March 2012 The Rustorian Page 1

By Benita E. Jackson Editor, The Rustorian

The 145th Founders’ Convocation opened with a warm prelude and a processional to “Crown Imperial,” by the Rust College Ensemble, under the direction of Maurice Weatherall. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and guests entered the Doxey Alumni Fine Arts-Communication Center, Morehouse Auditorium, led by President Dr. David L. Beckley. Music was also performed by the Rust College A’Cappella Choir and audience singing “To God Be the Glory.” The invocation was given by Dr. Warren Booker Sr., assistant professor of Religion and Philosophy. Greetings were extended on behalf of Young

Alumni Honorees, Mississippi Industrial College (MIC) Alumni Association, and the Rust College Student Body. The convocation address was delivered by John W. Johnson, a 1968 graduate of Rust College and current news director at WTOK-TV in Meridian, Miss. Prior to his career in broadcasting, Johnson taught for nine years

The RustorianVolume 48 • No. 2 “By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them” March 2012

at Rust College. He taught Speech Communication, the Humanities and Stagecraft. He also directed plays for the Rust College Theater Guild. In 2006, he was inducted into the Mississippi Associated Press Hall of Fame. This came as a result of his work leading WTOK-TV’s top-rated news department for 26 years. Following the address, Dorothy Lee Jones led the A’Cappella Choir in another selection, “O For a Faith,” with soloist Warren Booker, Charles Terry Jr., Latrice Henderson, and Theoplis Walton. Four Tower of Leadership Awards were presented, numbers 43 through 46 in the following order to Joe T. Dockins, Joe S. Hayes, Pearlene Carter, and John W. Johnson. The unveiling of the

Endowed Scholarship Plaque was done by Dr. Leslie B. McLemore, graduate from Rust College, class of 1964. Thirty-six students who were music majors at Rust over the years were recognized. This recognition was followed by the audience singing the alma mater and the benediction of the convocation

Founders’ speaker alumnus John Johnson refl ects on Rust’s past

President Dr. David L. Beckley John A. Johnson

was delivered by Rev. Annie Travis, College Chaplain. The Recessional and postlude followed with music performed by the Rust College Ensemble.

By Benita E. Jackson Editor, The Rustorian

The Rust College Quiz Bowl team rode to victory over both Savannah State University and St. Louis University, and now what’s left is just to prepare for

next year’s tournament. The team has won four times in the last fi ve years and wants to bring yet another trophy to the school next year.

The Championship was the last step for this year, but the members can now begin to

prepare for 2012-13. Coach DeAndrea Byrd

said that although she will not be back for coaching with the team next year, they are actively seeking new members who will be dedicated and take this quiz bowl seriously.

The Southern Conference of African American Studies National Quiz Bowl was held in Houston, Texas on Feb. 10. Rust College won over Savannah State University, with a score of 14 to 6 during the fi rst round. In the second

round the Rust College team won over St. Louis University, with a score of 12 to 8. The Rust College team was made up by Treetenia Williams, team captain; Terrell Barry, Tevin Burks, Danielle Caradine, and Noah Moore. The coaches for the team this year were DeAndrea Byrd, Aldon O’Bryant, and Rachael Parker. Dr. A.J. Stovall, chair, Division of Social Science, is the advisor. The students were from a wide range of majors that include Biology, Political Science, Computer Science, Mass Communications, and Social Work. This year’s Southern Conference On African American Studies, Quiz Bowl competition was in the memory of S.C.A.A.S.I. 2011 President Dr. Gloria T. Williams-Way.

Fresh off national win, Rust Quiz Bowl champions looking ahead

Inside the Rustorian• Valencia Rogers

crowned Miss Rust, page 2

• Zondra Hughes back at Rust, page 4

• Mass Comm. alumni talk about graduate studies, page 6

• TI’s Power & Beauty reviewed, page 7

• Miss Omega crowned, page 7

• Sports, page 8

2012 Rust College Commencement

April 22, 2012 at 2 p.m.McMillian Multi-Purpose

Center

L-R:Tevin Burks, Treetenia Williams, Noah Moore, Danielle Caradine, (rear)Terrell Barry, DeAndrea Byrd, Rachael Parker and Aldon O’Bryant.

Page 2 The Rustorian March 2012

By Benita JacksonEditor, Rustorian

The offi cial crowning of Miss Rust College 2011-2012 took place on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 8, 2011 in the W.A McMillan Multi-Purpose Center. The theme for the royal coronation was “A Sparkle of Asian Royalty.” The mis-tress of ceremonies, Horten-sia Dean, former instructor of mass communmication at Rust College, was introduced by

Pasquail Cook, a senior broad-cast journalism major. A greet-ing to all faculty, staff, stu-dents, family and guests was delivered by SGA president Marcus Bradley before Dean proceeded with the introduc-tion of the Royal Court. The Royal Court consisted of queens from each organi-zation on campus. This year Homecoming was Derek Price, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Gamma Psi Chapter, and senior biology major. The High Court includ-ed Darjai Payne, second alter-

nate to Miss Rust and JaKaila Shaw, fi rst alternate to Miss

Rust. This year Her Majesty is Valencia Le’Titia Roger, of Byhalia.

The crowning of Miss Rust was done by the col-lege’s president, Dr. David L. Beckley. After that, Miss Rust 2011-2012 gave her royal mes-sage, in which she thanked her mother, Martha Ann Rogers; her advisors, Cynthia Cole and Lillie M. Bolton, and Horten-sia Dean, calling them “Black women that rock.” Due to un-foreseen circumstances, Miss Rust 2010-2011, Ereca King, was not in attendance for her farewell address. Tributes were delivered to Miss Rust from Mayor An-dre’ Deberry on the behalf of the Holly Springs community, Vivian Gulledge on behalf of faculty and staff, and Jessica Lucas for the student body.

Miss Rust’s friend, Chase Carr, and her mother, Martha, also delivered tribute messages to Miss Rust. She also received a royal serenade of ‘One In A Million’ from Ukerrius Fuller. She was showered with gifts from different departments and organizations on campus as well as from family and friends. The coronation was con-cluded with Miss Rust College 2011-2012 sharing a Royal Dance with President Beck-ley, her brother, Andrew L. Rogers, Jr., and her signifi cant other, Marquette C. Sanders. Miss Rust College 2011-2012 dedicated that special evening in memory of her late grandfa-ther, Andrew Rogers, Jr.

Crown Her!Crown Her!

Miss Valencia Rogers is Miss Rust 2011-12

“I have enjoyed having the privilege to represent an outstanding and motivated group of individuals,” said Valencia Rogers, Miss Rust 2011-2012. Miss Rust says she wants to leave behind a legacy of dedication to lead by serv-ing others. She also will leave a challenge to the next Miss Rust to excel be-yond measure. She wants to see all future Miss Rust achieve even more than those who preceded her. “Always contribute and make change,” she said. Rogers said that this experience has changed her life drastically. “It has taught me how to be humble and make sacri-

fi ces as well as to network with outstanding people. It has also taught me to be steadfast and rooted in what I believe in.” After graduation, Rogers plans to enroll in a repu-table medical school. She wants to study pediatric medicine.

My words of gratitude...

Mayor Andre Deberry

Miss Rust 2011-12 Valencia Rogers is presented with President David L. Beckley.

Byhalia, Miss. resident and graduating senior Valencia Rogers sits in court as she prepares to receive congratulatory expres-sions from students, faculty, staff and alumni.

March 2012 The Rustorian Page 3

Page 4 The Rustorian March 2012

By Nekesa OliverStaff Writer, The Rustorian

As students gathered in the Doxey Auditorium for yet an-other Thursday AEP assem-bly, warm jazz music played in contrast to the cold and wet weather outside. Mass Com-munications Week was already in full throttle and Rust College students were eager to hear what their speaker had to share. The keynote speaker, Zondra I. Hughes, was given a warm

welcome back to her alma ma-ter by junior mass communica-

tions major Larry Aaron. The message was simple, “Shake the snakes of the real world.” Hughes, before getting into her speech, gave students the freedom to “tweet” about the things she would talk about, which included her “9 Laws of Nicety.” 1. Know Thyself – know who you are and where you come from 2. Know Your “Frenemy”- don’t tell all your business and plans

3. Know Your Brand - know what people think of you 4. Know The Game - know what it takes for you to achieve your dreams 5. Know Your Allies - Know what obstacles you will face 6. Know Your Strengths - re-member why you are here 7. Know No Boundaries - if someone tells you no, see a green light 8. Know Your Words - speak dreams and goals into exis-tence

9. Know Your Weaknesses - practice what you feel will be personal setbacks. Hughes presented these laws briefl y and advised Rust students to not argue, but act on the things they deemed wrong or unfi t. At the end of her speech, she was presented the Trailblazer Award on behalf of the Mass Communications Department. If you would like to contact Ms. Hughes with questions or comments, her email address is zondrahughes@yahoo.com

Alumna/editor/author Zondra Hughes lays down ‘9 laws of nicety’ at AEP

Zondra gives Mass Communications majors keys to writing a winning book The Mass Communications Department was treated to an exclusive writing seminar giv-en by guest presenter Zondra Hughes. The presentation was full of surprises as Hughes kept the room fi xed and focused as she told tales of her rocky road to success. She explained how diffi cult it was early in her ca-reer as she fought against su-pervisors at work who were in-tent on undermining her goals. “But when life throws you lemons, you make lemonade,” she said.The result was the per-son the Rust College commu-nity is proud of today. A successful novelist, Hughes astonished the seminar at-tendees when she said, “I’m going to give you the keys to

ensuring your fi rst book is a success.” She said the writer needs a struggle or challenge, a villain or naysayer who did not want you to succeed, an an-gel or someone who was there by your side, and the way you overcame your challenge. She asked the students to identify these elements in their lives, then stand and tell their stories. Many of the students’ stories were very personal and emotional, almost bringing some to tears. Hughes complemented them on what they wrote and gave gifts, such as T-shirts and cop-ies of her book to those who re-sponded well to her questions or brought a special “some-thing” to the seminar that day.

Senior broadcast journalism major Pasquail Cook receives guest presenter for Mass Communications Week Zondra Hughes at podium during academic enrichment.

Blake Henry listens attentively as Zondra Hughes offers sage advice for young, aspiring novelists.

March 2012 The Rustorian Page 5

Several students presented their stories at the writing seminar and were asked to take a snapshot with Zondra Hughes. From left to right are (front row) Benita Jackson, John Parker, Zondra Hughes, Catrina Kirkwood, Blake Henry, Dionyal Spencer; (rear) Devin Henderson, Edward King, Diarius Watson, Michael Caston, and Cervetra Williams.

Telling their stories with great vigor at the writing seminar are (clockwise) Travante Franks, Cervetra Williams, Michael Reed, and Dionyal Spencer.

Page 6 The Rustorian March 2012

actors fail because a lack of dedication, commitment, the ability to follow instructions, and research the character to be portrayed.

part of annual Mass Commu-nications Week, fi ve alumni, graduates with degrees in Mass Communications from Rust, returned to share their experi-

More proof that Rust College continues to produce good fruitMass Comm. alumni return to give students the ‘411’ on graduate studies

Several students from the mass communications depart-ment were given advanced notice of what to expect when they attend graduate school. As

ences. Leading the panel dis-cussion were Megan Oglesby (‘09), Arkansas State Univer-sary; Katrina Overby (‘09), Indiana University; David Burnett (‘09) Ph.D. program, Freed-Harderman University; Jessica McMorris (‘09), Ar-kansas State University; and Gaby Crumble (‘09) Arkansas State University. Several topics were dis-cussed. For example, some of the graduates emphasized how graduate school focuses heav-ily on research writing. “I love research,” said Over-by. “This goes back to my Re-

search class under Dr. Moyo.” Overby went to say that she has worked on several research projects. Other former students on the panel talked about how proud they were to realize that they were very well-prepared at Rust. Oglesby and Crumble said that on several occasions when other students struggled, for example, with broadcast equipment, they stepped right in and demonstrated their skills. “We were involved in ev-erything at Rust,” said Ogles-by. “Our hands-on experience gave us an edge.”

By Teresa HughesStaff Writer, The Rustorian

Asst. Professor John House wears many hats and has been on the Lyceum committee for nine years. The committee recruits talent and votes on appropriate cultural presenta-tions from which Rust students benefi t. When asked what perfor-mance inspired him through-out the years he replied, “Each year had a special person such as: Ella Joyce (co-star of Roc), Kimberly Lawson Roby (au-thor), and Travis Black (actor),

because these were all novel-ist.” “Talent for the series comes from two sources. “When I go to the festival I observe the art-ist I recruit that way and also we have returning artist who network with other artists to bring talent back to Rust,” he recalled. Many wonder what the signifi cance of the Lyceum series is to students. “Educa-tion is comprised of cultural and academic experiences.” “The Lyceum series gives the students here at Rust those cul-tural aspects,” said House. As the Doxey House Man-

ager, his advice to inspiring ac-tors and actresses was to learn to follow directions and study their craft. “There was an instructor at Lydonwood College in Mis-souri that told her theater stu-dents to bring her something.” According to House those stu-dent’s followed her directions and she then had something to work with. House said when he observed productive actors they always had steno pads and they took notes, read over them and paid close atten-tion to the directors critiques. House emphasized that young

Professor John House sees Lyceum series as essential to cultural elightenment

Oglesby said it was clear to her that undergraduate pro-grams from which many of the other students came did not of-fer the type of experience they received from Rust College. Burnett discussed how he chose graduate school over a professional career in broad-casting. “I was very entrenched in television,” Burnett said. “But I decided that there were other things I wanted to do.” Burnett said that graduate studies really opened his mind and prepared him for other opportunities.

Although the Lyceum se-ries has had minimum turnouts House insists that it is not a wasted effort and his goals are to include four new per-formances: Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Fredrick Douglas and Nat King Cole to continue its cultural enlightenment. “Well I prefer at least two if not all four acts,” said House. Another goal for House is to get the community to support the Lyceum series. Among upcoming events, the Ida B. Wells Symposium will be held on March 22, at 7 p.m. in the Doxey Auditorium.

L-R: Jessica McMorris, Hortensia Dean, Sharron Goodman-Hill, Katrina Overby, David Burnett, and Gaby Crumble were present at the graduate studies discussion.

Megan Oglesby gives her perspective as Gaby Crumble looks on.

John House

March 2012 The Rustorian Page 7

ip “T.I” Harris was born and raised in the streets of Atlanta and from his

life experiences was able to write a fi ction novel along with David Ritz. Ritz wanted to do a novel about the streets of Atlanta, and with knowledge of the streets, Harris was the best person to help him to ac-complish this goal. The two men set down to develop what would in a year’s time become “Power & Beauty.”

Centered in the city of At-lanta, this story tells the lives of two teenagers and their survival after their mother is taken a way in a terrible explo-sion. The two teens are moved in two different directions. One is moved into a life of fast money and hot girls while the other is moved to New York to set a name for her self in the fashion industry. The teenagers lose contact with each other because of the different lives they decide to live, yet come to need each other’s help as the years pass.

This story is broken into two, his and hers. The book takes you on a fast-paced jour-ney through the United States

as the teenagers learn various lessons on the lives they choose to live. Power is a young man aspiring to be rich in wealth, while Beauty wants to be a successful fashion designer. Along the way, they have a number of people to show them the ropes of their choice. They take the necessary steps to get to the top, yet all the de-cisions are the best that could be made. From sleeping with multiple women and killing people, Power gets deep into trouble, while Beauty is sleep-ing with an older man just to get a shot at her own fashion line. In the process of this, one

of Power and Beauty’s closet friend, Wanda, dies, leaving everyone in awe about what is truly going on with Slim. Slim is a person Power trusts; he be-lieves that there is no way that Slim could have had Wanda murdered…or could he?

It is a well-written novel that keeps you engaged from start to fi nish. The book is a complete page turner. Power & Beauty is a great book for those who like to live vicari-ously through the characters of books. T.I. and Ritz did an excellent job of capturing the lives of each character in the book. The novel is very de-tailed without being overpow-ering with boring details.

I believe this book will be a great read for all. The use of imagery in the piece of litera-ture is phenomenal. The book is to have a sequel, and I look forward to reading it as well. I believe this is a great start to be only T.I.’s fi rst book. I believe that with a little more work he can be a great author of fi ctional stories as long as he continues to work with the right creative minds.

Book Review:TI’s ‘Power & Beauty’ much more than a street story about loveBy Benita E. JacksonEditor, Rustorian

TT

By Dionyal SpencerStaff Writer, Rustorian

Omega Psi Phi hosted their annual Miss. Omega Pageant Wednesday evening, Nov 16, 2011 in the Doxey auditorium. Students crowded the audi-torium as contestants Parissa Moore, Jasmaine Crawford, Sara Henderson, Erica Cal-houn, and Ivory Gordon ap-proached the stage to complete all six scenes which were: the OWT, Express Yourself, Ca-reer, Talent, Swim Suit, and Formal scenes. Each scene allowed the young ladies to give the audience and judges a glimpse of the individual’s personality. The judges were Diana Hughes, a member of Delta Sigma Theta and nurse

at Rust College; Charity Ware a faculty member at Rust Col-lege; and Richard Bradley, a

former Rust College student.The crowd yelled out with confi dence each contestant’s name as she went on stage to complete each scene with the Omega’s in the background

barking away. DJ De’Andrea Byrd played music that had the everyone standing on their feet and Greeks strolling and hop-ping through the Doxey audito-rium during change of scenes. The Formal scene brought out 2010-2011 Miss Omega Anna Johnson as she walked the stage with the new contestant’s wearing her beautiful burnt-orange dress. Students listened as each contestant completed the question forum in the for-mal scene. Students yelled for their fa-vorite contestants as judges crowded made their fi nal deci-sion on who won Miss Omega and Miss. Purple and Gold. A silence came across the room as Ware walked across audi-torium to give results to the

Omega. Stefan Lewis, a gradu-ating senior and a member of Omega Psi Phi, announced that

both titles were being given to contestant #2 Jasmaine Craw-ford, a graduating senior and biology major. Family and friends of Crawford crowded the stage to take pictures and congratulate the new 2011-2012 Miss Omega and Miss Purple and Gold.

Omega Psi Phi Annual Omega Pageant Crowns Jasmaine CrawfordNew Pageant New Pageant

WinnersWinners

Miss Phi Beta SigmaMiss Phi Beta SigmaApril DardenApril Darden

Miss 1914Miss 1914Alexis Allen Alexis Allen

Miss Alpha Phi Alpha Miss Alpha Phi Alpha Telisha GaydenTelisha Gayden

Miss Omega Psi PhiMiss Omega Psi PhiJasmine CrawfordJasmine Crawford

Miss Pink and Green Miss Pink and Green Keyasha BranchKeyasha Branch

Mr. 1908Mr. 1908Jerome NicholsJerome NicholsMiss Blu RevueMiss Blu RevueJessica SwaniganJessica SwaniganMr. DebonaiorMr. Debonaior

Jerry HatterJerry Hatter

Jasmine Crawford

Page 8 The Rustorian March 2012

By Cervetra WilliamsStaff writer, The Rustorian

You might think that coach-ing tennis and basketball at two different times would be hard, or perhaps sounds easy. But, apparently Coach Rodney Stennis has it all fi gured out. Whether it’s basketball indoor in a packed gymnasium or out-side on a beautiful day with tennis, Coach Stennis has his hands full. On Feb 20, Stennis coached the men’s basketball team to a record-breaking victory over the might Dragons of Virgin-ia University at Lynchburg.

Senior 6’2” guard Williams Montgomery from Pensacola, Fl, lead the team with 20 points and 14 rebounds, and a mile-stone 500th career Bearcats assists. With the help of Markeith Wilson and Justycze Clark, scoring 19 points each,

The RustorianEditor

Benita Jackson

Staff WritersNekesa Oliver

Dionyal SpencerCervetra Williams

Teresa Hughes

PhotographersTywon Mickel

Ms. Adrian Phillips,Offi ce of Public Relations

AdvisorDr. Kenneth E. Jones

Department of MassCommunications

Dr. Debayo R. Moyo, chair

The RUSTORIAN is a student-produced newspa-per published monthly dur-ing the school year by the Division of Humanities, Dr. Sylvester Oliver, chair. The Rustorian invites editorial contributions from the Rust College communi-ty and other individuals on any topic, view or issue. All submissions must be typed and signed, and must include author’s name, address and phone number. Articles may be submitted electronically at an email addresses below.

Send letters orcomments to:

Editor,The Rustorian

150 E. Rust AvenueHolly Springs, Ms. 38635

(662-252-8000ext. 4557/4553/4558Fax: (662)252)8869

Email:rustorian_@hotmail.com

rustorian@rustcollege.eduwww.rustorian.com

My mother was the one who said i can,

grow out of a boy and become a man,

now that i’m older,my mother is my biggest fan,

I’ll always be,her little man

my mother was the one who told me to be

what i want to be,whether it was sports,

or a host on TVshe made me to be the best

that i can be

and to never let a soultake that gift from me

we were once slaves now we suppose to be living free

my mother told me to make this an educational journey

i open my eyesand now i can fi nally see

that my mother was an angel created for me

if my mother was to passshe lived a good life

and it will be my turn to be a ANGEL of someone’s LIFE.

By Cervetra WilliamsStaff Writer, The Rustorian

Praying for a win on Feb 29 in Jackson, Miss against Belhaven College, the Rust College baseball team was not only excited, but well prepared to defeat their opposing team. But heading back home with a lost battle—a score of 22 to 0—and a quiet bus, the men of the baseball team are still keeping their heads high. Home runs were all the men on the Rust College baseball team aiming to hear on March 1, when they played against Talladega College in Holly Springs. Under the direction of head coach Harold Mon-crief, the baseball team has

been practicing and preparing to defeat their opponents this year. With a stand full of Rust College fans and mouths full of sunfl ower seeds, they are ready to go. “I think this year is ours,” says Roosevelt Ford, right fi elder, third baseman, catcher and pitcher for the team. “With the help of Coach Moncrief, and a focused team, we can win all of our games without a problem.” Hav-ing high hopes and expecta-tions will take you anywhere you want to be. March 10 Earlham Indiana College Holly Springs, MS NoonMarch 13 LeMoyne Owen College

Rust College SportsOpening loss does not dampen hopes of Bearcat baseball

and Jordan Seals, with 14, the Bearcats won 104 to 94. What a way to close out a season. Then it was time for Coach Stennis to change gears and get into the swing of things. With

the beginning of the tennis sea-son, a lot remains on his plate. He is a teacher, coach, a father fi gure and a mentor to many who look to him for direc-tion. The tennis team has been working hard during their off-season so that now is the time for their season to begin. They believe they are very prepared. Larry Aaron, one of the team’s key players said, “Once the season starts, there will be no stopping. It is time for us to show our opponents what Rust has to offer.” Coach Stennis has a lot of work ahead of him, but the Bearcat teams are on their way.

Coach Stennis thriving in dual role as Bearcats tennis, basketball coach

Memphis, TN 1 p.m.March 15 University of the South at Sewane Holly Springs, MS NoonMarch 20 Blue Mountain College Blue Mountain NoonMarch 22 LeMoyne Owen College Holly Springs, MS Noon*March 27 Lane College Jackson, TNNoonMarch 28 Belhaven College Jackson, TN 6 p.m.

April 10 University of the South at Sewane Sewane, TN Noon April 11 University of the South at Sewane Sewane, TN 1 p.m. April 12 Oglethorpe University Atlanta, GA 4 p.m. April 13 Oglethorpe University Atlanta, GA 1 p.m. April 18 Blue Mountain College Atlanta, GA Noon

My MotherBy Jurrien Jones

Poetry CornerPoetry Corner

By Nekesa OliverStaff Writer, The Rustorian

A scene from “Disney’s Princess and the Frog” was performed as the fabulous in-troduction to the Alpha Kappa

Alpha pageant that took place Jan 24, during AKA week. The stage was decked in pink and green, perfect for the fairy tale-themed night. The ladies of AKA Sorority Inc. took their seats on the front row of the Doxey auditorium as Celeste Howell and Larry Aaron took their places at the podium as the hosts for the evening. The scenes in order were: Express Yourself, Pink and Green, Talent, Formal Dress, and the Questioning scene. In between scenes, the game “Name That AKA” was played.

Miss Pink and Green Keyasha Branch