This is truly a remarkable time in the history of dear Langston. As the University’s reputation continues to soar; we are demonstrating now more than ever the value of possessing a degree from our beloved institution. This is evident by the fact College Choice ranked us among the best Historically Black Colleges and Universities, not to mention our recent accolades as one of the best online colleges in Oklahoma for 2015 by Affordable Colleges Online.
Students are traveling the globe from West Africa: Senegal and The Gambia, Europe and China to participate in cutting-edge study abroad programs. Our partnership with China continues to grow and expand; this past year students studied agriculture and applied sciences to take back to their home country. Our students are truly building a passport to success, which will help them become the next generation of global leaders.
Faculty grants are on a rise; the University received a grant from NASA that will contribute to student achievement in aerospace research in human exploration and increase the number of students in STEM careers. The School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences received funding to build a stateof-the-art classroom and our School of Physical Therapy broke ground this year on a new building equipped with turn of the century technology. As you can see, our faculty are leading the way in creating a high quality educational experience for our students in various disciplines.
I began making visits to the LUNAA Chapters across the country and plan to continue meeting with the remaining chapters to encourage each of you to connect, commit and contribute.
Alumni support is integral to the growth and vitality of an institution. I would like for you to engage with our University in a way meaningful to you.
Connect: Reach out to advancement staff to determine ways that you can be of assistance to our students. Connect with faculty and be a guest speaker or bring your company to campus for recruitment activities.
Commit: Students need your support in areas of mentorships, internships, and job opportunities. Commit to LU by helping a student in one of these areas.
Contribute: Invest in our students, support campus expansion or share your story in the community; let your positive experiences boost our brand. There are many ways to contribute to our mission that include attending our events; endowing a scholarship; or making a personal gift.
Our students need you and I invite your involvement today. There is no better investment; your gift makes a significant impact now and for the rest of a student’s life.
Whether it’s a monetary gift, volunteering your time, participating in events or taking part in a guest lecture series in the community, your support matters.
Demonstrate your loyalty to the University that prepared you to succeed and make this a recordbreaking year. You can make your gift online at http://www.langston.edu/gift-giving.
Thank you for your continued support.
Go Lions!
Sincerely,
Kent J. Smith Jr., Ph.D.
President LUNAA Life Member #864
O: (405) 466-3201
C: (740) 818-8700
president@langston.edu
www.facebook.com/kentsmithjr www.twitter.com/LUPrez16
Hello Fellow Lions!
A lion as partly defined by Merriam-Webster is “a large heavily built social cat (Panthera leo) of open or rocky areas… a person felt to resemble a lion (as in courage or ferocity)…a person of outstanding interest or importance a literary lion.” It is with these thoughts in my mind that I share this message today.
I was elected Langston University National Alumni Association [LUNAA] President in October 2014 and will serve through December 31, 2016. As you already know, Langston University is a great university that has proven to deliver an exceptional education both inside and outside of the classroom. The lives we are currently living are directly related to what was offered to us while we were students at Oklahoma’s only historically Black university! We are successful; many of you reading this may already be enjoying a great retirement based on your wise past.
The purpose of the National Alumni Association is to promote the best interests of Langston University and to provide contact between Langston University and its graduates, former students and friends. Do not forget that currently there are students on all three campuses that are in our former environment, interacting with faculty who challenge students in Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Behavioral Sciences, Nursing and Health Professions, and Physical Therapy. We, as alumnus, should be proud of our history and legacy and do all we can to ensure current students are given the same chance to prepare for a promising future.
Your active and financial support to LUNAA is crucial and needed as we continue our offering of support to the University and student scholarships. Please note and plan to support the second Annual LUNAA Honors Program on Saturday, October 17 at 7 p.m. This is a fundraiser that will recognize the special alumnus Lions for 2015 and support the efforts of LUNAA. Also be on the lookout for the 10th Annual President’s Gala, it was a sellout last year.
It is my hope to continue to improve communications and coordination between the University and LUNAA. I have established a very good relationship with President Smith and intend for it to continually improve. It is also a goal of mine to get some of the more recent grads active on behalf of the Association and to actively reclaim more Lions. Please join me as we work towards an improved LUNAA.
Respectfully,
Dr. Leon D. Bragg
President Langston University National Alumni Association
LUNAA Chapters:
Arizona Chapter
Atlanta Chapter
Chicago Chapter
DC Metro Chapter
Detroit Chapter
Greater Dallas Chapter
Greater Kansas City Chapter
Greater Memphis Area Chapter
Greater St. Louis Chapter
Guthrie Chapter
Lawton/Fort Sill Chapter
Los Angeles Chapter
McAlester Chapter
Muskogee Chapter
Nigeria Chapter
Northern California Chapter
Oklahoma City Chapter
Philadelphia/South Jersey Chapter
Tulsa Chapter
Wichita Chapter
angston holds on for 49-48 win over Lincoln by blocking a point-after kick in the final minute at Arrowhead Stadium. On Saturday, Sept. 5, 2014, the second Missouri Classic between Lincoln University and Langston University featured 925 yards of offense and 14 touchdowns. Langton Lion, Evan Scott got his mitts on the potential game-tying extra point in the final minute of the game, preserving the Lions’ 49-48 victory over Lincoln at Arrowhead Stadium. Scott had been trying to knock down an extra point all afternoon before he got one when it mattered most. It was a stunning end to a shutout that seemed prime to continue in overtime. “Chace Green came up behind me and told me to jump again. They’ve been kicking low all game. It wasn’t anybody but God,” Scott said. Langston’s head football coach, Dwone Sanders, got a beautiful view of it on the Lions’ sideline. “We designed it to come up the middle, we always pull the right guard. He came through. Hands up high and reach for the sky, we always say, and the guy was great for us
and he blocked it,” Sanders said. Langston, 1-0, trailed by 21 points midway through the second quarter, and gave up 343 yards and 42 points in the first half. The Lions responded by allowing just 114 yards and one touchdown in the final two quarters — and the lone score came on an 18-yard drive following a muffed punt and a penalty by the Lions. Langston quarterback Mark Wright threw for 245 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for 98 yards and another score. The Lions’ Kievon Jackson ran nine times for 89 yards and a touchdown, and Sheldon Augustine caught five passes for 128 yards and two scores. All played huge roles in Langston’s second-half comeback. “We’re built for that. We’ve been working for that all year,” Scott said. “You will hear me keep saying this. At Langston we trust the process,” Sanders said. “Discipline is everything. We didn’t get things going early. We had to settle ourselves down and get focused. (The win) is COLOSSAL. Where else better to do it than Arrowhead, baby?”
Cheryl Miller has officially been named head coach of women’s basketball at Langston University and was formally introduced to the team and the student body during center court ceremonies in Langston. Miller was a three-time national player of the year at the University of Southern California, leading the Women of Troy to national championships in both 1983 and ’84 and playing on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. She went on to coach in the WNBA for four seasons before beginning a career as a national sports broadcaster.
“This is a historic moment for Langston University athletics as we welcome legendary player and coach Cheryl Miller as women’s basketball head coach,” said Langston University President Dr. Kent Smith. “Securing a coach of the caliber and character of Coach Miller is a tribute to Athletic Director Mike Garrett’s stature in the sports world.”
The NCAA named Miller one of the top five collegiate basketball players in NCAA history. Miller was USC’s head women’s coach for two years in the mid ’90s, and then coached the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA from 1997 to 2000.
“I am excited to be a part of a university with such a rich heritage”, said Cheryl Miller, womens coach at Langston University. “We are talking championships. The bar has been set high, but I look forward to raising the bar even higher. I also hope to develop the player’s potential both on and off of the court. “
The 2015 Red River Tournament Champions had an impressive run under the helm of basketball legend, Cheryl Miller. Miller began her first season at Langston University with a bang. Already 3-0, the Lady Lions defeated defending National Champions and cross town rivals Oklahoma City University, 71-68, in the C.F. Gayles Fieldhouse on Marques Haynes Court. Rolling to a 17-0 record, Langston remained undefeated and jumped to the No. 5 spot on the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 poll. With only conference games remaining, the team saw some of its toughest competition and suffered three losses in the regular season. Storming into the conference tournament, the team regained its focus, defeating St. Thomas, Wiley and Our Lady of the Lake and claimed the conference title. Traveling to Independence, Missouri for the National Tournament for the second straight year, Langston knew it was a one Lady
71. Langston’s 69 loss Senior MVP, the nation Lulu 11.0 starting total added Overall for Defensive Impressively, top game (No. total margin 0.451) total, categories
one and done type of deal. In the first round, the Lady Lions rolled past Pikeville (Kentucky), 8071. Langston’s season came to an end with a 7269 loss to Great Falls (Montana).
Senior Lynette Holmes, RRAC tournament MVP, was the spark for the Lions who finished the season as the seventh leading scorer in the nation with 19.56 ppg. Juniors Jewel Rogers, Lulu Perry and T’keya Mason all posted over 11.0 ppg. Senior Morgan Lee, the Lady Lions starting center, was second on the team with 194 total rebounds, while other center Che’ron Lewis added 21 blocks for the season.
Overall the team was the top in the rankings for Defensive Rebounds per game with 32.063. Impressively, the Lady Lions were also in the top 5 in several categories: Scoring Offense per game (No. 3 - 86.531), total rebounds per game (No. 3 - 47.344), Scoring margin (No. 3 - 25.625), total scoring offense (No. 3 - 2769), total rebound margin (No. 4 - 11.063), field goal pct. (No. 50.451) and total rebound offense (No. 5 - 1515). In total, Langston ranked in the top-50 in 24 separate categories to finish the season.
ONEOK pledged nearly $1.5 million to Langston University to fund development campus-wide.
As the largest gift to date it will fund five full scholarships in the Accounting Department. These scholarships will be awarded to well-deserving students with financial needs. It will also fund a new professorship in the Accounting Department.
Over the past three years ONEOK has developed a strong relationship with the Accounting Department. Due to the large number of alumni who recruit accounting students for the internship program, Langston University has always had a presence at ONEOK. The internship program helps prepare students for post-college success; through in-thefield training and additional learning experiences in the Oil and Gas industry. In addition to the large amount given to the Accounting Department, ONEOK’s support has reached across campus with
$450,000 of the gift funding a marquee and video scoreboard on the football field.
Kent J. Smith Jr., president of Langston University is enthusiastic about the gift. “We are incredibly thankful to ONEOK for the generous gift and continuous support,” Smith said. “ONEOK is Langston University’s largest supporter and has made a big difference, not only with generous financial support, but also participation at our annual charity events and by providing career opportunities to our students. We offer more than 38 degree programs, including five masters’ degrees and one doctoral program all, designed to prepare our students to become the next generation of leaders. It is our mission to provide scholarship opportunities and access to higher education to as many students as possible. ONEOK’s gift and continuous support is helping us do just that.”
Langston University began a new chapter in its history with a formal groundbreaking ceremony for its School of Physical Therapy building located at the Langston, Oklahoma campus. Construction for the new facility has begun, it is located adjacent to the wetlands pond and island and south of the E. L. Holloway Agricultural Complex. Fencing and construction trailers are currently mobilized at the construction site. The building will contain three classrooms, one anatomy lab, two clinical laboratories, a computer lab, a cardio lab, informal learning spaces and much more.
“Today is a momentous occasion, here at dear Langston. We are breaking ground on the future home of the School of Physical Therapy”, said Kent J. Smith Jr., president of Langston University. “ I am pleased with the progress our University is making and will continue to make. The Physical Therapy building will be more than an educational facility, but a way to influence the lives of our future medical professionals.“
angston University announced that two alumni were chosen for new administrative and faculty appointments for the 2014-2015 academic year. Ricco Wright, Ed. D. was named assistant professor of Mathematics in the School of Arts & Sciences at the Langston campus.
“My first year at Langston was simply amazing. I served as coach of the debate team, started a book club and a philosophy club, gave more than 30 speeches both on and off campus and taught courses at the main campus and the Tulsa campus both semesters. I absolutely loved it!” he said.
professionals, Strong-Simmons describes herself as an “educator at heart.” As a trained educator, she was Director of Child Development and an Adjunct
He has been dedicated to making things better than when he came to the university and made it his goal to continuously become more active in the fields of mathematics and mathematics education. Prior to Langston, Wright taught mathematics at two universities in New York City. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Langston University in 2004 and a Doctorate in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2014.
Alice Strong-Simmons was appointed as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Oklahoma City campus. Coming from a long line of teaching
Professor at Langston University. She currently serves as Central Area Director of The Links, Incorporated and holds life memberships in the Langston University National Alumni Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
She prides herself on being a “country girl” who God has endowed with an extraordinary passion for Langston University, its students, and working to assure the best education possible for the youth and children of the great state of Oklahoma. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Langston University and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.
“Coming Home has been a fabulous experience for me. I have just completed five months on the job and I am more assured everyday that this is where I am suppose to be, doing what I am suppose to do for the students of Langston University and the Oklahoma City community. God has blessed me with my dream job,” she said.
angston University alumnus, Thelma R. Parks worked more than 60 years in the Oklahoma City School District as a teacher, counselor and school board member. Parks enjoyed every moment of her time with the school district. After having served 60 years
in public education, Parks has a powerful message.
“Get knowledge and along with knowledge, you get power, and along with power, you have responsibility,” she said.
Oklahoma City’s MAPS for Kids initiative constructed the Thelma R. Parks Elementary School in 1997 in the heart of district 5, where she served as a board member. Before taking a spot on the school board, Parks worked in the district for 42 years as a teacher and counselor. At 91 years old, Parks can be found reading to the children who attend the school that was named in her honor.
Parks was also inducted into the Oklahoma African American Hall of Fame.
She continues to provide resources that help change the lives of Langston University students by making tuition assistance available based on both need and merit through the Thelma R. Parks and Avalon Reece Teacher Education Scholarship fund.
“Given her expertise, I have every confidence that she will contribute significantly to the betterment of our campus community.”
Jones has been actively engaged in corporate, nonprofit, and education administration for more than a decade, and has consulted with countless not-for-profit and educational organizations and institutions in California, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Prior to being named Vice President at Langston, Jones served as Director of Development for the nonprofit White Fields, Inc.
“I am incredibly grateful for and humbled by this opportunity to be of service to Langston University,” said Jones. “I look forward to building a culture of philanthropy and to doing my part to ensure the achievement of the vision for the University.”
A native Oklahoman, Jones received her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. She also holds a Masters of Business Administration.
angston University President Kent J. Smith, Jr., PhD announced the appointment of Mautra Jones as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. In this capacity, Jones will serve as the University’s chief development officer responsible for directing all facets of the University’s fundraising, donor and alumni relations, corporate and community relations, special events, marketing and communications, external affairs and governmental affairs. She will also serve as Executive Director of the Langston University Foundation.
“Mautra Jones is an incredible talent and respected professional who has a record of accomplishment in development and external relations,” said Smith.
Jones has held numerous leadership positions at the state and local levels. She currently serves as a Commissioner of the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission, and as a member of the Oklahoma Education Standards Steering Committee—the committee charged with developing the process for replacing Common Core education standards in the state’s public schools. Jones is a member of the boards of directors of the Rotary Club of Downtown Oklahoma City, Metro Tech Foundation, BLAC, Inc., and the Oklahoma County Bar Auxiliary. A graduate of both Leadership Oklahoma City and the Salt and Light Leadership Training, she is also a member of the Beta Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Jones has been recognized as an Achiever Under 40 by the Journal Record, Oklahoma Magazine, and OKC Biz Magazine. She has also been named an Oklahoma Mother of Achievement by American Mothers, Inc. She is married to United States Magistrate Judge Western District of Oklahoma Bernard Jones. The Joneses have three children and are members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Langston University has announced new staff appointments to the Department of Athletics. Donnita Drain Rogers will serve as Director of Athletics, and Westley Martin as Sports Information Director.
“I have complete confidence that Donnita and Westley are ready to lead our Department of Athletics forward,” Smith said.
A native of Oklahoma, Rogers brings more than 25 years of experience in athletics. She has coached winning teams at the collegiate level, both in NAIA and NCAA. Rogers previously served as Athletic Director Women’s Sports at Langston University. Rogers served as head coach for the Langston University Lady Lions basketball team for 13 years, where she led the Lady Lions to six NAIA Division
I National Tournament appearances. Rogers also served as the head coach of women’s basketball at Grambling State University in Louisiana, where she earned the honor of Southwestern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year during the 2010 season.
“Fresh baked cookies, smells of your favorite food drifting through the air along with plenty of laughter and hugs at mom’s house are all feelings of nostalgia that register deep within the hearts of most of us when we have the opportunity to return to our childhood home or to be in the presence of those that impacted our childhood. Those same feelings of nostalgia are similar to what I felt upon my return to Langston University” says Rogers. “When I arrived on campus, there were many new
more opportunities to practice servant leadership and should be pushed to achieve higher academic performance,” says Rogers.
people to meet. However, to my surprise, and pleasure, I was greeted by many faces of yesteryear that were instrumental to the success of my first tenure at Dear Langston ” Rogers said.“I am proud to be a part of the university’s resurgence into prominence, academically, as well as athletically. It is an honor to be a part of Dr. Kent Smith’s vision for Langston University and it is my ultimate goal to help reconnect our past with our present. When these two entities meet we will be a formidable force among all small colleges and universities and together alumni and the present student body can have a tremendous impact on the future of this prestigious university” says Rogers. “I hope that I can be a catalyst in bridging the gap between past and present letterman and provide more opportunities through seminars and training for our athletes to be more prepared for the real world upon graduation. Our student athletes need
“I have found that the Lion in me never left, I see him in my reflection each morning and he grows stronger each and every day. I challenge each of you reading this article to “ Find the Lion in You,” said Rogers.
Accompanying Rogers, is no stranger to Langston University, Westley Martin who is eager to serve in the capacity of Sports Information Director.
Born and raised in Paris, Texas, Westley is a recent graduate from Langston University’s 2014 class. Martin is a proud 2010 Fall Initiate of Phi Beta Sigma. At Langston University, Westley was involved in many activities on campus ranging from creating “ In The LUop” which was a biweekly video/YouTube show and Warriors for Christ and also helped with recruitment through the Admissions Department. Westley is now happily married and living in the Oklahoma City area.
Trooper Lateka Alexander is a 14-year veteran trooper with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. She is currently assigned to the Oklahoma State Capitol (Troop R) and has worked in several other areas of the patrol.
She graduated from Midwest City High School in 1997. Lateka attended Redlands Community College where she was a student athlete in basketball and graduated with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice in 1999. Lateka played her last two years of college basketball at Langston University where she graduated in 2001 with a corrections degree in Criminal Justice.
On October 10, 2001 she became Oklahoma’s first African American female State Trooper and completed the high stress academy as the only female hired in the 53rd academy.
In 2011, Lateka graduated from Oklahoma City University with a Master’s Degree in Criminology. She is a member of the National Black States Troopers Coalition (NBSTC) and the Oklahoma State Troopers Association (OSTA). Lateka has served on the board of NBSTC both locally and nationally. She serves on several community service projects yearly with the NBSTC.
Lateka truly believes in helping others and giving back to her community. She is a hard worker and able to communicate with people from all walks of life.
Lateka is married to Willis Alexander, Jr., and the mother of three children. She loves to travel and spend time with family and friends. Lateka is a very strong-willed, caring, compassionate, and devoted person. She is the proud daughter of Mildrige and Rosie Anderson.
Langston University received a $250,000 gift —the largest individual gift the Foundation has received to date. The donation comes from Sherman Lewis, a distinguished alumnus who currently serves on the Langston University Board of Trustees. To honor his donation, the Langston University Legacy Scholarship will be renamed as the Sherman Lewis Scholarship Program. He was also presented the Heart of the Lion award at last year’s annual President’s Scholarship Gala for his generous gift.
After graduating from Langston University, Lewis went on to Harvard University. “I give Langston University credit for giving me the opportunity to attend college and get a degree when no one else would. Earning a college degree from Langston University prepared me to earn a master’s degree from Harvard University,” Lewis said.
He has had a very successful career in the federal government sector, and as an entrepreneur and business owner in the private sector. “It is the reason for all my success in achieving my career goals in public service and as a business owner. None of which would have been possible without the education I received from Langston University.”
Lewis graduated from Langston University in 1964. He dedicated eight years of service to Langston University as the Center of Outreach Programs Director. “I chose to invest in Langston University because it prepared me to be where I am today,” Lewis said.
“If it had not been for Langston University, I would not be in a position to give back. It is important to me that I also help other students get a college education and pursue their dreams of being successful.”
Over the years, Lewis has continued to generously support the University. He strongly encourages others to join the alumni association and give back to the University.
“There are many reasons alumni give back to their college: to show appreciation for the education and development the school provided them; to show support and pride for Langston University; to stay in touch with fellow Langston University alumni; and to help strengthen Langston University and ensure it continues to exist as a University,” he said.
Elected officials from East Kenya visited the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research at Langston University on October 31, 2014. The E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research plays an important role in improving the lives of people in developing countries. Foreign institutions continue to benefit from the training and resources made available by the Institute for Research and Extension. The officials toured the research facilities and goat farm in hopes that the University will consider investing in various projects in East Kenya.
The Kenyan government officials sent members of Mombasa Country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries to the U.S. to cultivate relationships to further the mission
to enhance food security, plant and animal health, and reduce poverty through creation of agribusiness opportunities that result in improved livelihoods. “Our governor sent us specifically to come back with something,” said Anthony Njaramba, the Mombasa County Minister of Agriculture.
The E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research has been involved in research, training and development projects in West Africa for two years. “We have not come to beg for help, we have come to request a partnership because we understand what Langston University can do for us. These areas have been neglected because of the harsh climate, we believe that goat farming can turn our economy around and Langston
University can help us do that,” said Njaramba.
Also proposed was the development of a student exchange program for students from the Agriculture Training College in Kenya to attend Langston University.
“We have never had an exchange student in East Africa, only in the West, ” said Marvin Burns, Ph. D., Dean of the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. “I am happy to know that there is an interest and we certainly want to see Mombasa come to the forefront of Tanzania. We have people in place to help us get what we need.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) partners with Langston University to monitor trends in agriculture education and the future of agriculture-related careers.
“We are ideally positioned to provide new insight into the rapidly developing field of agriculture,” said Marvin Burns, Ph.D., Dean of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Langston University.
“We are grateful for the financial support of this important research and look forward to sharing the results next year.”
The research conducted by grantees will provide important data relating to the sustainable control of greenhouse gas emission by ruminant livestock; students with disabilities; food and agricultural science career pathway awareness and opportunities; the establishment of a state-of-theart centralized laboratory to reinforce agriculture
classes; enhancing health and productivity of dairy goats using smart technology, and the comparison of biological control of red cedar with goats to conventional methods of control.
Grants were awarded to the following individuals:
Project Director: Arthur Louis Goetsch, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Project Director: Steve Zeng, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Project Director: Terry Gipson, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Project Director: Steve Hart, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Project Director: Phillip D. Lewis, Ph. D.; The School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
The United States Department of Agricultural and Tuskegee University awarded $22,000 to George Luker, Ph.D. and the School of Agriculture and Applied Science for “Swine Outreach Activity.” The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is implementing a national response to reduce, and in some areas, eliminate the risks and damages inflicted by feral swine to property, agriculture, natural resources and human health.
APHIS is serving as the lead federal agency in a cooperative effort with other entities that share a common interest in reducing or eliminating problems caused by feral swine. The overall objective of the program is to minimize damage inflicted by feral swine.
“This funding will help to increase the understanding of how federal swine impacts farmers and ranchers,” said Luker.
“It will also provide outreach materials to farmers and ranchers on how to resolve problems generally associated with feral swine.”
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources aims to familiarize students with modern agriculture, encourage personal development and prepare them to successfully address environmental, rural, urban and general community needs.
The latest College Board/National Journal Next America Poll powerfully documents how much the decisions young people make immediately after high school are shaped by the attitudes and experiences of their parents. Those raised by parents with college degrees were vastly more likely than those raised by parents without degrees to say that their family encouraged them to attend college. Those from families with college experience were also much more likely to report that they started college directly after finishing high school, and ultimately obtained a postsecondary degree.
It is common for a father to want his son or daughter to attend the same university as he once did. However, there is something to be said for several generations of a family to attend the same alma mater. It took Mr. and Mrs. OdessWare a lifetime to instill this kind of passion for education in their children and their efforts carried on for generations to come. The OdessWare family has established a legacy that has set the standard at Langston University. There are now 34 people from their family that have graduated from Langston University. Venora W. McKinney began the tradition when she graduated, cum laude, with a bachelor’s in 1959. She went on to teach English and run the library in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin school system.
as her grandfather, George Ware graduated from Langston. George worked for many years in the business office and went on to serve on the Board of Regents. Deandrel views the many members who have graduated before her as motivation to succeed at Langston and in her career. “There is already a set standard,” she said.
What a blessing it is that so many members of one family can come together to celebrate and reflect their time at Langston University. It is a family tradition to attend Langston events including homecoming, the President’s Breakfast, Founders Day, Commencement, the President’s Scholarship Gala, football and basketball games, All-School Reunion, and recruitment and career fairs. “It is an honor to have those similar experiences to be able to look back to being on the hill,” Deandre said referring to back when Langston was once called the little school on the hill.
According to his daughters, Venora and Margaret, it was very important to their father that all his children have the opportunity to attend college. Before Venora attended Langston University Mr. Ware went to the bank in Meridian to secure a loan for tuition. When he was not given the line of credit and the bank president told him, “Mr. Ware those kids do not need an education.” He promptly answered, “My children will have a college education.”
It is not only important for families to encourage and support the next generation, but to also lead by example. Current Langston University student, Deandrel Ware, is working to earn a bachelor’s in biology education and a minor in sociology. Both of Deandrel’s parents, as well
“We are able to reminisce on what Langston is, what it has been, and how we can continue to make it better.” The Odess-Ware family has shown what it means to be a lion and to build a family legacy. They truly embody the Langston spirit and continue to exhibit what it takes to be great by dedicating their lives to education in service to others.
1st Row: Darion ‘Sp16, Syd’nee, Jordan, Kriston, Christopher Jr., D’Andrael ‘Sp17, Quinton and Brandon
2nd Row: Tyrone ’93; Christopher, Rafael ’70; LaVerne ’72; Vonnie ’79/08; Hazel (mother); Linda ’76; Lula ’76 Aunt Jewell; Carole & Savannah and Deborah
3rd Row: Marcus ’92; Andrea ‘90 & Anthony ‘F15; Stephanie; Tami ’95; Karlon ’92 & Cameron; Carla & Carmen; Sarah; Joyce ‘64; Margaret ‘66; Dottie; Teremun ‘07; Anthony; Phylicia ‘10 ; Carol and Krystal
4th Row: Derrick ’91; Michael ‘91; Tiffany ‘02; Venora ‘59; Jamila ‘05/11; Adam; Niani ‘93 & Allysa; Vernon ‘66; Opio ‘76; Jabari ‘07; Georgetta and James
5th Row: Stanford ’66; George ‘70; William, Jr. ’95; Lafayette ‘59; Jacqueline ‘88; Sonia ‘91; Alvin; Angela ‘93 and Toure ‘02; Parrish ‘90; Jelani; George; Kenneth; Mitchell *96 & Justin
Missing From Photo: Kenneth ’80; LaShonda ’99; Robert *98; Micqueal *98; Georgette *98 and Mariah ‘F15
*Attended Year
Sp16 = Spring 2016
Sp17 = Spring 2017
F15 = Fall 2015
Cecil (53’) and Velma Williams (54’), two Langston alumni demonstrate that love can last a lifetime. They met on campus while working toward their degrees. After knowing each other for a short time they fell in love and eventually got married near campus. This devoted couple has been married for more than 60 years. “We were married after Cecil graduated, while I was still working to obtain my degree,” said Velma.
Cecil has always had passion for telling stories through the music he writes. He is a composer of western ballads and historian of little-known African American heroes. He has written more than 60 ballads (and counting) that tell these stories. He has a song for every occasion including one especially sentimental that is dedicated to his lovely bride. “I am a country boy and I do the
best I can, and I’m lucky that I found a good country girl,” Cecil said.
They continue to support Langston University and regularly stay up to date with campus news. Cecil and Velma annually attend campus events and homecoming festivities.
Donors
President’s Club Members
Organizations ($5,000+)
Alpha Theta Boule
American Chemical Society
Apache Corporation
BlueCross BlueShields Of Oklahoma
ConocoPhillips Company
George Kaiser Family Foundation
ImageNet Consulting
Integris Health
Keith Bailey Trust
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
President’s Club Members
Individuals ($1,000+)
Dr. Andronica Handie
Dr. Bernadine Tolbert
Dr. Clyde Montgomery
Dr. Herman Sanders
Dr. James Mosley
Dr. Jean Johnson
Dr. Marlene White
Dr. Marvin Burns
Dr. Milagros Jorge
Dr. Randy Hunt
Dr. Ruth Jackson
Drs. Clarence and Rosa Hedge
Lezli Baskerville, Esq.
Mr. and Mr. Joe McCormick
Mr. and Mrs. John Gibson
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Rundell and Eunice Edison
Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Lewis
Mr. Charles Barkley
One Gas Inc.
ONEOK Foundation
Orthopedic Associates, Inc.
Sodexo, Inc. & Affiliates
The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
The Chickasaw Nation
The Habitat Company LLC
The Philadelphia Foundation
Tinker Federal Credit Union
Tom Joyner Foundation Inc.
Mr. Charles Clark
Mr. Harold Washington
Mr. J.C. Greene
Mr. Kenneth Arinwine
Mr. Kenneth Watson
Mr. Kisie Dozier
Mr. Marvin DeJear
Mr. Marvin Fisher
Mr. Melvin Henderson
Mr. Randy Murray
Mr. Reggie Miller
Mr. Richard Sias
Mr. Samuel & Rita Combs
Mr. Shannon Matthews
Mr. Terry Spencer
Mr. Thomas Henderson
Mr. Thurman White
Mr. Warnie Hill
Mr. Wayne Jones
Mr. William Haynes
Mrs. Helen Miner
Mrs. Jeanette C. Hammond
Mrs. Juanita Myles
Mrs. Sheila McGill
Ms. Delores Dawson
Ms. Kimberlee Flannigan
Ms. Maxine Martin
Ms. Shelby K. Lauener
Ms. Tasha Black
Ms. Vernetta Wilson
Donors
Alpha Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
American Honda Motor Co, Inc.
Bank of Oklahoma
Baptist Ministers Association Inc.
Beck Design
Beta Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Charles Butler
City of Langston, Oklahoma
Crowley Foundation, Inc.
Douglass Class Of 62
Dr. & Mrs. Raymond F. Faucette
Dr. Albert Appiah
Dr. Alex Lewis
Dr. Aliya Chaudry
Dr. Alonzo F. Peterson
Dr. Betsy Showalter
Dr. Bruce McGowan
Dr. Carol Cawyer
Dr. Charles Spurlock
Dr. Charles Whitlow
Dr. Cynthia Hudson
Dr. Dalington Mundende
Dr. Deborah Burroughs
Dr. Earl Perry
Dr. Ebrahim Soltani
Dr. Eddie Traylor
Dr. Edmund Kloh
Dr. Edward O. Manyibe
Dr. Emily Patterson Harris
Dr. George Young
Dr. Gregory Price
Dr. Gwendolyn Mukes
Dr. Henry Ponder
Dr. Jilda Motley
Dr. JoAnn Clark
Dr. Joe N. Hornbeak Jr.
Dr. Kent Smith
Dr. Kevin Cox
Dr. Legand Burge III
Dr. Leon Bragg
Dr. Leonard Cayton
Dr. Linda Ware Toure
Dr. Marilyn Kay Troupe
Dr. Melvin Todd
Dr. Meshack Sagini
Dr. Mike Lyons
Dr. Mose Y. Hooks
Dr. Orlenthea McGowan
Dr. Sharron Burnett
Dr. Steve Zeng
Dr. Stewart Gilbert
Dr. Teressa Hunter
Dr. Vernon L. Jones
Dr. Wilbur Walker
Dr. Worth Hadley
Dr. Yonathan Tilahun
Dr. Yvonne Montgomery
East Side Youth Services
Encana Cares (USA) Foundation
Fairview Missionary Baptist Church
Follet Higher Education Group
Fred Jones Family Foundation
General Mills Foundation
Keith King, Ph.D
Langston Booster Club OKC
Langston University Agriculture Alumni Association
Langston University OKC
Langston University OKC Student Activities Board
Langston University Student Affairs
Langston University Student Government Association
LU Yardbirds
LUNAA Arizona Chapter
Millwood Public Schools
Mr. Alfonso Hinton
Mr. Alfonzo Drain
Mr. Alfred Baldwin III
Mr. and Mr. Harold Bible
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Howard
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Nowak
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Vanciel
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. John Charles Greene
Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette McKinney
Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Vanciel
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Pullen
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Spendlow
Mr. and Mrs. Stanford and Rafael White
Mr. Andre Reece
Mr. Andre Saulsberry
Mr. Anthony Roach
Mr. Arthur Stevens
Mr. Benard L. Young
Mr. Calvin Crenshaw
Mr. Calvin Muse
Mr. Calvin Whittaker
Mr. Charles Dillahunty
Mr. Charles Swope
Mr. Charlie Miller
Mr. Daniel H. Riddick
Mr. Darrell Brown
Mr. Darwin Spiller
Mr. Daryl Baker
Mr. Dave Wilson
Mr. David Chandler
Mr. David Deville
Mr. Dennis Chaumont
Mr. Dennis V. Howard
Mr. Deshnick Lewis
Mr. Desmond Harvey
Mr. Donald Routh
Mr. Edward Grady
Mr. Emmett Johnson, Sr.
Mr. Erik Reed
Mr. Gary Lane
Mr. George Carver Brown
Mr. George Rogers
Donors
(Continued)
Mr. Hardin Benjamin
Mr. Herman McKinney
Mr. Howard Brewer
Mr. Howard Shipp
Mr. Jackie Cooper
Mr. Jason Garrison
Mr. Jim Maloney
Mr. John W. Yates III
Mr. Jonathan Finley
Mr. Joshua Busby
Mr. Kendrick Young
Mr. Kim Holman
Mr. Kyle Gregory
Mr. Lawrence Myers
Mr. Lovell Leverette
Mr. Lukata Lawrence
Mr. Mario Trevino
Mr. Mark Green
Mr. Mark Vaughn
Mr. Marvin Clark
Mr. Marvin Dews
Mr. Michael Flemon
Mr. Norman Pullen
Mr. O.C. Walker
Mr. Odell Gunter
Mr. Patrick Franks
Mr. Paul Knox
Mr. Perry R. Sanders
Mr. Rapheal Samuel
Mr. Reginald McKinley
Mr. Robert Anderson
Mr. Robert Handy
Mr. Robert Higgins
Mr. Ruelle E. Kinslow
Mr. Sammy Orange
Mr. Sherman Cravens
Mr. Sylvester Chandler
Mr. Terrance Harrison
Mr. Timothy Council
Mr. Torrey and Mrs. Michele Purvey
Mr. Tre Carruthers
Mr. Troy J. Petit
Mr. Vernell Redo
Mr. William E. Brackeen
Mrs. Aisha Moffett
Mrs. Andrea Carter
Mrs. Anna Carter
Mrs. Anne Wilson
Mrs. Artisha Woody
Mrs. Arvella Deville
Mrs. Avis Love
Mrs. Beatrice Lawrence
Mrs. Betty Easlick
Mrs. Bettye Black
Mrs. Brenda Williams
Mrs. Candace Walker
Mrs. Cassandra Roberts
Mrs. Chelle Luper-Wilson
Mrs. Cheryl Rainey
Mrs. Collette Houchen
Mrs. Cynthia Buckley
Mrs. Denise Baccus-Bowie
Mrs. Diane Wood
Mrs. Dona Greenhoward
Mrs. Elaine M. Robinson
Mrs. Elizabeth Beasley
Mrs. Etta Norton
Mrs. Euna Handy
Mrs. Flossie Thurston
Mrs. Geraldine Porter-Williams
Mrs. Gloria Dell Cooke
Mrs. Gwendolyn Wallace
Mrs. Isabella Gardner-Bridges
Mrs. Jacqueline Achong
Mrs. Jacquelyn Cooper
Mrs. Janice Pettus-Manous
Mrs. Jessica Lowe-Betts
Mrs. Joyce Richardson-Mumina
Mrs. Judy Reyes-Henderson
Mrs. Karen Orton
Mrs. L. Pat Haskins-Smith
Mrs. Leah McClish
Mrs. Linda Carter
Mrs. Linda Holman
Mrs. Linda Johnson Huggins
Mrs. Loretta Greene
Mrs. Lori Edwards
Mrs. Mable Steele
Mrs. Mae Leach
Mrs. Marchita Glover
Mrs. Marsha Lyons
Mrs. Mary “The Fox” Johnson
Mrs. Maxine Bostic
Mrs. MeLisa Olah
Mrs. Nadine Fisher
Mrs. Patricia Burns
Mrs. Regina Deloach
Mrs. Rendi Thomas
Mrs. Royce Mack
Mrs. Sandra Ferguson
Mrs. Scarlet Gordon
Mrs. Stephanie M. Adams
Mrs. Thelma Chichester
Mrs. Thelma Wallace
Mrs. Tifffany Lenox-Miller
Mrs. Velma Huling
Mrs. Venora McKinney
Mrs. Vernetta Gibson
Mrs. Vonnie Ware Roberts
Mrs. Wylene Bridgeman
Ms. Adrienne Ewing
Ms. Alicia Sumlin
Ms. Anedtra Haynes
Ms. Ava Anderson
Ms. Barbara Potts
Ms. Barbara Sendaba
Ms. Beatrice Hazley
Ms. Bridgett Mitchell
Ms. Carolyn Greenwood
Ms. Carolyn Jones
Ms. Charlesetta Griffin
Ms. Chelsea Hunt
Ms. Colleen Craig
Ms. Deleanor Kirkpatrick
Ms. Deliliah Haynes
Ms. Della Dean
Ms. Donna Vaughn
Ms. Dorscine Littles
Ms. Eboni Tucker
Ms. Edra Thrower
Ms. Elaine Preston
Ms. Elaine Ruth Faucett
Ms. Elizabeth A. Jones
Ms. Felicia Wyatt
Ms. Ginger M. Canning
Ms. Gloria Edwards
Ms. Gloria Griffin
Ms. Janice Gafford
Ms. Janice Williams
Ms. Jeanette C. Hammond
Ms. Jessica Johnson
Ms. Joyce Doolin
Ms. Kathryn Corbett
Ms. Kathy Simmons
Ms. Kimberlee Flannigan
Ms. LaLonda King
Ms. LaTonya Anderson
Ms. Lillian Mcconnell
Ms. Linda Brown
Ms. Linda Mason
Ms. Linda Tillman
Ms. Lisa Hammond
Ms. Lisa Weis
Ms. Loria Phillips
Ms. Lorraine Ingram
Ms. Lucille Henry
Ms. Ludell Williams
Ms. Madeline Foreman
Ms. Marcie McGee
Ms. Margaret O Gentle
Ms. Mary Carey
Ms. Mildred Benson
Ms. Monique Daniels
Ms. Nicole Mitchell
Ms. Penny Emery
Ms. Renaye Tyce
Ms. Rita Lynn Williams
Ms. Ruby Liggins
Ms. Shabree Nichols
Ms. Sharon Clardy
Ms. Sharon Kernal
Ms. Sheri Davis
Ms. Solonia Bennett
Ms. Stephanie Burns
Ms. Tanika Carter
Ms. Taylor Byrne
Ms. Tenishea Weatherall
Ms. Terri Link
Ms. Thomasena M. Johnson
Ms. Tracy Jones
Ms. Wanda White
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Oklahoma City Chapter of The Links Inc.
Remmy Campbell and Family
Rep. Michael Shelton
Rev Stanley Bagley
Rev. Major and Mrs. Jemison
Rev. Thomas Perry
Samuel Mingo
Senator Constance Johnson
Southwestern Urban Foundation
The Law Firm of Roland V. Combs III & Associates PLC
The Meinders Foundation
TIAA-CREF Community Affairs
Timberlake Construction
Triple Crown Sports, Inc.
Tulsa Chapter of The Links Inc.
United Supreme Council Charitable Foundation
WELCA A/OK Synod
