One Hundred and Twenty-Third Commencement To Our Graduates and Guests: Welcome to the annual Commencement Convocation of Voorhees College. The Commencement Program is distributed to all graduates electronically for this Virtual Convocation. This listings of graduates in this program are unofficial. The official conferral of degrees occurs upon satisfactory completion of all academic and financial requirements.
The Board of Trustees, President W. Franklin Evans, Faculty and Staff congratulate The Graduating Class of 2020
Begin. Believe. Become. ONE
Order of Exercises W. Franklin Evans, Ph.D., President Presiding Prelude “War March of the Priests” …………………………………………………………....arranged by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Opening of the Convocation .............................................................................................................................................. Dr. W. Franklin Evans Invocation................................................................................................................................................................Reverend Dr. James T. Yarsiah College Chaplain/Vicar “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2 “On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good and his mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 Lesson …………………………………………………………………….……………………...…………..….....Philippians 4:4-9 Prayer……………………………………………………………………………………………….Reverend Dr. James T. Yarsiah The College Hymn …………………... “We Build our School on Thee, O Lord” ……………….………..……. William Gardiner Sacred Melodies, 1815 Greetings ………………………………………………………………………………………………….Dr. Robert L. Satcher, Jr. Chairman, Board of Trustees Miss Akayshia Donaldson President, Class of 2020 Commencement Address …………………………………………………………………………………Mr. Joel Jose’ Rivera Orta First Academic Honor, Class of 2020 Musical Selection ……………………………………………………………………...…………………….Voorhees College Choir directed by Ms. Rachel Jones’91 Recognition of The Golden Class of 1970……….…………………………………………...……………..Dr. W. Franklin Evans Conferring of Academic Degrees ……………………………………………………………………..…. . ...Dr. W. Franklin Evans The Announcement of Academic Honors, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs The Presentation of the Candidates, Dr. Katherine Whitaker, Dr. Tywana Chenault, Dr. Zhabiz Golkar, Department Chairs The announcement of the Candidates, Mr. Curtiss Sumner, Graphics Designer/Webmaster Graduates’ Pledge ……………………………………………………………..………..………Ms. Linda Flowers-McCullough’76 President, National Alumni Association The Alma Mater Benediction ............................................................................................................................................................Reverend Dr. James T. Yarsiah “Pomp and Circumstance” ………………………………………………………..……………..…Arranged by Sir Edward Edgar ***Commemorative Class Videos***
TWO
Enroll at Voorhees College for Fall 2020. 1-866-685-9904 www.voorhees.edu
THREE
DEGREES IN MAJOR DISCIPLINES Department of Business and Entrepreneurship Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting Eboni Shauntae Brown Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration Jameaze Lamonte’ McNeal Danielle Corlette Brown** Nasier Elijah Edwards*,,Cum Laude Jamaria Janice Cherie Tucker, Cum Laude Dyanna L’Shai Freeman***, Magna Cum Laude Quande’ja Lesara Nesha Wright Temah Esther Yarsiah, Magna Cum Laude Jasmyn R. Greene, Cum Laude Shiloh Tavie Grovner , Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management Raven Cunningham*,, Summa Cum Laude Kathy Mack-Watson**,,Summa Cum Laude Charlie L. Murray, Jr., Summa Cum Laude Andretta Lynette Gandy**, Summa Cum Laude Alicia Lorel Lelie**, Cum Laude Benny Patterson, Jr.**, Magna Cum Laude Department of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development Zakra Allisey Simpkins Naomi Mona’ Exum**, Cum Laude D’Asia Laquoya Miller** Dajonia Renee Smith**, Cum Laude Shayla Danyiell Pearson**, Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Shaneen Latrise Brown Lauren Valencia Kennedy Kyla Simone Dingle Maya Alayah B. McNair** Katrina Sabrina Faulkner**, Magna Cum Laude Shayla Antoinette Nzongola Joi Arbriana Felder, Cum Laude Denise Renae Person***, Magna Cum Laude Aleathia Rosale’ Marquela Greene***, Magna Cum Laude Christopher John Rivers, Cum Laude Natalya Aligha Jenkins, Cum Laude Zandreia Moeshia Scott***, Cum Laude Amira T. Johnson Jaslynn O’Nisha Tate***, Magna Cum Laude Octavia Keitt, Cum Laude Stacia Grant Townsend**,, Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Keith James Collins, Jr.**, Cum Laude Michael Leon Randolph*, Cum Laude Tieulda Shannel Mike-Jones Mario Montrelle Young**, Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication Alex Khalis Brooks, Cum Laude Christina Marie Donovan, Magna Cum Laude Akayshia Charmel Unique Donaldson, Magna Cum Laude Frederick Tyquan Julius Reaves Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology Jewel Sorjournal Kluttz***, Cum Laude Philita Geva’e Wing Mikayla Deonna Pumphrey-Montgomery**
FOUR
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology Breianna L. Dixon Janice Marie Lawton**,***, Magna Cum Laude Keonna Lashay Harris, Cum Laude Dontavious Ladelle Patrick***, Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theological Studies Kirstern Kelli Littles** , Summa Cum Laude Department of Science, Technology, Health and Human Services Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology Shakaria Samone Bethea***, Magna Cum Laude Rayven Nichelle Jones, Cum Laude Jasmine Simone Goodwine, Cum Laude Stacy Da’Shon Masten***, Magna Cum Laude She’Onna La’Shay Haynes** Onyekwere Isaac Ukoha**, Cum Laude Tameia ShaKaila Janea Haynes*,*** , Cum Laude Megan Michelle Warren** Kalin Davon Hudson** Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science/Cyber Security Terrell Jebrea Dowling** David Lee James, III., Magna Cum Laude Selena Rochelle Ellison***, Cum Laude Omar Taikeem Odom***, Magna Cum Laude CharAzaria Demetria Fludd, Cum Laude Nicholas LaSean Young** Melvin Jackson, Jr.**, Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Management/Homeland Security Infiniti Paradise Harrison, Magna Cum Laude Michael Dwayne Barnes, Magna Cum Laude Ryan Kevon Coleman JonPaul Moses Montgomery Talmadge Edward Coleman, Cum Laude Tynasha Sha Nelson, Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management Chauncey Devante’ Aiken***, Magna Cum Laude TreShana Shaniya Meyers**, Cum Laude Javari Jamhal Albergottie** Joel Jose’ Rivera Orta***, Summa Cum Laude Jaylen DaJuan Hill, Cum Laude Charles DeQuan Scott**, Cum Laude Diamond Annena La’Bertha Jamison , Cum Laude Na-Dera Jaquila Yarborough Chad Lee Matthews***, Summa Cum Laude Kierra Symone’ Josephine Youngblood Stacy Demetrius Maxwell
CUM LAUDE Students who earned a GPA of 3.0 to 3.49 MAGNA CUM LAUDE Students who earned a GPA of 3.50 to 3.79 SUMMA CUM LAUDE Students who earned a GPA of 3.80 to 4.00 *Completed requirements in June 2019 **Completed requirements in December 2019 ***W. Franklin Evans Honors College Scholar W. Franklin Evans Honors College Graduate FIVE
THE COLLEGE SEAL On the College’s seal the Word “Eben-Ezer” is a constant reminder of the faith and courage of our founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright. To her, fulfillment of the hopes of her people was the consequence of miraculous Divine intervention. At the request of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Voorhees in 1904, Miss Wright was charged to design an emblem appropriate for the institution. Miss Wright began working immediately on a design for the seal. Although the present composition was conceived by her, the task was not completed until after her death in 1906. Since then, the only changes have been in the name of the institution from Voorhees Industrial School to Voorhees School and Junior College, and ultimately to Voorhees College. Enclosed in two concentric circles representing the eternity and omnipotence of God, the Eben-Ezer rock stands as a constant reminder of the solidarity and consistency of her faith. At each end of the rock are plants which represent not only growth but also our bond with the earth. The partial circle enclosure serves as a reminder of the all-embracing and everpresent protection of God. Dark clouds hang over the rock as a reminder of the turmoil and despair that our founder faced when she accepted the risk to inaugurate change, to move young people in a rural community to a fresh commitment in spite of past fears, and to instill in them a sense of pride and identity. In spite of attacks and opposition directed at her and the school to break up what was viewed as a dangerous movement among subjugated people, she proved herself to be
fortitudinous and an effective leader in bringing into realization these goals. Further, the clouds are also reminders of the endurance of Voorhees and how it serves as a bulwark in spite of difficulties and periods of near impoverishment that have been faced. At the base of the half circular crown is the year of the founding of Voorhees, 1897. Between the two concentric circles is the name of the College and its location. Apparently, as a devout and faithful believer in the power of God at work in Holy Scripture, it was most appropriate that Miss Wright would select words and symbolism from I Samuel 7:12. In the face of crisis and stressful situations, and because of her faith in the powers of the work of God, she visualized herself in predicaments similar to those of Samuel at Mizpah when he served as judge to the faltering young Israelite community that was threatened with extinction by a very powerful force, the Philistines. When all seemed futile he recalled how God had helped in the past. Therefore the phrase, “Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us,” rang out load and clear. Within this framework, she visualized her predicament as similar to his. The Voorhees College seal, therefore, is a constant reminder of our bond not only with the past but also with the present and the future. Consequently, at this juncture, we renew our faith in these principles and accept the challenges of our founder.
THE VOORHEES MACE On official occasions of outstanding importance, such as degree-granting ceremonies or other dedications including the Convocation of the College, the Voorhees Mace is carried at the front of the processions. Presented to the College at the Founder’s Day Convocation in 1976 by the Graduating Class of 1975, this ceremonial Mace, designed and fashioned by one of the world’s most famous English silversmiths, Leslie Durbin, is the symbol of the College’s unity and authority as well as the endeavors of the entire College community. It was created and designed to depict the College’s Seal, a symbol that has prevailed on all of Voorhees’ official documents. The sterling silver crown and pure blue and white enameled Eben-Ezer rock, around which is placed a half circular crown, are indicative of the difficulties. Extending from the shaft are two silk ropes of blue and white, the colors of Voorhees College.
Placing the Mace on its stand is a signal that the proceedings are about to come to order; its retirement indicates that the ceremonies are concluded. When not on duty, the Mace is placed in the College’s Archives. Due to its special association, the Mace is priceless to the Voorhees community; but in everyday terms, because of its craftsmanship, its value has possibly tripled since it was presented to the College. Originally, a mace was used as an offensive weapon, made of iron and steel, to break through armor. As early as the twelfth century, it was used as a symbol of authority by France and England by state officials. It was borne by royal bodyguards to the King and other royal dignitaries. However, since about the sixteenth century, A.D., it has been used by the great halls of learning or universities.
THE PRESIDENTIAL CHAIN OF OFFICE (The Medallion) The Presidential Medallion was presented to the College at the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration. Symbolizing authority, this medallion, embossed with the College’s seal, is worn by the president of the College at formal convocations.
SIX
COLLEGE MARSHALS Although in early times marshals were associated with military commands or civil authorities, today they are more commonly used when gowned officials in academe are in convocational processions. The idea was introduced in England as an important part of the university system where academic officials were required to march in processions to their hallowed ivy-decked halls. By the end of the seventeenth century, this practice had become a recognized procedure in most European centers of higher education. In fact, the practice assumed a major role at all major convocations or commencements that were held during the academic year.
The role of marshal continues to be an important part of academe. Today, you will note that there are several levels of marshals in the procession. The chief marshal, who opens and closes the convocation, is at the front of the procession. There are other marshals also who give directions to the faculty, to the graduates and to other individuals in the procession.
ACADEMIC DRESS/CAPS The use of formal academic dress has its origin in the fourteenth century. As early as 1321, the University of Coimbra required all “Doctors, Licentiates and Bachelors” to wear academic gowns. In England, especially at Cambridge and Oxford Universities, strict control of academic apparel has been traditional for six centuries.
The pageantry of an academic procession has developed along with the various customs associated with academic dress. In an academic procession, most of the participants wear an academic costume consisting of a cap, gown and hood, each symbolizing some aspect of the wearer’s academic background.
In 1895, a group of representatives met at Columbia University to formulate a code of academic dress for American universities. Traditionally, the cap has been a mortarboard with a black or gold tassel. The gold tassel is sometimes, but not always, worn by holders of the doctorate degree in one of the sciences.
of the W. Franklin Evans Honors College have maintained a 3.2 grade point average, completed 24 Hours in Honors Credits, submitted application to two (2) accredited Graduate or Professional Programs, presented two (2) scholarly presentations or engaged in intercollegiate academic competitions, and completed 150 Hours of experiential learning . Those students are identified in the program as W. Franklin Evans Honors College Graduates, have three asterisks by their names, and are adorned with the Honors College Medallion and the Honors College stole.
This code, revised in 1932 and 1959 by committees appointed for that purpose by the American Council on Education, prescribes the accepted use of academic regalia.
W. Franklin Evans Honors College Graduates: Graduates
GOWNS BACHELOR’S DEGREE-The gown worn by the holder of a bachelor’s degree has pointed sleeves and is designed to be worn closed. MASTER’S DEGREE-The gown worn by the holder of a master’s degree has an oblong sleeve with open wrist and base hanging down. The rear part of the sleeve is square cut, and the front part has an arc cut away. The gown is designed so that it may be worn open or closed.
DOCTOR’S DEGREE-The gown worn by the holder of a doctor’s degree has bellshaped sleeves and is designed to be worn open or closed. The gown is faced down in front with black velvet and has three bars of black velvet across the sleeves. The facings and crossbars may be of velvet and in the color distinctive of the subject to which the degree pertains.
HOODS The hood represents the institution from which the wearer holds his advanced degree and also indicates the subject in which his degree is earned. The length of the hood for the bachelor’s degree is three feet; for the master’s degree, three and one-half feet; and for the doctor’s degree, four feet. The hood worn for the doctor’s degree has panels at the sides, unlike the hoods for the other two degrees. The hoods are lined with the official color or colors of the college or university conferring the degree. The trimming of the hood is made of velvet or velveteen, and the color is that which represents the subject in which the degree was earned. The most common colors seen are as follows:
Arts, Letters, Humanities ……………………...………. White Commerce, Accountancy, Business …………………….. Drab Economic ……………………………………………… Copper Education ………………………………………….. Light Blue Fine Arts including Architecture …………..…………. Brown Law …………………………………………………….. Purple Library Science ………………………………………... Lemon Medicine ………………………………………………... Green Music …………………………………………………….. Pink Nursing ……………………………………………….. Apricot Philosophy …………………………………………. Dark Blue Physical Education ……………………………….. Sage Green Science ………………………………………... Golden Yellow Speech ………………………………………….…. Silver Gray Theology ………………………………………………. Scarlet SEVEN
Voorhees College Graduating Class of Larraine Pauline Anderson Stanley Raymond Barber Karey Bell Berry Deloris Bolton Annie Ruth Brimfield Annie Bright Johnny Esroy Brown Lewis Henry Brown Irene Byrd Eloise Almetha Chambers Lemuel Arthur Clinton Thelma Carleisa Collier Zelma Coleman Ernest Cooper, Jr. George Allen Crawford James W. Creech Addie Virginia Daise* Lee Davis, Jr. Verbenia DeLee* Emily Victoria Dolley Sleeter Chilon Dover Hattye Lee Drayton Shelly Ann Dunbar Carolyn Edward Charles Presley Fox Marvin Herbert Franks Marilyn Lavern Frazier Elester Garrett* Jessie Bobby Gary* Myrtis Mae Gilbert Lillie Bell Green George Heyward Bettie Parler Houston Margalene Hughes Robert Jackson, Jr. Gladys Eloise James* Paula Potts Jefferson Mary Ellington+ Essie English+ *
EIGHT
Loretta Pickett Goodman+ Eugene Jenkins Ruby Helen Johnson Ann Lamar Gladys Phinizy Lamar Francine Lewis Sarah Lowery Clemmie Massey Willie M. McClinton Noel J. McFadden Roland McKinnie Patricia Ann Melton Louise McDaniel Jesse McMorris Wannamaker Melton Horace Nash Mary Nell Odom Catherine Owens Roland Parler Joseph Patten Sylvia Peterson Vernon Milton Philpot Patricia Potts Samuel Prophet Virginia Reaves Herbert Reed Jettie Ulmer Rice Douglas Richardson Isadora Rouse Ernestine Salley Ruby O. Sanders Jennie Saxon Mildred Scott Julia Campbell+ Marguerite Delaney+ Thomas Felder+ Mary Ford+ Ann L. Freeman+ Juanita Shepherd
1970
Irene Reed Singletary Joe Louis Smart Barbara Smith Williams* Paula Smith Margaret Starling LaVon Steadman Paul Ellis Rice* Ethel Wallace Roberts Wilda Juanita Robinson Doris Virginia Shell Cornelius Shepherd Weorsie Pauli Steward, Jr. Douglas LaRue Stephens Douglas Steven Albert Lee Steward, Jr.* Sandra Antoinette Taylor Francene Thames Ethel Boldin Walker Alfrieda Baker Walker James Tindall, Jr. Steiner Lopez Waldo Samuel Joseph Washington Dorothy Veronica Wells Veronica Margaret Werts Ella Louise Williams Leroy Williams Willie James Williams* Robert Lee Wright Theodosia Lee Wright Loala E. Wright+ Juanita Wheeler Lewis Henry Brown Laverne Gadsden Allen Hamilton Lillie Harris James Harrison Nancy Jennings *Denotes Deceased
+Denotes out of Order
A Historical Sketch of Voorhees College Most memorable about Voorhees’ history is the story of its founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright. She was a black woman in her early twenties who, in spite of betrayals, arson, jealousies, threats of violence, and weariness from wandering, persevered and founded a school in Denmark, South Carolina, on April 14, 1897. Although only fourteen students came, the school opened in makeshift quarters above a store in Sato, now called “old Denmark.” By 1898, enrollment had reached 270. This was a far cry from Miss Wright’s earlier efforts to start a school in Hampton County, and later in Govan, where she was thwarted for three years by community hostility and lack of support. But the few who had helped her in Hampton County and who believed in her vision to start a school for black youths continued to support her efforts in Denmark. Most prominent among them were S. P. Porter, a railroad man from McNeil, South Carolina; Mrs. Almira Steele of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Judge Wiggins of Colleton County, South Carolina; and Miss Jessie Dorsey, the first teacher, a nurse from Cashocton, Ohio. The success of the school in Denmark was largely due to the assistance given by a “seasoned presence” in the community, State Senator S. G. Mayfield, a local lawyer, who took an interest in Miss Wright after he learned that she was a graduate of Tuskegee and after he had received a letter from Booker T. Washington highly recommending her. Mayfield helped Miss Wright secure the initial twenty-acre tract of land for the school in Denmark, and in time he paved the way for her to purchase more land to accommodate the increasing enrollment and to enlarge the farm. As the school grew, Martin Menafee, a Tuskegee graduate, came to Denmark to assist in strengthening the school financially. Through correspondence, he arranged an interview between Miss Wright and Ralph Voorhees, a blind philanthropist, of Clinton, New Jersey, in 1902. As a result of that trip, Ralph Voorhees and his wife gave money for the purchase of two hundred and eighty acres of land on the outskirts of Denmark. With the concurrence of Booker T. Washington, the name of the school was changed from the Denmark Industrial School to Voorhees Industrial School to honor Ralph Voorhees’ generosity. On February 25, 1904, the school was incorporated by the act of the State Legislature. In 1905, only a year before the death of Miss Wright and two years before that of his own, Ralph Voorhees made possible the purchase of another tract of land, about 100 acres. Bought originally for farming, that land is now growing timber worth several thousand dollars per year as a cash crop. The school continued to operate moderately well after Miss Wright’s death in 1906, but support dwindled considerably during World War I. New support was found when Joshua Blanton became principal in 1922 and initiated a working relationship between Voorhees, the Protestant Episcopal Church, and its agency for work among Southern Blacks and the American Church Institute. In 1929, Voorhees became a Junior College. It was called Voorhees Normal and Industrial School until 1947 when its industrial department was discontinued and the school became known as Voorhees School and Junior College. The high school department was accredited in 1932. The Junior College was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and in 1949 it became the first black college in South Carolina to be recognized by the regional body. The final name change to Voorhees College was made in December 1962.
The high school was discontinued in May 1965; Voorhees became a senior degree-granting institution in 1967, and shortly thereafter received full accreditation as a liberal arts college from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The first class graduated from the senior college in 1968. By 1969, the College had become a member of the Association of Episcopal Colleges and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). In 2012, Voorhees successfully completed a thorough self-study program that led to the reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The College has renewed its historical partnership with the Episcopal Church creating an "Agenda for Excellence." The College recognizes the need to bring an additional dimension to its legacy of excellence setting forth a standard of teaching, scholarly activities, management, and service activities which combines intellect and faith. With an enrollment of nearly 500 students, Voorhees College offers the B.A. and B.S. degrees in three departments: The Department of Business and Entrepreneurship, The Department of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences, and The Department of Science, Technology, Health and Human Services. The Organizational Management Program reaches out to the adult learner offering a degree completion program for persons with 50 or more hours of college credits. The College has created a ‘Renaissance in Technology’ and is now completely wired for all technological advances. Each residence hall has the capability of data outlets, to connect with the Internet and to access e-mail, cable television and other external databases. Throughout more than 123 years of service, the mission of Voorhees has remained the same: “to educate the minds, hearts, and spirits of young African American men and women.” t “We are Voorhees: A Community of Scholars!”, where we “Begin. Believe. Become.” Voorhees College Past Principals and Presidents Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Founder/Principal ……….…………..…1897-1906 Gabriel P. Miller, Principal ………………………………….....… 1907-1911 Cyrus Camfield, Principal ………………………………...……… 1911-1912 Martin A. Menafee, Treasurer/Acting President …………………. 1912-1916 Jesse O. Thomas, Principal …………………………………...….. 1916-1918 E.R. Roberts, Principal ………………………………………….... 1918-1922 J.E. Blanton, Principal …………………………………..……….. 1922-1947 Earl H. McClenney, President …………………..……………….. 1947-1950 Cecil B. Haliburton, President ……………………………..…….. 1950-1953 John F. Potts, President ………………………..…………….…… 1954-1970 Harry P. Graham, President ……………………………………… 1971-1977 George B. Thomas, President ………..…………………………. 1978-1983 Leonard E. Dawson, President ……………………………..…….. 1985-2001 Lee E. Monroe, Jr., President …………………..…………...……. 2001-2007 Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr., President ……………….…………… ….2008-2016 W. Franklin Evans, President…………………………………….2016-Present
Gaps in the timeline indicate periods when the institution was under interim leadership.
NINE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Robert L. Satcher, Jr., Chairman Reverend Dr. Sam Davis ‘79, Vice Chairman Mr. Dane Murray, Treasurer Ms. Leah Taylor’64, Secretary The Right Reverend Gladstone Adams Mr. Arturo Chávez Dr. Traci Young-Cooper Dr. Robert Dodd Dr. W. Franklin Evans, President Mr. James L. Gardner’69 Dr. Robert Hymes Mr. Alfonso Lamback, Sr.’69 Ms. Karen Mack’84 Mr. Dan Martin’77 Ms. Linda McCullough’76, President, Alumni Association Dr. Vincent McNeil
Dr. Michelle Meekins’74 Mr. David Miller’84 Dr. Fulton L. Porter, III Mr. Daraka Satcher, Esq. The Honorable John L. Scott, Jr. Dr. Kwaku Temeng The Right Reverend W. Andrew Waldo Dr. James H. Williams Dr. Donald L. Fowler, Trustee Emeritus Dr. Matthew A. Golson’40,Trustee Emeritus Ms. Mary Hepburn, Trustee Emeritus Dr. Prezell R. Robinson’42, Trustee Emeritus Mr. Ralph Voorhees, Trustee Emeritus Dr. Tywana Chenault’00, Faculty Representative Mr. Jaalen Williams-Butler, Student Representative Ms. Menia D. Lee, MBA, Board Clerk/ASBOT
OFFICERS OF THE COLLEGE Dr. W. Franklin Evans........................................................................................................................................ President Dr. Ronnie Hopkins ............................................................................ Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Ms. Charlene Johnson .................................................................. .Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics Ms. V. Diane O’Berry……………………………………….....Vice President for Business and Fiscal Affairs Mr. Dwayne Smiling.......................... Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Development Ms. Phyllis Thompson .........................................................................Vice President for Enrollment Management Mr. Shemrico Stanley ................................................................................................................................... Chief of Staff
COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE Mr. Willie Jefferson, Chairperson
Ms. Alice Bryant Ms. Karen Countz Ms. Megan Freeman Ms. Lynda Jefferson Ms. Rachel Jones Dr. Ronnie Hopkins Ms. Stephanie Kluttz Ms. Felicia Mason-Garner Ms. V. Diane O’Berry
TEN
Ms. Sarah Simpson Ms. Kimberly Smalls Mr. Shemrico Stanley Mr. Curtiss Sumner Ms. Pamela Wade Mr. Adrian West Mr. Marion Wright Reverend Dr. James T. Yarsiah
GRADUATES’ PLEDGE With a solemn sense of my responsibility, I pledge To hold my degree as a sacred trust, An emblem of my obligation to serve my fellowman, And to keep its significance inviolate in loyalty to my Alma Mater And with fidelity to my country and to my God.
THE COLLEGE HYMN
THE ALMA MATER
We build our school on Thee, O Lord, To Thee we bring our common need; The loving heart, the helpful word, The tender thought, the kindly deed.
When we come to thee, dear Voorhees, The school we love so well, We will hail thee as a guiding light, That ever shines afar. Chorus
We work together in Thy sight, We live together in Thy love; Guide Thou our faltering steps aright, And lift our thoughts to heaven above.
In these halls of knowledge true, Each day we come to you, Trying now to shape our future With ideals good and true. Chorus
Hold Thou each hand to keep it just, Touch Thou our lips and make them pure; If Thou art with us, Lord we must Be faithful friends and comrades sure.
When we’ve finished our work with you, We’ll leave these walls so true. And we’ll strive each day to follow Your principles of true blue. Chorus
We change, but Thou art still the same, The same good Master, Teacher, Friend; We change; but Lord, we bear Thy name To journey with it to the end. Amen.
CHORUS Alma Mater, dear old school, We’ll raise aloud a song, For we love our dear old Voorhees, The White and the true Blue.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Summer School Registration
May 5
First Day of Summer School
May 7
Tiger Connect Summer Orientation I
June 13
Tiger Connect Summer Orientation II
July 11
Faculty Return
July 31
New Student Orientation
Aug. 1-9
Returning Students Fall Registration/ Residence Halls Open at 1 p.m.
Aug. 6
Classes Begin
Aug. 10
Homecoming Week
Nov. 9-15 ELEVEN