Voorhees Alumna Receives Army Civilian Award
Post Office Box 678 Denmark, SC 29042 The Official Affairs of the Alumni Newsletter
“The ROAR” VOLUME ONE September 2020
FEATURES: Alumna Receives Civilian Award Remembering the Fallen Tigers
A Message from the President Introducing the Division of Institutional Advancement and Development National Alumni Officers Save the Dates Alumni Chapters
A Message from the Director of Alumni Affairs Voorhees College 2019—2020 Year-In-Review VC Alumni Spotlight Stephanie Rivers-Kluttz, Editor-in-Chief Megan Freeman, Contributor Xan Jennings, Contributing Editor Tammy Williams, Contributing Editor Yvonne Singleton, Contributing Editor Lugenia Rochelle, Contributing Editor
Voorhees College alumna Audrey Smith recently received a United States Army Civilian Award. The U.S. Department of Army awards individuals a variety of awards to honor and recognize the contribution and efforts of its civilian workforce. Robin Swan, director of the Army Office of Business Transformation, nominated Smith for the award. “The leadership characteristics that make Ms. Smith’s contributions stand out are mastery of communication in a complex environment, balancing change under strict timelines, and supervising and mentoring military and civilians,” Swan wrote in Smith’s award nomination letter. Smith entered federal government service in 2007 and served as the family programs chief for the Eighth U.S. Army at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul, South Korea before she held leadership positions in the Defense Information Systems Agency’s Office of the Chief Information Officer. Currently, she serves as the chief of policy and governance for the Army Office of Business Transformation. Smith manages the Army’s Business Mission Area portfolio (BMA), overseeing the domains of acquisition, financial management, human resources management, installations, energy and environment, logistics, and training and readiness. In 2017, Army senior leaders asked Smith and her team to reduce the Army’s 706 defense business systems to divert $500 million toward readiness and modernization.
Smith also led the publication of the Army’s first Business Capability Acquisition Cycle. This measure increased efficiency and transparency of business systems while cutting costs of those programs across the Army in the areas of doctrine, organization, training, personnel, facilities, and policy. Additionally, she is the recipient of the 2020 Women of Color Joint Women’s Leadership Excellence Meritorious Service Award. Smith is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a life member of both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Photo courtesy: Army News Service Audrey Smith
We Are Voorhees College Strong Remembering the Fallen Tigers We are Voorhees College Strong, and as an HBCU community, we have won some battles and unfortunately lost some. The battles make us stronger, and forced us to have a greater and stronger belief in the Almighty One in times of celebration, pandemic, and death. We want to salute our Fallen Tigers. Their resilience and Tiger Tenacity will be forever remembered.
John E. McCord, Jr. Aiken, SC October 25, 1970 - July 3, 2020 Voorhees College Class of 1992, Major - Criminal Justice
Elizabeth Jager Wigfall
Naperville, IL December 12, 1927 – July 3, 2020 Voorhees College Class of 1975, Major - History
If you know of an Alum who has earned his/her wings, please send that information to the department of communications. Submit obituaries to Mrs. Stephanie Rivers-Kluttz at skluttz@voorhees.edu. We will pay homage to our graduates from Denmark Industrial School, Voorhees High School and Voorhees College.
Greetings Alumni and Friends! As the COVID–19 pandemic continues to present significant challenges to our nation, the Board of Trustees, the Executive Cabinet, and Faculty and Staff have been strategically planning our transition and actions in the best interest of our students. We have seen and experienced difficult times before, but our college students have to adjust to a “New Normal.” The playing field, the workforce environment, and employment opportunities have now changed, and Voorhees stands poised to provide the best instruction, academic support, financial assistance, and holistic advisement to our students based on the “Wright Way.” Our founder, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, understood the value of education and its role in equipping individuals to be competent contributors to society. Her mission is still being carried out, even during these unprecedented times. We have been strong and dependable Voorhees College supporters even before this pandemic developed, and we will remain a solid and resilient premier college. Without a doubt, we have amazing students who chose to Begin their college education at Voorhees, who earnestly Believe that their lives will be greatly enriched through their matriculation here, and will Become the best graduates, leaders, advocates, and citizens Voorhees College has ever produced. You are the example and shoulders they stand upon. Continue to be…. #VoorheesCollegeStrong
Meet the Division of Institutional Advancement Team
The Voorhees College Division of Institutional Advancement and Development introduces a new vice president and chief development officer, Dr. Prince Brown. Brown has more than 30 years of fundraising experience from working at various Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) where he has served as a senior advancement consultant, associate vice president, vice president, executive director, and director of alumni relations.
Prince H. Brown, Ph.D. Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Dwayne Smiling Director, Government and Community Relations
Xan Jennings Director, Major and Planned Gifts
Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and theatre and a master’s degree in public administration from Albany State University. He earned a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies from The Union Institute and University. He is a member of the planning committee for My Brother’s Keeper and the Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority Annual Health Conference. Also, Brown serves on the Board of Directors for the Love Jones Foundation.
Curtiss Sumner Webmaster and Graphics Designer
Megan Freeman Director, Communications
Clarence Jones General Manager, WVCD Radio
Additionally, he is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a life member of the Albany State University National Alumni Association. Brown and his wife Esther have two sons, Daryl and Jeremy, and one daughter, Kellinda. Sarah Simpson Development Associate
Stephanie Rivers-Kluttz Director, Alumni Affairs and Annual Fund
Tammy Williams Development Administrative Assistant
Voorhees College National Alumni Association Officers President Linda Flowers McCullough ‘75 linfmcc@bellsouth.net (404) 797-5737 (404) 344-3539 First Vice President Paulette Mack ‘94 pauli89@yahoo.com Second Vice President Marvetta Meggett Smalls ‘ 81 Smallsmm@charlestonpw.com (843)367-0302 (843)727-7197 Assistant Secretary Gloria Madison Perry ‘75 pgloria@bellsouth.net (404)7854-8981 (404)472-0914 Financial Secretary Francenia Nadine Talley ‘74 momt53@aol.com (215) 510-3340 (215) 438-2464 Treasurer Monika Lamb ‘99 tricityv@gmail.com (912) 980-8711 (803) 793-8207 Alumni Trustee Karen Mack ‘84 Mackkaren9@gmail.com (240) 988-0829 (240)988-0879 Secretary Chinesa Brown ‘03 chinesa.patrice@gmail.com (803)727- 0711 Business Manager Geneva Levey Fleming dr.genevaleveyfleming@gmail.com
Save the Dates September 2020 Opening Convocation UNCF Virtual Walk October 2020 Pre-Alumni Council Week Mid-Terms November 2020 Election Day Hall of Fame Live /Virtual Celebration (Tentative) December 2020 Giving Tuesday Final Exams End of the Year Appeal January 2021 Spring Semester Begins February 2021 Black History Month Homecoming (Tentative)* March 2021 Mid Terms Spring Break Women’s History Month April 2021 Founder’s Week Academic and Honors Awards Program Final Exams May 2021 Commencement 1971 Golden Class Reunion Weekend June 2021 VCNAA National Convention -Columbia, SC
Voorhees College Alumni Chapters Atlanta Chapter (Metro) Antinesha Pace, President 404-641-5080 Atlanta, Georgia wyatt.antinesha@yahoo.com Berkeley County Chapter Sandra Capers, President Moncks Corner, South Carolina 843-875-3671 berkeleyac@alumni.voorhees.edu California COMING SOON Calhoun/Orangeburg Alumni Association IN REORGANIZATION Columbus, Georgia COMING SOON CSRA Chapter (Central Savannah River Area) Willie Abney, President 803-480-3390 Augusta, Georgia csraac@alumni.voorhees.edu Charleston Chapter Marvetta Meggett-Smalls, President 843-367-0302 Charleston, South Carolina charlestonac@alumni.voorhees.edu Central Carolina Chapter (Charlotte) Cassandra Sanders, President 704-224-6496 Charlotte, North Carolina charlotteac@alumni.voorhees.edu Denmark Chapter Leah Durphy Taylor, President 803-793-6104 Denmark, South Carolina denmarkac@alumni.voorhees.edu DMV Chapter (DC, Maryland, Virginia) Damion Ferguson , President DC, Maryland, Virginia dmvac@alumni.voorhees.edu
Greetings My Fellow Tigers, Florence/Darlington Chapter Craig Lightfoot, President 843-409-9629 Florence, South Carolina flodarac@alumni.voorhees.edu
Georgetown Chapter Equanda Wearing President 843-558-3436 Georgetown, South Carolina georgetownac@alumni.voorhees.edu
JAX/Duval Alumni Association IN REORGANIZATION Midland Chapter (Columbia) Monika Lamb, President 803-814-5490 Columbia, South Carolina midlandac@alumni.voorhees.edu Newberry Alumni Chapter Leila Caldwell, President 803-537-5384 Newberry, South Carolina newberryac@alumni.voorhees.edu Piedmont Alumni Chapter James Gardner, President 864-419-0596 Mauldin, South Carolina jgard10326@aol.com Philadelphia Alumni Chapter Francenia Nadine Talley, President 215-438-2464 - Home 215-510-3340 - Cell Philadelphia, Pennsylvania momt53@aol.com Sumter County Chapter Jo Ann Coaxum, President 803-775-6279 - Cell Sumter, South Carolina jcoaxum1@hotmail.com Texas COMING SOON Tri-State (NY, NJ & CT) Mary Hyacinth-Houser, (Interim President) 917-803-7087 - Cell 706- 504-2373 - Home Brooklyn, New York mhhyacinth@gmail.com
It has been great working with all of you this past year ...but wait a minute, “We’re Just Getting Started!” Although 2020 has been a different kind of year, through technology, planning, and innovation, we have not missed a beat. We the celebrated the Class Of 2020 by hosting our first virtual graduation ceremony. Congratulations and Happy “50th” Golden Charter Anniversary to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. , and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. We appreciate your service. If you are interested in starting an alumni chapter in your area or a reunion group with your class, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs. In times like these, we need each other more than ever. Stay connected, stay masked, stay safe, and stay within the guidelines of social distancing. #VoorheesCollegeStrong
Stephanie Rivers-Kluttz 16 (803) 780-1062 skluttz@voorhees.edu
Voorhees founder gets inducted into the SC Hall of Fame Voorhees College founder Elizabeth Evelyn Wright was inducted posthumously into the South Carolina Hall of Fame Class of 2020. Dr. Leo Twiggs, first African-American to receive a doctorate in art education from the University of Georgia and Darius Rucker, multi-platinum, Grammy-award-winning lead country singer of the band “Hootie and the Blowfish” were also enshrined. Wright was selected for induction into the SC Hall of Fame for her consistent determination and efforts in establishing Voorhees College. She was persistent as she faced many challenges, including multiple arson attacks on the buildings she used to teach students. But a determined Wright did not allow anything to kill her vision. In 1897, her vision turned into a reality after founding the Denmark Industrial School. Then after meeting with Ralph Voorhees and purchasing land, she relocated and renamed the institution Voorhees College. In celebrating this honor, President W. Franklin Evans said Wright was “steadfast and determined that circumstances and situations would not deter her from accomplishing her mission.” He added, “Here we are 123 years later following the vision of Ms. Wright in making a difference through education in the local community, the state, the nation and around the world.”
Voorhees unveils new Track and Field Complex Voorhees College hit the ground running with the unveiling of the new surface at the track and field complex at the beginning of the 2019-2020 academic year. Director of Athletics Charlene Johnson said the new track highlights President W. Franklin Evans’ vision and adds an extra element for health and wellness for students, faculty, and staff. Voorhees hosts African Royalty Theme Coronation This year’s coronation celebrated Temah Yarsiah as the 52nd Miss Voorhees College and Alex Brooks as the 6th Mr. Voorhees College. A salute emphasized the African Royalty theme to the African King and Queen by the Gye Nyame African Cultural Performance Company. Voorhees student presents E.coli research Dawn Freeman, a junior biology major at Voorhees College, presented research on “Comparative Genomics & Evaluating Analysis of CRISPR Loci in E. coli,” at the Southeastern Medical Scientist Symposium in Birmingham, AL.
Voorhees student presents at Penn-York Conference Business administration major Ahmad Harris presented on the financial contributions of international students in higher education in the United States during the 20th Annual Penn-York Undergraduate Research Association’s Student Research Conference.
Voorhees launches Live Streaming The institution recently launched live streaming to maximize direct communication with it’s constituents. Live streaming at Voorhees supports the mission to increase enrollment, retention, and development. To view athletic streaming, please visit www.youtube.com and search VC Tiger Sports, and for non-athletic streaming search Voorhees 1897. To be alerted for live events, please turn on notifications, and do not forget to like and subscribe.
Voorhees partners with the U.S. SBA The institution announced its partnership with the United States Small Business Administration as its first official partner with the Center for Entrepreneurial and Economic Development.
Voorhees transitions to Online
Evans named a Top Ten HBCU President President W. Franklin Evans, Voorhees College’s ninth president and CEO was named one of the Ten Most Dominant Historically Black Colleges and Universities Leaders of 2020 by the HBCU Campaign Fund. Voorhees receives UNCF funding to establish a LAIC Voorhees received $300,000 from the United Negro College Fund to create a Liberal Arts Innovation Center for Healthcare Access and Equity.
Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Voorhees transitioned to online classes for the spring and summer semesters. After seeing a spike in cases, President W. Franklin Evans decided to continue to provide online, remote instructions for the 2020 fall term and will operate without students residing on campus. Additionally, the fall athletic season has been canceled. All student support services and engagement will be provided virtually to help students throughout the semester. Campus business operations will remain open, and student scholarships remain intact. The institution is committed to making sure that students are equipped with the appropriate technology and resources for the fall.
Alumni Spotlight Alumnus Dr. Lenny Springs Class of 1968 Voorhees College alumnus Leonard Springs was recently selected for induction into the 2020 National Black College Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime achievements in banking and finance. According to The NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., its mission is dedicated to the growth and development of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through scholarships, internships, training and technical assistance, alumni recognition, and programs that encourage humanitarian involvement. The foundation also aims to advance the reality that HBCUs are valuable treasures and critical resources that help transform the seeds of potential into the fruits of possibility. Springs said he is honored and humbled that Voorhees chose him for the nomination. “I am honored because I am one of the many deserving alumni, and I am proud to be the first Voorhees inductee. I am looking forward to celebrating the moment with the entire Voorhees College Family.” The 35th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was scheduled for September 25, 2020 in Atlanta, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accepting this honor, Springs will join a distinguished list of more than 300 Hall of Famers that include such notables as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, Walter Payton, Leontyne Price, Chief Justice Thurgood Marshall, Oprah Winfrey and Ambassador Andrew Young. Springs earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Voorhees College. In 2018, he celebrated his 50-year anniversary reunion of the Class of 1968, which was the institution’s first four-year graduating class. He dedicated 27 years to the banking industry, serving as senior vice president of supply diversity and supply chain management at First Union National Bank and Wachovia (Wells Fargo), senior vice president of business development for Urban Settlement Services, and president of Queen City Ventures Partners, LLC. In addition, he held the title of president and CEO of S-Group, Inc., a management and consulting firm, where his company specialized in implementing business management practices and business development processes to include diversity strategies and initiatives. Recognized as one of America’s top corporate officers by Dollars and Sense Magazine, Springs has proven himself to be an impactful individual. He made his mark in business while giving back to the HBCU community by serving on many HBCU boards of trustees, including vice chair of the Voorhees College Board of Trustees. Springs previously served on the board of directors for M&F Bank. He served on the national board for the 100 Black Men of America and was the founding president of 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte. Also, he previously served on the national board of directors for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. If you would like to spotlight a fellow alumnus/alumna, or yourself, please send the information to Mrs. Stephanie Rivers-Kluttz at skluttz@voorhees.edu. Please include a photo and a biography.