MESSAGE TO ALUMNI As the Fall Semester starts, we see many students begin their path to be coming future alumni of Cheyney University. During their journey, the students will begin the transformation from adolescents to young men and women. Not only will they learn from their chosen fields of study, but these students will change and grow into young professionals and proud Cheyney alumni as they gain experience, obtain wisdom and receive encouragement from their professors and the Cheyney alumni network. Barbara Daniel-Cox ’66 was a firm advocate for students. She was so very passionate about developing students into strong, compassionate, and capable Cheyney alums that she would personally mentor students and younger alumni who were interested in joining the ranks of the National Alumni Association. Barbara even recruited and help prepare some of our current alumni leaders—ensuring that everyone who engaged with CUNAA knew that she loved this university and expected every alumni to exhibit a similar enthusiasm for this beautiful institution in all that they did. Barbara Daniel-Cox will be missed dearly. She has left a mark on an entire generation of students and alumni as she challenged them to “answer the call.” Other alumni throughout the country “bleed Cheyney blue” as well. At the 2016 Alumni Weekend Luncheon, James McKelvey ‘82, president of the Philadelphia chapter, was awarded the James H. Duckery Award for Service. James makes it his mission to ensure that Cheyney University is represented at college fairs in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Al Coleman ’72, president of the Greater South Jersey chapter, received the Leslie Pinckney Hill Award in recognition of his work as an educator beyond the classroom and on the university campus. Al works to advise and counsel students whenever he is on campus and pushes his chapter to serve their local community. These alums are just a sample of the alumni stories that come together to make up our beautiful Alumni Association. Our alumni give their time, talent, and treasures to allow Cheyney University to continue to transform with the trends of the time, learn from the past, change to remain relevant as the first Historically Black institution of higher education for African Americans in America, and grow as an institution that can better serve its students and alumni.
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 James Mckelvey ‘82 Financial Secretary Gaynelle Turner-Lewis ‘73 General Board Members Dr. Oscar H. Hankinson ‘55 William Nichols ‘64 Sheree Monroe ‘04
I am happy to share that the Cheyney University National Alumni Association is actively preparing for our beloved university’s 180th Anniversary Celebration. To continue to encourage and develop Cheyney students into successful alumni, I ask that you please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Cheney University National Alumni Association’s $2 Million Dollar Campaign for the Alumni Scholarship Fund which ends on December 31, 2017. To-date, our alumni have raised $1,786,000 in support of our $2M goal. I encourage you to make a personal gift, no matter how small, because when you give the gift of opportunity, we as a people, will prosper.
Director of Alumni Relations (ex-officio) Gregory Benjamin ‘81
In the spirit of Cheyney,
CUNAA Public Relations Committee
THE SPIRIT
Marion Haliburton ‘70, President
The Spirit is brought to you by the Cheyney University National Alumni Association Public Relations Committee. We are proud to highlight and share news from our growing network of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania alumni and encourage you to continue to share your stories. For more information about The Spirit, please visit the CUNAA website at www. cheyneyalum.org and select CUNNA Newsletter. Please send all inquiries, highresolution JPEG photos (original, uncropped, unfiltered) and 500-word content submissions in Microsoft Word document format (.DOC) to the Public Relations Committee for consideration. Email: PRCommittee@cheyneyalum.org
Immediate Past President Junious R. Stanton ‘69
Committee Chair Yasheaka Oakley Owens ‘11 General Members Gregory Benjamin ‘81 Gaynelle Turner-Lewis ‘73 Sonjia Stanton ‘69 ~*~
The Time is NOW! The Cheyney University National Alumni Association is Always Looking for Alumni Interested in Serving on the National Board of Directors, and Serving as Volunteers for Alumni Weekend, Homecoming Weekend, as well as Other Standing Committees and Programs.
Are You Ready to Answer the Call? Visit CheyneyAlum.org for More Information About the CUNAA Constitution
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS As I walk from Biddle Hall and head across campus, I reminisce about the many enjoyable and challenging times that I experienced as a Cheyney student back in the early-1980s and what new hopes and aspirations the fall semester brings to our campus.
They came to Cheyney University from all walks of life and all backgrounds. They persevered through adversity and the generosity of our alumni family has kept them on their academic and professional paths, and ignited in them a fierce desire to give back.
As alumni of this great institution, we must continue to support our current students so they can reach their full potential and prepare for those who will be attending Cheyney in the future.
I invite you to work with me, the University, and the Cheyney University National Alumni Association as we 1) Continue to work to reach our scholarships goals; 2) Refurbish our campus to provide access to higher education to a new generation of leaders; and 3) Improve the quality of our academic offerings and public image.
Given the cyclical nature of state funding, which has consistently trended downward at the exact time that enrollment reliably trends upwards as unemployed workers as well as military men and women return to college in search of new skills, the costs associated with obtaining a bachelor’s degree continue to be a challenge for many of our students. I would like to share with you some of the letters last year’s scholarship recipients sent to the Alumni Scholarship Committee: “...one of my family members underwent a significant medical crisis which affected us financially. Your gift has been an answer to our prayers and I will be eternally grateful.” “I aspire to become a defense attorney and one day serve as a Supreme Court Justice.” “I will never be able to look at my degree without thinking of your generosity to me and the other graduates.”
We as Cheyney alumni must continuously consider how to respond to the ever-changing conditions and agendas. If we don’t, we may survive as an Alumni Association, but Cheyney may not survive in the marketplace. It is with an immense amount of Cheyney Pride, I say “Thank you for all that you do for our Alma Mater,” and encourage you to continue to contribute to the Alumni Scholarship Fund as you are truly making a difference in these students’ lives. I look forward to seeing you all next year during the 180th Anniversary Celebration. In the Spirit of Cheyney, Gregory Benjamin ‘81 Director of Alumni Relations Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from Heeding Cheyney’s Call with PASSHE who -- as the agency that appointed and/or hired those individuals -condoned and/or turned a blind eye to their ineptitude, indifference, and callousness. In other words, you don’t primarily blame the little league players who keep losing every game, but blame the manager who keeps selecting the players to put on the field. 2. There’s no need to add a number two because number one is ugly enough.
A Report by Heeding Cheyney’s Call on the Status of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania As we all already know, Cheyney University -- an all-time great institution -- continues to have an alltime low student enrollment with an all-time high budget deficit, which, until very recently, placed Cheyney’s very existence in jeopardy. However, thanks to Professor E. Sonny Harris, Heeding Cheyney’s Call (HCC) was founded in 2013 and immediately began negotiations with lawyers representing Governor Tom Corbett and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to rectify the Commonwealth’s decades-long racial discrimination against our historic university. Those negotiations eventually broke down due to the Republican governor’s antagonism to HBCUs, leading to HCC’s October 2014 lawsuit against him and PASSHE. Tom Wolf won the election against Corbett for PA Governor in November 2014, and as a result of his commitment to HBCUs -- along with strong support for HCC from the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus -- caused HCC’s legal team to replace its lawsuit with renewed negotiations earlier this year. The negotiations have been exceptionally productive.
THE GOOD 1. The ongoing negotiations with the Wolf administration and PASSHE (stemming from the 2014 lawsuit) have avoided what was viewed as the imminent closure of Cheyney University and the rumored takeover by West Chester University 2. The 2016-2017 state budget includes a 2.5 percent increase, totaling nearly $11 million for scholarships
3. That state budget includes a 19 percent increase, totaling close to $300,000 for the Keystone Honors Academy and a 30 percent increase, totaling $163,000 for the Bond-Hill Program
THE BAD 1. Cheyney still has an accumulated deficit of approximately $45 million to $63 million 2. Cheyney has about 700 students, but needs roughly 1,600 to break even, which means to avoid increasing the deficit 3. In order to avoid “bankruptcy” that would have led to permanent closure and, in order to enhance the near certainty of keeping Middle States accreditation intact, Cheyney was compelled to accept much-needed loans from PASSHE and West Chester
THE UGLY 1. Cheyney University’s public face is getting whiter and whiter each day. There are more Caucasians in key administrative and staff positions today than ever before in the school’s 179-year existence. As previously noted, Cheyney has an all-time low student enrollment with an all-time high budget deficit. That didn’t happen overnight. It took decades. And the fault lies primarily with PASSHE’s racial discrimination. But, I must admit that some of the fault lies with the many inept and indifferent, as well as callous, African American administrative leaders and department heads the school has had. Those people didn’t (and in some cases, still don’t) give a damn about Cheyney’s historic past and its students’ hopeful future. But, as guilty as those people have been or still are, the primary fault lies
In regard to the “Ugly” category above, I must make it clear that I am not suggesting that Caucasians shouldn’t be permitted to work at Cheyney. What I am saying is Cheyney has an important -- actually essential -- legacy as the oldest Black institution of higher education in America, having been founded in 1837, which is 28 years before slavery ended. Not only that, the law mandates that Cheyney’s cultural, i.e., Black, identity be maintained and safeguarded. That is precisely why HCC, in the ongoing negotiations with the Governor and PASSHE, is calling for a Blacker (and qualified) public face of Cheyney’s campus based generally on equal employment opportunity laws, diversity laws, affirmative action laws and most specifically on the 2013 ruling of Federal District Judge Catherine Blake in the Maryland HBCU lawsuit, the 1992 U.S. v. Fordice Supreme Court decision, the 2010 Executive Order 13532 by President Barack Obama along with the 1980 Executive Order 12232 by President Jimmy Carter, and the 1964 Civil Rights Act. We are now accelerating and expanding the fight to enhance Cheyney. Therefore, we encourage you to join HCC and support Cheyney’s many self-help initiatives, for example, CUNAA’s fiveyear, $2 million fundraising campaign that has already raised more than $1.6 million and has 12 months remaining. Other alums are doing their part. Our beloved alma mater is calling. Will YOU heed that call? For more information and updates, visit our website at HeedingCheyneysCall.org. This opinion editorial piece was written by Michael Coard, Esq. from Heeding Cheyney’s Call and does not represent the opinions of CUNAA.
Metro Atlanta Recruits Students at the ThinkHBCU Expo Kareemah Morrison.
The Cheyney Alumni Chapter of Metro Atlanta participated with the ThinkHBCU Expo and College Fair at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta Georgia during the 67th Boule of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The members of the Atlanta Chapter talked with students and parents from the Atlanta area about attending Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.
Cheyney’s Interim Executive Director for Enrollment Services Christina Dennis and Director of Alumni Relations Gregory Benjamin ’81 supplied the chapter with recruitment materials and informational handouts regarding Cheyney University. Several of the Cheyney AKA Boule attendees visited the Cheyney booth to show their support for our alma mater, including
Since its inception, the Atlanta Chapter worked to recruit several students from the Atlanta Metro Area to attend Cheyney works to continue to engage potential students and raise funds for scholarships for students to attend Cheyney. There are students currently attending Cheyney from the Metro Atlanta Area who are on the track team and are working towards bachelor degrees in the Natural and Applied Sciences. Submitted by Clarence Jackson ‘74
CUNAA at The Alumni Summit On May 21, 2016, the CUNAA President Marion Haliburton ’70 and Treasurer James McKelvey ‘82 attended the 3rd Annual Alumni Summit sponsored by the Alumni Association of Lincoln University, PA. The presidents and officers from the Alumni Associations for Cheyney University, Delaware State University, Morgan State University, Howard University, Bowie State University, University of District Columbia, Coppin State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Hampton University and Lincoln University came together to participate in a national discussion on the state and future of America’s HBCUs. Among the HBCU organizations’ leaders, representatives from the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, NAFEO, White House Initiative on HBCUs, and the National HBCU Alumni Association were on hand. The guest speaker was Dr. Earl S. Richardson, President Emeritus of Morgan State University
in Baltimore, Maryland. With more than 45 years of experience in Maryland higher education, including various executive level positions at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the University System of Maryland and Morgan State University, Dr. Richardson has served as an advisor and consultant to several university presidents and
management teams, legislative groups and other state and federal government agencies, including the Heeding Cheyney’s Call initative. Pictured: James McKelvey, Marion Haliburton, Dr. Earl S. Richardson and Dr. Richard Green (Interim President of Lincoln University)
Submitted by James McKelvey ‘82
CUNAA Welcomes the Class of 2020 and their Parents with “A Taste of Philadelphia” Event The National Alumni Association hosted its annual “A Taste of Philadelphia” luncheon for families of incoming students on August 25, 2016 in the auditorium of the Marcus Foster Alumni Student Center at Cheyney University. Families were treated to some of Philadelphia’s most well known favorites such as hoagies, pretzels and Tastykakes, as well as fresh fruit, nutrition bars and beverages that were donated from numerous supporters.
The annual luncheon was an opportunity for families to relax and fellowship with alumni while their students ventured through the movein day process at Cheyney. Many families expressed their thankfulness for the luncheon and a time to “get away” from the hectic movein schedule. Marion Haliburton ‘70, President of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association, welcomed the guests and the Cheyney University Soulful Sound Marching
Band provided entertainment throughout the luncheon. Fifteen alumni were volunteered for the day and were on-site to greet families, share memorable Cheyney stories and The Spirit! Dr. Robert M. Dixon, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Norma George, Cheyney faculty and CUNAA Life Member, praised alumni for their dedication and continuous support of Cheyney University. Associate Provost Dr. Tara Kent joined the circle of prayer as Alphonso Coleman, Jr., President of the Greater South Jersey Chapter, gave an inspirational prayer. Mr. Gregory Benjamin ‘81, Director of Alumni Relations, was instrumental in the logistically planning of the luncheon. Gaynelle TurnerLewis ‘73, Karen E. Shanks and Sonjia Stanton, chaired the event. CUNAA would like to thank all of the alumni, corporate supporters, and Cheyney affiliates that donated their time and food to support this event. Submitted by Gaynelle Turner-Lewis ‘73.
CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY ALUMNI CHAPTER OF DELAWARE COUNTY Beverly Grice, President
CONGRATULATES 2016 LEGACY FAMILY
THE BROWN FAMILY Richard Brown Evelyn Brown Stephanie Brown Christopher Brown Jasmine Richardson
The Cheyney University National Alumni Association Delivering on Our Promise to Answer the Call
Renew Your CUNAA Membership Today!
Alumni Scholarship Thank You Letters Dear CUNAA, I am writing this letter to you to let you know how truly grateful I am for your generous contribution to my education. I hope that you know that you are definitely a blessing to me and my life. Without this scholarship, I would not be able to continue to attend Cheyney University. I would have gone home to nothing but dissatisfaction knowing that I wouldn’t be a part of this elite group of scholars in the world. I know that I am one of thousands of students that asked for help, but I am just so astounded that you picked me! People like you are what the world needs in today’s society, because everyone needs a helping hand here and there.
Annual National Membership $40
I am majoring in social relations and plan on launching program for troubled youth so they will have a better understanding of life and can work to be successful despite their challenges. Since you assisted me with this generous scholarship, I am one step closer to being able to follow my dreams.
Life Membership $1,000
My mom was so happy and thankful the day I gave her the news that I was awarded the scholarship and that she doesn’t have to stress about me being home in the city. She worries about me a lot and I know that the news was a big relief for her. I know that I may not be “the perfect student,” and sometimes every person doesn’t see my potential, but I do try hard and I will continue to try even harder.
Local Chapter Dues Vary
Visit CheyneyAlum.org to Join Today
You did not make a mistake in giving me this money. You are pushing me forward to become a better person. As I write this letter, I am working with my academic advisor to coordinate an internship for the semester. I am excited to start as soon as possible so that I will have some experience in my field and will be able to grow as a young professional.
After I graduate, I hope to grow in my field and keep the cycle going by helping a fellow Cheyney wolf. I would like to keep in contact with the person that made this life-changing investment in my future and let them know, “You are truly appreciated.” Thank You and God Bless, Mark Brown ‘16 Pictured
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Greetings, My name is Albert M. Watson, III. I am a liberal arts major with a concentration in education, with plans of teaching inner-city youth. I walked across that commencement stage in May 2015 and have two classes (6 credits) remaining in order to complete my degree. I thank you for the scholarship support. As a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated through the Gamma Omega Chapter, as well as a resident advisor for my living learning center, I have managed and assisted with many programs on Cheyney’s campus. When I complete my degree program, I hope to one day return to Cheyney University and assist with recruiting new students, increasing enrollment on campus and improving the student experience as a whole. I would like thank you again for assisting me in the pursuit of my degree as well as my dreams. Words cannot express how much this means to me. Sincerely, Albert M. Watson, III ‘15
Cheyney C Club Hosts 7th Successful Golf Tournament The Cheyney University C Club’s seventh annual Wade Wilson Golf Tournament and silent auction at the Penn Oaks Golf Club went off without a hitch. The Monday, August 22, 2016 events raised much-needed scholarship money for Cheyney University studentathletes, band members and cheerleaders. More than 90 golfers, made up of C Club members, alumni, sponsors and friends of Cheyney University, enjoyed a beautiful day on the majestic Penn Oaks 18-hole championship golf course to help support the athletic programs at Cheyney University. While the players hit the greens, a group of non-golfers participated in a Paint and Sip art session at Pinot’s Palette in nearby Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Experienced artists
guided the participants as they painted a relaxing beach scene while enjoying wine and snacks. At the end of the event, they took home their masterpieces. Those who participated said they had a ton of fun and would definitely do it again next year. This year’s events raised more than $40,000, bringing the total raised over the last seven years to over $250,000. Student-athletes, cheerleaders and band members are grateful. “The C Club has been one of the sole sources of funding for band members,” explains Band Director, Professor Allen Gardner. “The money they give helps a lot of students and,
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oftentimes, determines whether or not the students can afford school or books. C Club scholarships really make a difference.” Communications major Brittany Brown, who is putting herself through school, says that she was able to complete her sophomore and junior years at Cheyney because of scholarship money from The C Club. If you would like to support The Cheyney C Club’s $50,000 fundraising goal, please visit their website at www.cheyneycclub.com. This story was originally published by the Cheyney University Office of Public Relations.
Alumni Weekend 2016 Honors Active Alumni With the goal of attracting an even more diverse group of alumni interested in engaging with the Cheyney University National Alumni Association, the 2016 Alumni Weekend Committee decided to approach Alumni Weekend activities from a different angle this year. On Friday evening, April 29th, CUNAA hosted its first Alumni Scholarship Gala & Awards ceremony at the Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Pennsylvania. The event acknowledged and saluted the contributions of younger Cheyney alumni for their continuous support of the university over the years. The Alumni Scholarship Gala award recipients were dubbed the “Five Under Fifty” and each were presented with an award unique to their ongoing financial contributions, their varied talents and expertise on behalf of Cheyney University, and their continuous service to Cheyney University National Alumni Association. Kevin Guile ‘91 and Clarence Williams ‘90, casually known as Stomp & Clay, received the Trailblazer Award. Guile earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Cheyney and currently serves as the National Account Sales Manager for The Philadelphia Tribune. Williams, a past president of CUNAA, earned a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications technology from Cheyney and currently serves as a Global Program Manager for CTDI. Together, Guile and Williams are managing partners of Stomp and Clay Productions, LLC, an event planning company that coordinates concerts for national artists, Fortune 500 corporate functions and prestigious, upscale events. Yasheaka Oakley Owens, M.A. ‘11 received the Heart of Cheyney Award. Oakley Owens earned a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Cheyney and a master’s degree in
mass communications and journalism from Kent State University. Oakley Owens currently serves as an Associate Marketing Manager for Reed Elsevier / Lexis Nexis and operates a boutique public relations firm, YOakleyPR, which serves 501 (c)(3) nonprofits in need of public relations and online marketing support services and offers a Virtual Internship Program for undergraduate students and post-graduate professionals. Joseph DeVane, Sr., MBA ‘88 received the Business of the Year Award. DeVane earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Cheyney and a master’s degree in business administration from Penn State University.
kickball game. Saturday evening featured the return of the Rockafella Awards ceremony and dance at the Wyndham Garden Exton Valley Forge Hotel in Exton, Pennsylvania. The much anticipated award winners in a myriad of categories including: Most Popular Fraternity and Sorority, Community service, most popular non-Cheyneyite, couples still together, youngest looking, best business, most loyal crew, and numerous other categories were revealed.
In 2010, along with his wife Lolita, DeVane launched DeVane Allstate Insurance and now operates one of the top family-owned, multilocation Allstate Agencies in Allstate’s Capital Region.
It was a night of good clean fun. Cheyney Alumnus Willie Jackson served as the comedian and Master of Ceremonies. He kept the crowd laughing and reminiscing about Cheyney, growing older, life and his impromptu comments about the night’s activities. The evening’s itinerary included: red carpet video interviews and picture taking, light buffet, the Rockafella awards presentations, dance and after party.
Kyle Adams, M.Ed. ‘99 received the Mentor of the Year Award. Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cheyney and a master’s degree in athletic coaching and leadership from the University of Rio Grande.
The energy, camaraderie and fellowship of the Alumni Weekend Committee members, coupled with the support of the alumni helped make Alumni Weekend 2016 a rousing success.
With nearly two decades of experience in student recruitment, advocacy, retention, counseling, programming, and development, Adams previously served as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Cheyney where he provided his team with tireless support and a transformational experience. He currently serves as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at North Carolina Central University.
The 2016 Alumni Weekend Committee included: Committee Chair Camille Gadsden ‘94, Calische Gully-Foy ‘94, Iesha S. Davis ‘94, Tara Eison, Brenee’ Waters-Goldsmith ‘96, Garey Jordan, Donna Salmon, Anita M Green, Lucille M. James ‘97, Junious and Sonjia Stanton ‘69, Alumni Relations Director Gregory Benjamin ’81.
On Saturday, April 30th, in addition to the CUNAA General Membership Meeting and the annual all class reunion luncheon, there was a very competitive and fun filled alumni-student kickball game and candlelight memorial service to recognize deceased alumni during the cookout following the
Submitted by Junious Stanton ’69
STOMP AND CLAY PRODUCTIONS, LLC
TRUE CHEYNEY SPIRIT COMING SOON “FADE TO BLACK”
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016 Kevin Guile Clarence Williams Class of ’91 Class of ‘90
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The DeVane Family
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The Loyal Customers...
The Long-time Customers...
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Benjamin Williams Proves, The Proof is in the Pudding Benjamin Williams ‘66 says he didn’t know anything about Cheyney University before he went on a chance visit in 1960. But the school changed him. “I quickly realized that the school would be a place where my curiosity, appreciation of scholarship and leadership could emerge and bloom.” I often reflect upon my life and the work that I do by revisiting the major events and decisions that have influenced my development as a man raised with three sisters in Philadelphia in the 1950s and 1960s. My parents did not have much formal education. However, both of them were hardworking, spiritual and loving people. They did the very best they could to guide me and my sisters in a path they believed to be right. Like many of my peers, my social and political education came from the streets, which taught me how to survive and, even, thrive in the midst of a hostile and violent landscape. One of my high school teachers had reached a different conclusion. She told me in front of my peers that I would not amount to a hill of beans. After high school, I had a little job. If I had not quit it, my high school teacher’s prophecy may have become a reality. One day in August of 1960, I stopped by the settlement house [now called recreation center] in search of job opportunities. After discussing my dilemma with the director of the center, she directed me to a young brother who had recently joined her staff. He didn’t know about any jobs, but he had an idea. That Saturday, he was taking a group of males to Cheyney University for a campus visit and invited me. Although I knew nothing about Cheyney, the visit was what I needed to stay on good terms with my father who often told me that if I had nothing to do I could not do it in his house. My visit to Cheyney resulted in being admitted and I quickly realized that the school would be a place where my curiosity, appreciation of scholarship and leadership could emerge and bloom. After breakfast on the first day of the semester, I sat on a bench waiting for class to begin and began reading one of the books for my
literature class – John Updike’s “Rabbit Run.” I got lost in the book and when I looked up, the day was gone and evening had set in. Updike’s book was the first piece of fiction I ever read from beginning to end. The experience was both exhilarating and intriguing. It launched me into a new world. The faculty helped me develop my scholarship and my peers encouraged and supported me. I was elected class president and during one of our class meetings, I was given the heavy task of announcing the news that President Kennedy had been assassinated. I provided leadership to help the campus cope with the national tragedy. The Beta Gamma chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity found me worthy of membership, which stands as a decision that helped me observe and participate with achievementoriented men of African descent who took pride in service to others and sought leadership opportunities. On our small intimate campus, Greek letter organizations were very active and competitive in matters pertaining to service and scholarship. The competition was friendly and, as the wolf is the Cheyney mascot, we were a community of wolves and always mindful that the strength of the wolf is in the pack. After graduation from Cheyney, I began my professional practice as a teacher in the public schools of Philadelphia. I moved often to challenge myself in other locations and situations. Although my friends were amazed at my mobility, I was making a difference in the lives of students. But despite all that Cheyney meant to me as
the oldest HBCU in the world, the efficacy of my alma mater continued to be questioned. My granddaddy often said: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” When it came time to pick a graduate school, I employed granddaddy’s assessment methodology. I offered some good ole’ Cheyney pudding to prestigious graduate schools of interest to me. All of my graduate school education was in New England schools. My master’s and doctorate degrees were earned at Rhode Island and Boston University, respectively. I have done post graduate work at Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts. I have served as an adjunct professor at Columbia University and UMASS. I have served as president of Shorter College, a two-year liberal arts college. And I was an assistant publisher of a historic African American owned newspaper. In my role as a public school educator, I have served as a principal, area superintendent, associate superintendent and general superintendent. I am proud that my graduate school education and my professional practice were based upon all that I learned in the classrooms and on the campus of Cheyney State College. My commitment to provide uplift and give back to others was clarified in the rich and wholesome environment provided by the school that saw in me something of value and helped me develop it so that I could make a difference. Confirming that Cheyney makes very good pudding. This article was originally published by AJC. com on April 15, 2016.
It is with deepest regret that we inform you of the passing of the following members of the Cheyney University Family. We ask that you please keep their families in your prayers as they strive to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. Charlotte Lambert Adams ’63 Lorraine Smith Bass Leonarde Boyer, III Michael Campbell ’17 Floyd Ernest Coleman’ 78 Barbara Daniel Cox ’66 (ΔΣΘ) John Joseph Eberl ‘70 Mattie Lee Gabbedon ‘52 Tonya Freeman Greene ’94 Barbara Howell-Jefferson ‘61 Ethel Brown Jones ‘57 Arlene M. Redcross Kane ‘58 (AKA) Warren Barry McLaughlin ’65 Melvin Keith Turner (ΩΨΦ) Richard K. Wooden ’64 (ΚΑΨ) Lena King Lee Louis Coe, Jr. Carlton (Jamie) Mosley Cora Shirley Turpin Cinda B. Williams Dr. Lucy E. Yates, Ed.D., R.N.
We Would Like to Recognize Your Loved Ones We strive to keep the Cheyney community informed of those who have passed, so we ask that you please email Alumni Director Gregory Benjamin ‘81 the full legal name (maiden and married name, if appropriate), graduation year, and Greek affiliation of your loved one to ensure that he or she is included in the Cheyney Prayers section of the Spring 2017 edition of The Spirit newsletter. The newsletter is shared in print and online with all of the members of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association. You can email your Cheyney Prayers request and obituaries to the Office of Alumni Relations by emailing Greg Benjamin at GBenjamin@cheyney.edu.
Rev. Walter & Sister Catana Montague After completing her undegraduate studies, Catana Curtis Montague went on to earn a masters degree in elementary education from Cheyney University and worked as a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia.
Sons of Cheyney.
She retired from the School District of Philadelphia as a second grade teacher after 36 years in the same school.
Rev. Montague retired from the School District of Philadelphia after 33 years of service and is a member of the Evening Baptist Ministers Conference, the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference, and the Baptist Resourse Network (BRN) of the Southern Baptist USA.
Catana is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Quaker City Alumni Chapter and has served as chair or co-chair for many of their fundraising and social activities.
Rev. Walter Montague ‘76 & First Lady Catana Curtis Montague ‘70 are serving in their eighth year leading the congregation at the Galilee Community Baptist Church in South Philadelphia.
She is also Past President of the Evening Baptist Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows Auxiliary, and is active with the state, regional and international Associations of Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows.
They reside in Wyncote, Pennsylvania and are parents of four and grandparents of three. They love being grandparents.
In the years following graduation, Walter Montague went on to earn a master’s degree in urban education from Temple University, and a master’s degree in Theology from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Seminary). A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Rev. Montague is a Past President of the Men of BACA, also known as The Bronze Association for Cultural Advancement and the Loyal
They believe Cheyney gave them training and hope for the world. Who knew what God would do? Submitted by Walter Montague ‘76
Cheyney WINS Over Lincoln at Battle of the Firsts
It wasn’t easy, but that will make what happened on Thursday, September 1 all the more memorable for the Division II Cheyney University football team. Cheyney University Junior Quarterback Dominick Trautz connected on a nine-yard touchdown pass to Junior Marcus Lyles in the first overtime of a football season opener against Lincoln, and Junior Brendyn Van Demark converted the score to give Cheyney a seven-point lead. Madlock III rushed for a team-best 92 yards and a score on just 15 carries for a 6.1 yards per carry average. French powered his way to 73 yards and a score, Lyles led the receiving core with four catches for 48 yards and the winning touchdown reception, Nigel Wiley added 44 yards on three catches and Trautz threw for 108 yards, a score and 2 interceptions. Scott led all runners with 108 yards, but it took him 31 carries, he also had a team-high 48 yards on four receptions. Brendyn Van Demark was three-for-three on the all-important extra points in the contest. Junior Keyson Dingle led the Wolves with 10 tackles, Easter III added nine tackles, a fourth quarter interception in the end zone and two pass break-ups. Junior Jamiel Hines and Freshman Michai Beal recorded six stops
each, Bryant added five tackles including a forced fumble and stuffing Scott on a fourth down play and a two-point conversion attempt and Redshirt Sophomore Jordan Richardson also made five stops for the Wolves.
defense, let’s play some good offense and see if we can’t win this thing,’” said Roulhac.
When Marvin Easter III knocked down a pass in the end zone on a two-point conversion, the Cheyney Wolves ended a 43-game losing streak which dated back to the 2012 season and CU players and fans stormed the field in celebration.
“It was very gratifying for me,” Roulhac says.
Cheyney University won the 2016 “Battle of the First” at The Lincoln University with a 2120 victory in overtime. Head coach Chris Roulhac is happy his players finally had some success to show for all their hard work. “Kids had a great preseason,” Roulhac tells KYW Newsradio. “For them to come out and produce...it was really, really gratifying.” Cheyney jumped out to a 14-0 lead in this one in the first quarter, but Lincoln tied the game in the second and the score remained 14-14 through the end of the fourth quarter. “One of the things we always want to do is get to the fourth quarter and be in a position to win. So we had an opportunity to win it and going into overtime said, ‘OK, let’s play good
Several days later, the victory is still resonating with Roulhac.
“For me, it’s all about the kids and trying to make sure that they have a great experience in college, playing football. This group is really a great group of kids. As I’ve said before, we don’t have any knuckleheads on the team, everybody’s working hard, everybody’s knowing their role, knowing their place, trying to get into the rotation, offensively and defensively,” said Roulhac. “That even made it more gratifying, that these kids are a good group. We have some seniors who’ve been with us four years, have been in the grind, day in and day out, stayed with us, and for them, this is their first college win.” Select portions of this story were originally published by Matt Leon of KYW Newsradio / CBS3 Local News with student-athlete statistics provided by Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Photo: Marcus Lyles catches the touchdown pass in overtime for Cheyney which keyed a 21-20 win for the Wolves, snapping a 43-game losing streak. (Photo credit: Joanne Dent)
GEGISOM provides adults and seniors a venue for music instruction and offers practicing musicians continuing education in music with an emphasis on sacred music. The school welcomes leaders to send members of their congregations to study music to prepare them for service in their church. Drayton spearheaded the founding of the Allegheny Arts Fest in the Nicetown/ Tioga neighborhood of Philadelphia where GEGISOM is located. This summer festival in August features choirs, groups, singers, dancers, and spoken word artist many of whom are students of the school.
Joyce Drayton ‘71 Drayton began her musical career under the guidance of her mother, the late Georgia E. Gregory. Her unique gift for music earned her music scholarships to the Settlement School’s Summer Music Camp in piano and bass fiddle with members of the Philadelphia Symphonic Orchestra and the Settlement Music School. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Cheyney State College in 1971 where she served as accompanist for the Cheyney State College Concert Choir under the direction of D.J. Moses. Cheyney professor Katherine Wilson encouraged Drayton to continue her studies there during a critical time in her junior year. She continued her studies earning a Masters of Social Work degree from Temple University. Drayton’s love of music led her to further her organ and music studies at the Westminster Choir College and Combs College of Music. Drayton’s Cheyney inspired love of education and love of community led her to found the Georgia E. Gregory Interdenominational School of Music (GEGISOM) where she is also its director. This school was named after her mother, Georgia E. Gregory, who served in her church as a musician to the youth for 42 years. GEGISOM opened its doors in July of 1999 and is a nonprofit, faith-based charitable performing arts institution, providing instruction in voice, musical instruments, and all forms of dance to students ages 2 and up.
In 1994 Drayton published the book “Distinguished Church Musicians in the United States,” to bring recognition to her craft and attract more young people into the field of church music. She has served more than 58 years in the music ministry of the Nazarene Baptist Church having played for every singing unit in the church. Drayton has served as Director for the Missionary Baptist Pastor’s Conference City Wide Choir for 27 years and has directed choirs for numerous churches throughout the City of Philadelphia and Vicinity. She continues to assist churches and musicians with referral services through Church Musician Services, Inc. Drayton’s passion for youth is evidenced by her work with Cheyney students as volunteers, research analysts, interns, and offering them part time employment opportunities. She is currently hiring a Cheyney senior as a music instructor. Cheyney gave her a chance to prepare and pursue her dreams, to realize her visions, and give back to empower a community in the arts. Her spiritual upbringing and commitment to God has allowed her to accomplish much. She is married to Stan Drayton and has a son Cecil Gambrell who often was provided daycare at Cheyney while she attended classes. Drayton is a proud member of the Montgomery County Cheyney Alumni and a life member of the Cheyney University National Alumni Associaiton and is committed to keeping the doors of Cheyney open. Submitted by Phyllis Wyche-Brown ‘63
Timothy Thomas ‘77 Timothy Thomas, Class of 1977, from Washington, DC was inducted into the Bowie State, Hall of Fame on June 17, 2016. He served as Assistant Basketball Coach at Bowie State University in Maryland for over 15 years. In 2003, Bowie State Bulldogs won the CIAA Championship and went to the NCAA Division II Final Four. In 2004, they were semifinalists in the NCAA II, South Atlantic Regional and were ranked #1 at one point during the 2004-2005 season. In 2005, the Bulldogs were CIAA Eastern Division Champions. Timothy collegiately played two years of football, two years on the tennis team, and one year on the junior varsity men’s basketball team at Cheyney State College. In addition, he served as a student manager on the varsity men’s basketball team. He has worked for the Office of Attorney General for the District Government for over thirty years as a case manager coordinator. He is member of the Cheyney University District of Columbia (DMV) Alumni Chapter. Timothy currently lives in Washington, D.C. with his lovely wife Gail Thomas (Spelman Alumna, Class of 1981). Submitted by Timothy Thomas ‘77
Nan Moone Currington ‘42 One of Cheyney’s Oldest Living Alumni
a freshman reception at Cheyney, she was accompanied by pianist Robert Ellsworth Currington. They married in 1943 and enjoyed 63 happy years together until his death in 2007. Currington has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated since 1946.
In her 100 years, Nan Moone Currington of the Hill District has managed to divide her talents between the Pittsburgh Public Schools and her church. And her service only seems to make her stronger. She was born July 23, 1916, in Pittsburgh, the seventh of Nannie Griffin and Thomas Moone Sr.’s nine children. She graduated from Fifth Avenue High School in 1935 and from Cheyney University in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in home economics. She later attended Penn State University and received a master’s degree in counseling supervision and administration from Bucknell University. As a young woman, she was a finalist in the Marian Anderson Opera Competition in Philadelphia. While singing with the choir at
After graduation, she worked at a naval testing laboratory in Munhall and as a social worker for the state Department of Welfare. She was substitute teaching at Arsenal and Weil schools in 1950 when she sang at a Pittsburgh PTA meeting. At the time, full-time opportunities for AfricanAmerican teachers were limited in the district, but a school board member’s recommendation got her a job at her alma mater, Fifth Avenue High School. She worked there for 22 years as a teacher, adviser, counselor and vice principal. She was also vice principal at Langley and dean of students at Greenway before retiring in 1981. Currington was a member of Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church for 79 years and served as an elder and clerk of session. She formed and directed a Young People’s Choir at the
church for many years. She also directed its combined choirs each year in observance of Black History Month. In the 1950s and ’60s, the choir sang on WWSW-AM Radio for George Washington Carver Day and for various events on KQV and WQED Radio. A member of Mount Hope Presbyterian Church since 2008, Mrs. Currington still sings with the choir. Her favorite song is “The Lord’s Prayer.” Pittsburgh City Council declared July 19 Nan Moone Currington Day in the city. This article was originally published by the Pittsburg Post-Gazette.
The New Leadership Team at The Cheyney Foundation providing much-needed resources to the University. Here are some of our proud accomplishments: •
The Cheyney Foundation was established on December 6, 1971, and we are excited to celebrate our 45th Anniversary in supporting Cheyney University. The Foundation’s mission is to support Cheyney University’s students, faculty, programming and facilities. We want to take our mission further in order to not only support the University, but to raise money in order to support academic excellence, sustainability and innovation. The Foundation has been instrumental in
• • •
Provided more than $500,000 in scholarships, funding for the Call Me Mister program, and funding for a feasibility study for a new athletic complex at Cheyney University Provided $60,000 in support for the Cheyney University Soulful Sound Marching Band Provided $20,000 in support of the Fine Arts Degree Program Provided $20,000 in support of the Aquaculture Research and Education Laboratory
Our commitment to Cheyney University is unwavering when it comes to the education and financial resources to support the next generation of Cheyney scholars. We are looking forward to building strong partnerships with corporate partners and other Cheyney affiliate groups. The Foundation is also proud to announce its
new leadership team and administrative staff: Chairman Irving Bailey ‘74, Shawn Murray, Carmen Martinez Skinner ’73, Wilbur Kirkland ’69, Lisa Rhodes ‘90, Dr. Charlette Fairchild, Jazmine Smith, Sean Thompson, Tiffany Wilson, Past President & Advisor to the Board David Brooks Alston ‘80, President & CEO Chantelle Fitzgerald (pictured), and Administrative Assistant Brandy Jones. The Cheyney Foundation is excited about the upcoming 2016 - 2017 school year and thrilled to launch new fundraising campaigns that will make a lasting impact and bring meaningful change to Cheyney. For more information about The Cheyney Foundation and its initiatives, please visit our website at www.cheyneyfoundation.org. Together, we can bring transformative change and impact not only to Pennsylvania, to the nation and world at large.
Save the Date CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
80 1 Anniversary th
Celebration OCTOBER 2017