Edward Waters College Newsletter April 2015 EWC Celebrates 149th Anniversary during Founders’ Day Convocation
Bishop Rudolph Waldo McKissick, Sr. delivered the message during the ceremony. Edward Waters College (EWC), Florida’s oldest historically black college and private institution of higher learning, celebrated Founders’ Day on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 on the campus to honor the 149th anniversary of the institution. In recognition of this momentous milestone, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown issued a proclamation declaring April 8, 2015 as “Edward Waters College Day.” Formerly named Brown’s Theological Institute, EWC
Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr., Pastor Emeritus of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church
was founded in 1866 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church to educate newly emancipated slaves. The school met the needs of its community by offering courses at the elementary, high school, college and seminary levels. Construction on the first building began in 1872 on ten acres of land in Live Oak, Florida. In 1892 the school’s name was
students of all races and religions. The College continues its mission of advancing students in a global society through excellence of scholarship, research and service for the betterment of humanity.
Dr. Nathaniel Glover, President Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Board of Trustees Chairperson Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr. Bethel Baptist Institutional Church
changed to Edward Waters College in honor of the third Bishop of the AME Church. The school moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1893 where the campus was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1901. In 1904 the Board of Trustees purchased the present site of the school on Kings Road where it was rebuilt. Decades later, Edward Waters College continues to educate
Eric Daniel Johnson, President of the EWC National Alumni Association
The celebration began with a Founders’ Day Convocation, an observance service at 10:00 a.m. in the Adams-Jenkins Sports and Music Complex featuring Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr., Pastor Emeritus of the Bethel Baptist Institutional Church.
Founders’ Day Symposium: The Relevance of HBCUs: Past, Present and Future
A Historical Perspective was also delivered during the ceremony by Mr. Eric Daniel Johnson, EWC National Alumni Association President. The festivities continued with the Founders’ Day Symposium: The Relevance of HBCU’s: Past, Present and Future. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Irvin PeDro Cohen, Executive Director of the New Town Success Zone.
The Triple Threat Marching Band and Purple Thunder Dance Squad Take the National Stage
The Edward Waters College Triple Threat Marching Band and Purple Thunder Dance Squad performed during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four Championship game. Both the Triple Threat Marching Band and Purple Thunder charged the court at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida for a half time performance created just for National Championship fans.
In 2009 and 2013 under the direction of Band Director Marques Graham, Edward Waters College earned spots to compete in the Battle of the Bands, which was created to “celebrate, support and recognize the excellence of Black College marching bands and the unique academic experience offered by Historically Black Colleges and Universities
competition by your fans it’s an honor,” said Director, Marques Graham. “But when your band is personally requested to perform for a nationally televised audience, you know you have arrived.”
2015 NCAA Women’s Final Four Championship Tampa, Florida
(HBCUs).” Each year, nearly 60,000 fans came out to the Georgia Dome to watch the best bands from HBCUs across the country. With nearly 90 members in the band, including the auxiliary, Edward Waters College was the smallest band to compete in the final eight battle in 2013, but they brought a big show for the fans.
The Purple Thunder Dance Squad, a group of plus-sized ladies who perform with the band, was highlighted in “The Best of Florida Schools 2005” as the “Best Non-Traditional Dance Squad”. The half-time performance included snippets of “Conga” performed by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, “Baskeball” by Kurtis Blow, “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea featuring Charlie XCX and “Rock and Roll” by Gary Glitter.
“Anytime you get voted into a
EWC Wins the 2015 GCAC Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Championship
individual event wins in winning the title. This is EWC Men’s Track & Field team’s third championship title in the past four seasons. Edward Waters College totaled 156 points in winning the championship, with defending champion Dillard (121 points) and Southern University at New Orleans (103 points) following in second and third place.
Archie Gallon Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach 2015 EWC Men’s and Women’s Team
The Edward Waters College (EWC) men’s team won the 2015 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) Men’s GCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship on Saturday at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Tigers had four Edward Waters College
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The Tigers got two first place finishes from Kendal Thompson who won both the hammer throw and discus. Thompson won the hammer throw for the second consecutive year. Shane Harlow (3,000 meters) and Reymond Berhane (javelin) also claimed individual titles. Edward Waters College also had a championship-high 15 top-three finishes. The Edward Waters College Women’s Track & Field Team also placed second in the 2015 Women’s GCAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship.
More Than 500 Students Recognized During the 2015 Academic Honors Convocation Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average were listed on the President’s List and received a medallion from President Nathaniel Glover.
Dr. Nathaniel Glover, President Jose Bennett, Mr. EWC
Edward Waters College recognized more than 500 students during the Academic Honors Convocation held on March 18th in the AdamsJenkins Sports and Music Complex. The ceremony provides special recognition for students who earned a 3.0 grade point average or better for at least one semester in 2014.
The students also received a motivating speech from EWC alumnus Rahman Johnson. Johnson was the host and producer of SPLAT, the flagship show on Nickelodeon. He is an actor/ producer, marketing consultant and former TV news anchor. Johnson has been a local elected official. In 2000, he graduated with honors from Edward Waters College with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. He recently earned a Master of Arts from Seton Hall University. During his message, Johnson emphasized the
importance of setting goals, discipline and taking advantage of the opportunities made available in College. Academic Honors Convocation is an annual event coordinated by the Division of Academic Affairs to celebrate the commitment to excellence made by the campus community.
Rahman Johnson, EWC Alumnus, Class of 2000
The Law Firm of Pajcic and Pajcic Named the Title Sponsor of the 5th Annual EWC Celebrity Golf Tournament The Law Firm of Pajcic and Pajcic was the title sponsor for the Edward Waters College 5th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament held Monday, April 13th at the Deerwood Country Club. The tournament is organized by the Office of Institutional Advancement Dr. Nathaniel Glover, President and raises funds for the EWC Sallyn Pajcic, Donor Annual Fund. The EWC Annual Michael Pajcic, Attorney Fund helps promote and support John Bachman, all educational programs; provides Awards Luncheon Emcee and state-of-the-art equipment and Action News Jacksonville Anchor facilities; and funds student scholarships. awareness,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Wanda “The EWC Celebrity Golf TournaWillis. “Thanks to the generous ment has become a fun and support of Sallyn Pajcic and The essential annual event that supports Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic, we are Edward Waters College students able to make a significant difference and promotes community in the ability of students to access
higher education.” The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic and Sallyn Pajcic are making the donation in memory of Gary Pajcic. Steve and his brother Gary founded The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic in 1974. In 2014 attorney Steve Pajcic and his wife Anne donated $2 million unrestricted dollars to Edward Waters College. This is the largest amount ever donated to the institution by a single source. Other sponsors include UF Health Jacksonville, Dixon Golf, Allstate Construction, Gunster Lawfirm and RICOH printing. Edward Waters College
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EWC Board of Trustee Member Named a Trailblazer
Edward Waters College Board of Trustee member Reverend Elizabeth E. Yates was one of 16 people to receive the 2015 Trailblazer Award. Mayor Alvin Brown created the award to recognize community leaders for being pioneers in their professions and in the struggle for equality. Reverend Elizabeth E. Yates is the first female Presiding Elder of the 11th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She currently serves in the Alachua-Central District of the East Conference. Reverend Yates received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Management from Edward Waters College. She is the first EWC graduate to be admitted into the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. In 2003 she received her Master of Divinity.
EWC Participates in the 3rd Annual Community Education Summit
Edward Waters College Executive Vice President, Dr. Anna Hammond joined University of North Florida (UNF) President John Delaney, and Florida State College of Jacksonville (FSCJ) President Cynthia Bioteau for a panel discussion during the 3rd annual Community Education Summit held March 6th in the Downtown Main Library. The summit is hosted every year by City of Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown to promote college opportunities and success for Jacksonville students. Pictured from Left to Right: Frank Denton, Florida Times Union Editor, John Delaney, UNF President, Dr. Anna Hammond, EWC Vice President, Dr. Cynthia Bioteau, FSCJ President, Freeman Hrabowski, III, University of Maryland President, Alvin Brown, Mayor, Tim Cost, Jacksonville University President, and Nikolai Vitti, Duval County Public Schools Superintendent
EWC Hosts Military & Veterans Job and Resources Fair
Office of Institutional Advancement Wanda J. Willis Vice President 904-470-8251 wanda.willis@ewc.edu Anita Walton Director of Development and Alumni Affairs 904-470-8252 anita.walton@ewc.edu Dee Registre Coordinator of Public Relations 904-470-8050 d.registre@ewc.edu
Mayor Alvin Brown and the City of Jacksonville Military Affairs and Veterans Department partnered with President Nathaniel Glover and Edward Waters College to host a Military and Veterans Job and Resources Fair. More than 60 employers and service providers were present to assist service members, veterans and family members with employment in Jacksonville.