MESSAGES TO ALUMNI The goal of “The Spirit” is to inform our alumni of the accomplishments of our alums and alumni chapters. As president of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association, it gives me great pleasure to be able to present the accomplishments and contributions of the Cheyney alumni who were honored at the Founder’s Day Ceremony on February 24, 2016. Alumni William and Marion Shumake ‘64 were honored for Outstanding Individual Philanthropy, Samuel Patterson ‘82 was given the Excellence in Philanthropy Award. The Alumni Appreciation Award was given to the Alumni Chapter of Delaware County, and the Spirit of 1837 Award was given posthumously to alumnus, former Cheyney professor and co-founder of Heeding Cheyney’s Call, Edgar “Sonny” Harris ‘58. The award was graciously accepted by his widow, Joan Harris ‘72. The guest speaker for Founder’s Day, State Senator Vincent J. Hughes received the Outstanding Public Service Award. Sen. Hughes serves as a member of the Cheyney Council of Trustees and is a former member of the PASSHE Board of Governors. Sen. Hughes spoke of his dedication and commitment to Cheyney as an advocate for the Keystone Honors Academy in the State Senate. Throughout his speech, Senator Hughes kept repeating the question, “How do you see CU?” This question gives pause for alums to consider even more questions. Do we see CU going on a different path? Are we ready to see Cheyney adapt and make possible collaborations with other schools to keep viable in the 21st Century? Are we willing to do what is necessary as alumni to continue to sponsor scholarships for CU students and support university programs and initiatives? When spring approaches, we often look forward to rebirth and revival. On the campus of our beloved alma mater, seeds of hope and growth are being planted. While the university faces challenges, hope springs with the rise in admissions for the fall semester and Cheyney continues to strive to restore its rightful place of historic greatness among our nation’s universities. Cheyney University’s legacy of historic greatness depends on how YOU see CU. In the spirit of Cheyney,
T H E
S P IR I T
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 and 500-word content submissions to yoakley@wolf.cheyney.edu for consideration.
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 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 Advertising Manager Christina Clark ‘97 General Members Gregory Benjamin ‘81 Gaynelle Turner-Lewis ‘73 Sonjia Stanton ‘69 ~*~
Cover Photo Provided By Alphonso Coleman, Jr. ‘72
Winning The Battle For Our Alma Mater Governor Wolf informed HCC on March 28 that he’s “not only committed to saving Cheyney but also to enhancing Cheyney.” In 2013, HCC contacted the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights which enforces anti-discrimination laws involving states that receive federal funding- and requested that OCR take legal action against PASSHE for breaching the “1999 OCR Agreement.” By the way, the goal of the agreement was to rectify nearly 100 years of documented racial discrimination since 1901 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania against Cheyney.
Heeding Cheyney’s Call (HCC), founded by Professor E. Sonny Harris and others in 2013, has recently achieved major victories on behalf of this beloved university. Thanks to strategic procedural federal court filings in HCC’s major civil rights lawsuit against the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in June 2015 and January 2016 by HCC’s lawyer, Joe H. Tucker, Esq.--who heads the largest and most prominent Black law firm on the East Coast--Cheyney is much closer to its goal of “parity through equity” in order to “save and enhance” this historic institution. By the way, those strategic procedural filings opened the door to expedited and confidential legal and political settlement negotiations concerning high demand academic programs, increased funding, expanded resources, etc. Details will be publicly announced soon regarding this great news. Unfortunately, though, not all the news is great. And that’s because of unfair, incomplete, and misleading statements made by Senator Mario Scavello and PASSHE Chancellor Frank Brogan at the recent March 2, 2016 State Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. During their discussion, they described Cheyney as a kind of inept “supermarket” that will close within “one-to-two years.” The fourand-a-half minute video of their discussion can be seen at HeedingCheyneysCall.org. HCC had expected Chancellor Brogan, as head of the state system, to enlighten Senator Scavello by contextualizing Cheyney’s current condition by explaining that its plight is the
direct result of official (and recent) statesanctioned racial discrimination beginning in 1901 when the Commonwealth provided $140 to white students in Pennsylvania who were training to become teachers but only $25 to Black students at Cheyney training to become teachers. Furthermore, HCC had expected the Chancellor to mention that in 1969 Pennsylvania was identified by the federal government as among the top five states blatantly discriminating against Blacks in higher education, and that in 1983, after years of its inadequate proposals and the federal government’s justifiable rejections, it finally submitted an anti-discrimination plan deemed acceptable by the federal government, and that in 1999, due to PASSHE “talking the talk but not walking the walk,” the federal government compelled the state to sign a contract to end racial discrimination against Cheyney. But PASSHE breached that contract, which is one of many reasons why HCC filed its civil rights lawsuit in 2014. That lawsuit was Professor Harris’ idea and before he left this world, he relayed another idea, which he called, “Cheyney: A Super School, Not A Supermarket.” Despite that setback, HCC’s victories continue. Not long after the disparaging “supermarket” comment was made, HCC held another one of its ongoing settlement negotiation discussions with the Office of Governor Tom Wolf. Although HCC cannot go into detail because those discussions are strictly confidential and off-therecord, HCC can publicly say this: As a result of the civil rights lawsuit filed by HCC and the productive settlement negotiation discussions,
That agreement, which PASSHE signed on March 5, 1999, mandated that PASSHE “develop and strengthen Cheyney’s academic programs, including computer science, middle school certification, geographic information systems, emerging technology, pre-professional programs, and hotel, restaurant, and institutional management programs;” “renew and upgrade fourteen campus facilities;” “continue support for Keystone Honors and Bond-Hill;” and that PASSHE take other specified action to make Cheyney competitive with the 13 white stateowned universities. Because PASSHE did not do what the signed agreement mandated, HCC listed that breach, among several other reasons, in the lawsuit filed on October 29, 2014. And in light of the recent aforementioned “supermarket” slur, HCC again reached out to OCR on March 12, 2016 and requested that OCR accelerate enforcement of the 1999 agreement through more intensive monitoring and more aggressive investigating in order to impose much-needed sanctions against PASSHE. HCC was informed by OCR on March 30, 2016 that PASSHE “has not been released from the 1999 Agreement” and that further action will be taken. HCC will notify the Cheyney family as soon as that action has been determined and implemented. For more details about this and all other HCC matters that are designed to make Cheyney “Bigger, Better, and Blacker,” log on to HCC’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Submitted by Michael Coard.
Montgomery County’s Pinochle Tournament & Games Party scholarship funds, surpassing its fundraising goal.
The Montgomery County Cheyney Alumni Chapter has done it again! The chapter hosted its 3rd Annual MCCA Pinochle Tournament and Games Party on March 12, 2016 at the North Penn VFW in Glenside, PA and it was another success. Along with their regular favorites, Pinochle
and Pokeno, this year Mahjong was added to the tournament. More than 70 guests enjoyed laughs, lunch and our fantastic raffle baskets and door prizes. When all the cards were played and the pennies and tiles were laid, we celebrated our winners. As it turns out, it was a real win-win overall, as the Chapter raise more than $2,000 in
MCCAC would like to thank its guests, members, fellow alumni and friends of Cheyney, who supported this event. You made all the difference. A special thank you goes to our hard-working committee, Barbara C. Jackson (Chair), Luise Murphy Baum, Cheryl Harper, Paul Turner, Darlena Ward and Bernadette Wiggins. Story submitted by Barbara Cottman Jackson.
Empowering our Educators The Greater Chester County Cheyney Alumni Chapter sponsored 11 Cheyney Elementary Education majors to attend Henderson High School Black Student Union’s 32nd Annual Scholarship Banquet on February 27, 2016. The BSU Scholarship Banquet brings the community together to celebrate students and recognize staff for their hard work and dedication to success. This year’s event featured the theme, “Together We Can Make a Difference,” and proceeds from the event supported cultural activities as well as academic scholarships for Henderson High School students. The BSU helps to build the self-esteem of African American students by encouraging pride in their rich heritage and participation in challenging learning experiences. GCCCAC President Elaine Kirkland and Vice President Earl Johnson, and Dr. Shelly Weeks-Channel from the Cheyney University Education Department attended to support our education majors. Cheyney’s students
were introduced during the program and had an opportunity to meet the West Chester Area School District Superintendent, Board Members, administrators, faculty and staff so that they could personally express their interest in observation, student teaching and job placement. Juliana M. Mosley, Vice President for Student
Affairs at Lincoln University, was the banquet’s keynote speaker. Mosley spoke to attendees about the importance of being yourself, recognizing one’s support system, honing your skills, and finding the positive in every day. Picture: Dr. Shelly Weeks-Channel and Dr. Elaine Kirkland, President of the GCCCAC with Cheyney Education Majors. Earl Johnson, GCCCAC Vice President, present but not pictured.
The Alumni Chapter of Delaware County Hosts a Successful Gala and Receives the 2016 Alumni Chapter Appreciation Award The Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Delaware County hosted its 8th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Gala at the Oaks Ballroom in Glenolden, Pennsylvania. Greetings were extended to the guests by our chapter president, Evelyn N. Matthews Brown ‘75 and prayer was offered by Richard Brown ‘61. Vice president Beverly Grice ‘71 was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Former Spirit Award honorees Gregory
Benjamin, Junious Stanton and Michael Coard were among the 250 guests in attendance. Our special honoree of the evening, Barbara Daniel Cox ‘66 received The Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Award for her outstanding dedication to Cheyney University, Cheyney University National Alumni Association and community. Additionally, our own Chapter member David Adams ‘74 was recognized for his commitment to the chapter and community
with the 2016 Chapter Award. Cheyney University students Leonard Brown, Nerissa Hurde, Jasmine Richardson, Nya Watson, Chanelle Brawner, and alumna Shivona Hurde ‘15 shared their Cheyney experiences. Hurde thanked the chapter for its financial support and mentoring during her years of matriculation at Cheyney. The evening was filled with fine dining, music, dancing, and sharing wonderful Cheyney stories. The gala committee, chairperson Sheree Monroe and members, outdid themselves by providing such a remarkable scholarship event. Everyone had such a wonderful time. We look forward to your continue support next year for our 9th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Gala on Saturday, January 14, 2017. The chapter is committed to providing scholarships, recruiting and mentoring students. All proceeds from the gala benefited Cheyney students. Submitted by Gaynelle Turner-Lewis ‘73.
Greater South Jersey is on the Rise! On February 27th, the Lawnside Education Foundation, Inc. hosted its 6th Annual Dinner Dance & Silent Auction at The Merion in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. The event featured actor, philanthropist, poet, and star of the STARZ Television series Power, Omari Hardwick, and 6ABC’s Action News Anchor Sharrie Williams served as the evening’s emcee. During the night, awards were given to Mrs. Trudy Haynes, first African American news reporter for KYW-TV Channel 3 / CBS3 Philadelphia for her contribution to television news broadcasting, as well as local community leaders and organizations. The Greater South Jersey Cheyney University Alumni Chapter was honored at the Lawnside Education Foundation. The chapter was recognized for its support of the foundation and its work with students attending Cheyney, who are graduates of the Lawnside district. Chapter president, Alphonso R. Coleman, Jr. ‘72 thanked LEF for the award and then spoke passionately about the need for alumni to encourage and assist students wherever and whenever possible. He praised the Lawnside teachers in attendance when he introduced two products of Lawnside and current Cheyney students: senior Julian Faggins and Tyra Brown, President of the freshman class. “Keep doing what you’re doing,” Coleman told the teachers as they applauded the students’ achievements, “Because these two are proof that it’s working!” The chapter was previously dormant for several years, with a membership of about 25 alumni. Over the last three years, the chapter has regained momentum as a functioning chapter and increased membership to include 80 members from the Southern New
Jersey Area. In the last year, GSJ has hosted two very successful Applebee’s Flapjack Breakfasts and one scholarship reception. The chapter members have raised more than $5,500 for financial scholarships and book awards for Cheyney students. “We believe that we must support other organizations if we want support. This attitude has rewarded us with new members and the return of older members,” said Coleman. “We are growing, working and striving to do all we can to support our beloved alma mater and the young people matriculating there from New Jersey.” Lawnside Education Foundation, Inc. is an independent non-profit communitybased organization created to support the Lawnside School District in New Jersey. LEF seeks to secure resources for the district by raising funds via donations from individuals, community organizations, and companies. The organization recently met a $50,000 goal for media center upgrades and technology for the district, and hopes to support more academic programs that impact student achievement. Cheney alumni on the LEF Board of Directors include Dr. Milton Robinson ‘70, Junious and Sonja Stanton ‘69, as well as Skip ‘72 and Gayle Enlow ‘73. Submitted by Alphonso R. Coleman, Jr. President GSJCUAC Pictured: Skip Enlow ‘72, Omari Hardwick, Alphonso R. Coleman, Jr. ‘72 Pictured: Alphonso Coleman stands with Julian Faggins ‘16 and Tyra Brown ‘19.
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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. James Anderson ‘62 Mildred Evans Brooks Merle A. Burnett-O’Brien ‘69 Dr. Naomi Turpin Crumbly ‘61 (AKA) Natasha George ‘95 Charles Glasco ‘74 Robert W. Gorgas, Sr. ‘69 Robert Albert Jackson, Jr ‘74 Brad Lewis ’71 Oliver Lofton ’56 Donicia Miller ‘06 Dr. Claude Mitchell Dr. Velma Mitchell Rev. Joseph D. Patterson, Sr. ‘59 (ΚΑΨ) Frank (Smitty) Smith ’77 (ΩΨΦ) Jacqueline Denny Starr ’45 (AKA) Marcellus Strothers ’61 Karla R. Summers ’98 (ΔΣΘ) Geraldine H. Tippin ‘52 Dr. Ernestine Virginia ‘49
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 Fall 2016 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.
Improv Keeps You Sharp! Retired actor and educator Richard ‘Dick’ Brown ’61 started acting at Temple University, Full Circle Theater Group in 1994, while he was working there in the Inter-Generational Department. He continued with Full Circle doing improv acting with small groups and/ or individually, traveling throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area and the United States.
Theater in Media, PA, has modeled in publications and was featured in a special that appeared on WHYY about seniors transitioning into new fields.
Improv acting is becoming a popular pastime amongst mature adults. As they fine that improvisation can help them stay sharp, local demand is growing for the groups that offer socialization, as well as mental - and sometimes physical - exercise.
Brown is proud to have a Cheyney legacy family that includes six Cheyney graduates and current students.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, a husband (actor) and wife (psychologist) in Chicago are even working with a University of Illinois neuroscientist to see whether theater improvisation can cause structural changes in the brain detectable through MRIs! Brown currently teaches improv acting at Temple University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in Philadelphia, PA. He is still involved with a small group of improv actors that meet weekly at the Community Education Center in the Powelton Village section of West Philadelphia. During the last 20 years, Brown has appeared in numerous training films, in several movies, on stage at the Hedgerow
Brown is active in the Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Delaware County, where he was honored in January 2015, and also active with the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter.
Richard Brown’s wife, Evelyn Matthews Brown, graduated with the Class of 1975. His daughter, Stephanie Brown, graduated from Cheyney’s graduate degree program in 2002. His son, Christopher Brown, graduated with the Class of 2014. His niece, Barbara Wyatt Lay is a graduate of the Class of 1971, and his granddaughter, Jasmine Richardson is currently a second semester Junior, enrolled in the Keystone Honors Academy. Jasmine is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Math. Story submitted by Evelyn Matthews Brown ‘75. Photo: Students of improv (from left) Alan Fogel, Sue Zipin, and Dick Brown do a bit on griping. Local demand is growing for the groups that offer socialization, as well as mental, and often physical, exercise. (Steven M. Falk / Staff Photographer at The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Congratulations to our Scholarship Recipients for 2015-2016 Aaliyah Sellers Aaron Worsley Adreinn Small Aliyah Muhammad Anderson Watson Anwar Mathis Ariana Nelson Asia M. Suber Azzam Winston, III Banford Poole Basir Fulmore Briana McCloud Brittany Brown Brittany Powell Charlie Alicia Stratton Chole Fontenot Christina King Cydnee Toland Holmes DeWhitt Jones Dikemba J. Amugo Dominick Tavtz Dymund Angelique Coles Elaina Aleya Cooley Eric Marcus Booker Erica-Lyn Russell Eugene Harris Harmony Joy Billie Imir Bailey Isaiah Dixon Israel Carter Israel Griffin Jada Shabree Smith-Young Jahmal Pryce Julian Cream-Marshall Julian Venable Feggins Juwan Mullen Kendall Hood Khadijah Aja Lee Wisher Kina Hayward Kraig Henry Lakeem Duncan Marque Levy Marvin Morris Melodee Montgomery Michael A. Oyefusi Niseeah Branch Nyrie Watson Rashod Knight Rolando Ransom Sabrinia Hill-Williams Shamik Bivings Sidera Jones Taschell Phillips Travis Elliott Tyra Brown Wayne Morris William Dennis Xavier Ghaskin Zairah McDonald
Brittany Powell ‘16 If you would have asked me about my career goals 10 years ago, I would have said something along the lines of being a CNA or working as an office assistant. Growing up in urban Pittsburgh, I haven’t been exposed to a lot. The fact of the matter was my desire wasn’t to be any one of those things, but it was all I knew of individuals doing at that time and I wanted to fit in, but the God that I served made sure to put me on a different path. One day, I happened to be watching television show involving a young, black, married couple who seemingly had a very normal life, but one drunken argument resulted in an accidental murder. That’s when it hit me! I am meant to be a lawyer and my purpose is to help and serve others during crisis situations because I have the power within me to deliver. With that, I made plans to attend college in pursuit of my new career path. I told myself, “If I apply to Cheyney, and they don’t accept me, I will go to community college and later transfer to a university.” Cheyney University accepted me, and four and a half years later I am here, and ready to walk at commencement. These last few months have not been smooth sailing. If it wasn’t for the Cheyney University National Alumni Association and the Alumni Last Dollar Scholarship Fund, I wouldn’t be graduating at all. I have attended Cheyney since fall 2011 and up until fall 2015 I have been blessed enough not to have any financial concerns, but at the beginning of my senior year God humbled my life for the best. In September 2015, I got suspended because I wasn’t mature enough to know how to handle controversy. My suspension expired in January 2016 but it resulted in an administrative withdrawal from my classes which also resulted in my financial aid being sent back for the fall term. This left me with a balance of $5,885.00. Scared, worried, and stressed are how I felt when I looked at that fall bill. This news was presented to me at the last minute and I had
no savings set aside that could address the balance. I prayed to God for assistance. On January 15, I left Pittsburgh knowing that I had a balance of almost $6,000 and no money of my own to pay it, but more importantly, I had faith and intuition telling me all would be well. When I arrived at Cheyney, I tried to meet with the financial aid officers to make some type of arrangements but I couldn’t get anywhere with my case, and to make matters worse, I found out they might not be able to accept a grant I was counting on to help lower my balance! Someone suggested that I go see a man named “Mr. Benjamin,” so I went to his office with the hope that he could provide me with some guidance and instantly felt the love and passion he has for the students at Cheyney. I like to think that I’m a good judge of character and I have no doubt in my mind that this man is “for the students” at Cheyney University. I met with Mr. Benjamin and an alumna, Ms. Gaynelle Turner-Lewis. Never, in my history at Cheyney, have I seen other Black people in a position of power go that extra mile and fight to help students. I mean, they were in the Alumni Relations Office working diligently to help students not only with financial issues, but with education requirements, and job issues as well. Mr. Benjamin and Ms. Gaynelle suggested that I submit an application for the Alumni Last Dollar Scholarship Fund and I was awarded $2,989 towards my balance. That last dollar award, along with my Chaffee Grant, cleared my balance for spring 2016. I want to thank the Cheyney University National Alumni Association for loving me enough to see me through this semester. This May, I will graduate with the Class of 2016 and earn my bachelor’s degree and you played a large part in making that happen for me. I love you all and I appreciate you more than you may ever know. It is now one of my life missions is to pay it forward, this miracle of mine.
The Cheyney C Club 5k Run & Health Fair The Cheyney C Club held its inaugural 5k Run and Health Education Fair at Cheyney University on Saturday, April 16 and the event was met with a good deal of support from Cheyney alumni, students and the local community. With more than 100 people in attendance, the event featured a 5k run along Creek Road, a one mile walk on the track in O’Shields Stevenson Stadium, and a health education fair in Cope Hall. This is the first year The C Club has hosted a race and health fair but the planning committee says that it was up to the challenge. 5k Committee Chair Yasheaka Oakley Owens ‘11 says the event is already a success on many levels. “We set a goal to raise money for scholarship support and provide our neighbors with the opportunity to learn about programs or services that could improve their wellbeing, so we are very thankful to our sponsors, partners, and participants for taking the pledge to make this event a reality,” said Oakley Owens. Community organizations and businesses were invited to help increase awareness of housing, health and wellness, financial stability, utilities, education and employment resources available in Thornbury Township of Chester and Delaware Counties. Seventeen organizations and representatives shared their expertise with attendees including WomenHeart, American Red Cross, Benchmark Federal Credit Union, BHCU, Black Nurses Association of Delaware,
Cheyney University National Alumni Association, Citadel Credit Union, Friends of the Delaware County Women’s Commission, Girls on the Run of Montgomery and Delaware Counties, Independence Blue Cross Express Truck, Maternal and Child Health Consortium, PA CareerLink Delaware County at Chester, Riddle Hospital, The Vitamin Shoppe and The Sunshine Foundation. Kate Semple is the president of The Sunshine Foundation, a nonprofit that serves children from income-limited families living with chronic illnesses. When her team received the invitation to join the Health Education Fair, she said they were happy to register. “It was a wonderful day and we are grateful to been given the opportunity to spread Sunshine,” said Semple, “We would be grateful to have this chance to share our mission again next year.” In the men’s 5k division, Jibri Bond, son of alumna Bonita Farrow Gibson ‘73 and alumnus Dane Bond, finished in first place with a time of 23:36, followed by Charles Owens ‘10 and Matthew D’Ulisse. In the women’s 5k division, Kyra Gordon, daughter of Cheyney alumna Gaynelle TurnerLewis ‘73, finished in first place with a time of 24:37, followed by Marquita DeVane and Kelly Hart. Kyle Gordon, a nine-year-old training to participate in his first track meet finished in first place for the children’s one mile fun run, followed by Azeeza and Asiani EdwardsOwens. Denise Swann ‘76 and Brianna Henderson ‘16 tied for first place and the title of “Fastest Walker” in the one mile.
The Cheyney C Club 5K Run & Health Education Fair was sponsored in part by The Cheyney Foundation, Lexus of Cherry Hill NJ, Subway, the Friends of the Delaware County Women’s Commission and many other individual and community supporters. Since 2008, The C Club has donated more than $220,000 in support of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s 10 varsity sports teams, cheerleading squad and University band. English major Daivona Williams ‘17 is a member of the Women’s Track and Field Team and a C Club scholarship recipient. Williams shared how her scholarship has really impacted her college experience. “Thanks to the gracious C Club donors, I have been able to continue in the pursuit of my degree with only a couple of small loans. I have the opportunity to do what I love, which is running, and get a great affordable education here at Cheyney University,” said Williams. Events like the 5k Run and Health Education Fair allow The Cheyney C Club to provide student-athletes like Williams with the financial support they need to complete their undergraduate degree programs at Cheyney. Anyone interested in learning more about The Cheyney C Club, its upcoming events, membership benefits, or the C Club Scholarship Fund can visit CheyneyCClub. com or email CClubCU@gmail.com. Submitted by Yasheaka Oakley Owens ‘11 Photos by Craig’s Images Photography.
Delaware State Scholarships came when the needs of the people became evident due to the high crime rate, blighted homes, rising unemployment, failing schools, lack of programming for unsupervised youth with broken homes and terrified senior citizens with limited resources.
Kenneth T. Walker Jr. ‘00 A North Philadelphia native, Kenneth Walker, Jr. graduated from Cheyney University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, but soon found his calling in community service. During his professional career, Walker has served as a youth career resource coordinator, public school teacher, care manager for the mental health and homeless population, drug and alcohol coordinator, residential advisor and head wrestling coach. Kenneth Walker Jr.’s decision to run for office
Walker realized that running for office was the only way he could participate in effective change on a state and community wide level to restore confidence in a skeptic democracy. His legislative responsibilities include strengthening the public school system, creating more vocational and job trainings, funding smaller nonprofit organizations to be able to provide quality services, creating more free positive youth programs, and providing safer livable neighborhoods with accessible resources by promoting clarity and accountability in state government.
Ernie Coleman is a business professional with many years of finance experience in the aerospace industry. He has held various finance positions at Lockheed Martin as well as Ford Aerospace. These various positions took him nationwide to Houston, TX, Detroit, MI, Hanover, MD, Lancaster, PA and King of Prussia, PA. Ernie has a MBA from the University of Houston in corporate finance, and a bachelor’s degree
Photo: Members of Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Delaware, scholarship recipients, Interim President Dr. Frank Pogue and Alumni Director Greg Benjamin.
He is currently the Vice President of the Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Philadelphia and is a candidate for State Representative for Pennsylvania District 181. You can learn more about Kenneth T. Walker, Jr. and his campaign by visiting CitizensForKennethWalkerJr.com.
in accounting from Cheyney University. He was president of the Class of 1978, an honors student, member of the concert choir and E.L.I.T.E. Social Fellowship.
F. Ernest Coleman ‘78
The Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Delaware presented two $1,000.00 scholarships to Cheyney University students. Nyrie Watson (sophomore) and Isaiah Dixon (sophomore) were both presented with $1,000.00 scholarships each during halftime of the Lady Wolves final game of the season. Following the presentation the Cheyney University Alumni Chapter hosted a hospitality suite with food and refreshments for alumni, administration and the scholarship recipients.
He is married to Linda Freeman Coleman, and they have three children: Nomble, Idris, and Adanne. All three children graduated with Honors from Downingtown West High School, in Downingtown, PA. Nomble was awarded a four-year, full-tuition scholarship from Bentley University in Waltham, MA and graduated in 2011. She is currently a Marketing Program Manager with EMC Corporation in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Idris graduated from Shippensburg University in May 2014 with a BS degree in Human Resources Management. He was an HR Generalist with Sikorsky Aircraft in Tumble, Connecticut, and is currently an HR Analyst at IMS Health in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Adanne is currently a 2nd semester sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Biology. She plans to become a physician. Ernie is currently a deacon at New Life
in Christ Fellowship in Coatesville, PA., a lifetime member of the National Black MBA Association, Philadelphia Chapter, and a former volunteer at Ronald McDonald House. He also served as the corresponding secretary of Families Together and is a national member of the Cheyney University National Alumni Association. Ernie is a former Board member of the Young Men and Women in Charge Foundation, Inc. (YMWIC); past treasurer of the Downingtown West High School Post Prom Committee, and has received recognition from State Senator Andrew E. Dinniman and the Chester County OIC for his community efforts. Ernie has been diagnosed with a new form of cancer that will require a bone marrow transplant. He is currently on the bone marrow donor list awaiting a match. The Coleman family asks that you please consider volunteering to take a cheek swipe test to see if you are a match to help save his life. Please email Nomble Coleman at nomble.coleman@ gmail.com for further information.
Volleyball Team Finds Cheyney Family in the South Jr., President of the North Carolina Alumni Chapter.
The Women’s Volleyball team recently traveled south and found that CU is everywhere! When the Women’s Volleyball team showed up on the court at Shaw University, a HBCU in Raleigh, North Carolina, they could not believe they had a cheering section so far away from Cheyney. Coach Joan Braid was equally astonished and expressed gratitude for this caring support.
Although our student-athletes did not receive trophies, they were able to enjoy the experience of being in the South at an HBCU other than Cheyney or Lincoln University. “Wanda and I were blown away to discover that only one of the students was from Pennsylvania and that several had never been to North Carolina,” said Ozzie Hackett,
Her path to Cheyney was directly linked to her uncle, Professor Leander Logan, who was Director of the Industrial Arts Division at that time. Upon graduating from Cheyney with a degree in Elementary / Early Childhood Education, Julia returned to North Carolina
The NC Chapter gifted the team with two crates of traveling treats and beverages they could enjoy on that long trip home. Story submitted by Ozzie Hackett, Jr.
responsible for Teacher Education majors, as well as Post College Teacher placement.
Julia Hoffman Saunders ‘49 Mrs. Julia Hoffman Saunders, one of the original chartering members of the North Carolina Alumni Chapter, was recently honored by her chapter in recognition to her dedicated membership in the chapter and her outstanding career in education, subsequent to her graduation from Cheyney in 1949. She is the earliest graduate in the NC Chapter. Unlike many who aspired from Pennsylvania roots, she is a native North Carolinian, having been born and reared in Dallas, NC. She resides in Charlotte, married to Mr. Ervin Saunders, also a native and graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU in Charlotte, NC.
The team was made up of student-athletes from Florida, Arizona, California, Nevada, Tennessee, Minnesota, with only two from Delaware and Maryland.
where she taught for 15 years in the Charlotte/ Mecklenburg School System. Subsequent to her years in the classroom, she was recruited for a Central Office position as Director of Early Childhood Education. She later advanced to the executive position of Director of K-12 Instruction for the entire Charlotte/ Mecklenburg School System. After retiring from the System, Julia pursued a second career as an Adjunct Professor in a Regional Site with the University of South Carolina. She later went on to complete her professional education journey, as a Professor at Johnson C. Smith University where she was
During her earlier years, she spent many of her summers pursuing her Master’s Degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College and various certifications from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Columbia. Julia and Ervin have two children, both HBCU products; the daughter a graduate of North Carolina A&T University and their son, a Presbyterian Minister and graduate of Johnson C. Smith University. She has four grands and one great grand of which she is quite proud. She is an avid Carolina Panther fan, but spends much of her time in the church where she has served in many capacities, including that of a Vacation Bible and Sunday School Teacher. Submitted by Ozzie Hackett, Jr.
Thank You to Our Donors $10,000 Alumni Named Scholarship William & Marion Shumake Craig Welburn $2,500 Alumni Named Scholarship Keith Singletary Elizabeth Berry Holmes Dr. Sallie Jean Wilson $1,500 Alumni Named Scholarship Melanie Twyman $1,000 Alumni Named Scholarship Barbara Daniel Cox Theodore Duncan Eva Hanson-Douthit Janice Henry Bettie Hunt Aycox Carolyn D. Jackson Rosalind Jones Johnson Thomas Lane Purnell W. Lawrence Gaynelle Turner-Lewis Robert Murray Dr. Jacqueline Peace $500 Book Scholarship Dr. Elizabeth Adderly Julius H. Brown The Cheyney Foundation Gloria Williams Harley Henry Hollis Charles Lanier Roger Leysath Velma Lester Norma Pratt Karen B. Shanks Robert Traynham, III Robert & Drema Turner James Washington $300 Book Scholarship Robert Crawford $250 Book Scholarship Gwen Owens Anne Braxton Sharon Cannon Bonita Gibson Lawrence Green William Griffin Marion Haliburton Warren McMichael Gloria Mitchell Yvonne H. Proudford
Renee Richardson Stephanie Steed Darlene Cager Williams Robert Wright, Sr. Valerie Howard $100 Book Scholarship Betzaida Benjamin Askia Hamilton Gail Hunter Jane Boston Jordan Henrietta J. Stukes Deborah A. Turner Loretta S. Williams Alumni Scholarship Donors Richard Allen David Alston Shirley Archie Barbara Ashe Eugene Asonye Etta Baldwin Carolyn Banks Sylvia Bell Ruby Bell Gregory Benjamin Elizabeth Berry Holmes Ronald Bond Lorita Brockington Christine Broome Phyllis Brown Isaiah Burgess Dessie Burgess Sara Bynum Antoinette Bynum Simpkins Lorraine Carey Marilyn Clark Kathryn Clark-Benjamin Maxine Coleman Lauren Contaste George Cooke Cecelia Crommarty Wanda Delaine Marjorie Ducan Reed Shirley Duckett Lauren Enlow Myrna Ferguson Latoya Ferguson Joewana Freeman Camille Gadsden Mary Generette Michele Grant Robert Habershaw Ozzie Hackett, Jr. Eva Hanson Douthit Tyrone Hardy Henry Harper LeRoy & Maxine Harvey Esther Haynes Janice Henry
Julia Hoffman Saunders Henry Hollis Howard Jackson Carolyn Jackson Annabelle Jackson Marcus Joe Nathaniel Johnson Katie Johnson Dyane Jones Dorothy Jones Hewitt Malone Sigrid McCall Sylverster Melvin George Miles Ronald & Brenda Mitchell William Morton Hubert Morton Willie Mouzon Gladys Murray Carol Paige Jacqueline Peace John Green, Ph.D George & Sylvia Pilgrim Jacqueline Porter Gregory Pratt Joan Reid Harriette Rosado Bernice Sanders Infanta Savage Karen Shanks Gerald Smith Arthur Smith Sonjia Stanton Junious Stanton Wanda Thomas-Byrd Susan Thomas-Holder Pamela Tolbert Robert Traynham Deborah Turner Cisley Turpin Kezirah Vaughters Delores Ware Charlotte Washington Barbara Watkins Craig Welburn Charles Whiting Edwin Wilkinson Mary Williams Glorine Wilson Valerie Woolford Cheyney University National Alumni Association Alumni Chapter of Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Delaware Alumni Chapter of Montgomery County Alumni Chapter of Greater South Jersey Alumni Chapter of Delaware County The Cheyney University C Club The Beta Gamma Foundation The Cheyney Foundation Class of 1965
This list includes donors who made gifts directly to the Cheyney University National Alumni Association and to Cheyney University. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we apologize in advance for any errors or omissions. To report a discrepancy, or for more information, please contact the Cheyney University National Alumni Association Office at 610-455-3900. Any needed corrections will be printed in a future issue of the Cheyney Spirit. The entire CU community extends its gratitude for your interest and support of Cheyney University! Every gift is important!