Page 666 – HBCU Buzz

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

Posted on May 15, 2011

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.

Read Full Article Lincoln University

News

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

Posted on May 15, 2011

“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.

News

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

Posted on May 15, 2011

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.

Read Full Article at SCSU

West Virgina State University American Chemical Soiciety Chapter Wins National Awards

Posted on May 15, 2011

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.

Read Full Story at WVSU

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

Posted on May 15, 2011

(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.

Read full article at New SSU President

Business

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

Posted on May 13, 2011

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:

Read More DSU

Bowie State University Team Invited to White House Three Faculty/Students Attend Annual Easter Egg Roll

Posted on May 13, 2011

(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

Posted on May 13, 2011

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

Posted on May 13, 2011

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.”

Baseball

AAMU Bulldogs Fall in final SWAC Contest

Posted on May 13, 2011

NORMAL – The Alabama A&M baseball team fell 4-1 to Jackson State University on Wednesday, May 11, in their final bid for the SWAC baseball post season tournament.

A&M was lead by senior Joseph Bryant who posted the lone run with a solo blast over the center field wall in the bottom of the seventh inning. Unfortunately the Maroon & White was unable to produce any more runs across home plate leaving four on base.

Starting pitcher Manny Lora, who picked up his first win versus Jackson State earlier in the season, did not fare well today giving up four runs, three earned and nine hits. The right handed pitcher threw his second complete game of the year in the 4-1 loss and totaled five strikeouts.

The Tigers eliminated the Bulldogs from contention for a berth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament with the victory. A&M finishes tied with Alabama State for fourth place in the Eastern Division, but the Hornets hold the head-to-head series record over the Bulldogs 4-2 on the season.

Four seniors participated in their final game on “The Hill” versus J-State Joseph Bryant, Kenny Kiser, Kency Duarte and Demarcus Steward.

The Bulldogs will complete the 2011 season with a trip to Lawrence, Kansas for a three game non-conference series with the University of Kansas May 13-15.

Hope For Tomorrow: AAMU’s tornado relief fund

Posted on May 13, 2011

HOPE FOR TOMORROW FUND
On April 27, 2011, our community was hit by an EF5 tornado that brought about severe devastation and major changes to the lives of several members of the University family. These members lost everything, including family members, in some instances. In response, Alabama A&M University established a “Hope for Tomorrow” Relief Fund through its AAMU Foundation to collect tax-deductible donations to assist faculty, staff and students stricken by this natural disaster.

However, in order to best help these members with their immediate needs, we are asking for financial contributions. Since we plan to disburse funds collected as soon as possible, it is imperative that you get your donations in right away. Our goal is to complete this effort by Tuesday, May 31, 2011. During this fundraising effort, the “Hope for Tomorrow” Relief Fund committee, established by the President, will receive information from affected individuals.

Contributions may be made online using this link. Donations made directly to the AAMU Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. While this University project does not prohibit you from making donations directly to individuals, making your donation through the AAMU Foundation will permit you to claim a tax-deductible gift. Those who would prefer to contribute by check may do so by mailing a check payable to: AAMU Foundation, with “Hope for Tomorrow Relief Fund” in the memo line. Mail to: AAMU Foundation, P.O. Box 353, Normal, AL 35762.

All employee and student cases will be presented to the AAMU Hope for Tomorrow Relief Fund committee for consideration. Decisions regarding the distribution of funds will be made by a committee of AAMU employees and student representatives appointed by the President. To submit requests for assistance, please send an e-mail to relief@aamu.edu.

For more information, please contact Ane Debro at 256.372.8889

Our students are also joining the effort with a Road to Recovery Donation Drive. Please see the information below.

ROAD TO RECOVERY DONATION DRIVE
An Alabama A&M University Hope for Tomorrow Initiative

We are collecting supplies to help the tornado victims that were recently impacted in North Alabama. The University family along with the surrounding community is encouraged to donate non-perishable foods, toiletries, baby items, feminine products, cleaning supplies, new socks and undergarments. Supplies can be donated at the Student Health and Wellness Center, on the campus of Alabama A&M University, from 6am to 8pm Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturday, or 1pm to 7pm on Sunday. For more information, please call 256.372.7000.

COMMUNITY RELIEF EFFORTS
If you would like to help with Madison County’s recovery and rebuilding efforts, you may donate or volunteer with the local relief agencies listed below for more information on how to help.

News

AT&T Supports Talladega College

Posted on May 12, 2011

Talladega, Alabama—Although charitable contributions to colleges and universities have dropped nationally, with gift giving down on an average of nearly 12%, AT&T Birmingham kept their commitment to contribute to Talladega College. Last week, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins, TC President, and Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Casandra Blassingame were presented with a check in the amount of $5,000 (five thousand dollars) from the global communications giant.

The Regional Director with Alabama External Affairs of AT&T Alabama, Mr. Glyn Agnew, presented the check last week to the College. Mr. Agnew was happy to give this support as he remarked, “Talladega College is a thriving vibrant institution in the state. AT&T is a supporter of the UNCF and UNCF schools in Alabama. This is a critical moment in our nation where technology is changing and upgrading constantly. Education is the gateway to prosperity, a better life and a better community as a whole. AT&T is in support of a well-educated workforce. Our support is vital to personal development, and we are committed to invest in our youth; and, in turn, this will benefit our company.”

The College is appreciative of this support amidst the national trends. President, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins, states, “We deeply appreciate the financial backing of Mr. Agnew and AT&T. Mr. Agnew’s continued leadership demonstrates his support of Talladega College and all HBCUs. We are grateful for this funding.”

ABOUT TALLADEGA COLLEGE
Talladega College, founded in 1867, is Alabama’s oldest historically black private college and among the oldest liberal arts colleges in the nation. Located in the historic district of the city of Talladega, Alabama, the college offers a range of degrees in four divisions: Business and Administration, Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social Sciences and Education.
Talladega College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award baccalaureate degrees; and the school holds several institutional memberships. For more information visit www.talladega.edu.

News

SUNO LEGISLATIVE ALERT 5.11.11 | Suno-Uno Merger Bill Rescheduled

Posted on May 12, 2011

THE SUNO-UNO MERGER BILL WAS RESCHEDULED IN THE HO– — USE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Your telephone calls and emails are working!
The House of Representatives rescheduled the hearing of House Bill 537 from today to Monday, May 16. But, we CANNOT stop the telephone calls and emails. Our representatives need to hear from US on this issue.

OUR ACTION IS REQUIRED

Participate in the
CONFERENCE CALL ON FRIDAY, MAY 13 – 9:15 AM
(Central Time)

We will receive a report on the status of the legislation and we will discuss how the Alumni, supporters and friends will work to defeat this legislation

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
DIAL-IN NUMBER
712.432.0900
CODE: 848904

It is imperative that we strategize in order to defeat this action.

THINGS TO DO:
1. Participate on the Conference Call
2. Call legislators – Click Here
3. Email legislators – Click Here
4. Go to the Capitol –
on Monday, May 16 when the Legislature is in session (Approx 1 PM) and visit with your legislator.
Below is the list of Louisiana legislators who need to hear from YOU regarding the
SUNO-UNO Merger:

Rep. Taylor Barras – New Iberia
Rep. Mike Danahay – Sulphur
Rep. Neil Abramson – New Orleans
Rep. Mickey Guillory – Eunice
Rep. Jerry Gisclair – LaRose
Rep. Jean Doerge – Minden
Rep. Reep Henderson – Chalmette
Rep. Rick Nowlin – Natchitoches
Rep. Robert Billiot – Westwego
Rep. Chris Roy – Alexandria
Rep. Andy Anders – Ferriday/Vidalia
Rep. Dorothy Sue Hill – Dry Creek
Rep. Sam Little – Bastrop
Rep. Bobby Badon – Carencro
Rep. Bubba Chaney – Rayville
Rep. Jerome Richard – Thibodaux
Rep. Richard Burford – Stonewall
Rep. Frank Howard – Many
Rep. Bernard Lebas – Ville Platte
Rep. Major Thibaut – New Roads

Click Here for their email addresses and telephone numbers
CALL! EMAIL! VISIT!
TELL THEM TO VOTE NO ON HB 537
Clarification
Clarification from an earlier SU Legislative Alert, that should have read:
Phase one is the merger of SUNO and UNO. The second phases are contained in other legislation to place Southern University at Shreveport under a two-year college system.
These bills could dismantle the country’s only Historically Black College System.
Please share with friends and supporters.
Make sure you’re receiving the latest updates during the Legislative Session.

ASSUME NOTHING
Now is not the time to be passive.
Let your voice be heard.

Youngest Student in Morehouse College History Returns Home to Detroit

Posted on May 12, 2011

DETROIT, MI – Stephen Stafford, who began college at age 11 and outscoring students nearly twice his age in mathematics courses at Morehouse College, will speak to members of his generation about “math and technology”, Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Southfield Public Library. Stephen became an international media sensation when he became the youngest student ever to enroll at the 150 year-old institution as a full-time regular student at age 13! Joining Stephen will be former NFL Detroit Lion, LaMar Campbell and the event is FREE and open to the public.

Although Stephen’s family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia when Stephen was very young, Stephen clings to his Detroit roots personally and in every media interview. The double-major is elated to be going back home to visit with family, drive by his childhood residence and do what he claims he loves the most, connecting with his peers during his scheduled appearances. “I like hearing kids say they want to do better in school after they meet with me”, exclaims the now 15 year old mathematics major who has launched his own tech company. Stephen has given African-American youth a new image of what can be accomplished in education!

Detroit native Michelle Brown-Stafford, the mother who began Stephen’s homeschooling in Detroit and subsequently directly into college, will also meet with parents to inspire them and provide educational resources. “When our media relations specialist presented me with the latest news regarding the educational status of half Detroit’s residence, I knew we had to do this!” The parental involvement expert continued, “Detroit has produced some of the best entertainers and athletes the world has ever experienced and now Detroit can stake its claim on producing the youngest student ever to attend Morehouse College in the 150 years it has been in existence.” Morehouse College has graduated such prestigious alum as Martin Luther King Jr., Samuel Jackson, Spike Lee and others.

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Maryland’s Black Colleges Vs Maryland Higher Education Commission | Claiming indirect example of Discrimination

Posted on May 12, 2011

Maryland’s four historically black colleges and universities are more segregated today than in decades past because of discriminatory practices and policies maintained by the state’s Higher Education Commission, lawyers told a federal court judge Wednesday.

“The result is [that the four colleges] fall farther and farther behind,” said John Greenbaum, a civil rights attorney representing an advocacy group that sued the commissionThe lawsuit, originally filed in 2006 and since amended four times, contends that the state underfunds black schools, particularly in capital improvement projects, and allows unnecessary duplication of programs by surrounding institutions.

But attorneys for the commission say there’s no proof that disparities, if any, are intentional or even the result of policies that have roots in segregation.

“Because they cannot meet that burden [after] lengthy years of litigation, they fail,” said Assistant Attorney General Campbell Killifer, who represents the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

He concluded that U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake should therefore “dismiss the case entirely.” The comments were made during 21/2 hours of arguments Wednesday afternoon on state motions requesting immediate judgment in the case, claiming the suit doesn’t have the merit to go forward. About 50 spectators, most with ties to the state’s historically black institutions — Morgan State University, Coppin State University, Bowie State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore — filled the courtroom, watching the proceeding unfold. Parity among higher-education institutions has been an issue in the state and country for centuries, and the lawsuit recounts 200 years of history, going back to 1807 when Maryland established then white-only University of Maryland at Baltimore. While much has changed since then, the plaintiffs say Maryland still has a long way to go in leveling the playing field.

“In essence, it’s always a rich-get-richer” situation even when funding allotments are equal, said attorney Karen Walker, who works with Greenbaum. Black schools, she said, need more help to catch up.

Her clients contend that the state is not keeping equity promises it made in 2000 to the Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education and that current practices are discriminatory. They point to a joint master’s program in business administration that was implemented at Towson University and the University of Baltimore in 2005, in direct competition with Morgan State; capital enhancement projects that take two and three times as long to fund at historically black institutions compared with other facilities; and poor retention and graduation rates at historically black institutions. The education commission says it completed the improvement plan agreement with the Office of Civil Rights in 2005, however, and hasn’t heard a word

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RIP Michael “Phoenix” Haizlip II from Morgan State Graduating Senior #BuzzKiller

Posted on May 12, 2011

Shocking news was brought to our attention of the death of Michael Phoenix from Morgan State University passed. He was said to be a graduating senior of this years 2011 graduating class. Speculations rise of him having an asthma on a neighborhood basketball court causing his death. Stay tuned for more information…

He was very in to Poetry