In His State of the College Address, President Franklin Said His Goals Include Increasing Graduation Rate and Raising $125 Million

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By ADD SEYMOUR JR.

Over the next six years, President Robert M. Franklin ’75 wants to see two-thirds of graduates get advanced degrees, raise the overall graduation rate to 80 percent, explore starting a master’s degree program and, most importantly, raise $125 million. “It’s time for Morehouse to step up,” Franklin said during his State of the College Address on April 27 in the Bank of America Auditorium. “It’s time for greatness once again. We’ve already proven what we can do.” Franklin outlined the Colleges challenges and plans during his speech, which was sponsored by the Morehouse College National Alumni Association and its Atlanta chapter. “We believe in Atlanta that an informed alumni body is an engaged alumni body,” said Brandon Banks ’06, Atlanta chapter president.

Members of the president’s leadership team – vice presidents Andre Bertrand ’76 (Campus Operations) and Phillip Howard ’87 (Institutional Advancement), chief financial officer Gwen Sykes and provost Weldon Jackson ’72 – were on hand to answer questions from the audience. But the president’s vision of the future dominated the evening. Franklin said international financial research firms have downgraded Morehouse’s financial outlook from “stable” to “negative” because of the tough fundraising climate and drops in endowment and enrollment. The College’s six-year, $125-million capital campaign will address fundraising and endowment concerns, though Morehouse’s endowment (which is $120 million) is one of only five HBCUs with more than $100 million. Franklin also said the campaign, along with increased alumni giving, will allow the College to increase the number of faculty-endowed chairs and raise the compensation level for faculty and staff.

The President said within the campaign period he wanted to build a new student center, see the Morehouse Male Initiative achieve national stature and perhaps start a new master’s degree program in leadership studies. In the immediate future, Franklin told alumni that the College’s size and character would be the subject of conversations among members of the Board of Trustees. They will talk about whether the College should remain a liberal arts institution or focus on pre-professional programs. They also will consider whether the student body should remain around 2,400 or be increased to as many as 3,500. Franklin challenged alumni to be part of the “futuring” of Morehouse.

 

Seven Cadets Commissioned on May 6 at ECSU

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The Military Science Department at Elizabeth City State University held its Spring 2011 Commissioning Ceremony for seven cadets on May 6, 2011. Cadets Danny Adams, Floyd Bailey, Amaquah Bonsu, Lovell Pendleton, Melvin Perry Jr., Brandon Smith and James Stevens were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Lt. Col. Troy D. Barnes, commanding officer of ECSU’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), said he was proud of the cadets for the progress they’ve made during their years in the program. Barnes was particularly pleased with the leadership of Cadet Perry, who served as the Viking Battalion Commander.  Barnes said Perry displayed outstanding leadership skills and dedication during the year and during the 2011 ECSU ROTC Military Ball. Perry ended his four-year career as one of the most highly decorated cadets in the ECSU ROTC program’s history. His awards are both for military achievements and academic achievements. At the Military Ball, he received eight individual awards, the most of any cadet. Those awards were the Military Order of the World Wars, Superior Cadet Decoration Award, Distinguished Military Graduate, Legion of Valor Cross, Reserve Officers Association Award, National Defense Industrial Association award, the Platinum Medal Award and the Dean’s List Award).

At the commissioning ceremony, Perry led his fellow graduating seniors one last time. He passed the reins to Cadet Ashley Smith, the incoming Viking Battalion commander. Col. Lester C. Moore, assistant chief of staff, G5 U.S. Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox, Ken., spoke at the ceremony. Moore is a highly decorated officer. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Army Staff Badge, Recruiting Badge and the Parachutist Badge. As is the tradition at ECSU, the cadets’ Oath of Office was repeated during the university’s Commencement held on May 7 at Roebuck Stadium.

 

 

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Three Howard Students Awarded 2011 Fulbrights Scholarships

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WASHINGTON (April 30, 2011) – Three members of the Class of 2011 – Antonino Eugene Lyons II, Jessica A. Cooper and Manjot Kaur Jassal – are recipients of the Fulbright Scholarship and will spend next year in Brazil and India respectively. Lyons, a 2011 candidate for a degree in supply chain management, will work to prepare small Brazilian businesses for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. He will also teach English. In preparation for Brazil, Lyons will study Portuguese at the Middlebury Language School in Vermont. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I look forward to it,” Lyons said. “It’s something that I have been talking about for the past year – Brazil and all its opportunities and getting in on the ground floor.” Cooper, a candidate for the jurist doctorate and a senior editor on the Howard Law Journal, will spend her Fulbright year in India, where she will teach English. She is also very interested in studying educational systems, one of the primary reasons that she sought the Fulbright award. “I am extremely excited and humbled to have the opportunity to represent the United States as a Fulbright Scholar in India as an English Teaching Assistant Jassal’s Fulbright will encompass research examining the impact of health education on awareness and prevention of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents in two rural villages in Punjab, India where HIV infection rates are 26 percent nearly three times tihe national average of 9 percent.

The Fairfax, Va. native plans to pursue a career in medicine. She currently works as a research assistant in the College of Medicine Department of Physiology and the Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. Jassal is a 2011 candidate for a Bachelor of Science in Biology. “Education is the highest form of prevention,” said Jassal. “My fellowship will contribute to the success of education efforts in Panjab as well as allow me to gain a greater understanding of the culture of a Panjabi immigrant population in the United States that I wish to serve one day through community medicine.”Lyons, Jassal and Cooper join a prestigious legacy of Howard University Fulbright Scholars. Since 1993, Howard has produced 23 student Fulbright recipients.

FAMU Journalism Student Selected To Participate in the 2011 Student Freedom Ride

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) student Stephanie Burton knew that spending a few weeks out of her summer on the bus with the original Freedom Riders would be one of the highlights of her college career.

Burton said, “I was thinking, ‘what a way to complement what I’ve learned in the classroom!’”

Burton, a senior journalism student from Montgomery, Ala., was selected for the 2011 Student Freedom Ride, an experiential learning opportunity for college students in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the original May 1961 Freedom Rides. Over a 10-day journey, the Ride will be a moving classroom in which 40 college students from across the country will retrace the route of the original Freedom Rides. Accompanied by filmmaker Stanley Nelson, original Freedom Riders and others, the Ride will engage students in this important era in America’s history, as they learn about the commitment and courage of the individuals who took part in the Freedom Rides.

“I applied for the 2011 Student Freedom Rides because as a Montgomery native, HBCU attendee and African-American woman, I realize the value and importance of civil rights history,” said Burton. “During my application process, I read that we would be required to blog and shoot video. As a journalism student, those assignments particularly stood out and motivated me to apply as well.”

The Student Freedom Riders were chosen from nearly 1,000 applicants and represent a diverse cross-section of America, much like the original Freedom Riders, who were black and white, men and women, and who, in 1961, used public transportation as a means of challenging segregation in the South.

Burton was selected on the basis of her essay, describing the reasons for wanting to participate, her thoughts on the role of social media and technology in civic engagement today and extracurricular activities.

“I hope to gain a better understanding of the Freedom Riders Movement,” said Burton. “It is such an outstanding story of courage, determination, resilience and fearlessness! Besides understanding, I would also like to find a sense of purpose and organization.”

Burton said she plans to start a non-profit in Montgomery, Ala. for teens and young mothers.

“I also want to be a community organizer, attacking issues in our society such as homelessness, obesity, poverty and illiteracy,” the strong-minded individual said. “But I think I can learn from the original freedom riders the best way to go about doing that.”

The participants will travel through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and into Louisiana, stopping along the way at historically significant locations. The journey will end in New Orleans, the intended destination of the 1961 Freedom Riders.

“I’m most looking forward to meeting the 39 other students who have been selected,” said Burton, who plans to use social media as a means to chronicle her trip and share her adventure with the public. “We can bounce ideas off of each other. We all want to help make the world a better place.”

 

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Stylish Buzz of the Week: Candace Hokett-Henley from Howard University by The Profashional

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Name: Candace Hokett-Henley

Classification: Sophomore

Repin’: Howard University

Major: Marketing

Hometown: New Jersey

Describe your style: Personal style is elegant, dynamic, and trendsetting. I love to be creative and unexpected with my style.

Candace’s sense of style keeps me intrigued from her day-to-day attire to her night on the town wear! I enjoy the fact that her style is versatile and each look that she wears, she rocks! Like really, who would think to wear a fur, spike-studded headband, harem pants, leopard wedges and a over-sized bag, and end up looking both comfortable and fabulous?! Guess they don’t call her Candace the Glamorous for nothing! Her creativity isnothing but inspiring, we see you Candace!



CNN’s Soledad Obrien Delivers Keynote Address to Dillard University Graduates

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The 2011 Dillard University commencement featured the Award-winning journalist and CNN correspondent Soledad O’Brien as their guest speaker. She addressed the Dillard University class of 2011  on the university’s Avenue of the Oaks.

“I am proud that this accomplished professional will share her insight with our students,” said Dillard University President Marvalene Hughes. “

Her work has had a tremendous impact on changing world views through her in-depth analysis of real-life individuals and institutions. She is among the most thorough and insightful journalists I have known. We are honored to have her as our 2011 commencement speaker.” Dillard awarded an honorary doctorate to O’Brien and Award winning Jazz Musician Irvin Mayfield during commencement. Many students were touched as she spoke, as well as the Valedictorian Jasmi Brown and the Salutatorian Jon Goodwin were both first generation college students.

WDSU covered the graduation.

By Jerome Bailey
HBCU Staff
 

Jackson State Wins First Ever SWAC Softball Championship

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Jackson State (JSU) won its first ever SWAC softball championship on Sunday, May 8. The Lady Tigers defeated Mississippi Valley State (MVSU) 6-2 at Shea Brothers Complex, earning the SWAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Jackson State entered the tournament as the second seed in the eight-team double-elimination field. The Lady Tigers were one game out from elimination, but came back to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State twice to stay alive.

JSU never trailed in the championship finale against MVSU. Second baseman Wendi Reed put the Tigers on the board first with a solo home run and JSU plated another run for a 2-0 lead after one inning.

Reed scored again for Jackson State in the third inning pushing the Tiger advantage to 3-0.

Mississippi Valley State sent two runs across the plate in the bottom third to close within a run of the lead, but home runs by Reed and Anesha McClendon put the game out of reach for the Devilettes.

Jackson State and first year head coach Rick Fremin will now await its seeding into the NCAA Softball Tournament. The selection show airs Sunday, May 15 at 9 p.m. CST on ESPNU.

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THE ART OF THRIFTING by the ProFashional

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Who wants to be walking next to someone with the same exact outfit? The best part about thrifting is you’ll be sure to find things that have no duplicates and is college affordable! My girls complain about how they can never find anything in the thrift. I tend to be the girl who gets the looks when I tell them I paid only $5 for a high-waisted leather skirt and $15 for my vintage Dooney & Bourke handbag. Send me into the thrift with $20 and I’m sure to come out with a bag full. Here are tricks of the trade. I decided to share some of my own tips just for you! Shhhhhhhhhhh! 😉

• List me
Thriftstores can be distracting because there is just some much to look at, which can ultimately get you off track. Making a list will help keep you focused.

• Easy Access
Some thrift shops don’t have dressing rooms so you may have to try something on quickly over your clothes. Wearing something fitted such as leggings could make the process easier and save you money if it turns out it doesn’t fit. Most thrift shops are final sale which don’t allow exchanges or returns.
• Hit or Miss
The best time to go thrifting is earlier in the day and earlier in the week because that’s when the store restocks on new merchandise. Some shops get new shipment every day, you want get first dibs on everything! Remember if you can’t find anything the first time around, check again. You just never know what they’ll have the following day or even the next week better yet.
• Don’t limit yourself
Try to browse the whole store. As for women, don’t limit yourself to just the women’s section. You’ll be surprised as to what you can find in the men’s department. Who doesn’t love an oversized button-up!?
• Keep an open mind
Not everything will fit perfectly. You may have to spend a extra couple getting it hemmed or taken in. As for those who can sew, you have nothing to worry about.
• Double Check
Make sure you check the garment as a whole for stains, holes or worn seems. If you are purchasing pants inside them out, check under the arms in shirts.
• Tags before bags
Some shops separate their sales by the colors of the tags. Check to see what colors are marked 30% and 50% off. A garment is more likely to win you over if it’s marked down.
• Double up on savings
This may sound silly but ask the clerk if they offer a student discount, every saving counts. After all, we won’t be students for ever so take complete advantage while you still can! This will make checking out even more fabulous when you walk out spending $20 on $100+ worth of clothes and accessories!

Prelude to Interim (Documentary) from the art of reuse™ on Vimeo.

Now that I let you in on my secrets ready, set, THRIFT!
Did I miss anything? Feel free to add!

Sha’nece Austin “Profashional”

Morehouse Wins 6th Straight, Albany State Takes Women’s Title SIAC Track & Field Championship

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Atlanta, GA—Morehouse College continued their dominance on Saturday as they won their sixth straight SIAC track & field championship on their home turf at Edwin Moses Track, located at B.T. Harvey Stadium.

On the final day, the Maroon Tigers were led by Novian Middleton, who delivered 30 points by finishing first in the 5,000 meters, second in the 10,000 meters as well as third in the 1,500 meters and the 3,000 meter steeplechase.

Courtland Walls finished first in the 100 meters and third in the 200 meters with times of 10.84 and 21.96 respectively. Teammate Karlton Mitchell won the 1500 meters and the 3000 meter steeplechase with times of 4:03.70 and 9:34.4 respectively.
Morehouse College scored 236 points throughout the meet, 81 points more than second place Benedict College with 155 points. Stillman College finished third with 112.5 points.

Atlanta, GA—After a one year hiatus, the Lady Rams of Albany State University returned to familiar territory on Saturday at Morehouse College’s Edwin Moses Track, claiming their fifth SIAC track & field championship in the last six years.

On the final day of events, the Lady Rams were led by the trio of Brittany Carter, Lanequa Borders, and Ashley Duncan. Carter won both the 1,500 meters and the 3,000 meter steeplechase, finished second in the 800 meters along with third in the 5,000 meters while Duncan finished first in the 5,000 meters, second in the 3,000 meter steeplechase, and fifth in the 1,500 meters. Borders won the 100 meters with a time of 11.95 and finished second in the 200 meters while also running a leg on the 4×100 and 4×200 meter relay teams, taking first place in both events.

For her peformance, Carter received the Cleve Abbott Award, given to the athlete, male or female,  that scores the most points throughout the meet.
The Lady Rams scored 241.5 points which was more than double the amount scored by second place Fort Valley State University, who finished with 112 points. Benedict College finished third with 89 points.

Most Valuable Performer (Track): Brittany Carter, Albany State University

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Saint Paul’s College Shuts Down The Athletic Department

The Saint Paul’s College board of trustees has voted to discontinue the school’s entire athletics program, the college announced Monday. The decision, which takes effect July 1, is intended to help alleviate Saint Paul’s ongoing financial struggles.

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The Saint Paul’s College board of trustees has voted to discontinue the school’s entire athletics program, the college announced Monday. The decision, which takes effect July 1, is intended to help alleviate Saint Paul’s ongoing financial struggles. A member of the Division II Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Saint Paul’s fields 14 teams — seven for men and seven for women. Once the 123-year-old Lawrenceville school becomes financially stable again, the release said, it will consider reinstating the program. If boosters and alumni can raise enough money to sustain any of the teams, those teams conceivably could be revived, said Samuel Davis III, a member of the board of trustees. The administration intends to implement a full-scale intramural program in place of varsity competition. School officials have not determined which coaches and other employees can be kept on staff. They hope to reach a decision sometime next week, director of public relations Germeka Akrie said.

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Work is just beginning, Bill Cosby tells Hampton University Graduates

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THE 2011 GRADUATES of Hampton University may be done with college, but Bill Cosby says their work is just beginning.

“Now is the time for you to act upon all the things you see that are wrong in this world,” he told them Sunday. “Be honest. Look at them, and begin to work on them. Take your pick.”

Cosby, an actor, philanthropist and educator best known for his comedy, addressed 980 graduates at the historically black university’s 141st graduation.

There was room in his commencement address, too, for humor, like the joke about a man who asks Jesus to heal his high blood pressure. “Stop eating salt,” Jesus replies. In another, a couple trying to get into heaven are told to find a question God can’t answer. They ask when their children are going to get their act together.

Cosby warned the graduates not to use their diplomas as Mother’s Day gifts, and he teased those with less-than-perfect grades, saying he wouldn’t hire anyone who knows only 72 percent of what they should know.

But he also delivered a serious message – that the world needs honest politicians, people to get out the vote and entrepreneurs and business owners with solutions to the problems in tough neighborhoods.

The economy may be down, but that’s no excuse, Cosby said. They can volunteer. He told them to take their math and science skills down to the local church or Boys and Girls Club, find children who need help with their schoolwork and tutor them at the library.

“I want you all to feel that the responsibility of this revolution is in your heart,” Cosby said. “We need people to build stores with food, clothing. We need people to go to our farmers, buy things, bring fresh foods back…. We need you to stop counting on other people to bring things to your neighborhood.”

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Harveys Donate $1 Million to Hampton University

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Hampton, Va. – Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey and Mrs. Norma B. Harvey have given a gift of $1 million to Hampton University to be utilized as incentives to increase faculty salaries. This is the second $1 million gift the Harveys’ have donated to the University. For the academic year 2011-12, every Hampton University faculty member will receive at least a three percent increase. The Harveys’ donation will provide additional funds for those faculty members who have received grants, published articles in refereed journals, and provided significant service to Hampton University. Under this arrangement some faculty members may be able to receive salary increments up to eight percent.

In 2001, President and Mrs. Harvey donated $1 million for student scholarship, dedicated specifically for high school students from Hampton and Newport News interested in becoming teachers. At the time, Mrs. Harvey stated they donated their funding specifically for scholarships to support students who were interested in becoming K-12 teachers because scholarship funding was more readily available for students interested in engineering, business, technology, and the like, however, without K-12 teachers, there could be no engineers, business men and women or computer analysts.

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