Olivia Russell – Stylish Buzz of the Week from Howard University

Name: Olivia Russell
Classification: Sophomore
Repin’: Howard University

Describe your style: “My style is very liberal, the complete opposite of esoteric. My style varies from hipster, to ethnic, corporate to classic, or just chill. It’s all about how I feel that morning & that sets the precedent for my style that day. I’d say it’s very impulsive.”

Olivia is totally giving me “pretty girl swag”! From hipster to city street wear she completely owns each look. The simplicity of the long black blazer, tunic, and hat, was chicly put together. I must say not everyone could make it look as “fly”. The true definition of “it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it.” When it comes to her next look, leopard print and red will endlessly remain a favorite combo of mine. Her versatility in style confirms you can throw Olivia anywhere and she will shine!

-Sha’nece “Profashional” Austin
HBCU Buzz Staff
 

Radio, TV & Film Programs At Risk Of Being Cut From Howard University

The School of Communication’s Administration has considered cutting the undergraduate program in Radio, Television and Film.

The Department of Radio, Television and Film (RTVF) recently had a high evaluation during the Presidential Commission on Academic Renewal (PCAR) which recommends that the program should be better funded, however the Administration is moving on with old plans to reconstruct the School of Communications into more of a “School of Journalism”. Instead of giving the RTVF department a school of its own, the Administration will eliminate it all together. Students graduating in the year 2012 or later may possibly be at risk of losing their majors.

“I think its absolutely despicable that Howard would even consider cutting my major,” said sophomore RTVF major, Heather R. Taylor.

A petition has already been made by alumni and friends of the RTVF to help inform students, faculty and staff about this news. The petition goes into more detail about how the school’s Administration has called upon a “Blue Ribbon Panel” to put the plans into motion.

What is outstanding about this Blue Ribbon Panel is the complete absence of students, faculty, alumni and industry professionals in the areas of radio, television and film production. Likewise, what is the need for this external Blue Ribbon Panel after a nearly two year assessment process by PCAR, which concluded that the Department of Radio, Television and Film is a strong academic program that highlights the uniqueness of Howard University, despite years of underfunding? Lastly, why is an outgoing Dean [Jannette Dates, Ph.D.] whose publicly announced departure was for June 30, 2011, currently making dramatic decisions that will impact the entire makeup and mission of the School of Communications at Howard University?

“I wouldn’t think in a million years they’d cut our program,” said Senior TV production major, Gabrielle Martin. ”Howard was the perfect university to study RTVF. It’s the land of opportunity for people like us and I’d hate to see that taken away from others with the same dream.”

The department of RTVF at Howard University is a nationally ranked institution that offers degree programs in audio, digital video and film production and is the only HBCU that has a MFA in Film. Despite the department having an extremely low budget, students are still learning and expanding their minds in the field of media with the support of the faculty and staff.

Alumni and Friends of the Department of Radio, Television and Film will be sending a petition to the Howard University President, Dr. Sidney Ribeau, to prove that the Howard community is willing to fight to keep the RTVF program. They hope that Ribeau will reconsider cutting the program and continue to show support and commitment to make the School of Communication better.

“We should be looking for ways to make our school better, not cutting programs that matter to the people,” said senior film production major, Sehiya Newton-Boyd.

We encourage everyone to sign the online petition to help show your support for the Department of Radio, Television and Film. The petition will be sent to Ribeau via email and snail mail by Monday, August 1, 2011.

Read the full petition here

Full Article Referenced from HUReaction

Family Oriented – One reason Hampton Student Malik Jorden attends an HBCU

 

“I wanted to attend a HBCU because i felt like it was more of a family environment and they truly did care and want to see its students succeed.“ – Malik Jorden, c/o ’14 @ Hampton U

First of all, we give thanks to Mr. Jorden for sharing his Hampton Experience and we thank HBCU Buzz for providing the platform to share Mr. Jordens’ wisdom and our thoughts.

It is amazing the power that family has – what is family? For some it is disfunction, for others it is a safe haven from the hatred in the world.  Either way, family is unique and sacred to all in some form or fashion. To have an HBCU likened to “family” is the highest honor any person can give – because no matter what family is always there.

And with that being said it seems that some states want to take that family away by under funding (out of fear), merging with other schools (again we reiterate that families are unique) or simply stating that HBCUs do not need to cater towards Africans and that the past is in the past.

Just think about the power of your own family or someone in your family. What words come to mind? Trust. Unconditional Love. Understanding. Support. These are words that would never be assigned to a majority of the professors/deans at other much larger institutions of higher learning because tenure is oh so fascinating amongst other selfish reasons.

To have professors at Hampton University and other HBCUs, make the HBCU Experience “more of a family environment” is a true blessing. What this all translates into is at the end of four or five or how ever many years, you will graduate as a well rounded individual with a stronger respect and love for your self and your fellow sisters and brothers.

Nubian King Malik Jorden sums up the entire journey perfectly when he states

“My “experience” at Hampton is that students are very multifaceted. Students are able to party by night and still go to classes and do well.“

And what is that phrase that every family has said at one time or another “There is a time and place for everything.”  An HBCU is that place and it is your time.

If you are interested in attending an HBCU we invite you to visit our site and learn more about the experience or if you want to share your HBCU Experience as a student or alum you are welcome to complete one of our interviews. As always we thank you – the reader for taking the time.

With love and respect,
Your family at MyHBCUInterview

FVSU Students Mourn Death of Dr. Dawn Deveaux

Fort Valley State University students, faculty and staff known Dawn Della DeVeaux as a vivacious, compassionate advocate. The administrator is passionate about higher education. The student ombudsman and assistant to the vice president of academic affairs revealed her ultimate career goal when she interviewed with writer Christina Milton.

In 2008, an American Council on Education study found that only 23 percent of college presidents were female, and African-American women comprised a smaller percentage. DeVeaux shares how she hopes to change the statistics by becoming president of a university.

The Students Started a Petition to Rename The Counseling Center in her name.

This petition is to encourage the Administration of Fort Valley State University to rename the counseling center in honor of beloved Professor, Administrator, and Student Advocate, Dr. Dawn DeVeaux.

Please sign and encourage others to do the same.

Here is what one student had to say about the Dr. while signing the petition.

Name: Tiffany Bollers on Jul 24, 2011
Comments: Dr.deveaux was a wonderful friend, teacher and soror who toched the lives of so many throught her life. She was loved by all who she crossed paths with and had a smile that would warm any heart… I hope this can be done in her honor so,that we will always remember one of Gods most perfect creations…..R.I.P. Dr. Deveaux…..

Central State Former Athlete Jeff Franklin Helped Team USA National Team Win Gold in Austria


Former Student-Athlete Jeff Franklin helped Team USA National Team bring home the gold medal in a landslide victory against Canada in Vienna, Austria. Team USA defeated Canada 50-7, to clinch the gold medal. The victory over Canada marked the second-consecutive time the United States has won the eight-nation tournament, played every four years since 1999. America first competed for the world title in football in 2007.

Franklin also was part of an elite group of eleven U.S. Men’s National Team Players named to IFAF Senior World Championship All-Tournament Team.

Over the span of five days to advance to the Gold Medal game Team USA won group A with victories over Mexico (17-7), Germany (48-7) and Australia (61-0).

At Central State Franklin was a Division II First-Team All-American defensive back who led the nation in interceptions (2008) and was also a two-time All-Independent Conference selection (2007-2008). The 3-time All –conference (2006-2008) finished his career with 15 interceptions, in 30 games (.50/game). Was a 4-time Captain, and was a 4-time All-Academic recipient (2005-2008).

Franklin who also served as Mr. Central State University (2008-2009) is a 2009 graduate of Central State University with a degree in Business Management.
Read More: http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/NCAA/Resources/Latest+News/2011/July/USA+Football+gives+former+NCAA+athletes+an+international+stage

Saint Augustine’s College Educational Talent Search receives nearly $405,000

The Saint Augustine’s College Educational Talent Search Project has been selected to receive funding from the federal Department of Education. The college’s Educational Talent Search Project will receive a $404,981 grant for the budget period of Sept. 1, 2011, through Aug. 31, 2012. The program will be funded for five years.

The Educational Talent Search is one of the federal TRIO programs created by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his war on poverty. TRIO programs include Head Start, Upward Bound and Student Support Services, which is known as Academic Achievers at Saint Augustine’s College.

The goal of Educational Talent Search is to provide students with the information and the tools they need to apply for and enroll in higher education. Saint Augustine’s College’s program, which was established in 1970, serves low-income and first generation college students in Edgecombe, Nash, Halifax, Martin, Franklin, Vance, Warren and Northampton counties.

Ninety percent of the seniors who come through the program enroll in a two- or four-year college, or a trade school, said Antonio Stephens, director of the Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search programs.

Read Full Article at Saint Augustine

Natachie Elie of Lincoln University Named – NABA Woman of the Year

For rising senior Natachie Elie, the title Woman of the Year, which she was recently named by the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), should come as no surprise considering the list of accomplishments she has achieved in her three years at the University.

Elie, finance and banking major in the Business and Information Technology (BIT) Center of Excellence, was also awarded a $10,000 scholarship by NABA for her impressive undergraduate performance, motivation and commitment to her community.

“This scholarship truly is a blessing from God because it will help pay for my final year’s tuition as well as my study abroad travel expenses,” said Elie. “It proves that hard work really does pay off.  Receiving this award is a great honor; it tells me that I am seen as having potential for the future of our society.  I will forever be grateful to NABA and will continue living through their motto “Lifting as We Climb!”

For this rising star, this title is just the beginning.  Elie will gain an international understanding of finance this fall at the American Business School Paris.  Her study abroad experience will be partially funded by the Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship, making Elie one of five Lincoln University recipients of this competitive award.

“On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Center of Excellence, we are extremely proud of Natachie’s accomplishments and expect her to complete her studies at American Business School Paris with distinction and go on to a successful career in the investment banking field, “ said BIT Director Dr. Oswald Richards.

Read Full Article At Lincoln

Alcorn State University celebrates its youngest “Graduates”

Excitement was building up in the Ray Johnson Assembly Center on July 19th as three tiny graduates of the ASU Child Development Laboratory Center entered the auditorium wearing their golden caps and gowns. Their biggest fans – parents, grandparents, teachers, fellow preschoolers, and ASU faculty and staff – gathered to celebrate Torrey Turner II, Anupama Maddali and Kyra Green’s first major accomplishment, a transition from preschool to kindergarten.

“They are close friends – Torrey, Anu and Kyra, and have been attending the center since they were toddlers. Now they are graduating together,” said their teacher Martinique Rounds. “All three of them are very energetic kids, they love to sing, dance and learn new things.”

The “Today’s Preschooler Tomorrow’s Future” program included a pledge by Child Development Laboratory Center students Jada Myles and Jayquan Havard, welcome address by graduating Kyra Green, presentations by preschool teacher Latasha Coleman, practicum student Jacueline Hall, and director LaTasha B. Holmes, and remarks by Dr. Mattie Rasco, interim chairperson for the Department of Human Sciences. It was followed by the preschool class and the graduates’ outstanding performance of the song “What a Wonderful World”, the class skit, Torrey Turner’s “Preschool Pledge” and Anupama Maddali’s “Off to Kindergarten” piece.

The program concluded with the graduates receiving preschool diplomas, 2011 rings, purple and gold balloons, teddy bears in graduating caps, “Hooked on Phonics” reading program from Ms. Holmes and backpacks with school supplies from their preschool teachers.

“My granddaughter Kyra had the greatest experience at the Child Development Center, she learned so much!” exclaims Rosemary Howard, administrative assistant to the dean, School of Arts and Sciences. “She can count to 20, recognize letters and shapes, spell words, and the child is only five years old.”

“We are so thankful to everybody at the preschool who touched our child’s life,” said Satya Sreedvi Redla, director of the ASU Math Center. “For that caring approach and individual attention that kids receive here.”

Read Full Article at ASU

Fayetteville State gets $1.2 million to aid low-income high school students

Fayetteville State University is getting more than $1.2 million in federal funds to help low-income students prepare for college.

The money will go to the school’s Educational Talent Search program, which helps middle and high school students in Cumberland, Hoke and Robeson counties, said Teresa Thompson-Pinckney, director of FSU’s Office of College Access Programs.

The students in the program could attend FSU or other colleges and universities.

“The ultimate goal is to increase the number of low-income students who go to college,” she said.

The funding, which was announced Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre’s office, will be used over the next five years. McIntyre said in a statement that the money was awarded under the Student Support Services Program through the U.S. Department of Education.

Thompson-Pinckney said Educational Talent Search provides tutoring, academic advisement on what courses to take to prepare for college, financial aid counseling, field trips to colleges and career awareness.

Read Full Article at FayObserver

Jackson State University names new Athletics Director

Vivian L. Fuller, 56, will take the helm of Jackson State’s athletics program later this summer, just in time for the start of JSU’s celebration of 100 years of football.

“I’m excited to be a Tiger,” Fuller said. “Jackson State has such a long and proud tradition; I look forward to honoring that tradition and helping our student athletes be the best they can be.”

JSU President Carolyn Meyers announced Fuller’s appointment on July 20 before a large crowd of JSU fans inside the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center’s Sports Hall of Fame.

“Vivian Fuller’s leadership skills, along with her experience as an athlete, academician, and director of athletics at three institutions, make her the best choice for Jackson State University at this time.” Meyers said. “I’m very confident that she will be able to lead our athletics programs to prominence, ensuring that JSU student-athletes succeed on the field or court as well as in the classroom.”

Fuller comes to Jackson State University from Sojourner-Douglass College, where she serves as dean of the college’s Cambridge, Maryland campus. Before joining Sojourner-Douglass in 2003, Fuller spent more than a decade directing the athletics programs at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Tennessee State University and Northeastern Illinois University.

When named AD at Tennessee State in 1997, Fuller became the first African-American woman to lead a National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA ) Division I Athletics program with a football team. That team finished its first season under her leadership with a 9-3 record and won the Ohio Valley Conference championship.

Jackson’s State’s new AD is a nationally known expert on academic support programs for student-athletes, academic advising, women in sports and management and gender equity. She has testified before the U.S. Senate in congressional hearings on gender equity and minority participation in sports and has been involved in numerous NCAA committees including the Management Council, the Peer Review Committee, the Initial Eligibility Standards Committee, the Gender Equity Task Force and the National Youth Sports Program ( NYSP ), for which she served as chairperson.

Read Full article from WebNewsWire

ECSU’s Kuldeep Rawat develops remote laboratory capability for online technology course

When students return to Dr. Kuldeep Rawat’s classes at Elizabeth City State University in fall 2011, they will find a newly developed remote laboratory.

Last August, Rawat, an associate professor in the Technology Department, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund/Dept of Energy Technology Award for Faculty Innovations grant. It provided a $60,000 grant to develop infrastructure that will allow students to conduct laboratory exercises via the Internet. With the new remote laboratory, students can conduct their class exercises even if circumstances such as the weather or other emergency situations won’t allow them to attend the laboratory in person. The new laboratory also will enhance online course offerings.

The purpose of this remote lab is to enable students to complement their theoretical learning with practical experimentation in networking devices which can be carried out simultaneously with theoretical classes and from any place with Internet access.

Rawat said that the remote lab enhances the Technology Department’s ability to offer at least six courses in the area of computer networking/Information Technology programs fully online. Features, such as a built-in, chat client, allow students and instructors to communicate. Using the scheduler/reservation interface, students and instructors can view the laboratory equipment pods and the timeslots available to schedule lab time at their convenience. In addition, instructors will be able to capture all lab activities that later can be analyzed and reviewed.

Unlike laboratory solutions based on mainly software emulation and simulation, the students interact remotely with commercial network devices, such as switches, routers and firewalls at the workplace. The remote lab eliminates the expense of installing new laboratories on all the buildings where lectures are held and also having to move students to laboratories that are not located near their classrooms.

Rawat is pleased to welcome the students to the new laboratory.

“The remote networking lab will serve as an aid to support teaching in our computer networking and IT courses offered in Engineering Technology and Industrial Technology programs,” Rawat said. “Performance tests have been conducted on remote lab experimentation and students will have access to the facility beginning fall 2011.”

Read Full Article At ECSU

HBCU Buzz Artist Spotlight: Deven DevDapree Collins at Bowie State University

Name: Deven “DevDapree” Collins
School: Bowie State University
Current Location: DMV
Booking Agent: devdapree@gmail.com
Website: http://www.devdapree.com

Bio: WHO AM I YOU ASK? IN A WORLD WHERE YOUR DREAM IS THE BIGGEST COMPETITION YOU WILL EVER HAVE, HOW WILL YOU STAND OUT? I DREAM BIG, I LIVE BIG. AND ONE DAY I DECIDED TO MAKE MOVES INSTEAD OF JUST DREAMING. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN UNSTOPPABLE. A SHORTY WHO CAN SPIT A POEM AND MAKE IT SOUND LIKE A RAP WITH A LITTLE BEAT BOX IN THE BACK. A WOMAN WHO WAS SINGING BEFORE SHE COULD TAKE. THE ARTIST WHO JOINED ALL OF THAT TOGETHER TO MAKE DEVDAPREE.


Hate Me Now – DevDapree
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/18286192″ params=”show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=000000″ width=”100%” height=”81″ ]
Lil Shy – Im Back Freestyle
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/16399947″ params=”show_comments=true&auto_play=false&color=000000″ width=”100%” height=”81″ ]

Her Explanation

Howard Goes to China: Freshman Leaders to Visit Beijing

Inspired by the Obama administration’s call to discover and engage the world, 24 members of the Howard University Freshmen Leadership Academy will travel to Beijing this summer from July 25 to Aug. 2.

The students will visit Chinese universities, Tiananmen Square and several other cultural and historic sites. They will explore global trends and business practices and learn about Chinese history, education and leadership through lectures and cultural immersion. The Beijing experiences are expected to broaden students’ appreciation of world cultures and languages, improve their intercultural communication skills and awaken an awareness of what it means to be a global citizen.

“This inaugural cultural exchange by the Freshman Leadership Academy is a significant step towards achieving President Ribeau’s vision for an expanded international footprint and responding to President Obama’s 100,000 Strong Initiative,” said Barbara Griffin, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs. “In today’s increasingly interconnected and internationalized world, we must prepare globally competent graduates.”

The schedule includes a stop at Beijing Normal University (BNC), where they will attend a lecture on the transition of Chinese society, with special emphasis on women’s and civil development. The lecture will be presented by Xiao Suowei, assistant professor of Sociology and Public Policy at the BNC. She earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley and a Bachelors of Arts in Chinese literature from Peking University.

Julie Chang Andrist, a Chinese lecturer and Preprofessional Advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences, will travel with the group. Andrist will lead intense Mandarin sessions and mini-seminars on Chinese culture and education system prior to and during the visit. The 31-member delegation also includes four staff members.

By traveling to China, the Freshmen Leadership Academy is answering a challenge from President Obama to increase the number and diversity of Americans studying in China, the goal of his administration’s “100,000 Strong” initiative. First Lady Michelle Obama visited Howard on January 19, 2011, one day after Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the U.S. for an official state visit, and stressed to hundreds of Howard students the importance of foreign engagement by young people.

“Studying in countries like China is about so much more than just improving your own prospects in the global marketplace,” Mrs. Obama said. “The fact is, with every friendship you make and every bond of trust you establish, you are shaping the image of America projected to the rest of the world.”

Read Referenced Article from Howard University

Bowie State University Announces Homecoming Dates

Bowie State University Announces Homecoming Dates

(BOWIE, Md.)- Save the date for Bowie State University’s Homecoming 2011 when the Bulldogs will take on the Blue Bears of Livingstone College Saturday, September 17, 2011. Bowie State alumni and fans will be tailgating and reconnecting throughout the entire week of homecoming, September 11-18, 2011.

This year’s homecoming celebrates The Golden Legacy theme with festivities that include a legacy luncheon connecting past and current student leaders, an alumni cruise at the National Harbor, a comedy show and concert featuring mainstream artists, and, of course, the annual parade and carnival on the day of the homecoming football game.

Homecoming events and activities, which cater to all generations, will take place on Bowie State University’s campus and various locales in Prince George’s County. The community and beyond are invited to celebrate the tradition and legacy of our Bowie State University alumni, students and community.

Bowie State University’s Homecoming 2011: The Golden Legacy
September 11-18, 2011

Saturday, September 17, 2011
• Golden Legacy Homecoming Parade
o Ruby Tuesday’s in Bowie to Bowie Town Center – 9 a.m.

• Homecoming Football Game vs. Livingstone College
o Bulldog Stadium – 1 p.m.

Article Referenced from Bowie State

DIY: cutoff shorts by Kristen Joy

DIY: cutoff shorts

by Kristen Joy

Early last week I was invited to go thrifting and while there ran across these two pair of amazing vintage Levi high rise jeans that I bought collectively for about $3.50 (amazing right ? I know !) to make some cute cut off shorts to wear on my trip to Canada. While on vacation I received a lot of compliments and this inspired me to write a cutoff shorts tutorial, because although it may seem simple, if not done correctly it can go wrong.

Step 1: Finding THE RIGHT PAIR OF JEANS. The best type of jeans for cutoffs is known as “mommy” jeans. These jeans are best because they have a higher waist and tend to go out more towards the thigh area so when you cut them they won’t fit tight and end up looking like booty shorts. This type of jean is most easy to find at a local thrift store (or maybe even an older relative).

Step 2: PRE-CUTTING

To determine where to cut, you can either A. try them on and while looking in the mirror and mark the desired length you want them to be either with a sewing pin or light marking pencil or B. What I like to do, is place a pair of my favorite shorts (cutoff or not) on top of the new jeans and mark a little less than a quarter of an inch beneath them to leave room for fringing.

Step 3: CUTTING

After you have completely marked across at least one leg, slowly begin to cut at your mark. You can then try them on to see if the length you cut is satisfactory before cutting the other leg. If so, fold jeans and cut away the other leg with the already cut leg as a guideline.

Step 4: FRINGE or CUFF

After the jeans are cut on both legs you can use a small steak knife and go over the bottom of the newly cut hem to create your desired fringe. When done throw shorts in the washing machine for a 20 minutes rinse and dry and VOILA ! Your cutoffs are done! If you are not a fan for of fringe, you can roll up the bottoms of your shorts to make cute cuffed cutoffs instead.

BOTH SHORTS BELOW WERE MADE BY ME USING THIS METHOD.

Local Residents Go Greener with TSU Sustainable Living Community Workshops

 

Tennessee State University is continuing its efforts to help create a greener Nashville with a new series of sustainable living community workshops presented by the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Sciences.

The workshops are designed to assist area residents in saving energy and money by going green. Funded by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Capacity Building Grant, the workshops educate local residents on water conservation, indoor air quality, and reducing waste.

“All of our workshops take a holistic approach to environmental issues. Most residents want to find ways to cut their monthly utility bills so we feature presentations on how to conserve energy and water, recycle waste, reduce storm water runoff, and more topics,” said workshop coordinator Sue Ballard de Ruiz, an assistant professor in the
College’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

The most recent workshop held at Hartman Park Community Center, an area that was heavily affected by the floods of May 2010, featured guest representatives from Mayor Karl Dean’s Office of Flood Recovery and Office of Environmental Sustainability along with Quantum Environmental Services and the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. With the assistance of the local Home Depot store in Madison, participants received household items that help reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality such as power strips, compact fluorescent lights, and environmentally friendly cleaners.

Read Full Article at TSU