The Spirit - Fall 2013

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CUNAA Board Members President Junious R. Stanton ‘69 Vice President Marion Haliburton, ‘70 Treasurer Paul A. Turner ‘62 Financial Secretary Gaynelle Turner Lewis ‘73 Corresponding Secretary Marilyn Garriest Clark ‘66 General Board Member Elaine Johnson Abbas ‘68 Joseph Devane ‘88 Oscar H. Hankinson, Ph. D ‘55 George H. Walker ‘76

Membership Fundraiser

Champagnes Lounge 21 East Chelton Avenue Philadelphia, PA Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Single Ticket: $12.00 Contact: Stephanie Bennet-Bay Call: (215) 869-8238 Food for Sale

October 17-20, 2013

Cheyney Homecoming Weekend See Page 8 For a List of Events

November 9, 2013

Philadelphia Chapter’s Scholarship Jazz Brunch

Ex-Officio Member Gregory Benjamin ‘81

Drexelbrook Catering & Banquet Facilities 4700 Drexelbrook Drive Drexel Hill, PA Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Contact: Sandy Roosa Call: (215) 878-2210

CUNAA PR Committee

December 7, 2013

Immediate Past President Dr. Sandra Merritt-Countley ‘67

PR Chair & Editor Yasheaka Oakley, 2011 Gregory Benjamin Gaynelle Turner Lewis Barbara Cottman Jackson Kezirah Vaughters Janeen Jackson Cecilia Elaine Turner Ex-Officio Member Junious R. Stanton

Contact CUNAA Mailing Address 1837 University Circle P.O. Box 121 Cheyney, PA 19319 Please send CUNAA PR Committee inquiries, photo and content submissions to prcommittee@cheyneyalum.org

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October 11, 2013

Montgomery County Chapter’s Annual Winter Dance Fundraiser Williamson’s Restaurant 500 Blair Mill Road, Horsham, PA Time: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Tickets: $45.00 Contact: Carolyn Manns Call: (215) 576-5620

December 7, 2013

Beta Gamma Foundation: 4th Annual Scholarship Gala

Philadelphia Airport Hilton 4509 Island Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Single Ticket: $100.00 Couples Ticket: $180.00 Contact: Greg Benjamin Email: BetaGammaQues@yahoo.com Call: (267) 225-0766

January 18, 2014

Delaware County Chapter’s Annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Gala Oaks Ballroom 511 Oak Lane, Glenolden PA Tickets: $45.00 Contact: Gaynelle Turner-Lewis

Upcoming Events Thank you for continuously supporting our alumni events, fundraisers, and meetings.

Be sure to visit the CUNAA website and Facebook page for more event updates and photos!

The Heeding Cheyney’s Call Initiative of 2013

“We don’t have enough students for a response. Cheyney administrators because you’re not giving us enough referred all questions to Garland.

A group of concerned Cheyney money,” Coard said at a news conference University supporters alleged outside federal court in Philadelphia. Cheyney supporters filed a similar bias Monday that the state is lawsuit against the state exactly 33 discriminating against the historically The state has 10 days to respond to years ago on Monday. The resolution black institution, imperiling its the letter, he said. The next step would of that case — coupled with a 1999 ability to attract new students be to file a civil rights lawsuit on behalf agreement between the state and and stay afloat economically. of current, former and prospective the U.S. Office for Civil Rights— was staff, students and faculty, said Coard. supposed to bring parity to Cheyney’s Pennsylvania officials denied any Plaintiffs would be identified at that time. funding and facilities, Coard said. racial bias against Cheyney, one of 14 public universities overseen by the However, higher education officials Yet alumnus Jeffrey Hart maintains State System of Higher Education. contend the state has committed that the inequalities persist. Hart “substantial resources” to Cheyney, said he helped to found Heeding But a coalition called Heeding including $70 million over the past two Cheyney’s Call in response to Cheyney’s Call sent a letter to Gov. years for a new dormitory and science the school’s failure to thrive.

Tom Corbett demanding equitable center. funding for the struggling school, Enrollment at Cheyney, one of two and warned of a possible lawsuit. Peter Garland, the state system’s historically black colleges in the state, acting chancellor, noted that the state’s has dropped from 3,000 in 1977 to about The group’s attorney, university appropriation of $12,505 per pupil 1,200 today, according to the group. alumnus Michael Coard, said the at Cheyney is nearly three times the current fiscal formula has led to inferior average given to the other universities. “We did not see the growth that we facilities, plummeting enrollment thought should be there,” Hart said. and a $14 million deficit at Cheyney. “Clearly, Cheyney University is treated fairly and equally in comparison to its Coalition members include current That puts the school on unequal other sister schools,” Garland said in Cheyney student body president Malik footing with the other 13 mainstream a statement.

Williams. universities, making it harder to attract badly needed tuition dollars, he said. Coard could not immediately be reached Photo by Matt Rourke / AP

by Kathy Matheson / AP

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100 Years of Sisterhood

This year, the lovely ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated celebrated the Sorority’s founding on January 13, 1913 during their 51st National Convention in Washington, D.C. on July 11 – 17, 2013.

Of the estimated 80,000 Deltas in attendance, 125 Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., including those initiated via the Cheyney University Delta Tau Chapter as well as women who graduated from Cheyney University, gathered during the Centennial celebration for a reunion at Clyde’s of Gallery Place in D.C.

Those in attendance spanned the 60 years of the chapter and arrived with Sorority Memorabilia which was displayed and shared. Sorors that did not attend the official Centennial arrived by limousine, bus, and train to join their sisters in fellowship.

The evening was culminated by a song fest that ended with the Cheyney Alma Mater and the Sweetheart Song.

The Delta Tau/CU 2013 Reunion Committee was CoChaired by Victoria Mosley Rivers (Delta Tau 1966, Cheyney Class of 1968) and Yvonne West Brown (Delta Tau 1968, Cheyney Class of 1970).

The Delta Tau Chapter was chartered in 1953 and Soror Delores Shelton, one of the 12 Charter members of the chapter, was in attendance.

The evening began with a rousing welcome followed by a memorial tribute to honor deceased members of the Delta Tau Chapter and Cheyney University family.

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Delta Sigma Theta, Delta Tau Chapter is currently preparing for activation at Cheyney University campus.

Photo 1: (from left to right) Sorors of the Spring 1964 Line, the “15 Mudwalkers.” Lucille Merritt Thornton, Sandra Roosa, Yvonne Banks Harper, Ruby Alfred Peters, Ingrid Montgomery Fluellen, Lindabeth Parker.

Miss Cheyney University Shines: Our Ebony Campus Queen Miss Cheyney University 2012-2013 Janelle McKelvey, Class of 2013, was featured in EBONY magazine’s September 2013 issue as a finalist in EBONY’s annual HBCU Campus Queen contest.

The EBONY HBCU Campus Queens program honors young women at Historically Black Colleges and Universities who are role models of both beauty and ambition on campus and in their communities.

This year, McKelvey was able to finish fifth out of 54 contestants due to the continuous support of family, alumni, and members of the Cheyney community.

McKelvey was crowned CU’s 40th Miss Cheyney University during its historic 175th anniversary celebration and is the first Miss Cheyney to be featured in the magazine.

While serving as Miss Cheyney, McKelvey supported her health awareness platform by hosting a Walk and Run fundraiser and raised $700 for breast cancer awareness.

“I am honored and ecstatic to be featured in EBONY magazine’s Campus Queen edition,” said McKelvey. “It is my hope that I can inspire young girls to follow their dreams and know that the sky is the limit!”

A Philadelphia native, McKelvey is a Cheyney legacy.

Her parents, James and Rochelle, Class of 1982, are both Cheyney alumni and active supporters of the university. A recent graduate, Janelle says that she hopes to enroll in medical school and fulfill her dream of becoming a pediatrician.

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Photo Courtesy of Janelle McKelvey: (from left to right) Miss Tuskegee University, Miss Savanna State University; Miss Hampton State University; Miss Cheyney University; and Miss Jackson State University.

Dear Cheyney Alumni Association, I am currently a senior Environmental Biology major at Cheyney. This past summer, I had the pleasure of participating in a federal internship program with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Chief Financial Office in Washington, D.C. During my internship, I was able to work with high ranking officials in the Executive Branch, learn more about the current state of our national budget, what sequestration means to our country, and become privy to information for the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

The DOE appointed me to contribute and critique the Department’s new strategic plan, which was a great honor since this plan, is only changed every 4 to 6 years.

Secretary Munoz delegated a specialized team to chair the development of the new plan and I was a part of the Energy & Science group. Our main focus was to support and implement government wide goals for clean energy which I found very relevant, considering my major and the courses I have taken at Cheyney.

I would like to thank all of the members of the Cheyney Alumni Association for granting me a housing scholarship. Without your help, I would not have been able to experience such a great opportunity. Many thanks and blessings to all of you!

Aisha Harris, Class of 2014 Photo: Aisha Harris at the Office of the Chief Financial Officer in Washington, D.C. during her 2013 internship.

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My March on Washington Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech

by Gail E. Hunter, Class of 1973

I knew all year, actually for the last 49, that August 28, 2013 would be the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s March on Washington in 1963. What I did not know is that I would be alive and living within 20 miles of where this great human event occurred.

I had to be a part of it.

The weeks prior to the “March” were loaded with workshops, photography displays and prayer services. Howard, GWU, The National Archives, Metropolitan AME were a few of many host institutions participating. I learned there were two planned marches scheduled for Saturday, August 24 and Wednesday, August 28. I chose Saturday.

That morning came blessed with blue sky and no humidity.

Everywhere I looked, there were colorful t-shirts on members of labor unions, churches, and colleges. People carried signs that sported messages supporting civil rights. I saw one that said, “Stop Southern Christian Leadership the New Jim Crow,” and many pictures conference; and a 15-year-old lady of Trayvon Martin, the young man who with a big voice representing the youth was wrongfully shot in Florida. section of the NAACP all made their way across the stage.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. we were filled with the concerns, hopes and dreams In my opinion, the most memorable of over a dozen speakers. Attorney moments came from Dr. King’s General Holder, Reverend Al Sharpton, children: Martin Luther King, III and Nancy Pelosi, leaders of the AFL-CIO, Bermice King.

National Teachers Association, the 6

It was a triumphant moment to witness his black adult children sharing the stage and holding hands with other white adult children and when I didn’t think it could get any better, a distant, yet distinct sound could be heard above the crowd.

“Am I imagining this?” I thought. And then it came again and I knew this time it was for real: “C-U!” Yes, Cheyney was in the house!

I rose from my grassy spot, excusing myself while stepping over the crowd. I could feel the tears welling up at the sight of several young men and young women standing tall wearing their blue and white Cheyney t-shirts.

I walked up to them with my “CU response” and asked one smiling young man what class was present. To my surprise and joy, he replied, “The Class of 2017.”

I’ll say this: “Every good thing is worth every struggle and every sacrifice you give to it to that little group of students from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania nestled in that scenic little valley at that big march.”

This is what our Cheyney is all about: a small and necessary piece for growing the best within each and every student that makes their way to its’ front door.

That is our requirement as Alumni.

I think of Mr. Bayard Rustin who was born in West Chester and was a student at Cheyney for a period during the early 1930’s. I think he would add that this too, shall be our legacy, for our race. May our Alma Mater never call in vain.

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Photo courtesy of Gail Hunter: Gail Hunter holds her 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington sign while proudly wearing her Cheyney Gear.

minimum of $2,300 to participate in the three-day charity and breast cancer awareness event.

If you would like to make a donation to Camille’s Susan G. Komen team, Hart to Heart, please visit www.the3day.org/goto/camillegadsden.

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Diving into Turkish Culture with Doyt Jones Cheyney University alumnus Doyt M. Jones, Class of 1973, participated in a August mission trip to Turkey sponsored by the Peace Island Institute.

Jones earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Cheyney University and is a retired math teacher from the Philadelphia Public School District. After almost 40 years in the workforce, Jones decided to apply for the Turkey mission trip in an attempt to foster a better understanding of culture and humanity.

While overseas, Jones used his understanding of the postsecondary education system to share ideas with education, medical, and business professionals.

A Hart-to-Heart with Camille Gadsden For the second year in a row, Camille Gadsden, Class of 1994, is participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Walk. This year, the 60-mile trail winds throughout the Philadelphia area to include the Willow Grove Mall, Main Line, and the Naval Yard. The Philadelphia 3-Day is scheduled for October 4 – 6, 2013.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health, “African-American women are more likely than all other women to die from breast cancer.”

“Someone close to me suffers from breast cancer,” said Gadsden. “I have a lot of people close to me that suffer from different types of cancer and participating in the Walk makes me feel like I can help to find a cure.”

Last year, Gadsden raised more than $2,300 in support of breast cancer research—a feat she hopes to repeat this year. So far, Gadsden has raised more than $1,300 to support her team, “Hart to Heart,” but must raise a

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“The experience was quite educational because I was able to learn about the many facets of the country,” said Jones. “It is so important to talk with citizens to get an understanding of the heartbeat of a religion, to experience the food, the travel, and the climate so that you leave with an understanding of the everyday life of a country.”

Cheyney University Homecoming 2013 Thursday, October 17 - Sunday, October 20, 2013

Mention “Cheyney Homecoming” for Discounted Hotel Rates Hampton Inn & Suites Chadds Ford Staybridge Suites Brandywine Valley Suites Hotel Wyndham Garden Hotel Concordville Inn

Days Hotel & Conference Center Microtel Inn & Suites Comfort Inn Holiday Inn Express

The All-Access Pass

Saturday, October 19, 2013

White Pass - $65 The White All-Access Pass includes admission to the Comedy Show, General Meeting, and access to the CU Live Party.

Blue Pass - $75 The Blue All-Access Pass offers all the benefits of the White, but includes access to both the CUNAA After the Hill Social AND the CU Live Party.

Advance Payment is required for the All-Access Pass.

Both All-Access Pass packages include (1) on-campus parking pass for Homecoming Weekend. The deadline for all advance registrations is Friday, October 4. Attendees without All-Access Passes are expected to pay a $10.00 parking fee for Saturday events.

Show your Card in the Cheyney University Bookstore to receive a CUNAA discount on all purchases.

Thursday, October 17, 2013 Cabaret Majestic Hall 800 West Olney Street Philadelphia, PA Time: 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Tickets: $25.00

Bring Your Own Food & Beverages

Alumni General Membership Meeting and Continental Breakfast Marcus Foster, 2nd Fl Auditorium Time: 8:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Tickets: $20.00

Friday, October 18, 2013

Saturday, October 19, 2013

CUNAA Life Members’ Luncheon Time: 12 p.m.

By Invitation Only

Class of 1978 Reunion Marcus Foster, 2nd Fl Auditorium Time: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Tickets: FREE

Friday, October 18, 2013

Saturday, October 19, 2013

RSVP with Gregory Benjamin

Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Concordville Inn Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Tickets: $45.00 Payable to the Athletic Hall of Fame

Friday, October 18, 2013

Comedy Show & After Party Days Hotel and Conference Center 943 South High Street West Chester, PA Time: 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Tickets $30.00 for CUNAA Members ** before Oct. 4 **

$35.00 in Advance $40.00 at the Door Event Includes

TuRae & Friends Comedy Extravaganza Dinner, After Party & Dessert

CUNAA After the Hill Social Marcus Foster, 2nd Fl Auditorium Time: 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Tickets: $10.00 Food and Beverages Provided

Saturday, October 19, 2013

CU Live Party Days Hotel and Conference Center 943 South High Street West Chester, PA Time: 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Tickets: $35.00

Featuring a mix of DJs, Food and Cash Bar

Sunday, October 20, 2013 President’s Legacy Brunch Ada S. Georges Dining Hall Time: 10 a.m.

By Invitation Only

Visit www.CheyneyAlum.org to Purchase Tickets Online 8

CUNAA Hosts “A Taste of Philadelphia” On August 19 and 20, the Cheyney University National Alumni Association welcomed more than 825 family members to the Cheyney family by treating them to “A Taste of Philadelphia” in the Marcus Foster Alumni / Student Union Center.

The Cheyney “C” Club Hosts Another Successful Golf Tournament On August 26, the Cheyney “C” Club hosted its fourth annual Wade Wilson Golf Tournament at Penn Oaks Country Club in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

This year, The “C” Club strove to raise $100,000 in scholarship funds for student-athletes who represent Cheyney and its 12 varsity sport teams, cheerleading squad, and University band. The golf tournament, sponsorships, and auction generated more than $55,000 and 100 percent of the proceeds (after expenses) will benefit student-athletes at Cheyney.

“What sets us apart from other golf outings is the fact that we offer something for non-golfers,” said “C” Club President, Robert Hunter, Class of 1982. “This year, we organized a behind-the-scenes tour of QVC Studio Park and a wine tasting at Penns Woods Winery for those who wish to support our goal, but have no interest in hitting the greens.”

With approximately 150 participants and supporters, the 2013 Wade Wilson Golf Tournament was a great success.

PA State Senator and member of the CU Council of Trustees, Vincent Hughes said the event was “critical to filling the gap” left by government budget cuts and said, “I’m proud to support the Wade Wilson Golf Tournament and The “C” Club. It is an honor to help raise funds for such an important institution that provides critical support for Cheyney University’s athletic programs.”

Interested in becoming a member of The Cheyney “C” Club?

Visit www.cheyneycclub.com for information about membership dues and benefits.

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Photo: Members of the Cheney “C” Club at the 2013 Wade Wilson Golf Tournament. Photo courtesy of Craig’s Images Photography.

Photo: Cheyney alumni feed incoming freshman and parents during the Fall 2013 Move-In Days.

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Alumni from local chapters joined board members of the Student Government Cooperative Association, Inc. to host the welcome luncheon that featured traditional Philadelphia fare, such as: hoagies, Philadelphia pretzels, and Tasykakes.

CUNAA President Junious Stanton and Miss Cheyney University 2013 Janelle McKelvey were on hand to welcome parents and incoming students as volunteers helped serve families meals. The families were appreciative of the meal and took advantage of the opportunity to interact with alumni as students worked their way through a medley of registration stations.

CUNAA would like to thank all of our volunteers, and extend a special “Thank you” to our various donors. This event wouldn’t have been possible without your support.

Cheyney University National Alumni Association 1837 University Circle P.O. Box 121 Cheyney, PA 19319

Attention Class of ‘78

Dear Fellow Cheyney Alumni:

On behalf of the Class of 1978, I am inviting you to join us as we celebrate our 35th anniversary.

To honor our Alma Mater, we hope to mark our 35th year milestone with a substantial donation to the Cheyney Alumni Scholarship Fund by “Reaching Back, Giving Back.”

We ask that all members of the Class of ’78 contribute to our “$35 for 35 Challenge” by asking all Cheyney alumni, friends and supporters to make a charitable donation of $35. All donations are tax deductible, so please help us spread the word and make this year’s scholarship challenge a success.

Please make checks payable to “Cheyney Alumni Scholarships,” and write Class of 1978 on the memo line.

Checks should be mailed to: Cheyney University National Alumni Association 1837 University Circle P.O. Box 121 Cheyney, PA 19319

Class of 1978 graduates, another way to show your support is by volunteering. We are in need of 1978 class members to assist us from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at our Homecoming event in Marcus Foster Alumni Student Center on Saturday, October 19, 2013.

Fellow alumni, please join me and our classmates as we celebrate our 35th anniversary milestone by “Reaching Back and Giving Back” to our Alma Mater and the students who are continuing the esteemed legacy of Cheyney University.

In the Spirit of Honoring Cheyney, Ernest “Ernie” Coleman ‘78 President, Class of 1978 Contact Information Phone: (267) 297-1582 Email: erniecoleman54@yahoo.com