BY TEESA BRUNSON
A Historic Trip for a Historic Team: The Voorhees College Debate Team participates in the Inauguration Debate Series Excitedly waking up at 4 a.m., Cameron Townes could not believe he was about to board a train for the first time ever to travel approximately 525 miles to be a part of and witness history.
S
hortly after America elected its first black president, Barack H. Obama, more than a year ago on Nov. 4, 2008, the Voorhees College family was informed that it would be able to take part in that history because the Voorhees College Debate Team was invited to participate in the Inauguration Debate Series, which was one of the many events surrounding the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. While the members of the debate team and coach traveled to Washington, D.C., the trip touched each of their lives in a different way. “I could not believe that I was having this opportunity,” said Shampale Williams, a senior mass communications major from Atlanta, Ga., as she reflected on how proud she was to be a student at Voorhees College.
2
SPRING/FALL 2009
“That moment confirmed to me that coming to Voorhees was the best decision of my life ,” Williams said. “I am proud to say that I represented Voorhees College on a national level, and I was able to show the world what a great education and wonderful opportunity that my alma mater afforded me. There are not many other students that will be able to have this same opportunity.” Voorhees made history by being one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities selected to participate in the first Inauguration Debate Series, which was held Jan. 19 at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Voorhees debated Fayetteville State University on the Bush Doctrine/foreign policy. The other institutions that participated in the series were Wake Forest University, Michigan State University, the University of Southern California and Mary Washington University.
Victorita Paun, former captain of the debate team, felt confident about participating in the debate series. “I embraced the challenge of participating in the
“No matter where I go or what I do in life, I will always remember the opportunity that Voorhees gave me.” -James Harris 2009 Inauguration Debate Series because it allowed me to repay Voorhees College for making a way for my future,” Paun said. “I knew that our team would be ready for the debate and that we would perform well.” The speech and debate team of Voorhees is coached by 2004 Voorhees alumnus and current professor in the business department, Gordon Eng-
4
SPRING/FALL 2009
lish II. “President Sellers gave faculty the charge of making Voorhees a community of scholars, and I took that as a personal quest to bring forth more academically inclined activities to the school and to challenge our students to compete with students from different universities,” English said. “After the debate team performed on a national stage, our students developed the attitude and self confidence that they can compete with students not only at HBCUs, but also at Ivy League institutions,” he said. “This also brought forth national recognition to the type of students and programs that Voorhees has to offer.” Following the Inauguration Debate Series, the debate team attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Barack Obama the next day. “Being a young black man and watching a black man taking the oath for the highest office in America is a moment that I will never forget in my life,” said Kyle Lawton, debate team member. “I thank God that I was able to witness history and be a part of it with millions of others.” Speaking on the overall inauguration experience, James Harris, a senior mass communications major,
said it was a moment that he will never forget. “No matter where I go or what I do in life, I will always remember the opportunity that Voorhees gave me.� Participating in the Inauguration Debate Series created a buzz in national, state and local media outlets. The Voorhees College Debate Team was covered in various media outlets including Diverse Magazine, the Washington Post, the State, the Post and Courier, Times and Democrat, Advertiser Herald, WLTX and WIS of Columbia and WJBF of Augusta.
[Top] President Sellers, First Lady Gwendolyn Sellers, and staff are pictured with the debate team at the Smithsonian. [Middle] Debate team before the event begins. [Bottom] Victorita Paun, team captain, at the podium during the debate.
SPRING/FALL 2009
5
6
SPRING/FALL 2009
Board of trustees member’s quilt displayed for the Presidential Inauguration
V
oorhees College Board of Trustees member, Dr. Marlene O‟BryantSeabrook, was one of 44 master art quilters from across the country requested to create a special quilt to celebrate President Barack Obama‟s inauguration. The exhibit, titled "Quilts for Obama: An Exhibit Celebrating the Inauguration of our 44th President,” was co-sponsored by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., the Women of Color Quilters Network and The Group for Cultural Documentation (TGCD). The exhibit contained approximately 60 art and interpretive quilts made to celebrate the inauguration and welcome the Obama family to Washington, and it included quilts from Kenya, Hawaii, Kansas, and Georgetown, S.C. to represent the heritages of President and Mrs. Obama. “My quilt features 44 gold stepping stones, which are symbolic of the precious lives, blood, sweat and tears of those named and, vicariously, others unnamed and unknown who paved the way for President Barack Obama‟s historic election,” said Dr. O‟Bryant-Seabrook. Some of the civil-rights activists featured on Dr. O‟Bryant-Seabrook‟s quilt include John Lewis, Septima P. Clark, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks and Dr. Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr., president of Voorhees. Fifteen images across the top are of those who gave their lives, including the four young girls in the Birmingham Church Bombing and the three young men in the Orangeburg Massacre.
SPRING/FALL 2009
7
Excelling above the rest… raising the standards Voorhees College was the only HBCU to receive the 2008-2009 Service Learning Award from the Commission on Higher Education. public Each year, the Commission recognizes exemplary service learning programs of public and private four year and two year colleges and universities. Programs are identified based on the following criteria: 1) ability to resolve community concerns or address community issues; 2) degree to which project enhances students‟ learning; 3) impact on community; and 4) integration into academics. Participating in the independent college category, Voorhees received the award in February 2009 for the Student Volunteer Income Tax Program directed by Dr. David Caslan, professor of accounting. This program provides tax services to senior citizens of the Bamberg County area free of charge.
Junior and senior level students who have successfully completed accounting tax one and two are encouraged to participate in this program. These students obtain hands-on experience while they apply theory from the classroom to practice in a social environment. On average, each student is supervised while completing 4550 senior citizens' personal tax returns. The project targets low income senior citizens who would forego filing without this service, thus losing possible refund benefits. “I have never seen a program like this,” said Cynthia Mosteller, commissioner of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and chair of the award review committee. “This is unique, and it is a very strong civic and humanitarian initiative.”
[Top] Photo Credit: Commission on Higher Education Commission Chairman Ken Wingate presents the Service Learning Award to Dr. Bernard Moses and Teesa Brunson. [Bottom] Students who participated in the project along with President Sellers, Dr. Bernard Moses and Dr. David Caslan.
Guidance counselors’ session proves to be a success The informational high school guidance counselors‟ session held in April brought in a record number of participants. Last year, only three guidance counselors participated; this year, the number increased significantly with 17 participants. “It was a success given that last year, there were not as many guidance counselors who participated,” said Joseph Montgomery, director of admissions. 8
SPRING/FALL 2009
At the end of the session, each counselor was asked to complete an evaluation. The categories consisted of questions regarding the organization of each session, importance of the information shared and if they plan to attend the event next year. According to the survey, 100 percent of the counselors strongly agreed that the session was helpful and informative. “I was able to gain several valu-
able pieces of information about the requirements for your college. I was definitely impressed with the future vision of the college,” said Cynthia Moore, a guidance counselor from Lower Richland High School.
“Voorhees is a special place in South Carolina...it has a very powerful past.”
S
tate Superintendent of Education Dr. Jim Rex began his speech at Honors Day Convocation in March by speaking on what Voorhees means to South Carolina. “Voorhees is a very special place in South Carolina and has a very powerful past,” Rex said. “For more than 110 years, this college has had a profound impact on South Carolina.” He went on to state, “Voorhees has always and will continue to be dedicated to excellence.” During his speech, Rex spoke on the challenges that are facing students today and the tools they need to face those challenges. “The challenges for this generation are very significant,” he said. “You are entering an economy that is in disarray because of greed, self interest and poor leadership.” Rex said in order for the country to move forward, students must be courageous and show great leadership skills. “Poor leadership in good times will hold you back. Poor leadership in bad times will sink your ship.” Rex also told the students that Voorhees will provide them with all of the necessary tools for them to make a difference in South Carolina. Following Rex‟s speech, Dr. Carl Carpenter, Voorhees executive dean and vice president for academic affairs, thanked Dr. Rex for coming to Voorhees and told the audience why Dr. Rex is a positive asset for S.C. education. “Not only does Dr. Rex bring the necessary skill set for the job he has now, he has the desire in his heart to move forward collaboratively,” Carpenter said.
[Top] President Sellers, Dr. Jim Rex, state superintendent of education, and Dr. Carl L. Carpenter [Middle] Voorhees College Concert Choir [Bottom] 2009 valedictorian, Victorita Paun, receives an academic award from President Sellers.
SPRING/FALL 2009
9
The journey back home BY TEESA BRUNSON
F
aculty, staff and students at Voorhees College embarked on a journey of a lifetime tracing the life and steps of Voorhees‟ founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright-Menafee. The pilgrimage was aimed at helping the Voorhees community gain a greater and deeper understanding of WrightMenafee‟s life‟s journey and all the hardships she endured to establish Voorhees College, formerly the Denmark Industrial School. Voorhees archivist Richard Reid was one of the organizers for the trip and was thrilled on the experiences he gained while tracing Wright-Menafee‟s past. “Elizabeth Wright was an extraordinary woman who persevered during difficult times to help young African Americans receive an education,” Reid said. “Not many individuals would have been able to keep going after facing so many setbacks.” The Voorhees College African-American Studies Research Committee, along with members of the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Culture Club and the White Rose Club, made up the team participating in the pilgrimage. The faculty and staff members who comprise the AfricanAmerican Studies Research Committee are Dr. Leland Barrows, Samuel Blackwell, Teesa Brunson, Lynda Jefferson, Willie Jefferson, Augusta Kitchen, Dr. Marie Martin, Richard Reid, Dr. Lugenia Rochelle and President Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr. The group began its journey in Tuskegee, Ala., on April 3 by visiting Tuskegee University, formerly the Tuskegee Industrial School, where Wright-Menafee received her education under the leadership of Booker T. Washington. In 1888, Wright-Menafee enrolled in the night school sessions at Tuskegee. At that time, she did not have adequate funds to take classes during the day; therefore, she worked in the cafeteria during the day and went to school at night. This continued until she met Octavia D. Washington, the wife of Booker T. Washington. [Left] Students, faculty and staff members view various articles and publications with information on Elizabeth Evelyn Wright-Menafee while a student at the Tuskegee Industrial School, now Tuskegee University.
SPRING/FALL 2009
11
Through the guidance of Mrs. Washington, Elizabeth was able to change her schedule to day-time classes. Lizzie, as she was known at Tuskegee, became closer to the Washingtons as she moved into her sophomore year. While matriculating at Tuskegee, she developed the reputation of being dependable, trustworthy and caring. During her senior year in 1892, she withdrew due to sickness. She was always known to be frail and sickly. After recuperating for several months, she was contacted by Almira Steele, a trustee at Tuskegee, to teach at a school she operated in McNeill‟s, South Carolina, located in Hampton County. This experience helped mold Wright-Menafee‟s dreams of operating her own school. Her tenure at the school was cut short when in April 1893, the whites of McNeill burned the school down to the ground. She then re-enrolled at Tuskegee to complete her education. The situation that she experienced encouraged her to be more determined in her desire and commitment to help educate poor black children. She graduated from Tuskegee in 1894. During the pilgrimage, the committee toured the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site to view articles, pictures and other publications referencing Wright-Menafee while a student at Tuskegee and also her accomplishments as the founder of the Denmark Industrial School, now Voorhees College. While at Tuskegee, Voorhees presented the institution with a portrait of Wright-Menafee, copies of the book, “Tuskegee to Voorhees,” and a copy of the book, “A Vision for Victory.” Gethel L. Caldwell II, vice president for university advancement, accepted the keepsakes for Tuskegee. Later that evening, the committee traveled to Central Elementary/High School in Talbotton, Ga., the town where Wright-Menafee was born and raised, for the annual Sammie Lee Hawkins Jr. Spring Concert, which was dedicated to Voorhees‟ founder. On Saturday, April 4, the committee began its day at Smith Hill Cemetery to find any traces of Wright-Menafee‟s family members. After leaving the cemetery, the group walked up Smith Hill, which was the hill that she walked every day to school. The group ended the walk at Greater St. Phillip Methodist Church, formerly St. Phillips A.M.E. Church, which is where Voorhees‟ founder received her early education. She was educated in the church‟s basement; therefore, the committee began the tour of the church in the basement. While in the basement, the committee learned more about the history of the church, along with more information about the community. 12
SPRING/FALL 2009
[Top] Students, faculty and staff journey up Smith Hill. [Bottom] Talbotton students Brittany Horton, Britney Smith and NaEisha Owens in the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site.
After the church tour, the group headed to the Chamber of Commerce for the Proclamation Day by the town. On program were Councilor Willie E. Leonard, Talbot County Superintendent Robert W. Patrick, Councilor Rosa Hall, Voorhees Archivist Richard Reid, Talbot County Family Connection Representative Dorothy Bass and Talbotton Mayor Tony O. Lamar. Following the proclamation of “Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Day” in Talbotton, Voorhees College presented the town with a portrait of Wright-Menafee, copies of the book, “Tuskegee to Voorhees,” and a copy of the book, “A Vision for Victory.” The committee culminated its pilgrimage on Sunday, April 5, at Greater St. Philip Methodist Church for worship service. Voorhees‟ faculty member, Rev. Yvonne Singleton, was the speaker for services. “This was a remarkable trip that I will never forget,” said Augusta Kitchen, one of the organizers of the trip and adviser of the White Rose Club.” “Mrs. Wright-Menafee‟s life is a testament to the importance of hard work, faith and determination.” Voorhees also presented Central Elementary/High School and Greater St. Phillip Methodist Church with a portrait of Wright-Menafee, copies of the book, “Tuskegee to Voorhees,” and a copy of the book, “A Vision for Victory.” The members of the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Culture Club who participated in the pilgrimage were Jasmine Addison, Chinequa Drayton, Kiera Hardy, Brittany Horton, Vanessa Jennings, Osha Lane, Luwan Mathurin, Ebony Moses, NaEisha Owens, Tashianna Porter and Britney Smith. “By learning more about our founder‟s journey, I now feel that it is my responsibility to not only graduate from Voorhees and be successful, but to also make a positive contribution to society,” said Britney Smith, member of the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Culture Club and a native of Talbotton. The White Rose Club members who participated were Izaiah Barrow, Wayne Davidson, Garry Favors, Gerome Frasier, Dayvon Goddard, Kemar Hunter, Cameron Moore, Emmanuel Nwokocha and Branton Smith.
[First Picture] Students, faculty and staff take a moment for a group picture. [Second Picture] A portrait of Voorhees‟ founder, along with other items, presented to Tuskegee University. [Third Picture] A cake of Voorhees‟ founder is presented to the faculty, staff and students of Voorhees at the spring concert in Talbotton, Ga. [Bottom] Voorhees students and staff member Augusta Kitchen take a break during the tour of Tuskegee University.
SPRING/FALL 2009
13
Victorita Paun
Victorita Paun: Voorhees’ first white valedictorian
A
s the sun peeked from behind the clouds on graduation day, a smile spread across Victorita Paun's face. Though she was silent, her eyes said a million words. When she did speak, one could hear the passion in her voice for her institution. It sounded as though she was swallowing tears, trying not to cry as she whispered, "I have accomplished another important goal." In Voorhees 112year history, this is the first year that the valedictorian is not African American. Actually, the top graduate is not American at all. This year, the top graduate at Voor-Victorita Paun hees is Victorita Paun, a 22-year-old native of Bucharest, Romania. Paun, who was also accepted at other institutions, such as La Roche College and the University of Dayton, said her experiences at Voorhees were life changing. “I cannot begin to explain how much growth Voorhees facilitated in my life,” Paun said. “The skills and leadership abilities that I have gained at Voorhees are priceless for both my professional and personal life.” Since her freshman year on campus, Paun has been active in various organizations from the firstever Voorhees College Debate Team, where she was the team captain, concert choir, Honors College, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, the International Student Association and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The 4.0 graduate was also a member of the volleyball and softball team. Many wonder how she was able to participate in the various extracurricular activities, maintain a perfect grade point,
“I cannot begin to explain how much growth Voorhees facilitated in my life.”
while achieving other honors such as most recently, the University of Rochester: Simon School of Business Early Leader Award, the American Legion Award and Who‟s Who Among College Students in American Colleges and Universities. “From academic organizations, to athletics, to social and community service organizations, I purposely involved myself in every activity that my schedule allowed so I would not miss anything that Voorhees had to offer,” Paun said. While at Voorhees, Paun also completed several internships including the AARP Free Tax Program for the Denmark Community, which recently won the Service Learning Award from the Commission on Higher Education. “On the academic side, I always strived to uplift my classmates and friends in hopes that they would find confidence in their own abilities and potential,” Paun said. “During my studies, I realized that Voorhees College has just as much to offer as any other college.” Paun learned of Voorhees through history professor, Dr. Leland Barrows, who she met while he was living in Romania. Paun continually kept in touch with Dr. Barrows, and once she graduated from high school, he recruited her for Voorhees. Paun said she was excited about coming to America for the first time to attend Voorhees. “My only experience with America was with watching television,” she said. “I was always intrigued by the American culture.” Paun recalls feeling like her first day at Voorhees was like watching her life in a movie because all the students were fascinated by someone from Romania attending Voorhees. “It seemed weird at first for strangers to just speak to me and be interested in me. The friendliness of the students and staff was the first thing that stood out on that day,” she said. “Further down the road, I learned the friendliness was called „southern hospitality.‟” SPRING/FALL 2009
15
During Founder‟s Day Convocation in April, President Sellers announced that Rep. James E. Clyburn sent a letter to Voorhees, which stated the U.S. Congress pays tribute to Voorhees‟ founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright-Menafee. A portion of the letter, which was read by Sellers, from Rep. Clyburn said, “Elizabeth Evelyn Wright-Menafee‟s life is a testament to President Lincoln‟s declaration that „it‟s not the years in your life that count; it‟s the life in your years.‟” 16
SPRING/FALL 2009
[Right] Lynda Jefferson, director of Student Support Services, was recognized during Founderâ€&#x;s Day for 30 years of service.
Voorhee s celebr ate Library Week w d National tional be ith inte s McMilla t-selling author rnaT n Kevin P , activist and w erry owell, s riter to nerva T . King ryteller Midrumme rs, The H and African ealing F orce.
Distinguished Speaker Series
[Below] Dr .J superintend im Rex, state ent of educa tion
[Above] D r. master teac Adolph Brown, her, public and researc speaker her
, Mackie n i v l a ] Dr. C , inter[Above inning mentor otivaaward w renowned m essful c l nationa eaker and suc p s tional neur e entrepr
ers, oe Rog er J ] t f e rm [L oâ€&#x;s fo Colorad r o Govern
[Left] Nikk i w o r ld -r e n o w Giovanni, n e d p o e t, writer, activis t and educator
UNCF honors President Sellers President Sellers was honored by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in Greensboro, N.C. at the 2009 National Alumni Council/Pre-Alumni Council Leadership Conference. Sellers was the 2009 recipient of the Legacy Award. Sellers received the Legacy Award for his support of UNCF, commitment to education and his fight for civil rights. Rouse receives doctoral degree Sandra Rouse, director of the Freshman Year Experience (FYE) Program at Voorhees College, has completed all requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in curriculum and teaching, with a higher education administration emphasis, from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Rouse has been employed at Voorhees for two years. Caslan receives SCICU award Dr. David Caslan, professor of accounting and organizational management courses, was nominated by Dr. Carl Carpenter, executive vice president & academic dean, and received the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award 20092010.
20
SPRING/FALL 2009
Ward accepts 2009 NAFEO NOBEL Award
Six students inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society
Dr. Doris Ward, division chair of arts and sciences, was one of the 2009 NAFEO NOBLE Award recipients. Ward was nominated by President Sellers for her dedication and commitment to the mission of Voorhees and passion for her work. She was recognized for her accomplishments at the 40th Anniversary Gala Awards Celebration in Atlanta, Ga., which was hosted by nationally-known radio personality, Tom Joyner and his wife, Donna Richardson Joyner. “This award serves as a reminder that I must continue with renewed fervor my efforts to ensure that our students are active participants and contributors to this knowledge and technologically-based society," Ward said.
Six Charleston site students were inducted into the Zeta Iota Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society in March. Alpha Sigma Lambda is not only the oldest, but also the largest, chapter-based honor society for full and part-time students. The students inducted into the society were Jonathan Adam, Kitt Starckey-Beam, Dowanda Bryant, Victoria Manigault, Carmelita Pryor and Leamon Sanders Jr.
Alpha Kappa Mu inducts new members The Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society inducted 19 new members in March. The new members are Latishia Able, Clarence Brown, Carin Carpenter, Erozi da Silva, Fanesha Donaldson, Regina Durham, Jackie Givens, Sharon Goodwin, Michael Harper, Leighla Holder, Eric Kirkland, Stacy Manigault, Queen Mayes, Mary McTeer, Burnell Odom, Stephen Rifenburgh, Illean Rowe, Prinscillia Sumpter and Shelita Williams.
Voorhees implements new recruitment strategy for community students In an effort to reach out to the community during harsh economic times, Voorhees College has implemented a recruitment initiative that reduces the cost of tuition by 50 percent to seniors graduating from Denmark Olar High School. President Sellers said he hopes this program provides some assistance to families in the community who want their children to attend college, but need some help financially. “Voorhees founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, made it her duty to help the youth in the community receive an education,” Sellers said. “We must continue to follow this mission that she set forth when the school was founded.”
Health and recreation students receive hands-on experience Currently, ten health and recreation majors are receiving hands-on experience in their field. The students are interning on campus in the areas of student activities and athletics. These students are receiving experiences in how to manage a recreational facility to include the student center, weight room and gym area. Students interning are Bonta Williamson, Danell Brown, Jaquetta Cole, Jason Powell, Phillip Lockhart, Samantha Rogers Julian Yarwood, Ashley Young-Hammock and Joshua Slaughter. Voorhees awarded money from the National Science Foundation The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded Voorhees College, along with 19 other colleges and universities in South Carolina, $20 million to establish a statewide alliance in the field of tissue biofabrication, which could lead to the production of human organs. This award was the largest single competitive NSF award in South Carolina history. “Voorhees College is pleased to be a recipient of an award that will possibly lead to a scientific breakthrough as we seek solutions for problems confronting our society,” President Sellers said. “We also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the other institutions of higher education in South Carolina on such a worthy
cause.” Other institutions participating in the alliance include Clemson University, Medical University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina, Claflin University, South Carolina State University, Furman University, University of South Carolina-Beaufort, Denmark Technical College and Greenville Technical College. Students visit Auburn University Graduate Studies Program Eight students were selected for a visit to the Auburn University Graduate Studies Program. The students who attended this event were selected because of their academic success. Each student had at least a 3.2 grade point average or higher. The students were Leighla Holder, Vanessa Jennings, Shaterra Smalls, Lekeshia Watts, Kendrick Wright, Regina Edwards, Larry Bacon and LaTonya Gillespie. “Going to Auburn opened my eyes to see things from a different perspective,” said Larry Bacon, a criminal justice major. “Coming from a Historically Black College and University to a majority institution was a unique experience.”
Brown‟s responsibilities included working with web design and content management where he designed and updated Web pages for the company. “Brown was requested to work at the Department of Energy because of his willingness to get things done,” said John Jones, internship coordinator for Information Technology. “I can depend on Alton to do anything in a timely manner; he has a wonderful work ethic.” Simmons holds first-ever summer basketball campus Francis Simmons, men‟s basketball coach at Voorhees, hosted the first summer basketball camp at Voorhees in June. Simmons‟ reason for hosting the camp was to expose more students to Voorhees‟ campus. Students from different areas of South Carolina came to the camp to develop their skills. High Schools that participated included: Keenan High School, Bethune Bowman High School, Beaufort High School, Fairfield High School, Lake City High School and Battery Creek High School.
Brown interns in Washington, D.C. Alton Brown, a junior mass communications major, interned at the Department of Energy in the Information Office in Washington, D.C. SPRING/FALL 2009
21
Thomas recognized for commitment to education Dr. George B. Thomas, Sr., former Voorhees College president and a 1949 Voorhees High School graduate, was recognized as one of the 2008 Washingtonians of the Year. For 37 years, The Washington Magazine has honored individuals who make a difference in their communities in the Washington area. Thomas was recognized for his dedication to education through the George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy, which is a tutoring program that has been in operation since 1986. “In 1986, with just 21 students, 19 tutors, mentors and teachers, the George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy opened in a daycare center,” Thomas said. “We now have 12 learning centers throughout Montgomery County, Md.” Mentored by educator, scholar and social activist, Benjamin E. Mays, it is clear to see where he gets his motivation to help others learn. Yet, it was his mother that had the greatest impact on his education. His mother was a school teacher and a farmer who made tremendous sacrifices to send him to school. She sold farm products to send him to Voorhees. When Thomas attended Voorhees, there was no financial aid and a lot of students were in poverty. “The school provided opportunities for us to work in the cafeteria or as janitors in the dorms. I worked my way through school,” Thomas said. Thomas eventually became president of his alma mater Voorhees College from 1978-1983. Thomas now has a grandson who attends Voorhees. His grandson, Shemar Thomas, is a sophomore.
22
SPRING/FALL 2009
Gardners present scholarship to Voorhees Alumni James (Jimmy) and Rosia Speach Gardner have established the Gardner Educational Scholarship at Voorhees College for $10,000. The scholarship will be offered through the Department of Education to a qualified student majoring in education with plans to teach. Jimmy, a 1969 graduate, and Rosia, a 1971 graduate, presented the scholarship in honor of Jimmy Gardner‟s mother, Beatrice T. Gardner, who sent three children and three grandchildren to Voorhees College. “We felt obligated to do something special for Voorhees College and at the same time attempt to help with the issue of minority teachers in education,” said Jimmy Gardner. The Gardners presently serve as president and secretary of the Voorhees College National Alumni Association. Jimmy and Rosia are the proud parents of twins, James Alex and Jami Alexis, who are also educators. Alex is employed as a community college financial counselor and Alexis as a middle school teacher, both in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Gadsden elected vice chairman of State Extension Advisory Council Voorhees alumnus Kevin Gadsden was elected vice chairman of the State Extension Advisory Council, the consultative group for South Carolina‟s largest outreach program. Gadsden, who represents South Carolina State University‟s 1890 Research & Extension Program, is the first council member from SCSU to serve on the executive board. The council advises South Carolina‟s two land-grant institutions, Clemson University and SCSU, about the state‟s outreach programs and services, recognized as Cooperative Extension. Extension staff and administrators from the universities select community leaders from across the state to serve on the advisory council. Gadsden graduated from Voorhees in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational management. He is a regional target marketing manager for Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated in Charleston. Gadsden said he will work to facilitate the council‟s on-going efforts to enhance the lives of South Carolinians. “Members of the State Extension Advisory Council are working together to foster inclusiveness,” said Gadsden, who is serving his third term on the council. “We are one united force with an interest in bringing together the knowledge and resources of both universities to better serve the citizens of South Carolina.”
SPRING/FALL 2009
23
Lyles-Belton elected president of local NAACP chapter Continuing success more than 30 years after graduation, a 1969 Voorhees College alumnus was elected the president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Atlantic City, N.J. John H. Lyles-Belton, a native of Winnsboro, S.C., plans to continue the mission of NAACP by advocating for civil and human rights for all Americans, as well as African Americans‟ rights. “The dynamics of America are changing. New technology has been created; the economy has become oppressive with losing jobs. The NAACP will advocate and prepare for the new America by correcting high drop-out rates of African American males in high schools and in colleges,” he said. Belton attributes much of his success to Voorhees College. “It was a wholesome experience. It was a great opportunity to pursue higher education and interact with other students while creating friendships that endured for the past 40 years,” he said. “Voorhees played an integral part in every facet of my adult life.”
English inducted into Wall of Fame
Strachan hired at KPMG
Voorhees College 1979 graduate, Gordon English Sr., was recently inducted into the Wall of Fame by the Columbia Housing Authority (CHA). CHA is recognized as one of the best housing authorities in the nation, and it has provided quality housing for residents of Columbia, Cayce and Richland County since 1934. According to its Web site, to be eligible for this honor, an individual must be a former resident of a CHA housing community and must have achieved success in their career. The honoree is also someone who gives back to the community. Gordon received his bachelor‟s degree in business administration, and now 30 years later, his son, Gordon English II, is an assistant professor at Voorhees. “When my son decided to attend Voorhees and then go on to teach there, I felt honored because he was continuing the legacy that my wife and I instilled in him regarding Voorhees.”
Voorhees‟ 2008 first a c a de mic ho nor graduate Siadra Strachan was recently hired at KPMG, one of the three largest accounting firms in the world. Strachan is also completing her master's degree in accounting at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She received a full academic scholarship and graduate assistantship to attend Bowling Green State University. Voorhees chair of Business and Professional Studies Dr. Bernard Moses stated how important Strachan‟s success is to Voorhees. “The success of Ms. Strachan is a success for the entire Voorhees community,” said Moses. “Her success is an example of the talented and extraordinary alumni Voorhees produces.”
24
SPRING/FALL 2009
EARN A SHARE OF $250,000 FOR VOORHEES COLLEGE‌ TEST DRIVE A FORD Join Ford and the Tom Joyner Foundation in support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through January 4, 2010, Ford and the Tom Joyner Foundation challenge you to visit your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer and take a test drive. For each test drive, Ford will make a $25 donation to the Tom Joyner Foundation on behalf of Voorhees College, up to $250,000.
Go to www.blackamericaweb.com or visit www.drive4hbcu.com and: Register to support the program. Find your closest Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer near you. Take the test drive of the Ford car you would love to be yours - All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealer are participating. The dealership will give you the donation information you need. You choose the HBCU of your choice that you want to receive the donation.
You can HELP in a very big way. Raise additional funds for student scholarships at Voorhees College. BlackAmericaWeb.com will be providing donation updates. Contact Katina Hawkins at Voorhees College for more information at 803-780-1196 or khawkins@voorhees.edu.
SPRING/FALL 2009
25