellus Randall “Pet” Millican, who was killed Dec. 14, 1889.

Update at 5:06 p.m. ET: The gunman was shot apparently after a brief chase, The Eagle reports, though police have not officially confirmed that.

Update at 4:40 p.m. ET: At a news conference, Assistant Police Chief Scott McCollum said Constable Bachmann was first to arrive at the house in the 200 block of Fidelity Street. When police officers arrived, they found him down in the front yard, and officers began taking fire, the Houston Chroniclesays.

The university says it does not yet know whether the gunman is a student or otherwise associated with the school.

The university is between semesters, so few students are around. The fall term begins Aug. 27, the Chronicle says.

Update at 4:18 p.m. ET: Witnesses tell The Eagle that the gunman, still unidentified, was shot by SWAT officers, but police have not confirmed that.

Update at 4:13 p.m. ET: College Station police report that the wounded officer was shot in the leg and is listed in stable condition. A female civilian is in surgery at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan. Two other police officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Earlier, there were reports of one person experiencing chest pains and another dizziness.

Update at 4:03 p.m. ET: The gunman has died, police say, the Associated Press is reporting.

Update at 4 p.m. ET:The Eagle names the dead officer as Brazos County Constable Brian Bachmann, who was shot while serving paperwork.

The paper also says the gunman has died.

Update at 3:48 p.m. ET: Police say the gunman was shot before being taken into custody.

CNN reports the gunman is the dead civilian, but police have not confirmed that.

Earlier reports indicated the shooting may have resulted during an eviction at a house in the historical district.

Update at 3:43 p.m. ET: Police also say one civilian has died.

Update at 3:36 p.m. ET: The local Eagle newspaper, KBTXand the Associated Press are now reporting that one officer has died.

Update at 3:17 p.m. ET: Two police officers and one civilian were wounded, a Bryan Police spokesman says, the Associated Press reports.

Original post by Douglas Stanglin:

Update at 2:35 p.m. ET: The shooting incident occurred a few blocks off campus, Texas A & M University spokeswoman Sherylon Carroll tells USA TODAY’s Donna Leinwand Leger.

Carroll says she learned of the shooting from the campus police chief, who asked her to alert students, faculty and staff to avoid the area. Within 15 minutes, police called to say the shooter was in custody, Carroll says.

“We are OK now,” Carroll says. “For a while, it was scary.”

Update at 2:33 p.m. ET: The Eagle, the College Station newspaper, reports that the incident appears to have started on Fidelity Street near George Bush Drive, not far from the A&M Former Student’s Association building.

Other media reports say the shooter apparently had barricaded himself into a building.

Update at 2:27 p.m. ET: KBTX reports it has confirmed that more than one law enforcement officer had been wounded.

KBTX quotes a spokesperson for the College Station Police Department as saying there were no confirmed fatalities.

“The scene is reportedly under control and there is no longer a danger to the public,” KBTX report.

Update at 2:22 p.m. ET: The College Station newspaper, The Eagle,  reports that police scanners referred to two officers being wounded, but that was not immediately confirmed.(Correction at 2:56 p.m. ET: We earlier wrongly referred toThe Eagle as the school newspaper.)

Update at 2:18 p.m. ET: KHOU.com reports that at least two people were shot. KHOU reports that police say the suspect was firing shots from a house near the campus.

Update at 2:14 p.m. ET: Police officer Seaton, in her interview with CNN, said she did not know at this time the extent of the injuries.

Update at 2:12 p.m. ET: Brazos County police scanners report at least two people “are down.”

Update at 2:11 p.m. ET: College Station, Texas, police officer Rhonda Seaton tells CNN that “multiple people” have been injured.

Update at 2:06 p.m. ET: Here is the university’s initial report on its website:

Avoid Area. CSPD reports an active shooter in the area immediately southeast of the intersection of Welborn Rd and George Bush Drive. Please avoid the area. Residents in the immediate area need to remain inside their residence.

All Referenced from usatoday.

WV State hires vice president for business and finance

West Virginia State University has hired Melvin Jones vice president for business and finance. Jones, who held the position previously in an interim capacity, also served WVSU as an assistant professor of accounting from 2009 to 2011.

“Melvin brings significant experience in corporate and non-profit financial operations,” said President Brian O. Hemphill said. “He will play an important role in returning the University to a healthy, sustainable fiscal position.”

Prior to joining WVSU, Jones was vice president and chief financial officer for beBetter Business Networks Inc.

“I look forward to being consequential to the future of the University,” said Jones. “I’m excited to be a member of the new leadership team and I believe President Hemphill is leading us in a direction that will ensure the viability of the University for generations of West Virginians to come.”

Jones earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration from the University of South Alabama, Mobile. He currently serves on the board of trustees for the Clay Center and on the board of trustees of the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation on the Finance, Audit and Distribution Committee.

Jones volunteers as treasurer of the board of directors of Kanawha Institute for Social Research and Action. He has served as first vice chairman and treasurer for the Avampato Discovery Museum and as chairman of the board of “Keep a Child in School.” theStateJournal

Dr. Tony Atwater NSU President, State of the university address

Dr. Tony Atwater, president of Norfolk State University, addressed dozens of people at Wilder Center for his first state of the university speech Tuesday morning.

He said his aim is to continue a “trajectory of academic excellence” at the institution. He recalled the opening of a new library on campus plus the recent addition of a student services building and a student center. He noted the no-cost agreement for students, faculty and staff to “ride the Tide.”

Dr. Atwater outlined a six year strategic plan and mission statement with goals that include modernizing facilities, and enhancing security. Plus, he announced the creation of a new Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and a new graduate program in research.

“My goal is to take Norfolk State to a higher plane and I believe that working together with the community, we get great support from Mayor Fraim, and other constituents outside the university,” Atwater said. “I think exciting things are on the way at Norfolk State.”

Dr. Atwater also announced the legislative papers of the late State Senator Yvonne Miller will be housed at the university where she was a former education professor. Wavy

WSSU Chancellor Reaves Announces Staff Reorganization

For the first time in five years Winston-Salem State University is beginning a new academic year with no reduction in state funding.  Yet, we continue to be affected by the loss of $31 million in State appropriations during the previous four years.  Additionally, economic recovery in the State of North Carolina continues to be slow, and in all likelihood it will take several, if not more, years for the University to regain the momentum that was lost when funding was reduced.

This summer the North Carolina General Assembly did make several positive adjustments to the 2012-13 budget for the UNC system, including a $25 million allocation to offset a portion of the reductions in need-based financial aid.  While this relief was certainly welcomed, we must remember that the funding will need to support 17 campuses.  The budget also included a 1.2 percent pay increase for SPA, EPA faculty and EPA non-faculty employees who were employed at the University as of July 1.  Additionally, full-time, leave-earning state employees will receive five additional days of annual leave that can be used during this fiscal year.

Even with these small, positive changes, WSSU and the other campuses in the system continue to face challenges in managing the scarce resources that are available.  That means that we need to persist in our efforts to be efficient and effective in all that we do and to generate savings where opportunities exist.

As part of these on-going efforts, I have asked each member of my executive staff to continue to look for ways to save money and to essentially do more with less.  That task applies equally to the Office of the Chancellor.  To that end, today, I am announcing a reorganization of the Office of University Engagement that will result in the elimination of a senior position within my budget, that being the Executive Director of Marketing, Alumni and Community Relations.

In reviewing that area, I realized that the capacity and capability to manage those functions existed within other offices that report to me.  So just as we have asked faculty members to increase their teaching loads and staff members to assume additional duties, I have asked members of my staff to add additional responsibilities to their portfolios.

Effective August 15, 2012, Alumni Relations will again report to Michelle Cook, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement; Marketing and Communications will report to Nancy Young, Director of Public and Media Relations; Government Relations will report to Camille Klutz-Leach, University Legal Counsel; and, Community Relations will become an official part of RaVonda Dalton-Rann’s responsibilities as Executive Assistant to the Chancellor.

Throughout the year we will continue to review our operations to identify every possible way to reduce expenses.  In doing so, difficult decisions, like the one announced today, will likely be needed to generate the savings that we need to better support our students.   But this is the business that we are in and we must do everything that we can to insure that our resources are allocated to our highest priority, which is the support of our student’s educational experience.

In closing I want to thank Nigel Alston for the service that he has provided to WSSU, and I want to thank all of you for the efforts you make every day to support the University’s missions of teaching, research and service. Referenced from WSSU

Dr. Frederick Asinor named dean at Delaware State University

Dr. Frederick K. Asinor has been named dean of Delaware State University’s College of Education, Health, and Public Policy.

Asinor has been serving as a part-time executive director of the Ocular Melanoma Foundation in Washington, D.C. since Nov. 2011. From 2003-2006, he was the manager of continuing education programs for the American Public Health Association. Asinor has also held a variety of teaching positions including at the Maryland Institute of Art and the Center for Allied Health and Education at Southeastern University.

He has a diploma of journalism from the School of Journalism from Firlsham Hermitage in England and a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College in Georgia. He then earned a Master of Science at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston and a Doctor of Education from Atlanta University in Georgia. Referenced from DoverPost

Saint Paul’s College Closes Operations

In an unfortunate turn of events Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virgina which had lost regional accreditation earlier this summer now may be closing. The college which has been on probation for two years was not granted full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in June.

Due to the College’s appeal to be heard August 20th Saint Paul’s has chosen to close many operations including housing students on campus this year. The night accelerated graduation program for adults will continue.

Many students have been helped by the college to find other schooling options throughout the summer.

It is truly a tragedy that this historic institution may be coming to a close after 124 years of service.

Spike Lee back with ‘Red Hook Summer’

Spike Lee has re-emerged onto the film scene with the release of his new picture, Red Hook Summer this past weekend. Over the past 25 years Lee has captivated not only the African American community, but the film community alike with his controversial, provocative and innovative works.

The movie follows 12-year-old Flik, a well-off kid from Atlanta sent to live with his preacher grandfather in a strange land called Red Hook Houses – a community of Blood gang members, church-loving seniors, and fast-talking sassy kids.

Lee decided to take his new film back to his roots in Brooklyn with Red Hook Summer.

“I knew it would be a continuation of my chronicles of Brooklyn, New York. This is the sixth film: “She’s Gotta Have It” in ’86, “Do the Right Thing” in ’89, “Crooklyn,” “Clockers,” “He Got Game,” and now “Red Hook Summer” in 2012.” Said Lee.

The film debuted August 10, 2012 in select theaters in New York and will expand to select theatres in the coming weeks nationwide.

Red Hook Summer, which Lee self-financed and co-wrote, screened at the Sundance Film Festival early this year.

Will you be watching?
Spike Lee Interview With The Huffington Post: Read

Dates and Locations for Red Hook Summer: Theaters

 

The White House Internship: A Public Service Leadership Program

The President, First Lady, and staff are committed to providing young leaders from all across the nation an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and gain exposure to the public service sector through the White House Internship Program. This program was developed to provide hands-on experience and cultivate such skills.

In addition to the White House Internship Program being available to young leaders who are at least 18 years old, the D.C. Scholars Program is a part-time internship opportunity for young leaders in public and charter high schools within the District of Columbia.

“This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I’m proud that they will have this opportunity to serve. I look forward to working with those that are selected to participate and I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country.”

— PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, MAY 22, 2009

Michael Teasley, President of NAACP at HBCU, found dead

Michael Teasley, a white student who became the first white president of an NAACP student chapter at a historically black college, was found dead in his apartment on Monday. He was 40 years old.

Teasley was elected to his unlikely position at Jackson State, in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2010.

“I’m doing the exact same thing that other people were murdered for in the 1960s,” hetold the Jackson Free Press in 2011. I started out registering people to vote, and I got to be president of the organization…and I don’t have to worry about being murdered. it’s like a breath of fresh air.” Read More

10 Things every College Freshman Should Know

As a new school year rises upon us many students around the country will be preparing to engage upon one of the most difficult and fun times of their budding lives. Incoming freshmen come into the college landscape thrust into a sink or swim type environment from the moment they set foot on campus. Many of these new students are lost, and have to feel their way around to establish a foothold and sense of comfort, before getting awash and cast aside in the flow of the school year. In order to have a successful freshman year, establishing a base for a fruitful college career, below are some of the most useful tips you will come across:

10) The things you accomplished in High School no longer matter

It doesn’t matter if you were the smartest person in your class and got a perfect score on your standardized test or if you were the kid in the back of the class that just got by. You are in a brand new environment with few elements that will carry over. Your high school accomplishments don’t help you at your new place of education. You are starting at the bottom and must establish yourself where you want to be.

9) Your reputation is important

As an incoming student the name you build for yourself will begin to build itself from the moment you move in. Your reputation will affect the perception of you around campus, your teacher’s leniency among many other things. In many situations your reputation will proceed you and will be all that you have. Protect it with your life.

8) Find a mentor

Being new to the college scene you need to find someone who can help show you the way to go. This can be very crucial to your college career as your mentor, whether official or unofficial. Having a mentor may make you even more aware of opportunities on your campus and the surrounding areas.

7) Surround yourself with like-minded people

The saying “Birds of a feather flock together” rings true in every stage of life. At this level you must surround yourself with people who are planning on using their college experience wisely. Make sure that the friends you select help you grow and enrich you in a positive way. You will become the company that you keep.

6) Interact with your professors

The one group of people you may want to interact with the most are your professors. Your professors can be your best friends or worst enemies. The interactions with an instructor doesn’t have to be a deep intellectual conversation, though that doesn’t hurt, but just enough that they know you by name when it comes time for grades to be submitted. It can be the difference between a “C” and a “B”.

5) Get involved

This is a new time in your life! You will want to take advantage of all of the opportunities available on your campus. Get involved in as many organizations (Pep Club, Spanish Club, Radio Station) as you can while still balancing your school work. This will give you an oppurtunity to leave your comfort zone as well as connect with even more people on your campus.

4) Use your resources

While college does test what you know it also test your resourcefulness. There will be times when you have to search high low and everywhere in between in order to find the materials and information that you need. Take advantage of the library, internet, and notes in order to do your best in class.

3) Be punctual

Learning to be on time is one of the most important things you can do in your collegiate career that will help to translate to your professional career. You may not always be 15 minutes early, but at all cost avoid being late. Your tardiness can set a negative impression before you have the chance to let people know who you are. On the other hand if you are early it shows that  you are determined and focused on your goal.

2) Have Fun!

These four years are going to be the time of your life. Enjoy them as much as you can. This is the only time you can be a quasi-adult with responsibility but without the full on pressure of adulthood. There are much to many opportunities for a student to bore themselves on campus. Be involved and make sure that you throughly get everything you can out of your experience.

1) Stay Focused!!!!

This is the most important thing you can ever know. You came to college for a reason that stands out above any other. That is to earn a degree en route to becoming a successful, contributing member of society. No matter the distractions that you may encounter, the stress you will surely have, you have to keep your eyes on the prize. Trudge through the doldrums and ride the waves, but you must obtain your degree by the end of your matriculation.

These are just a few of the things that every freshman should know coming into college. The best of luck to you and make your family proud!

Lincoln University aims to tap Barnes art as student resource

Even as Saadia Lawton came to Lincoln University two years ago to teach art, she couldn’t figure out why the school had never developed a nationally known program in visual arts and museum studies.

After all, Lincoln has enjoyed an exclusive 62-year relationship with the Barnes Foundation and its priceless trove of Renoirs, Cezannes and Matisses. Yet it seemed that students at the historically black institution had gotten little more than field trips and a few classes out of the deal.

Now, with the Barnes collection’s recent move from the suburbs to downtown Philadelphia, officials at both institutions see a chance to reinvigorate the partnership.

Taking advantage of the long-untapped resource could lead to a new generation of African-American artists and museum directors, said Lawton. Two Lincoln interns are working at the Barnes this summer — a first for the university, she note

“As long as I’m there, it’s going to be tapped to its fullest potential,” said Lawton, an assistant professor.

It’s hard to pinpoint why the relationship has languished for so long. In recent years, Barnes officials have been consumed with the legal battle over the art’s new home. And Lincoln hasn’t really marketed the alliance to prospective students; it’s still buried on the university website. It doesn’t help that Lincoln’s rural campus is about 40 miles from the foundation.

Art collector Albert Barnes first proposed a connection with Lincoln in a 1950 letter to university president Horace Mann Bond. Barnes sought to teach students populist methods of art appreciation; the walls of his gallery in the Philadelphia suburb of Lower Merion were filled with paintings tightly grouped with ironwork, furniture and African sculpture to illustrate common themes.

Barnes also gave Lincoln the power to nominate the trustees of his foundation. That part of the relationship took center stage for years, especially as the foundation successfully fought for financial reasons to move the artwork to Philadelphia.

But students got lost in the shuffle. Both institutions pledged in May to remedy that, signing a joint resolution that placed no blame but acknowledged “many attempts were made to establish an academic relationship between Lincoln University and The Barnes Foundation without lasting success.”

Kimberly Camp, president and CEO of the Barnes Foundation from 1998 to 2005, said she tried throughout her tenure to get Lincoln faculty to take advantage of the Barnes’ pedagogy. But she said her overtures were dismissed and resented as an intrusion on academia. Continued…