APRIL/MAY 2017
Sophomore Rite of Sankofa Dressed in Africaninspired attire, faculty and administrators held the annual Rite of Sankofa event recently in the Performing Arts Center.
B-CU administrators and staff raise their arms at the close of the alma mater during Rites of Sankofa ceremony.
The word “Sankofa” is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation is that” You must reach back to reclaim that which is lost in order to move forward.” It is a metaphorical symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana, generally depicted as a bird with its head turned backward taking an egg from its back, according to Sankofa.org. During the program, which is a mid-point celebration for sophomores, students received stoles. Attendees also were treated to music and poetry.
A baby sleeps peacefully during the program.
The Rev. Dr. Randolph Bracy Jr. helps a student with a stole signaling his transition.
Class of 2017 ready to "depart and serve"
As the school comes to an end this year, the class of 2017 graduates to depart to serve in the desired role that they studied so hard. We couldn’t help to but to ask some of the graduates what is the next step after graduation and also ask about their experience at Bethune-Cookman University. By Somer Harris Correspondent Kaylin Johnson is a graduating senior, who majored in political science with emphasis in youth development. The Washington, D.C., native says he’s looking forward to marching in May, especially after looking back on his freshman year. “I hated it because I was Johnson far away from home but after while it was cool,” Johnson said during a recent interview. While here at B-CU he joined several clubs and organizations including the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia) Wildcat Club, the SAB and the campus chapter of the NCAAP to be more involved on campus. “Overall my B-CU experience has been a roller-coaster. Some days are good and some are bad, but I had an amazing time here. The only thing I would change is being more on top of my academics,” he said.
continued on page 5
photos by Jaimee Cobb
DeVos named as speaker for upcoming graduation
By Voice Staff
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017
The countdown has begun for this year’s commencement set for noon Wednesday, May 10 at the Ocean Center. Betsy DeVos, secretary for the U.S. Department of Education, will be the keynote speaker. DeVos is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is a community activist, as well as wife of entrepreneur and billionaire philanthropist Dick DeVos. The invitation has drawn criticism from some students and alumni. In a letter that went out to the campus, President Edison Jackson acknowledged them. “I understand your concerns, and I genuinely appreciate your willingness to voice those in a constructive manner…. As a veteran educator, I am especially sensitive to balancing the notion of academic freedom with quelling potentially hateful and harmful rhetoric,” Jackson said.
OPINION SEE PAGE 2
While some 11 a.m. Rehearsal for The Service of Consecration colleges have Location: Candidates meet in the Band Room (Music rescinded Building) invitations, MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 he said, he 5 p.m. Candidates Meet in the Band room for Line-Up does not plan (Music Building) to follow that 7 p.m. The Service of Consecration path. “I am of Location: Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn, Chapel, White Hall the belief that it The Candlelight Wreath Laying Ceremony (Immediately following the Service of Consecration) does not benefit our students to TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2017 suppress voices Rehearsal for the Commencement Ceremony that we disagree with, or to limit students 9 a.m. - Deans to only those perspectives that are broadly 9:30 a.m. - Faculty Marshals and Volunteers 10 a.m. - Candidates sanctioned by a specific community. If our Location: The Ocean Center Daytona Beach students are robbed of the opportunities to 101 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 experience and interact with views that may 4 p.m. The President’s Reception in Honor of Graduates be different from their own, then they will Location: Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center be tremendously less equipped for the de7 p.m. The School of Nursing Pinning Convocation mands of democratic citizenship,” he said. Location: Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn, Chapel, White Hall To the right is a schedule of events leading up to commencement
FEATURES SEE PAGE 4-5
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2017 12 NOON The Commencement Ceremony Candidates are to arrive at the Ocean Center at 9 a.m. Location: The Ocean Center Daytona Beach 101 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
COMMUNITY SEE PAGE 6
SPORTS SEE PAGE 7
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APRIL/MAY 2017
The Voice of the Wildcats is written, edited and published by members of the student body at BethuneCookman University. The Voice of the Wildcats is published monthly during the fall and spring semesters. All opinions are solely those of the author. Petra Merrick Editor-in-Chief Jaimee Cobb Layout Editor Dominique Williams Sports Writer Gino Cyrus Photo Editor Staff Writers Charla McCord Deonajana Thomas Tyhid McDougle Augustinas Navickas Advertising Manager Correspondents Brittany Kwarteng Karen Romero Lindsey Dominique Condrey Dennison Taylor Jones Marvin Thompson Lina Lexine Dr. Elsie Wanjohi Publication Director Valerie Whitney Voice Adviser Keith Hilton Co-Advisor PUBLICATION MEMBERSHIP The Voice of the Wildcats is a member of the College Media Advisors Association (CMA) and National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). ADVERTISER MEMBERSHIP
OPINION
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
This is not goodbye, but see you later By Petra Merrick
Like the changing seasons, all things must end. I am so proud of being granted the opportunity of being the editor of the voice of the wildcats for the last two and half years. As editor-in-chief, I have watched the Voice grow in so many ways. From winning awards at the Southern Regional Press Institute at Savannah State University to becoming better known on campus, the Voice is the true face of Mass Communications. I would love to thank my staff in all they do for the paper. A huge THANKS and appreciation goes to the wonderful adviser of the Voice. Professor Valerie Whitney. Ms. Whitney thank you for all that you do for the paper. Thank you for pushing me to do my best every day and to become a stronger writer. I am going to miss you so much!
Thank you to all the readers of the Voice of the Wildcats. I love and appreciate each one of you. As I embark on my next journey in life, I will always keep in mind that with God, the impossible is possible! I have learned this while at B-CU for the past four years. I am now passing the torch to someone who I know will take the Voice over and beyond! Peace, Love, and Blessings! Signing off, Petra Merrick
"Thank you to all the readers of the Voice of the Wildcats. I love and appreciate each one of you." - Petra Merrick
It’s time for a discussion in the black community about depression By Tyhid McDougle Staff Writer The issue of mental health and depression in the black community has turned into a topic of interest in the wake of Steve Stephens’s suicide. Stephens was being sought by police in Cleveland in connection with the death of Robert Godwin Sr., a 74-year-old grandfather whose random killing was broadcast live on Facebook. The search for Stephens would inevitably end in Pennsylvania, where he reportedly committed suicide with a .45 caliber handgun. The discussion of depression never apparently begins until something as significant as this shakes us to the point where we begin to put the wheels in motion to counteract anything like what just happened from happening again. Sadly, about 13 percent of individuals will suffer from depression at some point in their lives. It is regularly treated with prescription drugs; however, the brain can wind up resistant to medication treatments. Since 2002, the prevalence of depression in Black men has increased to 6.48 percent from 2.48 percent, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health titled “Depression in African American Men: A Review of What We Know and Where We Need to Go From Here.”
“Findings suggest the prevalence of depression among African American men ranges from 5 percent to 10 percent. They face a number of risk factors, yet evidence low use of mental health The Voice of the Wildcats services,” the study states. subscribes to the 360 Youth Therapy, in addition to support from friends and family, are useful tools. However, battling and conquering depression reSend Correspondence to: quires individuals being completely honest with themselves. Editor The VOICE, Fine Arts In talking with students that are currently in counseling, many Building Room 318 said that most people do not know notice their depression. 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Dajuan, a sophomore majoring in psychology, said that others Bethune Blvd. misunderstand depression. “Most people, even those who know Daytona Beach, FL 32114 me well, don’t see my depression. They don’t see the struggle I Phone: (386) 481-2703 go through on a regular basis to not allow myself to be beaten by Fax: (386) 481-2701 depression. I am highly functioning for sure. I take my medication,” he said. voiceofthewildcats@gmail. Furthermore, Dajuan said he wanted others dealing with decom
pression to not be afraid. “The macho thing we hear all the time is, men don’t get depressed. They just work, drink and move on. Depression needs not be the loneliest fight. At least six million men in the United States deal with depression every day, if we continue to hide our pain, future generations will suffer,” he said. The feeling of being separated from everyone else is firmly connected to depression. This can be complicated if there is nobody to connect with. Despite the fact that there are professionals to talk to, depressed people feel it doesn’t come close to sharing experiences with those who faced similar battles. No one associated with a mental illness should feel like they need to hide their depression to begin with. Depression does not demonstrate mental weakness. People move forward despite the disorder, regularly an imperfection of science, not one of character.
NEWS APRIL/MAY 2017 3 Massy Awards handed out in posh gala, dinner
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Shaquan Malik Perkins Mr. Mass Comm. Mass Communications students take time to pose for pictures with Dean Hiram Powell at 2017 Mass Awards.
Brooke Dann Miss Mass Comm.
The 9th annual Massy Awards, produced by students in the department of mass communication, honored the best in photography, broadcast and print journalism. Decorations reminiscent of the Great Gatsby Era served as the backdrop for this year's event on April 24 AND THE WINNERS ARE:
Men of Mass Communications show their style at 2017 Massy Awards. photos by Jaimee Cobb
Advertisement Design of the Year: Jahmiah "Gino" Cyrus Press Release & Media Kit of the Year: Petra Merrick Spokesperson & Male Story of the Year: Augustinas Navickas Best Layout Editor & Female Story of the Year: Jaimee Cobb Photographer of the Year: Joshua Cox Air Check of the Year: Shavona Bouey DJ & Script of the Year: Brooke Dann Commercial of the Year: Shaquasia Foster News Package of the Year: Dominique Williams On-Camera Talent of the Year: Kenneth Martin Off-Camera Talent of the Year: Marvin Thompson Voiceover of the Year: Bryana Williams Script of the Year (TV): Alia Jackson Best Promo Video: Willie Love Best Show of the Year: Sports Corner
School of Religion gets ready to crack open annual summer 'EGG' progam By Voice Staff Officials with the School of Religion are getting ready for this summer’s Exploring Gifts and Graces (EGG) program, an intensive one-week theology and leadership initiative. Seventeen B-CU student “ambassadors” will serve as mentors and guides to about 50 high school youth--juniors and seniors from all over the state of Florida--who will participate in the Youth Theology Institutes's EGG program here at B-CU during the week of July 13-23. This year’s ambassador are: Ayrionna Walley, Dakota Gant, Sara Wilson, Brian Brim, Marquis Lester, Ridge Wells, Markisha Richardson, Ebony West, Ericka Fulton, Duriesha Tillmon, Kandi Robinson, Lamia Cyrus, Janell Owens, Khaleelah Harris, Rachel Coleman, Kendra Jacobs and Ayesha Williams. The ambassadors have spent several weeks getting ready for the summer by taking part in a series of workshops in topics such as ministering to youth, legal and liability issues, arts in worship and teen relationships and youth counseling. The students’ educational training also included workshops over spring break during a retreat at the Marywood Retreat School of Religion faculty and student ambassadors during a retreat workshop. L. to R, the Rev. Constance and Conference Center located north of St. Augustine.
Pope, Dr. Alice Wood, Ayrionna Walley, Dakota Gant, Sara Wilson, Brian Brim, Marquis Lester, Ridge Wells, Markisha Richardson, Ebony West, Ericka Fulton, Duriesha Tillmon, Kandi Robinson, Lamia Cyrus, Janell Owens, Khaleelah Harris, Rachel Coleman, Kendra Jacobs, the Rev. Kenya Lovell, Ayesha Williams and Dr. Deborah Henson-Governor.
photo courtesy of School of Religion
4 APRIL/MAY 2017
FEATURES
Faces of B-CU
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
SENIOR EDITION
Bethune-Cookman University is more than the buildings and the landscape. The heart of any institution of higher learning has to be the people who work there, both in and out of the classroom, as well as the students who have come from far and wide to learn. The staff of the Voice of the Wildcats, in conjunction with students in the Introduction to Journalism classes, is proud to launch an ongoing series featuring interviews with the people who collectively serve as the “Faces of Bethune-Cookman University.” By Lindsey Dominique Correspondent Ft. Myers native Catoria Sirmons, 22, will be among those claiming a diploma in May. Correspondent Lindsey Dominique caught up with her recently to find out what she wants to do after graduation, among other things. Q. What do you want to do in life and why? A. “I want to be either a sports commentator or a radio personality. I enjoy talking about sports or just in general learning about other people as well as making them laugh with my boisterous ways.” Q. Why did you come to Bethune-Cookman University? A. “To broaden my horizons and get a great education.” Q. Is there any advice that you want to give your peers as graduation draws near? A. “Take your freshman year seriously. Yes, I know you're away from your parents and want to go crazy, but it won’t help you if all you do is party and not focus on your studies. Take it from someone who was put on academic probation for being foolish and thinking I could party and not attend class. Being on academic probation isn’t something I think anyone would want to experience. It’s hard to bring back your GPA back from the ground. Always pray as well. God will never leave you nor forsake you and in trying times you’ll need him to give you strength!”
By Condrey Dennison Correspondent Kareem Fair, 23, is a native of Apopka. Fair shared his thoughts on graduation with correspondent Condrey Dennison. Q. Are you excited about graduating? A. “I’m super excited about graduating, I’ve been here for four years strong doing all this work and traveling with track, which is really stressful so I’m ready to just graduate and get out in the real world.” Q. How has the journey from freshman to senior year been for you? A. “It’s been a long journey for me. When I first came here it was complicated because I didn’t really know anybody, and was always in my dorm until I got on the track team and met new friends, then things got much better for me. Q. What’s your major and what do you plan on doing with it? A. “I’m a mass communications major and I plan on being a sports
By Taylor Jones Correspondent
By Marvin Thompson Correspondent
Graduating senior Jahlil Witt was born in New Jersey but raised in Hinesville, Georgia. Witt majored in business administration with an emphasis in marketing while here at Bethune-cookman University. He reflected on his time at B-CU with correspondent Taylor Jones.
Elvin Hanna, 22, is a music education major from Nassau, Bahamas. He shared his B-CU memories with correspondent Marvin Thompson, a fellow Bahamian. Q. Why did you select Bethune-Cookman? A. I selected to get more exposer to musicians much like myself to advance in my studies more affectively.
Q. How do you feel now that you are graduating and at the end of your college journey? A. I feel very accomplished and ready to go out in the world and use skills that I have learned and gained through the struggle of discipline and failure. I will use my knowledge to take on my next journey of life headfirst. Q. What do you want to do once you leave B-CU?
Q. What factors did you consider in choosing your major? A. I been involved in music all my life and found it to be my saving grace. It was the only thing that proved to improve holistically. I all of my noteworthy accomplishments to my involvement of music. I feel passionate about sharing the joy and satisfaction to anyone who are willing to learn.
A. I want start my own record label involving a few of my colleagues and frat Q. Do you have plans to pursue an brothers. advanced degree or certification? A. Yes, I do Q. What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment here?
Q. Describe your most rewarding college experience. A. My biggest accomplishment would have to be working alongside UNCF to A. Just this week during my internraise funds for scholarships as well as encouraging students to finish college. ship as I was calling role for kindergarten music class the students decided to show me how much they Q. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for here at B-CU? enjoyed music class and that it was their favorite place to be in the whole A. I would like to be remembered for faith toward my accomplishments and wide world. That was the most gratimy willingness to do and give even when I didn’t have---the legacy of an fying moment I had in college by far. overcomer. Q. How would you describe your ideal
analyst because I like sports. I like to talk about sports and I know a lot about what goes on in sports. So that’s my main goal.” Q. Do you have any advice for incoming freshman or rising seniors? A. “Never slack on your work because it always catches up to you in the long run.” Q. What was your hardest year? A. “My freshman year because I didn’t know anyone.”
job following graduation? A. In a school system where music is taken seriously with students that are willing to learn. Q. Would you recommend B-CU to anyone, and why? A. Yes, I would and I already, have because there is spirit of pride that will evoke a feeling make you want to continue to excel. Q. Who inspired you, while you were in college? A. All of my instructors gave me inspiration during my time here at Bethune-Cookman University because they gave knowledge I needed to effectively accomplish goals. Their contribution to my education has equipped me to serve my country and the world through music.
FEATURES
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
APRIL/MAY 2017
Play 'Mary's Children' opens to rave reviews
5
Hip Hop musical by Gino Cryus packs people in at the Black Box Theatre.
Produced by B-CU's Theater department "Mary's Children" poses the question of "What would college founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune think if she were here today?" The play took on such topics as how she would deal with seeing how much the school has transformed and how her legacy has lived on.
Classroom scene in "Mary's Children" where students give the professor a hard time during class.
"Mary" played by Jacqueline Townsend sits on the side of her bed during a scene.
Play writer Gino Cryus post-show.
photos by Jaimee Cobb
Faces
Graduates
continued from page 4 By Lina Lexine Correspondent Palvin Colley, 24, was born in Daytona Beach at Halifax Hospital. He grew up in nearby New Smyrna Beach and commutes to Bethune-Cookman University. He will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration this spring. Q. What made you decide to attend Bethune-Cookman University? A. It was kind of a last decision because I was expecting to get a football scholarship. However, I did not get one so I chose to come to Bethune- Cookman because it was convenient. Q. Do you regret your decision? A. No, I do not regret my decision because along my journey I have met some great people and have made some lifelong friends. Q. What were some highlights of your college journey? A. Some highlights of college were going to school events and functions. Q. What is your current major, and have you changed it since you started? A. Business administration, and yes I did. Q. What was it prior to you changing it and why did you change it?
The Black Box Theatre was packed with people from wall to wall with only standing room.
continued from page 1 A. When I first began, I wanted to major in engineering. However, the closest thing to engineering that Cookman had to offer was mathematics. I did not think it was a good choice for me, so I looked into their better programs and chose Business Administration.
He shared this advice for those still matriculating.
So, what does he plan to do next after departing from B-CU?
Freshmen need to work to build a strong foundation so they will know what to do when they graduate, he said. He also advised them to work for a high grade point average.
Q.What are your plans after graduation? A. To obtain a job doing marketing or management.
The sophomore year, he said, is the time to “ turn up” and have fun but remember that books still come first.
Johnson said that he plans to return to his hometown, where he will be working for the department of parks and recreations. He will be planning events and activities for youth attending school camps.
B-CU students cracked top 15 at national conference in New York City
Q. Have you considered going to graduate school? A. Yes, I have thought about graduate school and if I do attend I plan to By Voice Staff obtain my masters in marketing. Q. Do you have any clue what graduate school you want to attend? If so why that school? A. If I were to attend a school to receive my masters, it would probably be the University of Central Florida as they are a prestigious school. Q. Would you recommend others to attend Bethune-Cookman? A. I would recommend it because you will network with a lot of great people. Q. What will you miss most about Bethune-Cookman? A. I will miss the events and the school atmosphere most.
Bethune-Cookman University student delegates attending the national Debate for Democracy conference cracked the top 15 bracket of the national competition for the first time since 2008. The event was staged ProjAugustinas Navicaks, left, and Mariyah Espinoza pose for a photo. ect Pericles, a not-for-profit Navickas and Mariyah Espinoza co-auorganization found in 2001 by thored a letter to U.S. Rep. Ronald Dephilanthropist Eugene M. Lang that Santis in which they suggested a policy encourages colleges and universities addendum for President Trump’s to include social responsibility and executive order on immigration. Based participatory citizenship as essential on that letter, the two students were elements of their educational proinvited to the conference in New York grams. City last month. B-CU sophomores Augustinas
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CAMPUS
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Highlights from the year in photos The Voice looks back on the 2016-2017 school year which proved that you can predict whats going to happen. For months, polls were telling us that Hillary Clinton would become our first woman president, but the nation was swept off their feet when Donald J. Trump won the election. Clinton still receive more of the popular votes but lost the electoral battle. The Marching Wildcats appeared in the Honda Battle of the Bands for the 12th consecutive time and brought home another trophy. Hurricane Matthew threatened to wash Daytona Beach off of the map, fortunately that didn't happen. Still the school was closed for a week while officials cleaned up the damages. Finally, we went behind the scenes of the homecoming pageant to bring you some photos of what it takes to become campus royalty. Our photographer was recognized for her work at the Savannah Regional Press Institute.
President Jackson welcomes Sen. Hillary Clinton on to the field during a surprise visit to Daytona Beach.
The Marching Wildcats strutting their stuff during the Honda Battle of the Bands. photo by John Reeves
photo by Joshua Cox
A makeup artist helps a member of the royal court get glammed before the pageant. photo by Zoelexis Proby
Daytona's beachside was pelted by rain and heavy winds during Hurricane Matthew.
photo by Ca'Netta General
SPORTS
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
APRIL/MAY 2017
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New basketball coach maps out his plans for success By Karen Romero Correspondent Voice correspondent Karen Romero recently sat down with Ryan Ridder, who was announced as Bethune-Cookman University’s new head basketball coach beginning next school year. In doing so, the 32-year-old becomes the third youngest men’s head basketball coach in division I history. Ridder is no stranger to Daytona Beach area basketball as both a player and coach. He comes to B-CU after a four-year stint at Daytona State College where he was successful in helping lead a resurgence of the Falcons program that produced 95 victories and four Mid-Florida Conference championships. Off the court Ridder's student-athletes had a 100 percent graduation rate his first two years and 96 percent overall across four years. B-CU’s new coach is the son of Embry-Riddle University’s men's basketball head coach Steve Ridder. The younger Ridder started his collegiate career at Wooster before deciding to transfer back home to play for his father at Embry-Riddle from 2006-08. He started at point guard and served as team captain his junior and senior season. Q: Who was the first person you called after you heard about the job opportunity? A: It was either my mom or my dad. I can't recall. I was really excited. Q: How important is the relationship with your father? Did he give you any advice when you got the job? A: That relationship is everything. Me and my dad are as close as it can be, he is my best friend. We love each other. We support each other. We compete against each other. It's very special. Yes, he did give me advice, but I think the fact that he and my mother coached me my entire life on how to treat
people, how to build relationships, how to have strong core values. Those are the things I think that initially prepared me for this opportunity. Q: What can coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis give you as advice as you come into this job? A: I’ve got an unbelievable amount of respect for her. She’s done some significant things not just in the wins and losses on the last two years. I’ve known her and her husband for quite few years. The way she represents herself and our institution, how she treats her kids; that’s what I value. Q: Looking over this (B-CU’s) roster and looking over this program. What do you see when you look at it on paper? A: That’s one of the process that we are doing right now. Trying to evaluate the roster where is at. What do we need to add? Maybe Steve Ridder, left, and his son Ryan Ridder pose for photo. some of the guys didn’t perform up to expectathen moved on. We got over 15 kids that move on tions. That’s a big part of this next three weeks. The to division I institutions or division II. The fact that first thing is that we need to know exactly what we we could impact them in a short amount of time got. Then we must build a relationship with them. whether it was more than two years, but helped Q: From a recruiting standpoint, do you feel like you them better their future. The wins and the losses are are behind? How do you attack that? great, but at the end of the day a lot of people aren’t A: Yes, I do think is hard. I don’t think we’ll be going to remember those, they’re going to remembehind. We will be very patient, very diligent and ber the relationships that you made with the kids making sure that we are recruiting the right type of student athletes for this environment. I’ve been very and that’s what I’m proudest of. Q: The announcement that you were the new head fortunate to work both at the Division I level and basketball coach on social media set all sorts of the Junior College level so the network that we’ve Bethune records. What do you think about that? build. We have very strong relationships so I think A: It’s humbling. I’m glad the people are taking inthat we are going to be able to bring quality stuterest in our program. I know we got a great athletic dent-athletes in here, but we got to get to work. team here and it’s my hope that some of that interest Q: Looking back at your four years in Daytona State, turns into people that want to come and support what would you look back on at and be the proudest our basketball program, and the entire institution. of? A: I think the fact that we recruit the right type of student-athletes in there. We graduated them and
Women’s basketball coach, player honored by BoxTorow Media
By Karen Romero Correspondent
Here are some facts you need to know so the big day will be a success.
The name Boxtorow refers Williams Blair-Lewis to a nationally syndicated sports tration, outstanding assistant coaches talk show which places major emphaand dedicated players." sis on Black college sports.
Blair-Lewis led the Lady Wildcats to a 21-11 record this past 2016-17 season, which was the programs highest since the 1984-85 team went 21-5. The team also posted a program best 15-1 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play, repeating as regular season champions. They advanced to the MEAC tournament championship game for the first time since 1992 and made a second straight WNIT appearance. "It is an honor to be recognized at a national level. I want to thank God for blessing me so richly. I am honored to be a servant leader for this historic university," she said. "I am truly blessed to have a wonderful adminis-
By Marvin Thompson Correspondent Heading to graduation?
Bethune-Cookman University’s head women basketball coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis was recently named “Boxtorow National Co-Coach of the Year.”
Team member Kailyn Williams, a senior, meanwhile was named a Second Team All-American.
Important information about Spring Commencement
Students needing tickets for the May 10th event should head to the registrar’s office to receive their name cards. After receiving your card, you should go to the box office and receive your Commencement ticket.
Only persons who are academically and financially cleared can pick up She shared the honor with Gramtheir tickets from the Performing Arts bling State interim head coach Freddie Center (PAC) box office beginning Murray, who guided the Lady Tigers Monday, May 1 from 10 a.m. until 4 to a share of the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season title. This is Williams' second Boxtorow All-American award. A senior from New Orleans, she averaged 9.2 ppg and 8.3 rpg while leading the nation with 123 blocked shots. Her final career total of 455 blocks ranked her fifth all-time in Division I. She also finished seventh on Bethune-Cookman's all-time scoring list (1,099) and second in rebounding (993).
p.m. until Tuesday, May 8. Each graduate can get a maximum of 10 tickets. Tickets for the public, meanwhile, will be available beginning Monday, May 8 at the PAC. Due to limited seating in the beach side Ocean Center, Bethune-Cookman University will be providing live video streaming of the Commencement Ceremony on its website at www.cookman.edu/live/. This will allows family and friends of the graduate to view the commencement from anywhere around the world. The live stream will begin a few minutes before the ceremony starts.
FAREWELL DOMINIQUE
Voice sports editor Dominique Williams will be among those picking up diplomas May 10. Besides writing for the newspaper, Williams also co-hosted a popular sports talk shows on campus TV. We wish the Miami native well in her future endeavors.
8 APRIL/MAY 2017 Library, SGA team up for computer loanprogram
BRIEFS
VOICE OF THE WILDCATS
Students packed career fair, employers looking to fill summer jobs By Roemello Grant Correspondent More than 200 people turned out for a job fair last month staged by the Office of Student Internships and Career Placement. Recruiters wee on hand looking for workers for part-time and summer jobs. Local businesses presented included Lowes, Doctor’s HealthCare, Derbyshire
By Bryana J. Williams Correspondent Students enrolled at Bethune-Cookman University can now check out a laptop— either PC or Apple iMac-in the Carl Swisher Library for up to three consecutive days.
Place, Fifth/Third Bank, Plato’s Closet and Employment Express. Isande Smith, an assistant in the department, said the outing was a success. “More than expected,” Smith responded when asked about the number of attendees. Some students were hired on the spot, she said.
Live music showcase rocks out PAC
The program is an initiative of the Student Government Association in response to complaints of the lack of computer access on campus. The new laptop Senior Jaimee Cobb took advantage of the computer check-out system means check-out program. students will access to computer when there are not enough available for use in the library. There is a three-step process involved in checking out a laptop. First, participants must be a current enrolled part-time or full-time student at Bethune-Cookman University. Next, participants must go to the service at the library and watch a demo video on the program. Finally, they have to sign an agreement form and then they can checkout a laptop. For more information regarding the laptop check out program contact Ervin Ross, director of access service, at 386-481-2099 or rosse@cookman.edu. photo by Chloe Lowery
By Brittany Kwarteng Correspondent
The fourth annual Livewire event took over the Performing Arts Center. The free music concert showcases the talent among students on campus. There were five different performances from students that evening, with each performing one song.
The artists this year were Jahlil Witt, Enox, Taylor Moon and Smooth. There also was a performance by Romell Mitchell and Andre Rashford, an up and coming group that performs under the stage name of “rashford.”
The Voice is looking for Ad Sales people, Staff Writers, Layout Editors, Editor, Editor-in-Cheif, Photographers and more. Stop by to see Professor Valerie Whitney in Fine Arts room 319 for more information. The Voice meeting are held every Monday at 11:30 am in Fine Arts room 319.