Alumni Life Magazine 2008

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Basketball Icon Maintains Place in History A Lesson of Love

Owen Sisters’ Share TSU Memories

2008 Homecoming

Ready To Kick-Off

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EMERGING LEADERS

Hodari P. T. Brown resolves to become a new standard of excellence for youth. A 2008 graduate of Tennessee State University, Brown was an honor student majoring in political science with a concentration in pre-law and a triple minor in history, geography and international affairs. He served in a number of student leadership roles, including president of the Pre-Alumni Council, vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, president of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, a charter member of Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and a graduate of the inaugural Leadership TSU Class of 2008. Brown’s ultimate career goal is to become president of the United States of America. He will attend Florida A&M University’s College of Law in Fall 2008.

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Nationally ranked Forensics Team Cutting-edge research Accredited academic programs Championship athletic programs Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Societies

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EMERGING LEADERS

Hodari P. T. Brown resolves to become a new standard of excellence for youth. A 2008 graduate of Tennessee State University, Brown was an honor student majoring in political science with a concentration in pre-law and a triple minor in history, geography and international affairs. He served in a number of student leadership roles, including president of the Pre-Alumni Council, vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, president of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, a charter member of Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and a graduate of the inaugural Leadership TSU Class of 2008. Brown’s ultimate career goal is to become president of the United States of America. He will attend Florida A&M University’s College of Law in Fall 2008.

• • • • •

Nationally ranked Forensics Team Cutting-edge research Accredited academic programs Championship athletic programs Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Societies

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C O N T E N T S

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The Sam Puryear Impact

The first black head golf coach in a major NCAA Division I conference shares love for the game.

News Briefs

Tennessee State alums make impact in business and the community.

University President Melvin N. Johnson

Vice President for University Relations and Development Shereitte C. Stokes, III Assistant Vice President for University Relations and Development Office of Marketing and Communications K. Dawn Rutledge Jones Director of Alumni Relations Michelle Viera Editorial Chief K. Dawn Rutledge Jones

blood, sweat, tears, and victory Freedom Riders to Finally Receive Proper Honors

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Alumni Life Magazine Volume 7, Number 1

Freedom Riders help change course of nation during turbulent Civil Rights era.

Xandelyn Wright

SGA President prepares for future after TSU

Modern Day ‘Great Debaters’

TSU Forensics Team racks up more than 200 awards

Behind the Lens

Kenneth Cummings captures picture perfect moments

A Passion for NASA

LaTasha Taylor sets sights on the stars Cover photo: May 14, 1961 in Anniston, Alabama, USA Photographer: Unknown

Director of Multimedia Services/Creative Design John E. Girton, Jr. Photographer John S. Cross

Contributing Writers John S. Cross, Aerial Ellis, Raynetta Smith

Special Thanks Cheryl Bates-Lee, Sarita Criswell, Cassandra Griggs

Printed on recycled paper by Ambrose Printing Company

Tennessee State University’s Alumni Life Magazine is produced by The Division of University Relations and Development’s Office of Marketing and Communications.

The magazine is published for alumni, friends and family of Tennessee State University. © Tennessee State University Alumni address changes should be sent to: Office of Alumni Relations TSU Box 9534 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN

Advertising inquiries and letters to the editor should be sent to: Office of Marketing and Communications McWherter Administration Building, Suite 260 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208 www.tnstate.edu

Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution.

Tennessee State University is an equal opportunity, non-racially identifiable educational institutions that does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance with this material may contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 615-963-5831.

Publication No.: TSU-08-0029(B)-13a-30000

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LET FREEDOM RING! Letter from the President

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magine it is 1961. The city of Nashville, Tennessee is a much different place. Tennessee State University sits on the north side of the city segregated from the equalities and opportunities that it should be afforded as other higher education institutions in the state.

Melvin N. Johnson

Students here know the sting of prejudice and racism.

They drink from water fountains that indicate “colored only,” are served through the back doors of restaurants and ride at the back of the bus.

Yes, it is hard to believe that nearly 50 years ago, for many of us, the simple liberties that we now take for granted were not possible.

We are pleased to dedicate our cover story to the TSU Freedom Riders, who began their journey in 1961 to fight for equal rights and civil liberties that literally changed the face of Nashville and the history of this nation. These young people, who rallied around a cause for justice, were threatened, beaten and jailed, and eventually, expelled from TSU.

On January 27, 2007, with input from the university’s leadership team, I began the process of determining an appropriate means of recognizing the influence that TSU Freedom Riders had on the Civil Rights Movement. We are extremely excited that the Tennessee Board of Regents’ revisited its March 29, 2008 vote to reconsider our request to grant honorary degrees to 13 former Tennessee A&I University students who participated in the Freedom Rides of 1961. These courageous individuals stood up for what they believed in and were significant in breaking down barriers of exclusion to open doors for all. We look forward to officially saluting them on September 18, 2008.

The TSU Freedom Riders have inspired local, national and world communities with their courage, grace in the presence of tremendous odds, integrity and commitment to equality and the public good. Their place in history has been cemented by the courage and fortitude they displayed during dark times and has been a beacon of justice for humankind.

Sincerely,

Melvin N. Johnson President

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TSU Achievements Department of Biological Sciences awarded two grants

Tennessee State University’s Department of Biological Sciences has been awarded two $1 million grants to extend ongoing research for new developments in the areas of biochemistry and cell biology. Two programs received grants totaling $1 million each – the Minority Biomedical Research Support-Support of Continuous Research Excellence (MBRS/SCORE) and the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Honors Undergraduate Research Training Program. Both programs are funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Department of Defense awards TSU $1 million

A $1 million grant has been awarded to TSU to establish core laboratory facilities in the new Research and Sponsored Programs Building. Through the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Department of Defense provided the funding to build these dedicated laboratories as well as purchase multi-user equipment for nanoscience and biotechnology research.

COE gets $1 million for robotic study

Tennessee State University’s Center of Excellence in Information Systems and Engineering Management (ISEM) has been awarded a $1 million grant for a three-year period from the National Science Foundation. The research team will study coordinated robotic performance and solar sail spacecraft. A portion of the grant will also fund research by automated telescopes in Arizona that are controlled by TSU astronomers in Nashville.

Pilot Center for Intelligence gets $750,000 award

Tennessee State University’s Pilot Center for Academic Excellence in Intelligence Studies received a $750,000 grant from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The Pilot Center works with the U.S. Intelligence Community and other organizations with an interest in expanding and diversifying the talent pool of candidates for professional careers in the field of intelligence.

B

BUILD A MLEGACY. .

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AKE A DIFFERENCE

GIVE.

Te nn e s s e e S t at e U n i v e r s it y s tu de n t s w il l r eap t he ben efi t s.

Tennessee State University is fortunate to have alumni and friends who support the university through private gifts.

This support allows Tennessee State to enhance current programs, and create new opportunities for students.

Tennessee State is achieving great things and the enhancements we are making could not be done without you!

Your generous gifts are sincerely appreciated.

Make your gift payable to:

Tennessee State University Foundation 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.

Campus Box 9542 Nashville, TN 37209-1561

Hall of Famer

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BASKETBALL ICON MAINTAINS PLACE IN HISTORY

Legendary player is a role model on and off the court

By K. Dawn Rutledge Jones

classroom, was really the key to success. He hopes to communicate this message to students during TSU’s 2008 Summer Commencement, in which he will serve as keynote speaker on Aug. 9.

in 1 ica tion

“My focus on education has proven to be satisfying, productive and meaningful for my career and life beyond sports,” Barnett once stated.

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At the culmination of his 15-year athletics career in professional basketball, Barnett said he sought new focus. That focus became education.

“I count myself as one of the many athletes who was and are seduced by the aura, hype and drama of sports and not fully understanding the need to prioritize sports, education and life and set goals for the future beyond the battles of athletic competition,” he continued.

Barnett began his basketball career playing for Gary Roosevelt High School in Indiana where he led his team to the state championship.

On the court, he took no prisoners with his innovativestyle of basketball play. With a left-handed, fall-away jump shot, in which he kicked both legs back, he paralyzed defenders. He coined the phrase, “fall back baby,” quickly letting his opponents know it was too late – the shot, the game and the win was all his.

The confidence of Dr. Richard “Dick” Barnett, also affectionately known by the nickname “Skull,” set him apart from the pack, and helped make him a legend in the game of basketball.

While a student at Tennessee State University, he continued to excel in basketball, but struggled academically.

Dr. Richard “Dick” Barnett

His story of setbacks and perseverance is one that inspires, particularly as it relates to his triumphs in education. While a student at Tennessee State A& I University (now Tennessee State University), Barnett’s academic performance was poor and he was considered illiterate. However, Barnett proved later that hard work, determination and a little more discipline off the court and in the

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However, from those difficult beginnings, Barnett went on to earn a doctorate degree in education, and took his passion for sports and education into the classroom eventually becoming a residing professor of sports management at St. John’s University in Queens, New York.

His make “something out-of nothing attitude” has followed him throughout this life. He credits many of the early lessons to the guidance of role models such as the late Hall of Fame Coach John B. McLendon, who Barnett played under at TSU. Even though the two often failed to see eyeto-eye, under McLendon’s leadership and with Barnett’s God-given talents on the court, the Tigers won an unprecedented three consecutive National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Basketball Championships

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in 1957, 1958 and 1959 – becoming the first historically black college to ever win an integrated national championship.

Barnett said of his experiences at Tennessee State, “My stay at TSU provided a necessary social component of my development and a continuing realization to remain focused on one's dream as other forces often influenced my behavior.”

He added, “The experience at TSU also reinforced the concern and encouragement from coaches, professors and Dr. Davis, the president of TSU, who said ‘it is better to light a candle, than to curse the darkness.’”

In 1955, when Barnett came to Tennessee State, he became arguably the best player in the university’s history. Today, he remains the university’s all-time leading basketball scorer with 3,209 career points from 1955-1959.

Barnett was the number one draft choice in the National Basketball Association with the Syracuse Nationals and later played in the American Basketball League with the Cleveland Pipers. He has played with the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks, where he played on the only two championship

teams in the Knicks history in the 1969-70 and 1972-73 seasons. He served as assistant coach of the Knicks under head coach Red Holtzman, and his retired number hangs in the rafters of Madison Square Garden.

He is now respected for his business savvy, community involvement and educational contributions as much as the points he made on the basketball court. He is the founder and executive director of SportScope, the center for study and research of athletes and sports in American society.

Barnett has authored three books, and has been inducted into the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, the National Association of Basketball Coaches College Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Tennessee State University Sports Hall of Fame, and is the first TSU athlete ever to have his jersey retired (#35).

Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 3 p.m.

Lawn of Jane Elliott Building (Inclement Weather – Jane Elliott Hall)

Honoring TSU family from the classes of: 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998 & 2003 Host Hotel: Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214 1-866-972-OPRY (6779) or 615-889-1000 *Ask for TSU Homecoming Block

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XANDELYN WRIGHT:

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‘GOLDEN SUNSHINE’ OF TSU

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By John S. Cross

n the spring of 2007 Xandelyn Wright removed her name from the ballot as a candidate for Miss Tennessee State University and became a candidate for Student Government Association president.

Her decision to pursue the gavel of the SGA instead of the crown of Miss Xandelyn Wright TSU proved to be providential. Wright was elected to the office of SGA president for the academic year 2007-2008 by a wide margin over her nearest opponent.

“I have never regretted my decision to drop out of the Miss TSU race,” Wright said.

The move placed Wright at the heart of campus politics and in the hearts of supporters who admire her loyalty and sense of duty to Tennessee State.

Wright, a spirited and engaging senior from Mission City, Texas, is well connected to Tennessee State University through family ties. With the completion of her undergraduate studies, she will become the 21st member in her family to graduate from TSU.

“Tennessee State University was not on my list of schools to attend,” she said. “But my parents brought me to a Tennessee State University Homecoming my senior year of high school and my spirit connected with TSU. I had to come. I think every African American student should have an HBCU experience.”

Wright will perhaps be remembered for her participatory style. No events were too large or too small; instead all student activities were important to her and warranted equal attention.

“I tried to bring a new spirit to the office of SGA president. I tried to be more visible and attend all events. I enjoyed it because people are my air and I think I was meant to serve,” she said.

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Wright’s involvement with campus activities predates her SGA presidency and demonstrates her willingness and desire to participate in and experience the various dimensions of student life at Tennessee State University. For example, her name can be found on the 2004 Tiger Gem roster and as a sophomore she danced briefly with TSU’s Sophisticated Ladies. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, Inc., a member of T.E. Poag Players Guild and in 2005 she was representative at-large with the TSU Student Government Association. In that same year she represented Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as Miss Black and Gold and was selected Miss Black and Gold for the District of Tennessee.

She is also a member of the inaugural Leadership TSU class of 2008.

Like any good leader, Wright entered office hopeful and full of plans to make lasting and positive changes as a part of her presidential legacy. She soon discovered that reality and change are often at odds with one another.

“I did not want to be president just to be president,” she said. “I wanted to be president so I could deal with some of the issues that face students. I was not fully aware of the restrictions on the office.” Among the items on her presidential to-do list were changes to the format of the new student orientation class and the establishment of a legacy scholarship program to encourage alumni to send their children to Tennessee State University. “In some areas we were limited by a lack of money,” she said.

I

“We were able to get the Mr. TSU referendum passed,” she said. “Students will now get to vote on Mr. TSU instead of having it decided by a pageant alone.”

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However the Xandelyn Wright administration did win some battles that brought the positive change she sought. For example, the controversial Mr. TSU Pageant, which occasionally garnered negative publicity for the university, will undergo a format change next year.

An interdisciplinary studies major with concentrations in psychology and communications, Wright has her eye toward the future.

“I think I was meant to serve people,” she said. “After TSU I plan to get my masters in counseling and become a certified life coach. But I’ll miss TSU and the people. This may sound strange but I’ll miss the breeze when I walk across campus. To bask in that is indescribable,” she continued. “I often think this truly is the land of golden sunshine.”

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Alumni Life Magazine:Summer Fall 08

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Sam Puryear The

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t’s been another frigid winter in central Michigan. Snowfall in East Lansing has been about 14 inches above average, which isn’t good news for Michigan State senior Nate Gunthorpe. The Spartans have putting practice at 6 a.m. three days per week, and it’s a few miles from his off-campus house to the school’s indoor Rearick Golf Complex.

“Waking up, getting snow off your car, warming it up and being there by six o’clock (in the morning) ready to putt,” Gunthorpe said.

“We definitely know why we’re doing it.”

Waiting for Gunthorpe and his teammates is first-year head coach Sam Puryear. Standing sixfeet tall and dressed impeccably in Spartan green, Puryear is a man with a plan. His energy is palpable, and his preparation is relentless.

Always approachable and never short on one-liners, Puryear is just nine months removed from his first college coaching job, a 1 1/2-year

By DAN MIROCHA

stint as Stanford’s assistant coach, in which he helped head coach Conrad Ray guide the Cardinals to the 2007 NCAA championship.

Now, as the first black head golf coach in a major NCAA Division I conference, Puryear has the reins of the Spartans, a team that rose into the top 20 earlier this season.

There’s a reason he has his squad up early and is consumed with everything from tutoring schedules to swing mechanics.

Puryear, 37, feels the eyes of the college golf world on him. And why shouldn’t he?

His climb through the coaching ranks has been swift and unconventional. He didn’t pay his dues laboring at junior colleges, nor does he sport a flashy competitive resume that would command the respect of recruits. Rather, Puryear made a name for himself as a mentor of junior golfers at East Lake Golf Club, the Atlanta home of Bobby Jones.

The Puryear file

Name: Samuel G. Puryear Jr. Birthdate: Oct. 13, 1970

Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.

College: Tennessee State, 1992 Coaching philosophy: “Be prepared, be willing to do what others are not and be willing to go the extra mile. I don’t like surprises, and I don’t like stones left unturned.”

Family: Wife Karen; children Tony, Brooke, Cameron; younger brother, Eric, is the football defensive coordinator and assistant women’s golf coach at Johnson C. Smith University.

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Puryear is certain there are skeptics out there who doubt his credentials, and he hears the whispers that race factored into his hiring at Michigan State.

But he isn’t offended; only motivated.

“I’m sure there are a lot of people that would like to see me fail,” Puryear said. “I’m convinced of that. That’s OK. To be successful, I realize you’ve got to do more than anyone else.”

•••

Puryear fell in love with golf while growing up in Winston-Salem, N.C. His father was a small-college AllAmerican in 1965 at Winston-Salem State, a historically black school, and Puryear would tag along with him to the area’s public courses.

Puryear’s father, now a retired high school principal, and his mother, who teaches English at WinstonSalem State, provided an education-rich environment for Puryear and his younger brother, Eric.

“I recognized that there were some discrepancies as far as minorities getting opportunities, but my dad always taught me that golf was a game based on merit,” Puryear said. “Success has no hue.”

After graduating in 1992 with a speech and theater degree from Tennessee State, where he captained the golf team, Puryear wrote for a local newspaper and taught at an elementary school. He then took a job in Louisville, Ky., with the Boy Scouts of America. In December 1997, he got a call that changed his life. A college friend affiliated with East Lake told him the club was beginning to form a junior program and needed someone to take over. In his interview, Puryear

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gave the club’s board of directors a simple message.

“I told them, ‘If you thought you had a babysitter, you’ve got the wrong guy,’” Puryear recalls. “In order to have a good program, I wanted these kids to grow up one day and play East Lake.”

Puryear became director of the East Lake Junior Academy in January 1998 and admittedly didn’t know much about the community.

Once a renowned club that produced Bobby Jones and hosted many of the nation’s prominent events in the early 1900s, East Lake and the surrounding neighborhood took a tumble in the ’60s when the property was sold to a developer who built low-income public housing on nearby land.

By the early ’90s, the crime rate had soared and drugs ruled the streets.

In 1993, Tom Cousins, a lifelong East Lake member, purchased the club and with the help of a charitable foundation replaced much of the existing housing with new homes.

They created the Drew Charter School (pre-kindergarten through eighth grade), renovated the golf course and unveiled the 18-hole, par-58 Charlie Yates Golf Course – a Rees Jones design. In ensuing years, violent crime fell and the area’s redevelopment fueled job growth.

Yet Puryear still saw people in need, especially children.

Most of the junior academy’s kids came from low-income families; some didn’t have families. Few knew about golf, and even fewer had ever touched a club. “Mr. Sam,” as Puryear was known at East Lake, went to great lengths to make sure each had every opportunity to succeed. Golf was always

an option but never a requirement.

Puryear took kids on family vacations. He made house calls when they didn’t show up to the course and let them cut his lawn for extra money.

•••

Stanford head coach Conrad Ray didn’t realize the significance of hiring Puryear until after he arrived in Palo Alto, Calif. Ray said race wasn’t a factor, nor was Puryear’s lack of college coaching experience.

Under Puryear’s guidance, the team grew stronger and closer. After failing to advance out of the West Regional in 2006, the Cardinal went wire-to-wire in winning the 2007 NCAA Championship. Two months later, Puryear accepted the head coaching job at Michigan State.

“He would always talk about how much fun he was having,” Stanford sophomore Joseph Bramlett said.

“Looking back on it, now that we don’t have it, we miss it. He never let us get down.”

•••

Puryear is well aware of the responsibility that accompanies his new position. He’s also prepared for the scrutiny that has come with being the first black head coach in a major Division I conference.

But Puryear sees himself as a coach first, a pioneer second. “It never boils down to race,” he said. “I want to be the best golf coach ever. Period.”

•••

Dan Mirocha is a Golfweek assistant editor. To reach him e-mail dmirocha@golfweek.com.

Reprinted with permission by Golfweek Magazine.

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Alumni Life Magazine:Summer Fall 08

jeff obafemi carr makes history with ART

News Briefs

6/12/08

Amun Ra Theatre, Nashville’s premier performing arts ensemble, announced the establishment of a permanent community-based, professional theater jeff obafemi carr space as part of a redevelopment project in North Nashville.

jeff obafemi carr (1990), actor, writer and founder of Amun Ra Theatre, announced the establishment of the theater space for his professional theatre company, Amun Ra Theatre. The redevelopment project is expected to bring new life to North Nashville and will make Amun Ra the first professional

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African American theatre company in Nashville to operate its own permanent performance venue rooted in the innercity community.

The theatre company will lease space at 2508 Clifton Avenue, a building owned

by Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, which has been vacant for nearly four years. Several entities are partnering together to renovate the 1,776 square foot building.

“Over the last seven years, we have worked hard to build a solid reputation for delivering performances that tell stories of perseverance, inspiration and hope, and now we have our own story of that magnitude to tell. This is a huge step forward in what we’re seeking to accomplish by making Nashville a catalyst for quality community-based professional theatre,” said carr.

The renovation project is expected to take several months to complete, and will eventually be transformed into a 50-60 seat black box theater that can be converted into rehearsal and special event space, an administrative office, box office, dressing rooms and storage.

The first show is expected to take place in the new facility sometime this fall.

Alice Payne Raises Student Achievement

Alice Payne (1971) has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education for her help in raising student achievement at Cannon and Meade Park Elementary Schools, where she serves as principal.

Payne began her teaching career in her hometown of Indianapolis, Ind. as a fourth grade teacher and taught stu-

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dents until 1974, when she and more than 500 teachers were laid off due to budget cuts. She was then encouraged by college friend Janet Alexander (1988) to apply for a position teaching in the Danville, ILL school system and has been there since the fall of 1974.

Payne is expected to retire in 2009, but plans to continue volunteering in the school.

Pow Shadowz: TSU Alum Goes Hip-Hop

Patrick McCallum, also known as hiphop artist Pow Shadowz, has returned to native Nashville to promote his upcoming album titled, “A Reality Show Called Life.” His comeback performance in the Music City was May 10 at The Rutledge.

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Pow Shadowz graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Africana Studies and became known throughout Nashville for his lyrical talents. While at TSU, he opened up for rappers such as Common, KRS-One, Jay-Z and toured with reggae band Osadolos. He relocated to Southern California in 2006 to further his musical career.

Pow Shadowz likes to describe his music as progressive hip-hop with mainstream appeal while maintaining a raw, underground edge. Since moving, he has teamed up with The Metamorphs and formed a group called The Extended Fam. Together they have performed at the popular Coachella Music Festival in California and with hip-hop legends such as Cypress Hill.

Pow Shadowz can be seen weekly at the following venues:

TSU FORENSIC TEAM SPEAKS UP FOR NATIONAL TITLE T

By Raynetta Smith

ennessee State University’s Forensic Team had an outstanding year during the 2007-2008 academic year.

In February during the Tennessee General Assembly’s, “Honoring Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Tennessee” ceremony, TSU Assistant Professor of Theatre and Clarence Ball Forensic Director Kimberley LaMarque was credited for coaching the most successful Forensic Team in TSU’s history.

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• Monday nights at the Dragon Fly in Hollywood for Blue Magic Mondays, a fusion of R&B, Hip-Hop, and Soul.

• Thursday nights at The Static Lounge in San Diego for the San Diego Urban Underground Show.

• Friday nights in downtown Los Angeles for the Los Angeles Urban Underground Show.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/powshadowz.

Women’s Center Honors Alumnae of Legend and Merit

The Women’s Center at Tennessee State University hosted the 2nd annual Women of Legend and Merit Awards on Thursday, March 20, 2008 Victoria Rowell at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville. Actress, author

That same month, the team participated in the 2008 Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensics Association (TIFA) State Championship beating out such hopefuls as Belmont University and Carson-Newman College to bring home the title of “Individual Events State Champions.”

TSU lost this title in 2006 and competed against nine other teams this year to reclaim it.

TSU’s Forensic Team also traveled to the United Kingdom to participate for the first time in the International Forensics Association (IFA) Championship Tournament held in London, where the university placed third in the overall competition. Team members and 2008 graduates Clarence Ball, Darius Montgomery and LaVita Tuff

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and activist Victoria Rowell served as keynote speaker. Attendees received a signed copy of Rowell’s book, “The Women Who Raised Me.” The honorees included TSU alumnae: Lucinda Williams Adams, Olympic gold medalist, in the category of athletics; Xernona Clayton, founder and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, for leadership; Representative Georganna T. Sinkfield, state of Georgia, for politics; and Ivanetta H. Davis, wife of Dr. Walter S. Davis, president of TSU, (1943-1968), in the category of educa-

tion.

The annual fundraiser honors outstanding and accomplished women leaders from all walks of life. Proceeds from the awards dinner support the programs and services of the Women’s Center, which was established to enhance the academic experience and personal development of all women by providing an inclusive and supportive environment.

Other honorees were Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie for religion; Rosetta Miller-Perry for business; Patricia A.

competed, bringing back 11 awards including world championships in dramatic duo interpretation, poetry interpretation, and prose interpretation.

President Melvin N. Johnson has compared the team to modern-day “Great Debaters.”

“Tennessee State’s Forensic Team is doing an outstanding job in representing our university nationally, winning more than 211 awards to date, just this academic year,” he said. “I am pleased with their success and the commitment of our students as well as Professor LaMarque.”

LaVita Tuff

Another first for the team came in April when LaMarque and the team hosted the National Forensic Association

Elaine Cato (1990) recently patented the first backless brassier for women with above average bra sizes. Cato was featured on the second season of Elaine Cato ABC’s “American Inventor,” where her invention finished as runner-up. She was approached by Maidenform to bring her product into stores. The Breakthrough™ Backless Bra is available at retail locations nationwide and online at www.maidenform.com. Cato’s bra is the first product from the show to reach a mass market.

(NFA) Annual Championship Tournament. TSU marked history as the first historically black college or university (HBCU) and the first university in Tennessee to host the event. The university also picked up a first place win in the President’s III small Team category during the tournament. The tournament, one of the largest in the nation, has played a significant role in the recruitment and publicity of forensic teams across America. It is held for individual event speaking, the Lincoln-Douglas debate and normally spans four-to-five days with championships awarded in nine categories. Team awards are also given in several divisions, based on the entry size of each school. On average, 90-125 colleges and universities attend the national tournament. It allows many schools to end the year by engaging in forensic competitions with other universities or colleges that they may not meet during a regular tournament to determine their best overall performances and their ranking in the nation.

Summer 2008 13 ALUMNIlife

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The Civ trem to s agai tho wer cott mov tho The Stud fully the stra dire guid

April 4, 2008 marked the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 40-year milestone was given added significance when the Tennessee Board Regents voted to allow Tennessee State University to award honorary degrees to 14 students expelled for leaving school to participate in the “Freedom Rides” 47 years ago. King, a champion of equality and civil rights for all, was gunned down on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. on April 4, 1968. For many it was a dark episode in the Civil Rights struggle for African Americans and poor people in America. The leader, with his dreams of an inclusive color blind world, was dead. Within hours of his death, rioting and looting occurred in city-after-city across America. It is estimated that in the five-day period following King’s death at least 55,000 troops were deployed and 43 people killed as a result of the riots.

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The death of King was undoubtedly a pivotal point in the Civil Rights Movement. King and his supporters were extremely adept at using nonviolent protest to call attention to segregation, Jim Crow laws and other systemic barriers against equality based on race. College students, especially those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities, were among the thousands who participated in sit-ins, boycotts, freedom rides, and protest marches in support of the movement. Tennessee State University students were among those that courageously carried the mantle for civil rights.

The first Freedom Riders were members of the Nashville Student Group, a local group of students who had successfully desegregated the lunch counters and movie theaters in the city. The Freedom Riders decided to introduce their strategies of non-violence throughout the South in order to directly challenge the region’s Jim Crow laws. They received guidance from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself.

Notably the 14 students known as the “Freedom Riders” were expelled from the university in 1961 for their parts in the civil rights protest. Freedom Riders came from various parts of the country, and at the risk of great physical harm, rode buses deep into the segregated south. For their role in the Freedom Rides the TSU students were not allowed to return to school. Some were scheduled to graduate in 1961. After their dismissal a number of people, both black and white, picketed the state Capitol seeking an audience with Governor Buford Ellington on their behalf, but were denied. Ironically, the students were expelled under a law created during the Ellington administration that had only been in existence for one year. While serving time in a Mississippi jail the students were informed of the expulsions.

The Tennessee Board of Regents in March 2008 denied the university’s request to award degrees to the students for their

heroic stands. However, less than a month later on April 25th the controversial decision was reversed. “I felt, I think this campus feels, as if these students are an inspiration…,” President Melvin N. Johnson told the Tennessean newspaper. “Their place in history is tremendous during a very dark period in this nation’s history. This was a good time to rectify those wrongs.”

The death of King marshaled in a period of dark days on the campus of what was then Tennessee A&I State University. Tennessee A&I, with an African American student body, was deeply affected by the announcement of King’s death. Empathy for King and what his untimely death meant to African Americans was quickly reflected in an atmosphere of disappointment and defeat that engulfed the campus. Across the country many leaders, both black and white, feared incidents of violence in retaliation for king’s

By John S. Cross

assassination. Buford Ellington, still governor in 1968, alerted the National Guard and ordered 4,000 troops into Nashville and Memphis. For a second time his decision would impact the lives of Tennessee State University students and the campus as a whole.

The campus of Tennessee State University and much of the surrounding area was designated as a “riot zone.”

Police armed with bayoneted rifles and supported by armored personnel carriers stood guard at the intersection of Centennial Boulevard and 28th Avenue. Over 150 young men were arrested, mostly African American, with charges ranging from loitering to assault and discharging guns within city limits. A number of white motorist were injured by rocks thrown at cars while trying to navigate streets in the Jefferson Street area. With incidents of looting and vandalism, mainly in sections of North Nashville, Mayor Beverly Briley imposed a weeklong curfew on the Continued on Page 34

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October 26 - November 1, 2008

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Sunday, October 26 3:00 pm Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest Murrell Forum, Campus Center

6:00 pm Gospel Concert – T.E. Poag Auditorium Walter S. Davis Humanities Building

Monday, October 27 7:00pm Battle of the Residence Halls Talent Show Kean Hall Gymnasium Wednesday, October 29 11:00 am Admission’s Luncheon – Jane Elliott Hall

7:00 pm Miss TSU’s Coronation Kean Hall 9:00 pm Coronation Ball Location (TBA)

Thursday, October 30 11:00 am President’s Society Luncheon (By Invitation)

3:00 pm Class Reunion Bar-B-Que Classes of ‘73, ‘78, ‘83, ‘88, ‘93, ‘98 &

2003 Lawn of Jane Elliott Building (Inclement weather – Jane Elliott Hall)

Thursday, October 30 7:00 pm Grand Marshal and Honoree Dinner *Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance Avon Williams Atrium 9:00 pm Alumni Mixer Opryland Hotel, Governor’s Ballroom (70’s & 80’s Attire)

7:00

Friday, October 31 7:00 am Breakfast for Champions Kean Hall Gymnasium

8:00

9:00 am Ralph Boston Golf Tournament Gaylord Springs Golf Course

Satu 9:00

8:00 am Honor’s Program Reunion Breakfast Jane Elliott Hall

10:00 am Miss TSU Reunion & Tea Opryland Hotel (By invitation)

9:00

10:0

11:00 am Nashville Chapter Fish Fry Gentry Complex Lawn

12:00 pm Student Pep Rally – Hale Stadium

Alumni Open Houses – Schools & Colleges

5:00 pm TSUNAA Old School Comedy Show & Happy Hour – Opryland, Governor’s South Ballroom

11:0

es

ppy om

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Grand Marshal

Honoree

Kevin W. Williams, 1983 graduate President/Managing Director of General Motors Mexico Operation

Marian S. Torrence, 1948 graduate Former First Lady and Professor of TSU

12:00 pm Rho Psi Reunion Meeting Floyd-Payne Campus Center, Forum 7:00 pm 11th Annual Agriculture & Home Economics Hall of Fame Banquet Farrell-Westbrook Agriculture Research Extension Complex (Barn) Phi Mu Alpha Alumni Hospitality Faculty Lounge, Campus Center

8:00 pm Student Concert – Gentry Complex

9:00 pm Football Alumni Mixer – Opryland Hotel

12:30 pm Greek Step Show- Gentry Complex 4:45 pm Pre-game –at LP Field – Downtown Nashville 5:00 pm Kick-off Tennessee State University vs Tennessee Tech 9:00 pm TSU National Alumni Association Homecoming Celebration (After Party) Opryland Hotel

10:00 pm Reunion Hospitality Suites Opryland Hotel, Delta Wing (See reunion list) Saturday, November 1 9:00 am Homecoming Parade 21st & Jefferson St to 33rd and John Merritt Blvd

Tiger Town Tailgating at LP Field Downtown Nashville (Eastside Parking Lot - $50) call (615) 963-5841

11:00 am Alpha Phi Alpha Brunch – Jane Elliott Hall Showcase of Bands-Hale Stadium

Reunions

See Back Page

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Reunions

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Contact: Harry Taylor (202) 546-0527 or harryt40@msn.com Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. - Rho Psi Alumni Chapter Contact: David Saunders (615) 876-6306 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Contact: Iona Martin (205) 837-8320

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Contact: Ed MeCree (770) 712-4076 or James Bolden (619) 750-4443 Basketball Alumni Chapter Contact: Rossie Johnson, III (619) 924-0439

Brothers of Harambee – 40th Anniversary Contact: Barry Hickson (615) 963-7607 or bhickson@tnstate.edu Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Contact: Terry Clayton (615) 726-2424 or tclaytonlaw@comcast.net

Band Alumni Chapter Contact: Trellaney Lane (615) 403-7728 or sidney775@aol.com

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Epsilon Alpha Chapter 75th Anniversary Reunion Contact: Lametric Bishop, Committee Chair 615-397-2603 lametricb@yahoo.com

Tigersharks Reunion Contact: Dr. James Bass (615) 804-3371 or jibass@comcast.net

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TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS TAKE THE LEAD LEADERSHIP TSU TRAINS STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE

By Raynetta Smith

Thirty students at Tennessee State University began their journey as part of the inaugural class for a new leadership development program - Leadership TSU. Leadership TSU, similar to other citywide leadership programs, is a yearlong program designed to help students understand that true leadership goes beyond the title of one’s role in the work force. Students spend one Saturday per month, from August until April, with leaders and mentors from the university, community and professional organizations taking part in various workshops to better prepare them for life after college. Each student in the inaugural class was selected based on leadership abilities they have displayed while serving in respective campus organizations and projects.

“What Leadership TSU represents is vital to the nurturing and development of today’s next generation of movers and shakers,” said President Melvin N. Johnson “We want our students to use the skills learned during the program toward their overall academic development. Students have the innate ability to

lead and simply do not know it. This is our grassroots effort to ensure that our students are successful.”

Students were nominated to take part in this milestone because of their

recognition as student leaders and their potential to lead within the university and community. Selected by committee members who submitted a nominee supporting the student’s leadership abilities, the group was comprised of one-half student leaders and one-half students who the nominating committee felt had the

potential to lead.

One mentor Nicole Sampson from USA Today was noted as saying, “working with Leadership TSU has been a wonderful opportunity. The development of students’ life skills will be critical to their survival in the work force and beyond. This program similar to ones we offer at USA Today for students help nurture students speaking, writing and critical thinking skills. It was an honor and a privilege to be invited to take part in such a monumental program on TSU’s campus.

I am positive each student involved with benefit greatly from participating.”

Students participated in numerous seminars, travel activities and networking opportunities throughout the year. The program is supported by various community and national organizations.

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BEHIND THE LENS:

YOUNG ALUM SEES THE FUTURE

By Aerial Ellis

T

he saying is true, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and for Kenneth Cummings, that’s a testament he’s willing to prove. As senior visuals editor and photographer for The Meter, the university’s student newspaper, he devoted all four years at Tennessee State University determined to capture those picture perfect moments on cam-

stantly felt the Tiger pride. “I knew right away that’s where I wanted to be,” he said.

On campus, Cummings became known as the “picture guy” and received rave reviews for his work in The Meter with high recognition off-campus. “Kenneth’s great photos have Kenneth Cummings helped The Meter win a good portion of awards,” says pus.

Pamela Foster, director of student publications. “The Meter was a great training ground for him. It has been such a deSince graduating in spring 2008 with a Bachelor of Scilight over the years to watch him develop into a fine photoence degree in Speech Communication and Theatre, journalist.” His photography won several first place awards Cummings is letting his photos tell the story of a new from the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2007, he was TSU. With his camera always by his side, he has captured awarded “All-Around Best Performance” and “Best Photimeless images of a new administration, new buildings tographer” by the New York Times Student Journalism Instiand a new generation. But this picture-whiz didn’t detute. His photos also earned him an all-expense paid trip to velop overnight. He slowly focused in on his passion.

Japan and South Korea as one of nine students in the Roy W. Howard Collegiate “I discovered photograReporting CompetiPeople would look at my photos phy when I spent the tion chosen to examand say ‘thank you for taking me summer in prep school ine the nations’ with you’. at Philips Exeter Acadculture and media. emy in 2002. I asked my friend if I could see her At 22, Cummings has camera to take a picture of a building,” said Cummings. built an impressive reputation as a sharp photojournalist, “So when she got the film developed, I saw the picture catching breaking news photos with style, accuracy and prethat I took and I knew that photography was my gift.” cision. He says his most challenging experiences have been shooting images of the inner city as an intern at The ComHis mother bought him his first camera that following mercial Appeal in Memphis and depicting history during the Christmas. Shortly after, he began taking photos for his Jena 6 march in Louisiana. high school yearbook and for The Teen Appeal, a studentproduced version of the major newspaper in his home“Those things really taught me to manage my emotions and town of Memphis. how to cover a story with neutral perspective because I realized that it’s really the photo that tells what happened,” he Cummings caught a snapshot of Big Blue when he went said. “People would look at my photos and say ‘thank you to a Southern Heritage Classic football game and infor taking me with you’.”

“

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Alumni Life Magazine:Summer Fall 08

Class Notes

6/12/08

Gail Birks (1982) was recently ranked in the Black Enterprise Magazine’s HBCU Alumni Profiles. She is the president and CEO of CMA Enterprise, Inc., a management-consulting firm in Broward County, Fla. Birks sits on the board of directors for Gibraltar Private Bank and Trust, owned by Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

Dr. Alvin Crawford (1960) and the Rev. George Durley (1964) were inducted into the HBCU Hall of Fame in September 2007 during the annual Atlanta Football Classic. Crawford is professor of pediatric orthopaedic surgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He co-authored the handbook Pediatric Orthopaedics for pediatric house officers and primary care physicians and assisted in the development and publication of an atlas on Pediatric Orthopaedic radiology. Crawford has also been on staff at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital since 1977.

Just recently, Durley celebrated his 20th anniversary as pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Atlanta. Under his direction, Providence has revitalized Bible studies, youth programs, health committees, feeding and clothing outreach and other missionary efforts for the Atlanta community and abroad.

The Rev. Judy Cummings, Harvey Hoskins (1973) and Charles McTorry (1973) have been named to Nashville Mayor Karl Dean’s Minority Business Advisory Council. Cummings is the executive minister of the historic Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church and director of the Nashville Chapter of the National Consortium of Black Women in Ministry. Hoskins is the cofounder and managing director of

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Hoskins & Co. CPAs, the first full-service minority-owned accounting firm in Nashville, opened in 1986. McTorry is the president and owner of Priest Point Wine & Spirits Inc., a local retail company in business since 1989.

Madeline Manning Mims (1973) has been inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

Mims, the first woman in the world to run the 440 meter in 55 seconds flat, participated in the 1969 Olympics in Mexico setting a recordbreaking time of 2:00.9 in the 800meter run. She is the first and only American female to win this event.

Since putting down her track shoes, Mims has recorded gospel music releasing seven albums.

Sharon Michael Owens (1970) will be honored November 14, at Inspire Women, Houston’s own unique women’s ministry, as “2008 Business Woman of the Year.” Owens, vice president of corporate community relations for CenterPoint Energy in Houston, Texas, is being honored for her impact as a business leader who uses her resources and influences to benefit the community. The annual awards luncheon will be held at the Houston Hilton Americas.

Treachery Price (1990) was recently featured in Black Enterprise Magazine highlighting the success of The Price Plaza. Price Plaza, located on the cor-

ner of Jefferson and 28th Avenue in Nashville, is home to College Crib, one of the largest HBCU collegiate and Greek paraphernalia stores in the nation. College Crib has been a fixture in the Tennessee State University, Fisk University and Meharry Medical College cultures since 1966.

Helen Bernice Allen Reeves (1936) a charter member of the Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, celebrated her 94th birthday during the 2007 Homecoming festivities. Reeves was welcomed by Tennessee State President Melvin N. Johnson and presented a special proclamation in her honor.

Wilmer Cooksey (1965) recently received the “Civil Rights Humanitarian Award” from the NAACP. Cooksey, former General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant general manager, is an active member of several local and regional organizations, including the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, the board of directors for Greenview Hospital, the National Corvette Museum and the Tennessee State University Foundation. Additionally, he serves as General Motors’ key executive for TSU and is the organization liaison for career communications.

Dr. Eleanor Gwynn unveiled her exhibit “Egyptian Nubian Identity: An Exhibition of Photographs and Artifact” in April 2008. The exhibit was unveiled at a reception on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University where Gwynn serves as chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and professor of dance. The exhibit, which ran from April 1- May 17, consisted of items Gwynn collected while traveling to Egypt for research.

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))!&% &( LaTasha Taylor has already participated in a half-dozen NASA projects, and the 26-year-old's career as a space systems engineer is just beginning.

Taylor has held internships at two NASA centers, flown with an experiment on NASA's "Weightless Wonder" aircraft, participated in the engineering design process on NASA rovers and robots, and conducted research for NASA in a simulated Mars environment. Involving students in NASA missions through internships at NASA centers supports the agency’s goal of strengthening NASA's and the nation's future workforce.

LaTasha Taylor has participated in several NASA research opportunities for students, including internships and spe-

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Summer 2008

cial projects. Image Credit: LaTasha Taylor A native of Memphis, Tenn., Taylor was wrapping up her sophomore year at Tennessee State University in 2001 when she was introduced to the field of astrobiology as a way of combining her interests in aeronautics and biology. She was mentored by Todd Gary, a professor at Tennessee State and the university's Center for Excellence, a research program funded in part by NASA. Her first NASA research project in 2002 investigated the use of inflatable solar arrays on spacecraft. She presented her research at the NASA Astrobiology Institute meeting in 2003 and won first place among projects by undergraduates.

The NAI is a group of competitively selected university teams that promote, conduct and lead integrated astrobiology research.

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"That got it started," Taylor said of the inflatable solar arrays project. "My interest just flourished after that. It became this real passion for me, just by one opportunity from NASA." The NAI meeting was key for Taylor in another way, too. She was introduced to two astrobiology researchers who would play important roles in her future.

The first was Woodruff Sullivan, an astrobiology professor at the University of Washington. Taylor would later work with Sullivan as a graduate student. She also met Juan Perez-Mercader, director of the Centro de Astrobiologia, an NAI partner in Madrid, Spain. Perez-Mercader invited Taylor to intern at the center that summer.

Taylor was part of a team of four engineering students from Tennessee State who received a grant through NASA's Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunity program at Johnson Space Center to design, build and fly a microgravity experiment. The students designed a device to reduce vibration on spacecraft. "On a spacecraft there is a lot of turbulence when you enter and exit the atmosphere," Taylor said. "You don't want data collected in space damaged by vibration."

LaTasha Taylor has participated in several NASA research opportunities for students, including internships and special projects.

The team designed an experiment to suspend a test plate using springs and dampers that would absorb the vibration so that the test plate would experience no or minimal vibration. "The results were amazing," Taylor said. "The vibrations were reduced by 80 percent. It was just a really good achievement and accomplishment."

In Madrid, Taylor participated in the final design phase of the Mars Astrobiology and Research Technology Experiment, or She said 2003 was the best summer of her MARTE, project. Taylor assisted with the life because she got to be involved in sucImage Credit: LaTasha Taylor engineering design and computer-aided cessful projects both as an individual with drawings for the main base of a large drill her research into inflatable solar arrays and used to drill into rock around Spain’s Rio Tinto river. Tayas part of a team with the vibration reduction research. lor then helped analyze rock samples for bacteria and other signs of life. The project was used as a learning experience Taylor graduated from Tennessee State in 2004 with a for the development of technology to be used in the search bachelor's degree in aeronautics and industry technology for subsurface life on Mars. and a minor in biology. With plans to go to graduate school that fall, Taylor squeezed in one more NASA inThe project gave Taylor the opportunity to be involved in ternship before getting serious about her graduate studboth the engineering design process and biological research. ies. She returned to Ames, this time to the human factors "It was really interesting to do the designing on the front group. She worked on the Cockpit Displays of Traffic Inend and do the bio analysis on the other end," she said. formation project, which researched ways to improve cockpit displays in aircraft and spacecraft. Taylor was inAfter a month in Spain, Taylor finished her summer internvolved in the engineering design of cockpits, but also ship at NASA's Ames Research Center, where NASA engiworked with a psychologist to design a cockpit that was neers were working on a more detailed design of the more user-friendly for pilots.

MARTE drill.

"That was really neat because I got to see how NASA was As if the summer of 2003 wasn’t busy enough for Taylor, in focused on how people interact with space technology," the middle of her Ames internship she spent two weeks at Taylor said.

NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and flew on NASA's "Weightless Wonder" aircraft.

In the fall of 2004, Taylor entered graduate school at the University of Washington, studying technical communiLaTasha Taylor was on a team of students from Tennessee cation with a concentration in user interface design in the State University who designed and flew an experiment on College of Engineering. That area of study allowed her to NASA's "Weightless Wonder" aircraft. Image Credit: apply some of the human factors and usability experience LaTasha Taylor she gained at NASA Ames to her graduate studies. She de-

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))!&% &( scribed her focus in graduate school as "engineering design with the human in mind."

After her first year in graduate school, in the summer of 2005, Taylor worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as part of the Mechanical and Robotics Technology Group.

Taylor developed validation requirements and testing procedures for the next-generation rover SuperBot and analyzed its mobility, maneuverability and endurance in lunar and Martian environments. SuperBot is a modular, multifunctional and reconfigurable robotic platform that can change shape, size and functionality based on its mission.

"All day I got to watch the rovers play and follow the commands, test to make sure the rovers were meeting the requirements and take the feedback back to design," she said.

Taylor said the project gave her a first-hand look on where NASA is going with rovers and how rovers can assist in building permanent structures on Mars.

Taylor pursued one other NASA project as a graduate student. In 2006, she applied for NASA's Spaceward Bound project. The project, organized by NASA Ames, takes students and teachers to explore the extreme environments on Earth as analogs for human exploration of the moon and Mars.

LaTasha Taylor spent two weeks at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah in an environment simulating the living and working conditions on the moon and Mars. Image Credit: LaTasha Taylor In December 2006, Taylor participated in the project's third expedition, which sent undergraduate and graduate students and teachers to the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah for two-week-long simulations of living and working conditions on the moon and Mars.

Taylor was again able to combine engineering and biology by going out into the extreme desert conditions and collecting samples and then bringing them to the lab and analyzing them.

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"They needed someone to look at how we, as astronauts, were using the equipment and using the suits to maneuver around the research station," Taylor explained. "When we were on our rovers were our suits comfortable? Was there good visibility in helmets? ... We were the guinea pigs to see if we did send astronauts to Mars would these suits be something they could use?

"I got to kind of be the astronaut and experience things the astronauts would do in the environment they could be in."

Taylor finished the master's degree program in LaTasha Taylor was on June 2007. She is now a a team of students space systems engineer from Tennessee State at Lockheed Martin's University who designand flew an Advance Technology ed experiment on NASA’s Center in Palo Alto, Calif., in the Solar and “Weightless Wonder” aircraft.

Astrophysics LaboraImage Credit: LaTasha Taylor tory, supporting the design of solar telescopes used to monitor the sun’s activity.

She said the thread that ties all of her research projects together is the opportunity to share her experiences with students at inner city schools, community centers and special events. She tells young people about the importance of studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and shares how she did it and how they can do it too.

Taylor said the multiple NASA experiences and the variety of the projects have made her a more well-rounded engineer. And she's not done yet. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree in a field that will bring together space exploration, astrobiology and engineering and to apply to join the Astronaut Corps at the next opportunity.

Reprinted by permission from NASA

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2008 VINTAGERS CELEBRATION Schedule of Events

2008 VINTAGERS CELEBRATION

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 3:15 – 4:30 pm Tour of Avon Williams & Main Campuses

ELLA THOMPSON: ONE OF TSU’S CELEBRATED VINTAGERS

E

lla Thompson (1932), along with four classmates, were recognized during Tennessee State University’s summer 2007 commencement ceremony, honoring the 75th anniversary of the 1932 commencement with an induction into the “TSU Vintagers Club,” a honorary membership reserved for 40-plus year graduates of the university.

4:30 – 6:00 pm Soul Food Registration Dinner Program starts at 5:30 pm Jane Elliott Hall

6:15 – 7:00 pm Anniversary Class Meetings - Jane Elliott Hall 8:00 – 10:30 pm Greeks & Grads Mixer Millennium Maxwell House Hotel

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 9:45 – 10:45 am Anniversary Class Pictures Walter S. Davis Humanities Building T.E. Poag Auditorium 10:45 am – 12 noon Major Gifts & Planned Giving Walter S. Davis Humanities Building T.E. Poag Auditorium 12:15-2:30 pm The Vintagers Luncheon Jane Elliott Hall Induction – Class of 1968 Recognition – Class of 1963

8:00 – 10:30 pm Masquerade Party Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Recognition – Classes of 1938, 1943, 1948 & 1953 *Costume is optional.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 7:00-8:15 am President’s Breakfast - Floyd-Payne Campus Center Student’s Dining Room, 1st Floor 9:00 am Commencement Exercise - Gentry Complex Recognition – Class of 1958

By Raynetta Smith

In 1928, Thompson began her journey at Tennessee State University, then Tennessee State Agricultural and State Normal School.

In 1932, she obtained her bachelor’s degree and was offered a teaching position in Winchester, Tenn. where she taught home economics courses. A diploma and a job opportunity were not the only things she gained at TSU. Raymond Thompson (deceased), also a 1932 graduate, began pursuing Ella when they stepped on the campus in 1928 and the two were married in 1937.

Ella Thompson

In the 1950’s the Thompsons lived in an apartment right off Jefferson and Alameda Streets in Nashville. The couple ran a dry cleaning business together until Mr. Thompson was enlisted into the Navy. Years later, Raymond Thompson passed away, leaving Ella Thompson with fond memories of her husband and their days at TSU. Now confined to a wheelchair, Thompson does not get around as much and misses the opportunities to see old classmates. However, The Vintagers Celebration has reunited her with many she had long forgotten about or wondered where they were.

“Out of everything,” said Thompson. “I can’t think of one bad experience while I was here. People stuck together when I was at TSU, we were a family. The Vintagers Celebration gives me a reason to come back and reunite with my family and friends who are still alive; we laugh and talk, just like old times. I thank the Office of Alumni Affairs for such an important event and I look forward to many more celebrations.”

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TSU OFFSPRING: HOMEGROWN TALENT

Alumni Life Magazine:Summer Fall 08

By John S. Cross

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T

he term “homegrown” has a variety of connotations but in the Tennessee State University Department of Athletics it is synonymous with “family legacy.”

Currently three Tennessee State University coaches, all alumni of the Valencia Jordan and son, Cameron Jordan university, have children who are athletes at TSU. Valencia Jordan, assistant athletics director, Chaundra Cheeseborough, Tigerbelle head coach, and Gerald Robinson, tennis coach, all have children on athletics rosters at Tennessee State. It should also be noted that in each case the children had other options. Each of them was actively recruited by other schools, yet none of their parents pressured them to attend TSU.

“It was my decision to come to TSU,” Cameron Jordan said. “My parents were supportive and took me to visit other schools. In the end, I thought TSU was best for me.” Cameron is the son of assistant athletics director and former head coach of the TSU Lady Tigers, Valencia Jordan. Cameron, a standout basketball player for Hillsboro High School in Nashville, was heavily recruited by a number of “Division I” programs, but not recruited by the TSU staff. In high school he was a proven performer earning both All-District and All-Region 6AAA honors.

“TSU did not recruit me,” Cameron said. “But Coach Sy (Alexander) said he would give me an opportunity to play and that’s all I wanted was a chance.”

Coach Valencia Jordan received her master’s degree from TSU and thinks her son made a wise choice.

ALUMNIlife 28

Summer 2008

“We wanted him to be open-minded and to go where he not only had an opportunity to play but was comfortable,” she said. “There was certainly no pressure to come here and play; his pressure comes with knowing I’m here to keep him straight,” she added with a smile.

Very few children of TSU alumni have entered the school’s athletics program with a parent having more name recognition than Martinique Guice. Guice’s mother is former Tigerbelle star, Olympic gold medalist and TSU Sports Hall of Famer Chaundra Cheseborough. In addition to her past glory as a Tigerbelle, Cheseborough is the current Tigerbelle head coach. Since taking the helm as head coach at her alma mater Cheeseborough has been named “OVC Coach of the Year” three times, including the 2008 honor after her squad won both the Indoor and Outdoor OVC championships.

But this year’s squad had an added dimension, daughter Martinique.

“Some people thought there would be pressure coaching my daughter Martinique,” Cheseborough said. “But there was no pressure for me and no preferential treatment for her.

She is my daughter at home but a member of the track team here and treated like every other member of the team.”

Guice, like Jordan, came to TSU a proven performer with something to offer the school other than her mother’s name.

Her high school credentials are impressive and demonstrate the potential to perform successfully on the collegiate level. Guice, a two-sport star in high school, was the state of Tennessee Chaundra Cheeseborough and daughter Martinique Guice long jump champion her junior and senior years. She was also an all-county basketball player for Beech High School in Hendersonville, Tenn.

Since joining the TSU Tigerbelles she participates in the long jump, 100 meters, 4x100 relay and the 200 meters.

Guice is always asked the question, “can you run as fast as your mother?”

“It may seem like a little question, but when I was younger I did feel pressure to be like my mother. But she has taught me not to let it affect me and to be my own person,” Guice said. “My mother didn’t push me to come to TSU it was where I always planned to go.”

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Gerald Robinson, Jr. arrived on the TSU campus with recruiters from major and mid-major athletics conferences in hot pursuit. His high school stat sheets and accomplishments show he warranted all of the attention. Robinson was among the top three finalists for Mr. Basketball in Tennessee, a McDonald’s All-American nominee, and was AllState both as a junior and senior. He was listed among the top 25 point guards in the nation and scored 64 points in three quarters of play during a tournament game his senior year.

Highly touted high school basketball star Gerald Robinson, Jr. was also added to the mix of TSU alumni coaches and offspring in 2007. Robinson entered TSU after a successful career at Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet School in Nashville. Like Jordan and Guice his athletic roots at TSU run deep. In addition to his father, Gerald Sr. being head

“We didn’t pressure him to come to TSU,” Gerald Robinson, Sr. said. “But I think he wanted to stay close to home so his mother and I could see him play.”

My parents didn’t pressure me to come to TSU,” Robinson said. “We talked about other schools but I committed to TSU without my parents knowing.”

Robinson, a high school honor student made an immediate impression on TSU basketball fans. He has continued his scholarly pursuits in the classroom as well making the dean’s list for the academic year.

Gerald Robinson Sr. and son Gerald Robinson, Jr.

Children of alumni attending Tennessee State University, whether athletes or non-athletes, make the future look bright for TSU recruiting, especially since alumni are always major recruiters for the university.

tennis coach and a former baseball coach, his uncle Allen Robinson is a member of the TSU Sports Hall of Fame.

Uncle Allen played football and baseball for TSU and was head baseball coach for a number of years.

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DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC STRIKES A CHORD WITH TOUR AND AWARDS

Alumni Life Magazine:Summer Fall 08

By Aerial Ellis

6/12/08

2:19 PM

Page 30

Tennessee State University’s Department of Music recently took its talents on the road moving crowds and snagging awards along the way.

During Spring Break 2008, the Tennessee State University Choir went on a seven-day recruitment and friend-raising tour led by Dr. Darryl Nettles, choir director and coordinator of vocal music. Thirty-six students traveled to Jackson, Memphis, Birmingham and Atlanta making stops at several churches and high schools to sing and share the TSU experience. From the renaissance to spirituals, the choir moved audiences with renditions of crowd-favorites, includi n g “ M y Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord.”

Twelve TSU students were selected for the Collegiate Honor Band at the annual conference of the HBCU Band Directors in Atlanta. Accompanied by Edward Graves, director of bands and associate professor, four students were selected as principals in their instrument sections.

They were Adrian

Jakes, euphonium; Terrance Bankett, percussion; Jarvis Kakolesha, saxophone; and Matthew Lamar, bassoon. Derrick Bailey, baritone saxophone, was selected for the Collegiate Honor Jazz Band. Another ensemble, the TSU Jazz Collegians, participated in the Clark Terry Jazz Festival in Arkansas. James Sexton, assistant director of bands and director of the jazz ensemble, led the group which brought home trophies for “Best College Rhythm Section” and “Overall Best College Jazz Band.”

The Department of Music also hosted a successful year of the James A. Hefner HBCU Piano Competition. This event invites piano students from other HBCUs to compete for $1,000.

“Our students take pride in learning and performing a wide variety of music. We hope to offer audiences a rich musical experience to cherish and remember,” said Robert Elliott, head of the Department of Music.

The Department of Music at Tennessee State University supports a full compliment of vocal and instrumental performance ensembles and opportunities, including the Orchestra, String Ensemble, Tennessee State University Choir, Meistersingers, Symphonic and Concert Band, two Jazz Ensembles, Percussion Ensemble, Pep Band, the TSU Aristocrat of Bands marching band, the Showstoppers and a host of small vocal and mixed- and like-instrument ensembles.

The Opera Workshop mounts at least one opera, including sets, costumes and orchestra each year. The Commercial Music Ensemble compliments these traditional groups by providing instruction and performance in contemporary, popular music styles.

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Alumni Life Magazine:Summer Fall 08

In Rememberance

6/12/08

Lettie S. Galloway, humanitarian, community leader and former president of The TSU Vintagers, died Nov. 10, 2007 at the age of 92. Her professional career spanned more than 41 years, interspersed with a wide variety of volunteer work for the poor. She was a 1937 graduate of TSU. Galloway was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links, Inc. and a charter member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan Nashville Chapter.

R. Eugene Pincham, J.D., human rights activist, lawyer, former judge and justice of the Appellate Court of Illi-

A LESSON OF LOVE WITH THE OWEN SISTERS

2:19 PM

nois, died April 3 at the age of 82. Pincham, a 1947 graduate, was a strident critic of the criminal justice center. Pincham earned a law degree in 1951 from Northwestern University School of Law and began practicing as an attorney in the state and federal courts soon after. Throughout his legal career, he became a Circuit Court judge, and justice of the Appellate Court of Illinois where he gained a reputation as one who sought justice for the poor as well as the rich. Pincham resigned from the bench in 1989.

William A. Kean, Sr., class of 1962, died November 25, 2007 in Louisville, Ky. He was self-employed as an ophthalmologist. Kean graduated from

A

By Aerial Ellis

Page 32

s Annie Clara Owen dusts off her English literature book, she vividly recalls lines from the Shakespeare play, Macbeth, “Is this a dagger which I see Jessie Laura Owen and before me, the handle Mary Elizabeth Owen toward my hand?

Come, let me clutch thee; I have thee not, and yet I see thee still,” she says. At 98 years old, Annie delivers the lines as if it was only yesterday her Tennessee State University English Professor Laura Averiette, who asked her

ALUMNIlife 32

Summer 2008

TSU in 1962 and 1963 earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees before moving on to Meharry Medical College where he earned an M.D. He was retired from the United States Army and was an active member of several professional and personal organizations, including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Nurlin Tarrant, 72, of Las Vegas and a 1959 graduate, passed away Dec. 12, 2007. He was a retired educator from the New York Public School System.

He was a member of the 1957 and 1958 Tennessee State University College Basketball National Championship teams and former president of the TSU Alumni Basketball Association.

Jane Pyle, classical pianist and college music teacher, died Dec. 20, 2007 at the age of 66. Pyle received her bachelor’s

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Annie, class of 1932, and her sister, Jessie Laura Owen, class of 1935, have fond memories of their times at then, Tennessee A&I State College. Sitting around the kitchen table, the Owen sisters portray a nostalgic scene of what is now Tennessee State University.

“Our father worked for the railroad. We were city children so he paid for us to go to school. I worked in the summer to help pay tuition and I would buy a dress for each quarter for me and my younger sisters,” says Annie. She and her sisters looked forward to attending “State” and would often pretend to be school teachers. “Back in those days, there wasn’t much else you could dream to become but a school teacher,” laughs Jessie.

When the Owen sisters attended TSU, the campus was under construction. The first buildings were being erected and the university’s first president, William Jasper Hale, was in office.

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Alumni Life Magazine:Summer Fall 08

degree in music education from Tennessee State University. A country girl at heart, she hiked and camped and loved animals. She retired as head of the music department at Miami Dade College a year before her death.

Charlie B. Law Temple, a Hartsville, Tenn. native and 1950 alumna, died March 29, 2008. Temple served as TSU’s Miss Sophomore in 1947 and became a member of Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After graduation, she married Edward S. Temple, who is no retired as head women’s track coach. The two were married for more than 55 years.

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members of the TSU women’s track team – the Tigerbelles.

LaToya Hampton Jones, 30, died April 25. She received her master’s degree from TSU in 2001 and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was employed as an internal auditor for the city of Chattanooga.

Lewis “Lew” Pittman, 75, of East Moline, died April 25. Lewis earned an engineering degree from TSU in 1960, and soon after graduation he and his wife, Loretta, moved to East Moline and he began working as an engineer at the Rock Island Arsenal, retiring in 1988. He served in the U.S. Air Force form 1952-1956.

Richard Randolph Browning IV, 41, an Air Force officer who was an Amer-

“It was an interesting time,” said Jessie. “We made many friends at the university. Of course, we lived across the street from Meharry Medical College so we were used to being where the action was. Many girls would hang around our house waiting to see all the nice young doctors walk by,” she jokes.

As college students, the Owen sisters excelled in their studies. They were members of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and often participated in school events.

Mary Elizabeth Owen

“We sang together at home in three-part harmony so we loved to go to school and sing there, too,” said Jessie. “Our music teacher, Marie Strange, taught us lots of beautiful songs. She was amazing.”

With that special influence, Jessie taught many children in

ican Airlines pilot, died March 29.

Browning grew up in Okinawa, Japan, Cocoa Beach, Fla. and Seat Pleasant and received his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts and technical aeronautics from TSU in 1988. He was named the “distinguished military graduate” of the university’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 790.

In Memory

We pay tribute to all members of the TSU family who have passed away.

the community how to sing and play the piano. Annie, who loved typing class, remembers being favored by Mrs. Harriett Hale, the president’s wife.

“She taught typesetting and would have me water the flowers and dust the tables in the classroom. I worked with her as a practice teacher and watched everything she did.”

After graduating, Annie worked for Fisk University at Bennett Hall when Charles S. Johnson became the institution’s first black president. Later, she moved to Michigan and taught in Detroit Public Schools for several years. Jessie worked as a registrar for 20 years at Cameron Middle School, during the time when it became a cornerstone for South Nashville’s African American population. In 1965, she transitioned into the classroom to teach 8th grade history and 9th grade social studies.

Their baby sister, Mary Elizabeth Owen, affectionately nicknamed “Shug,” graduated from TSU in 1936 and received a master’s degree in Library Services from Fisk University.

Contunied on Page 34

Summer 2008 33 ALUMNIlife

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blood, sweat, tears and victory

Continued from page 15

city. In addition Briley banned the sale of all liquor and firearms in Metropolitan Nashville.

However, curfews and banning liquor sales did little to stem the tide of property destruction that occurred in North Nashville. The community, once thriving with department stores and grocery stores, never regained its luster.

On the Tennessee State campus, after reports of gunfire from one of the dorms, police and the National Guard invaded and arrested nine people. After the armed units stormed the dormitory, the TSU ROTC building was set on fire. Graham Reed, a student at Tennessee State in April 1968, was a witness to many of the events in the city and on the campus. Reed gave his thoughts about April 4th and the days that followed in a story by Janell Ross in the Tennessean, “I think there were a lot of people who had a lot of things they wanted to say about the way life was, people wanted to say we’re not going to be ignored and run over and have our leaders killed,” said Reed, who today owns his own cabinetry and construction business. “The thing about it is nothing really changed, except maybe some people got jobs.”

Forty years later, the broken dormitory windows have long

A LESSON OF LOVE WITH THE OWEN SISTERS

been replaced and many of the students involved, now TSU alumni, became productive citizens. The intersection of Centennial Boulevard and 28th Avenue, where armored personnel carriers confronted students, has been renamed for two TSU sports icons. In 1982 a portion of Centennial Boulevard was named John A. Merritt in honor of the legendary coach. Later, 28th Avenue was renamed to honor the coaching achievements of Tigerbelle and Olympic coach Edward S. Temple. Since that day in April 1968 new dorms, classrooms and state-of-art research facilities have sprang up on the campus. Further, after 47 years the Freedom Riders: Catherine Burks, Pauline E. Knight, Etta Simpson, Frances Wilson, Frederick Wilson, Larry Hunter, Ernest Patton, Clarence Wright, William Harbour, William Mitchell, Mary Jane Smith, Allen Cason, Lester McKinnie, Charlers Butler, Kwame Lillard, and others will be duly recognized for their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Today TSU’s faculty and staff are arguably the most diverse in the state of Tennessee. But like the entire nation, Tennessee State University was profoundly affected and changed forever by the courageous acts of Dr. King and The Freedom Riders.

Continued from page 33

Mary taught school in Tuscumbia, Ala., and later moved to North Carolina to teach at Lincoln Academy, a school for African American children. Mary passed away in February 2008.

Reared with plenty of love, the Owen sisters feel blessed to have impacted the many children they taught, since never having any of their own.

“We learned exceptionally well at Tennessee State and really tried to go out and help other children learn too,” says Annie.

Recalling how passionate she was about her students, Jessie sheds a tear.

“I just wanted to help them understand their worth and show them they had the ability to overcome all the chal-

ALUMNIlife 34

Summer 2008

Jessie Laura Owen and Annie Clara Owen

lenges they faced,” she said.

Among two of the longest living graduates of TSU, they are still overjoyed about the university.

“I’m pleased to see the growth at TSU and to know that many students are continuing to attend there,” said Annie.

“We never thought we were doing anything spectacular,” added Jessie. “We just felt proud to be graduates because back then it was just something we wanted to accomplish.”

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6/6/08

11:31 AM

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Freedom Riders 14 Honored • TSU Convocation • Thursday, September 18, 2008 1:00 p.m. • Tennessee State University Gentry Complex

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.

Nashville, Tennessee 37209