LC Nation News Livingstone College National Alumni Association
Volume V, Issue I
NATIONAL OFFICERS
The President’s Corner
President Delores Johnson dmjohnson081@gmail.com
Alumni Represent a Wealth of Human and Financial Capital
Vice President Warren Arrington warren@amsafpro.com Recording Secretary Carol Hart McCauley lcbears69@gmail.com Corresponding Secretary Dr. Bessie Crawford besstim@msn.com Financial Secretary Jackie Thompson-Matthews jtm.princess@gmail.com Treasurer Marshall Jackson slicejack@nc.rr.com Immediate Past President Rev. William E. Simmons willeverlove@gmail.com
LCNAA Vision: We envision an organization that achieves sustainable membership growth and becomes a trusted and respected Association that operates at a level of excellence and consistently meets members' expectations.
Delores M. Johnson, LCNAA President I went to college on a scholarship and I would venture to guess that 90-95 percent of you attended on scholarship as well. Without the full scholarship I received from Livingstone, I would not have been able to attend college at all. Today, unfortunately, full scholarships are few and far between at most HBCUs; however, today’s students are no different than we were. What I mean is they’re dependent upon loans, grants and scholarships just as we were. Due to government regulations that negatively impacted Parent Plus loans, loan and grant dollars are not as accessible as they once were. Furthermore, changes in state laws and reductions in state funding have caused many of our students to drop out, and those who are able to remain in school are even more dependent than ever on scholarships. To make matters worse, due to significant hikes in tuition and room and board costs, today’s students are leaving college saddled with huge debt. Hence, the LCNAA Board’s goal to concentrate on increasing scholarship dollars drove our decision to dedicate all funds raised at Homecoming to our Scholarship Fund. Since this will be an ongoing issue, more information about this initiative will be forthcoming at the Annual Conference. Besides our own LCNAA scholarship, several local chapters offer annual scholarships, while others offer periodic scholarships. Additionally, some alumni have endowed scholarships in their names or the names of loved ones. Even if your chapter does not offer a scholarship, you can still provide a valuable service by spreading the word about available scholarships from other organizations to students in your area. In addition to scholarship dollars, our students need sage advice on how to navigate college and the work world. Since a college’s reputation hinges on her graduates, we need our graduates to succeed in their chosen fields. Research has shown that mentoring helps fill the gaps for students by making them more successful in college and in the workplace. I was the first person in my immediate family to attend college. Therefore, my parents had no knowledge about college life and no experiences to pass on to me. Of course they wished me well, prayed for me and sent me to college with their blessing, but that’s really all they could do. Fortunately, my advisor Dr. Elnora Smith, became my mentor during my freshman year, and advised me through my matriculation at LC. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, but they may not be as fortunate as I was. In addition, they may need - or be better suited to receive mentoring from an alumnus rather than an instructor. On February 11, during Founder’s Day at Livingstone, the LCNAA Mentoring Program was launched with a mentor/mentee luncheon. This semester’s program is a pilot program. To operate a meaningful program next academic school year, we need 100 or more alumni to volunteer as mentors. Please consider how this would enable you to help a student. Please sign up to be a mentor. If we can provide human capital in the form of mentors and financial capital in the form of scholarships from individuals, chapters, other organizations and our own LCNAA Scholarship Fund, we can seriously enlarge our footprint on campus while providing considerable value to our students. Equally important, we can help assure that our beloved Livingstone survives. To learn more about both of these initiatives, sign up now to attend this year’s LCNAA Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C., at the Holiday Inn Airport April 8-9.
Livingstone Ties, Love Run Deep Freelance writer/editor Laurie D. Willis can be reached at lauriedwillia@hotmail.com or 336.549.1994. Her website is www.laurieswritetouch.com. Special to LCNAA Newsletter
L-R: Olivia E. Morgan Dorothy E. Wynecoff E. Knox
SALISBURY – Sisters Dorothy and Olivia Ellis arrived at Livingstone College in 1944, most of their belongings in a wooden trunk, some in paper bags. It was the year the United Negro College Fund was founded and a year before the end of World War II.
Dorothy and Olivia were excited as they lugged their belongings to the third floor of Goler Hall, where older sister Mildred had lived the previous year when she enrolled as a freshman. Mildred left school after her junior year to get married; when she returned for her final year, Dorothy and Olivia were seniors. So all three Ellis girls graduated together with bachelor’s degrees in education and plans to teach. It was 1948, the year James Ferree enrolled as a freshman and some two years before Marjorie Williams got her first glimpse of the campus where she’d meet her husband. To be sure, the Ellis sisters, James and Marjorie had different experiences while attending Livingstone. Yet even so, they all tell similar stories when discussing the institution that was founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and was once referred to as “the Harvard of the south” by W.E. B. DuBois. Listen to them and other Livingstonians reminisce about their days beneath thy Maples and thy Oaks and the deep -rooted affection they have for their alma mater becomes as noticeable as the Blue Bear adorning the College’s front lawn. Also apparent is the fact that people like them who attended Livingstone “back in the day” feel the College afforded just the right amount of education, love and nurturing to ensure they graduated and led successful lives. “At Livingstone, I learned the true value of responsibility and that it’s important to work for what you want,” said Marjorie, a retired educator living in Burtonsville, Maryland. “It didn’t take me long to realize that I had to speak up, stand up and accept the challenges which would come my way so I could be a better person. “I knew early on that everything I did, every organization to which I belonged and every person who would become my friend would have to play a part in my devel-
opment,” she continued. “At Livingstone, I learned to work hard and to never stop until the job was done.” Students attending Livingstone today – or any college or university for that matter – would probably cringe at the way things were on Livingstone’s campus in the 40s, 50s, 60s and even 70s. Back then, professors were so hands-on with students they called their parents if they got out of line, curfews and dress codes were strictly enforced, and being disrespectful simply wasn’t tolerated. Suffice it to say students were expected to be on point at all times. Yet, it probably comes as no surprise that the tough standards to which they were measured are part of what makes Livingstone so special to them today. Just ask Dr. Bessie Marie Foster Crawford, a member of the class of 1961. Bessie, who lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, remembers English teacher Mrs. Smith, who didn’t mince words or tolerate excuses. “She warned the class, ‘if you plan to get sick or die, do my assignments first,’ ” Bessie recalled. “She also said, ‘If you get smart with me, I will have you removed and all the gods on Mt. Olympus cannot get you back in my class.’ ” Yet even a professor as tough as Mrs. Smith could show compassion, which Bessie learned after having trouble completing a book report on John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel “The Grapes of Wrath”. “Neither the African-American library nor former Livingstone teachers had a copy, so I practiced and practiced my phone request to borrow the novel from the Caucasian branch,” Bessie said. “Unfortunately when I called, before I could fully explain my plight and request (a copy of the book) the librarian interrupted me with her drawl and said, “we can’t let y’all borrow any books from here.’ ” To Bessie’s surprise, after she told Mrs. Smith of her unsuccessful efforts to locate the book, the usually stern professor told her to forget about the report. “Now as I reflect, I think she was picturing her shy student calling a white librarian in a segregated town because she wanted to honor her college teacher’s assignment,” Bessie said. “Whatever the reason, I felt indebted to her forever.” Bertha Kornegay Edwards, who graduated from Livingstone three years before Bessie in 1958, recalls the compassion and support she received from the College’s financial and academic staff, especially Registrar Dr. Julia B. Duncan, after whom the College’s dramatic arts club is
named. In fact, Bertha attributes obtaining her degree, in part to the help of Duncan and others. “One of the greatest lessons I learned at Livingstone College was the invaluable ordinance of individual gifts and how these gifts are used to support one another,” said Bertha, a retired educator living in Weldon, North Carolina. “We learned that love and support for one another far exceeded fine buildings or luxurious housing.” Bertha said Livingstone gave her necessary tools for success. “My professional ethics and human relations skills learned at Livingstone College were most invaluable as I made my way through the work world,” Bertha said. “Perhaps I should have been even more persistent in encouraging others to survive the odds and never give up.” James, who finished Livingstone six years before Bertha in 1952 and lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, agrees Livingstone equipped students for success. “Livingstone College provided learning opportunities for me to develop a new vision of leadership and skills to be an effective leader in the communities I serve,” said James, who at 88 is active in his church and community. He teaches Sunday School at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, volunteers with Meals on Wheels, transports patients to medical appointments through Senior Services, staffs the informational booth at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, serves on various boards and committees and is an active member of the Winston-Salem chapter of the Livingstone College National Alumni Association. James said he thinks people in his generation took college so seriously because of how heavily invested they were in it. “When we were in school scholarships were not available like they are now, and most of us had to work to pay for our education,” James said. “I think we were serious about the matter because … we were in college because we wanted a college education, not because it was the popular thing to do or because our parents wanted us to go.” James speaks fondly about his days at Livingstone, including time spent in his dorm room in The Hood Building, which today houses The President’s Office. And he’s never forgotten his graduation, which was held in June though now commencement is held on the first Saturday in May. Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, an educator and pastor and the first African-American president of Howard University,
delivered the commencement address for James’ class. Johnson is considered one of the three leading AfricanAmerican preachers of the early 20th Century. “It was 90 degrees outside when we graduated, we were in the old auditorium with no air conditioning and he spoke for 90 minutes,” James recalled. “We were dressed in black caps and gowns. Can you imagine what it was like? That’s something I’ll always remember. I was happy to be graduating but miserable and hot at the same time.” Marjorie also relishes her time at Livingstone – with good reason. Aside from the education she received and the lasting friendships she formed, it’s also where she met John R. Kinard, who’d already completed his degree at Livingstone and was enrolled at Hood Theological Seminary. They began dating, fell in love, got married several months after she graduated in 1964 and had three children. “John … was a brilliant person who loved to read and travel and who taught me about community activism,” Marjorie said. “He taught me to love my heritage and to love Africa. He encouraged me to be the best I could and was never jealous, angry or intimidating. He … helped me understand the importance of furthering my education and improving my writing skills. Most of all, he prepared me for a life without him. I’m proud to have been the wife of John R. Kinard and to have had and raised his three daughters, all of whom are Livingstone graduates.” Juanita McGriff Kashoki was in the class of ’64 with Marjorie and says attending Livingstone was inevitable. She attended Monroe Street Elementary School, J.C. Price High School, named after Livingstone’s Founder and First President Dr. Joseph Charles Price, and was a member of an African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the denomination that founded Livingstone. Juanita went to college in the same city she grew up in but now lives halfway around the world in Zambia, in southern Africa. She moved there in 1967 with her husband, Professor Mubanga E. Kashoki. Although she’s traveled extensively – her grandchildren attended school in Hong Kong and Norway, for example – she fondly remembers the “beautiful grounds, diverse student body and warm campus atmosphere” at Livingstone. During the summer of 2015 when she returned to the United States for a visit, Juanita attended a luncheon organized by Marjorie. “She arranged it for me to reunite with some members of our graduating class, and over 10 of us gathered in a restaurant in Silver Spring, Maryland, and had an absolutely wonderful time catching up and reminding ourselves of old times,” Juanita said.
Some of the “old times” about which Juanita, Marjorie and other ’64 members reminisced were trips to McLaughlin’s Grocery Store, walking with their boyfriends to Dairy Queen on Sundays and, of course, eating at Frank’s Chicken Shack. As they sat enjoying each other’s company, they also discussed Vespers on Sunday, assemblies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and Lyceum Programs that brought African-American celebrities like Leontine Price, Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington and Count Basie to campus. They chatted about favorite campus hangouts like Old Trent Gym and the Canteen in the basement of Goler Hall, where hotdogs, hamburgers and various snacks were sold. And they remembered popular students like Dr. Paa-Bekoe “Henry” Welbeck, who was editor of The Living Stone in 1963-64 and 1964-65, his junior and senior years, respectively. “I was a dictator and had the power to decide which pretty girls I posed with for the paper and which ones made the front page,” Henry joked recently. “Just imagine the fun, anticipation and excitement waiting to see your pictures in The Living Stone! Today everyone has smart phones and can share selfies in an instant.” Henry was also a self-described “fierce political campaign manager” whose candidates reportedly never lost an election. Like Marjorie and many others, he attended Livingstone during The Civil Rights Movement and participated in sitins, marches and pray-ins. He also encouraged students to register to vote and to exercise that right at the polls. Henry took what he learned at Livingstone to Massachusetts and to Michigan and also used it to lead student demonstrations against The Vietnam War. Reminiscing about Henry and the yearbook that day in 2015 drew smiles from those gathered in Silver Spring, as did reflections about prominent professors like Mrs. Sawyer, who taught business, Reverend French, the Dean of Men, Mr. Walker, who taught biology, Mr. Hopkins, who taught science, Mrs. Chapman, who taught French, Mrs. Yates, who taught Spanish, Mrs. Dunston, who directed the choir and taught music and Dean Simpson and his wife Kay, who taught piano and was the pianist for the Concert Choir. “We pretty much talked about the people we knew back then, how the sororities and fraternities interacted and things like that,” Marjorie said. “We discussed who used to go with who, whether they ever got married, who’d passed away. It was more catching up with each other and the fun we had on campus.”
The time the members of the Class of 1964 spent together at Copper Canyon Grill was priceless, especially to Juanita who said she enjoyed reconnecting with Phyllis Brooks and other classmates while she was in The States. Like Juanita, Dr. Erby Rudolph Oglesby has seen his fair share of traveling. For starters, he spent time in France while serving in the U.S. Army. Erby of Kernersville, North Carolina, is a retired colonel and a retired dentist. He said he learned aspects of good leadership at Livingstone, which no doubt came in handy during his 20-year military career. “I was president of my class during my junior and senior years,” Erby said. “That gave me enough experience to later become president of my junior class at Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry and to become the only African-American commander of a dental company in the Army, from 1973-1977.” After getting out of the service, Erby established a dental practice in Asheville, North Carolina, where he also served on the City School Board for eight years. He retired from practicing dentistry in 2001. “For a little boy from Granite Quarry, I’m proud of what I’ve done in my life,” Erby said. “Livingstone prepared me for a lot of things. There were students at Livingstone who were smarter than I was, but there was no one who outstudied or outworked me.” Erby and his wife Treva, who also attended Meharry for nursing school, will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary in April. They have five children and four grandchildren. Erby had an idea about what to expect at Livingstone before arriving on campus because his older brother, Spurgeon, enrolled a year before him. Spurgeon finished in 1952 and lives in Maryland. Erby finished a year later in 1953. Their baby brother, Herman, finished Livingstone in 1962 and lives in the Washington, D.C. area. Dr. William J. Trent, Sr., after whom the school’s gymnasium is named, was President of Livingstone when Erby and Spurgeon graduated. Dr. Duncan, whose name is on the Science Building, was President when Herman graduated. “I had a lot of friends at Livingstone, and I had a lot of fun,” Erby said. “There was a bond, a closeness and we had instructors who really cared about us.” Back then instructors tried to ensure students stayed on the right track – just as they do today. However, that responsibility didn’t rest solely with them.
“Sometimes my brother, Spurgeon, would be talking to the young ladies on campus and Dr. Trent would say, ‘young man, leave those young ladies alone and go in the library and study,’ ” Erby recalled. The art of being hands-on with students hasn’t dissipated at Livingstone. Current President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. often eats in Aggrey Cafeteria so he can engage with students. It’s not uncommon for him to take time to talk to them while he’s out and about on campus, even when he’s rushing to a meeting. And his open-door policy means all students – not just those involved in the Student Government Association – can schedule meetings with him. That today’s students aren’t afraid to stop by the President’s Office is music to the ears of many alumni. Current students, they say, should take advantage of every opportunity Livingstone affords. “My advice to the present students is to … be thankful to God for the love and support given in the intimacy of an environment like Livingstone,” Bertha said. Dorothy, whose married name is Wynecoff, encouraged students to “stay focused on a goal to receive a true education.” Erby said today’s students should study hard, make the best grades they can, make a lot of friends and maintain a deep faith in God. Marjorie said students must never lose sight of why they’re in college. “They’re there to gain skills in reading, writing, speaking and networking and in developing their creative energies,” Marjorie said. “They must seek out opportunities to grow and not waste time in frivolous pursuits.” Marjorie offered other sage advice to students, including exploring the various career opportunities that weren’t available to their parents but are theirs for the taking. For example, U.S. students have been studying abroad since before the 1920s, yet study abroad programs haven’t existed at HBCUs nearly as long. Jenkins is trying to change that at Livingstone and has created an International Program that’s being run by Earl M. Brown, Jr. So far students have gone to Peru and India, and plans are underway to send a contingent of students to China while bringing students from Invertis University in Bareilly, India, to Salisbury. Juanita, who’s lived in Zambia for the majority of her adult life, applauds efforts to introduce Livingstone students to
foreign countries and says students should not try to force American ideas on others. “When you go to another country, whatever country it may be, it’s important to acknowledge and respect that country’s culture,” Juanita said. “That country’s beliefs, practices and way of life are just as valid as America’s.” Of course, all Livingstone graduates who’ve been out of college for several decades can impart sagacious advice to students, but perhaps Bessie summed it up best by advising them to never forget their home training. “My advice to current Livingstonians is to remember that being in college doesn’t mean you take a holiday from the values that were instilled in you back home,” Bessie said. “Enjoy the college experience, especially the friendships that you will forge, because you might be blessed like me to keep them for a lifetime.”
The Livingstone College National Alumni Association (LCNAA) Chapter of the Year is the Washington Area Chapter. Chapter President Barbara Poe accepts the honor during the State of the College on Friday, October 30, 2015. The Livingstone College National Alumni Association (LCNAA) presents the Association's Meritorious Service Award to DeLores Pouncey Guy, Class of '67, during the State of the College during Homecoming 2015. Delores is a member of the Washington Area Chapter.
CHAPTER NEWS Milton Hagins, ‘54 President, LCNAA Boston Chapter The LCNAA Greater Boston Chapter conducted a “Coin Collection” for Livingstone College Scholars from Massachusetts. Four African Methodist Episcopal Zion churches within the chapter’s district, including the city of Brockton, which is south of Boston, were active participants in the fund-raising project. This was a voluntary activity in which a collection container was set up in the narthex entrance of each church. Each church was visited frequently and provided updates regarding Livingstone College that enlightened the congregations about the school, white simultaneously and at the same time, recruiting students.
Additional applications may be obtained from the Livingstone College Office of Institutional Advancement in the Walls Center, by calling (704) 216-6044 or e-mailing vwells@livingstone.edu. The application may also be obtained from the Washington Area Chapter, Livingstone College National Alumni Association at washareachapter.lcnaa@gmail.com. Millicent West, ‘79 LCNAA Augusta-CSRA Chapter The Augusta-CSRA Alumni Chapter provided meals for the Livingstone College men’s basketball team during their visit to Augusta, Georgia to challenge the Paine College Lions in December 2015. The team members enjoyed dinner and fellowship with
A $500 scholarship was donated to the General Scholarship Fund at Livingstone as a result of this project. Nigel D. Alston, ‘74 President, LCNAA W-S Chapter The LCNAA W-S Chapter is offering two scholarships to deserving students: a $1,000 scholarship to a currently enrolled student from W-S and a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior from the W-S Forsyth County schools who will be attending Livingstone College in the fall. The chapter also held its Second Annual Jazz Brunch on February 6, and saxophonist, Marcus Anderson provided the entertainment. Over 170 people attended the event and had a great meal, fellowship, fun and a little laughter. The event helps fund scholarships. Barbara Parker Poe, ‘66 President, LCNAA Washington Area Chapter On Saturday, February 27, the chapter held its Annual Recommitment Ceremony and Soul Food Buffet. In addition, the installation of newly elected chapter officers validated the chapter’s continued commitment to excellence and support for Livingstone College and student scholars. Rev. Vernon Shannon officiated the installation of new officers via video link, Senior Vice President Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr. gave a brief State-of-The-College update and shared how alumni can and do support the College. The chapter will again award the John R. Kinard Scholarship for Leadership and Academic Excellence and the Grace E. Littlejohn Scholarship for Academic Excellence for the 2016 – 2017 academic year. These competitive scholarships are open to Washington, D.C. metropolitan area students who are in “good academic standing” and have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, have completed at least one semester of study and are currently enrolled full-time at Livingstone College. Through the Kinard and Littlejohn scholarships, it is their aim to directly support students in the payment of tuition and fees, and to promote the work of the College to produce leaders for today’s global economy.
representatives from the chapter at Golden Corral. Following the game at Paine College’s HEAL Complex, the chapter also provided an after-game meal. The young men were very friendly, well-mannered and appreciative. It was a lot of fun and they were honored to support the team and show their Blue Bear pride! This was the first time in it’s 15 year history that the Augusta-CSRA Chapter hosted a team from Livingstone. In The News . . . Each year during the annual UNCF National Alumni Council/ National Pre-Alumni Council Annual Conference, member institutions have the opportunity to nominate an alum for the Hall of Honor in recognition of service and support of the institution. The award was presented during the 70th Anniversary UNCF/ NAC/NPAC Leadership Conference at the Legacy Award Gala on Friday, February 19, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. The celebration included fellow honorees, alumni, students, college presidents, UNCF staff and local city officials. Nigel Alston, W-S Chapter President, was honored to receive the UNCF/NAC Hall of Honor Alumni Award.
LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHAPTER PRESIDENTS ATLANTA METRO (678) 422-1200 Mrs. Traci Geter Bates, ’91 tracigbates@yahoo.com
FAYETTEVILLE, NC (910)977-9076 Dr. Carol Page, ’79 trinybooks@aol.com
SANDHILLS, NC (910) 997-6701 Mr. Bruce Stanback, ’79 Bluephi6701@yahoo.com
AUGUSTA, GA
EASTERN VIRGINIA (757) 622-4450 Mr. Leon A. Bunch '62 lbunch8@cox.net
RICHMOND, VA (804) 221-7183 Mr. Leonard Sparkman, ’79 vajazzu@yahoo.com
GREENSBORO, NC (336) 554-4213 Maximillian Norwood, '97 lcmnorwood@hotmail.com
SALISBURY-ROWAN-DAVIE (704) 642-0621 Ms. Catherine J. Rivens, ’63 cjrivens@yahoo.com
JACKSONVILLE, FL (904) 641-1514 Mrs. Christina J. McNair, ’71 mcnairc@att.net
RALEIGH-WAKE CO. (919) 848-1373 Mr. Warren Arrington, ’70 warren@amsafpro.com
GREATER BOSTON (781) 986-6480 Mr. Milton Hagins, ’54 northeastern63@Comcast.net
WASHINGTON AREA (301) 386-4010 Evelyn Donaldson Lucas '81 Evelyn.lucas@yahoo.com
MID-REGIONAL, NJ (609) 655-5673 B.A. Herbert Wynn, ’67 bawynner1@aol.com
WILMINGTON/CAPE FEAR (910) 762-4071 Rev. Nathaniel Johnson, ’94 nubian2you@yahoo.com
DURHAM, NC (919) 471-2023 Rev. Dannie Carr McClees '73 pmcclees@yahoo.com
PIEDMONT, NC (336) 454-3402 Mr. Robert Rush, ’56
WINSTON-SALEM, NC (336) 416-8278 Mr. Nigel Alston, ’74 Nalston1@gmail.com
EASTERN, NC (252) 977-6177 Mr. John Funchess, ’73 john.funchess@yahoo.com
PHILADELPHIA, PA (215) 763-3092 Dr. Bessie Crawford, ’61 besstim@msn.com
(706) 560-9327 Mrs. Millicent Grant West, ’79 ladymwest@comcast.net
B-Q-L-I, NY (718) 462-0509 Mr. Jarrod T. Sockwell, ’04 Sockwell1981@verizon.net CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 948-1731 Mrs. Susan Maxwell Watson, ’78 suaw1223@bellsouth.net DALLAS, TX (817) 770-1134 Ms. Shinea C. Wright, ’99
scwright108@gmail.com DETROIT, MI (313) 538-0394 Mr. Robert A. Johnson, ’73 robertterran@att.net
PR COMMITTEE MEMBERS Nigel Alston, Chair. Dr. Carolyn Anderson, Orlando Mitchell, Catherine Rivens and Jeanne Dennis.
ALUMNI NOTES Rochelle Pearson-Major '13
Kiana Davis '94
Has written a book called "First Lady" by R. P. Major. It can be purchased on Amazon. Also, she is the first female Pastor in 148 years at Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Key West, Florida, and has been pastor for the past three years.
Has published two poetry collections. Her first book is titled “Digging For Roots” and outlines her experiences growing up without learning about her African-American culture. Her second book is about her experiences growing up in poverty and the impact of systematic oppression. www.poeticawakenings.com
Robert Gest III '58 Was selected to appear as the Neighbor of the Week in a publication titled “Charlottesville Tomorrow”, in March. The honor was bestowed based on his many area volunteer activities that support a variety of non-profit organizations. Neighbors Giving Back is a weekly column spotlighting retired or senior members of the community who give back by volunteering. April Johnson '79 Is retiring from Genentech, a part of the Roche Group, in May after 31 years. Clarence Strain '72 Retired on January 2 from the Federal Government (US Department of Labor) after 43 years and 10 months. Carmen Wilder '97 Is now Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at Hood Theological Seminary. Everett Anthony Is currently retired from the Washington Metro Transit Authority and is presently residing in Covington, Ga. He is now involved in parenting a family of three young men, ages 15, 29 and 34. Diamond Ransome '15 And two of her colleagues started a non-profit mentor program for ages 1321 named D.y.M.u.N.D.z (Dangerous Young Minds Under New Direction) in the Washington D.C. area. She is currently seeking her masters degree in Human Resource Management at Bowie State University.
Lorraine Yvonne McIver-Price '70 And John Price are both retired educators. John is also a Combat Infantry Badgeman (Vietnam). They have one daughter together, Laila Price Thompson, a doctoral candidate at N.C. State University (mathematics). She and her husband Andre are residents of Cary and the parents of three beautiful daughters, whom they spend their time spoiling. Laila has one sister, Tara Price Ayers. Lelar Williams '81 Was ordained an elder in the A.M.E. Zion Church on July 11, 2015, at the Missouri Annual Conference. Louise Rice Thornton '59 Became a widow in 1989 and retired in 1991 after 30 years of teaching. She continues to be in the lives of young people in her church and community by teaching, encouraging, mentoring and helping them financially). She also enjoys making personalized greeting cards for family and friends in her spare time. Elsie Hillman-Gordon '79 In May 2014 published her debut fiction book, "Love Is Everything." The book received the Gold/1st Place award for *Best Short Story* in the 2015 Feathered Quill Book Awards Program and is available for purchase online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Her website is: www.elsiehillmangordon.com Anunya Lowery '98 And her husband have a son who graduated high school last year and is now attending Louisburg College.
Shinea C. Wright '99 Accepted a teaching position in Kuwait, where she will teach kindergarten children. Shinea is from Dallas, Texas and was employed at the Clay Classical Academy and Ardyss International, USA. She was an elementary education major while a student at LC and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. LeCounte Nedab II '11 Married the former Shimeca Bowman on Jan 29, 2015. He graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree from Hood Theological Seminary four months later on May 16, 2015. The couple was blessed with a son, (Chandler Avery Nedab), born on June 8, 2015. LeCounte has been appointed pastor of New Diggs Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Rockingham NC. Dr. Carolyn Anderson '67 Was the first African-American, full-time faculty member at Appalachian State University. Dr. Anderson, who earned a degree in mathematics, taught in the Department of Mathematics and went on to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics in 2004 from American University. She held faculty or administrative posts at Livingstone College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College before retiring as associate director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Winston-Salem State University. Blanche Wimberly '74 Was appointed by South Carolina Governor, Nikki R. Haley, to the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Aiken County.
HALL OF FAME RECIPIENTS Livingstone College Hosts UNCF Fundraiser and Awards Banquet The 15th Annual “Service in Celebration of Livingstone College Leaders” Hall of Fame was held on Thursday, February 11, at Livingstone’s School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts to benefit the United Negro College Fund. The event is one of the main fundraisers sponsored by Livingstone College to raise money for UNCF and is organized by the institution’s UNCF Committee. The people honored have demonstrated qualities of servant leadership and have worked tirelessly in their communities as well as in their respective professions. The honorees were Sandra Smith Baker, the Rev. Carolyn D. Bratton, Clara Tyson Carson, Levonia M. Corry, the Rev. George Erwin, Sr., Barbara M. Freeman, the Rev. Herbert Grant, the Right Rev. Mildred B. Hines, Richard P. Johnson, Annissa G. McCaskill, the Rev. Dr. Daran H. Mitchell, Marsha D. Pruitt, Georgia M. Thompson and Charlotte N. Umoja. Congratulations to all of the 2016 Recipients!
LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE 2016 HOMECOMING
SPRING CONVENTION LCNAA Annual Spring Convention Planned for Greensboro, NC The Greensboro Chapter is excited about welcoming alumni to the Gate City of Greensboro for the 2016 Spring Convention from April 8-9th. All alumni are encouraged to make plans to attend this event, which promises to be a weekend to remember. Here is some information about the Spring Convention April 8-9. Location Holiday Inn Airport 6426 Burnt Poplar Road Greensboro, NC 27409 (336) 668-0421 Registration $125- Registration until March 24th $135- After March 24th Registration includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday and breakfast on Saturday. Mail Registration Checks to: Jackie Thompson-Matthews LCNAA Financial Secretary P.O. Box 1254 Kinston, NC 28503 Payable to: LCNAA
Hotel $109 plus tax. Hotel reservations are now being accepted at the Holiday Inn Airport. To make a reservation online follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Go to the website Insert the number of rooms and people Choose the check-in and check-out dates Click the link reading “Have a Group Code?” Type in ‘LCN’ Click “Check Availability”
You will be redirected to a page that has the $109 rate, and you will be able to choose a room with a single bed or two double beds. For additional details or questions, contact: Maximillian Norwood '97 Greensboro LCNAA Chapter President
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The “Campaign for Excellence” at Livingstone College is well underway. But we need your support. During the past 10 years, numerous improvements have been made at Livingstone, yet, many more are needed to enable us to continue educating students in the 21st Century and beyond. The money raised in the Campaign for Excellence will be spent on scholarships, endowments, faculty and staff development and new construction and capital improvements. Please note, however, at the heart of the campaign is our desire to ensure that Livingstone students persist to graduation and command their rightful place in today’s ever-changing global society.
Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins
Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins and Dr. Herman Felton receive a contribution from Duke Energy.
It’s a sad but true fact that in 2016 many still question the relevancy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I know they will forever be relevant. You know they will forever be relevant. Even so, we at HBCUs need to position ourselves so that we move from surviving to thriving. We need to have enough money in our coffers to ensure we continue producing students like Raven Weathers, Livingstone’s Student Government Association President. A senior business administration major, Raven is a Presidential Scholar and was chosen as a 2015 HBCU All-Star by the White House Initiative on HBCUs. She was among 83 students selected from 70 HBCUs for the prestigious honor, which recognizes undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. We owe it Capital Endowment Campaign presentation in Charlotte to Dr. Joseph Charles Price and to all of the potential Ravens out there to ensure we continue the tradition of excellence started in 1879 – a tradition we cannot continue without adequate funding.
Livingstone College Alumni in Feature Article Name: Dorothy Ellis Wynecoff Class Year: 1948 Major: Social Studies / Minor - French Occupation: Retired Educator Name: Dr. James W. Ferree Class: 1952 Major: Religious Education Life Work: Clergy Name: Dr. Erby Rudolph Oglesby Class Year: 1953 Major: Biology Occupation: Retired Col. U.S. Army & Dentist
Name: Bertha Kornegay Edwards Class: LC Cass of 1958 Major: BS Mathematics Additional Education: MEd VA State Univ.
Name: Marjorie Williams Kinard Class Year: 1964 Major: Elementary Education Occupation: Educator
Name: Bessie Marie Foster Crawford Class: 1961 Major: English Occupation: Full-Time Pastor's Wife; Parttime Community College Reading-Writing Instructor/Academic Adviser; Part-Time public school reading tutor/volunteer
Name: Juanita McGriff Kashoki Class Year: 1964 Major: Business Education Occupation: Marketing and Public Relations Manager (retired)
Nigel D. Alston 249 Brook Landing Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Non Profit U.S. Postage
PAID Salisbury, NC Permit No. 1
LCNAA IN ACTION
LCNAA W-S Chapter Jazz Brunch with Saxophonist, Marcus Anderson.