Changing Minds. Changing Lives. New brand taking Voorhees by storm
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Voorhees College Family and Friends, The Voorhees College family extends a warm welcome to all of our loyal high school and junior college graduates, baccalaureate graduates, family and friends. It is with great pleasure to share the events of this administration’s first year at Voorhees. From Voorhees’ inception in 1897, our mission has been to offer all students a quality, comprehensive general educational experience, coupled with professional education in a value-centered liberal arts tradition. Our mission exemplifies the beliefs of our beloved founder, Mrs. Elizabeth Evelyn Wright-Menafee. Campus pride is shown every day by our faculty, staff and students. We have launched our new branding campaign, “Changing minds. Changing Lives.” We are changing our emphasis into a new era for our beloved institution. A great philosopher once said, “change is inevitable, but growth is intentional.” Take a look at our website and see the change. Come visit the campus and see the new majors and minors. Come visit and meet the Class of 2013, which is the largest freshman class in 10 years. Change continues. The Division of Business and Professional Studies successfully received re-accreditation and the college is busy preparing for the SACS re-accreditation in 2012. Voorhees has a dynamic leadership team comprised of faculty, staff and students to steer the institution toward a successful re-affirmation. As we continue with change, the college plans to implement a $25 million capital campaign that will assist with the addition of new residential living and learning facilities, state of the art science and fine arts buildings as well as a Student and Fitness Wellness Center. Additionally, the capital campaign will allow the institution to enable additional resources for faculty development and provide substantial financial support to provide more scholarships that will increase the number of academically talented students. As president, I would like to encourage you to continue supporting the vision of Voorhees. We want you to know that Voorhees provides a nurturing, supportive environment for each of our students, that we are concerned with the total transformation of our students- not only academically, but spiritually and socially as well. We want the world to know that we are cultivating a community of scholars. We want parents to know that their child is safe with educators who care about his or her success, that their child is receiving a quality, affordable education. “We are Voorhees: A Community of Scholars!” Now that you have had the opportunity to learn about our path and strategic goals for the future, my challenge to you is, “What can we do as a family to help Voorhees continue to fulfill its mission and achieve its vision?” These are exciting times and I am hopeful by your encouragement and enthusiasm. I am thankful that I have you, the Voorhees family, to help us meet the challenges. Sincerely,
DOUBLE COVER EDITION
Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr., EdD President P.S. A special note to Voorhees College High School and Junior College Graduates: We REALLY need your help! Come home to Voorhees!
FLIP TO THE OTHER SIDE!
The Voorhees VOICE PRESIDENT Dr. Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr. Voorhees College P.O. Box 678 ~ Denmark, SC 29042 ~ (803) 780-1191
New chairman Voorhees elects a new chairman of the Board
Student wins HALO award Freshman student is winner of first-ever HALO award
VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Courtney L. Davenport EDITOR Teesa Johnson Brunson Director of Communications EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Jayme Bradford Priscilla V. Ferrette Cheryl D. McMichael Dr. Sandra Rouse Curtiss Sumner CONTRIBUTORS Dorothy Patterson, Director of Alumni Relations Cecil Williams Photography, LLC Lenora Caldwell, Student Amarantha Davis, Student Shampale Williams, Student The Voorhees Voice is published for alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of Voorhees College. All items may be reproduced with credit to the Voorhees Voice. Comments or suggestions should be addressed to:
Voorhees has a new look A new brand/logo is revealed at Voorhees
Alumnus appointed to Obama’s administration Springs joins the Financial Student Aid (FSA) as senior advisor to the chief operating officer for traditionally under-resourced schools
Teesa Johnson Brunson Voorhees College P.O. Box 678 Denmark, S.C. 29042 (803) 780-1194 tbrunson@voorhees.edu
Let your VOICE be heard! In each issue, we include information on the accomplishments of our alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends. Send story ideas and updates to tbrunson@voorhees.edu.
www.voorhees.edu
Fowler: new chairman
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he Voorhees College Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Donald L. Fowler, who has served on the board since 1983, as the new chairman of the board. Fowler is the chairman of Fowler Communications, Inc., a public relations and governmental affairs firm in Columbia. He began teaching at the University of South Carolina in 1964, where he now serves as an adjunct instructor of American politics in the political science department. Retiring in 1987, Fowler served for 30 years in the United States Army as an active duty officer and reservist. He also is a former chair of the Democratic National Committee and the South Carolina Democratic Party. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology at Wofford College, and a Master of Arts and a doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky in political science. He is a native of Spartanburg. 4
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Fowler is currently a board of Ellen Moule to serve as the vice visitors member for the Univer- chair of the board replacing St. sity of South Carolina and the Clair Guess, III. Moule has University of Kentucky. He is served on the board since 2007. also a life member of the National Moule is currently a pro se staff Association for the Advancement attorney in the eastern district of of Colored People. New York. She earned a Juris In addition, Fowler received Doctorate degree from Yale Law the Order of Palmetto under for- School, a master’s degree at Cormer South Carolina governors nell University and a bachelor’s John C. West, Richard Riley and degree from Williams College in Jim Hodges. Massachusetts. “I accept the board's charge as Fowler and Moule’s new posiboth a privilege tions will be and a chaleffective Jan. lenge,” Fowler 1, 2010. said. “Voorhees In addition, College has new membeen a great, bers to the contributing board ininstitution in clude: SenaSouth Carolina tor John L. -Dr. Don L. Fowler that has experiScott Jr. of enced some difRichland ficulty in recent years. But with County District 19, who is also our exceptionally fine president, owner of J.L. Scott Realty ComDr. Cleveland Sellers, our best pany, Inc.; Representative Harold years are ahead of us.” Mitchell of Spartanburg County As chairman of the board, District 31, who is also the exFowler is replacing former chair- ecutive director of the Regenesis man Dr. Marshall B. Bass, who Community Health Center of served on the board since 1995 Spar tanburg; Virginia L. and as chair of the board since Crocker, judicial director at the 1998. Bass is president of Mar- South Carolina Workers’ Comshall B. Bass and Associates, a pensation Commission; Dr. Mimanagement consultant firm in chael A. Smith, who is currently a Winston-Salem, N.C. student at the Medical UniverFowler spoke highly of the sity of South Carolina and exleadership Bass has demonstrated pected to graduate in May 2010; as the chair. “Marshall Bass can- and Veronica Gromada, an assonot be replaced as chair of the ciate attorney for Wal-Mart Voorhees College Board of Trus- Stores, Inc. tees. He has been a magnificent leader and indeed the savior of our beautiful college.” The Voorhees College Board of Trustees also selected Mary
“I accept the board's charge as both a privilege and a challenge.”
Voorhees welcomes largest freshman class
Freshman students participate in the annual candlelight ceremony around the Ebenezer Rock on campus.
V
oorhees College President Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr. was excited to begin the 20092010 academic year with the largest freshman class in 10 years. The total new student enrollment at Voorhees College to date is 340 stu-
dents, which includes transfer students and firsttime adult education students. “We are pleased to see that so many students have chosen Voorhees College as their home for the next four years,” Sellers said. “Voorhees is moving forward with expansion plans
and continuing to be a student-centered environment.” Focusing on reclaiming South Carolina as a recruitment territory and recruiting from the bordering state of Georgia were the primary factors that contributed to the 86 percent increase in enrollment. “The Office of Admissions, along with Enrollment Management Dean Willie Jefferson, conducted extensive research of geographical market segments that normally yield students to Voorhees,” said Joseph Montgomery, director of admissions. “By conducting this research, it allowed the college to establish primary and secondary recruitment areas.” Voorhees also saw a record number of applicants this year. “We had a total of 2,869 applicants this year compared to the 1,791 applicants last year,” Montgomery said. Voorhees has prepared for the record number of students in the Class of 2013 by adding additional faculty members. The student-faculty ratio at Voorhees remains 15:1. The total expected enrollment for this academic year is 650.
English reinstated as a major Voorhees has reinstated English for the 2009-2010 academic year. Dr. Don L. Powell, coordinator of the new major, said the purpose of adding the major was to continue developing vital programs at the institution. “Voorhees College is a wellestablished liberal arts institution. At this point, a significant void exists in its academic offerings because it is without an
English major. With the reinstatement of English, this will rectify the current situation.” Some of the classes that make up the curriculum for the English major are American Literature I and II, Romantic Literature, World Literature, African-American Literature, History of the English Language, Shakespeare and Milton. Students will also be able to minor in English by completing 18
hours. Powell also stated that the addition of the English major was the result of interest expressed by current students. “More than 300 surveys were distributed to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and undeclared majors to determine student interest. The survey forms returned indicated a definite interest in the new English major on the part of some students.”
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Robert W. Patrick, superintendent of Talbot County Schools in Talbotton, Ga.
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“I change myself, I change the world” Voorhees student is honored for his commitment to the community “The kids in my community deserve this award more. Without them, this award would not have happened.” Some of the community service events -Darrius Snow that B-Team participates in include community day cleanup, back-to-school fundraisers for student supplies, after-school tutoring programs and feeding the homeless. As the recipient of the TeenNick HALO Award, Snow received $10,000 in scholarship money to attend Voorhees and $10,000 to enhance his organization. Snow was orphaned at age 2 and raised by his oldest cousin, Vivilore Rogers. Snow became the first person in his family to graduate from high school and attend college. Graduating from high school with a 3.5 grade point average, Snow also earned a Dean’s scholarship to Voorhees College. The TeenNick HALO Awards highlighted the unique story of Snow, along with the three other nominees for the award.
“It was an honor to receive this award on behalf of the children in my neighborhood.”
Snow is pictured above with celebrities Lebron James and Nick Cannon.
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eeting NBA superstar L e b r o n James and grammy award-winning singer Alicia Keys and being awarded $10,000 were just two of the fabulous perks that Voorhees student Darrius Snow received for the hard work that he puts into his community. Snow, a freshman and native of Atlanta, Ga., was the winner of the first-ever TeenNick HALO (Helping and Leading Others) Award. The TeenNick HALO Awards was a new concept in awards shows that featured four mega-celebrities awarding deserving teens in support of each teen’s philanthropic causes. The mega-celebrities partici-
pating were Lebron James, Alicia Keys, Hayden Panettiere and Justin Timberlake. The awards show was hosted and produced by TeenNick Chairman Nick Cannon, and it premiered on Dec. 11 on TeenNick. The show also featured an exclusive personal message from First Lady Michelle Obama. Snow, who is 19 years old, founded Bankhead Teens Encouraging Action by Motivating (B-TEAM) in 2005, which is an organization that strives to motivate its community by developing strong minds, encouraging academic excellence and increasing social responsibility. “It was an honor to receive this award on behalf of the children in my neighborhood,” Snow said.
Snow is pictured above with participants of the organization he founded, Bankhead Teens Encouraging Action by Motivating (B-TEAM).
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Shampale Williams crowned Miss V “Captured in a Dream: A Fairytal
Voorhees College. le Come True�
Feature Story
Changing Minds. Changing Lives. How Voorhees is looking ahead to the future BY TEESA BRUNSON
S
ince its founding in 1897, Voorhees has strived to live up to the values of its founder, Elizabeth Evelyn WrightMenafee. Persistence, determination and resilience have always guided the goals and principles of Voorhees. To continue on the path of greatness that WrightMenafee began 112 years ago, but also convey a sense of progress and transformation, Voorhees has launched a new brand, “Changing Minds. Changing Lives.” “Voorhees is not only celebrating our proud heritage, but also looking forward to a brighter future with our new 10
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brand,” President Sellers said. “We understand that we must never forget where we come from, but we must also be prepared and focus on being innovative.” Importance Brand
of
the
new
The new brand that outlines a book showing three pages represents the three stages of Voorhees College. From its beginning when the school was the Voorhees Normal and Industrial School, to Voorhees Junior College, and to what it is today, Voorhees College. “The new brand is not only our integrated marketing plan, it is also our way of continually telling the Voorhees story in a unique way,” Sell-
[Top] President Sellers with ADCO representatives Jessica Woodrum (left) and Lora Prill. [Bottom] Vice President of Institutional Advancement Courtney L. Davenport passes out giveaways to students.
“Voorhees is not only celebrating our proud heritage, but also looking forward to a brighter future with our new brand. We understand that we must never forget where we come from, but we must also be prepared and focus on being innovative.” -President Sellers
ers said. Developing the new Brand Developing the new brand was a year-long process that involved focus groups with alumni, faculty, staff and students. In addition, the results of surveys from the different Voorhees constituents played a big role. The Division of Institutional Advancement led the planning effort. “Once arriving on Voorhees’ campus a little over a year ago, not only did I see all of the potential the institution has, but I also saw room for improvement,” said Courtney L. Davenport, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “I quickly realized that Voorhees had to develop one message and begin to tell this message consistently to everyone.” In the past, Voorhees has used several different logos. From the logo that was mostly recognized, which was a picture of a dome, to variations of a “V” design, it was critical for Voor-
hees to develop one logo with one message for everyone to begin using. Voorhees contracted ADCO, a marketing firm in Columbia, to assist with developing a new brand for the institution. Along with the new brand included a new Web site and all new promotional materials. Meaning of the new Brand The theme, “Changing Minds. Changing Lives,” was developed because of the overall “Voorhees experience” that students receive. When speaking with current students and alumni, the overall conclusion was that Voorhees transforms its students. “When I first arrived at Voorhees, I was not a student with the highest grades and the most confidence,” said Gordon English II, 2004 alumnus and current assistant professor in the business department at Voorhees. “Once I matriculated through the institution and graduated, I felt that there was nothing that I could not accomplish.” “Voorhees has a way of building
Shampale Williams, Miss Voorhees College, during the event
up a student’s pride and giving them not only the skills, but also the confidence, to go out and conquer the world.” English has not only received his master’s degree and currently pursuing his doctoral degree, but he is also the coach of the Honda Campus All-Star Team and the first-ever debate team. The Voorhees College Debate Team was one of only two Historically Black Colleges and
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“Voorhees has a way of building up a student’s pride and giving them not only the skills, but also the confidence, to go out and conquer the world.” -Gordon English II
Universities to participate in the Inauguration Debate Series, which was one of the events surrounding the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Not only excelling in academics, Voorhees has also researched its founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright-Menafee, to better understand her life story and the hardships she endured establishing the institution. In April 2009, faculty, staff and students traveled to not only Talbotton, Ga., which is where Wright-Menafee was reared, but also to Tuskegee University formerly Tuskegee Industrial Institute where she received her bachelor’s degree. The pilgrimage was a compelling journey of the life and times of Wright-Menafee. “My life was changed after the pilgrimage we took,” said Jasmine Addison, a sophomore mathematics major. 12
“After seeing how Mrs. Elizabeth Evelyn Wright persevered through all of her trials and tribulations, I know that I must not only be a better student at Voorhees, but I must also give back to my community by helping young adults succeed once I graduate.” “Changing Minds. Changing Lives,” is not just a theme for Voorhees, it is reality. “As Voorhees moves forward, we will continually strive to reach our goal of becoming a premier liberal arts institution dedicated to changing the lives of our students,” President Sellers said.
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[Top] One of the most recognized logos that Voorhees has used in the past [Bottom] The most recent logo for Voorhees
April 10, 2010 Presidential Scholarship Gala Voorhees College will be hosting its first Presidential Scholarship Gala to award more scholarship money to deserving students. For more information, contact the Division of Institutional Advancement at 803-780-1191. SPRING/FALL 2009
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President Sellers was awarded an honorary Doctor of Civil Law from Sewanee: The University of the South, located in Sewanee, Tenn.
Budgetball tournament will be held January 6-8, 2010 in Washington, DC. The National Academy of Public Administration will provide financial support for Voorhees to engage students in the Budgetball Civic Engagement Initiative.
Miss Voorhees featured In Essence Magazine
Teacher Education Program approved by Peer Review Team
Shampale Williams, Miss Voorhees College, was featured in an article in the November 2009 issue of Essence Magazine. The article, which is titled "Scared Straight," focuses on campus queens having natural hair. “Being featured in Essence Magazine is one of my greatest accomplishments as Miss Voorhees College,” Williams said. “As Miss Voorhees College, one of my goals was to assist Voorhees with gaining more national exposure.”
Dr. Doris Matthews, director of the Teacher Education Program, has been informed that the new Voorhees College Elementary Education Program proposal has been approved by the Peer Review Team. The next step in the process is forwarding the proposal to the Professional Review Committee (PRC), and upon approval, the proposal will be taken before the South Carolina Board of Education.
Voorhees chosen to participate in Budgetball Tournament
The business department, which is a component of the Division of Business and Professional Studies, has been approved by the Commission of the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for reaffirmation of national accreditation.
President Sellers receives honorary degree
Voorhees College has been selected as one of ten Historically Black Colleges and Universities to participate in the Budgetball Civic Engagement initiative. The purpose of the Budgetball Civic Engagement Initiative is to help young adults take charge of their own financial future. Voorhees College will receive $6,000 to support this initiative. The training session for the 14
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The business school’s accreditation reaffirmed
Voorhees voices recognized for the first time For the first time in history, a student from Voorhees College participated in the “105 Voices of History HBCU Concert Choir.” The choir, which consists of a representative from every HBCU, performs annually during the National HBCU Week Celebration in Washington, D.C. The 2009 conference was held August 2630. André Grant, a junior business major from Charleston, S.C. flew on a plane for the first time to participate in the 2009 performance that was held on August 30 at the Kennedy Center. “This experience will always be remembered as one of my major accomplishments in my college career. All of my hard work and dedication on the Voorhees College Concert Choir was rewarded by being selected to participate on the choir and represent my institution.” Blake wins first place for research Rashell Black, a senior biology major from Kingston, Jamaica, won first place at the Louis Stokes Minorities in Research competition. Blake presented her research on epidemiology from her summer internship at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Lewis appointed as head softball coach Voorhees College recently named Tifanie Lewis as its new head coach for the girl’s softball team. She played catcher throughout her college career at South Carolina State University. She was named Rookie of the Week in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) division in 2004. She was later recognized as the Best Defensive Player Award. Lewis is currently working on her Master of Business Administration degree at Claflin University. Voorhees students in Brazil for exchange program Voorhees accounting students Steven Fletcher, senior, Kyle Lawton, senior, and Arious Salley, junior, are in Brazil attending college at the Federal Centers for Technical Education College (CEFET/RJ) as part of an exchange program. The exchange program between Voorhees College in the United States and CEFET/RJ) in Brazil is jointly sponsored by a grant from the United States Department of Education (FIPES/ CAPES) and the Brazil Department of Education. "The Voorhees/CEFET/RJ student exchange program is such a big advantage for students from both countries because it provides students with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the
global market place,” said Dr. David Caslan, project director and accounting professor. Voorhees selected as April 2010 Tom Joyner School of the Month Voorhees College will be the 2010 School of the Month for the Tom Joyner Foundation. As a Tom Joyner Foundation School of the Month participant, Voorhees will partner with the foundation to better leverage its brand and name with the corporate partners of the Tom Joyner Morning Show and Foundation, to increase overall visibility, and to raise funds with the foundation to provide scholarships to deserving students. In addition, Voorhees College's name will be announced each day during the month of April to the Tom Joyner School of the Month listening audience and posted on Radio One Web site. Student center reopened During the fall 2009 semester, Voorhees reopened the doors to the student center. With the reopening, Voorhees students are able to enjoy many exciting additions such as two new pool tables, a flat screen television, a Nintendo WII game system and a foosball table. Timothy Kentopp, chief technological officer for Voorhees, plans to triple the effort put into the student center this year by adding four more televisions and a slew of
game-ready networked personal computers. The E.E. Wright Players make their semester debut The E.E. Wright Players had their first performance of the semester in November performing the play, “Twelve Angry Jurors.” The drama depicts 12 appointed jurors with very different personalities trying to come to a unanimous decision about a murder trial. The play, based on the 1957 movie “12 Angry Men,” was directed by Ulysses Williams, assistant professor of mass communications and drama coach. Students produce new bi-monthly newspaper During fall 2009, students spent countless hours producing a new student newspaper, The Voorhees Paw Print. The Voorhees Paw Print is a tabloid-size newspaper that will be printed bi-monthly. The first issue was printed and distributed in November during Homecoming Week. Staff members of The Voorhees Paw Print include Shante’ Johnson, editor-in-chief, Shaniqua Bennett, Justin Curry, Alex Gallman, Isaiah Lee, Charity Price, Renee Strickland and Shampale Williams.
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Springs appointed to position in President Obama’s administration Voorhees graduate, Lenny F. Springs II, has been appointed to President Obama’s administration joining Financial Student Aid (FSA) as senior advisor to the chief operating officer for traditionally under-resourced schools. Springs began his career in 1974 as a field representative for the Labor Education Advancement Program for the Columbia Urban League in South Carolina. He was also an assistant vice president of community relations for Southern Bank and Trust in Greenville prior to his position as senior vice president of the Corporate Relations Division at First Union National Bank. In addition, Springs served as president of The S-Group, Inc, an organizational development and a strategic management firm in Charlotte, N.C. that specializes in implementing Supplier Diversity initiatives, Community Development, CRA Compliance, and Business Development processes, as well as Community Relations Consulting within an organization. Springs has been recognized as one of America’s top corporate officers by Dollars and Sense magazine. He has more than 30 years of experience in developing and managing community reinvestment programs in the banking industry and non-profits sector. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968 in business administration and did post graduate studies at the University of South Carolina.
Alumnus poetry featured in Essence Magazine Voorhees 1994 graduate Sanchez Gardner’s poem was featured in the September issue of Essence Magazine. The title of the poem was “Blackness.” Sanchez’s poetry reflects the African-American perspective on love, life and politics. Gardner has been writing since 2004 and encourages young writers to read everything that they get their hands on. “I will give young people the advice that Nikki Giovanni gave me, “read everything that you come across to be exposed to new things.” 18
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Voorhees alumnus accepts position as superintendent
Martin accepts position as executive vice president
Voorhees alumnus Dr. Deonia Simmons was recently appointed superintendent of Hampton School District Two. Simmons has been in the education profession for approximately 15 years. He began his teaching career in 1993 in Yulee, Fla. at Yulee Middle School. He later became principal of Yulee Middle School, where he served in the capacity for six years prior his current position as superintendent. Simmons said that one of his greatest professional accomplishments was having his school designated as an “A” school by the Florida Department of Education for four consecutive years. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Simmons graduated from Voorhees in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. While at Voorhees, he was captain of the Men’s Basketball team and an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Pamela Martin Wilson, a 1994 Voorhees graduate, was recently appointed to executive vice president at Allen University. Prior to this position, Wilson served as associate vice president of academic and student affairs and chair of the Division of Humanities and Social Science at Allen University. Wilson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in English Communications. She went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in English from Indiana State University and a doctoral degree in English at Ohio State University. Some of Wilson’s awards and honors include the Excellence in Teaching Award in South Carolina’s Independent College and Universities, Who’s Who Among Teachers in American Colleges and Universities and membership in Phi Kappa National Honor Society, Chapter 155, at Ohio State University. Wilson’s professional affiliations include Association for Business Communication, Modern Language Association and National Council for Teachers in English.
Voorhees College is looking for all alumni! If you have relocated or lost your connection with the Voorhees family, please provide the information below. Voorhees looks forward to reconnecting with you! MAIDEN NAME:
________________________________________________
NAME:
________________________________________________
GRADUATION YEAR: _____________________ ADDRESS:
________________________________________________
If you wish to share any news or updates with Voorhees to be published in The Voorhees Voice, please contact Dorothy Patterson, director of alumni relations, at (803) 780-1192 or at dpatterson@voorhees.edu.
________________________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS:
________________________________________________
PHONE:
(HOME) _____________________
Let your VOICE be heard!
(CELL) _____________________ Please mail to the Office of Alumni Relations ~ P.O. Box 678 ~ Denmark, S.C. 29042 SPRING/FALL 2009
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2000-2009 Memoriam
Reverend William Courtsworthy Weaver Reverend William Courtsworthy Weaver, who passed May 16, was a loyal, committed and dedicated son of Voorhees. He was a graduate of Edgefield Academy and a 1951 Voorhees School and Junior College graduate. He served two years in the United States Army during the Korea Conflict. He was a graduate of Allen University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies. He earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from the Philadelphia Divinity School and a Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass. He did post graduate studies at the College of Preachers at the National Cathedral, the Graduate School of Theology and the University of the South in Tenn. Father Weaver was ordained on June 24, 1960 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Chapel at Voorhees. He became a trustee of Voorhees School and Junior College for a four-year term in 1960. He retired on July 11, 1995 after 35 years of service as a priest in the Episcopal Church. He was a retired director of guidance at James Island High School in Charleston. He also served as a teacher and assistant principal at Central High School in Louisville, Ky. He was appointed commissioner of mental health by former Gov. Jim Hodges for Charleston and Dorchester Counties. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Historic Charles Town Foundation, president of the Lenevar Civic Club and spiritual coordinator of Odyssey Healthcare of Charleston. Father Weaver was inducted into the Voorhees College Hall of Fame in November 2008.
Lelon Belton Tobin Lelon Belton Tobin was featured in the newspaper, The People Sentinel of Barnwell, prior to his death on September 24. The article focused on Tobin’s accomplishments in the academic arena. Tobin was the first African-American assistant principal of Blackville-Hilda High School. Prior to the position as assistant principal, he also served as a transportation supervisor, science teacher and adult education director. He later became principal of A.L. Corbett Middle School in Wagener, S.C. Tobin graduated from Voorhees College in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Later, he received a Master of Science degree in education from the University of South Carolina.
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2000-2009 Memoriam
Lavenia Whitten Freeman Lavenia Whitten Freeman, who passed on September 23, was a part of the Voorhees family for more than 32 years. Voorhees was her love and her life. During her years of employment at Voorhees, she served in various capacities including director of financial aid, director of career placement and director of WIA activities. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Voorhees, she obtained a master’s degree in education in 1986. Freeman was an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the Eastern Star Chapter of Denmark.
Herbert Breland, Jr, ’78 Zelma Jordon Counts, ’52 Janie Louise Davis Ed Henry Faust Lavenia Whitten Freeman, ’74 Essie Hicks Garrett, ’82 Ida Greggs Michael Guess Larry Gunn, ’05 Mary Williams Hunter Fannie Henderson Jones Clarence Lebby James Alfred Lee Alfred Edward Myers, ’38 Joe Odom Ronnie Parler, ’71 Muriel L. Potts (instructor)
Curtis Pough Paul Rice Alexander Richberg, ’71 Nathaniel Robinson Janie Marie Sellers Cornelious Shephard, ’70 Wilmer Sojourner Shirley Thomas, ’80 Phinizy Thompson Lelon Belton Tobin, ’75 Betty Ruth Tyler Lue Hightower Tyler, ’54 Ruben Tyler William Courtsworthy Weaver, ’52 Lelia B. White (instructor) Terrance Williams
If you know of additional alumni who have passed , please e-mail the names to Dorothy Patterson, director of alumni relations, at dpatterson@voorhees.edu. She may also be reached at 803-780-1192. SPRING/FALL 2009
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Atlanta Chapter (Metro) Blondie Peoples 2680 Pine Tree Road # 1 Atlanta, GA 30324
Denmark Chapter Eva Manigault 3159 Charleston Augusta Road Bamberg, SC 29003
Orangeburg Area Chapter St. Julian Snider 2845 Hillcrest Ave. Orangeburg, SC 29118
Beaufort County Chapter Inez Smalls P.O. Box 526 St. Helena Island, SC 29920
Florence Chapter Sally Gardner King 216 Pearl Circle Florence, SC 29501
Philadelphia Chapter Dorian Smith P. O. Box 42336 Philadelphia, PA 19101
Berkeley County Chapter Wilhelmina Moore 3283 Highway 45 Pineville, SC 29468
Georgetown Chapter Phillip Davis 2734 Carvern Bay Road Hemingway, SC 29554
Piedmont Alumni Chapter Kenneth Baxter 18 French Lane Greenville, SC 29605
Bowman Chapter Sylvia Stevens P.O. Box 541 Bowman, SC 29018
Hampton/Jasper Chapter Ronald Williams P. O Box 705 Varnville, SC 29944
Sumter Chapter Jo Ann Coaxum 3 Carl Ave. Sumter, SC 29150
Central Savannah River Area Chapter Bennie Breeland 923 Todd Ave North Augusta, SC 29841
Marion/Dillon Chapter Mildred Watson 2958 Foxworth Road Marion, SC 29571
Washington DC Chapter Herbert Pittman 461 Captain Covington Place Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Charleston Chapter Marilyn Crocham P.O. Box 871 Ravenell, SC 29470
Midland Chapter Clyde Holliday 7420 Pinedale Drive Columbia, SC 29223
Charlotte Chapter Peter Dingle 1511 Rolling Meadows Lane Gastonia, NC 28054
New York Bronx Chapter Elizabeth Wigfall 930 Thieriot Ave, Apt 20F Bronx, New York 10473
Colleton County Chapter Verel Martin 23624 Augusta Highway Cottageville, SC 29435
New York Chapter Virginia Toomer 6 Convent Ave. New York, NY 10027
Voorhees would like to thank all alumni for making Homecoming 2009 a success!!
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Martin Luther King Jr. Program Black History Program Religious Emphasis Week Honors Day Convocation Founder’s Day Presidential Scholarship Gala National Library Week Commencement Convocation Summer School
January 21 February 4 February 9-11 March 18 April 8 April 10 April 11-17 May 8 May 17-June 30
For more information on these events, contact Willie Jefferson, special events coordinator, at 803-780-1049 or williej@voorhees.edu.
Apply NOW for Spring 2010 or Fall 2010! You may apply online at www.voorhees.edu. For more information on the admissions process, contact the Office of Admissions at (866) 237-4570 or at (803) 7801030. You may also e-mail the admissions office at admissions@voorhees.edu. SPRING/FALL 2009
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