“Never shalt thou call in vain!” As we look forward to coming home to Cheyney University, many of us have questions and concerns. Which direction is our beloved university heading? Will there be a collaboration with West Chester University or an outright takeover? While these questions lay heavy on our minds, this fall issue of The Spirit takes a look at a few alumni, collectively and individually, who are answering Cheyney’s call in various ways. As always, The C Club, through its Wade Wilson Golf Tournament, continues to raise money for scholarships to support the University‘s athletic department. The Alumni Chapter of Delaware County has launched a community service program that supports young mothers while presenting them with college opportunities. Delaware State Alumni Chapter continues its leadership program on campus with professional development for future entrepreneurs. Dr. Angela Harris of Ohio and Debra McCoy of Baltimore are going through the process to start chapters in their respective areas. Althea Kitchens worked in Uganda to empower women to develop small businesses and established crowdfunding with the help of Cheyney alumni and friends. While these are just a few who have heard Cheyney’s call, much is needed to keep Cheyney on a positive path. So, after dues are paid, don’t hesitate to attend chapter meetings and volunteer on various committees and participate in activities that will enable the Cheyney University National Alumni Association to continue to promote the advancement of Cheyney University by supporting the education of future Cheyney alumni. Marion Haliburton ‘70 Cheyney University National Alumni Association President
Cheyney University National Alumni Association Board of Directors President Marion Haliburton ‘70 Vice President Yasir N. Roundtree ‘10 Corresponding Secretary Elaine Johnson Abbas ‘68 Recording Secretary George H. Walker, Sr. ‘76 Treasurer Paul A. Turner ‘62 Financial Secretary Theodore J. Duncan ‘72 General Board Members Dr. Oscar H. Hankinson ‘55 James McKelvey ‘82 William Nichols ‘64 Immediate Past President Junious R. Stanton ‘69 Director of Alumni Relations (ex-officio)
Gregory Benjamin ‘81
CUNAA Public Relations Committee Committee Chair Yasheaka Oakley Owens ‘11 Yasheaka Oakley Owens ‘11 Advertising Manager Christina Clark ‘97 General Members Gregory Benjamin ‘81 Gaynelle Turner-Lewis ‘73 Sonjia Stanton ‘69 ~*~
yoakley@wolf.cheyney.edu
Cover Photo Provided By Althea Kitchens Kitchens ‘03 Althea ‘03
5 Reasons Why Heeding Cheyney’s Call is Suing PASSHE Cheyney University--an all-time great institution--now has an all-time low student enrollment with an all-time high budget deficit. In other words, Cheyney’s very existence is now in jeopardy. This dire situation has been caused by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s (PASSHE) decades-long racial discrimination in violation of federal law, state law, and a signed agreement. As a result, Heeding Cheyney’s Call (HCC), founded in 2013 to save and enhance our historic alma mater, promptly began confidential negotiations in Harrisburg with toplevel Corbett Administration attorneys and budget officials. HCC’s Negotiation Team consists of Dr. Earl S. Richardson, a nationally renowned expert on discrimination in higher education who served as President of Morgan State University for more than a quarter century; attorney Pace J. McConkie, the Director of the preeminent Robert M. Bell Center for Civil Rights; and attorney Joe H. Tucker, the head of The Tucker Law Group, which is the largest and most prominent Black law firm on the East Coast. Also included on HCC’s Negotiation Team are Junious R. Stanton, immediate past President of the National Alumni Association; Professor E. Sonny Harris, former Campus Faculty Union President; and attorney Michael Coard, former Council of Trustees Member and Student Government Officer. When efforts to reach a political settlement failed after several months, HCC was compelled in October 2014 to file a major federal civil rights lawsuit against the Commonwealth and PASSHE. And here are five reasons why: 1. To End Blatant Racism: Since 1901, the Commonwealth has racially discriminated against Cheyney. In
that year, when Cheyney was a stand-alone teacher training school, Pennsylvania paid the full tuition of $140 to white students trained at white teacher training schools but only $25 to Black students at Cheyney. Also, in 1969, the federal government determined that Pennsylvania was one of only ten states still racially segregating in higher education. Furthermore, it wasn’t until 1983 that Pennsylvania--for the first time ever--finally submitted an anti-racial discrimination plan deemed acceptable by and to the federal government. In addition, because Pennsylvania and PASSHE’s 1983 plan was all talk and very little action, the federal government compelled them to the negotiation table to enter into a formal contract that would guarantee an end to their discrimination by providing adequate resources to Cheyney. Although they signed that contract (which, by 2015, should have resulted in $100 million in longoverdue resources to Cheyney), they later breached it and continue to do so. 2. To Expose Second-Class Status: Unlike the 13 traditionally white stateowned universities, Cheyney has never been treated like an equal partner by PASSHE. Every time PASSHE has claimed to help Cheyney, it has always been piecemeal. There has never been a comprehensive review of Cheyney across the board in terms of creating attractive academic programs, enhancing marketing, increasing enrollment, tutoring students, improving faulty, monitoring departments, training staffers, constructing buildings, and otherwise expanding resources. 3. To Avenge Our African Institute/ Institute For Colored Youth Ancestors Since 1837: Cheyney has created the likes of Julian Abele (architectural designer of the Philadelphia Free Library and the Art Museum), William Adger (first Black graduate of University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Edward A. Bouchet (first Black to receive a Ph.D. in America), Ed Bradley (“60 Minutes” correspondent), Octavius Catto (civil rights activist), Dr. Rebecca J. Cole (one of the first Black female physicians in the country), Dr. Marcus A. Foster (nationally renowned educator), Richard T. Greener (first
Black graduate of Harvard University), Bayard Rustin (national civil rights activist), and many others. 4. To Continue Successful Programs: The Masters in Educational Leadership program has been one of the nationally ranked leaders in producing Masters’ degrees in education for students of color and one of the major producers of teacher and administrative leaders in the Tri-State region; the undergraduate and graduate “Call Me MISTER” teacher leadership program encourages African-American men-who are much needed and woefully underutilized in education--to dedicate their lives to becoming role models; the “Teach STEM Scholarship Project” prepares African-American women to become highly qualified teachers who will change paradigms in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education through positive role-modeling and high tech innovation; the “Aquaculture Research and Education Center” meets the needs of the region’s critical waterways with the objective being to train students to become professionals in various scientific areas in the U.S. and abroad; the “Keystone Honors Academy” is a far-reaching academic excellence program that fosters intellectually enriching experiences for students with impressive GPAs. And it positions students to receive Bond-Hill Scholarships that provide for complete tuition funding to attend state graduate programs in the fields of medicine, law, and business. 5. To Instill Pride In Students For The Oldest Black Institution Of Higher Learning: And as Professor Harris states, “I was a student from Atlantic City, raised by my grandmother, and historic Cheyney gave me the opportunity and aid that no other college would have given me. As a Professor of Mathematics and President of the Faculty Union for 25 years, I pledged to assist Cheyney to serve other Black students. It has been an honor to work with HCC to save and enhance Cheyney and to fight PASSHE’s 33 year racism.” Visit HeedingCheyneysCall.org for more information.
The Cheyney University National Alumni Association Posthumously Salutes Cheyney Alumnus Prof. Edgar “Sonny” Harris ‘58 (ΩΨΦ)
Photo by Craigs Images Photography
For Heeding the Call of Our Beloved Alma Mater
Cheyney C Club Raises $50,000 for Student-Athlete Scholarships at 2015 Wade Wilson Golf Tournament The Cheyney C Club hosted its sixth annual Wade Wilson Golf Tournament on August 17, 2015 and raised more than $50,000 in scholarship support for Cheyney student athletes. Over the last five years, this charity golf tournament has helped raise more than $200,000 in scholarship funds for student-athletes at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the nation’s oldest Historically Black institution of higher education. This year’s goal of $50,000 surpassed last year’s $40,000 milestone which provided scholarship aid to 43 studentathletes. The tournament’s consistent results have attracted a variety of sponsors from the Philadelphia area as well as national brands, including: The Sazerac Company, Allstate Insurance, Lexus of Cherry Hill, The Cheyney Foundation, PECO, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., LLC, Universal Companies, Kelly Sports, LTD, and PK Financial.
“We are excited to see this tournament reach its sixth successful year,” said Larry Skinner ‘76, President of The C Club. “It is encouraging to receive such consistent sponsor support, and to welcome so many new players and sponsors interested in providing our students with the support they need to continue their education at Cheyney.” Former Wolves football player and C Club Scholar Ernest Washington (Jersey City, NJ/Marist) credits The Cheyney C Club with helping him reach his undergraduate goals during his time at Cheyney University. With the support of The C Club, his coaches and family, Washington was able to complete his Recreation & Leisure Management degree program, graduate with the Class of 2015 with a 3.6 GPA, make the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, and play with the ASI Panthers professional indoor football team along with three other Cheyney football players. “The Cheyney C Club has helped a lot of Cheyney student-athletes who needed financial aid to pursue their
academic and athletic dreams,” said Washington. “With their help, I graduated from Cheyney University. I can never thank The C Club enough.” The Cheyney C Club Board of Directors would like to extend a special “Thank You” to C Club Life Members William Shumake (ΩΨΦ) and Marion Wiggins Shumake (ΔΣΘ) ‘64 for serving as Honorary Chairs of the 2015 Wade Wilson Golf Tournament, their generous pledge of $5,000, and for leading a campaign to raise an additional $1,000 in scholarship support. Special acknowledgments are also extended to Elizabeth Berry Holmes, Charles Lane IV, Senator Vincent Hughes, and PA State Representative Jim Roebuck for their continuous support and sponsorship. The Cheyney C Club aims to continue this legacy of success in 2016 when the Wade Wilson Golf Tournament and Silent Auction returns on Monday, August 22, 2016 at Penn Oaks Country Club in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Written by Yasheaka Oakley Owens ‘11 Photo by Craig’s Images Photography
Associate | Bronze | Corporate | Lifetime
Find Your Inner Artist at Cheyney University! The Cheyney Foundation Supports The Fine Arts With New Fundraising Campaign In recent years, the university has experienced financial challenges due to budget cuts on the state level and the lack of funds for new or continuing programs has stressed the need for alternative and innovative fundraising. This is the case for Marietta DantonioMadsen, Professor and Chair of the Fine Arts & Liberal Studies Department at Cheyney University. As an internationally recognized AllSteinway School, Cheyney owns 10 Steinway pianos in classrooms and historic buildings throughout the campus. Students enrolled in the Fine Arts Degree Program, as well as visiting artists, use the pianos as part of classroom instruction, senior showcase performances and the Cheyney University Arts and Lectures Series which invites entertainers to perform for the Cheyney community. Recent constraints to the University’s budget limited Madsen’s ability to replace equipment and supplies needed for classroom instruction for both Music and Fine Arts students. In an appeal to The Cheyney Foundation, Madsen stated that the lack of an operational kiln would disrupt Art Therapy and Ceramics courses that are mandatory for graduation and the
need for new digital pianos in the classroom were vital for musical instruction. Madsen’s appeal resonated with The Cheyney Foundation’s Board of Directors and they unanimously decided to provide the Fine Arts Degree Program with a $20,000 grant to support the purchase of equipment for the department and to provide the Department Chair with the support she needed to improve the Fine Arts Degree Program. “Our Board is very passionate about The Arts, and we were happy to contribute and collaborate with Professor Madsen on growing this program,” said Foundation Director and Fine Arts Committee Chair Althea Harris ’68. “We believe that, through The Arts, we can achieve a universal language and understanding that all people in our community will value and benefit from.” Since launching this initiative, The Foundation has sponsored a piano concert at Cheyney University in collaboration with the PanAmerican Pan-African Association and the Washington International Piano Arts Council (WIPAC) to host a piano concert in tribute to Dr.
Robert Pritchard, the first African American classical recording artist. The piano concert raised more than $1,500 in individual donations to support the purchase of new digital keyboards for music students to use in the classrooms of Marian Anderson Music Center. “We have made the Fine Arts Degree Program one of The Cheyney Foundation’s focus programs for the 2015-16 fiscal year and we are proud to contribute and collaborate with Professor Madsen to raise funds for program support and student scholarships,” said Board Chairman Irving Bailey ‘74. The October Paint Night Fundraiser is open to the Delaware County community. Tickets cost $45.00 and a portion of your ticket is tax-deductible. If you would like to support The Cheyney Foundation’s goal to support The Fine Arts Degree Program at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, please consider making a charitable, taxdeductible donation by mailing a check payable to “The Cheyney Foundation” to P.O. Box 1569, Medford, NJ 080556569 with “Fine Arts” written in the memo line.
Althea Kitchens ‘03
A Young Nonprofit Professional On the Rise Althea Kitchens (ΔΣΘ), Class of 2003, is currently the Senior Manager of Strategic Events and Engagement with the International Rescue Committee, a global humanitarian aid organization. In May of 2015, she helped organize a field visit for the IRC’s young professional group, GenR, traveling to the Uganda country office. During the trip, the group traveled throughout the region witnessing educational, health, entrepreneurial and other uplifting programs. Starting in the capital of Kampala, the visit began with Women’s Protection and Empowerment programs that aid urban refugees from Congo run micro-lending clubs that enable the women to establish and sustain their own businesses. These businesses range from jewelry and clothing sales, to operating bars, and supplying clean water to communities through the purchase and operation of septic tanks. Traveling 13 hours northeast of the capital, the group spent several days in the Karamoja region of Uganda, which borders South Sudan and Kenya. There they visited programs ranging from peace building projects to life saving health programs. The final days of the coordinated trip were spent in the western region of Kiryandongo where food programs, such as mass production farming were illustrated. After the work trip was over, Althea was able to enjoy Uganda by going on a five day safari journey through the national parks along the southern most part of the country, bordering Rwanda. There she was able to witness mountain gorillas, tree climbing lions, and one of her favorite animals, the African elephant. The trip was a humbling and life changing experience for Althea, so upon her return, she created a fundraising campaign to assist in the
continued efforts of necessary programming in Uganda. She dedicated her 35th birthday toward raising awareness for these programs. In June, Althea launched a crowdfunding campaign and collected $800 in donations from her friends, family and fellow Cheyney alumni. Contributions are still accepted online at http://diy. rescue.org/35foruganda. When asked what keeps her motivated to progress in her personal and professional life, Althea explains, “There were generations of people before me who fought for me to have the opportunities that I have access to today--including the founders of Cheyney, which began with the idea of educating children of African descent post high school, during a time when it wasn’t even legal for us to read.” Kitchens says, “This keeps me going. Knowing that I am living the dreams of my ancestors while striving to pave the way for and uplift those that follow me. It is my civic duty.” Kitchens earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts from Cheyney University in 2003 and later earned her M.B.A. in Management and Corporate Communication & Organizational Behavior from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. During her studies at FDU she traveled to England for an International Corporate Communications summer program. Althea Kitchens has held numerous leadership positions with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Bronx Alumnae Chapter, the New York Urban League Young Professionals. She has previously served as a New York liaison for CUNAA and was awarded the Alumni of the Year Award in May of 2009. Stories & Photos submitted by Althea Kitchens ‘03.
It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of the following members of the Cheyney University Family. Saundra Dickerson ‘63 (ΔΣΘ) Leila Melvin-Harris’ 83 Dr. Nancy L. Harper-Appling’67 Nathaniel Teagle, Sr. ‘56 LaVerne Case ‘59 Dr. Paul L. Vance ‘52 Nancy M. Wyche Morgan ’71 Robin Gibson Crosby ‘69 Gerade L. “Roddy” Smalls ’99 Adolphus Williams ‘63 (ΦΒΣ) Ericka Mushala (ΩΩ) Richard Stephen Donahue ‘71 (AΦA) Prof. Edgar “Sonny” Harris ‘58 (ΩΨΦ)
Calling All Cheyney University Alumni in OHIO! Are you interested in connecting with fellow alumni? Are you interested in promoting the rich legacy of your alma mater to high school students and your local community? Are you ready to give back to the institution that helped mold and shape you into the professional you are today? If yes, then please join me in starting an OHIO Alumni chapter! Collectively, we can support the FIRST historical black institution of higher learning in the country, our alma mater, CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY! If interested or you have questions please contact me at the information below. I look forward to hearing from all my fellow CU OHIO alumni! Dr. Angela L. Harris angela1908harris@gmail.com (614) 419-9055
National Alumni Association Scholarships for Cheyney Students
Congratulations Beverly A. Collins-Thomas ‘75
$1,500 Named Scholarships W. McKinley Menchan & Katherin Russell Wilson Booker Reeves/Sylvester Pace Ashley H. Cooke, Sr. Ed Bradley Wade Wilson, PhD Fannie Jackson Coppin
$1,000 Named Scholarships Barbara Daniel Cox Janice Henry Carolyn D. Jackson Wilma Jones Dr. Jacqueline Peace Gaynelle Turner-Lewis William & Marion Shumake Keith Singletary Paul & Barbara Turner Gertrude Williams Class of 1947 Marcus Foster Elvira Wilson
Congratulations to Cheyney Alumna Beverly A. Collins-Thomas on her retirement from the School District of Philadelphia. She served in the positions of teacher, Head teacher, Instructional Coach, and as a Educational Field Administrator for the Pre- Kindergarten Head Start program. Beverly earned her Elementary Education degree at Cheyney, where she was selected as the “Student Teacher of the Year.” She was also inducted into the National Honor Society prior to graduating in 1975. In 1985, she earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Chestnut Hill College.
She is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is an active member of the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter. CollinsThomas is also a member of the Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Montgomery County Chapter. On June 18, 2014, the members of The Office of Early Childhood gave her a wonderful surprise Retirement Party. Ironically, the next day during a meeting her supervisors, fellow administrators, and those people that she supervises, gave her a standing ovation. The ovation was in recognition of her many years of excellence, dedication, and professionalism that she gave to the students and staff of the School District of Philadelphia.
$500 Named Scholarships Julius H. Brown The Cheyney Foundation Eva Hanson-Douthit Thelmarene Hooper Bettie M. Hunt-Aycox Harley Spry, Jr. Glenn Wilson
$250 Book Scholarships Lionel Broome Darlene Cager-Williams Marvin Caldwell Sharon Cannon Marilyn Clark Robert L. Crawford Lawrence Green Howard Jennings Kathleen H. Lacy Charles Logan Yvonne Proudford Renee Richardson Karen Shanks June Strothers Gertrude Williams Glenn Wilson
The Class of 1966’s All White Party The Cheyney University Alumni Class of 1966 held an All White Party in the Harvey Schmidt Garden in Duckrey Social Science Center on Saturday August 29., 2015 Class members gathered for the first of several fundraisers that they will hold in an effort to raise scholarships for Cheyney University students. Their hope is to raise more than $50,000 and make that major gift to the University in May 2016.
That’s when they will lead the processional at graduation as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. The Class of 1966 chose to hold the All White Party on campus because this historic HBCU is where it all started for them--lifetime friendships, promising careers, mentorships, and much more. Leading their efforts were Co-Chairs Barbara Daniel-Cox and Dr. Juan Baughn.
Happy Homecoming 2015 Cheyney Alumni &
Happy 65th Chapter Anniversary To The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Beta Gamma Chapter
“In Memory of Our Beloved Beta Gamma Brothers�
Edgar (Sonny) Harris Beta Gamma 1957
Bruce Bell Beta Gamma Founder
Quinton (Memphis) Harris Beta Gamma 1999
SAVE THE DATE CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY ALUMNI CHAPTER OF DELAWARE COUNTY ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
SCHOLARSHIP GALA SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2016 SECOND ANNUAL OLDIE CABARET SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2016
Delaware State Chapter Hosts Leadership Academy for Cheyney Students
Delaware County’s Community Service Project in Sharon Hill As part of their community service project, the Delaware County Chapter prepared a spaghetti dinner for the YoungLives Sharon Hill Club. Cheyney Alumna Asia Summers ‘07 serves as Staff Associate of Delaware County for the organization. Asia has been involved with YoungLives since 2010 and states, “YoungLives is a place for young moms to let their hair down and be who they really are in a judgment free environment. We are here to support, mentor, and encourage them on this path called life.” In addition to preparing and serving dinner to the young ladies and their children, mentors Sheree Monroe, Gaynelle Turner-Lewis and Delco Chapter President Evelyn N. Brown, had an opportunity to discuss college preparedness with several young ladies. Jasmine Richardson, a junior Keystone Honors Academy scholar, had an opportunity to interact with the club members and share her college experience with them. President Brown was so impressed
with the mission of YoungLives that she asked chapter members to donate much needed diapers and baby wipes to the YoungLives club. The Delaware County Chapter is committed to raising scholarship dollars for students attending Cheyney University and playing an active role in the community. The members of the Delaware County Chapter recently presented Cheyney’s Interim President Dr. Frank G. Pogue with a check for $10,000 in scholarship support and will continue to raise funds for student scholarships during its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Gala, scheduled for Saturday, January 16 and Oldies Cabaret on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Submitted by Gaynelle Turner-Lewis.
The Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Delaware Leadership Academy is committed to moving Cheyney University’s students forward, and because of our commitment, we empower our students to become leaders, equip them with the necessary tools to attract businesses while engaging the community in Cheyney University’s progress. The goals of the Cheyney Alumni Chapter of Delaware Leadership Academy is to: inspire and increase the capacity of established leader; propel the potential of emerging leaders to action; attract and engage students to reach their full potential; and establish a connection to the Alumni Association. Our signature workshops are Protecting Your Identity, Resume Writing Mixer, Interviewing Techniques and Proper Business, and Personal Branding. It is the vision of our chapter to continue to support, foster and provide hands on workshops for the students of Cheyney University. Submitted by Sekini’ Moore, President
Cheyney University National Alumni Association 1837 University Circle PO Box 121 Cheyney, PA 19319-1019
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID WEST CHESTER, PA PERMIT NO. 315
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