FISK Focus An Electronic Publication for Alumni and Friends
Volume I, Issue 6
April 2011
From President Hazel Reid O’Leary ’59 Inside this issue: From the President
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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT Fisk Team Makes Elite Eight at HCASC 82nd Annual Spring Arts Festival Campus Beautification Student Elections
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Student Research Day 8 Faculty in the Limelight 10
ALUMNI RELATIONS Alumni Updates 11 The Richardson House 16 Fisk Facts 17
ADVANCEMENT & FUND RAISING From the Vice President 18 Annual Fund Monthly 19 Cumulative Report Events 20
Fisk’s Monitoring Report Submitted to SACSCOC I am pleased to report that Fisk submitted its monitoring report to the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities‟ Commission on Colleges on April 15th as scheduled. We prepared a compelling document detailing our financial management, fundraising progress, as well as, the finding of our external auditing firm. The auditing firm offered an opinion without reservation as to our financial statement. The efforts of our alumni, trustees and friends to meet our self-imposed goal to raise $3.1 million by March 31 were exceeded with a total of $3.509 million. I believe that we more than met our goal to show SACSCOC that Fisk has made and can sustain significant fundraising success. For this, I thank each of you. While President O’Leary reviews a research poster board presentation none of us can predict the June outcome th at the 13 Annual Fisk Student Research Symposium of the Commission‟s review of our April filing, I am confident that our team of Photo Credit: Sam Latham academic and administrative leaders completed an outstanding report based on facts supported by compelling evidence. 13th Annual Student Research Symposium Events such as the Student Research Symposium held on April 7 th provided a forum to showcase the research of our talented social and physical science students in disciplinary competition. According to faculty members who have participated each Symposium, the quality of the research and the presentations was one of the best since the Symposium was convened. Forty-nine (49) students, the largest group ever, submitted and defended entries in the competition. These included thirteen (13) from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, twenty-two (22) from the School of Natural Science, Mathematics and Business, and twelve (12) from the Division of Graduate Studies. The topics were diverse, ranging from “Revolution in Egypt: Modern Day Unrest in Comparison to Past Revolts in Egypt” to “Demographic Differences in the Diagnosis of ADHD” to “Testing the Inhibitors Rapamycin and Dasatinib on the Viability of Breast Cancer Cells” to “”Ni-Catalyzed Carbon Nanotubes Synthesis by Diffusion of Amorphous Corban” and to “Schottky Barrier Height Extraction of CZT Gamma-Ray Detectors”. Our keynote speaker, Dr. George Hill, delivered a humorous and inspiring lecture. He reviewed the importance and significance of conducting research at minority institutions in order to address issues of disparity in critical areas such as health care. Each student defended the submitted poster presentations and reviewed the research with a panel of subject matter experts in each discipline. The high quality of (Cont‟d. on p. 2)
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FROM PRESIDENT HAZEL REID O’LEARY (cont’d. from p. 1)
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this year‟s Symposium demonstrated Fisk‟s commitment to critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. I congratulate the Best Research Paper and Presentation winners: Angela Addae, Lindsey Benjamin, Daniel Lee, Daniel Mayo , Bolutife J. Ogunjobi and MarQo Patton, (For more details, see article at page 8 on the 13 th Annual Student Research Symposium).
The Symposium showcased our students‟ scholarly contributions with other researchers and strengthened focus on autonomous learning as an outgrowth of knowledge acquisition in a positive and affirming learning environment. I congratulate the interim executive vice president and provost, Dr. Princilla Evans Morris, and the other co-chairs, Dr. Sajid Hussain and Dr. Grazyna Walczak, for their dedication and leadership of this stellar academic event. Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team The campus celebrated the accomplishments of the Fisk Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team which has been coached by Dr. Jonathan Stadler for seven consecutive years. This year‟s team of Desmian Alexander (captain), Alexis Harper, Ryan Reed and Victor Bradley placed in the Elite Eight quarterfinals, a first for Fisk. Victor Bradley was the top scorer for the division in which Fisk competed and earned All-Star honors. The team‟s efforts earned Fisk a grant of $10,500 for the University, which is the largest grant Fisk has won. By all accounts, our team waged a mighty battle against Florida A&M University, the perennial national champions in the challenge. They lost by the smallest number of points amassed by teams that have previously faced FAMU. We are very proud of our team‟s accomplishments and optimistic that next year‟s team will reach the finals. Commencement As Fisk approaches the end of this academic year, we prepare for Commencement, summer school and a new academic year. This year we will send 129 new alumni to graduate and professional schools and into the workforce. Eight students were just inducted into the Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Congratulations to Angela Addae, Liban Ahmed, Desmian Alexander, Gwendolyn Denwiddie, Tiarra Land, Amorya Orr, Carta Robison, and Ariel Wossene. We expect to welcome over 500 alumni to the campus this weekend for their class reunions. While we celebrate these milestones, we continue to work our recruitment plan to admit 276 new students to Fisk in mid-August. Detroit Fisk Club Earlier this month, I visited with the Detroit Fisk Club to share the Board‟s vision for Fisk‟s future and the state of Fisk University. I enjoyed answering questions and taking recommendations regarding the need to provide personal training for alumni to communicate the good news regarding the academic success of our students, explain our SACSCOC requirement and speak knowledgeably to our detractors. You will hear more regarding how we will implement these recommendations in the May FISK Focus. The Detroit membership actively works to recruit students and hosts an August picnic for Michigan students enrolled at Fisk. For each of the past two years, the organization has provided each of the sixteen Fisk students from Michigan $250 to help with their expenses. The president, Attorney William (Bill) Butler, is to be commended for his leadership in reactivating the organization and engaging the local alumni. Thank you for your continued generous efforts on behalf of our alma mater. I deeply appreciate your advocacy and support, work to recruit new students and help to retain continuing students, and your financial support. As our enrollment is linked directly to the amount of scholarship support that we are able to offer new students, our financial stability is tied directly to our ability to end each fiscal year without a deficit. Our outcomes connect to the level of financial support that we are able to earn from foundations, corporations, trustees, and friends. We appreciate all that you have done, but ask that you make an unrestricted gift before June 30 th so that we will end this fiscal year in the black, demonstrating further to SACSCOC that Fisk is fiscally stable, while enabling us to recruit some of the best and brightest students for the Class of 2015. Fisk Forever,
Hazel R. O‟Leary ‟59
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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
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FISK TEAM MAKES ELITE EIGHT FOR FIRST TIME AT HONDA CAMPUS ALL-STAR CHALLENGE
(L. to R.): Victor Bradley (freshman and All-Stars honoree), Desmian Alexander (team captain, senior), Alexis Harper (sophomore), and Ryan Reed (senior) Photo Credit: Honda Campus All-Star Challenge
For the first time in its sixteen-year history of participation, Fisk University‟s Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) team reached the Elite Eight quarterfinals and earned $10,500 for the school, the largest grant received in the history of the University‟s participation in the rigorous competition. Fisk teams have competed in the National Championship Tournament (NCT) since the 1994-1995 academic year and with this year‟s award, have garnered a total of $50,000 in grants for the University. Desmian Alexander, senior English major from Florence, New Jersey captained the team. This was her fourth year of participation in the competition. Returning for their second year were Alexis Harper, sophomore English major from Lakewood, California and Ryan Reed, senior political science major from Indianapolis, Indiana. Victor Bradley, freshman sociology and political science major from Orangeburg, SC completed the team. This year marked Dr. Jonathan Stadler‟s seventh year as coach. As the top scorer for the division in which Fisk competed, Victor received All-Stars honors and earned Fisk an extra $1,000, on top of the $9,500 that the team earned for reaching the Elite Eight quarterfinals. Last year‟s team, which included Alexander, Harper and Reed, reached the Sweet Sixteen level, also a first for Fisk teams. The Fisk team produced the toughest challenge that the champion FAMU team faced during the competition this year. Other than Fisk, FAMU defeated all of their previous contenders by more than 300 points and went on to win their seventh National Championship Tournament. In 1989, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. approached College Bowl and asked them to create a special version of its world-renowned game for America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In response to Honda's community involvement objectives, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge was established. During the 1989-90 season, Campus All-Star Challenge play began at HBCUs. All 89 four-year degree-granting HBCUs in the domestic U.S. are eligible to compete. Educational partners in the program are the Association of College Unions International and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. From 1989 through 1995, the program involved campus competition, regionally based Sectional Playoffs and a National Championship Tournament. The finals during that time were broadcast on Black Entertainment Television (BET). Beginning in 1996, HCASC began the annual face-to-face National Championship Tournament.
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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
82nd Annual Spring Arts Festival The 90 birthday celebration and musical extravaganza honoring acclaimed concert pianist and former director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers®, Professor Emeritus Matthew Kennedy was spectacular. In addition to Dr. Kennedy, current and former Fisk Jubilee Singers® and music majors, many of whom came from around the nation, performed during the event. The musical extravaganza was so awesome that no one in attendance wanted it to end. Over $14,000 was raised for the Matthew and Anne Gamble Kennedy Endowed Scholarship. The photos below, by Sam Latham, capture some moments for us. (Cont‟d. on p. 5) th
Nina Gamble Kennedy Performs Sergei Rachmaninoff‟s “Prelude in G-sharp Minor, Op. 332, No. 12”
Dr. Kennedy Delights the Audience
Performers lead “Happy Birthday” Serenade to the Professor
Soprano Carole Strong Thompson ‟80 Sings “Amazing Grace”
WKRN Anchor Anne Holt and husband, Kenneth Blackburn, AT&T Executive, Honorary Co-Chairs, Welcome Guests to Reception
Bass/Baritone Delano O‟Banion ‟59 Singing “Swing That Hammer”
Current Fisk Jubilee Singers® Perform Dr. Kennedy‟s Arrangements of “Steal Away” and “Every Time I Feel the Spirit”
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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
82nd Annual Spring Arts Festival (cont’d. from p. 4) The 82nd Annual Spring Arts Festival, was a resounding success. The Fisk University Stagecrafters‟ presentation of acclaimed playwright Ntozake Shange‟s play, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” was spectacular This was the 18th year that Professor Persephone Felder-Fentress directed a Fisk University Stagecrafters‟ production. This year also marked the 81st anniversary of the Fisk University Stagecrafters. As always, the visual arts were well represented in this year‟s festival. Fisk Professor LiFran Fort produced Ancestry and the Arts, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” Actors Prisma Color, Graphite and Ink (L. to R.. Seated): Kelly Means-Cheeky, Clara Harris and Kana Gaines ‟09 (below right) especially for (L.to R. Standing): Shonka Dukureh ‟03, Russelle Keese, Donna Gilliam and Kiara Allen the festival. The Dorothy Wilson-Thompson Collection that debuted includes 48 works including paintings, prints and sculptures by 21 African-American artists including Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett and Jacob Lawrence (Catlett‟s Survivor, 1983, Linoleum Block Print, is below left). The students‟ exhibit, “See No Art, Hear No Art, Speak No Art”, featured student artists and curators Bobby Bracks, Hunter Sims, Morgan Woods, Velshannae Haynes, Michael Ewing and William Kirkpatrick.
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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
FISK FAMILY BEAUTIFIES CAMPUS WITH 2010 HOME DEPOT AWARD Photo Credits: Sam Latham and Adrienne Taylor Latham ’68 Faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and roughly 70 Fisk students gathered on Friday, April 8th, for the Fifth Annual Campus Beautification Day. Dozens of local Home Depot employees joined this year’s event. Much of the work was completed at Jubilee Hall, the Clinton B. Fisk Memorial Chapel and the John Hope and Aurelia Elizabeth Franklin Library. This year’s landscaping project was enhanced by the 2010 grant for $10,000, which was awarded by Home Depot.
Dr. Harold Bernard ‟60 and a Home Depot employee plant on the Oval
Tashaye Byrdsong ‟09 and Dean Jason Curry work in front of Jubilee Hall
Students Shay Terry, Jenise Fredricks and Jazmyn Frye work on the Oval
Besides her expertise in the academic arena, Provost Princilla Evans Morris ‟72 possesses great gardening skills
AESP director, Ingrid Frazier Collier ‟71, and student Mahir Greene are enthusiastic gardeners
Valeria Whiting ‟68 and Precious Morrow ‟01 are happy little gardeners
Scheduling coordinator, Jennifer Allen, and facilities director, Norman Rapp, take a well deserved break at end of the day
Fisk Students Pose After Carnegie Hall Planting - L. to R., Front Row: Robert Bailey, Ashley Lewis, Shantel Moore; Back Row: Jasper Pruitt, Homer Shingles III
Myrna Smith Carter-Taylor ‟59 is hard at work
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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
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STUDENT BODY ELECTS 2011-2012 LEADERSHIP Shayla Shane of Tallahassee, Florida is the new president of the Student Government Association. She is completing a dual major in psychology and sociology. The granddaughter of Maurice Shane ‟67 and Yvette Warren Shane ‟68, as well as the great-great niece of the late Mary D. Shane ‟27, Shayla intends to become a clinical psychologist. She plans to focus her practice in child and adolescent psychology. Presently, she volunteers with the Big Sista Lil Sista Mentor and Etiquette Program, and is a member of Women of Perfection and the Psychology Club. Shayla is also a resident assistant in the freshman residence, Jubilee Hall. Brooke Tyler Davies from Joelton, Tennessee was elected sophomore class representative to the Student Government Association. A chemistry and political science major, Brooke is a Presidential Scholar. She is the sole trumpeter in the Fisk University Jazz Ensemble, and trained on the piano and trumpet for seven years at the W.O. Smith School of Music. Currently, Brooke is engaged in research in the Khoshbouei lab at Meharry Medical College where she is studying Parkinson‟s Disease at the cellular level. She possesses certification as an American Red Cross Lifeguard/Professional Rescuer and is also certified in First Aid and CPR/AED. For eight years, she was a member of the Nashville Parks and Recreation swim team. The new president of the senior class, Victoria Roach, is a Gates Millennium Scholar from Fort Washington, Maryland. She is pursuing a B.S. degree in business administration and accounting. During the summer of 2009, Victoria was a volunteer intern in the Office of Correspondence at The White House. In this capacity she assessed and compiled general public opinion updates into comprehensive reports, which were disseminated to the Office of the President; read and organized grievance letters from constituents and submitted them to the appropriate officials for action; and participated in The White House Computer Program Initiative, which contributed to operational efficiency. Last summer, she interned in the Grand Jury Department of the Maryland State Attorney General‟s Office. This experience enhanced her understanding of the legal system. Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Morgan L. O’Neal was elected president of the junior class. She was valedictorian of her graduating class at Tyner High Academy. In high school, she was a cheerleader, and a member of the marching band, National Honor Society and Beta Club. She has been active with the Student Government Association since her freshman year and is a member of the cheerleading team. Presently, she is “Miss Black and Gold” for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. A biology major, her career goal is to become a pediatrician. Lannie O. Smith is the newly elected president of the sophomore class. He is a dual major in both special education and sociology. Lannie is from Nashville, and tutors middle and high school students through T.H.U.R.S.T, a mathematics and science enrichment program. In addition to his work with the Student Government Association, he is a member of S.W.A.G. and has an extensive volunteerism background. Among the organizations with which he volunteers are the Nashville Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities of Nashville, Habitat for Humanity, and the Adventure Science Center. Lannie also works part-time as a cashier at Kroger‟s. Miss Fisk is Tamara Stallworth, a biology major from Farrell, Pennsylvania, During her matriculation at Fisk University, Tamara has been a member of the softball team for three years, playing second baseman, left fielder and short stop positions. She also played basketball for one year. As a member of the Fisk Altitude Achievement Missile Team, Tamara builds rockets and robots, and assists in their outreach program. Tamara is actively involved in tutoring Fisk students and students at the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. After graduation, she wants to teach through Teach for America and then she plans to continue her education at Meharry Medical College or Ohio State University‟s College of Medicine. Her ultimate career goal is to become a pediatrician.
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
13th Annual Fisk University Student Research Symposium Photo Credits: Sajid Hussain, Ph.D., Sam Latham & Adrienne Taylor Latham ‟68
The 13th Annual Fisk University Student Research Symposium was held on April 7, 2011, in the Appleton Room of Jubilee Hall. The objective of the Symposium is to promote research and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Symposium provides Fisk students an opportunity to share results of their original research efforts with their peers and the University community. The general chair of this year‟s Symposium was Interim Provost Princilla Evans Morris and the program co-chairs were Drs. Grazyna Walczak and Sajid Hussain. Forty-eight (48) members of the Fisk faculty served as judges, mentors and/or organizers for the Symposium. Thirty-two (32) judges evaluated the 49 entries to determine winners of the "Best Paper" competition in six categories: Arts and Languages, Behavioral Sciences and Education, Business Administration, Life and Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Graduate Studies. Photographs below and on the next page highlight the event. (Cont‟d. on p. 9)
Dr. George C. Hill, The Levi Watkins, Jr. Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity in Medical Education, Vanderbilt University, delivers keynote lecture
Fisk Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Norton (front right) confers with student researchers, Herman Pittman II (back to camera) and Nneka Richards (center ) about their project, “Determining Prescription Dosage and Intervals”
Jennifer Jones (back to camera) discusses her research “Piezoelectric Effect of Multilayers Ferroelectric Films Via Second Harmonic Generation” (Graduate Division)
Vickie Bufford (pointing to poster), discusses “„If It Needs to be Done, Then Do It‟...Should Roles be Dependent Upon Sex/Gender?” (Sociology Discipline)
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
13th Annual Fisk University Student Research Symposium (cont’d. from p. 8) Winners of the “Best Papers” are listed below. Angela Addae, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Education, “Conceptualizing Social Entrepreneurship: The Formation of an Ideal
Type” (Dr. Dani A. Smith, Faculty Advisor) Lindsey Benjamin, Department of Arts and Languages, “The Influences of New Media and the Future of the Music Industry” (Dr. Philip Autry, Faculty Advisor)
Daniel Lee, Department of Life and Physical Sciences, “Characterization of Cadmium Zinc Telluride Crystals (CZT-CG50 and CG83) for Radiation Detection Applications” (Dr. Arnold Burger, Faculty Advisor and Michael Groza, Laboratory Mentor)
Daniel Mayo, Division of Graduate Studies, ”Surface-Plasmon-Enhanced Emission from Functionalized ZnO Nanowires” (Dr. Richard Mu, Faculty Advisor)
Bolutife J. Ogunjobi, Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, “Using A Workflow Management System to Process Bioinformatics Data” (Dr. Lei Qian, Faculty Advisor) MarQo Patton, Department of Business Administration, “Carnival Corporation & PLC (2006): Twelve Distinct Brands Serving Seven Continents” (Professor Nicholas Umontuen, Faculty Advisor)
Best Paper Winners (left to right) with President Hazel O’Leary (4th from left) and Dr. George Hill (4th from right): MarQo Patton, Angela E. Addae, Lindsay Benjamin, Daniel Lee, Daniel Mayo, Bolutife J. Ogunjobi
Alok Hota by his entry, “Using Workflows to Integrate Weather Data Servers into A Web Service” (Department of Mathematics and Computer Science)
(L. to R.): Yanhua Liu, Symposium Co-Director Dr. Grazyna Walczak, Mabel Dumenyo, and Symposium Co-Director Dr. Sajid Hussain
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
FACULTY IN THE LIMELIGHT: DR. SAJID HUSSAIN In 2009, Dr. Sajid Hussain joined the Fisk family as associate professor of computer science and the next year, was named chair of the Department of Business Administration. Previously, Dr. Hussain taught at the Jodrey School of Computer Science, Acadia University, Canada. Dr. Hussain received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Manitoba, Canada in 2004. He earned his Master of Science in electrical engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in 1995, Diploma in computer sciences from the National College of Computer Sciences in 1992, and his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Engineering & Technology in Lahore, Pakistan in 1991. Dr. Hussain has earned an international reputation as the leading scientist in investigating energyefficient communication protocols in wireless sensor networks for pervasive and ubiquitous applications that serve to reduce battery consumption requirements. Due to his novel techniques, the batteries can last for several months. In contrast, if powered by the more typical and „naïve‟ algorithms, battery-powered service lasts only a few weeks. Dr. Hussain has also investigated key distribution and management techniques to ensure secure and robust communication using his novel and energy-efficient communication protocols in wireless sensor networks for applications in smart homes, telehealth, and industry automation. He has numerous research publications to his credit including articles in refereed journals, book chapters, conference proceedings, and workshop papers. In 2010, for example, Dr. Hussain completed nine (9) volumes of prestigious peer reviewed journals, which included one hundred and twenty one (121) articles and two thousand, one hundred and twenty-seven (2,127) pages. These volumes included journals such as: Sensors 10(6), Impact Factor: 1.903; Elsevier‟s Computers and Mathematics 60(2), Impact Factor 1.192; Springer‟s Supercomputing 54(1); and Impact Factor: 0.687. His research has been financially supported by several grants and contracts, such as UNCF/Google award (2010-11) to establish a Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing Lab at Fisk. When he taught in Canada, he obtained funds from competitive grants awarded by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council, Atlantic Innovation Fund, and the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation. Dr. Hussain is the program director for Fisk‟s online initiatives funded through Title III. Despite his active roles as a researcher and academic administrator, Dr. Hussain possesses a deep passion for teaching. For instance, he introduced exciting topics and modern tools in the Business Information Systems (BAD 110) course. In addition to MS Office, students learn GoogleDocs (Word, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and Survey Form) and prepare their own (free) websites at Google. Students also prepare posters following Fisk‟s Annual Research Symposium guidelines and use templates from international publishers (e.g., Elsevier) for project reports. Dr. Hussain also offers the BAD 110 as an online course each semester and during summer school. When he is not in the classroom or laboratory, Dr. Hussain enjoys cooking, working in the yard and running. He has participated in seven full and half marathons. His wife is a family physician and they are the parents of two children.
Research Symposium Co-Director, Dr. Sajid Hussain, makes presentation to Ashley Piasecki, physics graduate student
Research Symposium Co-Directors Drs. Grazyna Walczak and Dr. Sajid Hussain
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
ALUMNI UPDATES Oludurotimi Adetunji, Ph.D. ’02 was recently appointed the director of scientific outreach at Brown University. A native of Nigeria, Adetunji earned his baccalaureate degree in physics and computer science from Fisk in 2002. He received his doctorate from Ohio State University in 2008, where he worked in experimental physics. After graduating, he worked as a physical scientist for the Navy and served as assistant dean in the division of natural and mathematical sciences of the College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio State University. In his role at Brown, Adetunji intends will help Brown recruit and retain concentrators in the "STEM" disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — which he said have attracted few students recently. Women and minority students are particularly underrepresented in the "STEM" disciplines, he said. Adetunji plans to facilitate partnerships between Brown scientists and those of nearby universities and explore how Brown's scientific work can benefit society. His other goals include writing grants, presenting work and publishing more research papers. Nichole Armstrong-Anderson, M.A. ’92 is the first female AfricanAmerican police chief in the Broward Sherriff‟s Office (BSO). A Fort Lauderdale native, Armstrong-Anderson graduated from Dillard High School with honors where she excelled both academically and athletically. She earned an academic scholarship to attend Fisk. In May 2006, she earned her Masters of Arts degree in organizational management. In 1994, Armstrong-Anderson began her career as a probation officer and then became a state trooper. In 1996, she became a road patrol deputy with the Broward Sheriff‟s Office. During her career at BSO, ArmstrongAnderson has worked as a field-training deputy, supervised the agency‟s recruitment division, and was an executive officer, functioning as second-incommand to the sheriff, among other duties. In November of last year, Armstrong-Anderson was named interim chief of the South Broward District. After exceptional performance and professionalism, on February 23, 2011, Armstrong-Anderson was sworn in as the chief of Pembroke Park and West Park, which are located in the southernmost area of Broward County, just north of the Miami-Dade county line. Her volunteer work through the South Broward District includes working on the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) federal grant program, participating in the Broward County tutor/mentor program, and the BSO Community Justice Program. She also volunteers with the Lutheran Services At Risk Teens, Girl Scouts of America, NAACP Youth Council, and the Urban League of Broward County. Mark J. Chastang, MPA, MBA, FACHE ’74, is chief operating officer of Grady Health Systems, Atlanta, Georgia. Chastang has more than 25 years of experience in health care administration and came to Grady from the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he served as vice president of operations and transplant services. He is the former vice president and executive director of Ohio's University of Toledo Medical Center and once served as assistant director at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. At 23, Chastang began his career as executive director of a rural 50 bed hospital in Mississippi, making him the nation's youngest hospital CEO at the time. Continued on page 12
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
ALUMNI UPDATES (cont’d. from p. 11) Chastang is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a member of American Hospital Association's regional policy board and a member of the National Association of Health Service Executives. After graduation from Fisk, Chastang earned his master's degree in business administration from Georgia State University in Atlanta and received a master's in public administration/health care administration from the University of Kansas. Charlene Marie Blake, M.D. ‘02 is enrolled in the Anesthesiology Residency Program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, Missouri. She received her medical degree in 2010 from Duke University School of Medicine. The Honorable Jerald S. Carter, J.D., ’74 was honored at the 37th Annual Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead Scholarship Dinner at Hofstra University. He earned his jurisprudence doctorate from Howard University School of Law. Judge Carter began his career as a member of the Nassau County District Attorney‟s office. He later entered private practice with his father, Shirley, specializing in criminal, labor and sports law. In 1989, he was appointed an associate judge for the Village of Hempstead. He was later appointed to the Nassau County District Court. In 1997, Judge Carter was elected to the Nassau County Court, and served as an Acting Supreme Court Justice for several years. He is a former member of the Fisk University Board of Trustees, and is a member of the Board of Directors of “The Judicial Friends”, an association of elected African-American judges. Currently, Judge Carter serves on the Board of Governors of Touro School of Law, where he is an adjunct professor. He has also appeared as a television legal analyst on Court TV, Like It Is and The McCreary Report. Jasmine Chievous ’10, a former member of the Minority Achievement Committee (MAC) Scholars at Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri, participated in a panel discussion at the student-run Second Annual MAC Conference. The conference, geared toward minority students, focused on narrowing the achievement gap and encouraging students to push themselves to do better. It also included various focus sessions. Chievous told the students that being a MAC Scholar inspired her to succeed and prepared her for Fisk where she earned degrees in biology and Spanish. As a result of her presentation, 12-year-old Alexis Smith decided that she would like to attend Fisk after she graduates from high school in 2016. Alexis and Chievous exchanged contact information so that they can stay in touch. Chievous graduated from Hickman High School in 2006, and from Fisk in 2010. She is now pursuing her master‟s degree at the University of South Florida. Margeaux Dupuy, daughter of Victor J. Dupuy II ’79 and his wife LaJaynes, has signed a National Letter of Intent with Marquette University. She will join the Golden Eagles in the summer and have four years of eligibility. A first-team all-district selection from Grapevine High School in Texas, Dupuy is a 5-6 point guard who averaged 12.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game for the 2010-2011 season. A threat from long distance, Dupuy knocked down 44.0 percent of her 3 point attempts her senior season. Dupuy also played AAU basketball for Westside Elite and DFW Elite Basketball during the summer of 2010. Continued on page 13
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
ALUMNI UPDATES (cont’d. from p. 12) LaJean Waller Gould ’72, founder and president of The Women in Golf Foundation, recently hosted the foundation‟s signature event, the 17th Annual Women‟s Collegiate Golf Classic/Championship at Stone Mountain Golf Course in Stone Mountain, Georgia. This year‟s event featured talent from some of America‟s top HBCU women‟s golf programs as they competed for the “Renee Powell Cup”. Created in 1994, the event continues its mission of providing HBCUs a season-ending competitive opportunity at a top-rated golf facility for their women's golf teams. Proceeds from the event are used to support both HBCU‟s women‟s golf and girls‟ golf programs. The Women in Golf Foundation focuses on creating opportunities for women in education, training, leadership and life skills development through golf. Her work is dedicated to supporting and training female youth golfers from beginning levels through college and entry into their chosen profession. The organization‟s efforts focus towards the development of women collegiate golf teams, identifying career opportunities within the golf industry, and one day facilitating African American Women playing on the professional tour. Gould also serves on the editorial advisory board of African American Golfers Digest and was named one of 2011‟s Top 100 Black Women of Influence in Atlanta. Mandisa Lynn Hundley ’00, recording artist, recently released her fourth album, What If We Were Real, on the Sparrow Records label. Known professionally as “Mandisa”, she has two Grammy and six Dove Award nominations to her credit.
The Honorable John Lewis ’67, a pioneer in the civil rights movement, will deliver the undergraduate commencement address at North Carolina Central University on May 14. Lewis will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by N.C. Central Chancellor Charlie Nelms during the graduation ceremony in O‟Kelly-Riddick Stadium. President Barack Obama awarded him the Medal of Freedom, the nation‟s highest civilian honor earlier this year. Lewis represents Georgia‟s 5th Congressional District. He was first elected to Congress in 1986. Jacquelyn Renee McFadden, M.D. ’93, family medicine physician, practices at the Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers in Florissant, Missouri. McFadden‟s journey to practicing medicine began at a young age with her parents instilling in her the importance of education. She is a proud fourth-generation graduate of a historically black college/ university. At Fisk, she majored in biology. According to McFadden, “It was there during my freshman year that I determined I wanted to be a physician. I could look across the street to Meharry Medical College and see all the black people walking around in long white coats. I was accepted to the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine. There I was met with the challenge of medical school. I am thankful for the power of prayer, grace and mercy from the Lord, and parents who guided me through.” She received her M.D. degree in 2002 and in 2005, completed her Family Practice Residency at Forest Park Hospital in St. Louis. McFadden is a member of Compassionate Ministries Fellowship and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is married to Nathaniel Ford, Jr. and they are the proud parents of Marjesta Ford. Continued on page 14
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
ALUMNI UPDATES (cont’d. from p. 13) Cheryl L. Mayo, M.S.P.H. ‘88, executive director of West Dallas Community Centers Inc., was a keynote speaker for The Freedom of the City: Models of Urban Engagement & Creativity in the Twenty-First Century Symposium sponsored by Southern Methodist University‟s Meadows School of the Arts. The conference explored the relationship between artists, activists and social justice struggles. Mayo oversees the management and programs of four freestanding, comprehensive, community-based centers for at-risk youth. Mayo received her Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Fisk University and earned a Master of Science degree in public health and healthcare administration from Meharry Medical College. Currently, Mayo serves as co-chair of the Dallas County District 3 Public Health Advisory Council, and as a member of the Health Advisory Council for U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and the Advisory Alumni Council for the Dallas Women‟s Foundation, the largest women‟s foundation in the nation. She is a member of the Dallas Chapter of The Links Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She has served many volunteer hours mentoring youth and young adults throughout the Dallas community. In 2001, she was appointed co-chair of the Ryan White Planning Council of Texas, and HIV/AIDS education remains a vital component of her personal outreach initiatives. Tremeta Joy Walker Norman ’01 is currently the Title I ESEA program facilitator at Kirkpatrick Enhanced Option School in Nashville. She also teaches African dance at Julie‟s School of Dance in Hermitage, Tennessee. She and her husband, Jerimaine, Sr., are the proud parents of three children: Jerimaine, Jr. (14), Shadaya Mary-Vanessa (6), and Jerimyah (8 months). Alton B. Pollard, Ph.D. ’78, theological expert and author, is the keynote speaker for the Claflin University Class of 2011‟s Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 6. Dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, Pollard has served as the leader of the Howard University School of Divinity since 2007. Previously, Pollard was the director of the Program of Black Church Studies at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. A specialist in African-American religion and culture, he has also held faculty appointments at Wake Forest University and St. Olaf College. Pollard earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion and philosophy and business management from Fisk. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University Divinity School and a Ph.D. from Duke University. Corbett Phillip Powell ’07 was recently promoted to the position of assistant executive director of the Emery Ed Fund in Emeryville, California. The non-profit foundation works with the Emeryville school district to address gaps in funding and to generate support through tax-deductible donations, grants, and other activities. All efforts help to support our community and create better opportunities for the youth and families of Emeryville. Previously Powell was the program manager at the foundation, which he joined in 2008. Before joining the Emery Ed Fund, Powell worked for a year as the program director of the Achievers Awards Scholars Program at Meritus College Foundation in San Francisco. Continued on page 15
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
Page 15
ALUMNI UPDATES (cont’d. from p. 14) Jannyse Starks, R.N., M.S.N., F.N.P.-B.C., ’07, a board certified family nurse practitioner, will be awarded her Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree in May from Vanderbilt University. The D.N.P. is a practice-based doctorate whose purpose is to prepare advanced practice nurses to evaluate the most current medical evidence and practice evidence-based nursing. A 2003 graduate of Morgan Park High School in Chicago and Target H.O.P.E. college preparatory program alumna, Starks set her career sights on nursing while still in high school. She was already a licensed practical nurse when she entered Fisk. Inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Society, Starks was awarded her baccalaureate degree in psychology summa cum laude. After graduating from Fisk, Starks enrolled in Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She completed a RN bridge program and was awarded her Master of Science in Nursing degree in August of 2009. Richard N. Thigpen ’03 will receive his M.D. degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Michigan in May. He plans to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. Thigpen is a native of Chicago , a graduate of Morgan Park High School and a Target H.O.P.E. alumnus. While a member of Target H.O.P.E., Thigpen participated in two college tours. It was during one of those tours that he learned about Fisk University. With the help of Target H.O.P.E., Thigpen applied, was accepted, and was offered a scholarship to attend Fisk to study physics. While at Fisk, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also started a graphics design company, 18th Letter Graphics. Thigpen was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in physics cum laude. After graduation, he accepted an offer to teach physics and coach football at Hunter's Lane High School in Nashville. Although he loved teaching, he realized that this was not his true calling and decided to pursue medicine. He is married to Christine Lipscomb Thigpen, and they have two children, Richard and Pierce. Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau announced the establishment of the Ronald W. Walters Center during the 40th anniversary Congressional Black Caucus Foundation symposium held on campus. The Center will honor Ronald W. Walters, Ph.D. ’63, political activist, prolific author and media commentator who served as a Howard University professor for 25 years before his death in September of 2010. In addition to chairing Howard‟s political science department, Dr. Walters was a preeminent global scholar and expert on American political behavior, Black politics and comparative politics. The Ronald Walters Center will serve as an interdisciplinary focal point for public policy research, publication and leadership development. “Through this center, his name, his spirit and his work will live on as we prepare others to follow in his footsteps and impact the world as much as he did,” Ribeau said. The Ronald Walters Center will examine the role of African Americans in the development of U.S. foreign policy; the impact of globalization on the African-American community; and the role of African Americans in U.S. presidential and congressional politics. It will also house the Walters papers. The Center will also establish a visiting scholars program to provide research opportunities for internal and external scholars, including post-doctoral students.
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
THE RICHARDSON HOUSE RENOVATION/REPAIR PROJECT COMPLETED Photo Credits: Vincent Leal
The Richardson House after renovations/repairs were completed.
The General Alumni Association of Fisk University, Incorporated (G.A.A.F.U.) has completed a major renovation/repair project of The Richardson House. The repairs were rather extensive and took over four months to complete. Approximately 1,500 linear feet of clapboard was replaced in various locations on the north and south side of the building. The handicap ramp and the entire rear deck were replaced with environmentally friendly Trex decking, which is produced using a unique combination of recycled wood and plastic fibers that should minimize future maintenance costs. Soffits/fascia that were damaged due to water erosion were replaced and new gutters installed. In the dormer, three window sashes were replaced.
The understructure was replaced with concrete footings that will prevent wood rot. New pressure treated floor joists were added to stabilize the porch and handicap ramp and several window sills and exterior frames were replaced with cedar wood rather than the pine used previously. The exterior columns on the porch were repaired or replaced and new risers/stairs were installed in the front. The lattice work in the back and on the south side were replaced with cedar wood. Finally, the entire house and fencing were primed and painted. The project cost $56,750, which was paid by the G.A.A.F.U. While the appearance of The Richardson House has been improved dramatically, a new roof estimated to cost $12,500, must be installed in the near future.
Photos of some of the deterioration of The Richardson House that were remedied during the project.
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
Page 17
FISK FACTS Fisk University has always distinguished itself from other HBCUs, liberal arts institution and other Nashville institutions of higher learning. The historic Fisk Jubilee Singers® gave the city of Nashville its moniker as “Music City USA”. Their Grammy nominations and 2008 National Medal of the Arts, which was awarded in 2009, and the following facts highlight Fisk‟s unique role in higher education today.
The U.S. News & World Report‟s 2011 list of the “Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities” ranks Fisk #122 in the elite Tier 1 group of 246 institutions, one of only three Historically Black Colleges and Universities included.
U.S. News & World Report‟s 2011 rankings list Fisk among the top 40 national liberal arts institutions that offer the best value for the cost and quality of their academic programs.
The U.S. News & World Report‟s 2011 list of the “Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities” ranks Fisk #7.
For the 19th consecutive year, the Princeton Review included Fisk on its 2011 list of “The Best 373 Colleges” in the nation and on its list of “The Best Southeastern Colleges”.
In the latest Washington Monthly rankings on research, Fisk ranks #4 among the 252 liberal arts institutions in the nation that were ranked, #1 among ranked liberal arts institutions in the South, and #1 among the ranked liberal arts institutions in Tennessee.
The latest Washington Monthly ranks Fisk in the 93rd percentile among liberal arts colleges in the nation.
For the past twelve years, Money Magazine has included Fisk on its list of “100 Best College Buys.”
The most recent National Science Foundation study reveals that Fisk alumni earned more doctorate degrees in the natural sciences than African-American graduates from any other college or university in the nation.1
Fisk ranks in the 77 percentile of all institutions in the United States receiving federal science and engineering research funds.2
Fisk is the number one producer of African Americans who obtain their master‟s degrees in physics.3
Fisk ranks among the top 50 U.S. institutions whose graduates earn Ph.D. degrees in science and engineering.4
The maximum numbers of allowable students of Fisk‟s 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 graduating classes were inducted into The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation‟s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.
Fisk is ranked first among moderately selective colleges in graduating low-income students.
Fisk has an annual economic impact of $42 million on the Metropolitan Nashville community. 5
Approximately 40 percent of Fisk‟s graduates enroll directly in graduate or professional schools following attainment of their baccalaureate degrees. _______________________
1
National Science Foundation, Fisk Institutional Profile, 2007 2 National Science Foundation, Fisk Institutional Profile, 2007 3 National Science Foundation, 2007 4 National Science Foundation, 2007 5 United Negro College Fund, 2008
The Class of 2014’s Procession from Jubilee Hall to the Clinton B. Fisk Memorial Chapel for the 2010-2011 Opening Convocation Photo Credit: The Tennessean
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ADVANCEMENT & FUNDRAISING
FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Dear Alumni and Friends, Thank you for your support of Fisk University. In the next few days, a new group of impressive young leaders and scholars will commence the next phase of their lives. I am confident that they leave Fisk molded by their Fisk Experience, ready to take on the challenges of the world. We tend to link the Fisk Experience only with our students. Yet it also relates to everyone privileged to work here. I am grateful for my Fisk Experience and thank you for helping to make it a meaningful one. The past month has been one of intense work for the institutional advancement team. Along with preparing our portion of the SACSCOC monitoring report, we began developing relationships with new friends in the Nashville community, requisite to the success of the comprehensive campaign. We also are working to meet Fisk’s fundraising goal of $8.4 million for this fiscal year and ask all alumni and friends to make a gift by June 30, 2011. Ending the fiscal year in the black is vital to substantiating our fiscal viability to SACSCOC and everyone’s support is needed. We are thankful to all of you who donated by March 31. There are, however, many alumni who have not donated yet and we hope that you will by June 30. Please be reminded that the alumni goal for this fiscal year is $2 million and as of April 22, 2011, we have received $925,524 in alumni contributions. Did you know that you can make an end of the fiscal year gift via the 1866 Campaign? $18.66 or $186.60 or $1,866 or $18,660 or $186,600? Or select another amount - all gifts are appreciated! The 1866 Campaign is a fundraising initiative started by the Young Alumni Association (a division of the G.A.A.F.U.) in 2010, and was created to raise unrestricted gifts in the final quarter of the fiscal year, i.e., April 1 through June 30. While intended to encourage giving by alumni from the classes of 1990 to 2010, all alumni are invited to participate and to help the Young Alumni Association achieve its goal. We also encourage all alumni and friends to meet the G.A.A.F.U.’s challenge to participate in electronic funds transfer and to make sustained monthly or quarterly gifts via this mechanism. Monthly automatic electronic fund transfers have grown from 75 donors giving $11,831 as of March 31, 2010, to increases of 41% and 126% respectively with 106 alumni donating $26,285 as of March 31, 2011. Again, thank you for all you do for Fisk University. Together, we will reach unparalled heights and achieve all of our goals. Sincerely, Shirley Q. Range
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ADVANCEMENT & FUNDRAISING
Page 19
Annual Fundraising Cumulative by Month FY 08, FY 09, FY 10, FY 11 The graph below depicts Fisk’s fundraising progress on a month-by-month basis and compares it to each of the previous three fiscal years. It shows progress toward the FY 11 goal of $8.4 million as of April 22, 2011, compared to the same point in time in FYs 08, 09 and 10. $10,000,000
$9,000,000 $9.10M
$8,000,000
$7,000,000
$ Value
$6,000,000 $5.58M $5,000,000 $3,738,867
$4,000,000
$3.13M $3,000,000
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
$0 July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
Month - Totals below reflect funds received through April 22 as of FY08, FY09, FY10 and FY11 FY08: $5,318,034
FY09: $3,542,268
FY10: $2,065,817
FY11: $3,738,867
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Cultivating Scholars & Leaders One by One
Page 20
EVENTS FISK UNIVERSITY
Office of Institutional Advancement 1000 17th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37208 (615) 329-8530 - Telephone (615) 329-8627 - Facsimile
Nashville, TN. Friday, April 29-Monday, May 2, 2011. Reunion Weekend. Fisk University. Key events are listed below.
We’re on the Web! www.fisk.edu
Keep in touch with Fisk— Listen to WFSK (88.1 FM) streaming on the internet at www.wfsk.org. If you did not receive the FISK Focus directly, we are missing your current e-mail address. Please send it to alumni@fisk.edu.
Friday, April 29, Alumni & Friends Authors’ Panel, 4:00 pm, John Hope and Aurelia Elizabeth Franklin Library Friday, April 29, 11:45 p.m., Midnight Cruise, General Jackson Showboat Saturday, April 30, Silver Sons & Daughters Luncheon, 12 noon, Spence Hall Saturday, April 30, 8:00 p.m., Gala Banquet, Loews Vanderbilt Sunday, May 1, 10:00 a.m., Baccalaureate Service, Clinton B. Fisk Memorial Chapel; Baccalaureate Speaker: Reverend Dr. Forrest Harris, President of American Baptist College Sunday, May 1, Immediately Following Baccalaureate Service, The President’s Reception, The Campus Grove Sunday, May 1, 12 noon, Golden Sons and Daughters Luncheon, Appleton Room of Jubilee Hall Sunday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., Fisk Jubilee Singers® Concert, Clinton B. Fisk Memorial Chapel Monday, May 2, 10:00 a.m., Commencement Speakers: Alma V. Johnson Powell ’57, Chair, America’s Promise Alliance and The Honorable Corey Anthony Booker, Mayor of Newark, NJ
Nashville, TN. Wednesday, June 1, 2011. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS TO PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM. Contact: Professor Patricia McCarroll, Program Coordinator, 615.329.8532 or pmccarro@fisk.edu.
Houston, TX. Saturday, June 11, 2011. G.A.A.F.U. Southwest Regional Conference. Nashville, TN. Monday, June 20 - Friday, July 29, 2011. Pre-College Program. Fisk University. Nassau, Bahamas. Friday, July 22 - Monday, July 25, 2011. G.A.A.F.U. Planning Conference. Memphis, TN. Friday, September 16 - Sunday, September 18, 2011. G.A.A.F.U. Southern Regional Conference, Peabody Hotel. Nashville, TN. Thursday, October 6, 2011, 10:00 a.m. Jubilee Day. Clinton B. Fisk Memorial Chapel. Nashville, TN. Friday, October 7, 2011 - Sunday, October 9, 2011. G.A.A.F.U. Biennial Convention. Appleton Room of Jubilee Hall.
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