The Key May 2010 Edition

COMMUNICATION

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A newsletter for UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends

THE May 2010

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Cicely Tyson to address spring graduates at UMES Emmy award-winning actress Cicely Tyson will address some 440 graduates of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as the keynote speaker for the 2010 spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 21, at 10 a.m. in the William P. Hytche Athletic Center. Tickets are required for admission.

“The university is honored to present such an outstanding example of a person who uses her celebrity status and resources to give back to the community and to advance human and civil rights,” said Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, president, UMES. “Ms. Tyson, a positive role model for our students,

remains true to selecting roles that portray only strong, positive images of black women.”

Tyson became the first black actress to co-star in a television drama series (“East Side/West Side”) and appeared in the long-running soap opera “The Guiding Light.” She is best known for her Emmy award-winning performances in “The Oldest Confederate Widow Tells All” and “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” earned her an Emmy for Actress of the Year and an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Movie, making Tyson the first African-American actress to win the award. She also had prominent roles in the television productions of “Roots,” “King,” and the “Marva Collins Story.” Most recently, she was nominated for Cicely Tyson

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UMES awards honorary degrees at spring commencement Two African-American celebrities and two champions of progress in Africa will receive honorary degrees at UMES’ 123rd annual spring commencement on Friday, May 21, at 10 a.m. in the William P. Hytche Athletic Center.

In addition to giving the commencement address, Cicely Tyson will receive the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during UMES’ commencement exercises. Among her many accolades, Tyson has won three Emmy awards, distinguishing her as the first African-American actress to receive the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress, a coveted award.

Clarence Clemons, saxophonist of nearly 40 years, 30 of which have been with the legendary Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, will receive the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his exceptional contributions to American music.

Clemons’ artistic touch has reached beyond the E Street Band. In the 80s, he recorded and toured with his own band, Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers, and

INSIDE

Page 2 Regents’ Award Gift to Construction Management Program

Catherine Watkins

Francis Kofi Ampenyin Allotey

Clarence Clemons

recorded the first of several solo albums. He has also loaned his distinct style to the recordings of Joe Cocker, Janis Ian and Nils Lofgren. Best known are his 1985 work on the hit singles “You’re a Friend of Mine” with Jackson Browne and “Freeway of Love” with Aretha Franklin. Clemons is an actor and has appeared in television series and played multiple roles on the big screen.

Clemons, a former Maryland State College (UMES) student, is known to his fans as “the Big Man.” He has recently penned his memoir, “Big Man: Real Life & Tall Tales.” President Bill Clinton’s review read: “Big Man relives Clemons’ story in a unique personal narrative that’s bound in both history and folklore.”

Catherine Watkins’ career has spanned 44 years at the USDA. She has provided leadership in the support of a number of major international agricultural developing programs and three Presidential Initiatives, namely, President COMMENCEMENT continued on page 7

Page 3 NIH Grants Awarded Researcher Receives Award

Page 4 - 5 Honors Convocation

Page 6 USDA Visits Gerald Day Receives Award Ugandan Artists Visit

Page 7 Honda All-Star Challenge

Page 8 Calendar of Events “Caught Doing Good”

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UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

University System of Maryland recognizes UMES faculty through Regents’ Awards

Dr. William E. Kirwan, USM Chancellor and CEO; Dr. Joseph Arumala, professor in the UMES Department of Technology; President Thelma B. Thompson, UMES; and Dr. Clifford M. Kendall, chairman of the USM Board of Regents, are pictured left to right.

Pictured, left to right, are Dr. Clifford M. Kendall, chairman of the USM Board of Regents; President Thelma B. Thomas, UMES; Dr. Raymond Blakely, chairperson and professor in the UMES Department of Physical Therapy; and Dr. William E. Kirwan, USM Chancellor and CEO.

Drs. Joseph Arumala and Raymond Blakely of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are this year’s recipients of the University System of Maryland Regents’ Faculty Awards.

Established in 1995, the award is regarded as the highest honor presented by the USM Board of Regents to exemplary faculty members.

Arumala and Blakely are among 16 other individuals throughout the university system who were honored this year for their professional accomplishments in one of the following areas: mentoring; public service; teaching and research.

Each award recipient received $1,000 and a plaque of recognition for the honor. Arumala was recognized in the public service category and Blakely in the mentoring category.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Arumala began teaching in the UMES School of Business and Technology more than 14 years ago. Throughout his career, Arumala has focused on projects that benefit area youth on the Lower Shore.

In 2008, an outdoor athletic center opened on the former site of a dilapidated abandoned clam factory, thanks to a cooperative effort between the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the town of Princess Anne.

Arumala helped make the $1.5 million project a reality when he came to the town with information on a Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, grant for $340,000 that was specifically earmarked for historically black colleges and universities.

The grant was designed to allow these institutions of higher learning to

benefit the community at large by putting money into projects.

In the end, the professor’s input helped save countless dollars in overhead for the Princess Anne athletic center that was later named the Garland Hayward Youth Center, located on Hampden Avenue.

“It’s been very successful,” said Arumala, who has proposed future expansions to the property, which includes a gymnasium. “Before the athletic center opened, those kids didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

Additionally, Arumala played a role in organizing the first of several Engineering Expos in both Somerset and Wicomico counties three years ago, which featured hands on demonstrations staffed by engineers and technologists from local engineering firms and UMES. A native of Ohio, Blakely is a professor and the chair of the Department of Physical Therapy in the UMES School of Pharmacy and Health Professions.

The department was established under his directorship in 1981 and has grown to become accredited and include a doctorial program.

Blakely’s career experience includes more than 40 years in clinical practice, 34 years in teaching and 27 years in administration for the Physical Therapy program.

Under his leadership, the program has resulted in exceptional first-time licensure pass rates and all graduates have found employment within the field.

“We make an effort to provide opportunities for students that go beyond the classroom,” said Blakely, who is also active in professional organizations involving allied health and rural health.

Evans Builders contributes to UMES Construction Management Program

Wayne K. Evans, president of Evans Builders Inc. of Salisbury, From left to right, Evans, president has made a $2,500 gift to UMES’ Construction Management Wayne of Evans Builders Inc. Technology (CMT) Program. The donation will provide scholarships in Salisbury, presents a for CMT students to purchase books and enable students and faculty check for $2,500 to Dr. Leon Copeland, chair of to attend conferences and workshops. the Department of “My son, Lance, is a sophomore in the program and my senior Technology at UMES, vice president, Kai Schrodt, is a UMES (construction management) for the university’s graduate,” said Evans. “I’m impressed with the quality of the Construction Management Program. program and its graduates.”

“I want to thank Mr. Evans on behalf of the students and faculty of the Construction Management Technology Program for his generous gift,” said Dr. Leon Copeland, chair of the Department of Technology at UMES. “During periods of state funding decreases, private gifts of support are needed to provide resources to enhance our program.”

Evans Builders, established in 1951 with offices in Salisbury, Md., and Wilson, N.C., provides commercial, industrial, general contractor and construction management services to customers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and North and South Carolina. Its construction projects range from fully managed turnkey operations to retrofitting and re-roofing of existing structures.

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Efforts to address health issues in AfricanAmericans on the Lower Eastern Shore have recently gained momentum. The School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has been awarded two significant, threeyear grant projects through the National Institutes of Health in partnership with the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Md. Within the School of Pharmacy and Health James Heimdal Professions, eight people from three of the departments, Exercise Science, Physical Therapy and Pharmacy, are involved with the two projects along with many students from each of the areas. Pilot projects have been taking place at the university since last year.

Dr. James Heimdal, chairperson of the Department of Exercise Science, and Dr. Margarita Treuth, a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, were instrumental, along with other colleagues, in the NIH awarding UMES the grants and are each leading one of projects.

“I came here (to the university) to address health disparities on the Lower Eastern Shore,” said Heimdal. “My dream was to replicate, in part, the Harvard Health Study, which followed the health and lifestyles of alumni through the years.”

Heimdal, who has been successful in building health coalitions in Connecticut and Louisiana prior to coming to UMES, received a grant to fund the research infrastructure necessary for a health study within the Department of Exercise Science for students and faculty.

Researchers will access and analyze data from approximately 700 African-American students between the ages of 17-25 each year through the course “Personal Health and Wellness.” Students will then be provided a comprehensive fitness plan. Upon identification of potential areas of need,

Photos by Jim Glovier

National Institutes of Health awards UMES research grants the department will begin offering various intervention as classes. When the students graduate from UMES, they will be followed through the Alumni Association and can be offered health opportunities, some of which through the e-Health Program on the internet.

“The university can then be in tune not only to the education of our students and their potential for success, but also their future health and wellMargarita Treuth being,” said Heimdal. “We can make an impact on their lives. A realistic sequence of interventions could be providing a health tip, which leads to more detailed health information, to offering a full program to address an identified area of need.”

According to Heimdal, the NIH grant funds include funding for a 10week summer internship program for five UMES students to work with seasoned NIH researchers in Bethesda, Md. The students will receive $5,000 stipends. The grant also allows for a faculty position funded at $25,000 with $15,000 start up funds.

The other research project led by Treuth involves examining the effects of statin medicines (cholesterol lowering medicines) on muscle pain, weakness and balance in Caucasians and African-Americans on the Eastern Shore.

“The importance of this is that cardiovascular disease in one of the main causes of mortality in the U.S. and statin therapy is used to treat hypertension,” said Treuth. “With one of the known side effects of statins being myalgias, or muscle fatigue, it is vital to research what impact it could have on patients’ daily lives.”

The Department of Physical Therapy will recruit approximately 100 RESEARCH GRANTS continued on page 5

UMES researcher receives local award utilization for and reducing ammonia Dr. Jeanine Harter-Dennis is the emissions from broiler facilities.

2010 recipient of the coveted Delmarva “UMES gave me the opportunity, Poultry Industry’s Medal of the resources and the freedom to do Achievement for her nearly 30 years of what needed to be done to help the teaching and research at UMES. An local industry and the local industry animal nutrition expert, she is cooperated,” said Harter-Dennis. “For currently involved in a study entailing a that I am thankful. I am also thankful new flooring system that will for the UMES students and technicians dramatically reduce ammonia who have been involved in my work. emissions from commercial broiler Without them, none of this would have houses. happened.”

Pictured, left to right, are Delaware Senator Bob Venables, Sussex “For me, this is the ultimate Throughout her career, Harterhonor personally, and it is the ultimate County; Dr. Jeannine Harter-Dennis, associate professor and researcher, UMES; and Roger Marino, past president and long-time Dennis has worked on many issues honor for UMES,” said Harter-Dennis, DPI volunteer. Photo by Stephanie Jordan-Schwind related to animal nutrition, including associate professor and researcher.

“The reduction and ammonia work that we are doing will hopefully enable studies of phytase and other feed additives, live production matters, air emissions from chicken houses and other environmental issues, reduction the local poultry industry to survive and thrive on the Eastern Shore.” of carcass fat in chickens, bone abnormalities and much more. She has During its 54th annual Booster Banquet, DPI recognized a total of 15 been a member of several DPI committees over the years. outstanding poultry growers and two other individuals for their work on For more information about Harter-Dennis and her research involving behalf of the industry. The trade association is organized and operated to the “Chicken House of the Future” at UMES, call 410-621-3850 or visit promote and protect the future of the industry on the Shore. In concert, www.umes.edu/ae.

Harter-Dennis’ research is specifically trained on improving nutrient

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More than 600 UMES students received special recognition for academic excellence during the 57th annual Honors Convocation ceremony held recently.

UMES alumna Dr. Tecoa N. Turner, a general pediatrician with a special interest in asthma, served as the keynote speaker. During her address, she said, “We (graduates of UMES) are all where we are today because of the Tecoa N. Turner many faculty members and others that took the time to invest in us.” She relayed to the graduates points that she has learned along the way: 1) It is ok to ask for help, 2) Anything worth having is worth the effort, 3) A set back is a set up for a come back, 4) Preparation is key to success, 5) Anything worth having is worth the effort and the necessary sacrifice, 6) Give back to the community, and 7) We must believe in ourselves.

UMES presented the following awards for the “Most Outstanding Student” in each of the academic departments: Essence Hales, Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Sciences; Jerry Tucker, Department of Human Ecology; Oneil Gardner, Department of Natural Sciences; Tashique Davis, Department of Criminal Justice; Knita Cartwright, Department of Education; Lauren Holmes, Department of English and Modern Languages; Miriam Ngegba, Department of General Studies; Mark Sherman, Department of Fine Arts; Rashad James, Department of Social Sciences; Andrae Bent, Department of Business, Management and Accounting; Nanayaa Acheampong, Department of Engineering and Aviation Sciences; Almetia Whitaker, Department of Hotel and Restaurant Management; Kathleen Rhodes, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science; Cody Wagner, Department of Technology; Joy DuPont, Department of Health and Exercise Science; Julie Carson, Department of Physician Assistant; and Emara Parsons, Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Most Outstanding Student Awards Photos by Jim Glovier

Essence Hales, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences

Andrae Bent, School of Business and Technology

Rashad James, School of the Arts and Professions

Emara Parsons, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions

demonstrate leadership abilities at school or in the community, effectiveness on an interpersonal basis, a high degree of integrity, the ability to work with others, outstanding performance in academic work, the potential for continued scholarly work and evidence of overcoming physical or personal A senior at UMES, Nicholas Washington obstacles to earn a degree. was recently awarded the Richard Bernstein Washington, a 22-year-old accounting major with a 3.98 grade point Achievement Award for Excellence during average, is a natural leader, who has overcome barriers to study in the the 57th annual Honors Convocation United States from his native Jamaica. ceremony.

In the Federal Reserve Challenge, Washington served as captain for the Washington, the son of Clayton and team representing UMES. He is also a Verizon Scholar and a Thurgood Carol Washington, received $5,000 for the Photo by Jim Glovier Marshall Scholar who was inducted into Sigma Beta Delta, the premier award named for and established by the Nicholas Washington business honor society, last year. businessman credited with bringing the The former president for the UMES Pre-Law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta world of high technology to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Law Fraternity, Washington was named a University of Baltimore School of “Nicholas is one of the students whose name will come up frequently in Law Scholar, which earned him a full scholarship to law school. the years to come as one of our very best, who has gone on to do excellent Additionally, he was selected as a Rhodes Scholar finalist for Jamaica things, whichever path he follows,” said Dr. Kate Brown, chair the this year, making him the first UMES student to receive that prestigious Department of Business, Management and Accounting. distinction.

The Richard Bernstein Achievement Award for Excellence is an Washington has opted to defer law school for now and has accepted a unrestricted gift, awarded to a UMES senior graduating in business, position with the Big Four audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG, LLC, following accounting, science, engineering, construction management technology, and graduation in May. mathematics or computer science. The Bernstein Award recipient must

UMES Richard Bernstein Achievement Award

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UMES Daniel J. Pinkett Award in Mathematics

Hettiarachchi Outstanding Student Award

Adonis Ajayi, a mathematics major graduating with an overall 3.59 grade point average, is the recipient of this year’s Daniel J. Pinkett Award in Mathematics.

Photo by Jim Glovier Adonis Ajayi Presented by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, the Pinkett Award is a gift of $2,500 that is given to a graduating mathematics major who has excelled in the field.

The award was established by Alice B. Macleod in memory of Professor Daniel J. Pinkett, who taught mathematics under the leadership of Frank J. Trigg, principal (1902-1910) of Princess Anne Academy, which evolved into UMES. Ajayi, the son of Remi and Joyce Ajayi, says his passion for mathematics started in Suitland High School in Forestville, Md. He registered for every math class that his school offered.

Early in his senior year, Ajayi’s calculus instructor took notice of his developing math skills and encouraged him to pursue a degree in mathematics.

Upon his completion of a one-year STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program at UMES, Ajayi was admitted into the Honors Program.

“Enrolling at UMES was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” said the Prince George’s County resident, who placed first in the 2008 annual Math and Computer Science UG Programming Contest and is the 2009 recipient of the Gamma Theta Boule Scholarship.

Ajayi, 21, is also a member in the UMES National Association of African American Honor’s Program, the Golden Key National Honour Society and the Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honors Society. Additionally, he participates in volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity.

Ajayi’s educational goal is to receive his master’s and Ph.D. in mathematics.

The Peter and Chandra Hettiarachchi Outstanding Student in the Department of Natural Sciences Award will be shared by two Photo by Jim Glovier students, Nerissa Nerissa McKenzie and Oniel Gardner McKenzie and Oniel Gardner, with each receiving $500.

McKenzie is a graduating senior majoring in biology and a MARC U*(STAR) Scholar. She has demonstrated excellence in research during her undergraduate career. McKenzie has also presented her research at many regional and national scientific conferences such as the annual Undergraduate Research Symposia at UMBC, the annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, the annual American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Conference and the UMES Research Symposium.

McKenzie participates in the Biology Society for which she has served as secretary and vice-president. She is interviewing for admission to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst to pursue the doctoral degree in biomedical sciences in the fall.

Gardner is also a graduating senior majoring in biology and a MARC U*STAR Scholar. He has demonstrated strong leadership, scholarship and service qualities in his career at UMES. He maintains an overall grade point average of 3.36.

Gardner won first place at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Chemical and Biological Sciences at UMBC. He also earned second place at the annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in Phoenix, Ariz., last year.

Gardner has been accepted into the graduate program at the University of Iowa to pursue a doctoral degree in biochemistry and the University of California Berkley National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates in Cell, Developmental and Evolutionary Biology.

RESEARCH GRANTS continued from page 3

impact on the health outcomes of adults as many adults in the U.S. are on statin therapy.”

As part of the grant, a research coordinator and professional grant writer, Charity Holley, has been hired to work with Treuth and Heimdal to assist in obtaining continued and larger scaled funding for such research.

“The infrastructure is now here and we have the capacity of people,” said Heimdal. “These projects have the potential to become bigger than UMES; they can be regional in nature, involving the medical care of the three hospitals and the three health departments in the Tri-County area of Somerset, Wicomico and Worchester.”

adults from Delmarva to conduct research with the goal of publishing the findings. Students and faculty in the department will work with subject groups using sophisticated tools of measurement to get a very accurate assessment of the individual’s strength, balance and muscle mass.

“From those measurements, we can relate their strength, body composition and balance to statin therapy and compare them to controls, or research subjects not on statin therapy,” said Treuth. “The significance is that if a person has decreased strength and balance, they are more prone to falling or not being able to carry out daily activities. It has a big

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UMES SCHOOL NEWS

The Key / May 2010

UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

Photo by Mathew Whitiker

Pictured, left to right, are Dr. Emmanuel Acquah, executive vice president, UMES; President Thelma B. Thompson, UMES; Dr. Joe Leonard Jr., assistant secretary for civil rights, USDA; Dr. Gladys Shelton, dean, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES; Lisa Purnell, 1890 USDA Liaison Officer, UMES.

USDA civil rights representative visit UMES Dr. Joe Leonard Jr., assistant secretary for civil rights, USDA, recently visited UMES. Leonard held talks with President Thelma B. Thompson and other university officials. His schedule for the day included a campus tour and lunch with the agriculture honors students and the 1890 Scholars.

“It is important to get outside of the D.C. beltway and learn,” said Leonard. “I saw orchids and the beginnings of a solar farm. You can’t adequately describe that in a brochure or on the website. You have to see it, walk the grounds; and you have to see the students’ eyes. When I saw the students’ eyes, I knew that America’s in good hands.”

Gerald Day receives award

Ugandan artists visit UMES Department of Fine Arts From left to right, Dr. Gerald Day, professor and coordinator of graduate studies for the Department of Technology at UMES, receives the Award of Distinction of the International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA) by Dr. Kendall Starkweather, executive director, ITEEA, at their annual international conference held in Charlotte, N.C. One of the top awards ITEEA presents, the Award of Distinction recognizes a member that has distinguished themselves through accomplishments in the improvement of instruction, research and scholarship, and effective teaching over their career. Day has been in the field of education for 42 years and has been active at the local, state and national level in Technology Education and Career and Technical Education.

Renowned Ugandan artists, Lilian Nabulime and Rita Edopu, visited UMES for the first time in April to discuss their work with students, faculty and staff in the Department of Fine Arts. Although the artists use different mediums, Nabulime and Edopu share a common goal; to educate the public about issues close to their hearts. Nabulime’s work serves as a sounding board for HIV/AIDS awareness, while Edopu focuses on social issues in East Africa.

Pictured during the visit, from left to right, are: Ernest Satchell, chair of the UMES Department of Fine Arts; Dr. Deborah Campbell, group coordinator; Ritah Edopu, assistant professor, Makerere University; Former Ambassador to Gambia George Haley; and Dr. Lilian Nabulime, professor, Makerere University. Both of the artists’ work are on display now through June 1 in the exhibit, “The Last Frontier: Five Contemporary African Women Artists,” at the Bordsky Center Gallery at The Heldrich in New Brunswick, N.J.

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UMES competes at Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Students from UMES joined 47 other HBCUs in a battle of academic prowess at the 21st annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, the nation’s largest academic competition held between HBCUs. More than 250 HBCU college students traveled to Orlando, Fla., to participate in the two-day competition, April 11-12, which showcased their knowledge in the areas of world history, science, literature, religion, the Photo by Alverne Chesterfield arts, social science and popular culture. Teams vied for The UMES Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team, from left to right, are Assistant Coach the chance to win grant money for their school with the Lisa Purnell; Michael Dugan, a biology major from Mardela Springs, Md.; Essence Hales, an agribusiness major from Millersville, Md.; Kenneth Hales II, an agribusiness major from winner walking away with the top prize of $50,000. In Millersville, Md.; Fred Stephens, a business administration major from Newark, N.J.; all, a total of $328,000 in institutional grants were Zachary Kelley, an agribusiness major from Salisbury, Md.; and Dr. James White Jr., the coach. awarded through this year’s program.

“Our varsity team played with pride and distinction during the tournament,” said Dr. James White, associate vice president for Student Life and Enrollment Management at UMES and head coach for the team. “We won our first game, defeating Savanna State, and finished third in our room with a record of 3 and 2. Our losses were to two good teams, Florida A&M and Howard University. We are thankful to Honda to have had this opportunity to showcase some of UMES’ best and brightest students.”

During the 21 years that UMES has participated in the national academic competition they have a cumulative grants earning of $104,000.

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an Emmy for her performance in “Relative Strangers,” a Hallmark made-for-TV movie.

Tyson was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Rebecca Morgan in the film “Sounder.” She is one of only seven African-American actresses to date to receive the nomination. Her most recent movie appearances include “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” “Because of Winn-Dixie” and “Madea’s Family Reunion.”

Tyson has been honored not only for her professional career, but for her civic mindedness and her impact on civil rights. Oprah Winfrey honored Tyson at her Legends Ball. Tyson founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem with Arthur Mitchell. This past fall, marked the unveiling of the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts in Orange, N.J. This July, the NAACP will award Tyson their highest honor, the Spingarn Medal, for outstanding and noble achievement by an American of African descent. She will become the 95th recipient of the award, joining previous medalists such as Dr. Benjamin Carson, former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, baseball hall of famer Henry “Hank” Aaron, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During her visit to UMES and the Eastern Shore, Tyson will receive several honors. She will be awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during commencement exercises at UMES. Prior to her engagement at UMES, the City of Cambridge, Md., will proclaim May 20 as “Cicely Tyson Day” and present Tyson with the “keys to the city.” Cambridge is located in Dorchester County, the birthplace of African-American abolitionist and leader of the Underground Railroad Harriet Tubman.

For more information about the UMES spring commencement, call 410-651-6669.

Obama’s 2009 Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative and President Bush’s African Education Initiative and Initiative to End Hunger in Africa. She will receive the Honorary Doctor of Science degree.

Prior to her recent retirement, she served as the program management liaison for the USDA, Foreign Agriculture Services, Office of Capacity Building and Development. She initiated a program that established cooperative agreements between 1890 Land Grant Universities and the USDA/USAID. These agreements opened the pathway for the universities to partner with the USDA and USAID in implementing foreign assistance activities. Under the program, UMES has successfully competed and received over $15 million in grants from USDA. Dr. Francis Kofi Ampenyin Allotey, a mathematical physicist, will receive the Honorary Doctor of Science. The first African full professor in mathematical sciences in Ghana, 1973, Allotey has served in various academic positions of increasing responsibility at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Since 1995, he has been the director of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences there. Educated at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London and Princeton University, he was the first to introduce the theory of electronhole scattering resonances effect on soft x-ray spectroscopy in metals. He is the co-author of the book “Nuclear Weapons-Report of the UN Secretary-General,” 1980.

Allotey has organized and directed several workshops and conferences at national and international levels on mathematical sciences, physical sciences, energy, information and communication technology. He is the founder and coordinator of the Ghana Energy Research Group and has been appointed to various commissions in his native country. At the international level, he is a member of the UNESCO Physics Action Council; the Scientific Council for the International Institute of Theoretical and Applied Physics in the U.S.; the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy; the International Scientific Advisory Council, Molecular Frontier Foundation in Sweden; and the International Atomic Energy Agency in Austria.

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EVENTS

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UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

Arts

& Entertainment SPRING 2010 CALENDAR

* Unless stipulated, all events listed are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. For More information, call 410-651-6669.

May 4&6

SPRING FAMILY RECITAL

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11 a.m. / Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts 6

OPENING RECEPTION-ART EXHIBIT 4-6 p.m. “Graduating Senior Show” Mosely Gallery / Hours: Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Show on display through May 20

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UMES GOSPEL CHOIR SPRING CONCERT 5 p.m. / Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts SPRING CHAMBER ENSEMBLE RECITAL 6 p.m. / Student Services Center Theatre

“Caught Doing Good” award nominees and recipients recognized From left to right are finalists for the “Caught Doing Good” award Jonathan Blackmon, lecturer, rehabilitations services; and Grand Prize Winner Sheila Curtis, administrative assistant I, financial aid. James Lunnermon II is not pictured.

Twenty nominees for the “Caught Doing Good” award were recognized at the annual Leadership Luncheon sponsored by the UMES Office of Human Resources. Pictured, from left to right, are Cheryl Holden-Duffy, Renee Gaston, Patricia Jones-Bailey, Linda Boynton, Sheila Curtis, John Tilghman, Dr. Jurgen Schwarz, Lauresa Wigfall, Jonathan Blackmon, Francine Johnson, Erika Koziol, Paula Holden, Benita Brown-Rashaw and Donna Price. Nominees not pictured are Mary Ames, Shearn Barkley, Norman Billie, Dr. Nicholas Blanchard, Donna Hickman and James Lunnermon II.

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