Alabama State University Gears Up for Summer Youth Camps

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Parents in search of exciting activities for their children this summer will find a variety of camps at ASU. From sports to theatre to academic enrichment, ASU’s summer camps offer something for everyone. Hundreds of schoolchildren swarm the ASU campus each summer, signifying the start of the University’s numerous youth camps. This year, ASU will offer a variety of academic, sports, fitness and self-enrichment camps for area youth.

Pound the Rock Skills Camp – June 3
The skills camp for high school players in grades 9-12 will concentrate on the fundamental techniques of football, teamwork, pass rush, pass protection and shedding blockers. The cost is $30 and the camp will begin at 8 a.m. Friday at Hornet Stadium. Payment is due by May 20. The application can be downloaded at www.bamastatesports.com. For more information, call the football office at 334-229-4444.

The Lewis Jackson Basketball Camp – June 6-9
Cost is $95, including a $25 nonrefundable application fee. Boys ages 8 to those entering 12th grade are eligible to attend. Campers receive instruction in fundamental skills, team concepts and principles of sportsmanship. Each camper will receive a T-shirt, skill evaluation and a certificate. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Participants can download a PDF file of the brochure (Adobe Reader required), or for more information, call the basketball office at 334-229-4509.

7-on-7 Passing Tournament Camp – June 10
This camp is for 9th-12th graders and will be administered by the ASU football coaching staff. The cost is $15 per player and the camp will begin at 8 a.m. Friday at Hornet Stadium. Participants can download a PDF file of the brochure, or for more information, call the football office at 334-229-4444.

Freda Freeman-Jackson Division I Basketball Camp – June 13-16
Cost is $95, including a $25 non-refundable application fee. Girls ages 8 to 18 are eligible to attend. Campers receive instruction in fundamental skills, team concepts and principles of sportsmanship. Each camper will receive a T-shirt, skill evaluation and a certificate. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Participants can download a PDF file of the brochure (Adobe Reader required), or for more information, contact the basketball office at 334-4509.

Bernard Sewell Tennis Camp – June 20-24 (1st Session) and July 11-15 (2nd Session)
Cost is $125, or $35 per day for those campers only interested in certain days of the camps. The camp is designed to help campers maximize their potential and performance. The camp is administered by Coach Sewell and his staff. Boys and girls ages 8 to 17 are eligible to attend. Each camper must show proof of medical coverage. For more information, download a PDF file of the brochure (Adobe Reader required), or contact the tennis office at 334-229-4581.

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SUNO – UNO merger proposal dies in Legislature

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A proposal to merge Southern University at New Orleans and the University of New Orleans died in the Legislature late Wednesday when House Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Algiers, pulled the measure from consideration. The bill, strongly backed by Gov. Bobby Jindal, and just as strongly opposed by the Legislative Black Caucus, would have merged the historically black SUNO with the majority white, but racially mixed, UNO into a single lakefront campus with two units.
Tucker said he withdrew the bill from consideration after he concluded that he didn’t have the required 70 votes to pass it and send it to the Senate for consideration.

“It’s unfortunate because I really, really thought this was the right thing to do,” Tucker said.

Instead of a merger, Tucker said he would pursue separate legislation to move UNO from the Louisiana State University System to the University of Louisiana System, where he thinks the university will be better served by being with other “tier 2” universities.

He said members of the Black Caucus have pledged to support the UNO move, and the creation of new cooperative agreements among SUNO, UNO and Delgado Community College.
Jindal, Tucker and other supporters had said the merger was needed to save both schools, which have low graduation rates and declining enrollments.

The House of Representatives had been scheduled to take up House Bill 537 on Monday, but Tucker, R-Algiers, said at least two of the members who had committed to voting in favor of the measure were called away on business. Tucker’s bill would have melded both schools into University of Louisiana at New Orleans starting in fall 2013. The new entity was to have been part of the University of Louisiana system.

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Howard University 143rd Commencement for the Class of 2011

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By Priscilla Brock // May 14, 2011) — Just below the scattered clouds, and misty atmosphere, the heavens rejoiced as the sons and daughters of Howard University were being recognized and congratulated as the graduating Class of 2011. In addition, proud parents and family members from 43 states and 29 different countries joined the rows of cheering graduates, in celebration of Howard University’s 143rd Commencement.

The ceremony took place outside on the yard despite the threat of morning showers. The estimated 2000 graduates robed in royal blue stayed the course and continued the graduation ceremony as planned in optimism.

“Whether we are talking about Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, Barry Rand, Sidney Ribeau, Thrugood Marshall we are witnesses to lives that have committed to excellence” said Morial.

“Whatever profession you choose be the best.”

Furthermore, Morial encouraged the graduation class of 2011 to “be the leaders who rebuild the nation’s economy, who will fix the nation’s schools, who build the global enterprises that will produce a more just and equitable America and a more just and equitable community.”

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SUNO-UNO vote may be very close

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The battle over legislative votes for the proposed merger of the University of New Orleans and Southern University at New Orleans continued Thursday after lawmakers said Gov. Bobby Jindal canceled a meeting that he had requested with the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. Caucus Chairwoman and state Rep. Patricia Smith, D-Baton Rouge, said the vote on the Jindal-proposed merger bill — House Bill 537 — scheduled for Monday is close, but that she believe it will be voted down.

“We are very hopeful and prayerful that we actually have the votes” to defeat the plan, Smith said Thursday.

“He (Jindal) is still trying hard,” Smith said. “We have some Democratic members who are not going to waver in their vote.”

House Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Terrytown, who is sponsoring the legislation, disagreed, saying he will have the 70 necessary votes. The legislation requires two-thirds support from the House and Senate.

“It’s going to be a close vote, but I think we have the votes,” Tucker said Thursday.

The legislation would form the merged University of Louisiana at New Orleans containing two distinct academic units with different admission standards and separate course offerings. Kyle Plotkin, Jindal’s press secretary, said tentative meeting plans to discuss the merger had to change because of the governor’s responsibilities with the rising Mississippi River levels. Plotkin said Jindal originally asked to meet with the black caucus on Wednesday, but that caucus members could not all meet then.

“The invite still stands,” Plotkin said.

“If you are not unyielding in the merger, then why are we here? That would’ve been my first question,” Smith said.

Caucus member and state Rep. Michael Jackson, No Party-Baton Rouge, said the Jindal administration is discussing funding local projects for legislators through the state construction bill or nongovernmental organizations,  NGOs, to get them to vote for the college merger.

“They are starting to throw that stuff out,” Jackson said.

Plotkin said it is not true that the governor is making promises to pick up votes. Tucker also said he is not participating in any “quid pro quo” discussions with colleagues. Smith said there is a three-year history of the governor making such promises and then vetoing the individual projects once the legislation reaches his desk. State Rep. Rick Gallot, D-Ruston, said he has heard the governor is wheeling and dealing to get votes on the merger. “The problem is he doesn’t have the money,” Gallot said of the tight state budget. “That’s usually the carrot; all he’s got now is a stick.” Jindal has met this week with some legislators this week involving concerns that SUNO is just the first college to be closed or merged.

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Summer Beauty: Whats HOT by Khadijah Williams

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Spring and summer are the seasons I long for, to go wild in the beauty department. It’s time to experiment! One thing I will say if you’re going to do bold eyes keep the lips subtle and vice versa. Doing both can be total overkill.

Coral lips are a must! Try MAC lipstick in Lady Danger, or Revlon Papaya lipgloss. I always stress using a lip brush it gives precision, so don’t apply straight from the lipstick tube use a brush instead. Remember to clean up any mistakes with concealer and a concealer brush for a perfect to pout! However, if you’re not into corals, try neon pink! MAC pink Poodle lipglass is a fab color! I absolutely hate when darker complexion women say they can’t wear bright colors. YES you can! Just find one suitable for your skin tone it’ll pop off you’re skin like no other!

It’s also very important to incorporate SPF in your beauty routine this is important for any weather, but especially now that the sun is beaming you need to protect your skin. So make sure your moisturizer, and lip balm have SPF in them.

The “No makeup” look is also in full affect, minimalism is KEY! Great skin care is important. So get a good skin care regimen together, also hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water! Add a little blush to your routine, peach blush tones warm up the skin stray away from bright pinks they don’t look natural at all. Or if you’re afraid to commit to color, try a great bronzer. Try a little aqua eye liner its a little touch that goes a long way! Don’t do everything at once try say uh two products at a time! For example; blush and a bold lip colour. Care to add a favorite trend of your own? Or anything you’d like me to elaborate on? Please do share!

~ Hope these tips are helpful to you beauties, stay glam!

By Khadijah Williams

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COF Founding Member, Mrs. Jane Eskind was presented with The Meharry Salt Wagon Award

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The 15th Annual Circle of Friends (COF) Gala was held on April 21, 2011 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. This event recognizes donors of Meharry Medical College who make annual contributions of $1,000 or more.  Rodney Dunigan, education reporter at WTVF NewsChannel 5, served as the master of ceremony for the milestone occasion. The evening culminated with the presentation of the College’s most prestigious, non-academic honor, The Meharry Salt Wagon Award, presented to Mrs. Jane Eskind. As one of the founding members of COF, Mrs. Eskind was recognized for her commitment to Meharry and her selfless acts of kindness over the years. Mrs. Eskind has attended each Circle of Friends event.

The Meharry COF was established in 1996 as a catalyst to solicit annual support from individuals in the Nashville community, which would serve as a base for a pool of prospects to The Campaign for Meharry. Dr. Randall M. Falk, Rabbi Emeritus of The Temple in Nashville, and recently retired trustee emeritus of Meharry’s board of trustees, was the key visionary who helped launch The Meharry Circle of Friends. Through the efforts of Rabbi Randall Falk, and the other nine founding members of the Circle, Meharry’s local presence is strengthened. Other Founding members include: Mr. Anthony J. Cebrun, Mr. G. Thomas Curtis, Mrs. Jane Eskind, Thomas F. Frist, Jr., M.D., Laurence A. Grossman, M.D., Mr. Samuel H. Howard, Mr. Lemuel Lewis, Mr. Benjamin Rechter and Mr. John Seigenthaler.

The annual gifts to Meharry help advance the College’s mission of providing superior education and training to its diverse student body offering quality clinical care to medically underserved populations and engaging in groundbreaking research on the causes and cures of diseases that have a disproportionate impact on people of color and others from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Meharry Medical College is deeply grateful for the contributions, and we look forward to another celebratory year at the 2012 COF gala.

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Jessica Kern named ninth head women’s basketball coach of Lincoln University Pennsylvania

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LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. (April 14, 2011) — Lincoln University is pleased to announce Jessica Kern as the new head coach of the women’s basketball program. She becomes the ninth head coach in the history of the program and the first full-time female coach. Kern comes to Lincoln University as a highly decorated professional women’s basketball player and collegiate standout. This past season, she served as the assistant women’s coach and media specialist at NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Jessica to our team and introduce her as our new head women’s basketball coach,” said Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee. “Jessica’s athletic background and experiences will bring a wealth of knowledge to our women’s basketball program. Her career path exemplifies a commitment to excellence and she is a role model for our young women.”

At the University of UW-M, which is a member of the Horizon League, she assisted in scouting, aided in recruiting and broke down film. The Lady Panthers finished 12-18 and advanced to the league’s quarterfinals in the postseason tournament.

“I am extremely grateful to President Nelson, Mrs. Ford-Kee and the selection committee for considering and choosing me as the new head women’s basketball coach,” Kern said. “Education, hard work and discipline have played a substantial influence in my success thus far in my career. I look forward to instilling these qualities into such a special group of young women and am excited to begin this new chapter in my career.”

Prior to her time in Milwaukee, Kern assisted for two seasons at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluffs, a Division I school and member of the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC). Her personalized individual-approach served the Lady Lions well. Posting a 12-19 record, she helped propel them to their most victories and highest conference tournament finish in 12 years. As the conditioning coordinator and individual skill developer, she assisted Lady Lion standouts Ciara Shields and Arica Green to All-SWAC recognitions as well as Shay Holmes to Newcomer of the Year status. Kern’s career path toward collegiate basketball coaching was unconventional to say the least. After earning a roster spot on the Penn State women’s basketball program, she participated in track and field where she was a two-time All-Academic and All-Big Ten performer. A two-time captain and a 2002 graduate with degrees in communications and sociology, Kern returned to basketball and played professionally in Germany, Switzerland, Romania, and Poland from 2003-2010. While in Switzerland, she led her team with a 25.1 scoring average. A crowd favorite in Poland, Kern ran basketball clinics and gave motivational speeches at the local “University” school.

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Claflin University Golden Class of 1961 Recalls Fond Memories of the Past during Luncheon

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“This is a great day at Claflin University. The Golden Class is blessed to have arrived at this milestone in our lives. Some of us are entrepreneurs, doctors and educators. We are a product of Claflin University,”

said Dorothy Z. Elmore, a member of the Claflin University Golden Class of 1961. On Friday, May 6, the Golden Class came together at Ministers’ Hall for The President’s Luncheon in their honor. It was the first time some members of the Class had seen each other since May 1960. Armstead Leon Salters recalled he used to work at Ministers’ Hall when it was the campus dining hall. With much affection, he noted the institution’s outstanding and committed professors. They instilled in Salters the lessons of hard work.

“Those days were good days. Being as poor as I could be, I was a workaholic when I was here. I don’t know what I would be without this institution,” Salters said.

Salters is a retired principal with nearly five decades of service in the education field. He was the Student Government Association President at Claflin. Another member of the Golden Class, Gladys Pressley Morgan, was happy to see her former professor, the Rev. Geneva Williams, who has worked at the University for the past 59 years. She also reminisced about meeting at the Claflin Band Stand, a popular social spot on campus in the 60s that was also the epicenter of Orangeburg’s Civil Rights activism.

“We have traveled a long road,” said Morgan, a retired school administrator.

Robert Wilson recalled him and many of his classmates were jailed protesting the social injustice of their era. He remembered the late Rev. James Mack, a former science professor at the University, once came down to the county jail with a shotgun demanding their release.

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Committed Sons and Daughters of South Carolina State University Return for Annual Alumni Weekend

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In the month of May, the SC State University campus is full of exciting moments. Graduating students are preparing for Commencement and looking for new opportunities, while alumni return every year for Alumni Weekend. Alumni Weekend is held the first weekend in May. It officially began in 1987.

“We are ecstatic by the number of class reunion participants and alumni who returned on Alumni Weekend,”

says Adrienne Clinton, director of alumni relations.  During this year’s Alumni Weekend, 11 classes were featured.  The reunion classes were 1931, 1936, 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981 and 1986.  The class of 1986 served as the Silver Class, representing 25 years since graduating from the University. The class of 1961 served as the Golden Class, representing 50 years since graduating from the University. This year, a mother and son duo both returned to the University, Col. Kenneth Hubbard, a 1986 graduate, and Miriam Hubbard, a 1961 graduate of the University.

Alumni Weekend begins on a Friday and ends on Sunday morning. The weekend consists of many events for all reunion classes to enjoy. On Friday, classes reunite and become acquainted with the University by registering and mingling with classmates. “Friday is full of excitement. It is when the alumni come back to the University for the first time in years,” says Iva Gardner, reunions manager and annual fund manager.  “When the classes reunite as they are registering, it is kind of like a huge family reunion; they are hugging, kissing and handshaking. It will actually overwhelm you,” Gardner says with a smile.  In 1987, “the classes were actually very small,” stated Gardner. In 1999, Gardner was hired to serve as the reunions manager, responsible for contacting classes and managing class reunions. Since 1999, the classes have grown tremendously.

On Saturday, a campus tour takes place, where the reunion classes are able to get a glimpse of many of the new establishments and residential halls that they once occupied as students at the University. Lowman Hall, a historical landmark constructed in 1917 as a men’s dormitory by the University’s faculty and students, sparked a huge interest for all of the reunion classes this year. “Alumni were really excited with Lowman Hall because it once stood as a dormitory; now it serves as office space,” echoes Gardner.

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West Virgina State University American Chemical Soiciety Chapter Wins National Awards

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Members of the WVSU affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) traveled to the ACS National Meeting and Exposition on March 27 – 31 in Anheim, California. They were on hand to accept two of four national awards for the WVSU chapter. One was for a Commendable Chapter rating and the other was a Green Chemistry Award. Three of the five students who attended the meeting also presented poster on the research they are conducting with their advisor, Dr. Michael Fultz, WVSU assistant professor of chemistry.

WVSU students who attended the conference along with Dr. Fultz were Robert Morris, Lindsey Mundy, Brittany Ratcliff, and Rachael Workman. The WVSU Chemistry Department is accredited by the American Chemical Society.

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New Savannah State University President Dr. Cheryl Dozier Shares Her Vision

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(Savannah) A massive construction project designed to improve the quality of life and academic success for students is a welcome change at Savannah State University. There’s also change at the top. “We’re just excited to be here. The work is coming in and it’s adding up and it just keeps me busy and I love it.” New Interim President Dr. Cheryl Dozier held her first media briefing Friday. Attracting more students to SSU is one of her orders from the Board of Regents.

“We need to retain all of our students ensure that they have all of the tools necessary for them to be successful here, and we want them to graduate. “

Another key focus campus safety. “Students are definitely concerned, but they are going to be the ones to help us improve safety because they need them to report incidents and we will do our best with our public safety to follow up and prosecute those persons for those incidents that they have committed.” When I asked Dr. Dozier about incidents involving athletes that overshadowed the good at SSU she told me she will not tolerate students violating the rules.

“It is real clear when it comes to student athletes. They probably have more policies that they have to abide by under the NCAA and we will enforce those at all times.”

A sticking point for many students here is rising tuition. Dr. Dozier says she and her staff will work hard to find the support.

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Gov. Markell Announces His Proposed $10m Investment for Delaware State University Optics

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Delaware Gov. Jack Markell used DSU as the site May 6 from which he announced his proposal to make significant investments in the three state institutions of higher education – Delaware State University, University of Delaware and Delaware Technical & Community College.
In the media event at DSU’s Mishoe Science Center, Gov. Markell made the announcement as part of the unveiling of his “Building Delaware’s Future Now” job plan which recommends investments in early childhood and higher education to get people to work now and improve economic opportunity in the future. His plan proposes to make a $30 million one-time investment to build and expand research and training facilities at DSU, UD and Delaware Tech.

“Education can’t begin the first day a child shows up for kindergarten and, whether it’s job training or college, education can’t end the minute someone receives their high school diploma,” Gov. Markell said.“When deciding where to expand or where to locate, many businesses take a hard look at a state’s institutions of higher education, including the research those schools produce and the quality of their graduates to see if they could get right to work helping those companies grow.”

After being introduced by DSU President Harry L. Williams, Gov. Markell announced his proposal to invest $10m for an Optics Research Facility at Delaware State University.


Gov. Markell said these one-time state funds will be utilized to leverage additional federal dollars to establish a state-of-the-art, world-class Optics Research Facility. The facility will position DSU to be a national leader in establishing an Optics Institute.
DSU’s optics pursuits has developed into the most prolific research area at the University. Under the leadership of the program’s founder Dr. Noureddine Melikechi, since its beginning in 1998, DSU optics research has attracted outstanding scientists whose work along with Dr. Melikechi has inspired significant confidence from the federal government.
That confidence has translated into federal financial support for DSU optics research endeavors. Within the last five year, DSU’s optics researchers have attracted a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (2006) and another $5 million grant from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Earlier this year, the University celebrated its first-ever transfer of a DSU-research-created intellectual technology — a optics Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy-Tag method that has been licensed to Photon Machines, Inc., to be developed into a diagnostic device to be used in hospitals and labs.
The DSU’s diverse optics research projects continue to be overseen by Dr. Melikechi, who is currently the dean of the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology as well as the University’s vice president of research.
Dr. Williams said Delaware State University is extremely appreciative of the importance Gov. Jack Markell places on higher education in Delaware and today’s announcement is further evidence of that.
“We, like the Governor, know that higher education can be a competitive advantage, fueling a knowledge-based economy,” the DSU president said. “DSU is proud of its unique breakthroughs in optics and the STEM areas and this infrastructure funding will allow the University to further secure a niche for Delaware in research, job creation and professional workforce development.”
With representatives of UD and Delaware Tech present, Gov. Markell also announced that his proposal would provide:
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Bowie State University Team Invited to White House Three Faculty/Students Attend Annual Easter Egg Roll

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(Bowie, Md.)-Two students and one professor from Bowie State University were recently invited to participate in the 133rd White House Easter Egg Roll as volunteers for the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB). The ASPB team coordinated an activity during the event called, “Egg-seeding Expectations,” which was a seed-planting activity using recycled egg cartons and herb seedsBowie State University asociate professor in the Department of Natural Sciences, Dr. George Ude, received the invitation, bringing two of his lab technicians, Gabi Yamoah and Chioma Ebiringa, to serve as volunteers representing the university. Chioma, a graduate of the Bowie State University Biology Department, is currently at the University of Maryland College Park pursuing a doctoral degree in plant molecular biology. “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to volunteer for a White House activity on behalf of Bowie State University and the ASPB,” said Dr. Ude. “It was an outstanding day where we were able to impact hundreds of children through an interesting, fun science activity.” The Easter Egg Roll is an annual event at the White House and, for the last several years, science activities have been coordinated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Hosted by the First Family, this year’s affair saw more than 30,000 people from all 50 states. The theme, ‘Get Up and Go!’ focused on promoting health and wellness, a central part of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative to raise a healthier generation of children.

“Representing Bowie State University at the White House is an honor and a privilege for the Department of Natural Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the greater university community,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences George Acquaah, Ph.D. “I am very proud of Dr. Ude and the team for dedicating their time and efforts to represent the university at this level.” The White House planning team requested the Egg-seeding Expectations activity because it combines the event’s themes including Easter, fresh produce/herbs, gardening skills, nutrition, and springtime science. Hosting such a large-scale activity required the ASPB team to systematically plan for more than 2,500 children during the 11 hours of the event. The White House OSTP advises the president and executive staff on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The office serves as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the president with respect to major policies, plans and programs of the federal government. To read more about OSTP, click here.

The ASPB was founded in 1924 to promote the growth and development of plant biology, to encourage and publish research in plant biology, and to promote the interest and growth of plant scientist in general. ASPB membership spans six continents, in diverse areas as academia, government laboratories, and industrial and commercial environments. To learn more the mission of ASPB and volunteer opportunities click here.

Teens Benefit from Bowie State Senior’s Group Therapy Work RaShawnda Person Gets Hands-On in Local Internship

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Name: RaShawnda Monique Person
Age: 21
Hometown:Washington, DC
Major/Concentration: Child and Adolescent Studies
GPA: 3.448

When it comes to putting your knowledge to the test, RaShawnda Person, a 21-year-old senior graduating from Bowie State University with a bachelor’s in child and adolescent studies this spring, has done just that. Completing an internship with Metropolitan Mental Health Clinic in Largo, Person provides a triad of therapeutic and counseling services to assist patients in coping with or recovering from mental health illnesses and related issues.

As part of her internship, Person also conducts group therapy sessions for teenaged adolescents diagnosed with various mental health issues. The coursework she has completed over the last few years with Bowie State University, such as child abuse and family violence, has provided the knowledge and foundation for building a skill set to impact people who suffer from such conditions.

“I chose to attend Bowie State University because the academic program is well-renowned and has a deliberate and methodical approach to learning,” said Person. “Because Bowie State University provided efficient and effective educational resources to my life, I strongly believe I am ready to put the finishing touch on my educational goals and aspirations.”

From her freshman year until now, Person has completed three school-based internships that pertained to her major and allowed her to gain hands-on experience within the field. In addition to her current position with Metropolitan, her first two internships at Northview Elementary School and Chapel Forge Early Childhood Center for Special Needs Children, allowed her to learn how to be effective in initiating and sustaining a productive learning environment in the classroom.  She also had the opportunity to create instructional methods and content to meet students’ individual differences in psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains.

Over the years, I assembled a well-rounded resume including working multiple jobs within my field and contemporaneously pursuing my career. During my freshman and sophomore years of college, I completed three school-based internships. The first internship was completed in 2007 at Northview Elementary School located in Bowie, MD where I demonstrated resourcefulness, thoroughness, and logic in planning.  Moreover, I displayed effectiveness in initiating and sustaining a productive learning environment in the classroom, guided, facilitated, and assessed student learning. The following year, I placed at Chapel Forge Early Childhood Center for Special Needs Children. While completing this internship, I created instructional methods and content to meet students’ special individual differences in psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Finally, I am interning at Metropolitan Mental Health Clinic in Largo MD where I provide a triad of therapeutic and counseling services that has proven to assist patients to cope with and/or to recover from mental health illness and related issues. I also conduct group therapy sessions for teenaged adolescents diagnosed with various mental health issues.

Why did you choose Bowie State University?
I chose to attend Bowie State University because the academic program is well-renowned and has a deliberate and methodical approach to learning.  Equally impressive is the close-knit department in that the student-teacher ratio on average is 6:1.  The diversity among the classmates will give me the opportunity to become culturally sensitive which is an important factor in my area of study. Because Bowie State University provided efficient and effective educational resources to my life, I strongly believe I am ready to provide the finishing touch on my educational goals and aspirations.

What professor has had the most impact on you and why?
Dr. Nwokeafor and Dr. McKinzie-Bishop had a major impact on my college career. They both served as academic advisors throughout my four years here. Whenever I need to have a serious conversation or small chat, they were always available.

How has Bowie State helped to enhance your cultural experiences?
Diversity experiences during college have impressive effects on the extent to which graduates are living racially and ethnically integrated lives in the post-college world. Bowie State has ensured me there is “I” in team and everyone has an equal opportunity. Students with the most diversity experiences during college have the most cross-racial interactions five years after leaving college.

What extracurricular activities and community service have made a significant and positive difference in your life?
Various extracurricular activities and community service such as: Church Retreat Counselor and Honor Societies, have made a significant and positive difference in your life by teaching me to become a well rounded individual. I have become more humble and know able to view and assess situations differently.

What are your next steps?
I plan to attend Bowie State University in fall 2011 studying mental health counseling.

Rev. Al Sharpton Urges Students to Seize the Moment, Take Control of Future at Commencement

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Daytona Beach, Fla. — During the 2011 commencement address, civil rights activist and political leader Rev. Al Sharpton urged Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) students to make the most of their degree, continue support of historically black colleges and seek healing and reconciliation rather than revenge in times of conflict.

Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network, a not-for-profit civil rights organization based in Harlem, N.Y., and a former presidential candidate, also received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree. The ceremony was an emotional moment for Sharpton, as he received his degree before his father, Al Sharpton Sr., who was seated in the audience among the thousands in attendance.

A product of a single-parent household, Sharpton recalled graduating from high school 40 years ago, and resenting his father’s absence at his graduation. However, he credits his efforts to reconcile with his father as the reason he is now able to rekindle that lost moment four decades later. He used that example as a teachable moment for the graduates.

“If I had focused on revenge, [my dad] would not have shared this moment with me,” Rev. Sharpton said.

Sharpton urged students to use their degrees as a launching pad toward achievement, and reminded them that failure is not an option, regardless of any obstacles and hindrances they encounter.

“No matter what you face, you have the grounding and foundation for excellence,” he said. “You are not responsible for all that happens to you in your life, but you are responsible for what you do with what happens to you in your life. It doesn’t matter in life who’s on your side if you’re not on your own side.”

Noting that many Historically Black Colleges and Universities such as B-CU are facing severe financial problems and budget cutbacks, and that some critics even question whether they are still necessary, Sharpton said the institutions still play an important role and continue to open doors for people in the Black community.

“We have a Black President, a Black Attorney General, 40 Black members of Congress – we’ve got more working for us than those who preceded us,” he said. “But most are doing less with what we’ve got. We still have a long way to go. We are still fighting violence and bigotry. We have come a long way, but we haven’t gotten there yet.”

“They can slash the budget, but they can’t slash hopes and dreams,” Rev. Sharpton added. “Education is the civil right of the 21st Century.”

He also encouraged the students to face challenges in the spirit of the institution’s founder.

“I am honored by what Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune meant to our history,” he said. “When Black people were still in the back of the bus, she built an institution. We need to be re-awakened to the pursuit of excellence she taught.” He added: “Blackness has never been about how low you can go, or how bad you can be. Blackness is about the fact that no matter how far we were pushed down, we found a way to get up anyhow.”

The 2011 graduating class – 564, up from 519 last year – is the largest in B-CU history.

Rev. Sharpton’s presence helped make the ceremony special, said B-CU President Trudie Kibbe Reed.

“It is our great honor to welcome Rev. Sharpton back to Bethune-Cookman University as our commencement speaker,” she said. “He has demonstrated excellence in leadership, education and service in his career that makes him a tremendous role model for our students.”

The University also gave Rev. Sharpton a special plaque from the Black Males In Higher Education Think Tank commemorating the First National Summit of the Black Males in Higher Education Think Tank, hosted by B-CU on March 22. Sharpton commended President Reed on her efforts to highlight Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy at the university through her innovation and groundbreaking initiatives.

“Dr. Reed is the most visionary president I know,” he said. “She has honored us with her faithfulness and diligence. For me as a civil rights activist to be honored here is awe-inspiring.”

 

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