We Are Cheyney Str ong
The President’s Message The word renaissance means rebirth or revival. I firmly believe we are on the cusp of a great revival at Cheyney University. Many HBCUs are floundering as they confront a lack of substantial involvement of their alumni, adverse government policies, declining enrollment, fiscal instability, accreditation challenges, insufficient marketing and an inability to compete with predominantly white institutions for the top students, faculty and programs. At the same time many HBCUs are doing well despite these challenges because their alumni are active, supportive and engaged. They have dynamic and visionary leadership and together have made significant connections in the philanthropic, private and political spheres to forge partnerships that move their institutions forward. This is the formula for HBCU success and longevity.
The good news is the alumni are the driving force behind Heeding Cheyney’s Call and alumni are stepping up, donating and giving at a record pace. While alumni must be the driving force in Cheyney’s revival, we cannot do it all by ourselves. We can recruit talented students; we can be strong advocates and ambassadors on behalf of Cheyney. We can encourage our classmates and social networks to give more to help us raise two million dollars and be more visible on campus and in our own communities but we must also find allies and forge partnerships with them.
The Spirit
Cheyney is going through a major transition; alumni can and must be an essential part of this process. So when you are asked to volunteer, to serve on a committee, run for office or to support an initiative, say yes. People plant seeds for trees they know they will Cheyney University is facing serious never sit under, so too we must plan for challenges but within these challenges Cheyney’s long term future. We have the lie the seeds of positive change, expertise, skills and energy and more growth and a renaissance that will lead importantly we have a sacred obligation. Cheyney back to prominence. The We must be at the table bringing our A efforts of Heeding Cheyney’s Call have, game if Cheyney is to experience the in my view, forced the state to take the renaissance Julian Able, Octavius V. requisite action to save our beloved Catto, Fannie Jackson Coppin, Leslie Alma Mater. Legal action is a viable Pinckney Hill, Wade Wilson and so option to ensure the state does whatever many others would be proud and our is necessary for Cheyney to gain parity posterity deserves. This is the legacy with the other thirteen PASSHE schools. we can leave, starting the renaissance. 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, keyword, “CUNAA Newsletter.” Please send all inquiries, hi-res JPEG photos and 300-word content submissions to prcommittee@cheyneyalum.org for consideration.
Cheyney University National Alumni Association Board of Directors President Junious R. Stanton ‘69 Vice President Marion Haliburton ‘70 Corresponding Secretary Yasir N. Roundtree ‘10 Recording Secretary George Walker ‘76 Treasurer Paul A. Turner ‘62 Financial Secretary Gaynelle Turner-Lewis ‘73 General Board Members Theodore Duncan ‘72 Rosalind Jones-Johnson ‘70 Dr. Oscar H. Hankinson ‘55 Immediate Past President Dr. Sandra Merritt-Countley ‘67 ~*~ CUNAA Public Relations Committee Committee Chair & Editor in Chief Yasheaka Oakley ‘11 Advertising Manager Christina Clark ‘97 General Members Gregory Benjamin ‘81 Gaynelle Turner-Lewis ‘73 ~*~ Cover photo taken by Antoine DeLoach ‘98
Congratulations to Cheyney alumna Lisa Rhodes ‘86 for being elected to the PA Democratic State Committee! A West Philadelphia native and product of the School District of Philadelphia, Rhodes attended Dunlap Elementary School, Julia R. Masterman; and Franklin Learning Center. Following in the footsteps of her mother Jean Rhodes (1956), sister, brother, cousins and aunts, Lisa continued the legacy and attended Cheyney University of Pennsylvania where she received a B.A. Degree in Computer and Information Science with a minor in Mathematics. Additionally, she pursued They came from as close as Chester, eat,” explained Gregory Benjamin, a Master of Science in Computer PA and as far away as California and Director of Alumni Relations at CU. Science from Johns Hopkins University. three international countries. Parents, “They give their hard earned money grandparents, siblings, relatives and their most precious jewel-In addition to serving in church and and friends of incoming Cheyney their child--to this University. So community organizations, Rhodes University freshmen arrived on campus we decided to start feeding them.” is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha ready to move their loved one in and Sorority, Inc., which she joined during resolve any last minute issues. That, Nearly 20 alumni, led by Gaynelle Turner her time at Cheyney University of course, entails trip after trip to the Lewis (‘73) and Benjamin, came together of Pennsylvania (Delta Iota). car or, better yet, to the U-Haul. So, to serve up “A Taste of Philadelphia,” who has time to think about food? which included Philadelphia hoagies, Story and photo submitted by pretzels, Tastycakes, drinks, fruit Lisa Rhodes. No worries. The Cheyney University and other snacks. CUNAA members National Alumni Association and the donated the food, supplies and money Office of Alumni Relations have it all to feed 600 people. under control. “This is an opportunity for parents to “Five years ago, we recognized that relax after going through all of the hard parents coming to move their children work and for alum to interact with families on campus didn’t have time to leave of incoming students. We do it for the Marcus Foster and get something to love of our alma mater,” said Lewis. Story and photo submitted by the CU Office of Public Relations
Young Scholar on the Rise: Christopher Carter From the day I first enrolled at Cheyney University, I had one goal in mind, and I still remember the night when I found out that I was taking the next step in my career that would allow me to accomplish this goal. I was busily packing my bags for a student lobbying trip to Harrisburg, PA with a group of students and President Michelle Howard-Vital to advocate for support of Cheyney scholarship programs that were on Governor Tom Corbett’s chopping block in his first round of budget cuts in 2011. I remember that I was frustrated after a long day of classes, band practice, and meetings for the Student Government Cooperative Association, Inc. (SGCA), and was struggling to finish packing at about one o’clock in the morning--only a few hours before I had to set off for the capital. I was restless. The budget cuts were having a direct effect on the students I felt responsible for as SGCA president, and I found myself on my computer checking my email at one in the morning.
That is when I saw it. I had received an email from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. I was going to law school. I woke up my roommate with a loud yell and praised my Lord and Savior. I had gotten into my dream law school and was headed back to my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
My time at Cheyney University taught me a lot about grassroots organizing and how it can provide significant positive impact for a community. Working with CEA gave me a chance to practice on that skill more while in graduate school and create new connections in Pittsburgh.
That was roughly three years ago. Since then, I have been elected to, and served as, the Vice President of the University of Pittsburgh’s Black Law Student Association chapter. In that capacity, the Derek Bell Legal Clinic, a after a Pittsburgh African-American as a professor
After insistence from a friend and others in my corner, I declared my candidacy for the Allegheny County Democratic Committee in the Spring 2014 local elections. Not too long I helped organize before graduation, I found out that I was Legal Community elected to the position. program named hero, and the first Today, I think back on where I was just to receive tenure three years ago, and where I want to be at Harvard Law. very soon.
The program received much praise and helped dozens of local residents with free legal assistance, garnered the attention of local media, and warranted me an article in the 2013 Fall edition of the Pitt Law Magazine. While I participated in several internships for different law offices, I spent most of my time as the coordinating intern for the Community Empowerment Association (CEA), a well-respected nonprofit organization in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where I was raised. There, I gained a lot of experience with local government and was recognized by the organization’s CEO, who appointed me to the organizations Board of Directors.
I hope to be able to break into the legal field here in Pittsburgh, or find some way to give back to the community that has been essential in my development. I am currently looking for jobs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area, legal or otherwise, as I seek to grow in my professional career. Submitted by Christopher Carter, J.D. CU Class of 2011 UPitt Class of 2014 Bond-Hill Scholarship Recipient
Named in honor of world renowned artist and former Cheyney professor, Laura Wheeler Waring, this building is a testament to the rich history of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Let us not forget that this hall is the namesake of a woman who not only established both the art and music programs at Cheyney Training School for Teachers, but also directed these programs until her death in 1948. Having been professionally trained in music, Professor Waring also directed the “Cheyney Singers” who served as a forerunner to today’s Cheyney Concert Choir. In the past, President Leslie Pinckney Hill would have the Cheyney Singers accompany him on excursions to cultivate funds, and sow good will for the school. Renowned by 1945, the Cheyney Chorus garnered awards in the Cultural Olympics at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia (1945-47) and established a legacy and tradition at Cheyney University which is still alive today.
Today, the Cheyney University Concert Choir performs for major on-campus functions, such as Commencement and Founder’s Day, and is best known for its repertoire of music which spans more than 400 years. The Concert Choir continues to travel to neighboring schools, churches, and businesses to spread good cheer through music. Although, Waring Hall served as a student union center, and is best known for the memorable festivities that took place there, it is also important to highlight the history behind this beloved building as we pay our respects to what once was. According to Cheyney University’s Office of Facilities Management, the building is scheduled to be demolished between Fall 2014 and Spring 2015. The land will be returned to green space with consideration for a Laura Wheeler Waring commemoration. - History by F. Keith Bingham, University Archivist
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania President Dr. Michelle R. HowardVital retired on July 31, 2014, exactly seven years after she took over the reins as the 11th president of the nation’s first institution of higher learning for African Americans. Under Dr. Vital’s leadership since July 2007, Cheyney University opened its first state-of-the-art residence hall in more than 30 years, and restored the oldest building on campus, Humphreys Hall, to a beautiful residence hall for honors students. In addition, construction of a new $22 million LEED-certified science center and planetarium is wrapping up, the first new academic building in more than three decades, which will open in September.
knowing that I’ve accomplished much to benefit the university.”
Congratulations to Michael Coard
Dr. Vital’s husband, Geri R. Vital, will join her in retirement. He served as a lecturer in the Graphic Design program, founded the CU Collegiate 100 Chapter, and often offered his photography and graphic design skills to help promote the university. The Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Delaware County will host “With graduation over, the new science “We will certainly miss the its Sixth Annual Martin Luther King, center about to open to provide students, faculty, staff, and alumni, Jr. Scholarship Gala on January STEM opportunities for scores of but we believe that Cheyney 17, 2015 at the Oaks Ballroom in students in the years to come, and University will thrive,” Dr. Vital said. Glenolden, PA. Alumnus, activist, and attorney Michael Coard ’82 will having just led the university through a successful Middle States Self-Study Following the university’s order of receive the Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit visit in April, now seemed to be the succession, Provost and Vice President Award for his dedication to Cheyney perfect time for me to step down and of Academic Affairs Dr. Phyllis Worthy University and the community at large. get back to my home and relatives Dawkins will assume Dr. Vital’s in North Carolina,” Dr. Vital shared. responsibilities as acting president. Past recipients include former Congressman Joe Sestak, State Story submitted by The Cheyney University Representative James Roebuck, “Biblical scholars say the number Office of Public Relations President of the Cheyney University seven in the Bible signifies completion. Picture (left to right): David Brooks Alston National Alumni Association Junious My last day will come on my seventh ‘80, Althea Harris ‘68 of The Cheyney anniversary. Cheyney University has Foundation with Dr. Michelle Howard- Stanton and last year’s recipient Director been a challenging and rewarding Vital and Geri Vital during the President’s of Alumni Relations, Gregory Benjamin. experience that I will cherish. I leave
Retirement Reception on July 30, 2014.
The recipient of the chapter’s Community Service Award will be announced at the chapter’s September 2014 meeting. All proceeds from the event will benefit students attending Cheyney University. During the 2013-14 academic year, the chapter donated more than $5,000.00 to the Cheyney University Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Ambassador Joseph Monroe Segars was born on November 6, 1938 and transitioned on July 20, 2014. Segars is a member of the Class of 1961.
Congratulations to Cheyney Alumnus Robert N. Hunter, Class of 1982, for being installed as the 46th Polemarch of The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated on Wednesday, June 18, 2014.
In 1976, Segars became one of the first African Americans to be assigned to strife-torn South Africa, and his arrival in Johannesburg coincided with the outbreak of unrest in Soweto. In 1993, Segars received his first ambassadorship to the Republic of Cape Verde, where he remained until his retirement in 1996.
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.
A staunch believer in giving back to the community, Hunter is actively involved in several community service activities, including: The Cheyney “C” Club, Cheyney University National Alumni Association, The Men of B.A.C.A. (Bronze Association for Cultural Advancement), the Kappa Alpha Alumna Vivien Vance Cherry ‘60 Psi Achievement Academy Program Alumna LaVerne Dumas ‘70 and coaching his son’s sports team. Alumna Shelia Freeman Dunn ‘69 Alumnus Joseph Fisher Alumna Margaret L. Alston Graves ‘61 Alumnus Webster Kilson, Jr. Alumna Cynthia McNeil ‘61 Alumnus Norman Satchell ‘62 Alumnus Joseph Monroe Segars ‘61 Alumnus Michael B. Washington ‘82 Alumna Dr. Florence Whitney ‘59 Earlene C. Arnold Clarence H. Brooks III Kyle Devero Beth Haliburton Pender Anna Berrien Henderson Mary Frances Jackson Lee H. McNeill Sherri Lisa Moore Lee Pyett
Story submitted by The Cheyney University Office of Alumni Relations.
Segars is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the recipient of several prestigious awards for his foreign service. In 1997, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Southeastern University. Condolences can be sent to his wife, Elizabeth Segars (pictured below) who unfortunately suffered a stroke while preparing for her husband’s memorial service. She is currently recuperating with her son in Washington, D.C.
Marva Prince Washington, Vice President of the Class of 1957, and wife of James E. Washington, Class of 1955, has a long history of missionary work, starting with the Missionary Circle of Bethany Baptist Church.
On August 25, 2014, The Cheyney “C” Club, Cheyney University’s official athletic booster club, hosted its fifth annual Wade Wilson Golf Tournament and Silent Auction at the Penn Oaks Country Club in West Chester, PA. Named after Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s fourth president, Dr. Wade Wilson, the Wade Wilson Golf Tournament is The Cheyney “C” Club’s most substantial and extravagant fundraiser.
As a youth, Marva and her sister Wilma (Evans-Robinson, also a graduate of Cheyney) would accompany their mother This year’s tournament not only marks while she visited the sick, take food, the fifth anniversary of the fundraiser, clean homes, and provide other care. but also allowed The “C” Club to reach its goal of donating more than $200,000 In 1982, Marva united with the Christian to the Cheyney University athletics Stronghold Church and got a view department in less than 10 years. of Missions according to The Word. While in Kenya in 2010, she traveled The tournament continued the to the homestead of President Barack success of previous years, featuring Obama’s family member and had the about 100 golfers and 20 non-golfers honor of speaking with her. Marva who enjoyed a golf clinic, Pinochle presented her with a gift bowl from Tournament and wine and cheese America and a Calligraphic rendering. Marva and James Washington have three children, Deborah, Lori, and Dwayne. They are pleased to do great things in Philadelphia, and are proud to have the Christian Stronghold as a part of their legacy.
tasting at Penns Woods Winery. “We thank all of our members, the alumni, faculty, friends, and business sponsors for contributing to our success this and every year, because, without their support, $200,000 would still be a far off goal,” said Larry Skinner, President of The “C” Club. This year’s corporate sponsors included The Sazerac Company, Allstate, PECO, Kelly’s Sports, The Cheyney Foundation, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Lexus of Cherry Hill, Universal Companies, and PK Financial Group. The Cheyney “C” Club is committed to Cheyney University’s 12 varsity sports teams, the cheerleading squad, and the University band. The group photo below features some of the 75 members who actively support scholarships for studentathletes at Cheyney University. Photo by Craig’s Images Photography.
Linda Jones, Class of 1971, from Glenolden, Pa, participated in the Delaware County Senior Games on June 20, 2014. Jones won silver metals for the one mile walk, 800 meter walk, and 400 meter walk. This was her second year participating in the Senior Games. Jones finds that training and remaining active stimulates the mind as well as the body and absolutely enjoys competing. She looks forward to next year’s event and has her eyes set on the Gold! Linda Jones is a member of the Cheyney University Alumni Chapter of Delaware County.
Cheyney Alumnus Kyle Adams, Class of 199, was named Head Women’s Basketball Coach on July 1, 2013. “We took great steps forward as a program last season,” said Adams. “I am honored to serve as the Head “We won more games than the last Women’s Basketball Coach at Cheyney two seasons combined. We had eight University of Pennsylvania,” said Adams. young ladies finish the academic year with grade point averages An active member of the Cheyney above 3.0 out of 4.0, and we had University Alumni Chapter of Delaware three seniors graduate with honors.” and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Adams said, “Cheyney is a special place When it comes to recruiting, Adams’ for my family and myself, so I am excited team has been able to attract studentto represent our university, and be part athletes who are excited to be a part of its growth and tradition. I look forward of the team and what it is building. to building on the tradition of excellence at Cheyney. I feel very fortunate to “I feel that we have started to establish a be able to coach at my alma mater.” culture that exhibits what type basketball program we want to be. Now we have Adams feels that being chosen to lead the to build on that momentum through our basketball program is about Cheyney’s attitude and work ethic,” said Adams. young ladies and providing them with a transformative educational experience The 2014-15 season has a great deal in through the sport of basketball. store for the Lady Wolves! Adams says he wants the people who come to watch Being a student-athlete on the them play to see a group of young ladies college level should provide you passionate about playing the game of with opportunities to learn and basketball and to see a group of young develop different strategies on how ladies that are proud to wear those 7 to be successful, not just on the letters on the front of their uniforms. basketball court, but also in life. WE HOPE TO MAKE YOU PROUD! Adam said, “Make no mistake, life is a Story and photos submitted by competitive endeavor, and it is our job Kyle Adams. as coaches to make the student athlete experience in our program simulate what they will face in their everyday.”