ISU Anderson-Merriweather Fall 2023 Newsletter

Anderson-Merriweather Alumni Society

Bessina Kelly

Kelly

Originally from Michigan City, Bessina graduated from ISU in 1987, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She takes immense pride in her alumni status and remains dedicated to supporting the institution that played a vital role in her early life.

During the early 1990s, Bessina relocated to Dallas, where she uncovered her passion for the healthcare industry. Her career journey began with UnitedHealthcare, where she served as an Account Manager. As her professional trajectory advanced, she developed a keen interest in healthcare contract management, leading to an enriching seven-year tenure with McKesson Provider Technologies. With her skills and experience continually evolving, Bessina joined Optum Behavioral Healthcare as a Network Manager, where she played a pivotal role in supporting healthcare providers and their contract requirements within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Subsequently, she assumed the position of Senior Network Development Manager for the Texas Market at Friday Health Plans. Most recently, Bessina became the Contract Manager for the Dallas Market at Molina Healthcare, a prominent Medicaid provider nationwide. Bessina indulges in her passion for running

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Bessina Kelly - Healthcare Pro (contd...)

in her leisure time and has accomplished the impressive feat of completing 18 marathons. She also enjoys cycling, practicing yoga, and exploring various culinary delights, considering herself a bit of a food enthusiast. Bessina and her

husband share a love for travel, having celebrated the previous Christmas in London and recently visiting Tulum, Mexico, and Saint Kitts. They reside in Lewisville, Texas, just north of Dallas, with their beloved dog, Boomer.

Tommy Redmond Hicks Lights, Camera, Action

in Henry Hampton’s PBS documentary “I’LL MAKE ME A WORLD, AFRICAN AMERICAN ART AND ARTISTS OF THE 20TH CENTURY.”

A’via M. Owensby ESPN Life

ISU Professional Theatre grad

Tommy Redmond Hicks has achieved remarkable success in various forms of entertainment. In television, he made a significant impact with roles in Martin Scorsese’s “THE BLUES” series for PBS, particularly in the episode “WARMING BY THE DEVIL’S FIRE,” directed by Charles Burnett. He also portrayed “Nat Turner” in Burnett’s PBS docudrama, “NAT TURNER – A TROUBLESOME PROPERTY.” Additionally, he was featured

In film, Hicks played key roles in two films listed among Independent Film Magazine’s “Fifty Greatest Independent Films of All Time.” These include Spike Lee’s “SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT” and Julie Dash’s Sundance Awardwinning “DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST.” He also appeared in Charles Burnett’s “THE GLASS SHIELD” and “THE ANNIHILATION OF FISH,” alongside James Earl Jones and Lynn Redgrave. Notably, Hicks shared the screen with Morgan Freeman in the independent film “DEATH OF A PROPHET,” chronicling events leading to the murder of Malcolm X.

Onstage, Hicks had the privilege of being directed

A’via M. Owensby pursued a Communication major with a distinct focus on Journalism during her time at ISU. She actively participated in various campus organizations and notably engaged with the Black Student Union. She contributed her writing talents to the Word on the Yard newsletter and became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

Her commitment extended to her on-campus role as a video operator for ESPN 3, where she played a crucial part in covering a wide range of Indiana State sports, including basketball, baseball, football, and volleyball. Despite the

A’via M. Owensby

Tommy R Hicks

A’via M. Owensby - ESPN Life (contd...)

challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully completed her studies and graduated from Indiana State University in May 2020. Continuing her professional journey, she assumed the position of a video production assistant with the MIC Network, the official network for central Indiana member schools of the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference.

A transformative opportunity emerged when A’via joined Radio One Indianapolis (Urban One Media) as a board operator and radio producer for 92.7/AM 1310 The Light. Progressing further, she reached a significant milestone in December 2021 by moving to Bristol, Connecticut, securing a role as a Production Assistant at ESPN, contributing to “SportsCenter,” and later joining the former radio show “Keyshawn, J Will, & Max.” A’via now serves as a Content Associate (CA) and actively contributes to ESPN Radio’s weekday morning broadcasts.

Tommy Redmond Hicks - Lights, Camera, Action (contd...)

by Morgan Freeman

in “BREAKING LIGHT” at New York City’s Riverside Church Theatre. He also showcased his talents as a dramaturge and director in productions like “CHAMPION” at The Beverly Hills Playhouse’s Skylight Theatre, which later received critical acclaim at The New Federal Theatre in New York. Another highlight was “BIRD LIVES!” a stage play celebrating the life of jazz legend Charlie ‘Yardbird’ Parker at the Waco Theater Center in Los Angeles. Hicks portrayed historical figures such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, H. Rap Brown, W.E.B. DuBois, and novelist Richard Wright on stage. Additionally, he took on the lead role in the first acapella musical in the United States, “SEASONS

REASONS,” written by Ron Milner and presented at The New Federal Theatre.

Hicks’s artistic journey was enriched by his training with renowned figures like Stella Adler and Kim Stanley in New York City and guidance from Milton Katselas in Los Angeles. He is also a member of The Actors Studio Playwrights/Directors Unit, where he learned from Academy Award-nominated Director Mark Rydell. In addition to his training, Hicks has generously shared his expertise as a guest lecturer on theater, television, and film at numerous universities across the United States through his affiliation with The American Program Bureau and his organization, ARTIST RESOURCES UNLIMITED.

In film, Hicks played key roles in two films listed among Independent Film Magazine’s “Fifty Greatest Independent Films of All Time.” These include Spike Lee’s “SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT” and Julie Dash’s Sundance Award-winning “DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST.” He also appeared in Charles Burnett’s “THE GLASS SHIELD” and “THE ANNIHILATION OF FISH,” alongside James Earl Jones and Lynn Redgrave.

“She contributed her writing talents to the Word on the Yard newsletter and became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.”

Bryant Clayton, Sr. - Dedicated to Service

His commitment to exceptional customer service and community service earned him numerous awards, including three Central Division President awards.

Indiana State University. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Hope Organization.

With deep roots in Indianapolis, Bryant Keith Clayton began his college education at Indiana State University in the mid 80s, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and business administration. While on campus, he was actively involved in student organizations, taking on leadership roles in the Black Student Union, Ebony Majestic Choir (EMC), and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

After graduating in 1988, Bryant started a successful 34-year career with Kroger Company, where he held various important positions, including assistant manager, operations coordinator, district manager, central division Food safety manager, and division customer first manager.

Bryant was not only dedicated to his professional career but also to his community. He was chair for Kroger’s partnership with Indianapolis Public School #46 for three decades, where he founded the Kroger Shoe Drive initiative. He was also a Kroger Company Central Division Multicultural Council board member. His passion for education and community service extended to his role on the African American Culture Center (AACC) board of directors at

Bryant’s commitment to philanthropy is evident through his involvement in food service drives and giveaways at his church, the Light of the World Christian Church (LWCC), where he has been a devoted member for 50 years. As a proud father, Bryant celebrates his son (Bryant Clayton, Jr.), an ISU alum who is a licensed psychologist practicing in Houston, Texas. Bryant is a lifetime Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated member and actively participates in the Indiana State University Alumni Association.

After graduating in 1988, Bryant started a successful 34-year career with Kroger Company, where he held various important positions, including assistant manager, operations coordinator, district manager, central division Food safety manager, and division customer first manager. His commitment to exceptional customer service and community service earned him numerous awards, including three Central Division President awards.

Bryant Clayton

Around The Forest

Claude Grimes 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Jeremy Wolley

New Principal at Pike High School in Indianapolis

Mari A. Swayne, Ed.S. New Director of Human Resources at MSD of Lawrence Township in Indianapolis

Emanuel Arnold

Named the Most Admired Woman by Today’s Woman magazine in the Life & Style category

Tras McMillian Freelance Journalist (FOX59 & CBS4), owner of McMillian Vending LLC and McMillian Multimedia Productions LLC

ISU*ish Black Alumni Travel Group

Jay Collins, Stephanie Guynn, Wendi Sparkle Jacks, Dorian Martindale, and Cherlisa Starks-Richardson collaborated to coordinate the Love, Peace, and Happiness gathering in Phoenix, Arizona. The event drew dozens of Sycamores who came together for four amazing days of desert fun.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Chi Sigma Chapter competed in the President Honors Golf Scholarship fundraiser at the Indianapolis 500 Brickyard and finished in a tie for third place.

Big Shoe Barbeque Sauce

Alum George Mills’ great tasting family barbeque sauce has been restocked at Baesler’s market located 2900 Poplar Street in Terre Haute just in time for Homecoming. Sycamore family, drop by and say hello, take a photo, and purchase a couple of bottles!

Omega Psi Phi