HORNET
HIGHLIGHTS E-newsletter from the Office of the President | JANUARY 2017
New year, renewed commitment Happy New Year to you and yours!
Vast numbers of DSU students will continue to rely on financial assistance to begin, to sustain and to complete their degree programs. You have heard it many times. If not for the extended support that comes from compassionate donors and friends, those students who lack adequate funds would be unable to consider attending college and those with major incurred debt would not remain. The coming months could bring even greater challenges relative to student finances; however, you make us confident that the current and future needs of DSU students will continue to be met in the same manner that they have for 125 years — aggressively, affably and admirably. French Philosopher and Author Albert Camus (1913-1960) once said, “Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” As we set course for the next 125 years of service, we move ahead boldly with assurance that what we do for DSU in 2017 will positively impact DSU in 2142. Long after our presence here has been forgotten, the work we will all do together
The Top Highlights
700-plus
On behalf of the entire DSU community, I wish to thank you for your friendship and for your support over the past year. We look forward to forging stronger ties with our advocates in 2017. Our ongoing mission is to graduate every single student who enters DSU with a mindset to succeed. We renew our commitment to the responsibilities and the challenges of our mission. The greatest of these is our desire to provide financial support to all students in need.
2016 IN REVIEW
graduates addressed by Vice President Joe Biden at May 2016 Commencement
$450,000
represents the largest single gift from an anonymous donor for scholarships
$200,000
grant from Barclays Bank to fund the DSU Training and Technology Center Earning a 4.0 GPA during her entire academic career, Jennifer Seibert was presented with the December Commencement Presidential Academic Award by President Harry L. Williams. Commencement highlights, Page 2 — right now — will be indelibly etched in the lives we change, the future generations we impact and the legacies we create.
$400,000
grant from the Verizon Foundation for minority male youth in STEM
$2.7 million-plus
in scholarships over four years from TheDream.US to matriculate 34 undocumented immigrant students
$20 million-plus
Simply put by Nelson Henderson, a second generation Canadian farmer, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
reported at successful conclusion of the five-year Greater Than One: Campaign for Students
May you embrace the power of philanthropy as you “plant trees” of hope that your generosity will provide, underneath which will sit future generations of DSU Hornets enjoying a welcomed shelter for their dreams, a respite from their doubts and a revival of their spirits.
grant from the National Science Foundation for motor neuron research
$700,000 $150,000
multi-year grant from The Kresge Foundation
$700,000
Sincerely,
grant from Delmarva Power to establish the Center for Renewable Energy
President Harry L. Williams
of land approved for transfer to DSU by the Board of Directors of The Delaware Civic Center Corporation
50 acres
We value and appreciate your support
You enable student success and so much more with your gifts.
VISIT DESU.EDU/GIVE Thank you for your ongoing support in 2017!
DECEMBER COMMENCEMENT
250 graduates receive degrees More than 250 graduates received their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees during the 2016 December Commencement. Among the undergraduates receiving their diplomas, eight completed their academic journey Summa Cum Laude (3.75 GPA and above), 16 Magna Cum Laude (3.5 to 3.74), 21 Cum Laude (3.25 to 3.49), and three received Honorable Mention (transfer students with 60 or more credit hours at DSU and 3.5 GPA or above). The DSU Presidential Academic Award was presented to Elementary Education major Jennifer Seibert of Dover, who maintained a 4.0 GPA during her studies. In his address to the graduating class, keynote speaker Johnny C. Taylor, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, noted that he often fields media questions about the “relevancy” of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He told the graduates that they are the most compelling case for why HBCUs matter. He added that DSU now needs them to show up and be successful. “You got to show up in the workplace and show them that all the contributions you have received from the faculty have paid off,”
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During the ceremony, the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was presented to then-Delaware Gov. Jack Markell , center left, and keynote speaker Johnny C. Taylor, center right, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, shown with Board of Trustees Chairman David G. Turner, left, and President Harry L. Williams. Taylor said. “You have got to show that you are ready, willing, able and prepared to do their work and be promoted.” Full story and photo slideshow
Contributions by alumni, friends total more than $600K
Now at its full strength of 15 members, the DSU Board of Trustees are: front from left, Roy Roper, Dr. Harry L. Williams (ex-officio), David Turner (chair), Barry Granger (vice chair), Dr. Debbie Harrington and Dr. Wilma Mishoe; back from left, Charles McDowell, Kathy McGuiness, John Ridgeway, John Allen Jr., Mark Turner, Michael Castle, Leroy Tice, Jose Echeverri, Dr. Devona Williams and Lois Hobbs.
Board of Trustees welcomes new member Kathy McGuiness On January 19, businesswoman and public servant Kathy McGuiness of Rehoboth Beach, DE, was sworn in as the newest member of DSU’s Board of Trustees. A native Delawarean and award-winning entrepreneur, McGuiness owned and operated the Rehoboth Pharmacy from 1994-2002 and a retail business in Rehoboth from 2003 to 2010. The addition of McGuiness to the board brings the University’s governing body back up to its full 15-member capacity. Full story
Kathy McGuiness receives the oath of office from Board of Trustees Chairman David Turner.
Dr. Williams named among most influential HBCU presidents HBCU Digest has named Dr. Harry L. Williams as No. 5 among the “Top 10 Most Influential HBCU Presidents of 2016.” Dr. Williams recently began his eighth year as the 10th president of Delaware State University. According to HBCU Digest, under Williams’ administration, “Delaware State has emerged as a national HBCU brand in STEM development and support for undocumented students seeking opportunities for higher education. The school also remains among the nation’s most diverse campuses, while maintaining a strong HBCU identity and increasing presence in federal and state opportunities for research and expansion.”
Congratulations, Dr. Williams! Read more
DSU inks new accord with University of Ibadan in Nigeria
Delaware State News photo/Marc Clery
President participates in Del. inauguration Dr. Harry L. Williams brings greetings at the inauguration of John Carney, sworn in on January 17 as Delaware’s 74th governor. He was among dignitaries in attendance at the ceremony that took place on the steps of Legislative Hall in Dover.
During a visit to the West African country of Nigeria in November, Delaware State University signed a new agreement with the University of Ibadan (UI) that will facilitate a variety of possible collaborations between faculty and staff in the area of research, lectures and other academic pursuits, as well as open the door to future faculty and student exchanges and short study abroad programs. Within the initiative, DSU’s College of Agriculture and Related Sciences and Office of International Affairs will be engaged with UI in the partnership to also focus on solving distinct national and regional development challenges in and outside of Nigeria. This approach will capitalize on opportunities for a renewed presence of DSU, and by extension of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, in Africa. Full story 3
President’s Scholarship Ball
Special thanks to the Thurgood Who you are is as important as what you do. Marshall Our Diversity and Inclusion strategy allows us to build College an inclusive organization by encouraging the recruitment, development and retention of black professionals. We harness the fund for power of diversity to drive innovation, improve the performance Delaware State University in December hosted the annual President’s their of our business and deliver a sustainable and successful future. Scholarship Ball fundraiser at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino,continued with net support
proceeds used to help students financially stay in school.
The 2016 Ball featured a soulful and engaging performance by gospel/R&B artist and songwriter BeBe Winans. The singer was having so much fun on stage, he extended the performance an additional half hour beyond the previously agreed upon 45-minute set. Following his energetic and engaging performance, Winans was presented the 2016 President’s Legacy Award.
Recognized with DSU Community Partner Awards by President Harry L. Williams were, from left, former state Rep. Darryl Scott, alumna Carolyn Golden Hebsgaard, DSU Alumni Association President Sheila Davis, state Sen. Brian Bushweller and Dr. Rebecca Batson, who recently retired as dean of University Libraries.
SAVE THE DATE 2017 PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino
UPCOMING EVENTS |
Photo slideshows: Images of event supporters and highlights of BeBe Winans’ stellar performance
Please join us!
Founders Day
Celebration of DSU’s history
February 9
11 a.m.
Theater, Education & Humanities Building
Alumni Day Basketball Game
DSU Hornets vs. UMES
February 25
2 p.m.
Memorial Hall Gymnasium
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
Annual basketball tournament March 6-11
First Lady’s Hats & Gloves Tea
Fundraiser to benefit the DSU Honors Program
March 26
4-7 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center (MLKSC)
Earth Day/Arbor Day
Celebration of sustainability efforts
April 24
10 a.m.
MLKSC
May Commencement
Culminating ceremony of academic achievement
May 13
10 a.m.
Alumni Stadium
Consult tournament Norfolk, Va. schedule Scope Arena
Schedule and events may change without notice. Please visit desu.edu for updates or call 302.857.6055.
For more information, please call the Division of Institutional Advancement at 302.857.6055.