From DSU to the planet - Delaware State University

Transcription

echo
the
a publication for alumni and friends
of Delaware State University
Fall 2011
From DSU
to the planet
MARS
Dr. Noureddine Melikechi and graduate student Alissa Mezzacappa
are collaborators in a NASA mission studying the surface of the Red Planet
Dr. Kevina Vulinec works for the good of bats
How do you stay in touch with DSU?
Social networking 101: Connect with us online
A look back at DSUAA, Hornet fan events in photos
Alumnus Kenneth Parker’s nontraditional career path
took him from landscaper to company executive
A letter from our president
DSU EXECUTIVE
ADMINISTRATION
Alumni can help DSU fulfill vision
Dear DSU alumni and friends,
EdD, president
Alton Thompson
PhD, provost and vice
president for academic affairs
Kemal Atkins
A
s I have completed my second year as
president of Delaware State University,
the journey we are on toward fulfilling
our vision for DSU has given me a great
sense of purpose every morning I rise to begin
my day for this institution. With the recent
accomplishments of the University, it is clear
to me that DSU is on the right track toward
becoming the best.
We learned in September that DSU’s stock
is rising within the HBCU community, as the
University’s standing among 72 other HBCUs in
the country — as ranked by U.S. News & World
Report — improved this year from 17th to 15th.
The outstanding research work in our Optics
Program has received great validation, with
the state of Delaware earmarking $10 million
to go toward an Optics Research Facility on
campus. Our internationally accredited College
of Business won a competitive $500,000 federal
grant through which it will establish a new DSU
Center for Economic Development and Trade
that will be a valuable resource for the state.
More and more students want to be a part of
what is happening at DSU. We received more
than 9,000 applications for the 2011-2012
school year, and that culminated in a record
enrollment of 4,178 — the second consecutive
record-breaking year and the first time this
institution has broken the 4,000-student mark.
As DSU continues to increase its student
population, diversify its academic offerings,
expand its research portfolio and strive to
ascend higher in the rankings, the support of
the University’s alumni is vitally needed. We
want to continue building on the strides we
have made during the last year in developing
a new “culture of giving,” because not only are
the needs even greater, but so are the potential
rewards as well.
This year you will hear about a $500,000
challenge grant the University has received.
DSU has been challenged by the grant provider
to raise $1 million, and if that goal is reached,
the University will receive $500,000. Those
funds will go a long way to help our students
RESEARCH
vice president of student affairs
Carolyn S. Curry
The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011
fall 2011
vice president for
institutional advancement,
chief of staff
Jane Helm
consulting vice president for
business affairs
Noureddine Melikechi
DPhil, interim vice president
for research, dean
Amir Mohammadi
4
executive vice president of
finance and University treasurer
Thomas P. Preston, Esq
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11
Dr. Noureddine Melikechi
and Alissa Mezzacappa
are collaborators in
NASA’s mission to Mars
Dr. Christopher Heckscher
and student Syrena Taylor
have uncovered a songbird’s
seasonal journey
Dr. Kevina Vulinec
works to help
preserve bat species
general counsel
THE BUZZ
IN EVERY ISSUE
Dr. Harry Lee Williams
DSU BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
The Buzz
Faculty
Claibourne D. Smith
stay in school and improve this institution’s
retention rate.
Modest improvements in giving last year
helped the University better its new freshmen
retention this fall from 67 to 70 percent, and
while that was certainly appreciated, I remain
convinced that alumni can do more.
Please know that making a financial
contribution will not only tremendously assist
our students in fulfilling their aspirations, but
also help bring a significant amount of funding
to the University by matching the challenge
grant.
Help DSU reach new pinnacles, and your
pride will be based on not only what this
institution has been able to achieve, but also
your contribution to your alma mater’s success.
Alumni PhD, chairman
Giving to DSU
David G. Turner
vice chairman
Sports
A. Richard Barros, Esq
History
Robert E. Buccini
Class Notes
José F. Echeverri
Barry M. Granger
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11
18
32
34
36
38
On the cover:
 Artist’s concept of the
Mars surface/image
by NASA/JPL-Caltech
Lois M. Hobbs
Matthew Mackie, PhD
8
DSU rises to 15th in
HBCU ranking, breaks
enrollment record
ALUMNI
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25 PHOTOS
DSUAA events, One Hornet Nation
Fan Tent and Homecoming bring
out alumni and friends
Top left: Former instructor Nettye Evans
Top right: Alumna Stephanie Collick ’02
and New Castle County Alumni Chapter
President Ned Brown Jr.
Bottom: DSUAA alumni rep Bernard Carr,
top, with a group of alums
Kenneth
Parker
has spent
more than
two decades
climbing
a utlility’s
career ladder
Charles S. McDowell, Esq
Wesley E. Perkins
Bennie Smith
James W. Stewart III
Leroy A. Tice
Calvin T. Wilson II, MD
the
echo
Editor
Jennifer Rickard
associate director
of integrated marketing
2
echo
the
Harry L. Williams
The Echo is a publication of the Division of Institutional Advancement at Delaware State University. Alumni news for future editions
may be sent to Lorene Robinson, director of alumni relations, at alumni@desu.edu. She can also be contacted at 302.857.6050.
Contributors
Carlos Holmes
Dennis Jones
director of
news services
assistant director of
athletic media relations
Lorene Robinson
director of
alumni relations
Torshana Towles
Office of
Development
Photographers
Carlos Holmes
Lorene Robinson
Fall 2011 www.desu.edu
The Echo
3
Research spotlight
 Story by Carlos Holmes
From DSU
to
MARS
A LOOK AT THE ROVER
AND DSU’s ROLE IN THE MISSION
 NASA’s Curiosity rover, shown in an artist’s
concept, features a mast, left, which looks
like the rover’s “head.” Within the mast are a
camera, which looks like the robot’s “eyes,”
and the ChemCam instrument.
 The ChemCam is equipped with a laser
instrumentation that will be able to shoot from
a distance of 7 meters into the rock on Mars,
clearing through dust, breaking through the
weathering layer and then providing a laser
analysis of a significant depth of the rock itself.
The data yielded is expected to provide new
and valuable insights related to evidence of
previous life on Mars, the past existence of
water and the habitability of the planet. Data is
expected to begin coming back in fall 2012.
 Dr. Noureddine Melikechi and graduate
student Alissa Mezzacappa worked with
other collaborators at Los Alamos National
Laboratory to conduct experiments under
atmospheric conditions similar to what the
Curiosity rover will encounter on the planet,
using a Mars Chamber. From this experience,
Mezzacappa was able to replicate the Mars
Chamber in the Luna I. Mishoe Science
Center for continued work on the project on
campus at DSU.
 With the launch of NASA’s Mars
Science Laboratory, Dr. Noureddine Melikechi
and graduate student Alissa Mezzacappa
will play an important role in analyzing
data from the surface of the Red Planet
D
elaware State University is once again making history, this
time through its involvement in one of NASA’s current space
initiatives: the launch of the Curiosity rover to the Red Planet.
On November 26, Dr. Noureddine Melikechi and Alissa
Mezzacappa were part of a select group of scientists and
onlookers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to witness
the launch of the Curiosity rover to Mars. The rover is scheduled to
reach the surface of the tiny planet in August 2012.
The purpose of the Curiosity’s mission is to explore the elemental
composition of rocks on the Mars surface using an instrument
specifically created for this mission, the ChemCam.
ChemCam is comprised of 10 different systems that will collect
samples and transmit data to an international team of scientists
for analysis. Dr. Roger Wiens is the principal investigator on the
ChemCam project. Resultant data will provide insight into whether
or not there once existed the presence of elements such as carbon
and nitrogen, a.k.a. “signs of life.”
Enter DSU
Melikechi, professor of physics, vice president for research
and dean of the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and
Technology, along with Mezzacappa, a graduate student, was
enlisted on the ChemCam project for his expertise in laser-induced
breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).
The ChemCam is equipped with a laser instrumentation that will
be able to shoot from a distance of 7 meters into the rock, clearing
through dust, breaking through the weathering layer and then
providing a laser analysis of a significant depth of the rock itself.
Melikechi and Mezzacappa have played a critical role in this
aspect of the project over the past two years, traveling to and
4
NASA/JPL-Caltech image
from Los Alamos National Laboratory to work with the other
collaborators. During this preparatory mode, they were able to
conduct experiments under atmospheric conditions similar to what
the Curiosity rover will encounter on the Red Planet, using a Mars
Chamber at Los Alamos. From this experience, Mezzacappa was
able to replicate the Mars Chamber in the Luna I. Mishoe Science
Center for continued work on the project at DSU.
Melikechi describes the actual process as taking rock and sediment
and turning it into extremely hot plasma — just as depicted in
cartoons. Unlike in the cartoons, however, the scientists expect the
information that will be garnered to have promise of significant
implications for us here on Earth. As the plasma decays, it will emit
a light that will be collected by spectroscopy. The data yielded is
expected to reveal the composition of Mars’ rocks, and provide new
and valuable insights related to evidence of previous life on Mars, the
past existence of water and the habitability of the planet.
Once the data begins coming back from ChemCam in early fall 2012, it will be Melikechi’s and Mezzacappa’s job to
analyze it.
“Our role,” said Melikechi, “has been to do some measurements and analysis, to try and understand a lot of the physics
that takes place under Mars conditions.
So when the data actually starts to come
(from Mars), we will have an idea of how
to analyze that data that has come through
those extreme conditions.”
Mezzacappa, currently a second
year optics Ph.D. student, is using this
experience as the subject of her doctoral
dissertation, specifically targeting the degree
of impact the planet’s pressure has on the
temperature of the plasma. She readily
acknowledges that being a collaborator
on a multi-national rover mission to Mars
as a grad student has been an excellent
opportunity and will be an impressive
highlight on her curriculum vitae.
“The experience of working with so
many great scientists from all around the
world is invaluable, and it has matured
me as a scientist and a person,” says
Mezzacappa, 24, of Holmdel, N.J. “I have
gained a lot of perspective on how these
missions actually work. It has definitely
inspired me to continue in this vein in my
future career.”
Optics at DSU
Even though selection to work on
the ChemCam project is certainly an
impressive achievement, this is just one
more innovative turn in the evolution of
an Optics Program that began as just a
dream by Melikechi 14 years ago at DSU,
but has since grown into so much more.
The Applied Optics Center was founded by
Melikechi in 1997, backed by the generous
The Echo
5
“
Optics is not a
field that is just
limited to lenses
and lasers; it is
very broad. It is in
homeland security,
in medicine, in
space and a lot of
other areas.
“
Dr. Noureddine
Melikechi
‘THE RIGHT THINGS’
FOR PROGRAM SUCCESS
Second year optics Ph.D. student Alissa Mezzacappa, left, and Dr. Noureddine Melikechi adjust the Mars Chamber that Mezzacappa built on campus in the Luna I.
Mishoe Science Center for continued work on the project at DSU. “The experience of working with so many great scientists from all around the world is invaluable,
and it has matured me as a scientist and as a person,” said Mezzacappa. “I have gained a lot of perspective on how these missions actually work.”
support of then-Gov. Thomas R. Carper and
then-President William B. DeLauder.
Under Melikechi’s leadership, it has
since developed into a multi-million dollar
grant-funded enterprise (both the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration and
National Science Foundation have awarded
$5 million grants to support ongoing
research), along the way paving the way
for the creation of both a master’s degree in
Applied Optics and, later, a Ph.D. program
in Optics, having as a point of distinction
the fact that this program is one of less than
100 Ph.D. optics programs in the world.
The Optics Program has also attained
a reputation for its expertise in the use of
laser-based spectroscopy that has put DSU
on the map.
“People respect (a program that has a
niche); and as they respect that, you get
more support,” says Melikechi. “As you get
more support, you keep growing more,
because you are delivering the service not
only to the students, but also the region and
everyone else.”
This status, of having garnered “respect”
within the scientific and science-related
community, led to the University’s first-ever
intellectual property transfer involving a
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company currently developing a laser-based
diagnostic device to be used in hospitals
and medical laboratories.
In May, Delaware Gov. Jack Markell
further raised the stakes when he
announced that he was including $10
million in his fiscal 2012 budget to go
toward the construction of an Optics
Research Facility on the DSU campus.
Melikechi said that it will provide the
Optics Program with improved laboratory
facilities and bring about greater synergistic
possibilities among scientists who are
applying optics techniques and developing
new optic technologies, start-up and
established high-tech companies and others
involved with the discipline.
“Optics is not a field that is just limited
to lenses and lasers; it is very broad. It is in
homeland security, in medicine, in space
and a lot of other areas,” says Melikechi. “So
how can we create these multi-discipline
approaches where we can work with
everybody, if we don’t have the room to
work with these varied pursuits? That’s what
we are looking for (in the construction of
the new optics facility).”
The success of the Optics Program at
DSU, Melikechi asserts, is also a success
Dr. Noureddine Melikechi, professor of physics, vice president for research and dean of the College of Mathematics,
Natural Sciences and Technology, and DSU President Harry L. Williams share a laugh as a tribute from Gov. Jack
Markell is read at November’s press briefing and send-off event that names Melikechi as Delaware’s “Ambassador to
Mars.” Melikechi was enlisted on the ChemCam project for his expertise in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
From humble beginnings
At a November press briefing and send-off event,
graduate student Alissa Mezzacappa, right, shares
with the media how the experience has enhanced
her life’s work.
for the College of Mathematics, Natural
Sciences and Technology and the University
in that, ultimately, the pursuit of each
achievement maintains, at its core, the
institution’s primary purpose — the higher
education of students.
“We shouldn’t forget that we are trying to
inspire the next generation of scientists, the
next generation of NASA scientists, so that
they are the future scientists of NASA and
other agencies,” he said.
Melikechi grew up in the small village
of Thenia, Boumerdes, in the north African
country of Algeria. Although he was not
necessarily exposed to very many scientists
in his hometown as a youth, he was inspired
by mathematics and biology teachers he had,
and gleaned all that he could from the various
opportunities that presented themselves to him.
Early on his aspirations included becoming
a brain surgeon who saved lives or a
mathematician who solved complex problems.
However, an aversion to blood soon squelched
any ideas of pursuing medicine.
So, armed with a solid foundation in
mathematics, he pursued — and achieved — a baccalaureate degree in mathematics,
followed by a diplôme d’études superieures
(D.E.S.) in Physics at the University of Sciences
and Technology of Algiers, Algeria. He went on
to pursue graduate and doctoral studies at the
University of Sussex in England, taking to heart
what his teachers and mentors would tell him.
“I was told that if you are very strong in
math you can do anything you wish,” he
recalls. “I really wanted to see how I could
apply the mathematic tools that I had in the
real world.”
The time spent at Sussex proved to have a
profound impact on shaping Melikechi’s future
research. It was there that he worked in the
lab of Dr. Leslie Allen, a leading authority in
lasers at that time and in the world today. He
continued his post-doctoral studies with Allen
at the North East London Polytechnic in 1987.
Following a two-year lecturer post at his
undergraduate alma mater in Algiers and
some post-doctoral work at the University
of Delaware, Melikechi came to DSU as an
assistant professor of physics, to begin working
on making his mark on the world. So far, the
rest of his story has been history in the making.
His hope, out of all of this, has been
to inspire youth to pursue their dreams,
regardless of where they come from. They can
even shoot for beyond the stars, if they so desire.
Mars seems like a good destination.
Dr. Noureddine Melikechi, who
has led the growth of DSU’s Optics
Program, said there are several
things that are important in building
a program:
 The program head needs to be
passionate about the discipline.
 Education and research need
to be combined to both result in
contributions to science and the
development of future scientists.
 There must be a vision for
what you want to achieve and
why you want to achieve. This
includes a vision for your research
and education, and how you can
help the region in which you live,
especially in connection with the
economic impact.
 You shouldn’t let problems —
bumps in the road — deter you
from your vision. Stay the visionary
course.
 Do not compare yourself to other
programs, but rather learn from
the best in the world. Adapt what is
learned to your program’s moment,
its time and history.
 Develop a niche for your
program. “Once you find it, people
respect that. As they respect that,
you get more support. As you get
more support, you keep growing
more, because you are delivering
the service, not only to the students,
but also the region and everyone
else,” he said.
The Echo
7
The Buzz
15
DSU
improves
in HBCU
ranking
Delaware State University moved up to
15th among 72 Historically Black Colleges and
Universities in the country in U.S. News & World
Report’s 2012 ranking.
DSU tied with South Carolina State
University for 15th place. Among Mid-Atlantic
region schools, DSU joined Howard University
(2nd), Hampton University (4th) and Morgan
State University (18th) in the top 20.
DSU President Harry L. Williams said while
moving from 17th to 15th reflects well on the
University, it also shows there is much work to
be done to reach the ultimate goal of becoming
the No. 1 HBCU in the country. Nevertheless,
he said, the University’s current rise in ranking
affirms that DSU is moving in the right
direction.
“It shows what happens when we focus,
stay on task with clear goals and remain
consistent with the vision that we have
developed for this University,” Williams said.
“We are happy, but not satisfied; we are
encouraged by the latest ranking and remain
steadfast in our efforts to become the best.”
When U.S. News & World Report published
its first HBCU ranking in 2008, DSU ranked No.
22; it rose to No. 17 in 2009 and 2010.
The HBCU rankings are based on the
following categories to assess academic
quality: assessment by administrators at peer
institutions, retention of students, faculty
resources, student selectivity, financial
resources and alumni giving.
Spelman College in Atlanta was ranked as
the No. 1 HBCU in the country by the magazine,
a top distinction it has held since 2008.
First class
graduates
from MBA
program
In Vietnam
President Harry L. Williams led a Delaware State University delegation to Vietnam to celebrate the

43-member first graduating class of its Master of Business Administration program, offered at Vietnam National
University in Hanoi. Another 23-student cohort will graduate in December, and an additional 21 students have
begun pursuing an MBA through the program. Shown at the graduation ceremony were, from left, Dr. Nanda
Viswanathan, DSU associate professor of management; President Williams; Nguyen Viet Anh, VNU Center for
Educational Technology and Career Development vice director; Amir Mohammadi, DSU executive vice president
of finance and University treasurer; Kishor Sheth, DSU MBA program director; Tony Sanichara, DSU MBA in
Vietnam program director; and Dr. Fengshan Liu, DSU assistant vice president of International Affairs.
4,178
enrollment
breaks record
F
or the second consecutive year, Delaware State
University broke a record with a fall semester 2011
total enrollment of 4,178 students, the first time the
4,000 threshold was surpassed. The previous record
of 3,819 students was set in fall 2010.
The 2011 enrollment included:
• 3,744 undergraduate students
• 333 master’s degree students
• 101 doctoral students.
The University also set a record this fall of 1,086 new
freshmen, exceeding the previous record of 940 new first-year
students in 2005.
DSU President Harry L. Williams said the record enrollment
is clearly a reflection that “it is an exciting time” to be at DSU.
“While it is great to see the growth, it is just the beginning.
We are continuing to work toward the fulfillment of the
University’s Vision Statement we established last year, and we
are developing a new strategic plan and a facilities master
plan,” Williams said. “We are looking at how we can sustain
this growth and continue to move up in the rankings.”
Williams noted that the University received more than
9,000 applications from prospective students this year. “A lot
of students want to be a part of DSU,” he said.
#
$500,000 TO fund campus economic development center
The Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of

Commerce awarded Delaware State University a $500,000 grant to fund the
establishment of a DSU Center for Economic Development and Trade on campus.
The center — which will be based in the University’s College of Business — will
take a long-term strategic view of economic forces and will focus on providing state
and local governments and other public and nonpublic organizations with timely
economic information and reliable analysis, according to Dr. Michael Casson, who
helped author the grant.
DSU President Harry L. Williams said that the U.S. Department of Commerce grant
will financially empower the University to apply its intellectual resources to promote the
economic well-being of the state of Delaware.
“This will be another way that the University will be able to work to fulfill its Vision
Statement of invigorating the economy of Delaware by providing valuable information
that will help guide entities in the state toward making sound and prudent economic
decisions,” Williams said.
APPLICATION WILL SEEK TO CREATE CAMPUS CHARTER SCHOOL
DSU and representatives of the community have partnered with Innovative

Schools, a Delaware-based nonprofit public school support organization, to submit
a charter application to the Delaware Department of Education in December. If
approved, the proposed campus charter high school would implement the state’s first
Early College High School, a nationally recognized school design brought to Delaware
through a partnership between Innovative Schools and EdWorks. The school would
be designed specifically to serve first generation college-bound students and have
a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). In the Early
College model, high school and college combine to form a coherent educational
program in which students work toward a high school diploma and up to two years of college credits in four years of high school.
The Echo
9
Faculty spotlight
WILMINGTON DEVELOPER
JOINS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Delaware State University’s

Board of Trustees has appointed
Wilmington developer Robert E.
Buccini to
complete
the six-year
term of board
member
Marvin
Lawrence,
who resigned.
Buccini’s term
Robert E. Buccini
will end on
Aug. 31, 2016.
Dr. Claibourne D. Smith, DSU
board chair, said Buccini will be an
asset, especially as the University
enters into new strategic planning.
“He has been a great supporter of
DSU, is well known and respected
in the state, and has a depth of
experience the board will surely
appreciate as it continues to move
DSU forward,” Smith said.
Buccini is the co-founder
and co-president of The Buccini/
PollinGroup, a real estate acquisition,
development and management firm
that is active in the Mid-Atlantic
and Northeast regions. As copresident, he leads the company’s
office, residential, retail and parking
development activity.
DSU, Red Clay School
District FINALIZE
JOINT ED AGREEMENT
 Delaware State University
and Red Clay School District signed a
formal six-year joint agreement that
will benefit DSU education majors
and teachers in the district. The
University and Red Clay will create a
coordinated Early Field Experiences
program that pairs second and third
year DSU education majors with
veteran teachers in the district’s
schools. The University will also
create the opportunity over the next
two years for the district to enroll
a dedicated group of teachers and
staff members in DSU’s Education
Leadership master and doctoral
degree programs. DSU will arrange
to hold classes at times and locations
convenient to the Red Clay district.
10 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011
From left, Dr. Fengshan Liu, assistant vice president of International Affairs; Dr. Youngski Kwak, professor
of accounting and finance; Dr. Shelton Rhodes, dean of the College of Business; Associate Provost Bradley
Skelcher; President Harry L. Williams; and from Jeju National University: President Hyang-Jin Huh; Dr. Tae Hee
Choi, dean of the Teachers’ College; and Dr. Young-Hoon Kang, dean of International Affairs, gather after the
presidents signed new accords between the two institutions.
Working for
the good of
Exchange agreements formalized with Korean university
DSU has further broadened its international horizons as it recently formalized two new agreements

with Korea’s Jeju National University. A five-year agreement will facilitate the exchange of faculty for teaching
or research purposes, as well as the exchange of five students each between the two institutions. The
three-year agreement involves a third partner — Disney Theme Parks and Resorts College Program. The
agreement between DSU, JNU and Disney will facilitate the enrollment of JNU students at DSU, during which
time they will also participate in the Disney Program.
bats
PRINCETON REVIEW
NAMES COLLEGE OF
BUSINESS AMONG BEST
The Princeton Review

has included DSU’s College of
DSU President Harry L. Williams meets with U.S. Sen. Chris Coons
during the DSU in Motion Research Showcase on Capitol Hill in
Washington in October.
‘DSU IN MOTION’ SPOTLIGHTS RESEARCH IN DC
DSU officials and scientists traveled to Capitol Hill in

Washington, D.C., in October to host the first-ever “DSU in Motion”
Research Showcase for the Delaware congressional delegation
and their staffs. The University contingent included DSU President
Harry L. Williams, Provost Alton Thompson, Dean and Vice President
for Research Noureddine Melikechi, Vice President for Institutional
Advancement and Chief of Staff Carolyn Curry, Dean Dyremple
Marsh and more than two dozen University researchers. The
event was attended by U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper, U.S. Sen.
Chris Coons, staff members of all three Delaware congressional
offices and some DSU alumni members, including DSU Alumni
Association President Dr. K. Bernard Chase. The group was
enlightened on groundbreaking DSU work in the areas of optics,
neuroscience, bioenergy, natural sciences, human nutrition,
economic development, advanced algorithms for security purposes,
bioinformatics and more.
Business in the new 2012 edition
of its book The Best 294 Business
Schools.
The Princeton Review notes
that 95 percent of those in the
college are employed three
months after graduation at the
average base starting at $55,000
per year. The review recognizes
the College of Business’ Master of
Business Administration Program
for its convenient location and
for its attention to the needs
of working professionals and
aspiring managers in offering
evening and weekend classes.
The review also notes that
the College of Business offers an
accelerated MBA program that is
geared toward the working adult.
The DSU College of Business
totaled 644 undergraduate
students enrolled in its degree
programs in 2010-2011 and 139
graduate students enrolled in its MBA Program.
Visit www.desu.edu/news to read the full stories and see a photo gallery from the “DSU in Motion” event.
Through her research, Dr. Kevina
Vulinec aims to help preserve
species in the U.S. and Brazil
Delaware State University’s Dr. Kevina Vulinec
records a captured fruit bat.
M
arvel Comics is not the only place you can find
“Batwoman.”
While not counted among the pantheon of
superheroes, Dr. Kevina Vulinec, a Delaware State
University associate professor of natural resources, believes
her missions relating to bat preservation are vitally important
to the ecological balance that needs to be maintained.
Vulinec, who is also known as a bat ecologist, returned
last summer from her spring semester in Brazil as a
Fulbright Fellow, where she shared her bat expertise with
scientists there who are working to preserve species of the
fruit bats that are indigenous to that Amazon region.
Fruit bats are so-named because unlike the
predominant insect-eating bats in North America, these
Brazilian bats eat the fruits of the rain forests and then
while in flight expel the fruit seeds back down to the
ground, which is important in replenishing the forest.
“I was looking at areas of Brazil forest that have been
The Echo
11
Faculty research
Dr. Samuel Besong’s
findings: Plant leaves
help with cholesterol
Dr. Kevina Vulinec and graduate student Megan Wallrichs take data from a red bat in a DSU lab.
scientists. With that information, scientists
there will be able to better understand
more about bats, their migration habits, as
well as the impact of forest destruction on
the species.
Challenges in North America
Dr. Kevina Vulinec, left, carries out her Fulbright-funded research with a Brazilian scientist during her trip to the South American country last spring.
will be a big surge in the
“ There
insect population if the population
“
of bats is reduced.
Dr. Kevina Vulinec, associate professor of natural resources
Working with Brazilian scientists to better understand the fruit bat habitat, Dr.
Kevina Vulinec said she has returned to DSU with 200 gigabytes of bat sounds
that she will analyze and then share with those colleagues.
cut for cattle pasture, (and was) interested in the impact on the bat
habitat,” Vulinec said.
However to better understand fruit bat habitat and the foraging
habits of the species, Vulinec spent a lot of her time capturing bat
sounds that she believes will help scientists there better identify the
different fruit bat species.
“A catalogue of bat sounds exists for North American species,
but very few bat calls had been recorded in Brazil,” Vulinec said.
In Brazil, Vulinec and scientists of that country set up nets in
the forest, captured bats and attached leashes to their legs. Once a
bat calmed down (Vulinec said upon capture, the bats initially were
screeching bloody murder) and began sounding its normal bat calls,
the scientist recorded its sound.
“The recording device is sensitive and is specifically for high
frequencies that humans can’t hear,” Vulinec said. “Certain species
have bat calls that are distinct from others.”
Vulinec said she has returned to DSU with 200 gigabytes of
bat sounds that she will analyze and then share with the Brazilian
While working to help Brazilians with
their bat preservation issues, Vulinec also
has challenges to the North American bat
population to be concerned with as well.
Because most North American bats
are insectivores, these species feast on
pesky flying insects, reducing the number
around to irritate and distress human
populations and farm crops. However,
that importance is being challenged by a
disease — White Nose Syndrome — that
is threatening bat populations.
“White Nose Syndrome is a fungus
that gets on the nose of bats while they
are hibernating in caves,” Vulinec said.
“The fungus makes the bats wake up
prematurely, and then they fly out of the
cave and starve to death because there are
no insects out there in the wintertime.”
In addition to being threatened by
White Nose, some bats are also being
killed by the blades of turbine wind
farms. “The bats either get whacked up
by the blades circulating at 120 mph or
the vacuum that is created causes bats to
explode,” she said.
“There will be a big surge in the insect
population if the population of bats is
reduced,” Vulinec said.
Vulinec is in the beginning stages of
a collaboration with researchers from
Delaware Technical & Community College
and the University of Delaware to study
What is white nose syndrome?
 In North America, bat populations are
being threatened by White Nose Syndrome,
a “fungus that gets on the nose of bats
while they are hibernating in caves.
The fungus makes the bats wake up
prematurely, and then they fly out of the
cave and starve to death because there
are no insects out there in the wintertime,”
according to Dr. Kevina Vulinec.
and gain a better understanding of White
Nose Syndrome.
She is also guiding a student who is
currently researching golf courses as a
possible habitat for bats. “Golf course
water hazards are good places for aquatic
insects, a source of food for bats,” Vulinec
said. “Bats really like places with big trees
and mower cut grass,” she said.
A DSU faculty member in the College
of Agriculture and Related Sciences
since 2001, Vulinec focused her Ph.D.
dissertation work on primates and dung
beetles. However, upon arriving at DSU,
chair Dr. Richard Barczewski directed her
to identify a research specialty related to
Delaware. That directive moved her into
the bat realm.
“Dr. Vulinec has a diverse background
in wildlife conservation and biology,”
Barczewski said. “She has been able to take
her good mix of experience and make it
applicable to our state and region.”
In addition to being an ecologist and
scientist, she is also an award-winning
artist who actually did scientific drawings
to help support herself while in college.
Dr. Samuel A. Besong, chair of the
DSU Department of Human Ecology,
is making his mark in heart disease
prevention with his published findings
that identify
purslane leaves
as a means of
suppressing bad
cholesterol in
adults.
The DSU
associate
professor of
human ecology, along with Dr. Michael
O. Ezekwe, associate professor of
agriculture at Alcorn State University,
has jointly published findings that
purslane contains omega 3 fatty acids
— essential nutrients that are vital
for preventing the synthesis of bad
cholesterol.
“Purslane has soluble fiber and
good fat (omega 3); the combination of
those two nutrients has a good effect on
cholesterol,” Besong said. “Lettuce and
other plants have good fiber but don’t
have the omega 3 fatty acid; that’s what
makes purslane unique.”
Besong, who has been at DSU
since 2005, began his heart disease
prevention research seven years ago
when he was a faculty member of
Alcorn State, and continued his joint
research work with Ezekwe after he
moved on to DSU.
Their research on the effects of
freeze-dried supplements of purslane
on heart disease has been published in
the International Journal of Nutrition and
Metabolism.
Dr. Samuel A. Besong and a former
colleague at Alcorn State University are
now studying the most effective ways
that purslane can be consumed — such
as a freeze-dried plant or in pill form —
to reduce bad cholesterol.
3
Faculty research
Junior natural resources major Syrena M. Taylor
“
risk a lot each time they undertake migration.
“Songbirds
... To think these birds have an extra migration is really remarkable.
T
White Clay Creek State Park
near Newark, Del.
What is a veery?
June 2009
Dr. Christopher Heckscher and student Syrena Taylor
capture a group of Veeries, attach a lightweight
geolocator to each and free them.
A forest songbird, the Veery
(Catharus fuscescens), is 16-18
centimeters in length and weighs
about 30 grams.
A songbird’s
seasonal journey
is uncovered
Using a new, lightweight tracking technology,
Dr. Christopher Heckscher and student Syrena Taylor
have made discoveries in Veery migration patterns
#
Late fall 2009
The Veeries had traveled
to separate areas south
of the Amazon River
region in Central Brazil.
Brazil,
South America
January-February 2010
Tracking data revealed that the
Veeries also made second migration
stops during the mid-winter
January-February months in other
parts of Brazil (two birds went to
sites north of the Amazon and three
went to sites south of the river).
he advent of a new tracking
technology has enabled a DSU
assistant professor of natural
resources to make his mark in
ornithology research.
Dr. Christopher Heckscher, with the
assistance of junior year natural resources
major Syrena M. Taylor, has taken advantage
of the development of new lightweight
tracking technology that has allowed them
to determine the previously unknown
migration patterns for a forest songbird, the
Veery (Catharus fuscescens).
Because songbirds are so small,
conventional tracking devices used on larger
birds are too heavy for species such as the
Veery — which is 16-18 centimeters in
length and weighs about 30 grams. For that
reason, very little was previously known
about the annual migration habits of the
Veery and other similarly sized birds.
A few years ago, Heckscher became
aware of a new lightweight “geolocator” used
successfully by York University ornithologist
Dr. Bridget Stutchbury in her research in
tracking the migration of the Wood Thrush
(Hylocichia mustelina), a medium-sized
North American passerine bird.
Stutchbury’s success opened up a new
area of ornithological migration research,
and Heckscher did not hesitate in seizing
this opportunity.
With the knowledge that some Veeries
came annually to nest at White Clay Creek
State Park north of Newark, Del., in June
2009, Heckscher and Taylor proceeded
to capture 24 of the species. They then
attached a lightweight geolocator to each
Veery and freed them. By August, those birds
had begun their migration south.
“The trick is you have to catch the bird
a year later in order to download data from
the tracking device,” Heckscher said. “These
Veeries made it easier because the same
individuals return to White Clay Creek Park
every year to nest.”
The following spring, the researchers set
Dr. Christopher
Heckscher
and student
Syrena Taylor
detailed their
Veery migration
findings in a
peer-reviewed
paper published
in the 2011
edition of The
Auk by The
American
Ornithologists’
Union.
up netting in an attempt to capture some of
the Veeries on which they had attached the
tracking device the previous year. Heckscher
said they imitated the Veery mating song,
which attracted some male Veeries to come
and investigate what bird was encroaching
on their territory.
Four male Veeries that had returned
with the tracking device were lured into
the net. Capturing female Veeries — which
are not attracted by Veery song — with the
geolocator attached was more of a challenge.
However, the research duo managed to
secure one female with the device, giving
them a total research group of five Veeries.
It took several months to analyze
the latitude and longitude data from the
geolocators on those five birds.
Migratory patterns revealed
By October 2010, Heckscher and Taylor’s
data analysis had determined that all five
Veeries had traveled to separate areas south
of the Amazon River region in Central Brazil,
South America, by the late fall. In addition,
the tracking data revealed that the Veeries
also made second migration stops during
the mid-winter January-February months in
other parts of Brazil (two birds went to sites
north of the Amazon and three went to sites
south of the huge river system).
“Our most spectacular discovery was
that our Veeries undertook three migrations
rather than just two in spring and fall,”
Heckscher said. “This is the first time a
North American songbird has been found to
have three different migratory periods.”
“Songbirds risk a lot each time they
undertake migration, which can be very
dangerous due to unexpected weather
events, vehicle or building collisions, or
predators,” Taylor added. “To think these
birds have an extra migration is really
remarkable.”
Representing the first time that this
particular species’ migration patterns and
wintering locations had been tracked,
Heckscher and Taylor published their
findings in a peer-reviewed paper in the
2011 edition of The Auk by The American
Ornithologists’ Union. The work by Taylor
was funded by the Center for Integrated
Biological and Environmental Research,
Department of Agriculture and Natural
Resources. The Delaware Division of Parks
and Recreation cooperated by providing the
team’s study site.
In spring 2010, the DSU researchers
fitted another group of birds with the
tracking device. In June of this year,
Heckscher and some other students were
able to capture seven males and three
females with the units. That tracking data is
currently being analyzed.
The Echo
15
Faculty and staff
 New faces
HARRY W. DOWNES JR.
Chief of University Police
Harry W. Downes Jr., a
retired Delaware State Police
major, is Delaware State
University’s director of the
Department of Public Safety
and chief of University
Police.
Downes served from
1983 to his retirement in 2009 with the State
Police, beginning as a trooper and culminating
with his promotion to the rank of major and his
assignment as an administrative officer on the
executive staff in 2005.
In addition to his law enforcement background,
Downes also was director of DSU’s Sussex County satellite site in Georgetown from 2010 to summer 2011.
companies, including OrphageniX Inc., of which
he is co-founder. Prior to his arrival to Marshall
University in 2009, he was a professor of biology
at the University of Delaware and director of the
Delaware Biotechnology Institute.
Dr. Horace B. Lamar JR.
Dr. Eric B. Kmiec
Department of Chemistry chair
Dr. Eric B. Kmiec is a professor and chair of the
Department of Chemistry.
Prior to his arrival, Kmiec was the director of
the Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
at Marshall University from 2009-2011, where
pioneering biotechnology advances were made
under his leadership. Kmiec is a renowned expert
in gene editing — a technique that employs
synthetic DNA molecules to repair mutations in
human chromosomes.
His research aims to identify therapies for diseases including Huntington’s disease,
Muscular Dystrophy and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
A recipient of many research and community
service awards, Kmiec holds upwards of 60 patents.
He also established several biotechnology
From the
Dr. Eric B. Kmiec
Department of Music chair
Dr. Horace B. Lamar Jr.
is chair of the Department
of Music. In that post, he
oversees all academic
aspects of the department
and provides leadership
for faculty development,
fundraising, as well as
student recruitment and retention.
Lamar formerly served at Alabama State
University from 1991-2006, where he taught
woodwinds and for nine of those years was dean
of the University’s School of Music (1996-2005).
Under his dean leadership, the ASU School of
Music earned accreditation through the National
Association of Schools of Music. After retiring from
ASU, he did consulting work, workshops and recitals.
Director of choral activities
Dr. Lloyd Benjamin
Mallory Jr. is an associate
professor and director of
choral activities at DSU.
Mallory also directs the
University’s Concert Choir
and choral ensemble.
Mallory most recently
served as the interim choral director at Clark
Atlanta University and also assisted with special
projects and performances at the Duke Ellington
School for the Arts in Washington, D.C. He was the
associate pastor for worship and music at Sligo
Church in Takoma Park, Md., from 2006-2010
and an associate professor of music at Oakwood
University in Huntsville, Ala., from 1996-2006.
 Accomplishments
Dr. Sheridan Quarles Kingsberry
Delaware Chapter of the National
Association of Social Workers president
Dr. Sheridan Quarles
Kingsberry, a DSU faculty
member since 2003, has
been elected as the president
of the Delaware Chapter of
the National Association of
Social Workers. Kingsberry,
who teaches primarily at
the University’s Wilmington site, will lead a state
chapter of about 400 members.
longevity anniversaries, Vice President Choice
Awards and the President Inspire Excellence
Award were presented to the following:
 Honors
Dr. Joe Amoako
Dr. Joe Amoako, an associate professor of
English and Foreign Languages, has authored
DSU held its annual Employee Recognition
Ceremony and Dinner in September. In addition
to honoring employees who had reached specific
Dr. Daniel E. Coons and student Willie Gonzalez
Division of Institutional Advancement
• Carlos Holmes — director of News Services
College of Math, Natural Sciences & Technology
Inspire Excellence Award Winner
• Henrietta Savage — budget analyst/assistant
to the vice president and chief of staff. Savage
also received a Vice President Choice Award in the
Division of Institutional Advancement.
• Vanessa Nesbit — senior management and
budget analyst for the college
• Nicholas Quigley — machinist, Department of
Chemistry
Dr. DANIEL E. COONS
Vice President Choice Award Winners
Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame inductee
Division of Academic Affairs
• Lisa Dunning — director, College of Business
Advisement Center
• Candace Moore — director, International
Affairs Office
Division of Finance and Administration
Inspire Excellence Award and
Vice President Choice Awards
author, “Ghanaian Pidgin English”
President Harry Williams and Henrietta Savage
• Debbie Roussell — administrative assistant,
Finance and Administration
• Corrin Young — data entry technician
Division of Student Affairs
• Jordin Williams — associate director,
Department of Wellness and Recreation
• Keith Coleman — director, Residence Life
The Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame honored
Dr. Daniel E. Coons, the founder of DSU’s Aviation
Program, as part of its 2011 induction class.
Coons was the founding director of the thenAirway Science Program from 1987 to 1992. After
leaving DSU to do consultant work, he returned to
serve as the special assistant for aviation to the
provost from 1995-2005. Since his 2005 retirement,
Coons has continued to volunteer his time with the
program. Coons’ creative proposals resulted in the
University’s acquisition of 10 aircraft, making DSU
the only Historically Black College or University in
the country that owns and maintains its own fleet.
In addition, the Hall of Fame also honored
sophomore aviation major Willie Gonzalez with its
2011 Youth Achievement Award.
Experts
 10 tips to avoid holiday weight gain
1
Dr. Lloyd Benjamin Mallory Jr.
Ghanaian Pidgin English —
Diachronic, Synchronic and
Sociolinguistic Perspectives,
which deals with the
bridging of traditional African
languages with English in
the West African country of
Ghana.
The book studies this particular language
phenomena in the context of social and structure
definitions of “pidgin,” which deals with both the
need to bridge two or more languages and the
resulting reduced linguistic structure that serves
as a means to communicate among people who
don’t have a common language.
In his book, Amoako — a native of Ghana and
a 13-year associate professor at DSU — explores
the definitions of pidgin and creole and why
Ghanaian variation is of the pidgin variety.
Don’t feel obligated
to accept every holiday
invitation — be selective.
2
— Marianne Carter, MS, RD, Delaware Center for Health Promotion
Stay on a regular meal
schedule — skipping meals
usually results in overeating
later.
3
At parties, enjoy the
food in moderation; focus on
being social away from the
buffet table.
4
Arrive at a holiday party
with a ‘guilt-free’ contribution,
such as a festive fruit tray —
your host will appreciate it!
5
Be choosy when
confronted with an array
of buffet foods. Limit your
choices to seasonal favorites.
6
If you’re hosting an
event, send the leftovers
home with guests to avoid
a fridge full of temptation.
7
Alcoholic beverages are
high in calories; alternate
with lower-calorie tomato
juice, seltzer and water.
8
If you tend to oversample homemade cookies,
try a different gift such as
jam or flavored vinegars.
9
Stay active to help
relieve stress. Walk off
extra calories and enjoy the
neighborhood decorations.
10
If you receive too
many food gifts, consider
donating some to a shelter,
fire station or nursing home.
The Echo
17
Alumni spotlight
From landscaper to executive,
with a path through DSU
Kenneth Parker ’90 has spent more than
two decades climbing a utility’s career ladder
#
After the deaths of
his parents, Kenneth
Parker and several
of his siblings were
raised by their sister,
Patricia Parker, after
she graduated from
college and purchased
a home. “My sister
(Patricia) could have
said ‘they have got
their placement in a
foster home,’ and have
washed her hands of
the situation and gone on with her life,” Parker said.
“But she didn’t do that.”
“Iwhatever
was taught by my sister,
job you have,
be blessed that you have
it. And if you do it well,
that will serve you a long
way without even looking
what the next move is.
Kenneth Parker
“
K
enneth Parker’s story does not follow the
conventional DSU alumni path to success.
But then again, neither does his life story.
After his junior year at then-Delaware State
College in the summer of 1984, Parker decided to take a
landscaping job for Atlantic Electric in New Jersey during
the summer break.
Against the wishes of probably everyone who was rooting
for him to become the first male in his family to earn a
college degree, Parker sensed an opportunity and decided
to put his degree pursuit on hold and cast his future with
Atlantic Electric.
Somehow he just knew where hard work would get him.
His work ethic and diligence fluidly moved him up
his career ladder — even while the company changed
corporate hands — through a progressive level of posts,
and by 2003 he became the regional vice president of
Pepco Holdings Inc.’s Atlantic Region. He had gone from
tending to landscapes to managing stockholder relations
with government, community, consumers and nonprofit
stakeholders.
Sounds like his expertise went exponentially beyond his
adept handling of a weed eater.
Oh, yes ... and in the meantime, Parker also returned to
DSC during that corporate climb and finished his Bachelor
of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 1990.
From that point on, his meteoric rise continued. From
2005-2009 he was president of Pepco’s Atlantic City’s
Electric Region. He has since moved out into the bigger
national realm of the corporation and now occupies an
executive office in a Washington, D.C. skyscraper, where he
serves as Pepco’s vice president of Public Policy.
“I have been asked ‘what is the formula to your success?’”
Parker said. “I was taught by my sister, whatever job you
have, be blessed that you have it. And if you do it well, that
will serve you a long way without even looking what the
next move is.”
The Echo
19
Alumni highlights
q&a
Family life
Parker’s story cannot be told without
mentioning his sister, Patricia Ann Parker,
the oldest of 10 siblings. Without her
intervention in his circumstances, his life
may very well have turned out not to be so
successful.
By the time Ken was 2, his mother had
passed away and his father had abandoned
the family and was soon after killed in a
barroom brawl in Florida.
While a few of Ken’s siblings were already
adults and on their own, the rest of the
Parker children were parceled out to foster
homes. This was not an acceptable situation
for Patricia, who was attending Glassboro
University. Initially, however, there was little
she could do, except stay connected with her
younger siblings as best as she could.
Even after she graduated with a degree
in elementary education, New Jersey
guardianship laws would not permit her to
reunite the siblings as one family, because
she didn’t own a home. But eventually she
was able to purchase a home in Winslow
Township, N.J., where she brought her
siblings under one roof as their guardian and
finished raising them.
“My sister (Patricia) could have said ‘they
have got their placement in a foster home,’
and have washed her hands of the situation
and gone on with her life,” Parker said. “But
she didn’t do that.”
Raised during the rest of his youth in
a home bonded by the love of his bloodfamily, Ken and his siblings finished their
regular schooling in Winslow. Along the way,
a fellow who dated Patricia and also worked
at Atlantic City Electric told Ken stories that
he heard from friends about Delaware State
College.
“He had never set foot on Del State’s
campus, but he was like a promoter of the
school,” Parker said. “And guess where I
wound up?”
Despite the interruption after his junior
year that would send him on to his career
in the utility industry, Parker said he still
credits Delaware State as being a factor in his
success story.
“My experience at DSU reinforced and
instilled in me the importance of education,
continuous learning and thinking out of
the box,” Parker said. “The DSU school
environment also helped me build selfconfidence and enhanced self-esteem.”

Kelle’
(Alston)
Avent ’06
Kenneth Parker, right, is shown in a family photo with four siblings, from left, Larry, Patricia, Tina and Denise.
“My experience at DSU reinforced
and instilled in me the importance
of education, continuous learning
and thinking out of the box. The
DSU school environment also
helped me build self-confidence
and enhanced self-esteem.”
Kenneth Parker

Although he left school to take a job as a
landscaper, he soon proved to the company
that his potential went far beyond that first
job. Parker, 49, said his attitude about his
work — regardless of the position — has
been what has propelled him.
He notes that now that he is at the
executive level, hard work must come with
planning, mentorship and prayer. “And you
have got to have faith, because everyone
playing at this level is not playing fair.”
Patricia Parker, his sister and the real
matriarch of the family, said she was
disappointed when he left school, but was
later elated when he returned to Delaware
State College in 1990 to complete his degree.
She added that although his Bachelor of
Science was in Early Childhood Education,
that degree has still served him well.
“That degree is the foundation for what
he is doing,” said Ms. Parker, a retired 30year educator. “People have so many reasons
to exclude you, but that degree got him
included (in the executive promotions he
has experienced).”
Giving back
She added that his education degree
also benefited him during the years he was
a member of the Winslow Township (N.J.)
Board of Education and later the New Jersey
Board of Education.
He has gone on to serve on numerous
other state boards and community service
endeavors, such as stints as chair of the
Southern New Jersey American Heart Walk,
co-chair of the N.J. Economic Growth
Council, board member of the Ronald
McDonald House of Southern New Jersey,
Leadership New Jersey, the N.J. State
Chamber of Commerce and many other
volunteer pursuits.
He credits his alma mater for teaching
him the importance of giving back.
“Delaware State College emphasized the
importance of giving back to the community
individually and collectively,” Parker said.
Along the way there have been many
awards: the AFL-CIO Business Man of
the Year, the state Chamber of Commerce
Distinguished Service Award, the Winslow
Board of Education Outstanding Service
Award and the National Association of
Women Business Owner’s Community
Advocate Award, among others.
Parker resides in Maryland with his wife,
Sheri, and their two children, Ken Jr., 16,
and Lauren, 12.
Where I live:
Maryland, Los Angeles
What I’ve done since leaving DSU:
Radio
• WJKS, Kiss FM Afternoon Drive host
• WFAI, Faith 1510
• Heaven 600, Baltimore, assistant morning show
producer
• KIIS, Los Angeles, assistant show producer,
Ryan Seacrest
Television
Guest on the Tyra Banks Show, Greg Behrendt Show and
SOB Show hosted by DL Hughley on the BET Network
Stageplays
Writer, director, producer, principal, featured actress for
productions throughout the East and West coasts.
Voice
• Amp’d Mobile voiceovers
• PSA on hypertension awareness syndicated
internationally
Degree from DSU:
Mass Communications/
Concentration: Radio
production; Minor: Marketing
What is your current job?
CEO of Maranatha
Movement LLC, which offers
inspirational clothing, plays,
books and films. Aside from
being the owner alongside
her husband, Avent is
also a designer, writer
and producer. Maranatha
Movement is currently
producing a national stage
play written by Avent.
CEO of Sashe’ Crochet,
which offers handmade
crocheted clothing and
accessories.
How did your DSU education help you
meet your goals?
Because DSU is such an intimate place of higher learning,
it allowed me to experience “hands on” many areas
which peaked my interest. Therefore, it enhanced my
preparation for the actual world of communications and
entertainment.
What advice would you have for students
looking to get into your field?
Students who are interested in working in the field
of entertainment including radio, TV, film and fashion
should foremost establish their niche. You must know
exactly where you fit best; otherwise, you’ll become
overwhelmed. ... Secondly, learn to seize the moment
regardless of how great or small you deem the
opportunity. Doors to your success may not come as
expected; therefore, embracing even the smallest of
opportunities is valuable. Once you have established
your niche, research EVERY aspect and become fully
knowledgeable. Never cease your role as a student.
Thirdly ... establish relationships and gain mentorships
with those who are successful in that which you aspire to
embrace. Finally, remember any worthy accomplishment
began as a trial first; never forsake your small beginnings,
pay it forward and REFUSE to give up!
Can you tell us a little about your work writing,
directing and producing plays?
Recently I produced alongside my wonderful husband,
Carlos, “The Big Payback” stage play starring Charnele
Brown (Kim Reese, “A Different World”), Eunice Wright
and Donald Ashley, national recording artists. This play
also featured DSU alumna Sherrita Merricks and students
Serenity Edwards and Francis Washington. It is about a
family who believes they’ve stumbled upon the ticket
to their financial success; however, family issues of
bitterness, jealousy and unforgiveness are a stumbling
block to this family’s miracle. ... The production debuted
in Delaware in October and is planning to tour nationally
throughout 2012.
Professional affiliations:
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, National
Association of Black Journalists
How were you involved on campus as a student?
WDSU program director, station manager, resident advisor,
DSU Gospel Choir, First Year Response Program, peer
counselor, student worker (Admissions/Small Business
Association)
What is your favorite DSU memory?
Far too many to choose! Let’s just say good, indifferent,
they are all my favs, especially those including my sisters/
brothers (friends), roommates and sorors!
You could be featured next
Do you have an interesting career, endeavor or undertaking? Share your story with us
at alumni@desu.edu to be considered for a future Q&A profile.
The Echo
21
Alumni highlights
Melanie Haynes ’06:
ALUMNUS ADDRESSES
CAMPUS COMMUNITY
AT CONVOCATION
After mother’s
F
Paul A. Brathwaite, Esq., ’91, returned to his alma mater to serve as the keynote

speaker at September’s Convocation. With a wealth of experience in Congress and two Cabinet
departments, Brathwaite provides strategic counsel to clients of Podesta Group in Washington,
D.C., on transportation and labor issues. A valued member of the firm’s senior leadership team,
he also advises clients on health care, education and financial services policy matters as well as
outreach to Democratic leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus. Brathwaite holds a Juris
Doctor and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree from
Delaware State University.
Class of 2011 gift drive raises monies for books
Under the leadership of class President Tiffany L. Harris, the Class of 2011 contributed

$3,457.90 to the DSU Foundation, Inc. The funds benefit scholarships for students classified as
seniors. Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must apply online. Awards will be
made in accordance to deadlines established by the University and will be issued until exhausted.
The class raised the money through individual contributions and class fundraisers.
M a r c h
3 1 ,
2 0 1 2
illness, Miss Essence title holder changes focus
or DSU alumna Melanie Haynes,
’06, she just had to compete in the
Miss Essence Pageant. Her mother
wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Yet, it was a very hard thing for her
to do.
Two days before the Oct. 9, 2010,
Delaware Miss Essence Pageant, her
mother, Frances L. Haynes, lost her fierce
fight against breast cancer. Despite the
fact that her mother was a driving force
in Haynes’ development as a model and a
pageant contestant, pressing on in the state
competition was tough.
“I didn’t decide to go ahead and compete
until the day of the pageant,” Haynes said.
“Later during the state pageant interview, I
broke down; it was one of those moments.”
That emotional moment notwithstanding,
Haynes not only won the Delaware Miss
Essence Pageant, but she also went on to
win the 2011 Miss North America Essence
Pageant held in late June in Kansas City, Mo.
Although it should not be confused with
Essence magazine, the pageant — founded
by Drakeford Productions LLC — was
originally planned to be in association with
the magazine’s 2005 Essence Music Festival
in New Orleans, La. However Hurricane
Katrina wrecked those plans, forcing the
cancellation of the concert. After that,
Drakeford and the magazine never renewed
its effort to collaborate.
Nevertheless, Drakeford Productions
pressed on and held its first national
Essence Pageant in 2007. The Essence
Pageant prides itself on “Celebrating the
Essence of Today’s Modern Woman” and
differentiates itself from other pageants
by accepting contestants who are single
mothers, divorced or over the age of 27.
Haynes, a 29-year-old DSU Fashion
Merchandising graduate, said both the state
and North American Miss Essence pageants
involved the competition categories of
swimwear, evening gown, community
service and the finalist question.
Melanie Haynes and her mother, Frances
Competing against 22 contestants in
the Delaware Pageant and against 45 state
winners in the North American Pageant,
Haynes said that in light of her mother
passing away two days earlier, the finalist
question in the state contest provided a
most poignant moment when she was
asked: What was the toughest thing you had
to endure throughout the year?
“My mother and I look just alike, she
was my best friend; I saw her take her last
breath,” Haynes said. “But I made it through
the question.”
She credits her mother with encouraging
her to model and enter pageants as a youth.
In her last months, Frances Haynes got to
see her daughter prepare for the pageant.
“She saw me in my dresses and she was
so excited,” Haynes said. “So in the end it
was like, you can’t let your mom down; you
need to do this.”
She fondly recalls Dr. Jane Funderburk,
who was chair of the DSU Department
of Family and Consumer Science (now
the Department of Human Ecology) until
she succumbed to cancer in 2005. “She
took me under her wing and really was
an inspiration,” she said. “I knew she had
cancer; the symptoms she showed were the
same that my mother had. Dr. Funderburk
kept me grounded.”
As the 2011 Miss North American
Essence, Haynes is now fulfilling her
responsibilities in that capacity, doing
appearances for organizations, mentoring
young people and raising money for worthy
causes, especially cancer research. She has
received letters from First Lady Michelle
Obama and Vice President Joe Biden
congratulating her for winning the title and
commending her on the positive things she
is doing as Miss Essence.
All that she has gone through with
her mother over the last few years has
also changed her career plans. She has
returned to school, this time at Wilmington
University, where she is pursing a second
bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science,
and plans to follow that up with graduate
school in that area. She wants to become
a therapist who works with children and
adults, as well as counsel families affected
by post-traumatic stress disorder. Her father,
Alfred Haynes, a Vietnam veteran, suffered
from PTSD.
Her message to young people: “If
you work hard and dream big, you can
accomplish anything you set your mind
to,” Haynes says. “Every day I wake
up, that is another day for me to
make someone’s life better.”
 Story by
Carlos Holmes
Alumna
Melanie
Haynes was
crowned
Delaware Miss
Essence in fall
2010 and went on
to win the 2011 Miss
North America Essence
Pageant last summer.
“Every day I wake up,
that is another day for
me to make someone’s
life better.”
Melanie Haynes
Alumni highlights
José Echeverrí ’04:
Southern Regional Retreat
Alumnus, DSU trustee chairs
state college savings plan
D
elaware State University alumnus
and Board of Trustees member José F.
Echeverrí knows the value of higher
education and the financial challenges
it presents for parents who want to
send their children to college.
Echeverrí therefore cherishes the work he
does as chair of the Board of Trustees of the
Delaware College Investment Plan.
“I love education and the empowerment
issue, and I know that coming up with the
funding to get kids in college and keep them
enrolled is tough,” Echeverrí said. “Here is an
opportunity to begin saving for college early
in a child’s life by putting away $50 to $200 a
month toward college education.”
Created by enacted federal legislation,
Delaware College Investment Plan (DCIP) is
the First State version of the plan — known
nationwide as the 529 College Savings
Plan — that is found in every state and the
District of Columbia. Then-State Treasurer
Jack Markell actually first publicly introduced
the establishment of the plan in Delaware in
an event at DSU in 2007. When he became
governor of Delaware, Markell appointed
Echeverrí as board chair of the DCIP in 2008.
Echeverrí said whether it is the DCIP
offered in the First State or a similar plan in
any other state, it has several advantages:
The plan allows all savings interest to be
tax-deferred. When it is utilized for college
education, the plan’s funds that are used are
tax-free (federal and state).
Parents who establish the college savings
account can change the beneficiary. If a child
for whom the savings plan was earmarked
does not go to college, it can be redirected to
another family member — and even used for
the parent’s education if he or she decides to
pursue a college education.
The college savings fund has tremendous
diversification possibilities — from the
most conservative to the most volatile.
Parents who desire to start such an account
should be guided by an established financial
representative to help navigate them through
the various types of funds
and the risks that are
involved.
Delaware has contracted
Fidelity to serve as the
money manager of the
DCIP, which administers
to more than 24,000
Jose Echeverrí
individual accounts with
total assets approaching
$500 million, according to Echeverrí.
“As public and private funding for higher
education has dropped significantly, the burden
for paying is growing more and more on the
ability to get personal financing,” Echeverrí
said. “(As the DCIP chair) I feel it is my
responsibility to the board and to the citizens
of Delaware to make sure that the investments
of the DCIP are performing well, that the costs
are reasonable and fair, and that the portfolio is
well-diversified to minimize risk.”
It appears that the DCIP is in good hands.
Echeverrí has worked as a financial advisor
for more than two decades for some of the
best financial firms in the country, including
Dean Witter, Merrill Lynch and Legg Mason.
He is currently the president and founder of
his own investment management firm, SWAN
Financial Group, which he has operated in
Dover since 2001. Prior to that, Echeverrí was
the president/owner and founder of Echeverrí
Financial Service.
Echeverrí is a 23-year retiree of the U.S. Air
Force and the Delaware Air National Guard
who saw active duty in both Operation Desert
Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He retired
as a captain.
He has been a member of the DSU Board
of Trustees since 2005 and currently serves
as the chair of its Audit and Student Affairs
committees, as well as a member of its
Executive Committee. In 2008, he became
the first DSU board member to earn a degree
at DSU while serving as a trustee when he
completed his MBA degree.
DSUAA hosts
Legacy golf outing
The Delaware State University Alumni
Association’s fourth annual Legacy
Scholarship Golf Outing took place in
October, with 29 golfers playing for the
coveted first place trophy for their flight.
Delaware State Treasurer Chipman L.
Flowers, Esq., the tournament’s honorary
chairman, performed the ceremonial
first tee shot to start play. During the golf
luncheon, Dr. K. Bernard Chase, alumni
association president, was presented
with a proclamation from Dr. Lillian M.
Lowery, Delaware secretary of education,
honoring the DSUAA Alumni Endowed
Legacy Scholarship fund.
The following were trophy winners:
From left, chapter members
Armetris Howard, Jayne
Alexander, Albert Weal, David
Redden and Frankie Manley
join President Harry L. Williams,
center, at the Southern Regional
Retreat hosted by the Delaware
State University Alumni
Association Greater Hampton
Roads Alumni Chapter in
Virginia Beach, Va., in July.
New Castle County Summer Send-off
Men’s Flight “A”
First, Robert Johnson; second,
Scott Thorton; third, Dr. Michael Casson
Men’s Flight “B”
First, Walter Macklin; second,
Derek Carter; third, Bobby Lima
Women’s Flight
First, Melissa Roche
2011 Best Golf Chapter of the Year
New Castle County Chapter
Walter Macklin, Pennington Hebron
1
2
3
Longest Drive Winner. Scott Thorton
The DSUAA’s New Castle County Alumni Chapter
hosted its third annual Summer Send-Off in August
in Wilmington.
Remember to save the date for next
year’s event, planned for Friday, October
20, 2012.
1. Alumna Cheryl Burris Dale ’82, left, and daughter
Melody Dale, now a DSU freshman, were among
those in attendance.
Closest to the Pin Winner. Ronald Pinkett
2. Celesta Sosa, left, and her son were pleased to
be at the Send-off.
From left are James Bonds, state Treasurer
Chip L. Flowers and Robert Johnson.
3. Jerome Pinkett ’61, center, talks with Athletics
Director Derek Carter and football Coach Kermit
Blount. President Harry L. Williams also attended.
4
4. Parents, students and alumni mixed at the
event, including Deidre Ottley ’90, center, and
Major T. Hairston ’63, far right.
The Echo
25
Alumni highlights
One Hornet Nation
Philadelphia Alumni Chapter Cookout
Fan Tent at Route 1 Rivalry game vs. University of Delaware
2
1
The Delaware State University Alumni Association Philadelphia Chapter held a cookout in August at FDR Park.
1. Alumna Marlene Lawson, center, ’80, spends time with friends at the event.
2. From left, Michael Dawson, Walter Macklin ’74 and Deidre Ottley ’90, DSUAA immediate past president, chat at the cookout, where President Harry L. Williams,
football Coach Kermit Blount and Athletics Director Derek Carter also made an appearance.
1
2
DSUAA Alumni Retreat
3
1
4
2
1. The Delaware State University Alumni
Association held an Alumni Retreat on campus
in August. Returning for the event were sisters
Martha and Veronica Hopkins and Janice Williams.
1. Hornet fans came together for fellowship at the
Fan Tent created by Institutional Advancement
before September’s football game versus the
University of Delaware. Barbara Flowers, Isa Al-Muid
and Audrey Chase were among those who took part.
2. Alums Mary and Frank Marshall
participated in the retreat
2. President Harry W. Williams and Gov. Jack
Markell talk before the game.
3. Alumna Esthelda Parker-Selby also
took time out for the event on campus.
5
6
4. Drs. Berlin ’67 and Reba ’49 Hollingsworth
were part of the day’s activities.
4. DSU Alumni Association President Dr. K. Bernard
Chase shows his spirit.
3
SAVE
the
dates
“HBCU Old School Cabaret — Philly Style”
• Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. at
St. Raymond’s Catholic Church, 1350 E. Vernon Road in
Philadelphia, hosted by the Philadelphia Chapter of the DSU Alumni Association along with alumni of Jackson State and Shaw universities. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Contact Al Outlaw at 215.877.6055.
3. Katrina Cook Smith, Connie Hall and Mary
Marshall enjoy some pre-game refreshments.
5. DSU Facilities staff and a Hornet friend, from left,
Molly Brown, Ben Turner, Carol Bynum, Earl Wilson
and Mark Brittingham, a friend of Wilson’s, join in
the fun.
4
Alumni Day — DSU vs. Norfolk State basketball games
• Saturday, February 4, 2012; women at 5 p.m. and men at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8, a discounted price for alums with a
valid 2011-12 DSUAA membership card and applicable to onsite purchases only. Ticket buyers must present their card at
the ticket windows at the time of purchase. For general ticket
or schedule info, visit DSUHornets.com or call 302-857-TIXX.
6. Calvin Jones and Rose Caison Austin stepped
out to support the Hornets.
7. Students also gathered with faculty, staff, alumni
and friends in the Fan Tent.
7
8
8. Shakima Yarbray, Terry Coleman and Virginia
Carson showed their DSU pride.
The Echo
27
Homecoming 2011
Despite the rain,
still a weekend
for ‘Good Times’
3
1
2
4
1. Cynthia Alvin ’68 shares a smile with former band director H. Wade
Johnson at the Delaware State University Alumni Association Alumni
Homecoming Gala.
2 and 3. Under rain ponchos, members of the cheerleading team and
Approaching Storm Marching Band tried to keep school spirit high during
the Homecoming football game vs. Morgan State.
4. Four former DSU football coaches reunited during Homecoming
weekend. From left are Jimmie Strong, a former offensive coach; Arnold
Jeter, a former head coach; Rufus Simmons, a defensive coach; and
Donald Blakey, a football scout.
5. At the President’s Pre-Game Reception, Provost and Vice President for
Academic Affairs Alton Thompson, left, along with 2011-12 Miss and Mr.
DSU Erika K. Grant and Justin C. Caesar, show off the former Delaware
State College motto that will be revived via a monument on campus.
6. Members of the 1956 Hornets football team returned to campus for
Homecoming. Seated, from left, are Walter “Rock” Greene and Jerome
Pinkett. Standing, with U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, from left, are William Murray,
Emmitt “Frank” Pharr, Frank Liston, Clarence Williams and Howard West.
7. BJ Cunningham, left, and Dylan Wiggins attended the gala.
8. From left, John Rush Jr. ’68, his wife, Linda Rush Jr., Geraldine RushAnderson ’71, and John Henry Anderson ’69, also stepped out for the gala.
9. Class of 1965 members, from left, are Maurice Pritchett, Don Wright,
J. Cagney France, Basil Gilfillian and Dr. Martin Drew. Seated: James
Hogsten, Evalynn Brunswick, Delores Harris, Carolyn Hebsgaard, Tina
Strong and Jimmie Strong. The class held a meeting relative to its 50th
Anniversary Reunion gift drive in which it has pledged to raise a minimum
of $100,000 by 2015.
6
5
8
9
7
How do you stay in touch with DSU?
‘Like’ us: DESUedu
FACEBOOK
VOLUNTEERING
www.facebook.com/DESUedu
On our Facebook page, get regular updates on Delaware State University news; faculty, student and alumni accomplishments; campus events; and important
dates and announcements. In our discussion posts, like the one below, join a conversation or share a memory:
Delaware State University
Alums: When you think back to your days on campus, what do you miss
most about DSU? Share your thoughts, and they could be included in an
upcoming issue of The Echo!
The friends I made there
(I wish I was connected to
more of them). And.....my
only responsibility being
classwork and being
ready for football. Being
able to sleep in at least
one day a week during the
week. Of course I did not
appreciate that then.
TWITTER | @DelStateUniv
www.twitter.com/DelStateUniv
Like your DSU updates in shorter bits, or you’re not on
Facebook? Check us out on Twitter. If you’re planning to
attend an event on campus, use a DSU-related hashtag
— look for them on posters, ads and programs — to
join the conversation with others Tweeting about us.
YOU TUBE | DelawareStateU
www.youtube.com/DelawareStateU
2011-12 Mr. DSU Justin Caesar, left, and
Miss DSU Ericka Grant join alumnus William
Torian ’77 to help during Move-In Day.
Bernard Carr ’77 and Donnell Carr joined alumni
and student volunteers to help new students move
onto campus in August.
Catch up on campus videos at our YouTube page.
Charles C. Primas
First of all, it was DSC ... but, I miss driving in down the main
street, which is covered over with cement now ... we used
to hang out there on a bench and watch people drive through
campus and head for the circle...
Stephan Stockton
It’s fun to serve your alma mater
I miss the East Coast vibe.
Coming all the way from
Cali and not knowing
anyone and meeting many
interesting and great
people was a wonderful
experience. Being at DSU
was like having family
away from my own. I miss
attending the games and
many other events DSU
had to offer. It’s necessary
for me to come back to
DSU one day for a visit.
Alumna Waynne Paskins ’69 stands ready to
assist at her station at Conwell Hall.
CAREER SERVICES
Terri Robinson
IN THE LOOP & DSUPDATE
Laws Hall!!! And
the step shows
Lauren JonesDeshong
I just missed how much
people grow up in college.
I miss going to class and
my classmates. I still keep
in contact with a couple of
college friends.
I miss the sweating walls in the gym on
back to back Friday & Saturday nights
and then walking in the brisk early 2
am morning air back to the dorm! Ahhh,
those were the days and not to mention
the self-prepared waffles at the Caf!
I really enjoyed the
canteen. I would go there
every Monday, Wednesday
and Friday before my
AP class in the old
Science Center.
Deanna Conquest
Dr. Marquea D King ’97
Tracy Matthews
Become a DSU volunteer by joining the
Alumni Connection Team (ACT). Serve as hosts/
hostesses for events on campus. Represent your
alma mater at career fairs. Serve as a speaker
or panelist for special programs and events. Your
presence and participation are needed!
Fill out the form found on the Alumni
Relations Web page: DESU.edu/act or call
302.857.6050. Get in the ACT!
If you’re an alum and prefer email, it’s easy to stay
“In the Loop” about what’s going on at your alma mater.
Our alumni newsletter features updates about campus
and Delaware State University Alumni Association
events, as well as ways to give back to DSU. Sign up for
the news-focused DSUpdate, too, and your “Loop” will
be complete. Visit www.desu.edu/emailme to join our
newsletter email lists.
Career Services is available to partner with alumni who continue to seek employment, move
through their careers or go through the process of re-inventing themselves.
The department offers a variety of professional development services that include resume
reviews, mock interview sessions, career coaching and job search assistance. Many of these
services can be done through online resources that are available at www.desu.edu/careerservices-online-resources.
Alumni who are local can contact the office at 302.857.6120 to schedule a time to come in
for an appointment. Others can email a service request to careerplanning@desu.edu for remote
assistance. A full list of what Career Services has to offer can be found at www.desu.edu/
student-services.
How alumni can help
The department is always looking to identify alumni who are seeking students for internship
or employment opportunities. Employers are requiring students who graduate to have at least
two relevant work experiences through internships prior to graduation, so the more avenues
that can be offered to DSU students, the better. The department can work with internship
providers to establish work for credit options if providing paid internships is not an option.
The department is always looking for alumni to volunteer to assist with workshop
presentations such as resume reviews, interviewing skills or mock interviews, professional
dress, panels or discussion groups to help prepare collegians for the professional world.
The Echo
31
Giving to DSU
 Family creates
$10,000 W. DeEdwin Hursey
Scholarship Endowment
The family of W. DeEdwin Hursey, a former SGA
president from the Class of 1967, has established a
scholarship endowment in his memory.
Joined by friends from the Class of 1967, the
family presented DSU President Harry L. Williams a
$10,000 check to establish the W. DeEdwin Hursey
Endowed Memorial Scholarship.
Characterized as a “dedicated and loyal son of
DSU,” Mr. Hursey — known as “De” — provided
creative leadership and impetus for a project called
the “One Hundred by One Hundred Alumni and
Friends Twilight March” in the mid-1990s. During
an eight-year period, the project raised more than
$40,000 to go toward University programs.
From left are Lorene Robinson, DSU director of Alumni Relations; Carole Hursey Laster; Theodore F. Laws;
DSU President Harry L. Williams; Reginald Laster; Kyra Laster; Dr. J. Scott King, Madison Laster and Iris
Taylor-Smith.
A proud native of Bridgeton, N.J., Hursey
passed away suddenly in 2004. In his postundergraduate years, Hursey remained connected
to DSU and his classmates, celebrating the lifetime
bonds that he felt could only be achieved at an
HBCU. He was also a proud member of the Omega
Psi Phi Fraternity.
Carole Hursey Laster, DeEdwin’s sister, was
joined in the visit by her son, who is also a DSU
alumnus, Reginald Laster ’92; her granddaughters
and grandnieces of DeEdwin, Madison and Kyra
Laster; and his classmates and close friends, Iris Taylor-Smith, Dr. J. Scott King and Theodore F. Laws Jr.
The W. DeEdwin Hursey Endowed Memorial
Scholarship is for full-time DSU students from
Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and
Salem counties in southern New Jersey. Students
must possess a GPA of 2.5 or better and be
involved in at least one extracurricular campus
activity that promotes goodwill and student
excellence.
 Bancroft Construction Company
makes student scholarship donation
A $500,000 grant and $500,000 matching gift challenge from the Longwood Foundation is designed to support student scholarships and positively influence
the student retention rate.
DSU receives $500,000 Longwood grant
and 2-to-1 matching gift challenge
D
elaware State University has
received a $500,000 grant from the
Longwood Foundation designed to
support student scholarships and
positively influence the overall retention rate
of the student body.
The funds will provide scholarship
support for a large number of DSU students
in their path toward becoming DSU
graduates.
The investment by the Longwood
Foundation will be monitored to verify
that a multi-pronged approach, including
financial, academic and social supports,
can positively impact DSU’s retention and
graduation rates.
In addition to the initial $500,000 grant,
the Longwood Foundation also awarded
DSU a $500,000 matching gift challenge
grant to be used for the same project.
This matching gift challenge grant is
a 2-to-1 match for funds that the DSU
Foundation raises through spring 2012.
The University will need to raise $1 million
in order to fully benefit from the challenge
grant, thus receiving a total of $1 million
award from the Longwood Foundation.
The proposal submitted to the
Longwood Foundation by the Office of
Development team in fall 2010 aimed
to address challenging issues facing
the University regarding the retention
of promising DSU students who face
financial difficulties in being able to
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
 The Longwood Foundation awarded DSU
an initial $500,000 grant, and the University
also received a $500,000 matching gift
challenge grant that is a 2-to-1 match for
funds that the DSU Foundation raises through
spring 2012. The University will need to raise
$1 million in order to fully benefit from the
challenge grant, thus receiving a total of $1
million award from the Longwood Foundation.
securely complete their education. While
the Longwood Foundation typically funds
capital projects, the proposal was received
with enthusiasm and awarded in early
spring 2011.
The Rev. Dr. Lonnie Rector, president of the United Baptist Convention of Delaware Inc.
and pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, was the keynote speaker at the first President’s
Prayer Breakfast hosted by President Harry L. Williams.
 President hosts first-ever Prayer Breakfast
A sold-out crowd of 330 University and
community leaders gathered at Delaware State
University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center
in September for the first President’s Prayer
Breakfast — “Stay Connected: It Takes a Village”
hosted by President Harry L. Williams.
A sense of pride for DSU was echoed by
nearly all the guest speakers, and the atmosphere
reverberated with the same sentiment. Guests
enjoyed live music and were able to mingle and
discuss the strides that DSU has made under the
leadership of President Williams.
Michael Leon Miller of United Negro College
Fund expressed his delight with the event and
also noted, “I look forward to continuing our
dialogue and growing relationship.”
The event was created by Institutional
Advancement.
A choir composed of DSU faculty,
staff and students provided
musical selections for the
President’s Prayer Breakfast.
The Bancroft Construction Company recently expressed its
support for Delaware State University by donating $2,000 to go
toward a scholarship for the 2011-2012 school year.
Bancroft’s Greg Sawka, president, and Stephen M. Mockbee,
past president, presented the check to Dr. Alton Thompson, DSU
provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, who accepted the
financial gift on behalf of the University.
The gift is the first installment of an annual scholarship
donation that Bancroft has committed to over the next five
years, which Sawka said is a reflection of Bancroft’s mission and
commitment to the community.
This year’s recipient of the Bancroft Scholarship is Devon Sivels,
a DSU junior aviation major and honor student from Milford, Del.
The Bancroft Company is a Wilmington-based full-service
construction management, general contracting, design-build,
program management and estimating services firm that serves the
Mid-Atlantic region. The company — which has been in existence
for 35 years — specializes in a variety of commercial, institutional
and industrial sector projects.
From left are Bancroft Scholarship recipient and DSU student Devon
Sivels, Bancroft Construction President Greg Sawka, DSU Provost
Alton Thompson and Bancroft Past President Stephen Mockbee.
The Echo
33
Sports previews
MEN’s BASKETBALL
Hornets look to reverse fortunes
T
he Delaware State University men’s
basketball team hopes to erase the
memory of last season in its quest to
return to the upper echelon in the
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The 2010-11
Hornets dropped 12 of their final 13 games,
including the last eight, to post a 9-21 overall
record and were tied for eighth in the MEAC
with a 5-11 mark in league play.
Delaware State head coach Greg Jackson
expects to return seven letter winners in his 12th
season with the Hornets, including four starters
from last year’s squad. The returners include,
arguably, the MEAC’s top point guard, the
reigning league Rookie of the Year and a potential
all-conference power forward.
The Hornets will be led this season by point
guard Jay Threatt (senior; 5’11”; Richmond,
Va.), who ranks in the Top 10 percent among
nearly 4,500 NCAA Division I men’s basketball
players expected to compete in the 2011-12
season. According to the Sabermatrics report
by Concentricsgrasstops.com, Threatt comes in
at No. 372 among 4,472 men’s players likely to
compete at the NCAA’s highest level this season.
During the 2010-11 season, Threatt was tops
in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in assists
(6.0 pg), steals (3.1 pg) and assist-to-turnover
ratio (2.7). Nationally, he was tied for second
among all Division I players in steals, 15th in
assist-to-turnovers and 16th in assists. Threatt,
who averaged 9.7 points per game, also set a
DSU single season record with 179 assists last
season.
In addition, he is on pace to establish new
Delaware State career marks for steals and assists.
Emmanual Davis (1988-90) is the Hornets’
all-time leader (183) for steals, and Miles Davis
(2000-04) tops the school’s career list (390) for
assists.
The Hornets will also return sharp shooter
Casey Walker (sophomore; 6’4”; Broadnax, Va.),
the 2010-11 MEAC Rookie of the Year. Walker
led the Hornets in scoring at 13.4 points per
game as a true freshman last season. In addition,
he was third in the MEAC and tops among
NCAA Division I freshmen in three-pointers
at 2.4 per game (73 total) during the 2010-11
NEW FACES
• Athletic shooting guard Tahj
Tate (6’3”/185; Easley, S.C.) was
recruited by a number of major
colleges before enrolling in prep
school last year. A former top
100 recruit, Tate averaged nearly
28 points per game as a senior
at Wheeler (S.C.) High School.
Senior Jay Threatt ranks in the top 10 percent among
nearly 4,500 NCAA Division I men’s basketball players
expected to compete in the 2011-12 season, according
to a Sabermatrics report by Concentricsgrasstops.com.
HOOPS SCHEDULES
For the Hornet men’s and women’s basketball
season schedules — which began Nov. 12
and continue through early March — visit
www.dsuhornets.com.
campaign. Walker tallied 20 or more points in a
team-high seven contests last season.
Power forward Marques Oliver (junior; 6’7”;
Durham, N.C.) has emerged as one of the
MEAC’s top post players. Oliver led the Hornets
in rebounding (6.4 pg) and was third in scoring
(10.4 ppg) last season. He ranked fourth in the
MEAC in blocks (2.2 pg; 64 total), eighth in field
goal percentage (.481) and 11th in rebounding.
Starting center James Marcellus (senior;
6’8”; Dorchester, Mass.) also returns. Marcellus
averaged 1.5 points and 1.6 rebounds per game,
while shooting .553 from the field (21-for-38)
last season.
• The Hornets also welcome
former Michigan “Mr.
Basketball” runner-up Amere
May (6’3”/180; Covert, Mich.)
to the active roster. A 200910 McDonald’s All-America
nominee, May was a Michigan
All-State and three-time
all-conference selection. He
averaged 35.3 points per game
during his senior season at
Covert High School.
DSU, which finished 334th
out of 335 Division I teams in
rebounding margin in 2010-11
(-9.7 pg), has also added two
6’9” players this season.
• Former Brunswick Community
College standout Michael Coger
(junior; 6’9”/225; Greensboro,
N.C.) averaged 15 points and
three rebounds per game for the
Dolphins in 2010-11.
• Local product Kendall Gray
(freshman; 6’9”/220; Dover)
averaged double figures in
points and rebounds as a senior
at Polytech High School.
• North Carolina high school
standout Abdul Kasim
(6’7”/225; Raleigh, N.C.) and
former Delaware prep star
Tyshawn Bell (sophomore;
6’7”/210; Dover) also join the
Hornets.
13 inducted into DSU
Athletics Hall of Fame
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Armed with ‘potential,’
squad features young roster
Delaware State University’s Athletics Hall
of Fame inducted 12 former athletes and one
administrator into its 2011 class during an
October ceremony. The inductees were:
D
elaware State University’s 2011-12
squad will bear little resemblance to
the team that posted a 9-20 overall
record and a 10th place finish in the
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (5-11 MEAC) last season.
The Lady Hornets return just four players who
saw action during the 2010-11 season, although
two were starters a year ago.
Ed Davis, who is in his 12th year as head
coach, faces the challenge of replacing his top two
scorers, leading rebounder and best three-point
shooter from last season. His initial 2011-12 roster
features five freshmen, two sophomores, two
juniors and zero seniors.
Davis is hoping his team will make up in
quickness and athleticism what it lacks in
experience.
“We will have the youngest squad since I’ve
been at Delaware State,” said Davis, who has
led the Lady Hornets to a 171-159 overall record
in his first 11 years with the team. His tenure at
DSU has been highlighted by the 2008 MEAC
Tournament championship and four other title
game appearances.
“I’m certain we will have our ups and downs
this season, but I like the potential of this team,”
Davis said.
Returners
Topping the list of returning players is point
guard Tasia Bristow (sophomore; 5’5”; Baltimore,
Md.), who was third on the Lady Hornets in scoring
(8.1 ppg) and second in three-point field goals (38)
during the 2010-11 season. Bristow scored a team
season-high 25 points (10-13 FGs) in a victory over
St. Francis (N.Y.) last season.
Versatile Deanna Harmon (sophomore; 5’7”;
Owings Mills, Md.) returns for her second season.
Last year, Harmon was tops on the Lady Hornets in
assists (82) and steals (50), and fourth in scoring
(7.3 ppg). She was seventh in the MEAC in assists
(2.8 pg) and 11th in steals (1.7 pg) as a freshman.
The other returning players are guard Crystal
Pitt (junior; 5’7”; Fort Washington, Md.) and center
Uchechi Ahaiwe (junior; 6’3”; Riverdale, Md.). Pitt
averaged 2.5 points in 27 games (12.1 minutes per
game), while Ahaiwe appeared in 21 contests (4.0
mpg), averaging 0.8 points.
Football
• Jamaal Jackson
Jackson is in his ninth season with the
NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.
• Darnerian McCants
McCants played six seasons in the NFL,
including stints with the Washington Redskins,
Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.
• Terrance Hoover (posthumous)
Hoover is Delaware State’s all-time leader
with 3,517 rushing yards.
Sophomore Deanna Harmon, left, led the Lady
Hornets in assists (82) and steals (50) last season.
New faces
Topping the list of 2011-12 newcomers is
forward Tierra Hawkins (freshman, 6’2”; Clinton,
Md.), a former standout at Washington, D.C., area
power Riverdale Baptist.
Hawkins, who sat out last season, helped lead
Riverdale to two conference championships. She
averaged 13 points and eight rebounds per game
in her final season at the school. Her sister Tianna
plays for the University of Maryland.
The Lady Hornets have bolstered their front line
with the addition of Morgan Woodruff (freshman;
6-2; Bloomington, Ind.). Woodruff was a top 10
Indiana recruit following a successful career at
Bloomington North High School.
Guard/forward Keyanna Tate (freshman;
6’; Beltsville, Md.) was a 2010-11 McDonald’s
All-America nominee at Bowie (Md.) High School
before signing with the Lady Hornets. Tate is a twotime All-District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic
Association First Team selection.
Baltimore (Md.) standout Chelsea Dukes
(freshman; 5’11”) also joins the Lady Hornets.
While at Maryland’s St, Francis Academy, Dukes
helped lead the team to a 23-3 record and No. 1
state ranking (No. 21 nationally) as a senior. She
was an All-Baltimore County First Team selection
during her junior year.
Delaware State also welcomes forward Alexis
Thornton (freshman; 5’9”, El Paso, Texas) to the
squad. Thornton averaged 11 points and nearly
three rebounds per game as a senior at Montwood
High School.
• Chuck Poplos
Poplos was a three-time All-MEAC punter.
• Brian Randall
Randall was a two-time All-America and
All-MEAC defensive back who signed with the
NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs in 1994.
• Lybrant Robinson
Robinson, a defensive lineman, was
a member of the Hornets’ first MEAC
championship team in 1985.
• Walter Tullis
Tullis was a standout defensive back and kick
returner for the Hornets in the mid-1970s.
Track & Field
• Tiffany Barnes
• Douglas Lynes-Bell
• Jessica Gilbert-Wilson
Each competed in the NCAA Track & Field
National Championships during their recordsetting careers at Delaware State.
Basketball
• James Roundtree
Roundtree collected more than 1,000 points
and nearly 850 rebounds from 1971 to 74.
• Mandy Clark
Clark was the MEAC Women’s Basketball
Player of the Year during the 2004 season.
Sports Information
• Maxine Lewis
Lewis was DSU’s first full-time sports
information director.
The Echo
35
History of DSU
William C. Jason, 2nd president:
Tenure marked by financial challenges
I
t is unknown what the Board of
Trustees of the State College for Colored
Students (SCCS) in Dover told William
C. Jason to persuade him to take the
job as the second president of the fledgling
institution.
Whatever led the Methodist minister
to accept the position, it is certain that
he needed every bit of spiritual faith and
strength he had to sustain himself and the
college through the challenges that would
hinder growth of the SCCS throughout his
1895-1923 tenure.
The then-36-year-old native of Trappe,
Md., arrived to head the SCCS with the
academic and spiritual wisdom he had
attained in earning a Bachelor of Divinity
and a Master of Arts, as well as the front
discipline of preaching and ministering to
people at his church assignments in Orange,
N.J.; Wilmington, Del.; and Philadelphia.
His “can-do” attitude that would serve
him well in his presidency appears to have
well-manifested itself during his college
years at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary,
Allegheny College and Drew Theological
Seminary, as family history documents
noted that he worked his way through
school “on clippers and shears” as a barber.
Upon being granted his release from
the Methodist Church, he became the
first Negro president of the institution,
inheriting an almost 100-acre campus that
had a Main College Building that was used
for teaching, cooking, eating and sleeping,
a trades building, a president’s residence
and a horse stable that had formerly been
slaves quarters. The absence of any type
of school system for Negro youths in the
state of Delaware resulted in hardly any
blacks who were academically prepared
to pursue higher education, leading to
a predominately out-of-state enrollment
among the meager student population.
In addition, the “separate but equal”
legal doctrine of the times really meant
“separate and unequal” for the SCCS. The
launching what would be the institution’s
first known fundraising drive. Toward that end, he published the following letter
circa 1900:
William C. Jason
Tenure: 1895-1923
Morrill Act of 1890 — the federal legislation
that facilitated the creation of the SCCS —
provided Delaware with $25,000 annually,
but SCCS received only $8,000 of that
during the first year to establish the College,
and afterwards it would receive relatively
little of that revenue. The College probably
wouldn’t have survived if it weren’t for its
annual federal allocation of $10,000.
But throughout his 28-year tenure —
still the record for DSU presidents — Jason
did what he could about those initial
challenges and others that would come.
While continuing the preparatory school
on campus begun during the Wesley Webb
administration, the SCCS under Jason’s
leadership established a Normal School
in 1897 that would be the beginning of
teachers’ education as part of the legacy
of the institution and a critical source of
teachers for the state of Delaware.
Tackling the issues
Early in his presidency, Jason took
financial matters into his own hands,
This institution receives from the National
Government $10,000 annually. The law making
that appropriation is precise in limiting the uses
to which this money may be applied. It must
be devoted wholly to instruction in Agriculture,
the Mechanic Arts, Domestic Science and the
English Language. Certain subjects necessary
to a common school education are specifically
excluded, such as History, Geography and Civics.
No salaries or executive or administrative officers
can be paid, no land can be bought, no buildings
erected or repaired, with such funds.
Having no other source of revenues, we have
not been able to live strictly within the law. Notice
is now given that we must do so hereafter, or the
appropriation will be withdrawn. With this prospect
our Trustees petitioned the present Legislature for
an annual appropriation from the state of $3,000.
This has been granted and we shall be able to
continue.
Out buildings, however, are utterly inadequate
for the proper performance of the work required.
I have secured permission to try to remedy this
difficulty by bringing the case before any public
spirited citizen who may be disposed to aid us.
The most pressing need is a building for the
teaching of Domestic Science. With the funds
available we could pay a reasonable salary to a
competent teacher; but we have no place for her
to work, and no money to provide such a place. My
plan is to raise for this purpose $5,000 FROM THE
COLORED PEOPLE THEMSELVES. As an incentive,
I am seeking to secure the guarantee of a like
amount from some friend or friends among the
white people upon the condition that we raise our half.
W.C. Jason, Pres.
And with that message he traveled
throughout the state speaking about the
needs of the college. While not reaching the
$5,000 goal, he was able to raise $1,100
that he used to renovate the horse stable/
slave quarters into a chapel. The building
served the dual purpose of religious
service and a place where students could
assemble for other activities. Jason said the
construction of the chapel was “to make
over a place of misery and horror into a
place of rejoicing.”
Year after year he did what had to be
done to keep the SCCS going, but it wasn’t
easy. Some education reports critical of
the College surfaced in the mid-1910s,
provoking unfair criticism of Jason, a
president who never enjoyed more than
inadequate limited resources in operating
the SCCS. He nevertheless continued as
president until he stepped down in 1923, at
which time the College’s Board of Trustees
named him president emeritus.
In light of the inadequate state support,
Jason’s perseverance for 28 years cannot be
overstated. However, despite the challenges
the institution not only survived but also
experienced modest gains in buildings,
enrollment and faculty.
After his SCCS presidency, Jason returned
to his Methodist ministry and was assigned
to poorer rural churches in Delaware and
Maryland. He also served on the Delaware
Methodist Conference’s Board of Trustees.
The Class of 1913 of the State College for Colored Students
William C. Jason’s family
 William C. Jason’s dedication to the State
College for Colored Students was even placed
ahead of his family early in his presidency. For
reasons unknown, after arriving with Jason to the
campus in 1895, his wife Madora Jason chose
to move to Philadelphia while she was pregnant
with their son, Henry. The couple also had three
other children: Mary, William C. Jr. and Madora E.
According to Jason family records, two
highlights of his life were receiving an
honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Wiley
College in Texas and serving in 1929 as the
keynote commencement speaker at Lincoln
University in Jefferson City, Mo.
He would later return to the SCCS in
1936 to assume the role as college chaplain.
He would serve in that capacity until 1941
when failing health forced him to resign. He
lived out the rest of his life in the house he
Saturday, December 10, 2011
THE DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
FOUNDATION WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND
SINCERE APPRECIATION TO OUR SPONSORS
www.desu.edu/presidents-scholarship-ball
It is not known when his wife and children
reunited with him in Dover. But Mr. Jason’s
father, William Jason, a former boyhood slave,
moved into a house he built for him. The house
and the president’s house were located off of
what is now College Road, which was developed
by Jason and others as the College Settlement
where SCCS-related residences were located.
built just beyond the bridge by the College.
Following his passing in 1943, the
Delaware Conference of the Methodist
Church reprinted in its Official Journal an
excerpt of an 1891 sermon he gave:
“Thank God the day is coming when the
Negro standing upon the high platform of
intelligent, Christian piety and useful citizenship
— not as an individual one here and another
one there, but as a race — shall stretch out his
hands to God and say, “I also am a man.”
Class notes
1965
Keep in touch
Carolyn Golden
Hebsgaard received
the Constance Baker
Motley Trailblazer
Award, presented at Yale
University by the New
Haven NAACP for the first
time. The award reads,
“For Your Leadership,
Service and Success Demonstrated Through
Improved Diversity in the Legal Profession.”
Hebsgaard is the executive director of the Lawyers
Collaborative for Diversity serving the state of
Connecticut and is also executive director of the
Boston Lawyers Group.
Maurice Pritchett was recognized by the Board
of Education of the Christina School District on
March 8, 2011. The gymnasium of the Bancroft
Elementary School in Wilmington, Del., where he
served as vice principal and principal for 32 years,
now bears the name “The Maurice Pritchett, Sr.
Gymnasium” in his honor. A permanent plaque is
installed at the school to mark the occasion.
Do you have something exciting
to report to your fellow alumni? Have
you changed careers, been promoted,
retired or expanded your family? Let
your classmates and friends know in
The Echo.
Email your news (up to 100 words)
for Class Notes, along with your highresolution photo (300 or more dpi) to
alumni@desu.edu. You can also share
your news online at www.desu.edu/
echo-form.
State University of New York — Oswego’s
commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
for many years while he served as a dormitory
director. In July, Henderson was elected chairman
of the Board of Directors of Justime SelfEmpowerment Center for Women Inc., a nonprofit
agency in Rochester.
1973
Janet Williams-Coger was installed as president
1970
Anthony “Tony”
Henderson was elected
to honorary membership
status in the Oswego
(N.Y.) Rotary Club. An
active member of the
club until his retirement
and relocation to the
Rochester, N.Y., area,
Henderson has continued to support the club
by annually presenting a program to mark Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth. Henderson led
of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women,
Delaware Chapter, in October. The coalition is an
advocacy group for women and children whose
core initiatives are economic empowerment,
education, gender equity, health and public policy.
The new president’s immediate goal for the
Delaware Chapter is to advocate for women and
children within the core initiatives. In addition,
Williams-Coger has been appointed by Delaware
Gov. Jack Markell to a one-year term on the
board of the Charitable Gaming Commission. The
function of the board is to oversee the policies
and procedures of the commission and to receive,
review, approve or deny all applications for
charitable gaming in the state.
1974
Linda V. Tucker-Gooding recently retired after
31 years of teaching. She attended and graduated
from Fayetteville Technical Community College
in Funeral Service to become a licensed funeral
In memoriam
director and is currently employed by Don Brown
Funeral Home in Ayden, N.C.
1977
Cecelia Dunning,
‘94, is congratulated
by President Harry L.
Williams and his wife,
Dr. Robin Williams, at
Dunning’s retirement
luncheon in late May.
Dunning served as
a dedicated staff
member in the Office
of the Provost (with 15
different supervisor
changes) for 40 years,
10 months and 13 days.
Isaace Morris retired in July 2009 as a district
manager in labor relations after 33.5 years with the
United States Postal Service. Morris graduated from
DSU with a degree in Human Resource Technology
Management.
1980
R. Anthony Kemmerlin Sr., a former Student
Government Association president and member of
the Hornets football team, was recently awarded
the distinguished designation of certified medical
investigator IV by the Board of Forensic Medicine
through the American College of Forensic
Examiners International. The independent,
scientific and professional association represents
forensic examiners worldwide. Kemmerlin, a
member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Zeta
Rho Lambda Chapter), is a licensed medical
investigator with the Department of State,
Division of Professional Regulation. He is also an
internationally recognized use of force instructor
with the International Law Enforcement Educators
and Trainers Association and founder of the
Confrontational Science Research Center.
1985
Nor Enterprises Inc. President Norman M.
Oliver, a former Student Government Association
president and former DSU Board of Trustees
member, held the Wilmington company’s 29th
annual Turkey Give-A-Way this Thanksgiving.
The event helps thousands of families each
year. Joining the effort were some of Delaware’s
leading elected officials, who give their time and
generosity to assist in the distribution of turkeys
for the growing list of people in need. DSU
President Harry L. Williams joined Oliver this year.
1989
Anthony Walker, a former Student Government
Association president, has relocated his State Farm
Insurance agency to Baltimore, Md.
1992
Marc Stevens is a theatre arts instructor and
team leader/mass communications team leader
at Randallstown High School in Randallstown,
Md., responsible for maintenance of the theater
program and for the school’s productions. Stevens
was promoted from junior varsity coach to varsity
baseball head coach at the school. The team
graduated nine seniors last year, and all are
currently in college, one of them enrolled at DSU.
is a member of the fraternity’s Zeta Rho Lambda
Chapter in Dover.
Crystal Jackson Wynn is currently an assistant professor at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va., and is the director of the Dietetic
Internship Program. She received her Bachelor of
Science degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics
from DSU, a Master of Public Health in Nutrition
from University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill
in 2006, and is currently working on her Ph.D. in
Public Health from Walden University, expected in
December 2012.
1996
Phillip Holmes, associate
director of residential
education at DSU, and
Shauntrelle Holmes ’96
announce the birth of their
daughter, Sabrina Phylicia
Holmes, on May 28, 2011.
She has been a welcomed
addition to the family. Baby
Sabrina is also the great-granddaughter of DSU
alumna Mildred R. Holmes ’47.
2004
The Rev. John G. Moore Sr. took part in the
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Martin Luther King
Jr. National Memorial private dedication on the
National Mall in Washington, D.C., in August,
reciting King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Moore
2007/2010
Amystique Y. Harris-Church gave a
presentation in September at the National College
Testing Association Conference in San Diego,
Calif., on community testing and quality service.
Church is the associate director of operations at
the Office of Testing at Delaware State University.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and
Mass Communications, a Master of Arts in Adult
Education and Literacy and is currently working
on an Ed.D. at Wilmington University in Higher
Education Leadership.
2008
Carol Stevens was recently promoted to
senior assistant dean for Academic Success and
director of the Student Transition Program at the
We sorrowfully acknowledge the deaths
of the following alumni, faculty and staff,
and we offer our heartfelt condolences to
their families and friends:
Alumni
Bobby R. McKibbins ’65
Jan. 20
Florence F. Fells ’28 Feb. 19
Deirdre A. Cook ’98 June 11
Susie Wynder-Pelham ’51
June 27
Delores Page Norwood Handy ’46June 30
Renee D. Deveney ’07 July 19
Joyce Ann Burton-Tucker ’71
Sept. 2
Leona M. Rusanowsky ’74
Sept. 6
Lloyd Walter Warrington ’80
Sept. 13
Rosa M. Coleman Talbert ’49
Oct. 13
Everett L. Mills ’52
Oct. 15
Marshall Arnell ’62
Oct. 20
Faculty and Staff
Joseph L. Satchell,
Oct. 7, 2010
retired faculty
Letta G. Cooper, faculty
Jan. 8
Margaret A. Bingham, retired staff Feb. 21
William L. Johnson III, May 26
adjunct professor
Virginia M. Weigan, staff
June 25
Rickey L. Crump, retired staff
July 21
Note: Death notices sent to the Alumni
Office must be accompanied by a creditable
piece of documentation such as a news
clipping, death certificate or funeral
program. Notices received without back-up
documentation will not be made public,
nor will unconfirmed, word-of-mouth
notices be entered into record. In lieu of
the aforementioned documentation, a letter
from a family member will be accepted as
official confirmation. A telephone number (of
the person submitting the information) must
also be included.
University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg,
Va. Stevens received a Doctor of Educational
Leadership degree at DSU.
2010
Antoine Pettyjohn of Houston, Del., recently
started a started a photography business named
A.P. Photography, LLC. Pettyjohn received a
bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts from DSU.
The Echo 39
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From DSU to the planet - Delaware State University

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