One Hundred and Twenty– Fourth 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.
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Order of Exercises Ronnie Hopkins, Ph.D., Interim President Presiding Prelude “War March of the Priests” …………………………………………………………....Arranged by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Opening of the Convocation ............................................................................................................................................. ......Dr. Ronnie Hopkins Invocation………………………………………………………………………………..Reverend Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. Director of Library Services/Assistant Professor of Library Sciences and Theological Studies “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. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. The College Hymn …………………... “We Build our School on Thee, O Lord” ……………….………..……. William Gardiner Sacred Melodies, 1815 Greetings ………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….Mr. David Miller ’84 Chairman, Board of Trustees Mr. William Robinson President, Class of 2021 Graduating Class Reflections ………………………………………………………………………………..…Ms. Dawn Freeman First Academic Honor, Class of 2021 Musical Selection ……………………………………………………………………...…………………….Voorhees College Choir Directed by Ms. Rachel Jones’91 Presentation of Citation/Conferring of Honorary Doctorate Degree……………………………………….....Dr. Ronnie Hopkins Presented to Keisha Lance Bottoms (Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa) Read by Dr. Damara Hightower-Mitchell Introduction of the Speaker…………………..………………………………………………...……………….Dr. Ronnie Hopkins Commencement Address……………………………………….………………………..…..The Honorable Keisha Lance Bottoms Mayor, Atlanta, Georgia
Recognition of The Golden Class of 1971……….…………………………………………...………………...Dr. Ronnie Hopkins Conferring of Academic Degrees ……………………………………………………………………..….….......Dr. Ronnie Hopkins The Announcement of Academic Honors, Dr. Damara Hightower-Mitchell, Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs The Presentation of the Candidates, Dr. Katherine Whitaker, Dr. Tywana Chenault-Hemby, Dr. Zhabiz Golkar, Department Chairs The announcement of the Candidates, Mr. Curtiss Sumner, Graphics Designer/Webmaster Graduates’ Pledge ……………………………………………………………………..………………………Dr. Paulette Mack’94 First Vice President, National Alumni Association The Alma Mater Benediction ………………………………………………………………………………...Reverend Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr. “Pomp and Circumstance” ………………………………………………………..…….………..…Arranged by Sir Edward Edgar TWO
The Honorable Keisha Lance Bottoms Keisha Lance Bottoms is the 60th mayor of Atlanta being the only mayor in Atlanta’s history to have served in all three branches of government, serving as a judge and city councilmember before being sworn in as mayor. Leading with a progressive agenda focused on equity and affordable housing, she serves as chair of the Community Development and Housing Committee and the Census Task Force for the United States Conference of Mayors. Among her notable accomplishments to date include establishing the city’s first fully-staffed Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, including a Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer affairs coordinator and a human trafficking fellow. In addition, the citywide elimination of cash bail bond, the closure of the Atlanta City Detention Center to ICE detainees, and the rollout of Atlanta’s Open Checkbook, the most far-reaching financial transparency platform in the city’s history. In 2020, she received the following recognitions: The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law’s Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate, Glamour’s 2020 Women of the Year; Black Entertainment Television 100 Entertainer and Innovator of the Year, Smart Cities Dive’s Leader of the Year; and Georgia Trend magazine’s 2020 Georgian of the Year. In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Bottoms as vice-chair of civic engagement and voter protection. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and a Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law. Bottoms is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Jack and Jill of America, The Links, Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the daughter of Sylvia Robinson and R&B icon Major Lance. Bottoms resides in Atlanta with her husband Derek, their four children; Lance, Langston, Lennox, and Lincoln, and their family dogs, Ace and Zeus.
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DEGREES IN MAJOR DISCIPLINES Department of Business and Entrepreneurship Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration Quntaz Dayevonne Rakim Campbell**, Cum Laude LaPorshe Monique Robinson, Cum Laude Nyrea Shanques Hicks***, Magna Cum Laude Denzel James Antonio Walls***,, Summa Cum Laude Trenton RaShard Jones* Castillo Kesi-Shilone Watson**, Cum Laude Mariah Leeann Lorick, Cum Laude Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management Sybil Renee Blake-Ross**, Cum Laude Timothy L. Lewis, Summa Cum Laude Bradford Jamil Curry**, Magna Cum Laude Michele Renee Simmons DeAngela LaRose Fuller, ***, Magna Cum Laude Catherine Demetria Smalley-Jones, Cum Laude Lisa Faye Gandy, Magna Cum Laude Shakia Lavette Sullivan**, Cum Laude Andrea Yvette Greggs, Cum Laude Audrey Robinson Williams**, Magna Cum Laude April Nicole Hatten, Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Management Sha’Leek A’Keem Brown Di’Andrae Daytron Glover***, Cum Laude CaWasha Brianna Ceasar*,***, Cum Laude Kiara Pierra Johnson***, Cum Laude Antwan Elijah Chandler, Cum Laude Jawon Tyrell McCray* Calvin Henley Coach, III***, Summa Cum Laude Ashleigh Nia Stockard, Cum Laude Nakila Ti’ease Daniels, Cum Laude Calvin Maurice Washington** Eugene Anthony Farrell***, Cum Laude Bryce Vaughn Williams, Cum Laude Jessica Sandra Lee Gaston, Cum Laude Rondaijah’ La’Vauceia Jenice Wynn***, Magna Cum Laude Department of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development Cheyenne Chanyan Blakeny, Cum Laude Jaquitta Dessera Perry Paige Carter* Donte’ Jermaine Sheppard Tionne Evette Jamison, ***Cum Laude Moeshia Slater Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Marrisa Michelle Coffing***, Cum Laude Tatiana Kiara Lemon***, Cum Laude Traveen Ivette Ellis, Cum Laude Dashun Vontice Leon Lewis***, Cum Laude Lakeveundra Keonshae Hillard*, ***Summa Cum Laude Adarius Kelley Scott Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Sherita Kirende’ Holloway** Songi Danette Richburg John S. Jeffery, Jr.***, Cum Laude Juanisha Nacole Sease*,***, Summa Cum Laude Montril Jones Tikahia Demetrius Williams** Valerie Jordan, Summa Cum Laude
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Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication Darius Walter Hayslett** Jabari Wingate* Derrick Richemond, Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology Kayleb Alexander Breggs** Asia Makala Spinks Imani Chanel-Ella Horry Danielle Janae Williams*** William Gabrael Robinson***, , Magna Cum Laude Joslyn Williams***, Cum Laude
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theological Studies
Steven Ryan Cook, Magna Cum Laude Jerry Michael Fluellen*
Patricia Holmes Reed*,***, Magna Cum Laude
Department of Science, Technology, Health and Human Services Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology Von’Tasia Charnese Banks***,+ Devaunte’ Xavier McKee, Cum Laude Dawn Cheryl Freeman** ,***, Summa Cum Laude Kalyn LaMichael Swain* Denise Celestine Freeman**,***, Cum Laude Jazmyn Simone Wilson** Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science/Cyber Security Darrius Amir England* Patrick Kyle Rollins***, Cum Laude Kaylah Daneen Jones Lakavis T. Williams* RaShawn Demontae Porter Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Management/Homeland Security Kimberly Denise Martin Eagle**,*** , Magna Cum Laude
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 2020 **Completed requirements in December 2020 ***W. Franklin Evans Honors College Scholar W. Franklin Evans Honors College Graduate + Posthumously 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.
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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. 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. 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.
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.
W. Franklin Evans Honors College Graduates: Graduates of the W. Franklin Evans Honors College have aintained 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.
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 1971
Evelyn Allen Betty Jean Charles Martin Barbara Alberta Brenda Diane Michael Josephine Kenneth Althia Carolyn Johnnie Mae Betty Jean Virginia Emma Jane Louvenia Marilyn Elizabeth Patricia Maybank Nicholas Antonio Lillie Katherine Jacquelyn Delores Ruth Lee Etheleen Loretta Sylvia Izolar Lousie Jenkins Jackie Lonnie Carlyle Queenie Bell Julian Edward May Lou Charles Martin Ernest Thomas Edward Diane Daisy Mae Thelma Mary Magdalene Mary Frances Joe Louis LaVern Sallie Jean Davis Sandra Dianne
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Allen Anderson Anderson Atklins Austin Baker Bates Beard Bell Bellamy Benson Bessellieu Boone Brabham Brooks Brooks Brown Brown Brumfield Caldwell Crawford Dantzler Davis Davis Dawkins DeLoach Dinkins Dixon Drayton Eaves Ellington Feemster Feemster Felder Fields Flint Ford Ford Freeman Friday Gadsden Gardner Gerald Gethers
Ruby Frances Tinnie Mary Ann Annie Bell Dorothy Mae Linda Carol Hester Mamie Lou Doris Horry Mosie Rudolph Marcus Cyrel Clemetine Williams Mary Lee Velma Lanair Nathaniel Barbara Jean Eddie Vivian Holiday Dorothy Elizabeth Calvin Gwendolyn Louise Horace Robert Davis Francene Gerlad Minnie Daisy Mae Mae Ruth Phyliis Ernestine Paul Caroline Elizabeth Virgina Linda Kay Hurston Grilling Ernestine Fannie Lue Berlese Catherine Martha Inman Ronnie Mary Louise Mary Lou Billy Cressie Beatrice Blondie
Gilyard Graham Grant Grayson Green Green Greene Hagood Hannah Hannah Hayward Hazel Houser Huger Jackson Jenkins Jenkins Johnson Johnson Jones Joyner Lamback Landrum Lawrence Lewis Linton Lloyd Mack McClain McClintock McPherson Mickens Middleton Mike Moody Mulligan Murphy Nimmons Oakman Owens Paige Parler Patrick Patten Pauling Price Pyles
David Ragin Herman Lee Redmond, Jr. Gwendolyn Hayes Rice Barbara Jean Rice Douglass Gelzer Richardson Velma Deloris Richburg Donald Salley Allen Sanders Ruby Oliphatt Sanders Mytle Jean Sherrills Francis Edward Simmons Robert Lee Simms Peter Leon Singleton Arthur Smith Sara Lee Smith Rosia Delores Speach Amos Stevenson Andy Stevenson Ruby Frances Stover Rufus Stover Mary Othella Suber Gwendell Suber Cyrus Talford Francina Thames Lois Murray Thomas Claudia Thompson Betty Davidson Turner Nadine Tyler Jerry Wayne Wade Lillian Thelma Washington James Edward Washington Carolyn Washington Vernel Washington Cathleen Watson Leroy William Westbroook, Jr. Albertina Williams James Harold Williams Bessie Corine Williams Geneva Williams Ralph Williams Annette Witherspoon Brenda Elizabeth Woods Emma Mae Wright Lola Elizabeth Wright Frerd Young Warren Zimmerman
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 124 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……………………………………....2016-2021
Gaps in the timeline indicate periods when the institution was under interim leadership.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mr. David Miller’84, Chairman Dr. Traci Young-Cooper, Vice Chairman Reverend Calhoun Walpole, Secretary Reverend Dr. James Williams, Treasurer Mr. Arturo Chávez Reverend Dr. Sam Davis’79 Dr. Robert Dodd Mr. Jerome Geathers’74 Dr. LaTonya Gillespie-Johnson’09 Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, Interim President Ms. Karen Mack’84 Mr. Dan Martin’77 Ms. Mary Hunter Maxwell Ms. Linda McCullough’76, President, Alumni Association Dr. Vincent McNeil Dr. Michelle Meekins’74
Mr. Dane Murray Dr. Fulton L. Porter, III Ms. Sumiyyah Rasheed Mr. Daraka Satcher, Esq. Dr. Robert Satcher, Jr. Ms. Leah Taylor’64 The Right Reverend W. Andrew Waldo Canon Alan Bentrup 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-Hemby’00, Faculty Representative Mr. Jaalen Williams-Butler, Student Representative Ms. Wendy Hyland, Board Clerk/ASBOT
OFFICERS OF THE COLLEGE Dr. Ronnie Hopkins .............................................................................................................................. Interim President Dr. Damara Hightower-Mitchell ...................................... Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Prince Brown……………………….....Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Development Ms. Charlene Johnson .................................................................. .Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics Ms. V. Diane O’Berry……………………………………….....Vice President for Business and Fiscal Affairs Ms. Phyllis Thompson .........................................................................Vice President for Enrollment Management Mr. Shemrico Stanley ................................................................................................................................... Chief of Staff
COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE Mr. Willie Jefferson, Chairperson
Ms. Alice Bryant Dr. Prince Brown Ms. Karen Countz Dr. Megan Freeman Dr. Damara Hightower-Mitchell Dr. Ronnie Hopkins Ms. Lynda Jefferson Ms. Rachel Jones Ms. Stephanie Kluttz
TEN
Ms. Felicia Mason-Garner Ms. V. Diane O’Berry Ms. Sarah Simpson Ms. Kimberly Smalls Mr. Shemrico Stanley Mr. Curtiss Sumner Ms. Pamela Wade Mr. Adrian West Mr. Marion Wright
The Board of Trustees, Interim President Ronnie Hopkins, Faculty and Staff congratulate The Graduating Class of 2021
Begin. Believe. Become.
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Graduating Class of 2021, as you depart with the wisdom, knowledge, and experiences you gained here, please support your alma mater by encouraging others to enroll at Dear Old Voorhees . Begin. Believe. Become.
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 3
First Day of Summer School
May 4
Tiger Connect Summer Orientation I
June 12
Tiger Connect Summer Orientation II
July 10
Faculty Return
Aug. 2
New Student Orientation
Aug. 7-15
Returning Students Fall Registration/ Residence Halls Open at 1 p.m.
Aug. 11
Classes Begin
Aug. 12
Homecoming Week
Nov. 8-14