Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
We’re No. 1
What’s Inside
Gibbs Cottage 3
Campus Notes 4Homecoming 2006 6Alumni News 8
Excellence,dedication andcommitment arewords thatexemplify oneof FloridaA&MUniversity's dis-
tinguished alumni – The RightReverend Adam J. Richardson.The University will awardRichardson, presiding Bishop of
the Second Episcopal District ofthe African Methodist EpiscopalChurch, with its firstDistinguished Alumnus medal-lion during the annualPresident's Homecoming Galaon Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. inthe Tallahassee-Leon CountyCivic Center.
This award was establishedto pay tribute to outstandinggraduates who are trailblazers
and have excelled personally andprofessionally, thereby bringingextra ordinary high recognitionto the University.
Bishop Richardson, a nativeof Tampa, Fla., received aBachelor of Arts degree fromFlorida A&M University, wherehe served as the head drummajor for the famed Marching“100” Band. He later earned aMaster of Divinity degree from
Former Drum Major, AME Bishop to behonored at 2006 Homecoming Gala
“We're recharged, we'rereinvigorated, and we arethe FAMU of the future.”
– Phillip B. AgnewStudent Government President
Florida A&M University students,alumni, faculty and friends gathered on thesteps of Lee Hall on August 28, to celebratethe announcement by Black EnterpriseMagazine naming FAMU the No. 1 collegefor African Americans in the nation. Acrowd of about 500 cheered as theMarching “100” played “I'm so glad, I'mfrom FAMU.”
FAMU Interim President CastellVaughn Bryant told the group of well wish-ers that she was indeed glad to be fromFAMU.
“This is a signal honor for us,” saidFAMU Interim President Castell VaughnBryant. “We are quite proud to receive suchan accolade from Black Enterprise, whichconfirms that FAMU's reputation for educa-tional excellence continues to thrive. Weprovide our students with well-roundedexperiences and equip them with the skillsthey need to be successful and productivecitizens. The impact of our students' successpenetrates into an improved quality of lifefor the communities they go on to serve.”
The announcement came after BlackEnterprise surveyed more than 500 African-American higher education professionalsthroughout the country. The professionalswere asked to rate the schools on their aca-demic and social environment.
“The scores are developed from thosetwo survey rankings,” said Alfred A.Edmond, senior vice president and editor-in-chief of Black Enterprise Magazine. “Thenwe look at everything from black studentenrollment, the percent of black undergradu-ates to the total population on campus, andblack graduation rates. We crunched thenumbers and we came up with a score, andthen we ranked all of the schools surveyed.”
Of the 10 highest-ranking schools for
2006, five are historically black colleges anduniversities (HBCUs); five are located in theSouth; and eight are private institutions.
“This announcement validates what thestudents, faculty and alumni have been say-ing for years,” said Phillip B. Agnew, FAMU
Photo by: Harvey HaginsAlfred A. Edmond Jr., Black Enterprise seniorvice president and editor-in-chief (left), FAMUInterim President Castell Vaughn Bryant (right).
continued page 11
by Glyndell Presley
continued page 11
Volume 1, Issue 4 September 2006
Interim PresidentCastell Vaughn Bryant, Ed.D.
Interim Executive DirectorAltha F. Manning
Editor/LayoutJohnitta T. Richards
Contributing WritersDorothy WilliamsGlyndell PresleyLaNedra CarrollPamela Bryant
PhotographersAndrew Lawyer II
Stan JohnsonHarvey Hagins
StaffTammy HamletYakima Barnes
Sharon HendersonKayana Lewis
Special ThanksRon James
Charles Collins III
Alumni Affairs850/599-3861
Fax: 850/561-2691
Web sitewww.famu.edu/alumni
Yes, and ‘We still Rise’Picture it. A sea of Rattlers
clapping, singing, dancing andstomping to the electrifying
resonance of the Marching '100'. The‘Sssss’ is in the air.
You may imagine this as a scenefrom any Rattler football game; however,this was not just any ordinary Rattlerevent. It was a scene set in the newly air-conditioned Gaither Gymnasium. Faculty,students, Board of Trustees members andfriends of Florida A&M Universityturned out Friday, September 22, for theannual President's Convocation. Thisconvocation marked the return of Rattlerspirit and a celebration of Rattler pride.
Interim President Castell VaughnBryant, the keynote speaker, gave a spir-ited speech noting that FAMU is thenumber one institution of higher educa-tion for African Americans. Bryant urgedall in attendance to help make FAMU bethe best institution of higher education ofits size. Citing a string of accolades forFAMU, she again challenged the crowdto strive to be even better.
Among the accolades included theUniversity graduating the largest numberof African Americans with bachelordegrees and pharmacists in the nation.Bryant also noted that the Universityreceived a $5-million CREST awardfrom the National Science Foundation tosupport a new research center, new aca-demic programs in astro-physics, andproposed a new Ph.D. in chemistry, witha major objective to increase the numberof African-American PhD's in astro-physics and astro-chemistry.
Acknowledging that FAMU hasexperienced a few difficulties in recentweeks concerning the band, she reaf-firmed that FAMU still has the numberone band in the land.
The good news continued as Bryantcited even more recent accomplishments:the renovation of Diamond Hall; a mod-ernized housing program and the newResidence Life Program; the roll-out ofan aggressive enrollment managementplan; an award and designation by thestate of Florida as a Center ofExcellence; and great strides in the ath-letic program,
including the accomplishment of morethan 300 student athletes all meeting orexceeding academic eligibility.
Bryant also noted improved studentservices with shorter lines for registrationand financial aid. Students already havetheir financial aid checks. Move in Day,normally fraught with stress, wentsmoothly.
Vice President of the StudentGovernment Association MoniqueGillum presided and set the tone byrevving up the Rattler spirit.
Phillip B. Agnew, president of theStudent Government Association, closedout the convocation with a reinvigoratingadaptation of Maya Angelou's “And StillWe (FAMU) Rise” and a new variation ofthe Rattler Charge. The crowd went wildas the '100' accompanied Agnew in hisdelivery.
Yes, that “Good Ole FAMU Spirit”is alive and well! It must have been thatspirit that spurred our boys on to win thegames against both Winston-Salem StateUniversity and Tennessee State, at theAtlanta Classic, in the very last minutes.Go Rattlers!
FAMU Forever,
Altha F. ManningAltha F. ManningInterim Executive Director
photo by: Stan JohnsonPhillip B. Agnew, Student Government Associationpresident and FAMU Board of Trustees member,gives an electrifying speech at the annualPresident’s Convocation.
Alumni Chronicle is published by theOffice of Alumni Affairs for the alumni,
friends and supporters of Florida A&M University.
Officials at Florida A&M University(FAMU) announced plans September 12 toput hammer to nail in an effort to preserveits history and rebuild its legacy with a$800,000 extreme makeover. Gibbs Cottage,a two-story, 3,577-square-foot, woodenframe structure is at the center of the plans.
FAMU's Office of Alumni Affairs andthe Division of Facilities and Planning arespearheading the project to round up alumni,corporate partners and friends to turn GibbsCottage into “Alumni House,” a gatheringplace for FAMU Alumni.
“This is quite a large undertaking,” saidAltha Manning, executive director of AlumniAffairs at FAMU. “Gibbs Cottage has been asignificant, structure on our campus for morethan a century. We have come up with arestoration project that will use FAMU alum-ni who now work in architecture, construc-tion, design and advertising to take us from
what we feel is a great idea to a historic real-ity.”
Manning said several other local compa-nies have signed on to help. “It's really aboutbuilding bridges from our past to our futurethrough partnerships. In every way, it is avery exciting project.”
“Our involvement comes from a desireto give back to the institution that providedthe quality education that I have today,” saidDerrick Wallace, head of Construct TwoGroup. “ It is also an opportunity for FAMUto showcase the best that it has in the distin-guished alumni who have come aboard torebuild the Gibbs Cottage.”
The cottage was once the home ofFlorida State Representative Thomas VanRenssalaer Gibbs, an African American fromDuval County who was responsible for intro-ducing and shepherding the bill that provid-ed for the establishment of the State Normal
College for Colored Students (now FloridaA&M University) through the House ofRepresentatives. He was the son of thefamous Jonathan C. Gibbs who served thestate of Florida during the ReconstructionPeriod as Secretary of State (1868-73) andSuperintendent of Public Instruction (1873-74).
Throughout the years, Gibbs Cottagewas used to house the university's mathdepartment and as an apartment building. Ithas been relocated at least three times, fromits original site at the corner of Boulevard(now MLK) and Palmer Street to its presentsite on South Adams Street, just to the westof the University's Employee Club House.
GibbsCottage“Developing anAlumni Place”
University’s Plans to ‘Rebuild its Legacy’ Unveiled
by LaNedra Carroll
Do you own a drywall, landscaping or plumbing business? Can you provide doors, office furniture, paint or windows? If so, we welcomeyour participation and support, as we renovate and enhance the historical Gibbs Cottage. If you wish to provide services or supplies,contact Altha Manning, executive director of Alumni Affairs, by phoneat (850) 599-3861 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Special Thanks to:
Derrick WallaceConstruct Two Group
Maximiano BritoRhodes and Brito Architects
Cecil HayesCecil’s Designers Unlimited
Uzzell GroupAdvertising and Marketing
for their leadership in shaping this project.
Want to Contribute?
Thomas Van Renssalaer Gibbs Gibbs Cottage
AC
3
Lamango identifies potential drugcandidates for Parkinson’s diseaselicensed by biotech company
Research for Parkinson's disease, a braindisorder that affects about 1.5 million peoplein America and millions more worldwide,may be a step closer to preventing some ofthe effects of the illness. Florida A&MUniversity Scientist Nazarius Lamango hassynthesized promising compounds forParkinson's disease that caught theattention of a biopharmaceuticalcompany.
Lamango, assistant professorof medicinal chemistry in theFAMU College of Pharmacy andPharmaceutical Sciences, and hisresearch team have determinedthat the prenylation pathway inthe brain may be negativelyaffected in Parkinson's disease.By introducing prenyl-L-cysteinecompounds that modulate thisbiochemical pathway, the side effects oftremors, rigidity, hypokinesia and posturalabnormalities observed in their experimentalmodel of Parkinson's disease were blocked.It is hoped that these prenyl-L-cysteineanalogs may have prenylation pathwayenzymes may not be functioning properly.
FAMU has entered into an exclusivelicense with Signum Biosciences with the
hope that Signum will be able to developcommercializable therapeutics based onLamango's research, which is supported bythe National Institutes of Health. Signum haslicensed the rights to related patents fromPrinceton University and Harvard University,and is moving forward aggressively in this
area. The FAMU Office ofTechnology Transfer, Licensing andCommercialization has worked withLamango every step of the way inthis endeavor to identify a licensingpartner.
“The FAMU faculty isinvolved in pioneering research thathas tremendous potential for publicuse and benefit,” said Director RoseGlee. “This licensing deal will alsoenhance the University's technologytransfer infrastructure.”
Dr. Gregory Stock, CEO of Signum, isenthusiastic about the possibilities ofLamango's research.
“There is a real need for new therapeu-tics for Parkinson's and other neurodegenera-tive diseases,” said Stock. “Lamango'sresearch points to some very promisingapproaches.”
Twenty-one days of wacky, funny, funfilled, funky feature filmmaking is in the canas writer, director, Kenneth Jones, professorof Journalism, has completed the principalphotography for his hilarious family come-dy, Psychedelic Shack.
The story goes on a hilarious sprint as arevengeful pet monkey, Moo Moo, takesover a funeral home for pets and runs out afunky, funeral home director and drives afamily crazy.
Featuring actress Carla Fisher, of CBS’sOut Of Practice, and Moo Moo, the chim-panzee, the movie has wrapped productionand now has begun post-production editing.
“It's going to be a very funny film, thatthe entire family will be able to come to”
said Jones, who directed his first feature,Love & Fate that was distributed byEncore/Starz movies.
Jones is a graduate of the Florida StateUniversity Film School and Florida A&MUniversity's School of Journalism andGraphic Communication.
With a cast of more than 20 speakingroles, many from the Tallahassee area, andshot in more than 25 local locations, themovie will be complete and ready fordistribution in late 2007.
Professor givesaudiences aPsychedelic show
Actress Carla Fisher (left) and Kenneth Jones (right).
Five Florida A&M University profes-sors have been awarded appointments fromthe J. William Fulbright Scholarship Boardfor the 2006-2007 academic year. They jointhe ranks of some 273,500 alumni of theU.S. Fulbright Scholar Program.
Jerry Wekezer, Ph.D., distinguishedprofessor of Civil Engineering, is the recipi-ent of the Fulbright Senior ResearchFellowship. He will teach graduate courseson computational mechanics at DelftTechnical University in the Netherlands.This is Wekezer's second Fulbright award.
Folakemi Odedina, Ph.D., professor ofPharmacy and Director of the FAMUCenter for Minority Prostate CancerTraining and Research, is a U.S. FulbrightScholar to Nigeria. She will conductprostate cancer research and educationalactivities to continue her studies on healthdisparities in this area.
Gale Workman, Ph.D., professor ofJournalism, has been approved for candida-cy on the Fulbright Senior Specialist Roster.She is eligible, for up to five years, to bematched with incoming program requestsfrom overseas academic institutions forFulbright Senior Specialists. An appoint-ment involves a two to six-week grantresearch and/or teaching experience in aforeign country.
Salah Aziz, Ph.D., coordinator ofAcademic Programs in Engineering, is aU.S. Fulbright Scholar to Egypt and Jordan.He will assist two colleges of engineeringin Egypt and two colleges of engineering inJordan to develop program objectives andstudent outcomes which are comparable tothe International Standards set by theAccreditation Board for Engineering andTechnology (ABET).
Nazarius Lamango, Ph.D.,assistant professor ofmedicinal chemistry
Professorsamong FulbrightScholars
continued page 11
by Pamela Bryant
by Pamela Bryant
CampusNotes
AC
AC
4
Educators move programs forward to higher heights
Scott Jackson Dantley, Ph.D., wasrecently announced as the new dean ofFAMU's College of Education.
“We are extremely pleased about thisappointment,” said Austin. “Dr. Dantleycomes to us with an impressive record ofservice in higher education. His diversebackground in education, accreditation,fundraising and research gives us the rightattributes to lead us to the next level withour program, which remains one of the topproducers of African-American educators.”
Prior to joining the FAMU family,Dantley served as the acting dean of theSchool of Education at Bowie (Maryland)State University, where he was also an asso-ciate professor of chemistry and scienceeducation. Under his leadership as theexpert on NCATE and the accreditationprocess, Bowie State's accreditation wasaffirmed for seven years in Spring 2004.
Dantley has also distinguished himselfas a successful fundraiser through federaland state research dollars for such programsas Men Engaged in Nurture (M.E.N.), a fed-eral program designed to recruit and retainminority male teachers.
“We feel that our national search hasresulted in a significant find for FAMU,”Austin said. “Dr. Dantley, who is widelypublished, has worked on key educationissues on the national level and has securedmore than $2 million in funded grants. Icould not be more pleased to have this out-standing administrator and educator join ourteam.”
In July, University administratorsannounced the appointment of Mary EllaGraham, Ed.D. and R.N., as the new deanfor the School of Nursing. Graham comes toFAMU from Tennessee State, where sheserved as dean and a professor of the Schoolof Nursing.
“FAMU's School of Nursing has anexemplary leader in Dr. Graham,” saidFAMU Provost Debra Austin. “She bringswith her a wealth of experience in the fieldof nursing, and an outstanding record ofsecuring federal and state funds for impor-tant research. As we endeavor to produceoutstanding nurse practitioners and educa-tors, we need strong leaders; we need strongadministrators. We feel that Dr. Graham fitsthat bill.”
Graham's experience in nursing educa-tion spans more than 30 years. She has heldseveral leadership positions in her field,including dean and professor of the Schoolof Nursing at State University of New Yorkand assistant dean and chair at City Collegeof New York.
Graham is an accomplished fundraiserand has served as the principal investigatorof several important projects. Her list offundraising efforts includes securing morethan $1 million in federal and state grants.
“We are pleased that Dr. Graham hasjoined our team,” Austin said. “As we con-tinue to fill important leadership positions atFAMU, we are pleased that our nursing pro-gram is, once again, in good hands.”
Florida A&M University's renownedSchool of Business and Industry (SBI) has anew leader – Lydia A. McKinley-Floyd,Ph.D.
“I am extremely pleased that Dr.McKinley-Floyd has accepted the SBI dean-ship,” said Provost Debra Austin. “Shecomes to us as a woman of commitment,extensive experience and a solid reputationamong corporate leaders and numerous insti-tutions of higher learning.
McKinley-Floyd has more than 25 yearsof experience in higher education in leader-ship positions at such institutions as ClarkAtlanta University, Chicago State (CSU) andMorehouse College. She has distinguishedrecord of service and extensive accreditationknowledge and experience. Furthermore,McKinley-Floyd, a published researcher, isalso a proven fund-raiser in both the publicand private sector.
Prior to joining FAMU, she served asassociate dean and professor of marketing atSavannah State University and also previous-ly served more than three years as the deanof the College of Business at Chicago StateUniversity.
“I am happy to become a part of thehighly regarded School of Business andIndustry at FAMU,” said McKinley-Floyd. “Iam quite aware of the significant changesthat are taking place at FAMU and believethat the University has a bright and promis-ing future. I look forward to joining the teamand contributing to the move to take SBI andFAMU to the next level.”
Florida A&M University said a fondgoodbye to one financial administrator andannounced the promotion of another. It alladded up to a positive bottom line forFAMU: Grace Ali, former University ofMiami budget director, has been namedchief financial officer at FAMU.
“I am optimistic that we can tacklemany of the issues that FAMU now faces -addressing the recent audit findings, making
new hires and improving fiscal managementand accountability,” said Ali.
Ali was originally hired in July to beFAMU's new comptroller. She was educatedat the University of Massachusetts(Amherst), where she received a bachelor ofbusiness administration degree with honors.
The CPA, who has also studied atHarvard University, earned a master's ofbusiness administration from the University
of Miami, Coral Gables in 1987 and a doc-torate in higher education leadership in2000.
“We are going to do better. It is essen-tial that we continue to address some of the systemic problems that have plagued us sothat our fiscal house is as sound as any otherin the state university system,” said Ali.
Scott Jackson Dantley, Ph.D. Mary Ella Graham, Ed.D., R.N. Lydia A. McKinley-Floyd, Ph.D.
University hires new VP and chief financial officerAC AC AC
AC
5
Marching‘100’
Kwame Kilpatrick
FAMU Alumnus (‘93),Mayor, Detroit,
Young Alumni GivingLuncheon Speaker
Cecil Hayes
FAMU Alumna (‘67),Interior Designer,
Convocation Speaker
an annual celebration for alumni and studentsof a college or university
Home-com`ing - noun
6
Friday, October 27, 2006
10:10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Event: Homecoming ConvocationLocation: Jake Gaither GymSpeaker: Cecil Hayes, Interior Designer,FAMU Alumna (‘67)
Noon - 2 p.m.Event: Young Alumni Leadership LuncheonLocation: New Recreation CenterSpeaker: Kwame Kilpatrick, Mayor ofDetroit, FAMU Alumnus (‘93)
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.Event: NAA Meeting/Alumni Workshop
6 p.m. - 7 p.m. (invitation only)Event: VIP Homecoming Gala Reception Location: Tallahassee-Leon County CivicCenter
7 p.m. - 10 p.m.Event: Gala honoring Bishop A.J. Richardson,A.M.E. Church. FAMU Alumnus (‘69)Location: Tallahassee-Leon County CivicCenterTickets $125.00 per person, $1,000 per table
Saturday, October 28, 2006
8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Event: Homecoming Parade
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Event: Gibbs Cottage UnveilingLocation: FAMU Clubhouse
Noon to 2 p.m.Event: Pre-Game ReceptionLocation: FAMU Clubhouse
3 p.m. - 6 p.m.Event: FAMU vs. Morgan State
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.Event: Post Game Alumni Barbeque Location: FAMU Clubhouse
FAMU Homecoming 2006October 22-29, 2006
Alumni Calendar of Events
It's October, and every Rattler knows what that means- it's Homecoming. Students, alumni and friends are excit-ed about this year's celebration as they prepare to partici-pate in “The Big Fang Theory: An Orange and GreenExplosion.” Reservations have already been made, andtravel arrangements are in the works for out-of-towners.Tallahassee will be filled with excitement as orange andgreen converges on the city and Rattler fans from near andfar show their true colors.
On Friday, Alumna Cecil Hayes is the guest speaker atthe Homecoming Convocation at 11:15 a.m. in GatherGymnasium. Hayes, a 1967 graduate, is an internationallyknown interior designer from South Florida. Following theconvocation, the young alumni will sponsor a LeadershipLuncheon at the New Recreation Center. KwameKilpatrick, a 1993 alumnus and mayor of Detroit, is thespeaker of the Leadership Luncheon.
A.J. Richardson, bishop of the Second EpiscopalDistrict of the African Methodist Episcopal District, willbe honored at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Tallahassee-LeonCounty Civic Center. Tickets for the event are $125 perperson and $1,000 per table.
Then on Saturday, hundreds of spectators are expectedto line the streets to watch the annual Homecoming paradebeginning at 8 a.m., plans for the Gibbs Cottage renova-tion will be unveiled at the FAMU Clubhouse at noon,alumni are invited to the pre-game reception also locatedat the clubhouse. At 3 p.m., Rattlers will trek to BraggStadium to watch the Rattlers take on Morgan State.Immediately after the game, a post-game alumni barbequesponsored by Tri-Eagle Sales will take place at theEmployee Clubhouse. Tickets for the event are $8.
This Homecoming is sure to be a “big bang.” So getyour Rattler gear in order and prepare to Strike, strike andstrike again.
AC
Chapter Clips
Does your chapter have a new initiative? Has itbegun a new scholarship program? Your chaptercould be featured in the next issue of the AlumniChronicle.
For more information, call Altha Manning, executive director of Alumni Affairs, at (850) 599-3861, or submit information via theWeb at [email protected].
Making local connections is imperativeto the Leon County Chapter of the FAMUNAA. The Chapter extended a special mem-bership invitation to hundreds of LeonCounty teachers who are FAMU graduates.The recruitment reception's purpose was toacquaint FAMU graduates on the missionand goals of the local alumni support organi-zation and encourage them to become activemembership recruiters in Tallahassee's edu-cational community.
“Connecting with Leon County schoolteachers will unite us with a powerful alumniforce in our community,” said Alan Williams,president of the Leon County FAMU AlumniChapter. “In our efforts to strengthen localalumni support for our institution, theseFAMU graduates know first-hand how theuniversity can fortify its commitment to edu-cational excellence.”
Each spring, the Chapter launches amassive effort to recruit local graduates tothe association. Currently, there are morethan 450 active members who serve theChapter in areas such as governmental rela-
tions, academic scholarships, fundraising andcampus volunteer efforts. Through the V. L.Elkins Scholarship, a flagship program of theChapter, many local high school studentshave pursued their education at FAMU. TheChapter also recognizes outstanding localalumni each year through a significantfundraiser, the Annual Roast and Toast.
By partnering with Leon CountySchools, the Chapter attracted alumni educa-tors who are already fulfilling part of its mis-sion to support the academic endeavors oflocal students aspiring to attend FAMU.Former Leon County School SuperintendentBill Montford encouraged teachers tobecome active members of the FAMUNational Alumni Association. “SchoolSuperintendent Bill Montford is pleased tolend his support to a worthwhile partner-ship,” said Dr. Malinda Jackson, executivedirector of Employee Relations, Recruitmentand Equity for Leon County Schools. “As aschool district, we look forward to thisunique opportunity to work with the LeonCounty alumni chapter.”
Chapter Recruits Local Teachers
Elkins awardedto local students
Scholarship is defined as a foundationto provide financial assistance to students.The Leon County Chapter of the FAMUNAA continues to offer that foundationthrough its annual V. L. Elkins Scholarship.
“We are pleased to give scholarshipsand book awards to several outstandingLeon County students this year,” saidJohnnie Niles, scholarship committee chair.“The V. L. Elkins Scholarship Program isone of the Chapter's flagship programs thatsupport the University and its students.”
The Chapter also awarded scholarshipsto students attending this year's SummerBand Camp, as well as scholarships to stu-dent athletes enrolled in summer classes. Adonation was made to the Rubin CarterFoundation in support of several FAMUfootball players.
Invited guests included RadioPersonality Joe Bullard, FAMU BandDirector Dr. Julian White and the Marching‘100’ Band Brass Ensemble, Head FootballCoach Rubin Carter and Athletic DirectorNelson Townsend. The guest speaker for theevening was FAMU Student GovernmentAssociation Vice President Monique Gillum.
The V. L. Elkins Scholarship is namedin honor of Virgil L. Elkins, a FAMU educa-tor, home extension officer and past presi-dent of the FAMU NAA Leon CountyAlumni Chapter. For more than 20 years, theV. L. Elkins Scholarship Program hasawarded scholarships to deserving local highschool and community college students whoaspire to continue their education at FAMU.
ChapterClips
Let us know...
AC
AC
Photo by: Andrew Lawyer II
8
Congratulations to the newly electedFlorida Region Officers of the Florida A&MUniversity National Alumni Association.
The results: Seabon Dixon, of the J.R.E.Lee Chapter, has been named vice president;Arthur Hamilton, of the West Palm BeachChapter, financial secretary; Brenda Bass, ofthe J.R.E. Lee Chapter, recording secretary;Leila Walker, Ph.D., of the Capital CityChapter, corresponding secretary; and John
Wimberly, of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter,parliamentarian.
Run-off elections for the Member-at-Large position will be held in October.Candidates for the position are JeanDowning, of the J.R.E. Lee Chapter, andBetty Major, of the Miami-Dade Chapter.
For more information, call (850) 599-3861.
Florida Region Elections: Ballots In,Votes Counted and Officers named
NAA National Elections underwayBallots for the National Alumni
Association elections have been mailed.Ballots must be returned by Oct. 15. Newlyelected officers will be installed at the 2007Winter Meeting in January.
Candidates for national elections are:
PresidentRichard “Drake” BlakeAlvin Bryant (incumbent)Carolyn D. JonesRobert E. “Bob” Porter
1st Vice PresidentCarolyn FrazierTommy Mitchell Sr. (incumbent)
2nd Vice PresidentGregory ClarkDoris Hicks
3rd Vice PresidentJames Fayson (incumbent)Marian Bellamy Gibbons
Corresponding SecretaryCassie FarmerKeith Matthews
Financial SecretaryJuliette S. CatledgeClinton D. McGill (incumbent)
Recording SecretaryAndrew Lawyer II
TreasurerLenard Franklin
2006 FLORIDA CLASSICOFFICIAL EVENTS
The following events are official eventssanctioned by the Florida ClassicConsortium. Proceeds from these eventssupport educational initiatives at Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&MUniversity.
Thursday, Nov. 16SymposiumAcclaimed scholars and experts from vari-ous levels come together for a dialogue onsports and society. The result is the studyand discussion of topics related to athleticsfrom virtually every vantage point.
Friday, Nov. 17Corporate LuncheonCentral Florida civic and corporate leadersgather in support of the Florida Classic andthe missions of both Bethune-CookmanCollege and Florida A&M University.
Alumni GalaThe national alumni associations of bothinstitutions come together for a black tiegala. The event features school alumnipresidents, headline entertainment and allof the pomp and glitter of Hollywood. Heldon the eve of the game, it is sure to becomea trademark formal event in central Florida.
Battle of the BandsEight of the best high school bands fromacross the nation perform at the T.D.Waterhouse Centre in this perennially sold-out event. The night is headlined by show-stopping performances from two of thenation's best college bands – the FAMUMarching '100' and the Marching Wildcatsof Bethune-Cookman College.
Saturday, Nov. 18Florida Classic GameBethune-Cookman College and FloridaA&M University renew their classic grid-iron rivalry on the field and thunderinghalf-time performance from the schoolmarching bands adds to this festive event.
Student ConcertAfter the games, students and fans will betreated to another big show at the FloridaCitrus Bowl Stadium, featuring top-levelentertainment to end the Florida Classicweekend in style.
HospitalityHospitality and entertainment will be pro-vided at each University's Host Hotel.
Photo by: Andrew Lawyer IINational Alumni Association
Florida Winter Meeting, January 2006
9
AC
Alumnus definesRich Heritage, SeesBright Future
When Florida A&M University wasfounded on October 3, 1887 as the StateNormal College for Colored Students, itsmission was to educate Black students andguide them in becoming positive and pro-ductive participants in the economic, socialand political fabric of the state of Florida.
Unlike 1887, today, Black students canand do attend any of the State's universities.However, there is one fact that remains asindisputable today as it was in 1887 – Blackstudents of the state of Florida need a uni-versity that prioritizes them, unambiguouslynurtures and protects their well being andserves as a conduit for their social and cul-tural continuity. Florida A&M Universitywas that place in 1887 and is that place now.
On October 3, 2007, 120 years after itsfounding, FAMU's raison d'etre will remainthe same. The University will have a newpresident and enter a new era in its 120years of growth and development.
The University's 120-year quest for
“Excellence with Caring” can be brokendown historically into two eras.
The Era of Definition (1887-1949) wascharacterized by the great builders of theFAMU legacy. The presidents who guidedFAMU through this era clearly defined theUniversity's macro mission and developedthe institutional and cultural infrastructurethat has allowed it to pursue and accomplishits mission as it became a full-fledged uni-versity in 1953.
During the Era of Empowerment andEnlightenment (1950-2002), the presidentsguided the university to unprecedentedgrowth and acclaim, clearly elevatingFAMU to the forefront of Historically BlackColleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Since 2002, the University has been intransition and has undergone tremendouspressures to change. These pressures are notunique to FAMU, they affect all HBCUs.
Today, FAMU is much further along insuccessfully adjusting to these realities thanother HBCUs and is uniquely prepared toenter into a new era in its quest of excel-lence. This era will be FAMU’s Era ofDistinction. The framework for the Era ofDistinction has been shaped by changes that
have occurred during this period of transi-tion.
While we must not ever equate or ele-vate the status and contributions of a presi-dent above the mission of the institution, itis okay to recognize those that movedFAMU to the next level. It would be impos-sible to talk about the Era of Definitionwithout mentioning presidents Young andLee or recall the glories of the Era ofEmpowerment and Enlightenment withoutspeaking of presidents Gore, Perry, Smithand Humphries. It is equally impossible totalk about entering the Era of Distinctionwithout commenting on the work of CastellVaughn Bryant during the transition period.
Whatever individuals conclude as theirpersonal assessment of Dr. Bryant, that istheir right and that is as it should be.However, what will endure and is founda-tional to FAMU’s continuing quest for“Excellence with Caring,” is that Dr.Bryant, her staff and the Board of Trusteeshave gotten FAMU ready to enter the Era ofDistinction and have provided an environ-ment where the new president can look for-ward and lead.
Charles WrightMiami-Dade Chapter, NAA
Marching ‘100’ stillupholding excellenceDear Florida A&M University family:
The Florida A&M University MarchingBand, generally referred to as “America'sBand,” is a positive recruiting force for theUniversity. Its reputation is a source ofpride and inspiration for the city, state andnation.
The '100', founded by Dr. William P.Foster, has a legacy of artistic excellenceover a period of more than 60 years.Numerous band members have participatedand made significant contributions to thesuccess and rich history of the UniversityBand. Performances in the legacy includeSuper Bowls; professional sporting events;national and international television appear-ances; representing the United States at theFrench Bicentennial in Paris, France; andperforming at the 48th Annual GrammyAwards Show in 2006.
The list goes on and on. It is obviousthat our rich and illustrious history involvesthousands of former band members.
The band is a motivating force foryoung musicians throughout the nation.Many young people have a lifelong dreamto enroll in the university so that they canparticipate in this prestigious organization.
Most recently during our departure fromthe Detroit Renaissance Hotel, some band
members illegally removed property fromthe hotel. As a result of this embarrassingand unacceptable conduct, I recommendedto Interim President Castell Vaughn Bryantthat the band not be permitted to accept anyprofessional engagements such as the Battleof Bands, professional sporting eventappearances, and parades beyond contractualagreements with the University of Miami,Atlanta and Florida Classics.
In this regard, clarification of recom-mended consequences is warranted. I ammost appreciative of the University commu-nity's support of these decisions. There isnot an effort to downsize the band or restrictthe band's performances by the administra-tion.
Our students enter college to obtain aneducation, which also includes instilling val-ues and positive attitudes and behaviordirected at academic achievement. I firmlybelieve that our students must be taught theimportance of self-respect as well as respectfor others. To achieve this end, I am devel-oping an Affirmative Values and AttitudesCampaign (AVAC). More information onthis campaign will be forthcoming.
“Quality is FAMU's Measure.” I wantto assure our university, community andfriends that my staff and I will continue ourdedicated and competent work to maintainour standards. Although the decrease in thesize of the band may be a different visualexperience for our fans, the quality of ourperformance is not dependent on quantity.
Dr. Julian WhiteDirector, University Bands
Editorials
Photo by: Victor GainesFAMU Marching ‘100’ at Super Bowl XXXIX.
Letters to the editor may be sent via e-mail at [email protected] or bymail to 1601 S. MLK Jr. Blvd., Lee Hall, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32307.
10
student government president. “It's some-thing that we already knew. We havealready proclaimed that we're the No. 1 col-lege in the nation for African Americans.We're still in the business of 'Excellencewith Caring.' We're recharged, we're reinvig-orated, and we are the FAMU of the future.”
The Black Enterprise 50 Top Collegesfor African-Americans report, whichdebuted in January 1999, was developed incollaboration with Thomas A. LaVeist,Ph.D., CEO of DayStar Research and pro-fessor at John Hopkins University. The com-plete list of the Top 50 Colleges for AfricanAmericans appears in the September issueof Black Enterprise Magazine, which hitnewsstands August 29.
No. 1 from Cover Fulbright from page 5
Yvonne McIntosh, Ph.D., assistantProfessor of French, has been awarded aFulbright Teacher Exchange grant. She willteach English courses to French high schoolstudents.
“I commend the accomplishment ofthese outstanding professors,” said KeithJackson, Ph.D., FAMU vice president forResearch. “The Fulbright Scholar Programbrings international recognition to theUniversity, gives faculty dynamic researchopportunities and contributes to the academ-ic success of our students and FAMU's placeamong world-class institutions.”
Numerous FAMU faculty have partici-pated in the U.S. Fulbright Scholar Programand have had research experiences in coun-tries such as Ghana, Morocco, the Ukraine,Turkey and Brazil.
The Fulbright Program, America's flag-ship international educational exchange pro-gram, is sponsored by the U.S. Departmentof State, Bureau of Educational and CulturalAffairs. The program was designed to createa mutual understanding between citizens ofthe United States and the people of over 150participating countries by creating new con-tacts and intellectual ties. The FulbrightScholarship Board is a 12-memberPresidential-appointed body that establishesworldwide policies for the program and theselection of Fulbright recipients.
Turner Theological Seminary at theInterdenominational Theological Center andthe Doctor of Sacred Theology through theAtlanta Theological Association at theInterdenominational Theological Center inAtlanta, Ga. He has pastored churches inGeorgia and Florida. Since becoming the115th elected and consecrated bishop of theAfrican Methodist Church, he has served asthe Episcopal leader for the 14th and 19thEpiscopal Districts in West and SouthAfrica respectively. Currently, he is provid-ing leadership to the Second EpiscopalDistrict, which includes North Carolina,Maryland, Virginia and the District of
Richardson from Cover
Columbia. In 2002, he served as the president of the Council of Bishops and isserving a second term as Chairman of theCommission on Seminaries, Universities,Colleges and Schools of the AME Church.
Prior to becoming the 115th electedand consecrated bishop of the AME Church,Richardson served as the senior pastor ofBethel AME Church, Tallahassee, Fla.During his tenure at Bethel, he used hisleadership and teaching skills to producemajor growth in ministries, membership andstructure. Many young men and womenhave joined the ministry under the leader-ship and guidance of Bishop Richardson.He oversaw the relocation of the churchfrom its original site at Virginia and DuvalStreet to the erection of the expanded edi-fice at West Orange Avenue. He was alsovery active in local civic and political activ-ities of the Tallahassee community. An avidwriter, Bishop Richardson has written manyarticles and chapters in books.
Bishop is a loyal son of Florida A&MUniversity. He is one of the most wellknown advocates for Florida A&MUniversity locally, nationally and interna-tionally. He has chaired and served on manyof the University's commissions and com-mittees, and has also been an adjunct facul-ty member.
FAMUans, supporters and friends areinvited to join us as we salute a “TrueRattler. For more information, call TammyHamlet, at (850) 599-3861 or e-mail her [email protected].
AC
AC
AC
11
FFoouunnddeerr’’ss DDaayyCCoonnvvooccaattiioonn
TuesdayOctober 3, 2006
11 a.m.Lee Hall Auditorium
Speaker: Dr. Meredith Gibbs(Great Granddaughter of FAMU’s founder
Thomas Van Renssalaer Gibbs)
Special performance by The FAMU Connection
Football GamesSept. 2 Delaware StateSept. 9 at Univ. of MiamiSept. 16 at Howard Univ.Sept. 23 Winston-Salem State*Sept. 30 Tennessee StateOct. 14 South Carolina State*Oct. 21 at Norfolk StateOct. 28 Morgan State*Nov. 4 at North Carolina StateNov. 11 Hampton Univ.*Nov. 18 Bethune-Cookman
*Home Games
Founder’s DayConvocationOctober 3, 2006, 11 a.m.Lee Hall Auditorium
Parent/Family WeekendOctober 13-15, 2006For more information, contact theOffice of Student Activities by phoneat (850) 599-3400 or by e-mail [email protected].
CampusEvents
Office of Alumni Affairs1601 S. MLK Jr. Blvd.Lee Hall, Suite 100Tallahassee, FL 32307
