Educators at Bowie State University & U.S. Education Secretary Encourages Students to Teach

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U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan praised teachers from around the state and country during a town hall meeting Tuesday afternoon at Bowie State University where local leaders, teachers, and students discussed the role of educators in America.

“I want to thank teachers for the extraordinary things that they do,” Duncan said. “I can’t overstate how critical great teachers are to society.”

The event was part of the Department of Education’s national teacher’s recruitment initiative, TEACH, which focuses on finding quality teachers for the next generation of students. An issue which will need to be addressed soon, according to Duncan. “[The Department of Education] thinks that in the next 4 to 5 years, we are going to need over 1 million teachers in this country,” he said. Congressman Steny Hoyer, (D-MD), Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, and Bowie State University President Mikey L. Burnim, as well as some prominent educators joined Duncan on the discussion panel. Sixteen universities and colleges in the state have received over $400,000 TEACH grant funds during the 2009-2010 academic school year, including Bowie State University and the University of Maryland-College Park. Prospective teachers must commit to serving as a full-time teacher for 4 years in a high-need field and at an elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. Brown said that while Maryland is the number one ranked public school system in the country, there is still progress to be made.

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Howard University senior’s initiative gives bookbags to kids

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While many students are planning their summer getaways, one college senior from Fresh Meadows is helping less fortunate students pack their bags for the fall semester.

Liane Stephens-Henry, 22, has been getting kudos for a backpack collection project spreading across campuses nationwide.

The Howard University student, set to graduate this month with a degree in theater, launched an initiative dubbed “Lili’s Backpack Project” to collect more than 500 used backpacks by May 15 for students who can’t afford them.

“It’s definitely opened my eyes to see how those that are more fortunate can help those that aren’t as fortunate,” Stephens-Henry said.

She said she got the idea two years ago while interning in Jamaica, the home country of her parents, and noticing that school bags were expensive.

When she returned to Howard University in Washington, she saw that many fellow students in her dorm threw out old backpacks when they moved out.

“Every kid should have the opportunity to go to school and they should be able to have the basic necessities, including a backpack,” Stephens-Henry said. “With everything that’s going on in the world, it’s great seeing how many people have reached out to me, asking me how they can help with the project.”

The university and its Caribbean Students Association and Haitian Students Association have teamed for the initiative, which helps those in the U.S. and overseas. The project has also spread to Florida International University, Broward College and the University of Miami.

Stephens-Henry’s mother, Karen Stephens, is spearheading the publicity campaign for the project, using her experience in public relations. She has helped her daughter get sponsors The Home Depot to supply boxes for receptacle bins and FedEx to handle nationwide delivery. Stephens has also contacted several Caribbean food suppliers to support the backpack project.

“It’s sad that as a First World country we still have places like Washington, D.C., where students aren’t able to get things like a backpack,” Stephens said.

“I expect a lot from her,” she said of her daughter. “It’s great to have watched her take on the role and to not only think of the idea but to implement it.”

Stephens-Henry wants to turn the backpack drive into an annual effort

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2011/05/04/2011-05-04_fellow_student_aid_college_seniors_initiative_gives_bookbags_to_kids.html#ixzz1MmKO02xh

 

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Three Delaware State University Students Receive the William P. Frank Scholarship

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Three Delaware State University mass communication students have been selected to receive the William P. Frank Scholarship, which is awarded to Delaware students for excellence in journalism and communications.

The DSU winners of the William P. Frank Scholarship are:
$10,000 scholarship
  • Deborah Miller, a junior broadcast journalism major from New Castle, Del. Her career goals include becoming a writer and publicist.
$5,000 scholarship
  • Krystina Muhammad, a junior print journalism major from Newark, Del. Her career goals include to become a reporter/writer and to create her own magazine.
  • Desiree Williams, a junior public relations major from Dover. Her career goals include to become a magazine writer.
The students were presented the scholarship at the May 7 First State Gridiron Dinner & Show, held at the Chase Center in Wilmington. All three will be seniors during the 2011-2012 school year.
William P. Frank (1905-1989) was one of Delaware’s best-known journalists of the 20th century. His career spanned 65 years, during which he became a prominent newspaper columnist and radio commentator. He was also a Delaware historian, a Judaic scholar, a Shakespearean actor and a social activist. Although he was listened to and read by powerful people, he made the concerns of ordinary people his concerns, according to the Gridiron event program.

Full article at DST

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Talladega College Trustee Takes the Golden Ride

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Trustee Hank Thomas travels as the national spokesperson for the Freedom Riders

Talladega, Alabama—It has been an eventful year for Talladega College Board of Trustee member Henry “Hank” Thomas as he relives what he did at the tender age of 19 before national audiences. Often when Mr. Thomas, an original and National Spokesperson for the Freedom Riders, is asked why he got on the bus, he replies, “We saw something wrong and we decided to do something about it.”

Trustee Thomas dazzled the Talladega College Commencement audience with this statement and other kind words in appreciation of his standing ovation when he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from TC during the College’s 136th Commencement Exercises May 1st. TC President, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins, asked the audience to stand and celebrate this commendable man who he called, “a veteran civil rights foot soldier, who changed history and made it possible for all of us to be here today.” But the accolades didn’t begin or stop there. Mr. Thomas was honored as an American Hero by Oprah Winfrey during The Oprah’s Tribute to Freedom Riders’ show on May 4th. Trustee Thomas appeared on the show along with 177 survivors from the Freedom Rides. 2011 is the golden year, 50th celebration of the Freedom Rides that began in Washington, DC in May 1961 and culminated in the desegregation of interstate bus and train travel in the United States. The movement had encompassed the efforts of whites, blacks, Jews, Protestants, and ordinary every day citizens that risked their lives to defy the status quo. He has received many accolades for his bravery by participating in this historic event 50 years ago that changed the lives of most Americans. Last Sunday, The Washington Post, Washington D.C.’s oldest newspaper, featured Trustee Thomas on the front page. In March 2011, a resolution honoring Thomas was presented to him by Mississippi State Senator John Hohrn at the capitol in Jackson for his unwavering spirit and toil during the Freedom Rides. The city of Anniston, Alabama hosted a jam-packed series of events on May 12-14 in honor of the 50th Anniversary where Mr. Thomas was the keynote speaker. He is one of the two existing survivors of the Greyhound Bus that was attacked in Anniston. The Anniston Star produced a commemorative piece in their paper entitled “The Ride,” which depicts photographs, interviews, and a listing of events that were held in commemoration of the Anniston bus attack 50 years ago. In The Ride, Hank Thomas stated,“The civil rights movement was all about removing the Jim Crow laws that would cause people to want to kill me for wanting to sit on the front seat of a bus. Our sole function was to change these kinds of things. Well, we did.” “The Freedom Riders, an American Experience,” documentary aired Monday night on PBS.

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Stillman College President and Faculty Featured in Inaugural Publication for the State

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Birmingham, Alabama—Stillman President Ernest McNealey, along with faculty members Dr. Linda Beito, Dr. Rosianna Gray and Dr. Luvada Harrison, attended the unveiling reception for the Inaugural Edition of Who’s Who in Black Alabama. The May 14 unveiling reception, hosted at the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was championed by Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell as part of the celebration of African-American achievement across Alabama. Birmingham native, Comedian Rickey Smiley hosted the event and Recording Artist Ruben Studdard, also a Birmingham native, performed two songs during the unveiling reception.

“This is a great achievement,” said Catrena Norris-Carter, associate publisher of Who’s Who in Black Alabama. “We have published Who’s Who in Black Birmingham for the past three years. It is exciting to have a statewide publication celebrating high-achieving African Americans from across the state.”

A photograph and short biography was published for President McNealey who has a long and distinguished career as an educator, artist and champion for the common good. Also featured in the publication was Dr. Linda Beito, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and Associate Professor of Social Sciences; Dr. Rosianna Gray, Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Assistant Professor of Biology; and Dr. Gregory McPherson, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of the Institute for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Though the reception took place in Birmingham, the Who’s Who in Black Alabama projec READ MORE

 

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Oakwood University shuts down, cancels final exams, Three Deaths Reported #BuzzKiller

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Oakwood University shuts down, cancels final exams. An Adventist Review news roundup, updated Sunday, May 1, 2011

Members and employees of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the southern United States were not spared suffering during a day and night of violent tornadoes that swept through six states April 27. The North American Division reported late in the evening on April 30 that two church members in northeastern Alabama and one in Apison, Tennessee are confirmed as fatalities; overall, at least 349 people have been reported as killed in the region, 250 of these in Alabama alone, according to the latest media reports.

“Two members of the Ownbey Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is located in Ider, Alabama, [approximately 33 miles southeast of Chattanooga] and one member of the Apison Seventh-day Adventist Church in southeastern Tennessee were killed during Wednesday’s tornadic outbreak,” a North American Division statement indicated.

Also, one Seventh-day Adventist Church member in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was hospitalized following the tornado’s devastation in that city. At least six members of the South Central Conference lost their homes in Tuscaloosa; several more members’ homes have been reported damaged there. The tornado which swept from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham had an 80-mile track, winds as high as 165 miles-per-hour and was designated an EF-4, the second-highest rating, a report at the Huntsville Times Website indicated.

To read the complete article, go to http://www.adventistreview.org/article.php?id=4363

Members and employees of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the southern United States were not spared suffering during a day and night of violent tornadoes that swept through six states April 27. The North American Division reported late in the evening on April 30 that two church members in northeastern Alabama and one in Apison, Tennessee are confirmed as fatalities; overall, at least 349 people have been reported as killed in the region, 250 of these in Alabama alone, according to the latest media reports.

“Two members of the Ownbey Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is located in Ider, Alabama, [approximately 33 miles southeast of Chattanooga] and one member of the Apison Seventh-day Adventist Church in southeastern Tennessee were killed during Wednesday’s tornadic outbreak,” a North American Division statement indicated.

Also, one Seventh-day Adventist Church member in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was hospitalized following the tornado’s devastation in that city. At least six members of the South Central Conference lost their homes in Tuscaloosa; several more members’ homes have been reported damaged there. The tornado which swept from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham had an 80-mile track, winds as high as 165 miles-per-hour and was designated an EF-4, the second-highest rating, a report at the Huntsville Times Website indicated.

Church officials in the affected area are working with local and state emergency officials to assess the situation in their local communities and determining where our assistance will be most needed, but are experiencing difficulties caused by numerous downed trees blocking roads, limited electricity, and unreliable phone service.

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Concordia College Selma Students Help Tornado Victims

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Concordia College students Kendrick Wright and Marla Arrington count some of the donations left after their school’s chapel service Friday. — Desiree Taylor

Students from Concordia College-Selma collected monetary donations and care packages of bottled water and non-perishable food items Friday afternoon to deliver to victims of Wednesday’s tornado devastation. Concordia’s Spiritual Life group and Student Government Association spearheaded the cause, helping students from Concordia with ties to the area, and sending out prayers to other affected families. The group will collect donations every Monday, Friday and Sunday until mid-May.

Russell Elser, with the SGA and Mr. Concordia College 2011, said the destruction in northern Alabama hit home for Concordia students.“Students here had missing cousins and other family members’ whose homes were damaged,” Elser said. “It’s just mindboggling to see this happen to people you know and talk to everyday. I’m overwhelmed.”

Elser also said his organization has partnered with FEMA and other Lutheran organizations to collect as much as they can for tornado victims. “We’ll make a quick trip today and then we’ll continue to go back in the future to bring clothing, blankets and other necessities,” Elser said. “We want to do as much as we can for who we can.” Christine Weerts, director of development and communications, said students started seeking donations from the community Thursday and the effort has been inspiring.

“We’re asking faculty, staff and students to give donations to show the demonstration of faith and God’s love for people in need,” Weerts said.

The group left around 2 p.m. Friday. They will continue trips to Tuscaloosa for the next couple of weeks. For more information on how you can help the efforts call 874-5700.

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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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