here - Virginia State University

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WINTER 2016
A FinalCelebration!
I leave my Virginia State University [VSU] family not with a goodbye, but with
a heartfelt “Thank You!” While serving as Interim President, I have enjoyed a
splendiferous Intermezzo during the time spent here. Throughout the year, I have
learned what it means to be a Loyal Son or Daughter of this venerable institution of
higher learning. I have experienced firsthand the fierce pride and devotion of our
alumni to VSU, and their willingness to serve the University that they embrace so
dearly.
And what a University it is! Over the past year, our programs and students have
earned national honors and accolades. A sampling includes:
Dr. Pamela V. Hammond
Interim President
January 1, 2015 - January 31, 2016
u College Choice ranked us number 12 out of 104 Historically Black
Colleges or Universities in America.
u VSU was fifth among HBCUs in a ranking of the top producers of
teachers.
u Animation Career Review ranked VSU’s animation program 46th in the
nation among public institutions and HBCU Digest named the VSU
Department of Art & Design the Best Fine Arts Program at an
HBCU for 2015-16.
u The CIAA awarded VSU its three highest athletic honors: naming VSU
Athletic Director Peggy Davis the 2015 conference Athletic
Director of the Year and presenting the Trojans with the 2015 Loretta
Taylor and the C.H. Williams All-Sports Awards for its women’s and
men’s athletic programs for an unprecedented second consecutive year.
u More important than championships, the NCAA honored our Trojans as
one of 27 NCAA Division II member schools receiving the Presidents’
Award for Academic Excellence. The Presidents’ Award recognizes
institutions that achieve four-year Academic Success Rates of 90 percent
or higher. With a score of 93, VSU tied for sixth place among the 300
institutions that compete in the NCAA Division II and was the only
CIAA school recognized.
Also worthy of note is that nearly all of this issue of VSU Magazine was written, and
photographed by our students. It is evidence of the abundance of talent we enjoy at
VSU.
The successes of the 2015 calendar year are attributable to the tireless efforts of
a team of dedicated administrators, faculty and staff. We are fortunate to have
an abundance of experience, wisdom and foresight that will serve VSU well as it
transitions into a new era. The University’s new President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah
stands poised to build on this strong foundation and to propel VSU to even greater
heights!
As I have expressed and reiterated since Day One of my tenure here at VSU, there is
always something to celebrate on The Hill. Today, I celebrate the extended family that
so graciously welcomed First Gentleman Gary Hammond and me to our VSU home
that sits “Far Above the Appomattox.” Finally, as I depart from VSU to confront a
new life, full of yet-to-be realized opportunities, I also celebrate the honor of leading
this illustrious institution, and I encourage all to celebrate the greatness of our
beloved Virginia State University.
With all the best wishes to the VSU family for a joyous New Year!
With Trojan Pride,
Pamela V. Hammond
Interim President
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ThisIssue
Virginia State University
A magazine for Alumni and Friends
Winter 2016
Volume 14, Issue 1
Features
4
6
Board of Visitors
Rector
Harry Black
Vice Rector
Willie C. Randall
STEM Grant
Top HBCU
5
PRinterns
8
Ag Center
Grant
New
Appointments
Secretary
Daphne Maxwell Reid
Members
Thursa Crittenden
Daryl C. Dance
Robert Denton
Michael Flemming
Charlie Hill
Alma Hobbs
Frederick Humphries
Jennifer Hunter
Xavier Richardson
Glenn Sessoms
Wayne Turnage
Huron F. Winstead
Faculty Representative
Dr. Milton O. Faison
10
14th
President
New
Deans
12
Student Representative
Marshawn Shelton
University Administration
President
Makola Abdullah, Ph.D.
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Garvin S. Maffett, Ed.D.
13
Gospel
Chorale
Commencement
17
Departments
14
25
Athletics
136 Pl
ayers
Contributing Writers
Calvin Barner II, Mass Communications ‘15; Adriana
Fink, Mass Communications ‘16; Latryce S. Noel;
Lauren Papillion, Mass Communications ‘16; Thomas
Reed; Darvasha Spence, Mass Communications ‘16.
Contributing Photographers
David Carter; Lorenzo Cheatham, Mass
Communications ‘16; William H. Porter III, Rudy
Powell.
2015 President Scholars
Golf Tournament
Since
Editor/PR & Marketing Specialist
Latryce Noel
22 Development
d
1994
$16k raise
Contributing Designer
Shawn Gray, Graphic Design ‘17
Virginia State University Alumni Magazine is
published twice annually for alumni, parents, faculty,
staff and friends. Your comments and suggestions
are welcome. Please send them to: Editor, Virginia
State University Alumni Magazine P.O. Box 9085,
Petersburg, VA 23806. Visit us on the web at www.vsu.
edu.
Copyright © 2016 by Virginia State University
Alumni
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WINTER 2016
UniversityNews
$400,000 grant supports
STEM career development
The National Science Foundation has awarded
Virginia State University (VSU) a $400,000 grant to increase
minority pursuit of science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) majors and careers. Over the past
three years, NSF has awarded VSU nearly $3 million toward
this effort.
The VSU project recognizes that STEM success is
largely dependent upon student readiness and performance
in calculus. The project will also review the effects of previous math performance training programs that were found
to be successful.
“Every year, hundreds of students come to college
with the desire to major in a STEM discipline, but deficiencies in their mathematics background prove to be an insurmountable barrier,” according to Oliver W. Hill, Jr., Ph.D.,
executive director for the VSU Research Foundation and
principal investigator for the project. “This grant represents
the third in a series of funded projects that we are hoping
will have a real impact on increasing the number of VSU
students who are successfully able go on to a STEM career.”
Under the direction of Drs. Hill; Dawit Haile; and
Milton O. Faison, the project will be implemented over a
three-year period.
VSU Named Top HBCU
College Choice has ranked Virginia State University
number 12 out of 104 Historically Black Colleges or
Universities (HBCU) in America. The College Choice
ranking is based exclusively on factors real college freshmen
say are most important to their college decision.
Ranking criteria include financial aid offerings,
academic reputation, overall cost and success of graduates
in the post college job market. Each of these four factors
were weighted equally in the ranking and the data were
derived from various publicly available sources such as
the National Center of Education Statistics, U.S News and
World Report and PayScale.com.
“This ranking further validates our effort to
raise Virginia State University’s national profile and our
commitment to our students, from the moment they
step on campus to when they graduate,” said former VSU
Interim President Pamela V. Hammond.
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WINTER 2016
VSU’s Urban Ag Center
Receives $25,000 Grant
Virginia State University’s Urban Ag CenterHarding Street Project has received a $25,000 renovation
grant from the Dominion Foundation. The Center was
established to serve as a hub for fresh produce, an activity
site for 4-H students while providing research opportunities
for educators and environmental scientists.
With statistics ranking Petersburg as one of the
unhealthiest places in the state, administrators will focus a
great deal of attention on nutrition and the culinary arts.
The grant will be used to upgrade the kitchen with a
demonstration classroom annex.
“We are very excited to partner with the Dominion
Foundation to increase access to healthy food in the region.
This grant will make a significant impact in community
health and wellness,” said executive Director Duron Chavis.
“We want to build healthier lifestyles and reach young
people with the important message.” he added.
From outdoor learning gardens to solar-powered
cooling systems, this year’s Dominion educational grants
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will help fund a wide variety of programs engaging students
of all ages in science, technology, engineering and math
studies related to energy, the environment and workforce
development.
“Dominion is pleased to support the Harding
Street Community Center, because we know that it will not
only benefit VSU students, but will also benefit the entire
Petersburg area,“ said Earnest Greene, State and Local
Affairs Manager for Dominion in the Petersburg area.
For the 2015-16 academic year, more than 140
schools and educational institutions in 11 states and the
District of Columbia will share grants totaling $1.5 million
from the Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of
Dominion Resources.
Pictured above: Duron Chavis, center director, inspects
a hydroponics system. The Ag Center is located at 453
Harding St, Petersburg, Virginia.
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WINTER 2016
UniversityNews
l to r: Brianna Dunlap, Adriana Fink, Shawn Gray, Lorenzo Cheatham, Darvasha Spence, Myke’l Jacobs and Dax Ellison.
University Relations’ “PRinterns”
Deliver the NEWS
F
all 2015 was the start of a
new initiative in University
Relations. The university’s
PR department, located in
Storum Hall, created a student-based
PR and marketing communications
team affectionately known as “The
PRinterns.” The students, alone or in
pairs, are assigned to one of six colleges
on campus, and essentially work as
publicists to provide photography,
graphic design, press release and news
article writing services.
The initiative began with
the need to promote positive stories
by Darvasha Spence, Mass Communications ‘16
and provide quality design services
on campus. The team’s supervisor
and department’s PR Marketing &
Specialist, Latryce Noel, identified
a need to create an efficient way to
report campus news stories. “There
was no way to coordinate the influx of
news with just two people working [in
University Relations], yet there was a
job to do,” said Noel. She also noted
a lack of internship opportunities for
public relations and design students
within the Tri-City area. “Ideally, I’d
like to see an in-house PR and design
operation that is staffed by talented
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WINTER 2016
students,” continued Noel, “other
universities have them, as should we.”
The name PRintern is a
play on PR, print and intern. The
team is comprised of 12 ambitious,
talented, motivated and hardworking
juniors and seniors from mass
communications and art & design:
Darvasha Spence, Jordan Mason,
Adriana Fink, Brianna Dunlap, Myke’l
Jacobs, Jade Cheeseman, Dax Ellison,
Calvin Barner II, Lauren Papillion,
Marvin Higgenbotham, Lorenzo
Cheatham and Shawn Gray. Their
finished work is featured on various
media, including the university’s website, social media,
alumni magazine, student newspaper and most importantly,
their portfolios.
Jade Cheeseman and Brianna Dunlap, senior
mass communication majors and College of Engineering
and Technology publicists, interviewed Dean Keith
Williamson and Dr. Dawit Haile to research upcoming
events in the departments that would be of interest to
the campus community. Dean Williamson provided
information regarding the department and its plans for
future accomplishments. “What I’ve learned [while]
interning is people skills, research and time management,”
said Cheeseman. Doing research is very important because
you must know what you’re talking about when it comes to
public relations. This experience has definitely prepared me
for a career in PR.”
“Having the experience to interview people gave me
confidence to do more interviews and also introduced me to
the many responsibilities of a PR specialist,” said Darvasha
Spence, senior mass communications major and College
of Humanities and Social Sciences publicist. “Interning
at University Relations gives me hands-on experience
and is equipping me for a career in public relations. At
the beginning of my internship, I was a bit nervous and
overwhelmed about writing press releases because it was
always on the spot and that was something I just wasn’t
used to. Now, I am learning to enjoy writing press releases,
interviewing, researching, and planning, and this internship
has helped me so much.”
Naturally, social media is key to their
responsibilities. News items
are shared on Facebook,
Twitter and LinkedIn,
but when the team covers
an event, they live tweet
and Instagram the action.
Jordan Mason, a junior mass
communications major and
College of Business publicist,
introduced Periscope to the
university’s social media
profile. Periscope is a live
streaming tool that allows viewers to interact in real-time.
The app has proven beneficial in reaching audiences beyond
campus; connecting VSU with students, alumni and the
community. “I’d never heard of Periscope, until now. I think
it’s a really good idea for us to use it so that we can promote
and share our news,” said Calvin Barner II, senior mass
communications major and College of Agriculture publicist.
The PRinterns have “scoped”
Homecoming events, academic
seminars and a tour of the Multi
Purpose Center.
Organization has been
key to the team’s success. Trello,
a free, web-based, project
management application, is
the team’s command center
where Noel manages schedules,
deadlines, news leads, and
upcoming events. Trello has
been especially helpful in guiding the team through large
signature events, such as Homecoming. “Trello is really
what makes this entire operation possible,” added Noel.
“
Having the experience to
interview people gave me
confidence to do more
interviews in the future”
- Darvasha
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continued next page
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WINTER 2016
UniversityNews
Garvin S. Maffett Ed.D.
Anthony Thompson Ed.D.
Ronald White
Thomas Reed
VSU appoints Institutional Advancement, Government
Affairs leadership
by Adriana Fink, Mass Communications ‘16
I
n October, Drs. Garvin Maffett and Anthony Thompson
joined Virginia State University as Vice President and
Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement,
respectively. Together, they plan to lay a foundation for
a prosperous VSU that will prove fruitful for many years to
come. Dr. Maffett presented an ambitious plan for their first
100 days saying, “What Dr. Thompson and I have begun [this
fall] is to lead an effort to 100 days of greatness.” The University has also appointed Ronald White as Director of Government Relations.
Maffett and Thompson have the credentials necessary to carry out the plan. According to Maffett’s bio, he
began his career in higher ed philanthropy at Yale University
while serving as the Associate Director of Leadership and
Major Gifts. Since then, his career has taken him to Meharry Medical College where he served as Vice President for
Institutional Advancement and College Relations, and now
VSU. Maffett embraces his Trojan pride, saying, “We are celebrating 133 years of wonderful history. What I’m asking all
alumni to do is to provide [us] with 133 new or better ideas
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to improve and enhance Virginia State University.”
Dr. Thompson’s career commenced at the University
of Central Florida as Director of Alumni Relations. Other
advancement positions include: Assistant Vice President for
Institutional Advancement, Tougaloo College; Vice President
for Institutional Advancement at Paul Quinn College, South
Carolina State University and Virginia Union University; and
Vice President for Development and Planning at the Florida
Education Fund. Thompson also served in numerous capacities at the University of Central Florida to include: Chief
Operations Officer, Major Gift Officer for the College of Education, Burnett’s Honors College; and Director of Corporate
and Foundation Relations. Most recently, Thompson served
as Senior Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and
Program Development at VUU. Although his responsibilities
at VSU are geared toward alumni and corporate relations, Dr.
Thompson believes creating solid relationships with students
while they are on campus is both crucial and beneficial to
building stronger numbers. Thompson affirms that anyone on
campus is an ambassador for VSU, asserting that the affilia-
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WINTER 2016
PRinterns, continued
tion between alumni and the corporate world begins with a
strong connection with students throughout their VSU career.
Despite the duo’s main objective of drawing successful proposals and reaching audiences beyond campus, both
emphasize appreciation. “It is such a blessing to have someone
make a gift to you. We can never say thank you enough. We
can never show enough gratitude,” says Thompson.
Thomas Reed has been promoted to Assistant Vice
President for Institutional Advancement. Reed has served as
the Director of University Relations since August 2001. In
addition to his current responsibilities for public relations and
communications, Reed will assume responsibility to assist the
Vice President with operations. Mr. Reed took over shared
responsibility for Institutional Advancement operations in
June when the Vice President position was vacated. As Director of University Relations, Reed has served as VSU’s media
spokesperson. He led the University’s marketing initiative
that resulted in the creation of the popular “VSU” logo. “I am
excited about the new opportunities we have to tell the VSU
story and engage the communities that are so critical to our
success,” he says.
Ronald O. White joined VSU after having served for
the past six years as District Director and Military Liaison for
Congressman J. Randy Forbes of Virginia’s 4th District. He
was responsible for constituent services for the largest part
of the district, to include Virginia State University and all
military matters for the entire district. White represented the
Congressman throughout the 4th District and beyond and
represented Mr. Forbes in various capacities and has done so
as far as a recent delegation trips to China and Taiwan.
White served in the U.S. Army for over 21 years in
various roles, culminating as a Military Aide to The U. S. Ambassador to Haiti in the capital city of Port-au-Prince during
the most recent conflict in that region and a final assignment
at The Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Lee as The
Deputy TRADOC Program Manager for The Battle Command Support Sustainment System (BCS3) that received the
Army Knowledge Online Award of Excellence for 2004.
Upon retiring from the military as a Lieutenant
Colonel Ron worked for Genworth Financial as their Supplier Diversity Leader beginning in 2005 and also worked as
Certified Special Needs Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch
in Richmond, VA.
Ultimately, their strong partnerships and relationships will help unite VSU with a myriad of constituencies;
transcending the level of excellence for which each has become known.
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“Managing 12 students and keeping up with my dayto-day responsibilities would have proved extremely
challenging.” Within the Trello environment, each
college has a board, and within each board is a card that
has an academic program, task, directive or event. The
PRinterns are assigned to the cards and can collaborate
with each other by exchanging messages, documents and
web links.
The PRinterns benefit from a flexible and
autonomous environment. Noel’s support and
encouragement has allowed each PRintern to develop
their writing, team collaboration, interpersonal
communication and public speaking skills. “It has been
an exciting experience working at university relations
because I never know what I’m going to do from one job
to the next. Ms. Noel keeps me on my toes,” said Shawn
Gray, junior graphic design major.
The effort is not without its challenges. “One of
my biggest challenges is receiving the necessary feedback
in order to write a good story,” said Dax Ellison, senior
mass communications major and College of Education
publicist. Adds Noel, “The concept is new and I think
some people have to get acclimated to the idea of
engaging with students in this capacity.” The students are
also learning the art of transitioning between different
styles. Adriana Fink, senior mass communications major
and College of Business publicist explained, “Alternating
between press releases and magazine editorials has
proven to be difficult. The styles are opposite, with press
releases being dry and formal while magazine writing is
almost entirely creative.”
The experience has proven to be educational,
exciting and challenging. As young professionals, the
ambitious team has successfully performed their PR
duties, constantly on the search for a news story to share.
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WINTER 2016
VSU’s 14th President
Virginia State University
welcomes its 14th President,
Dr. Makola Abdullah
W
ith a pledge to transform
Virginia State University
into “Virginia’s
Opportunity University”
Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. met his
new university family on December 10,
2015. On February 1, 2016, Dr. Abdullah
will become VSU’s 14th President.
In remarks at his introduction
to the Trojan Nation, Dr. Abdullah
outlined his four core beliefs. “I believe
in God. I believe in family. I believe in
the transformative nature of education. I
believe in Virginia State University.”
Dr. Abdullah, his wife and his
mother are products of Historically
Black institutions. Both the Abdullah’s
son, Mikaili (Morehouse) and daughter
Sefiyetu (Howard) will attend an HBCU.
“I love HBCUs,” Dr. Abdullah
explains, with understatement. “I have a
long history of understanding the mission
of HBCUs. HBCUs represent opportunity
in America.”
In a departure from his HBCU
heritage, Dr. Abdullah attended
Northwestern University for his master’s
and doctoral studies. At 24, he became
the youngest African American in
Northwestern’s history to receive a Ph.D.
in engineering.
Dr. Abdullah and his wife are
both natives of Chicago. Their children
were both born and raised in Florida.
“We’ll have to buy them a coat,” he quips.
Before coming to VSU, Dr.
Abdullah served as Provost and Senior
Vice President at Bethune-Cookman
University (B-CU), a private, historically
Black university in Daytona Beach, FL;
Provost and Vice President for Academic
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WINTER 2016
Affairs at Florida Memorial University, the only Historically
Black College and University (HBCU) in Miami; and
as Dean and Director of 1890 Land Grant Programs in
the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and
Agriculture at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical
University (FAMU). At FAMU, Dr. Abdullah enjoyed a
distinguished 15 year tenure.
“Dr. Abdullah’s academic credentials are indeed
impressive, but what set him apart was his approach to
higher education,” said VSU Board of Visitors Rector and
Search Committee Chair Harry Black. “In Dr. Abdullah, we
have a President who will position VSU not only to meet
the challenges of ever-changing technology, but to lead the
transformation; to challenge others to keep pace with us.”
Rector Black says that Dr. Abdullah is particularly
knowledgeable of VSU’s land-grant heritage, noting the
more than $5 million in research funding Dr. Abdullah
raised as a single PI, and the more than $20 million overall
he secured from various federal agencies as a faculty
member at FAMU.
Dr. Abdullah vows to embrace his new role with
both hands “in a way you hold something precious.” He
plans on engaging alumni with the same vigor, saying “the
academic excellence of an institution is defined by the
accomplishments of its alumni.”
In introducing Dr. Abdullah, Rector Black
quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “’Intelligence
plus character is the true meaning of education.’ Dr.
Abdullah possesses both of these characteristics and
thus, personifies a true educator.”
Welcome Dr. Makola M. Abdullah and the
Abdullah family, to the Land of Troy!
During his tenure as Provost and Senior Vice
President at Bethune-Cookman University, Dr.
Abdullah:
u Increased the number of faculty with terminal
degrees by 25, a 12.5% increase. These hires helped
double the number of faculty involved in research
and more than doubled B-CU’s competitive
research funding.
u Established the College of Undergraduate
Studies and invested resources to improve academic
support to increase retention and graduation rates.
These investments helped the university maintain
its retention rate and raise six year graduation rates.
u Oversaw the expansion of online initiatives
that included an increase in the number of online
courses by 10% and the addition of six new,
certified online degree programs.
u Established innovative institutional learning
outcomes and revised its core curriculum,
including mandatory courses in leadership and
entrepreneurship for all incoming students.
u Secured new accreditation for B-CU’s Computer
Engineering Program.
u Helped secure more than $1 million for the
support of B-CU’s new College of Health Sciences
and for the Center for Entrepreneurship and
Economic Development.
u Implemented four new graduate programs to
provide additional quality experiences for students.
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WINTER 2016
UniversityNews
VSU appoints Business Dean;
Interim Agriculture Dean
Emmanuel Omojokun
T
he Virginia State University
Board of Visitors recently
two academic appointments.
Dr. Emmanuel Omojokun
was appointed Dean of the Reginald
F. Lewis College of Business (RFLCB)
and Dr. M. Ray McKinnie as
appointed Interim Dean of the College
of Agriculture.
Dr. Omojokun has served
VSU for over 20 years, advancing
through the faculty and administrative
ranks as Professor, Department
Head (in Management/Computer
Information Systems) and Associate
Dean of RFLCB. Throughout his
tenure at VSU, the University has
called upon Dr. Omojokun to lead
and/or assist with various campuswide IT projects and systems.
Highly regarded by colleagues and
students across the University, he has
consistently demonstrated exemplary
commitment to VSU’s mission
and principles. Dr. Omojokun is
an experienced professional with a
M. Ray McKinnie
strong research background. Some
of his teaching interests include:
Introduction to Computer Networks,
Advanced Computer Networks,
Systems Architecture and Design,
Introduction to Information Systems,
Databases and Security, Object
Oriented Programming Using C++,
Management Information Systems,
Java Programming Language, and
Information Technology Security and
Forensics.
He has a number of
community service projects and has
participated on several committees
at VSU. His research focus has been
in his teaching areas, which includes
Computer Networks & Network
Applications, Systems Architecture
& Design, Programming Languages,
Software, and the General Computer
Information Systems. He has several
articles in various publications, has
made several presentations, and has a
number of awards and recognitions.
He has also served as a paper
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WINTER 2016
reviewer, proceedings editor, associate
conference program chair, session
chair, panel member, panel organizer,
and book reviewer. He is a member of
several professional organizations.
As Interim Dean, Dr.
McKinnie will lend his managerial
expertise to strengthen professional
affiliations and ensure program
accessibility for farmers, students,
youth and communities. He will
provide administrative oversight for
the college’s academic departments,
and the agricultural research and
Cooperative Extension programs.
He previously served as assistant
administrator for programs in the
College.
Dr. McKinnie’s plans include
spurring development of new,
innovative programs and product
offerings; increasing partnerships
and collaborative agreements; and
expanding the College’s sponsorship
portfolio as a way to underwrite
program costs.
Dr. McKinnie brings a
wealth of education and professional
experience to his new posts. He served
in various administrative capacities,
including associate dean and Extension
administrator at North Carolina A&T
in a tenure that spanned more than
three decades.
After earning his bachelor’s
degree in animal science from
North Carolina A&T, his master’s
degree in animal science from Ohio
State University and his doctorate
in reproductive physiology from
North Carolina State University, Dr.
McKinnie began his career as an
assistant agricultural agent. As an
extension specialist and researcher
working with small, part-time, limited
resource farmers, he focused his
efforts on swine, rabbit and meat-goat
production.
VSUGC in Europe
The VSU Gospel Chorale recently wrapped up its 2015
European Tour, travelling to Hungary, Italy, Romania and
Switzerland in December.
Below are some snapshots of their performance at
Református Nagytemplom (Kossuth tér) in Debrecen, Hungary.
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WINTER 2016
2016 VSU ATHLETICS SCHEDULE
MEN'S BASKETBALL
DATE
1/
1/9
1/12
1/17
1/20
1/23
1/27
1/30
2/3
2/6
2/10
2/13
2/17
2/20
2/23-27
OPPONENT
Winston-Salem State
Livingstone
Johnson C. Smith
Virginia Union
Chowan
Elizabeth City State
Bowie State
Lincoln
Shaw
Newport News Appr.
Chowan
Elizabeth City State
Bowie State
Lincoln (Senior Day)
CIAA Tournament
WOMEN'S TENNIS
DATE
LOCATION
3/5
3/6
3/6
3/8
3/15
3/17
3/19
3/20
3/29
3/31
4/9
4/12
4/14
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Richmond, VA
Murfreesboro, NC
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Lincoln, PA
Raleigh, NC
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Elizabeth City, NC
Bowie, MD
Ettrick, VA
Charlotte, NC
2/21-23
3/6-8
3/20-22
4/13-15
5/5-8
OPPONENT
Viking Spring Tee-Off
CIAA Southern Div.
Tournament
CIAA Northern Div.
Tournament
CIAA Championship
PGA Minority National
Championship
Winston-Salem State
Johnson C. Smith
Livingstone
Virginia Union
Bowie State
Chowan
Fayetteville State
Shaw
Elizabeth City State
Virginia Union
Bowie State
Chowan
Elizabeth City State
LOCATION
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Murfreesboro, NC
Murfreesboro, NC
Ettrick, VA
Richmond, VA
Bowie, MD
Murfreesboro, NC
Elizabeth City, NC
MEN'S & WOMEN'S INDOOR TRACK
GOLF
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
Hertford, NC
Fayetteville, NC
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
1/9
1/14-16
1/29-30
1/29-30
Father Diamond Invite
ETSU Invite
Camel City Invitational
Christopher Newport
Multi’s
ETSU Buccaneer Invite
CIAA Championships
USC Invitational
NCAA Indoor
Championships
Fairfax, VA
Johnson City, TN
Winston Salem, NC
Newport News, VA
Petersburg, VA
Charlotte, NC
Port St. Lucie, FL
2/5-6
2/14-15
2/20
3/9-13
LOCATION
DATE
Johnson City, TN
Winston Salem, NC
Winston Salem, NC
Pittsburg, KS
MEN'S TENNIS
DATE
3/6
3/6
3/8
3/15
3/20
3/20
3/31
4/2
4/18
OPPONENT
Johnson C. Smith Univ.
Johnson C. Smith Univ.
Virginia Union Univ.
Chowan University
Shaw University
Shaw University
Virginia Union Univ.
North Carolina Central
Chowan University
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Murfreesboro, NC
Murfreesboro, NC
Richmond, VA
Ettrick, VA
Murfreesboro, NC
3/19
3/25-26
4/1-2
4/7-10
4/22-23
4/28-30
5/4
5/5-6
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WINTER 2016
OPPONENT
VCU Ram Invite
Univ. Richmond Fred
Hardy
High Point Univ.
Vertklasse
Univ. Tenn. Sea Ray
Relays
CIAA Championships
Penn Relays
Liberty University
Twilight
Duke University
Twilight
LOCATION
Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA
High Point, NC
Knoxville, TN
Charlotte, NC
Philadelphia, PA
Lynchburg, VA
Durham, NC
AthleticsNews
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
DATE
1/7
1/9
1/12
1/14
1/16
1/20
1/23
1/27
1/30
2/3
2/6
2/10
2/13
2/17
2/20
2/23-27
DATE
2/19
2/20
2/21
2/27
2/28
3/4
3/5
3/6
3/11
3/12
3/13
3/18
3/19
3/20
3/22
4/9
4/10
4/16
4/17
4/23
4/28-30
OPPONENT
LOCATION
Winston-Salem State
Livingstone
Johnson C. Smith
Bluefield State
Virginia Union
Chowan
Elizabeth City State
Bowie State
Lincoln
Shaw
Virginia Union
Chowan
Elizabeth City State
Bowie State
Lincoln (Senior Day)
CIAA Tournament
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Bluefield, WV
Richmond, VA
Murfreesboro, NC
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Lincoln, PA
Raleigh, NC
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Elizabeth City, NC
Bowie, MD
Ettrick, VA
Charlotte, NC
2/6
2/7
2/13
2/14
2/19
2/23
2/27
2/28
3/5
3/6
3/7
3/9
3/10
3/12
3/13
3/19
3/20
4/2
OPPONENT
LOCATION
4/3
West Chester (Dh)
Virginia Union Univ. (Dh)
Salem Inter. Univ. (Dh)
Shippensburg Univ. (Dh)
Shippensburg University
Shaw Challenge
Shaw Challenge
Shaw Challenge
Salem Tournament (A)
Salem Tournament (A)
Salem Tournament (A)
CIAA Round Up (A)
CIAA Round Up (A)
CIAA Round Up (A)
Bluefield State College (Dh)
Bowie State University
Lincoln University (Dh)
Chowan University
Elizabeth City State Univ.
Virginia Union Univ.
CIAA Spring Sports
Championships
DATE
Ettrick, VA
Richmond, VA
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC
Salem, VA
Salem, VA
Salem, VA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Ettrick, VA
Bowie, MD
Lincoln, PA
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Ettrick, VA
Raleigh, NC
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4/6
4/9
4/10
4/12
4/15
4/16
4/17
4/22
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WINTER 2016
OPPONENT
LOCATION
UVA Wise Univ. (DH)
Ettrick, VA
UVA Wise University
Ettrick, VA
Gannon Univ. (DH)
Ettrick, VA
Gannon University
Ettrick, VA
Le Moyne College
Ettrick, VA
William Peace Univ.
Ettrick, VA
Davis & Elkins Coll. (DH) Ettrick, VA
Davis & Elkins Coll.
Ettrick, VA
Mercy College
Ettrick, VA
Mercy College (DH)
Ettrick, VA
Bloomsburg University
Ettrick, VA
Francis Marion Univ.
Florence, SC
Benedict College
Columbia, SC
Bluefield St. Coll. (DH)
TBA
Bluefield St. Coll. (DH)
TBA
Chowan University (DH) Murfreesboro, NC
Chowan University (DH) Murfreesboro, NC
Winston-Salem St.
Ettrick, VA
University (DH)
Winston- Salem St.
Ettrick, VA
University (DH)
NC Central University
Durham, NC
St. Augustine Univ. (DH) Raleigh, NC
St. Augustine Univ. (DH) Raleigh, NC
Univ. of Mount Olive
Mount Olive, NC
Newport News
Newport News, VA
Apprentice (DH)
Lincoln Univ. (DH)
Ettrick, VA
Lincoln Univ. (DH)
Ettrick, VA
Newport News
Ettrick, VA
Apprentice (DH)
AthleticsNews
uick Six With:
Head Football Coach
Byron Thweatt
Byron Thweatt VSU’s 24th head football coach. However, as a
native of Chesterfield, he is no stranger to “The Hill.” His goal
is to “compete and to win CIAA championships,” and with
record of 5-3 in his first season and a great coaching staff, the
Trojans have a promising future.
by Lauren Papillion Mass Communications ‘16
Fun Fact
Thweatt has played football since the age of eight; been a
coach for more than 10 years and played for the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans.
On the football team’s best quality:
VSU football team is always moving forward and this team
fights adversity well. We are resilient.
Of what he is most proud:
During the Fayetteville State game. 11 starters were missing
or injured and younger team members were forced to start.
“Next Man Up” mentality is what the team has to have to in
order to move forward.
On the characteristics of his coaching style:
Passionate, smart, motivating teacher- “I want my team to
learn from my mistakes.”
On why he chose to come to Virginia State:
“Virginia State is a great school. I have followed VSU from
afar all my life, and I get the opportunity to do what I love
in my hometown”
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On the team’s most challenging opponent
California, Pennsylvania. They are a well-coached team and
have been a perennial power.
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FallCommencement
Senator Rosalyn Dance
Highlights Fall Commencement
Virginia Senator Rosalyn
Dance exhorted the Virginia State
University 2015 Fall graduating class
to capitalize on their generation’s
technological capabilities to advance
their careers. “You can Facetime
with a potential employer anywhere
in the world,” she said, “while your
competition is sleeping.” Sen. Dance
spoke to nearly 400 graduates and a
capacity Daniel Gymnasium, with a
message of opportunity and personal
motivation.
In her current role, Sen.
Dance has made jobs creation a
priority. Her VSU address at times
resembled a career preparation
workshop. “When you get the
opportunity, you can’t be overprepared,” she said. “Through
preparation, you set yourself apart.”
She told the graduates that,
while Commencement represents the
end of one journey, “It’s only the first
step. Your real work begins here; and
with hard work and perseverance, the
ideal job is waiting for you.”
Sen. Dance asked graduates
to look inward, to discover their
personal motivators. “My motivators,”
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WINTER 2016
she explained, “are God, family and
public service.”
Developing and calling
upon these motivators, she said, will
provide strength through difficult
times. “You may not be able to choose
what life throws at you,” she said, “but
you can always choose how you react.”
The University presented
Senator Dance with an Honorary
Doctor of Humane Letters and
Interim President Pamela V.
Hammond with an Honorary Doctor
of Science degree.
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WINTER 2016
CampusUpdates
Virginia State University’s student-operated M&M
Restaurant re-opened to serve the public every Wednesday
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Gandy Hall, third floor.
“The restaurant provides a hands-on learning
environment for students, and we hope to continue the
tradition of offering great food,” says Chef Jeffery Chapman.
Diners will enjoy a completely new and affordable menu
created by Chapman. Appetizers and entrees are priced
at $2.50 and $7.95, respectively, and consist of AsianAmerican delectables such as philly cheesesteak egg rolls,
Shanghai sweet & sour ribs, and favorites jerk chicken
sandwiches, and stuffed chicken breasts. A popular dessert,
caramel apple crisp, is made with locally-sourced apples.
Chapman anticipates menu changes based upon customer
response and product availability.
Experience a different side of the campus and bring
a friend to enjoy a cozy, intimate atmosphere and great
service. M&M is open to the public. Reservations are not
required but are accepted via e-mail at Jchapman@vsu.edu
or by calling 804-524-6753/5926. The restaurant accepts
cash and VSU Trojan Flex Dollars.
M&M Restaurant Re-opens
by Calvin Barner II, Mass Communications ‘16
VSU Launches
Business Wear Store
Virginia State University’s Reginald F. Lewis College
of Business opened its first store on campus to provide
affordable professional attire to students and the general
public.
“The store opened the first week of September and
has been running smoothly,” said Brittney Bunch, a junior
mass communications major. “We want the store to be a
[true retail] experience for students.” The student advisory
board of the College operates and merchandises the store.
“The sole purpose of the store is to provide students
with inexpensive professional wear and give students the
opportunity to exert their entrepreneurial skills,” says
Jonathan Young, director of corporate relations and store
supervisor.
Shoppers can purchase items such as slacks,
suits, ties, shirts, dresses and shoes. “The store is open to
everyone however, the main focus and promotion will be
towards our students,” says Stacey Elder, a junior business
management major.
Donations are welcome and all proceeds help
sustain the store, and go toward various needs of the
College. The store is located in 310 Singleton Hall, and
operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more
information, contact Jonathan Young at (804) 524-5166, or
email jyoung@vsu.edu.
by Darvasha Spence, Mass Communications ‘16
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WINTER 2016
The Hill Gets Tastier
With New Dining
Options
by Adriana Fink, Mass
Communications ‘16
Hospitality Learning
Center of Excellence
by Calvin Barner II, Mass Communications ‘16
Virginia State University’s
Department of Hospitality
Management is gearing up to open a
conference and lodging facility in its
Fourth Avenue offices on campus.
The Hospitality Learning
Center of Excellence is a learning
lab, designed to provide immediate
experience and managerial skills
through workshops in customer
service, cooking, entrepreneur courses
and lodging certification. Promoted as
a “beacon of hospitality management,”
the center’s overall purpose is to
facilitate growth and development in
hospitality management students.
Department Chair Dr. Deanne
Williams, called the center “unique”
and said its mission is “to improve
academics and instructional resources,
provide training and workplace
advancement.” Currently, Dr. Williams
is seeking partnerships with local
industries to improve program
competitiveness and enhance the
university’s brand.
Available to the public,
the center boasts 6,500-square feet
and features three lodging suites, a
conference room and a 24-seat café.
It will provide support for meetings,
catering, events and conferences. The
department is raising money for this
project through alumni support and to
date has raised approximately $12,000
toward a goal of $100,000.
Reservations can be made
through VSU Department of
Conference Services at (804) 524-5775.
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WINTER 2016
Three new franchises,
Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks and Subway,
opened their doors in September.
The franchises are part of an
initiative to bring new food options
to campus. As independently owned
express entities, each franchise is
designed to provide quick, go-to
options for on-the-go students.
Dining Director John Griffin
explained that having more options
provides an “even flow throughout
the dining landscape on campus.”
With consultation from
students and community input,
Griffin set a plan into motion.
Within six months of the initial
proposal, the new dining options
were available. Students have been
incredibly receptive. Chick-Fil-A
and Subway were welcomed with
lines well into the Yard, while
Starbucks cups became a staple
around campus. Although the lines
have shortened, students continue to
take advantage of the extra choices.
Griffin explained that as the semester
progresses and customers increase
within the campus community, new
opportunities will be in the works.
Chick-Fil-A and Subway are
conveniently located in Foster Hall,
while Starbucks is located in Jones
Dining Hall.
2015 President Scholars
Golf Tournament
Since
1994
136 Pl
ayers
d
$16k raise
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WINTER 2016
DevelopmentNews
New members are inducted to The Virginia State University Powell Society
Join us in welcoming the
newest members of the Powell Society,
inducted on October 17, 2015.
Ten inductees collectively
bequeathed over $300,000. The
Powell Society recognizes individuals
who have made provisions for the
university with a will, life insurance
policy or other planned gift
arrangements.
The new members are: (Front
row, l to r) Renee Davis ’83, Zoe
Spencer, Laurie Carpenter ’87. (Back
row, l to r) Clementine Cone, Bradford
Caldwell ’77, Joyce Glasie, Interim
President Pamela Hammond, Claude
Wood ’77, Ronald Pemberton ’74,
Gladys Pemberton ’68, Thelma Jones,
James Walker ‘94.
Students Give
Thanks: One
Card at a Time
by Adriana Fink, Mass
Communications ‘16
“Tis the season to give and
receive at VSU, and students were all
too eager to show their gratitude!
Students from the Trojan
Activities Board and Institutional
Advancement’s call center signed
nearly 1,000 cards for donors at the
Thanksgiving Card Signing Day, held
in Foster Hall. The student-centered
event was a display of their immense
appreciation for VSU’s donors—people
and corporations alike. Students got
creative at the signing event, where
they personalized the cards—often
adding some personal information.
“VSU alumni are generous in
many ways. This is a simple gesture
from our students,” says Dr. Garvin S.
Maffett, vice president of Institutional
Advancement, “I was inspired by
Proverbs 29:18 and adapted it to fit our
cause ‘Where there is no vision VSU
students will perish. Where there are
no resources VSU vision will perish.’”
He continued by saying, “Participating
students likely are recipients of some
form of donor support—tuition
assistance, through an endowment
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WINTER 2016
or scholarships—resources critical to
VSU’s vision.”
Deborah Goode, donor
relations specialist for Institutional
Advancement, was the driving force
behind the event. She says the event
was an effort to show donors that their
actions do not go unnoticed. Goode
said the event was so successful that
next year’s will grow significantly,
with more students involved and
more cards mailed. “We’d like to
involve other student organizations
or possibly making it a competition
among classes,” continued Goode.
“Expanding the event to other holidays
is a possibility, or creating an Alumni
Appreciation Day.”
The Division of Institutional
Advancement looks forward to
developing Thanksgiving Card Signing
Day as an event that continues to
positively impact corporate, alumni
and donor relations.
AlumniNews
All-Star Alumnus
Gives Back
As Virginia State University strives to build
relationships with younger alumni, Jermaine “Jelly”
Simpson (‘02, sports marketing) consistently steps up as an
example for his peers.
During the 2014 football season, Ronnie Neal, gift
officer and fellow alumnus, approached Simpson to elicit
his support for the program. Without hesitation, Simpson
launched a campaign to raise money and engage others for
the Trojan football team.
Simpson was a member of the All-CIAA 1st Teams
for Football (2001 and 2002) and Track & Field (2002). He
now leverages his marketing and management savvy to
create and host alumni benefit events through his company,
Uplift Entertainment. He is also a sales manager at Sheehy
Nissan of Mechanicsville, where he approached General
Manager Dan Carbray about a sponsorship opportunity. As
a five-year employee of the dealership, Simpson was familiar
with the organization’s philanthropic endeavors. After
speaking with Carbray, the wheels began turning to obtain
approval for a partnershp with VSU.
In June, Simpson and Carbray presented Head
Football Coach Byron Thweatt and Assistant Football
Coach Justin Harper with a $10,000 check. “Knowing that
we had a new, world class coach in Byron to lead our team
this year made this donation a no brainer,” says Simpson.
“I’m excited about our football program and I look forward
to cheering the Mighty Trojans of VSU back to the CIAA
Championship spot.”
consisted of caregiver relationships, support of fellow
franchisees, sales success, participation in Always Best Care
programs, support of corporate initiatives, giving back to
the community, Veterans assistance, Alzheimer’s support,
among others.
“I am truly honored to be named the 2015 recipient
of this prestigious award,” said Bryant. “Five years ago, as
I was faced with a few life challenges, I never thought this
would have been possible. I feel extremely fortunate to be
surrounded by such an incredible family and team. I am so
grateful for their support and dedication and am incredibly
proud of our success.”
Mr. Greene has achieved significant success as an
Always Best Care owner. In jfour years, his franchise has
grown from zero to more than 1,000 employees!
He also supports numerous charities and
community organizations, including: Walk to End
Alzheimer’s; Lupus Foundation; National Black Nurses
Association; Klein JCC; Office of Long-Term Living;
Evoleur House Veterans Event; Philadelphia Zoo; Spring
Garden School; Overbrook School for the Blind; Praise is
the Cure -Real Men Wear Pink; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity;
Toys for Tots; variety of churches, little and junior sports
leagues; and NOAH.
Bryant has offices on West Girard in Philadelphia
and in Bristol and Yardley, Pa.
Bryant Greene ‘92 Named
Franchisee of the Year
Bryant Greene, owner/administrator of Always Best
Care Philly, Bucks & Delaware Counties has been selected
as Always Best Care’s 2015 Franchisee of the Year.
Bryant’s award, including week-long, all-expenses paid trip
for two to Jamaica, was presented at a special dinner and
awards ceremony in San Antonio, Texas, site of the fourth
Always Best Care International Conference.
The award was based on 12 distinct criteria,
according to Michael Newman, founder, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Always Best Care. The criteria
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WINTER 2016
AlumniNews
VSU Alumna Named
National Teacher of the Year
“Words cannot describe this entire process. To
actually have been a part of it from beginning to end and
come out as the winner makes me feel amazing. I have
been blessed to do something that I love to do---teach.
Most of the time it doesn’t come with lots of accolades but
this weekend I was celebrated by my family and friends,
plus hundreds of well-known people. I gave my acceptance
speech on the stage with Steve Harvey in front of more than
15,000 people. I was able to meet some wonderful people
and share my experience with others. My church motto is
that we are to ‘impact our generation with the love of God’
and that’s what I attempt to do in and out of the classroom.
Melanie graduated from VSU with a Master’s of Education in 2005. She is the 2014 Manor Elementary School
Teacher of the Year; 2014 Manor Independent School District Teacher of the Year; 2015 Texas Region 13 Teacher of
the Year Semifinalist; and 2015 Austin, Texas’s Best Teacher
from 96.3 R&B.
Melanie Griffin-Hamlin ‘05
was named the Nation’s Best
School Teacher at the 2015
Ford Neighborhood Awards,
an event that showcases
exemplary teachers, coaches,
churches and more, hosted
by Steve Harvey. The Steve
Harvey Morning Show is
the number one syndicated
morning show in America
and has over six million weekly listeners.
In early May, thousands of nominations were made
and Melanie finished in the Top 10. In June, nationwide voting took place. The Top 4 Nominees from each of the twelve
categories were sent to Atlanta.
TOGETHER,
WE HELP
EACH OTHER
DO MORE.

Nationwide is proud to partner with Virginia State University.
Virginia State University believes in the importance of
philanthropy and in playing an active role in your
community. Nationwide shares these values, too, and
that’s why our partnership works.
To learn more about what our partnership can
do for you, call Mequell Green at (804)7482919.
Nationwide may make a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or
customers. Products Underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Columbus, OH 43215. Not all Nationwide
affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Subject to underwriting
guidelines, review, and approval. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle design are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
©2015 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. AF0-0898AO.1 (1/15)
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WINTER 2016
Alumni Spotlight:
Marvin C. Allmond ‘72
by Adriana Fink, Mass Communications ‘16
M
arvin C. Allmond has worn several hats in
his 65 years: Trojan, teacher, accountant,
business owner, philanthropist. The ’72
alumnus graduated with a B.S. in accounting.
After a stint in teaching, he eventually began providing
accounting services for the federal government out of his
Maryland accounting firm. Allmond, an active member of
the National Association of Black Accountants and VSU
College of Business Alumni Advisory Board, continues to
give his time, encouragement, and donations to VSU.
After graduation, Allmond pursued his M.A.
in Management at Central Michigan University, then
went on to teach accounting at University of the District
of Columbia. Teaching inspired Allmond to support
aspiring professionals. In 1985, Allmond & Company
LLC. was born out of an innovative desire to administer
tax, accounting, auditing, and management services. The
company has been a source of opportunity and experience
matched by few and is a gateway for interns to develop
skills Allmond says are priceless. Allmond stresses the
importance of accountability, a strong work ethic and
drive. “Accountability is self-taught, but I, and my firm,
encourage it from day one. No one is going to give you the
motivation you need except yourself. Find your inner drive,
make reachable goals, and strive to mature into a successful
accountant,” said Allmond.
Creating an impact is something Allmond insists
on, in and out of the office. His battle with kidney disease
prompted an epiphany: he needed to give more of his time
and treasure. “I like to find ways that I can leave a mark,”
he says, “whether it is donating money or time.” Allmond
has built a legacy through his generous donations. Among
them, a $100,000 donation to the Reginald F. Lewis College
of Business in 2014 that was commemorated with a bronze
plaque in his honor in Singleton Hall. Along with monetary
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donations, such as funding student trips to the NABA
convention, Allmond remains relevant in the College of
Business by offering internships and hiring VSU students,
explaining that he holds them to the highest standards.
He searches for the most qualified professionals who
demonstrate character values similar to those that have
carried him through his successful career: determination
and ambition.
In September, Allmond participated in the
Alumni Advisory Board Symposium for College of
Business students. The event was a precursor to the NABA
convention held weeks later and provided advice on resume
writing and interview etiquette. The highlight of the event,
however, was the level of alumni participation. Speaking
to students, said Allmond, “helps shorten the gap between
generations. It’s good for students to see they have support
from people that have been in their shoes; that have faced
adversity like they might be.” Allmond counsels students
on the impact an apathetic view of the professional world
can have on their career. He insists that accountability,
strong work ethic, and professionalism, are some of the
most sought after traits in the world outside of campus.
“The moment you lose sight of your dream, you lose sight of
yourself. You have to keep working toward something and
remain humble,” Allmond adds.
Dignified, yet modest, Allmond maintains that part
of his success is due to the team he has created in his firm.
Holding each member accountable to uphold a professional
manner, the team is able to successfully carry on his legacy.
Engaging and encouraging VSU students, is not only part of
serving his community, but also integral to his legacy.
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AlumniShorts
1940s
In memoriam: Virginius Bray Thornton III ’62, civil rights
leader and a founder of SNCC, passed away on September
3 in West Point, Va. While earning his master’s degree on
“The Hill”, Thornton was a leader of sit-ins dubbed “The
Second Siege of Petersburg” that helped desegregate the
Petersburg Public Library and other facilities.
Josephine Samuels ’42 bequeathed an unrestricted planned
gift of $150,000 to the Department of Textiles, Apparel and
Merchandising Management.
Rudy Powell ‘63 received WWBT-12’s Acts of Kindness
award, which recognizes local residents for making a difference in people’s lives. Nominated by broadcasting legend
Kirby Carmichael, Powell was called the “Crowned Prince
of Giving” and as a recipient of the award, he was presented
with a cash gift. View the heartfelt presentation at www.
nbc12.com.
In memoriam: Bernadine Gines ‘46 passed away on January 23 in New York. She was the first black female to receive
a CPA license in New York. The New York State Society of
CPAs honored her in 2014 for the 60th anniversary of her
acquiring the CPA.
1950s
In memoriam: Sandra Mobley ‘64 passed away on August
16 in Richmond, Va. She was a past president of Metro
Richmond Alumni Chapter.
In memoriam: Weldon Bailey ‘50 passed away on September 22 in Fredericksburg, Va. His wife Thelma Bailey
preceded him in death.
In memoriam: Grace V. Charity ‘52 passed away on October 19 in Richmond, Va.
In memoriam: James Wendell Beamer ‘65 passed away on
August 31 in Matthew, N.C. He was a member of the Nu Psi
Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Inc.
In memoriam- Recita A. Miles ’52 passed away on August
10 in Brentwood, Md. Her husband Leo F. Miles preceded
her in death.
In memoriam: Fredi Savage-Easton ‘65 passed away on
September 22 in Valley Cottage, N.Y. She is survived by her
husband, Ronald Eaton.
The National Association of the Links, Inc. honored Ann C.
Taylor ’56 for 40 years of active service.
Charlie W. Hill ’66 donated $100,000 to establish the Annase Wilks Hill Minerva Circle Endowment. The Endowment honors Hill’s late wife, Annase Wilks Hill, who earned
bachelor and master’s degrees in microbiology from VSU.
In memoriam: Doris Marie Terrell Moore ‘58 passed away
on September 8. She was an active member of the Virginia
State University Alumni Association of D.C. and the Xi Zeta
Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
In memoriam: Sylvia Holtzclaw Elam ‘67 passed away on
October 15 in Durham, N.C. Her husband, Rev. Wesley L.
Elam ’68 preceded her in death.
1960s
In memoriam: Roosevelt Phillips ‘67 passed away on August 1 in Richmond, Va.
Edward Carter ’62, former mayor of Greenville, NC, was
recently inducted to the Sons of the American Revolution.
In memoriam: Rev Wesley L. Elam ‘68 passed away on September 28 in Durham, N.C. He is survived by his wife Sylvia
Holtzclaw Elam.
In memoriam: Rochelle Johnson ‘62 passed away on September 17 in Richmond, Va. She is survived by her husband
Vincent Johnson.
In memoriam: Vivian Estelle Hofler, age 86, passed away
on September 17 in Norfolk, Va. Her husband, Carlton W.
Hofler Jr, preceded her in death.
In memoriam: Elbert Nixon ‘62 passed away on July 5 in
Norfolk, Va.
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AlumniShorts
1970s
Ron L. Phillips ‘89 was appointed Senior Vice President of
Human Resources for Carnival Cruise Line. He will oversee
shoreside and shipboard human resources for the world’s
largest cruise line, including talent acquisition, talent management, leadership development, human capital planning,
employee engagement, compensation and benefits, and
performance management.
Vernell Battle-Kilpatrick ’77 was honored as the 2015 VSU
Alumna of the Year-- the highest honor bestowed upon
alumni by the Virginia State University Alumni Association
on behalf of the university.
1990s
Yvette Robinson ’72 & ’77, member of the Agriculture
Alumni Chapter and Ladies in Red Alumni Chapter, received the 2015 Lifetime
Achievement Award and was honored at
the 80th Anniversary Gala of Alpha Phi
Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi & 85th Anniversary Alpha Eta, Delta Sigma Theta. As
fundraising chair for 125th Anniversary
of Land Grant Universities & 2nd Morrill
Act, she reached the $10,000 fundraising goal. Additionally,
Robinson was appointed to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc. National Social Action Commission; commissioned as
the assistant district deputy organizer for the 16th District
Order of the Eastern Star of VA P.H.A., and elected parliamentarian for the Women’s Auxiliary of the Virginia Baptist
State Convention.
Kimberley L. Martin ’90, founder of KLM
Scholarship Foundation, has been featured in several newspaper and magazine
articles that highlighted her organization’s
impressive work in providing book scholarships. Over the past 12 years, she has
distributed more than $140,000 in book
scholarships to 182 students attending 20
Virginia colleges and universities.
Kipp Rogers ‘92 was recently hired as the chief academic
officer for Norfolk Public Schools in Virginia. He was previously employed as York County’s director of secondary
instruction.
In memoriam: Leonard O. Farrish ’77, passed away on
November 7, 2014 in Hampton, VA. He was a member of
Phi Beta Sigma and survived by his wife Debra.
Dianna Hicks Hawkins ’93 opened Hicks Hawkins Agency
Inc, dba Farmers Insurance in Norfolk, Va. The agency is
a full service company providing a wide range of personal
and commercial insurance products.
Hermon Maclin ’77, aka The Boogie Doctor of Trussel, is
one of 50 educators worldwide to receive the Adobe Youth
Voices Creative Educator Award. Maclin teaches youth to
“create with purpose” through digital media as a 4-H Extension Agent in Prince George, Va.
Whitney Battle-Baptiste ’94, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has
been appointed as the director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center
at the UMass Amherst Libraries.
1980s
Daniel Harrison ’98 was recently hired as the city engineer
for Petersburg, Va. He previously worked for Virginia Department of Transportation as a project manager.
Brian K. Telfair ’83, City Attorney for Petersburg, Va., was
selected by his peers at the Virginia Bar Association as a
member of Virginia’s Legal Elite for 2015.
2000s
Col. Earnest A. Bazemore ’85 retired
from the United States Army after 30 years
of service. A highly decorated veteran,
Bazemore began a second career as a
program manager for intelligence systems
for EWA/Information & Infrastructure
Technologies, Inc.
Jemayne King ’01 was appointed Title III Co-Director and
instructor of English and Communications at Johnson C.
Smith’s University College. He authored a book, Sole Food:
Digestible Sneaker Culture; and in Spring 2015, created an
English course based on the book-- a first in HBCU history
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AlumniShorts
How Can
WE Serve
YOU?
dedicated to identification within sneaker culture.
J. Anthony Williams ‘04 was hired as the
Trade and Industrial Education Specialist
for the Virginia Department of Education.
This year, he was inducted into the Golden
Key International and Delta Epsilon Iota
Academic Honor Societies. Rounding
off his achievements is the celebration of
his eighth year as owner and president of
J&A Audio in Richmond, Va; specializing in audiovisual
equipment sales and installation services for residential and
commercial clients.
The Division of Institutional Advancement serves to
connect you to the University through a number of
avenues. Endowments, scholarship funds, fundraising
events and volunteer opportunities are only a few
ways that you can support the campus and our
students.
Feel free to reach out to a staff member who can
answer your questions and provide assistance:
Lashrecse Aird ’08 has claimed many impressive accolades in Virginia: appointed
by Governor McAuliffe to the Commonwealth Council of Women; appointed to
the Petersburg Planning Commission and
is the youngest woman elected to the Virginia General Assembly. Additionally, she
received the Young Trojan award for two
previous consecutive years.
Alumni Relations
Dr. Anthony Thompson
Associate VP
(804) 524-1062
Athletics Support
Deborah Goode
Development Support
(804) 524-5595
2010s
Ronnie Neal
Development Support
(804) 524-2312
Nichole Tucker ’12 recently published a book of poetry
titled The Upside of Insanity. The book is available for purchase through Amazon Books.
New Endowments
Mario White
Major Gifts Officer
(804) 524-5387
Jahliel Thurman ‘14, former SGA president, has launched a YouTube series highlighting HBCU campus life called “Yard
Talk 101.” Now in its the second season,
Thurman has visited eight campuses. View
YardTalk 101 on its YouTube channel.
Existing Endowments
Bart Blanks
Assist. Dir. of Stewardship
(804) 524-5559
Fundraising Event Support
Cathy Wysong
PR & Marketing Specialist
(804) 524-6779
Jolisa Williams, M.S ’14 has been named sports information director at Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. She previously worked at Richard Bland College as sports information director.
Planned Giving
Anita Wynn
Major Gifts Officer
(804) 524-5397
Kondwani Fidel ’15, poet, inspirational speaker, and substitute teacher in Baltimore inspired his students and the
world with a viral video of his spoken word performance.
View the video on his website.
WWW.VSU.EDU
University Relations
Thomas Reed
Assistant VP
(804) 524-5317
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Other Staff
Robin Baughan
Adrian Bond
Rodney Butler
David Carter
Patricia Hawkins
Garvin Maffett, Ed.D.
Clarence Nelson
Latryce Noel
Jacqueline Smith
Back Inside Cover
2016 presents many opportunities for you to support
your beloved alma mater and its students. This issue
highlights some of the initiatives and porgrams that
rely on alumni dollars for success. We’re asking for
your commitment to the Tuition Assistance Fund,
Annual Fund, Scholarship or Endowment of your
choice.
To give online, please click here.
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WINTER 2016
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit No. 6
Petersburg, VA
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Division of Institutional Advancement
P.O. Box 9027
Virginia State University, VA 23806
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WINTER 2016