Fisk Focus Vol. 3, Issue 1

FISK Focus An Electronic Magazine for Alumni and Friends

Inside this issue: From the President/ 1-2

Volume III, Issue 1

Fall 2012

From University President Hazel Reid O’Leary ’59

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT Commencement/ 3 Jubilee Day/ 4 Basketball Schedules / 6 Homecoming/ 8 Movie Filmed on Campus/ 10 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Naturalization Ceremony/11 In Memoriam/ 12 Y-12/Fisk Mentor-Protégé / 13 Materials Science/ 14 What Everyone Should Know About Fisk/ 15

ALUMNI RELATIONS GAAFU Chair’s Letter/ 17 GAAFU Midwest Regional Conference/ 18 GAAFU Eastern Regional Conference/ 19 New Alumni Trustee/ 20 Atlanta Fisk Club Gala/ 21 Alumni Updates/ 22 Caroline Jhingory ’03/ 29 ADVANCEMENT & FUNDRAISING From the Vice President/ 30 School of the Month/ 31 Nashville Chamber’s North Advisory Council/ 32 Fisk Sunday/ 33 Tribute Toast & Roast/ 34 Society of Philanthropists/ 38 THE FISK FUND Cumulative Graph/ 40 THE FISK FUND Sources Report/ 41 Coming Events/ 42

Trustees present President O’Leary her award at the Fisk Society of Philanthropists Inaugural Awards Luncheon held October 23, 2012. (L to R): Trustees Philippe Andal, Patricia Meadows and Dr. Jennifer Adebanjo, President O’Leary, Trustee Emeritus Mike Curb, Trustee Kate Ezell and Former Trustee Dr. Arnold Burger.

Dear Alumni and Friends, Happy New Year. I will continue to fulfill my responsibilities as President as we prepare for Dr. H. James Williams to assume the role on February 1. Thank you for supporting my administration for the past eight and one-half years. While the years have been challenging, I leave Fisk knowing that it is on its best financial footing in over four decades. Under President Williams’ leadership, our alma mater is now poised to achieve complete financial stability. It has been a deep honor to serve Fisk and our extraordinary students. (continued on page 2)

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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FROM PRESIDENT HAZEL REID O’LEARY (cont’d. from p. 1)

On December 11, 2012, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed Fisk’s accreditation for good cause and continued the institution on probation for another year. Fisk continues to be eligible for federal, state and foundation contracts and grants. Our students are eligible for financial aid and other forms of student support. The excellence of Fisk’s academic programs and institutional integrity were not questioned by SACSCOC. Our commitment to the University’s Strategic Goals, which are measured by outcomes in teaching, research and service, remains steadfast.

Fisk will address the remaining SACSCOC’s recommendations related to financial stability, adequate financial controls, balanced budget and compliance with federal regulations through outcomes from our fiscal year 2013 audit. Evidence to support the University’s position that the five remaining recommendations have been addressed includes the timely completion of the fiscal year 2013 audit and evidence that demonstrates that adequate financial controls are in place, that revenues adequate to offset expenses have been raised during fiscal year 2013 (that ends June 30, 2013) and that the University has complied with all federal regulations in our program administration.

In addition, Fisk has satisfied the Commission’s recommendation regarding qualified administrative and academic officers.

Fisk is fully aware that our students and families make significant investments to enable students to obtain Fisk degrees. The University pledges to continue to provide an excellent education at the lowest possible cost. Mindful of the need for transparency as we continue to address the five remaining SACSCOC recommendations, Fisk will publish monthly updates of fundraising progress and the status work to close our fiscal year 2013 audit on our website (www.fisk.edu) and quarterly in this publication (see pages 40-41).

In closing, I ask all of you who love Fisk, as I do, to contribute unrestricted and scholarship gifts before June 30, 2013 to support the 165 students who require emergency assistance to meet financial obligations for the spring semester and remain at Fisk. Scholarships for these students are essential to ensuring that the fiscal year 2013 budget is balanced and that Fisk is removed from probation.

I send my best wishes to each of you and again, my sincere thanks for your support and efforts on behalf of Fisk University.

Warm Regards,

Hazel R. O’Leary ’59 President Religious Leaders for Fisk (L. to R.) 1st Row: Ms. Arnell Perry, Dr. Sandra Barnes, Ms. Atherine Hoskins, Rev. James Turner, Sr., Rev. Herbert Brown, Rev. Barton Harris, Rev. Demetrius Short. 2nd Row: Mr. Brian Fesler, Rev. Edward Thompson, Rev. Theodore Bryson, Rev. Angelo Wildgoose, President Hazel O’Leary, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Rev. Dr. Jason Curry, Rev. Sidney Bryant, Bishop William Morris. 3rd Row: Rev. Harold Martin, Mr. Keith King, Rev. Raymond Bowman, Rev. James Brooks, Rev. Inman Otey, Mr. Lee Perkins, Pastor James Scarlett.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

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Commencement 2012 Photo Credits: Keith Layden

Baccalaureate keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Sunday, May 6, 2012, 10 AM

Valedictorian, Marcella Riley, delivered a stirring address to her classmates and guests at the Monday, May 7, 2012 Commencement held at The Temple Church due to predictions of inclement weather.

Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients Tavis Smiley (left) and Alice Randall share a moment.

Students (above) and faculty (below) proceed into auditorium.

Trustee and Mrs. Michael Reeves at Baccalaureate Services

Maxwell Tsatu and his happy family celebrate his graduation.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Dr. June Williams Colman ’85 Delivers Annual Jubilee Day Address Photo Credits: Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74

Fiskites and friends gathered in the Clinton B. Fisk Memorial Chapel on Saturday, October 6, 2012 to commemorate the departure of the Original Jubilee Singers on October 6, 1871, to introduce the world to the Negro spiritual and to save their beloved school.

This year’s speaker, Dr. June Williams Colman ’85 (pictured at left with Dr. Linda Brown Coleman ’70, G.A.A.F.U. chairperson), delivered an inspiring address. Dr. Colman, an obstetriciangynecologist, owns and operates Serenity Healthcare for Women in Houston, Texas. She is opening a second facility near the University of Houston.

After her graduation from Fisk in 1985, Dr. Colman entered Meharry Medical College from which she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1993. She completed her residency in obstetricsgynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in her childhood hometown of Galveston, Texas. Dr. Colman has been board certified in her specialty since November of 1999.

Dr. Colman’s professional society memberships include the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Medical Association, Houston Medical Forum for which she became vice president in 2002, Harris County Medical Society, Mary Susan Moore Medical Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. From 1993 to 1997, Dr. Colman completed a Junior Fellowship with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

She is active in the Greater Houston community providing service on several boards and organizations including the Provider Advisory Committee of United Healthcare (2009 to present), chairman of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of East Houston Medical Center (2000-2001 and 2004-2005), chairman of the Infection Control Committee for East Houston Medical Center (1999) and Meharry Medical College’s Board of Trustees (1992-1994). She also served as a board member of the Breast Cancer Network of Strength during 2007-2010.

Dr. Colman is a member of the Texas Spring-Cypress Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Houston Fisk University Alumni Association, and the Skijammers Ski Club of Houston. She is a Life Member of the General Alumni Association of Fisk University, Incorporated and is a usher at Windsor Village United Methodist Church. She is the proud mother of an active young daughter, Jillian.

Dr. Shannon Parris ’84, introduced her best friend and classmate.

The Jubilee Day Prayer was composed and delivered by another of Dr. Colman’s classmates, William T. Burton, Jr., Esq. ’85, president of the Detroit Fisk Alumni Association.

The legendary Dr. L.M. Collins ’37 greets “friend” Robert Poole ’72.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

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ANNUAL JUBILEE DAY COMMEMORATION In keeping with tradition, the Fisk Jubilee Singers速 (pictured below) provided beautiful music during the 140th annual commemoration of Jubilee Day. The roster of the 2012-2013 Fisk Jubilee Singers速 is provided below.

Soprano Sarenina Bonner Rhea Beckett Brianna Barbour Audrey Tillis

Alto Miracle Ham Kristina Ham Christina Jackson Sabrina Walker

Tenor Eric Copeland Marquis Murphy Cameron Clark Renaldo Billups

Bass DeAndre Jones Antonio Hayes Charles Mitchell Kashun Newson

Following the program in the Chapel , the traditional pilgrimage was made to the graves of the four Original Fisk Jubilee Singers速 who are buried in Nashville: Mabel Lewis Imes (1858-1935) and Ella Sheppard Moore (1851-1914) in City Cemetery, and Georgia Gordon Taylor (1856-1913) and Minnie Tate Hall (1851-1914) in Greenwood Cemetery (pictured below).

Mabel Lewis Imes

Ella Sheppard Moore

Georgia Gordon Taylor

Minnie Tate Hall

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Date

Opponent

Location

Time

January 19

Dillard *

New Orleans, LA

5:00 PM

January 21

Xavier *

New Orleans, LA

2:00 PM

January 26

Philander Smith *

HOME

5:00 PM

January 28

Martin Methodist

Pulaski, TN

8:00 PM

February 2

SUNO *

New Orleans, LS

5:00 PM

February 4

Tougaloo *

Jackson, MS

8:00 PM

February 7

Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain, MS

7:30 PM

February 9

Dillard *

HOME

5:00 PM

February 11

Xavier *

HOME

8:00 PM

February 13

Lane

Jackson, TN

7:30 PM

February 16

Talladega *

HOME

5:00 PM

February 18

Edward Waters *

HOME

8:00 PM

February 21

Oakwood (Senior Night)

HOME

8:00 PM

February 23

Philander Smith *

Little Rock, AR

5:00 PM

GCAC Tournament Tournament

Little Rock, AR

T.B.A.

March 1-4

Head Coach: Derek Watkins Assistant Coach: Jay Smith * Indicates G.C.A.C. Contests

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Date

Opponent

Location

Time

January 19

Dillard *

New Orleans, LA

3:00 PM

January 21

Xavier *

New Orleans, LA

12:00 PM

January 26

Philander Smith *

HOME

300 PM

January 28

Martin Methodist

Pulaski, TN

6:00 PM

February 2

SUNO *

New Orleans, LS

3:00 PM

February 4

Tougaloo *

Jackson, MS

6:00 PM

February 7

Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain, MS

5:30 PM

February 9

Dillard *

HOME

3:00 PM

February 11

Xavier *

HOME

6:00 PM

February 13

Lane

Jackson, TN

6:00 PM

February 16

Talladega *

HOME

3:00 PM

February 18

Edward Waters *

HOME

6:00 PM

February 21

Oakwood (Senior Night)

HOME

6:00 PM

February 23

Philander Smith *

Little Rock, AR

3:00 PM

GCAC Tournament Tournament

Little Rock, AR

T.B.A.

March 1-4

Head Coach: John McGraw Associate Head Coaches: Tony Thompson, Jasmine Gunn * Indicates G.C.A.C. Contests

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

HOMECOMING 2012 Fisk Meets Hollywood: Remembering the Stars Photo Credits: Adrienne Taylor Latham’ 68 and Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74

Homecoming 2012 was a fun-filled weekend of events, beginning Thursday night with the fashion show and Gucci Mane concert. More than 500 alumni returned for the festivities. Friday’s activities included the Open House for prospective students, G.A.A.F.U.’s young alumni mixer, and the elegant coronation of Miss Fisk followed by the coronation ball. On Saturday, there was tailgating on the yard along with the inaugural Donor Appreciation Brunch, Greek mixers and exciting basketball games. The weekend ended on Sunday with the G.A.A.F.U.’s young alumni brunch. Highlights of some events are captured in the photographs that follow.

(L to R): Bonita O’Banion ’61, James Hovell, D.D.S. ’61, Eldora A. Stevens ’64, Renee Hubbell Wilkins ’90, and Sondra Tolbert’ 90

(L to R): Philippe Andal ’13, Jenise Burks ’11,Adrienne Taylor Latham ’68 and Demetrius Short ’99

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Page 9

HOMECOMING 2012 Hollywood: Remembering the Stars Photo Credits: Adrienne Taylor Latham’ 68 and Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74

(Continued from page 8)

Miss Fisk and Court at Homecoming Game (L to R): Miss Freshman, Tierra Wilhite; Miss Junior, Georgetta Bundley; Miss Fisk, Shalimar Leggett; Miss Senior, Jodie Jones; and Miss Sophomore, Ashley Atkins

Terrance Hurd ’86 and Karen Hampton ’89 enjoy the bonfire

“Boys of the Sixties” (L to R) Harold “Chattanooga” Crawford ’65, Ronnie Johnson ’65,Winston Webster ’65, Wayne G. Lewis ’65 and Jerry Tanksley ’65

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

MOVIE FILMED ON CAMPUS Photo Credits: Brad McAfee

On November 3-5, Fisk was a location shoot for the movie The Identical, the fourth movie shoot on the campus in the last five years. Jubilee Hall’s Gold Room was transformed into a 1950’s hospital room. Several Fisk students experienced movie making first-hand as extras. Seth Green, Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta and Joey Pantoliano star in The Identical, a rock-themed drama that marks the directorial debut of music video director Dustin Marcellino. See it in theatres near you in the fall of 2013.

Trailers lined 17th Avenue while the movie shoot occurred at Fisk

Vintage automobiles from the 1950s and 1960s used in the film

(Photo at right): Fisk students who appear in the movie are shown on the set at Greer Stadium. (L to R): Jaron Cooper, Calvin McKay, Ashton Stansbury, Raven Thornton, Ameara Hamby

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Page 11

NATURALIZATION CEREMONY Photo Credits: Brad McAfee

On August 24, Fisk hosted the Naturalization Ceremony of the United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee. The ceremonies, held on the lawn outside Cravath Hall, were conducted by the Honorable William J. Haynes, Jr., Chief Judge of the Middle District of Tennessee, and the Honorable John T. Nixon, Senior District Judge, Middle District of Tennessee.

John Seigenthaler, journalist, writer, prominent defender of First Amendment rights, and founder of the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University was the keynote speaker. His stirring remarks paid tribute to Fisk’s rich legacy in civil and human rights, and the University’s historic contributions to Nashville and the nation.

Chief Judge William J. Haynes and Senior District Judge John T. Nixon administer oath to new citizens Judges Haynes (left) and Nixon (right) speak to new citizens following administration of oath

John Se

New citizens as they take the oath of citizenship

John Seigenthaler (left) and Brad McAfee

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

IN MEMORIAM Photo Credits: Dr. Crystal deGregory ‘03 and Dr. Lucius Outlaw, Jr.’ 67

The year 2012 was a particularly difficult one for the Fisk family because we lost five treasured members of our faculty: Marcellus Brooks on January 19th, Newton S. Holiday, Jr. on March 25th, Beth Madison Howse on September 26th, Noah Horace Mann III on October 12th, and Diane Louise Sofko on October 19th.

Señor Marcellus Brooks ’64 dedicated his life to Fisk University and her students.

For 47 years, he mentored students and taught them to speak and read Spanish.

Loved and admired by Fisk students, Señor Brooks initiated the first study abroad program at Fisk in 1974, and thereafter, exposed Fisk students to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Brazil, as well as, to Africa, Spain and other European countries in order for Fisk students to experience firsthand Spanish and other cultures. A 1964 graduate of Fisk, Señor Brooks earned his master’s degree in Spanish from New York University in conjunction with the University of Madrid in 1965.

He completed work toward the Ph.D. degree at the University of Illinois and Vanderbilt University. Señor Brooks began his teaching career at Fisk as an instructor on September 1, 1965. He rose through the faculty ranks to associate professor, served as chairman of the Modern Languages Department for many years and directed the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts.

Mr. Newton S. Holiday, Jr. ‘49 was a part-time instructor of art and photography for many years. He received his B.A. in art degree from Fisk in 1949 and his M.A. from Columbia University in 1956. Studying under Professor Aaron Douglass, the famed artist-illustrator of the Harlem Renaissance and founder of the Fisk Art Department, Professor Holiday assisted Professor Douglass with the installation of the famed Stieglitz Collection in the Carl Van Vechten Gallery. In addition to his expertise in art and photography, Professor Holiday was an accomplished pianist and organist.

Ms. Beth Madison Howse ’65 was special collections archivist at the John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library. She began her career at Fisk in 1970. The greatgranddaughter of Original Fisk Jubilee Singer, Ella Sheppard Moore, Ms. Howse grew up on the Fisk campus. She graduated from Fisk in 1965 and earned her M.L.S. degree at George Peabody College. Loved by all who interfaced with her, Ms. Howse exuded warmth and was known for her dedication, intellectual capacity and the unfailing guidance that she provided both undergraduate and graduate students. To researchers, she was the “go-to” person on the other end of the phone, an email, or in person. As the head of the Rosenwald Fund reflected, “Many of us will remember her warm and professional nature, which always made us feel welcomed—sometimes for long periods of time—while conducting research there. Reflections of her role on campus by students offered fond memories of her generous and humble nature and her nurturing spirit to new students. Beth will be greatly missed for years to come.”

Dr. Noah Horace Mann III, a native Nashvillian, attended public schools, as well as Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He also attended the University of Florida and University of Miami, where he earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees, respectively. Dr. Mann was an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Fisk and a former Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Diane Louise Stofko joined the Fisk faculty in the fall of 2003. In addition to teaching music coursework, brass instruction, and Core courses, she coordinated the Music Education Program, and served as the faculty advisor to Soror Musica. She earned her B.M.Ed at the Shenandoah Conservatory, M.M.Ed. from the University of Louisville and D.M.A. from the Herberger College of Fine Arts, Arizona State University.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Page 13

Y-12/FISK UNIVERSITY MENTOR-PROTÉGÉ RESEARCH RELATIONSHIP Contributor and Photo Credits: Dr. Arnold Burger

In August 2006, the National Security Complex at Y-12 in Oak Ridge TN and Fisk University entered a Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored Mentor-Protégé agreement for the purpose of enhancing Fisk’s business and technical capabilities in support of DOE’s mission as well as other US government agencies. Dr. Arnold Burger heads the Fisk team.

The mentor-protégé program attracted two multi-year research contracts to Fisk and the major outcomes delivered were two innovations for which Fisk and Y-12 filed, with joint ownership, for two patents, one is pending and one, U.S. Patent 7,687,780, was awarded in March 2010. The innovations are in an area of critical national importance due to their applications in homeland security, national security, medicine, industry, and science.

The old generation of detectors are based on helium-3, a rare isotope of helium. In recent years the world is experiencing a severe shortage of this gas as the demand for national security applications grew and exceeded the supply delivered by the nuclear weapon program. The new crystalline materials described in the Fisk/Y12 patent detect neutrons that are among the most challenging particles to detect. The neutron detection feature of the newly discovered crystalline material (lithium indium selenide, or LiInSe2) at Fisk has important advantages. Compared to traditional approaches relying on expensive and bulky Helium-3 gas filled tubes, lithium indium selenide detectors are highly efficient, low cost, compact and operate with low power supplies.

The photo on the left shows a crystal of lithium indium selenide grown at Fisk University. The scientific importance of our discovery is that this is the first crystal known to contain lithium (an excellent absorber of neutrons) and exhibit the desirable semiconductor properties that are the basis of most useful devices that surround us.

Since 2006, Fisk University has received $550,000 in subcontract for nuclear radiation detection research projects. At the ceremony in Oak Ridge, TN on July 12, 2012, the two institutions celebrated their successes and Fisk received a plaque for the successful performance and completion of the Department of Energy (DOE) Mentor Protégé Program. (pictured above).

Fisk and Y-12 are continuing their collaboration and in September 2012, Fisk became a partner to establish a consortium funded with an initial one-year grant of $900,000 for the “Detection and Analysis of Chemical and Radionuclides.” The other participants in the consortium are Alabama A&M University, Morehouse College, Alcorn State University, Southern University New Orleans, Southern University at Baton Rouge and Los Alamos National Lab. Fisk’s role in the collaboration is to establish a summer research program for undergraduates from the participating schools.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The Materials Science and Applications Group (MSAG) The Materials Science and Applications Group (MSAG), [www.fisk.edu/msag ] at Fisk University is a research group that specialized in the purification, crystal growth and characterization of novel materials used in fabrication and testing new radiation detectors. Applications include astrophysics, remote sensing, nuclear nonproliferation, homeland security, medicine, biophotonics, and aviation safety.

Fisk and members of MSAG have been awarded eight U.S. patents for technologies in radiation detection and the team is a three-time winner (in 1998, 2001 and 2010) of the R&D 100 Awards (also nicknamed the “Oscars of Science”), which honor the top 100 inventions in each year. The research group is responsible for operating state-of-the-art research facilities and we offer highly motivated students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this fast growing research field.

Through participation in the Fisk/Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. program, [www.fisk.edu/bridge] students may continue their research in MSAG, through the completion of their Ph.D. degree. Collaborations with national labs, other universities and industry benefit undergraduate and graduate students seeking summer internship and postgraduate employment opportunities.

Front row, L to R: Emmanuel Rowe, Emmanuel’s daughter, Rose Perea, Jodie Hawk, Terreka Hart, Vanja Nuntes Second Row, L to R: Arnold Burger, Brenden Wiggins, John McGrew, Silvio Dantas, Eugene Tupitsyn Third row, L to R: Dave Caudel, Maggie Zlibut, Vladimir Buliga, Liviu Matei, Matheus Chaves Fourth row, L to R: Constantine Coca, Yunlong Cui, Michael Groza, Pijush Bhattacharya

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

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WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FISK Founded in 1866, Fisk University is the oldest institution of higher education in Nashville, Tennessee and will celebrate its sesquicentennial in 2016. Fisk received a charter for the first chapter of The Phi Beta Kappa Society on a predominantly black campus in 1953. Fisk’s outstanding faculty and students continue to enhance the University’s national reputation for academic excellence that is validated year after year by the leading third party reviewers, as well as, by the pool of talented applicants and the large percentage of alumni who complete graduate or professional degrees and become leaders and scholars in their fields.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programs  Fisk’s longstanding legacy of excellence is reinforced by its accomplishments in the 21st century, especially in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Business disciplines. Fisk remains the only historically black college or university (HBCU) ever to win the prestigious R&D 100 award, and to date has won three. 

The Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program has produced five Ph.D. graduates in the past three years in physics, astronomy, and materials science, disciplines in which African Americans and Latinos are underrepresented. As of 2006, no U.S. institution awards more master’s in physics degrees to African-American U.S. citizens than Fisk, which is also one of the top ten U.S. institutions awarding master’s in physics degrees to U.S. citizens of any ethnic background.1 In 2012, the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program graduated five Ph.D. recipients in the physical sciences and is on track to graduate this number each year. This is ten times the national average for physical science Ph.D. programs.



In September 2012, the National Science Foundation released its most recent study ranking U.S. higher education programs by their expenditures in research and development. Fisk University’s research in the physical sciences ranks in the top 3 percent while Fisk’s overall research ranks in the top 8 percent among all U.S. universities and colleges.

Department of Business Administration  The Department of Business Administration has a reputation for producing alumni who hold top positions in their fields. These include entrepreneurs George Russell Curtis, Sr. ’56, Karl Turner ’77 and Jacquelyn Denton Alton ’66, sports agents and executives Carl Poston III ’77 and Kevin Poston ’81, Music World Entertainment Founding CEO Mathew Knowles ’75, hospital system executive Mark Chastang ’74 and American Hospital Association Chairman John W. Bluford III ’71. 

Among the many young alumni who have begun to make their marks are risk analysts Jenise Burks ’11 and Jordan West ’10, financial services professional James Horton ’06, accounting executive Dominique D'Antignac-Bell ’97, social media strategist Rob Wingfield ’00, foreign service officer William Campbell ’07, and human resources professional Johnathan Montgomery ’99.



The department’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization regularly wins regional competitions for their innovative projects that make a difference in the Nashville community while developing them into socially responsible business leaders. Fisk holds membership in the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The Department of Business Administration offers a minor in music business through a collaborative agreement with Belmont University. In addition, Fisk offers a joint program with the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. In five years, students earn a Fisk B.S. degree and a Vanderbilt Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree.

National Rankings  Fisk ranked in the top 20 percent of the 650 higher education institutions (from the more than 1400 institutions nationwide) that Forbes ranked and is the highest ranked HBCU on Forbes’ 2012 Top Colleges List. 

The 2013 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges and Universities” ranked Fisk in Tier One at #145 of more than 1,400Liberal Arts Institutions in the United States. Only three HBCUs are ranked in Tier One. Fisk is ranked #5 on the list of “The Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).”



For the 20th consecutive year, the Princeton Review included Fisk on its 2013 list of “The Best Southeastern Colleges.”

The Washington Monthly, September 2012, ranked Fisk as the “#2 Liberal Arts College/University in Research” and the “#1 Liberal Arts HBCU in Research” in its “Top Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities.” Fisk ranks in the top 6 percent of the 254 leading liberal arts institutions based on social mobility, research and service. ______________________________________ 1 National Science Foundation, 2007 

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FISK (cont’d. from p. 15) Fall 2012 Enrollment  Enrollment is 620, a 16 percent increase over last year and the largest growth in six years. The average GPA for the Class of 2016 is 3.33, which is higher than the average GPA of 3.15 for the previous class. 

Fisk’s entering students’ average SAT score is 1622, which is higher than the national average SAT score of 1500 and of 1272 for African American college entrants.2 Students’ average ACT score is 21, which is higher than the national average of 17 for African American college entrants.3

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Among Fisk’s Class of 2016, biology is the most popular major, followed by business, psychology, physics and chemistry.

Student Outcomes  Fisk’s Fall-to-Fall persistence rate is 84 percent. The national average persistence rate is 57 percent, and the average persistence rate at other Tennessee institutions is 51 percent. 

Fisk’s six-year graduation rate is 59 percent. The national graduation rate was 56 percent in 2009, which is the latest available number from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

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Over 17 percent of Fisk students are selected for internships, which is above the 9 percent national average for internship placements on college campuses.4

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Sixty-one percent of students who earn a Fisk degree enter graduate or professional school within one year of their graduation, ahead of the national average of 23 percent.5

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Fisk’s 2012 graduating class included five students who were inducted into T h e Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Annual Fundraising  Fisk is a market leader in fundraising among HBCUs. Fisk’s six-year average of $5.1 million annually in private gifts exceeds by 67 percent the $3.1 million national average in private gifts raised by HBCUs not engaged in capital campaigns.6 

Fisk alumni participation over the six-year period, ending June 30, 2012, averaged 18 percent (the national average alumni participation rate for all colleges and universities is 20 percent) and total alumni gifts averaged $1,319,534. Fisk alumni contributed a total of $7,917,202 of the $29,832,705 in private gifts raised over the same six-year period.

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Over the past six years ending June 30, 2012, Fisk Trustees donated 19 percent of annual fundraising revenues. The average Trustee gift per year was $32,680.94. Fisk Trustees contributed a total of $5,608,735.74 of the $29,832,705 raised over the same period.

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Fisk scholarships represent the second greatest source (32 percent) of student financial assistance while federal student/family loans provide the greatest source of student support (46 percent). Federal grants are the third greatest source (14 percent) of student support.7 Cultivating Scholars & Leaders One By One

________________________________________________ 2College Board (CEEB), 2011 3The ACT Profile Report, 2012 4National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2012 5National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2012 6Voluntary Support for Education, 2011 7Fisk University Fact Book, 2011-2012

Source: Office of Institutional Advancement October 15, 2012

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

ALUMNI RELATIONS

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FROM DR. LINDA BROWN COLEMAN ’70, CHAIR GENERAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF FISK UNIVERSITY, INCORPORATED Dear Fellow Alums, Heartiest congratulations on a job well done. We contributed $1,905,430 for fiscal year 2012 (July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012), exceeding our goal of $1,680,000. Our participation level reached 20.93 percent (1,634 alumni giving with an average gift of $1,251), which is on par with the 20 percent alumni participation average rate for all colleges/universities in the nation. We nearly doubled the number of alumni giving through the automatic deduction program (an easy way to contribute to Fisk on a monthly basis). Our GAAFU memberships (regular and life members) are increasing.

Regional student recruitment goals have been established by the Office of Recruitment and Admission. The GAAFU Recruitment Committee is working closely with the Office of Recruitment and Admission to achieve the University goal of seating 280 new students in the fall of 2013. Many thanks are conveyed to the clubs and individual alums who brought over 200 prospective students to Homecoming Open House 2012. We have very active GAAFU committees and can use your help in one of our five regions. Contact the Office of Alumni Affairs (alumni@fisk.edu) and let Mrs. Adrienne Latham or Mr. Fisher know if you would like to serve on the Recruiting or Membership Committee. Our fall enrollment of 620 students is a 16 percent increase over last year and the largest growth in six years.

Fellow alumni, we have certainly earned the right to "pat ourselves on the back" for a job well done, but we are facing another challenging year. Success in the "alumni giving arena" is measured by how well we are able to sustain our giving and to demonstrate a continued giving stream. In fact, SACSCoC places emphasis on sustained giving.

We are at the beginning of the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 and are striving to reach our goal of $2 million. As of December 31, 2012, we are 56 percent ahead of where we were at this time last year but we have not reached 50 percent of our goal for this fiscal year. Currently alumni giving is at $600,330 against a goal of $2 million. We must meet our goal to help ensure compliance with SACSCOC and maintain our accreditation.

During last year, the University began its rebranding efforts, which included the annual giving program, now known as THE FISK FUND. A national steering committee was established and is co-chaired by alumni major donors Robyn Jefferson Sims ’76 and Joy McElrath ’71. The committee works closely with the Office of Institutional Advancement and we are seeing results. If anyone wishes to join the committee whose sole purposes are to re-engage disengaged/lost alumni and to increase fiscal support from alumni, please communicate with Dr. Hamby by email at ehamby@fisk.edu or by telephone (615-329-8768 office or 615-473-7325 mobile).

Our FY 2013 initiatives are consistent with those of the last fiscal year: (1) To increase the alumni participation to 25 percent (1,900 alumni donors are needed), (2) To meet the Reunion 2013 giving goal of $700,000 and (3) To increase the number of alumni participating in recurring (monthly) automatic deductions. Click here to set up monthly deductions.

Remember, our motto - "Her Sons and Daughters are Ever on the Altar". With that said, if you gave last year, give again this year. If you know alumni who did not give last year, encourage them to make a donation this year. If you made a pledge during the recent phonathon, please fulfill it.

On behalf of the G.A.A.F.U. Board of Directors, we thank you for all you do for our alma mater.

Linda Brown Coleman, Ph.D. ’70

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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G.A.A.F.U. MIDWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE Photo Credits: Jonathan deKoven Phelps ’82 and Adrienne Taylor Latham ’68

On September 21-23, 2012, the G.A.A.F.U. Midwest Regional Conference was held in Chicago, hosted by the Chicago Fisk Alumni Association. Representatives from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin gathered for informative sessions, to elect regional officers and to reconnect. Dr. Edwina Harris Hamby, vice president for institutional advancement, conducted a session on advocacy and fundraising. It was a great weekend and everyone left energized to advocate and raise funds for their beloved alma mater. Gina R. Davis, Esq. ’82 was reelected regional chair and Ms. Kris Smith was reelected regional vice chair.

Group Photo of Some of the Alumni who attended the Midwest Regional Conference

L to R: Lana Mason ’85, Gina Davis, Esq. ’82, Helen Gardner, M.D. ’80, Deborah Rountree

’82, Bill Burton, Esq. ’85, and G. Kris Smith ’75 enjoy themselves during the social hour

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ALUMNI RELATIONS

G.A.A.F.U. EASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE Photo Credits: Adrienne Taylor Latham ’68 & Donna Towns Penn ’58

The New York Fisk Alumni Association hosted the G.A.A.F.U Eastern Regional Conference on September 14-15 in New York City. Representatives from the District of Columbia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia converged in the Big Apple for the two-day conference. Everyone enjoyed the Friday night mixer at Billie’s Black where they were treated to great music by Dennis Day ’68 and Karen Maynard ’82.

Saturday’s conference was held at Londel’s in Harlem. Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson ’85, executive director of the Children’s Defense Fund-New York and associate pastor for the Concord Baptist Church of Christ delivered an inspirational message. Workshops on student recruitment and fundraising were conducted by Mr. Anthony Jones ’95, director of recruitment and admission, and Dr. Edwina Harris Hamby ’68/’69, vice president for institutional advancement, respectively. Adrienne Taylor Latham ’68, director of alumni affairs, also attended the conference.

During the business meeting, Karen Maynard ’82 was reelected regional chair. Karriem Dean ’96 was reelected regional co-vice chair and Marlene Melton ’66 was elected regional co-vice chair.

Reverend Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson ’85 addresses participants. Looking on are Adrienne Taylor Latham ’68 and Anthony Jones ’95

Pamela Green, Esq. ’68 and Janet Flowers ’68

(L to R): Anthony Jones ’95, director of recruitment and admission, Pamela Smith Howell ’85 and Emma Jordan-Simpson, D.Min.’85 Teresia Collier Bost, Esq. ‘92, ’66, newly (L to R): Anthony Jonesand ’95,Marlene Teresia L.Melton Bost, Esq.’92, and Marlene regional after co-vice Meltonelected ’66 networking thechair Saturday luncheon at Londel’s.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ALUMNI RELATIONS

ADRIENNE SERAILE MCWILLIAMS ’77 ELECTED ALUMNI TRUSTEE The membership of the General Alumni Association of Fisk University elected Adrienne Seraile McWilliams ’77 as alumni trustee to replace Trustee P. Andrew Patterson ’65 whose term ended in December of 2012. Mrs. McWilliams was awarded her B.A. in English, with honors, in 1977.

She is vice president of Eastern Sales for REACH Media, the sales arm for The Tom Joyner Morning Show and all of its assets, including his signature events: Family Reunion, The Fantastic Voyage, Take a Loved One to the Doctor, and his website, Black America Web.com. Her primary responsibility is to reach the company’s revenue goals by developing marketing programs that reach the African American consumer.

Prior to joining REACH Media, Mrs. McWilliams was Vice President of Urban Sales for Citadel Media and The ABC Radio Networks. She began her career in local radio during her years at Fisk when she worked as a news writer for WSM Radio. Mrs. McWilliams has worked in various capacities of sales and management for broadcast outlets in New York City. She is a native Washingtonian.

Mrs. McWilliams resides in New York City and enjoys volunteer work with Youth on the Move, Harlem Little League and The Exodus Transitional Community, a program to assist ex-offenders mainstream into society. She is a life member of the General Alumni Association of Fisk University, Inc. and is a member of the Deaconess Board of the Abyssinian Baptist Church where she serves on its executive board. She is married, with three sons, and is the proud grandmother of a granddaughter.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR MONTHLY RECURRING CONTRIBUTIONS TO FISK?

It is the easiest way to support Fisk.

Just click the link below and sign up today. https://connect.fisk.edu/donate

Do you know a missing or unengaged Fisk alumna/alumnus or former student? Have you moved or changed your email address?

Frank Simmons ’73 created FiskForever.org for alumni and former students to sign up and reconnect with the University, or to update their information.

Many, many thanks, Frank!

Just click the link below. https://FiskForever.org

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ATLANTA FISK CLUB HOLDS NINTH ANNUAL WINTER SCHOLARSHIP GALA Contributors and Photo Credits: Linda Smith ’81 & the Atlanta Fisk Club

On Saturday, December 1, 2012, the Atlanta Fisk Club hosted its Ninth Annual Winter Scholarship Gala in Atlanta.

This year’s honorees were Dr. Collette M. Hopkins ’73, the Honorable Hazel R. O’Leary ’59, and Dr. Monica Parker ’80. The keynote speaker was Professor Nikki Giovanni ’67. Miss Elizabeth Adria Kimbrough, the twelveyear old daughter of Ms. Robin Kimbrough ’__ treated guests to an interpretative dance tribute to Professor Giovanni’s poem, “Ego Tripping.” Other entertainment was provided by Mr. Darren Redmond, Spoken Word artist, and musicians Ms. Kim Fleming ’81 and Mr. George Cooper ’82. Kristen Reed of the Staples Foundation presented a $5,000 grant to the Atlanta Fisk Club. The grant will help to support student recruitment activities of the Club.

Highlights of the gala are captured in the photographs that follow.

(L to R): Trustee Philippe Andal ’13 (Fisk SGA President), Honoree Dr. Monica Parker ’80, Honoree Dr. Collette Hopkins ’73, Keynote Speaker Nikki Giovanni ’67, Fisk President and Honoree Hazel O’Leary ’59, and Master of Ceremonies Mel Jackson Elizabeth Adria Kimbrough

(L to R): Anthony Jones ’95, Teresia L. Bost, Esq.’92, and Marlene Melton networking after the Saturday luncheon at Londel’s.

(L to R) Kristen Reed ’66 of the Staples Foundation with Nikki Giovanni, Chim Kamwana from the local Staples store with his wife. The Staples Foundation awarded the Atlanta Fisk Club a $5,000 grant.

President O’Leary chats with Reginald Jackson’80 and Joshua Peltier ’97. The reason that Dr. Beverly Rodgers ’83 (left) has the big smile is because she won the raffle grand prize - a NYC getaway.

Judith Johnson ’77 is in the background.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ALUMNI UPDATES LaVon Wright Bracy, Ed.D. ’69, and her husband, Dr. Randolph Bracy, Jr., co-founders of New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando, were honored at the December 7, 2012 retirement banquet.

The two founded the church in 1992. A native of Boynton Beach, Florida, Dr. LaVon Bracy is a well-known human and civil rights activist who was the first African American to integrate the public schools of the Alachua County school system and graduated from Gainesville High School in 1965.

Naa Akushika Brown ’04, is head of English at the International School of Choueifat, Tariq Bin Zayed Boys School, Abu Dhabi Education Council LT Mohammed Bin Khalifa Boys School, Al Ain United Arab Emirates.

In addition to her undergraduate degrees in English and Political Science from Fisk, Ms. Brown holds M.A. degrees in English and in Education (Teaching and Learning) from Tennessee State University.

The Honorable Mary Kate Bush ’69, was elected an independent director of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Since 1991, she has served as the president of Bush International, LLC, which advises U.S. corporations and foreign governments on international capital markets and strategic business and economic matters. Bush is also a senior managing director of Brock Capital Group and serves on the boards of directors of Discover Financial Services, ManTech International Corporation and Marriott International, Inc. Previously, she served as head of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, head of international finance at Fannie Mae, and the U.S. government’s representative on the International Monetary Fund Board. Bush earned her M.B.A. degree at the University of Chicago.

Catrina Chambers, Ph.D. ’01, recently completed doctoral studies in public policy with a concentration in health policy from Saint Louis University. Her dissertation research explored the affect of a statewide smoking ordinance on asthma-related emergency department visits among the adult population. Dr. Chambers also holds a Master of Science in Public Health from Meharry Medical College (2003). She currently serves on the boards of the Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis Professionals for Healthcare Quality. She is also the diversity chair of the American Lung Association and local chair of the Lung Health Committee.

Robert A. Copeland, M.D. ’77, professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Howard University College of Medicine and Howard University Hospital, has published a definitive textbook on the cornea, in conjunction with a Duke University professor. The book, Copeland and Afshari’s Principles and Practice of Cornea, was published in September and debuted at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting in Milan, Italy.

LaRia Cornwell ’09 founded a non-profit organization, Zipporah’s Angels, Inc., in Chester, SC to provide young girls with opportunities to explore and excel within their communities. Content includes financial literacy, social etiquette, cultural awareness and exploration, and the completion of community service projects.

Crystal deGregory, Ph.D. ’03 founded the non-profit HBCUstory, Inc. To preserve, preset and promote inspiring stories of the HBCU past and present for our future. The Nashville Public Library will host the 2013 HBCUstory Symposium on April 27, 2013, with Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell as the keynote speaker. For more information, go to www.HBUstory.com/ Symposium.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ALUMNI UPDATES (continued from page 22)

Nancy Deville ’95 received the award for Best Education Reporting in 2012 from the Tennessee State Press Association.

Kayla C. Elliott ’10 completed the M.A. in philanthropic studies at Indiana University and is now the development manager for Teach for America in Indianapolis.

LaShawnda Fitzgerald ’07 , a Nashville native who graduated with a dual major in Spanish and history, started a small business “Ready for Spanish” after she was laid off from her job as a Spanish teacher with the Nashville Public School system. What began as a company focusing solely on tutoring has grown into a multi-faceted one that offers tutoring, after school classes, a weekly Spanish immersion day program, summer and intersession camps, monthly Spanish play dates and parents night out adult classes. For more information, go to http:// www.readyforspanish.com. Ms. Fitzgerald holds the M.A. degree in teaching and learning from Lipscomb University and a M.A. in teaching English to speakers of other languages from Murray State University.

Damien T. Frierson ’02 is assistant director for domestic violence services at Lutheran Settlement House in Philadelphia, PA and an adjunct instructor in the African American studies program at Temple University. Mr. Frierson received a M.A. degree in African American studies from Temple University in 2004 and the M.S.W. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006.

Marcus J. Gates, M.D. ’09 was awarded the M.D. degree with highest honors by Meharry Medical College in May 2012. A participant of the rigorous Fisk-Meharry 3/4 program, he graduated with a 4.0 GPA from both Meharry and Fisk. Among other accomplishments, Dr. Gates received the highest biochemistry board score ever obtained by a first-year student at Meharry Medical College and was the recipient of the Pauletta and Denzel Washington Family Gifted Scholars in Neuroscience Award from the Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where he completed a preceptorship. Dr. Gates is completing his residency in neurosurgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Ernest L. Gibson III, Ph.D. ’05, is assistant professor of English at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He earned a M.A. in American studies from Purdue University in 2007, and M.A. in Afro American studies in 2010 and Ph.D. in Afro American studies in 2012 from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. In 2011, Dr. Gibson was a Thurgood Marshall Fellow at Dartmouth College.

Katara Grissom ’10 is Miss Black Music City and first runner-up to Miss Black Tennessee USA. She is the executive assistant to the vice president for student engagement and enrollment management at Fisk.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ALUMNI UPDATES (continued from page 23)

Carol Rawls Johnson, Ed.D. ’69, superintendent of the Boston Public Schools, was honored with the Richard R. Green Award at the annual Fall Conference by the Council of Great City Schools. As the nation's highest urban education honor, the award is given in recognition of exceptional contributions to urban schools and students. Sponsored by the Council, ARAMARK Education and Voyager Expanded Learning, the award honors the memory of Richard R. Green, a former chancellor of New York City Public Schools and superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. The Green Award recipient receives a $10,000 college scholarship to present to a high school senior of the winner's school district or from his/her high school alma mater.

Rita McClenny ’82 has directed the Virginia Film Office since 1992 and was recently named president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. She serves on the Commission to Honor the Contributions of the Women of Virginia, the board of directors for the Virginia Film Festival at the University of Virginia, HCA-Chippenham Medical Center, Richmond Coliseum Advisory Board, and is a member of the Washington, DC chapter of Women in Film and Video. McClenny also serves on the board of directors of the U.S. Travel Association, the National Council of State Tourism Directors, and the Southwest Virginia Heritage Foundation. In 2010, she received Virginia’s prestigious Teresa Pollack Award for Excellence in the Arts for her promotion of the arts in the area of film and was named to BOOMER MAGAZINE’s 2011 It List.

MarQo Patton ’11 completed the M.Ed. in instructional practice at Lipscomb University.

He is completing his last year with the Teach for America Program as a teacher at SmithsonCraighead Academy in Nashville.

Corbett Philip Powell ’07 has been promoted to executive director of the Emery Education Foundation. The Emery Education Foundation mobilizes local and regional resources to bring increased funding, innovative programs and strong partnerships to Emeryville, CA public schools. He is completing his M.P.A. degree at the University of San Francisco.

Markiesha Reynolds ’06 is a medical social worker in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. She earned the M.S.W. degree from Wayne State University in 2011. She is pictured with her adorable daughter, a future Fiskite.

John Rigueur, Ph.D. ’03 and M.A.’05 is a research scientist at CEA/INAC in Paris, France. Dr. Rigueur earned the Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University in 2012 and has the distinction of being the first Fisk University undergraduate to participate in the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program and earn his Ph.D.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ALUMNI UPDATES (continued from page 24)

Albert Earnest Smith ’03 was appointed deputy director of the National Public Housing Museum and Center for the Study of Society in Chicago. Mr. Smith holds the Master of Theological Studies degree from Vanderbilt University.

Ebonee Walker, Ph.D., M.A. ’08 was awarded the Ph.D. in interdisciplinary materials science from Vanderbilt University in May. Dr. Walker is an alumna of the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program.

THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI ARE PURSUING OR COMPLETED GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREES, OR MADE CAREER MOVES. THEY ARE LISTED BY FISK CLASS YEAR. CLASS OF 1979 Cathy Ginn Hunt earned the master’s in public service management, May 2012, Cumberland University

CLASS OF 1999 Jeffery Menzise, Ph.D., also earned a M.A. in psychology from Fisk in 2001 and authored Dumbin Down: Reflections on The Miseducation of the Negro, which was published in the summer of 2012. He became a Public Scholar with the Kettering Foundation in January 2012 CLASS OF 2002 Aphreka Jemison was awarded the Juris Doctorate by Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in 2011 and is now attorney consultant to the North Carolina Community College System.

Robert Poole was awarded the Master of Fine Arts degree by Columbia University in May 2012.

Kausta Spann earned a M.A. in human resources development at Webster University in May 2010.

CLASS OF 2003 Sarah Igbokwe is completing the M.D. degree at the Latin American School of Medical Science (ELAM), which is Cuba's public health diplomacy project that offers free medical training to college graduates from the Americas and Africa. She will receive her degree in 2013.

Rhonda Magee is a senior business consultant with Kaiser Permanente. She earned the M.B.A. and Master of Science in Health Administration degrees in 2010 and 2011, respectively, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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ALUMNI UPDATES (continued from page 25)

CLASS OF 2003 (cont’d.)

Rachel M. J. Ray (FS) is a director with LegalShield. She earned a B.S. in professional management from Nova Southeastern University in 2004 and M.S. in accounting and finance from DeVry University in 2009.

Crushashon Ngonzi Truth who also earned the M.A. in psychology from Fisk in 2005, is now pursuing the Psy.D. degree at The Illinois School of Professional Psychology of Argosy University.

Reyhan Westbrook was awarded the Ph.D. by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in May. CLASS OF 2004 Marieshia Hicks is the Chief Financial Officer/Associate Administrator for Dependable Health Care Services in Garland, TX. Lillie McDaniels Jackson is a bioterrorism epidemiologist and received her M.P.H degree from Saint Louis University in 2006.

Jameelah Spann is enrolled in the Ed.D. program in educational leadership at Saint Louis University. She earned the M.A. in educational leadership at Saint Louis University in 2011.

CLASS OF 2005 David K. Boyd was awarded a Master of Science degree in organizational leadership and management by Regis University in 2012.

CLASS OF 2006 Kawana Nicole Williams is completing the M.A. degree in community counseling at St. Xavier University.

She is the author of Coming to my Crossroads and for the past three years, has been a lecturer and panelist with the National Ovarian Cancer Alliance, Gilda’s Club-Chicago Chapter, and Survivors Teaching Students initiative Ms. Williams also volunteers with the Generation Hope Youth Mentoring Program.

CLASS OF 2007 Kimberly Brown is pursuing the medical degree at Ross University School of Medicine. She earned a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Florida in 2010.

Felicia Fisher is enrolled in a M.S./Ph.D. in counseling psychology program. She holds the M.S. degree in educational psychology.

Victoria L.B. Hamilton was awarded a Master of Arts degree in art and museum studies by Georgetown University in May 2012 and now lives in London, England. While living in Washington, DC, she was active with the Obama campaign.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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CLASS OF 2007 (cont’d.)

Lauryn Tamar Minter is a candidate for the Ph.D. in political science at the University of New Orleans. he earned a M.A. in Latin American studies at Tulane University in 2009 and M.A. in political science at the University of New Orleans in 2012.

Judith C.L Morris earned her Master of Science in journalism/marketing at Roosevelt University in December 2012.

Frank Anthony Myers, Jr. is pursuing the M.D. degree at the University of California at San Francisco Medical School. Prior to entering UCSF, he completed the University of Massachusetts-Boston Pre-Medical Post Baccalaureate Program.

CLASS OF 2008 Flora Daniel earned a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Louisville in 2012.

Kendall Lincoln completed the Master of Arts degree in communication at Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA. Vincent Stokes II was awarded a Master of Divinity degree by Yale University in 2012.

CLASS OF 2009 Azieb Abebe was awarded the Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Belmont University in May 2012.

Jabrina Clauton was awarded the Juris Doctorate by the University of Mississippi Law School in May 2012.

Jonique K. Green earned a Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Louisville in December 2011.

Ijeoma Ike received a Juris Doctorate degree from Mississippi College in May 2012.

Ashley Jones received a M.D. degree from Meharry Medical College in May 2012.

Veronica R. Mackey is a Ph.D. candidate at Meharry Medical College and expects to graduate in 2013.

Karla T. Turner was awarded the Juris Doctorate by Vanderbilt University Law School in May 2012.

Elan Lanae Whitehead is pursuing the M.A. in forensic psychology at The Chicago School, School of Professional Psychology.

CLASS OF 2010 O’Brien K. Holden earned a Master of Arts degree in American history at the University of Delaware in May 2012.

Quiana Lewis was awarded the M.P.H. degree by Yale University during the May 2012 Commencement exercises.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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CLASS OF 2010 (cont’d.)

Sherod R. Jackson was awarded a M.Ed. in secondary education by Vanderbilt University in May 2012.

Ashli Nelson was awarded her master’s degree by DePaul University in Chicago in 2012.

Amanda Okolo received a M.P.H. degree from the University of Kentucky in May 2012.

Brandon J. Perkins completed a Master of Art in Teaching degree at Trevecca Nazarene University in May 2012.

G. Preston Wilson, Jr. earned a Master of Music degree in choral music education at Bowling Green State University in 2012.

The Middle Georgia Fisk Club, the newest organization of Fisk alumni, represented the University at a student recruitment fair in Macon, Georgia. Above are Mary Davis Sems ’74 , club president, and Leontine F. Esty ’52.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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Weight Loss Expert and Author Caroline Jhingory ’03 Celebrates Book Launch with National Media Appearances Ten years ago, author Caroline Jhingory lost 150-pounds without gastric bypass surgery or fad diets. She has maintained her weight loss to this day. To help others in the fight against obesity, Caroline released her healthy eating manual Half My Size: How I Ate to Lose 150 Lbs on January 1, 2013.

The author was featured on ABC's Good Morning America and Access Hollywood on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 and in PEOPLE Magazine's January 2013 issue to commemorate the release of Half My Size on Amazon.com.

Caroline's weight loss story has also been featured on The TODAY Show, The Dr. Oz Show, NBC Washington, The Huffington Post and in ESSENCE and SHAPE magazines.

In Half My Size, Caroline makes it clear that she is not a doctor, nutritionist or personal trainer.

She is an everyday person who used her own body as a litmus test to identify what it takes to lose 150-pounds and keep it off. Half My Size features these personal revelations about Caroline's battle with food addiction and her tips for total body health, fitness and nutrition.

With these life changing tips, readers can learn and implement the unique, proprietary techniques developed by the author on her weight loss journey and discover a way to drop excess weight quickly and permanently.

To learn more about Caroline, request an interview, or view her healthy recipes, please visit CarolineJhingory.com.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Dear Fiskites and Friends, I hope that each of you had an enjoyable holiday season and are reenergized to work diligently throughout 2013 and beyond as we advocate for and support our beloved Fisk. The Office of Institutional Advancement team is working relentlessly to create a new philanthropic culture throughout the University, among all constituencies. This is vital to attaining THE FISK FUND’s annual goal of at least $5 million each year and for achieving the capital campaign’s goal of $30 million in five years.

Through our Business Partnership with Fisk initiative, we are forging new alliances and enhancing existing ones. Among the new and diverse relationships that we are cultivating are international/national companies like Skanska, AECOM and The Oliver Group; regional banks and companies including SunTrust Bank, Fifth Third Bank and Direct General Insurance; and local organizations such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee and the Lee Company. We are building a strong relationship with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and recently hosted a meeting of the Chamber North Council, comprised of businesses located in North Nashville including Metro Center. For most participants, it was their first visit to Fisk and we are engaging them further.

The Religious Leaders for Fisk Steering Committee has designated Sunday, February 3, 2013 as “Fisk Sunday.” We are asking all alumni and friends to ask their places of worship to pray for the University and to make a contribution to the University. The Committee has set a $100,000 goal for June 30, 2013, and with your assistance, we are confident that they will reach it.

Please contact Brad McAfee (bmcafee@fisk.edu or 615-329-8508) and let him know if your place of worship will participate.

We established a Call Center to telephone donors and prospects using Fisk students rather than outsourcing.

This strategic initiative helps to educate our students about philanthropy and provides a source of income for them. In November, we completed a comprehensive analysis of our donor base. We found that we have 8,681 qualified prospects capable of giving $25,000 or more annually. Of that number, 268 persons have the capacity to give $1 million or more annually. We also found that we have 5,827 qualified prospects with an annual giving capacity of $24,999 or less, all of whom we are targeting for THE FISK FUND. These new data show that there is no reason why we should not attain our annual and capital campaign goals.

THE FISK FUND Steering Committee is identifying and engaging alumni who have been disconnected from the University. They are also working to increase gifts to the annual campaign. To this end, class agents for all class years are now asked to help us promote annual giving in every year, not just during the class' reunion year. The goal is for every class member from the classes of 1948 through 2002 to contribute at least $1,000 a year by June 30th of each year, beginning this year Those who are able to give more should do so and those who can’t quite make $1,000 should contribute as much as they can. The reality is that we must raise at least $5 million in unrestricted dollars by June 30, 2013, to balance our budget and be in compliance with SACSCOC. IF WE DO NOT, WE WILL LOSE OUR ACCREDITATION. In addition, we must raise more scholarship funds. Students today have many options for college and the best students go where they get the best scholarship offers. We need to have roughly $4 million annually to attract the “best and brightest.” We are hopeful that we will raise significant scholarship funds through our partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation as the “School of the Month for January 2013.”

Yes, we have a lot to do, but we know that with your continued support, we will achieve our goals. As always, we thank you for all you have done and will do on behalf of Fisk University.

Fisk Forever, Edwina Harris Hamby, Ph.D. ’68/’69

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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FISK UNIVERSITY IS THE TOM JOYNER SCHOOL OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY 2013 The Tom Joyner Foundation, a major driving force in raising money for historically Black colleges and universities since 1998, has named Fisk University the "HBCU School of the Month for January 2013." The Foundation, formed by Tom Joyner, the nationally syndicated radio personality and philanthropist, chose Fisk as part of its ongoing effort to assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to broaden and strengthen their efforts to raise money to help college students.

ALL FUNDS THAT ARE RECEIVED WILL PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT TO FISK UNIVERSITY'S WELLDESERVING STUDENTS. Fisk University will be promoted by the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Monday through Friday mornings, throughout January 2013, via the stations and times listed online. The Tom Joyner Foundation School of the Month donation site is http://tomjoynerfoundation.org/donate/.

FISK ALUMNI WHO WANT THEIR GIFTS CREDITED TO THEIR GRADUATION CLASSES MUST MAIL THEIR DONATIONS TO FISK UNIVERSITY OR DONATE ONLINE AT THE FISK SITE: http://connect.fisk.edu/donate.

IF YOU DONATE ONLINE, BE SURE TO SELECT “TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION” ON THE DROP DOWN BOX. IF YOU MAIL YOUR CHECK, PLEASE BE SURE TO WRITE “TJF” IN THE MEMO SECTION ON THE CHECK. DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR MATCHING GIFT FORM IF YOUR COMPANY MATCHES YOUR GIFT. PLEASE MAIL YOUR CHECK TO: Fisk University Office of Institutional Advancement 1000 Seventeenth Avenue North Nashville, TN 37208 All of our students who depend on scholarships to pursue their Fisk degrees thank you.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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NASHVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S NORTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETS AT FISK Photo Credits: Brad McAfee As part of the ongoing efforts of the Office of Institutional Advancement team to advance Fisk and connect the Greater Nashville community to the University, the team has connected with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and in particular with its North Advisory Council.

The North Advisory Council serves Chamber members in the 37207, 37208, 37189, 37218 and 37228 zip codes including MetroCenter, Jefferson Street/Germantown, Trinity Lane, Dickerson Road, Dedric Norris, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, welcomes the Nashville Whites Creek, Briley Parkway Chamber of Commerce’s North Advisory Council to Fisk and Bordeaux. The Council provides a channel for its members to discuss issues and implement special projects and events for the North Nashville community.

The meeting was the first time that the majority of Council members had visited the Fisk campus, but it will not be last because the team intends to host one quarterly meeting per year and include the membership in the Business Partnership with Fisk initiative.

Todd Alexander, CEO of Southeast Venture, LLC , addresses the North Advisory Council

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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RELIGIOUS LEADERS FOR FISK CALL FOR FEBRUARY 3, 2013 TO BE “FISK SUNDAY” Photo Credit: Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74

Religious Leaders for Fisk Steering Committee Bottom Row, L to R: Rev. James McCarroll, Co-Chair; Bishop William Morris, Co-Chair; Rev. Dr. Jason Curry, Dean of the Clinton B. Fisk Memorial Chapel; First Step: Deacon Albert Dawson ’73 and Pastor Judy Cummings; Second Step: Elder Darryl Taliaferro; Third Step: Pastor Barton Harris ’73, Co-Chair. Missing from photo: Rev. Pamela Kellar, Rev. Bruce Maxwell, Pastor Christophe Ringer, Pastor James Scarlett, Pastor James Turner, Sr.

The Religious Leaders for Fisk Steering Committee has set the first Sunday of February to be recognized as FISK SUNDAY. This will be a day that many religious congregations throughout the nation will join together for the purpose of seeking God and His blessing on students, alumni, employees and friends of Fisk University.

There are many religious leaders and their devoted members throughout the world who have studied at our beloved University. The steering committee is asking each of you to make plans to pray in your assemblies for the current students. If appropriate in your assembly, recognize students, alumni, employees (faculty and staff), former faculty and staff, and all who advocate for Fisk University.

Finally, please meet with your religious leaders for the purpose of giving an offering to Fisk. This can be accomplished in the manner of your choice (e.g., a determined gift, separate offering, Sunday School classes, giving online, etc.). The steering committee has set a fundraising goal of $100,000.

Greg McKnight (center) presents check from Olive Branch Church to Major Gifts Officer Brad McAfee and Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations Dedric Norris

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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TRIBUTE TOAST & ROAST HELD FOR RETIRING PRESIDENT O’LEARY Photo Credits: Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74 Fisk University hosted a Tribute Toast & Roast in honor of retiring President Hazel R. O’Leary ’59 on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. The event was held in the Appleton Room of historic Jubilee Hall. Preceding the event, a reception was held in the Blue Room and lobby. Winterbourne Jones ’10, Chelsea Burton ’11 and Kelsey Burton ’11 orchestrated the beautiful decorations throughout the first floor of Jubilee Hall. Bryan Kent Wallace, Fisk’s director of laboratories, was charming, humorous and witty in his role as master of ceremonies. Co-Chair of the Religious Leaders for Fisk Steering Committee, Pastor Barton Harris ’73, opened the event with the invocation. After a delicious dinner, the toasters and roasters highlighted achievements of the president’s tenure with a balanced combination of humor and gravity.

Mr. George Cooper ’82 provided wonderful music during the reception and dinner. Two musical selections were provided by Angela Yvonne Stockdale ’06, presently a doctoral student at Vanderbilt University, Miss Fisk 2005-2006 and former member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers®. Ms. Stockdale was accompanied in her rendition of “Order My Steps” (President O’Leary’s favorite song) by current Fisk Jubilee Singers® Sarenina Bonner ’15, Eric Copeland ’13, DeAndre Jones ’13, MarQuis Murphy ’13 and Audrey Tillis ’14. The evening ended with the Maestro himself, Dr. Matthew Kennedy, leading the audience in the singing of the Alma Mater.

Sponsors of the tribute were: AT&T Tennessee, Fox Printing, Lipman Brothers, McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations, PhRMA, R & R Liquors, and Thompson Hospitality. By all accounts, it was a grand, funfilled event enjoyed by all. To date, the event has netted $82,715 for student scholarships. Photographs follow.

Hostesses Ashley Atkins ’15 (Miss Sophomore), Shalimar Leggett ’13 (Miss Fisk), Shannon Davies ’16 and Brooke Davies ’14

Assistant Vice President for Development Jonathan Frost and wife, Jill, chat with President O’Leary

Kresge Foundation Consultant Billie Sue Schulze and Alumni Office Manager Jermaine Fisher share a laugh.

Dr. Keith Gaddie ’03, Steering Committee member for THE FISK FUND, and Mrs. Linda Curiel, Director of the UNCF Fundraising Capacity Building Program confer at the reception.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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TRIBUTE TOAST & ROAST HELD FOR RETIRING PRESIDENT O’LEARY (continued from p. 30)

Photo Credits: Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74 Toasters & Roasters and the constituencies they represented are pictured below, from left to right. Top Row: Chairman Robert W. Norton - Board of Trustees; Dr. Reavis Mitchell ’69, Dean of the School of Humanities & Social Sciences - the faculty; and Trustee Philippe E.C. Andal ’13 - student body. Middle Row: Mrs. Bernadette Looney, Accounts Payable Manager - the staff; Mr. Winterbourne Jones ’10, Youth and Young Adult Pastor, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Rochester, NY - young alumni; Ms. Faye Weaver ’67, Vice Chair of the General Alumni Association of Fisk University, Inc. - alumni; and Antonio Meeks ’96, President of the Nashville Fisk Alumni Association - local alumni. Bottom Row: Mr. Jason Meriwether, Vice President of Student Engagement and Enrollment Management - administration - accompanied by Fitzgerald Heslop ’05; and Trustee Howard Gentry who made the champagne toast. Trustee Shalimar Leggett, Miss Fisk 2012-2013, delivered the final tribute and presented the president a framed Special Edition of the FISK Focus that highlighted accomplishments of her administration.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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TRIBUTE TOAST & ROAST HELD FOR RETIRING PRESIDENT O’LEARY (continued from p. 31)

Photo Credits: Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74

(L to R): Trustee Shalimar Leggett ’13, Major Gifts Officer Bradley McAfee, President Hazel O’Leary ’59, and Trustee Howard Gentry with the Special Edition of the FISK Focus, which was presented to the president.

Former Trustee Will Carter ’57 and President Hazel O’Leary ’59

George Cooper ’82 traveled from Chicago to play and sing beautiful music throughout the reception and during dinner.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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TRIBUTE TOAST & ROAST HELD FOR RETIRING PRESIDENT O’LEARY (continued from p. 32)

Photo Credits: Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74

(L to R): Dr. Betty Sweeney Hutchison ’51 and her husband, Dr. Peyton Hutchison, of Chicago are greeted by Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Lynwood Berry and Director of Alumni Affairs Adrienne Taylor Latham ’68

The charming and witty Master of Ceremonies Bryan Kent Wallace

(L to R): Frank Sims and wife, Robyn Jefferson Sims ’76, Co-Chair of THE FISK FUND Steering Committee, and President Hazel O’Leary ’59

(Above) The revelers raise their glasses in a champagne toast to Madam President. (Right) Madam President appears pensive as she is toasted by the gathering.

President O’Leary greets Mrs. Rebecca Landers Jennings, endowed scholarship donor

President O’Leary welcomes Mark McNeely (left) Ashley Mock, Erin Mercer, Mitchell Despot and Lacey Purcell (back to camera)

Dr. Kennedy leads the gathering in the Alma Mater as the celebration ends.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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FISK SOCIETY OF PHILANTHROPISTS INAUGURAL LUNCHEON Photo Credits: Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74 During this fiscal year, the Office of Institutional Advancement implemented its strategic stewardship and donor recognition plans. This included the creation of the Fisk Society of Philanthropists, which recognizes major donors who contribute $100,000 or more in the previous fiscal year. The inaugural event, held October 23, 2012, recognized those individuals and organizations who had made such gifts during fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

The inaugural honorees were: Billye S. & Henry Aaron, Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation; Kelley & Lee A. Beaman, Alvin & Sally Beaman Foundation; Brewer Family Foundation; Barbara Landers Bowles; Carnegie Corporation of New York; Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.; Mike Curb, Curb Records & Mike Curb Family Foundation; Holly & Joel Dobberpuhl, Peter Hawkins Dobberpuhl Foundation; The Estate of Martha W. Potts Ferguson; The Estate of Ella Ruth Reddick; The Estate of George White, D.D.S.; The Daniel Hand Fund of the United Church of Christ; Robert L. Harvey, M.D.; Highmark and the Estate of Arthur J. Edmonds; Harriett Green Jenkins, Ed.D., J.D., Mathew E. Knowles; and the Kresge Foundation. Also, Eileen & Kase L. Lawal, Hon.D.L., CAMAC International Corporation; The Martin Foundation; Patricia C. Meadows; The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Gregg F. Morton, AT&T Tennessee; Henry A. Moses, Ph.D.; HCA Foundation; Charles Stewart Mott Foundation; Robert W. Norton; The Honorable Hazel R. O’Leary; Pfizer Incorporated; Bradley T. Sheares, Ph.D.; Shell Oil Company; Robyn Jefferson Sims & Frank L. Sims; Cal Turner, Jr., Turner Family Foundation; Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations; The Wachovia Foundation; Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc.; and Wisconsin Energy Corporation Foundation, Inc. Photographs of the inaugural luncheon follow.

Honorees Dr. Henry Moses (left) and Dr. Bradley Sheares ’78

(L to R): Honoree Joanne Pulles, CEO of HCA Foundation, Trustee Howard Gentry and Trustee Philippe Andal

President Hazel O’Leary greets Mr. and Mrs. Albert Dawson; he is a member of the Fisk Class of 1973 and Religious Leaders for Fisk

(L to R): President Hazel O’Leary and Honorees Trustee Emeritus Mike Curb and wife, Linda

Honoree Wade Hinton, Esq. of Volkswagen (center) with Volkswagen Scholars Brooke Davies ’14 (left) and April Vann’16

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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FISK SOCIETY OF PHILANTHROPISTS INAUGURAL LUNCHEON (cont’d from p. 38) Photo Credits: Vando L. Rogers, Jr. ’74

Honoree Terry Deas, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, with two of the Cracker Barrel Scholars Megan Nelson ’14 (left) and Shayla Nolen’14

(L to R): President O’Leary with Honorees Robyn Jefferson Sims ’76 & husband, Frank

Former Trustee Bernard Werthan and Councilwoman Erica Gilmore

President O’Leary with Honoree and Former Trustee Richard Eskind, Wachovia Foundation

President O’Leary and Kathy Sager representing Honoree Trustee Gregg Morton, President of AT&T Tennessee

President O’Leary and Honoree Trustee Patricia Meadows

Angela Yvonne Stockdale ’06 shared her beautiful voice

Patricia Garrett Turner ’66 and Tommie Brown

President O’Leary with Shauna Dunnigan ’04 who represented her uncle, Honoree Robert L. Harvey, Jr., M.D.

President O’Leary with Mrs. Rebecca Landers Jennings who represented Honoree Trustee Barbara Landers Bowles ’68

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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The graph below depicts Fisk’s fund raising progress on a month-by-month basis and compares it to each of the previous three fiscal years. It shows progress toward the FY 13 goal as compared to the same point in time in FYs 10, 11 and 12.

Some of the donors who attended the Donor Appreciation Brunch and unveiling of plaques honoring major donors to the Meharrians and Health Care Professionals initiative of Dr. Henry Moses and for major donors to THE FISK FUND during Homecoming 2012 pose in front of the plaques in Cravath Hall. Left to right are William Morris, D.Min., Sandra Barnes, Ph.D. ’86, Gina Davis, Esq. ’82, Joyce Nance Edwards ’61, Denise Billye Sanders, Esq.’74, Harold Bernard, M.D. ’60, Tamera Fair ’82, and James Hovell, D.D.S. ’61.

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

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THE FISK FUND SOURCES OF FUNDING FISCAL YEAR 2012-13 JULY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2012

Designation

Total YTD FY 2013

Goal FY 2013

Difference YTD to Goal FY 2013

Total YTD FY 2012

Difference FY 2012/2013 Total YTD

percent increase

Alumni

802,852

2,000,000

(1,197,148)

384,717

418,135

109%

Non-alumni individuals

1,217,121

500,000

717,121

99,724

1,117,397

1120%

Corporations

330,377

650,000

(319,623)

222,221

108,156

49%

Foundations/ Fundraising Consortia

277,306

600,000

(322,694)

405,228

(127,922)

-32%

Civic, Social, Religious Orgs

67,394

550,000

(482,606)

113,580

(46,187)

-40.66%

Trustees

241,103

700,000

(458,897)

332,597

(91,494)

-28%

1,558,067

1,378,085

88%

TOTAL

2,936,152

5,000,000

(2,063,848)

# of donors

# of gifts

Avg. gift/donor

YTD FY 12 All Donors

1,143

2,235

$1,363

YTD FY 13 All Donors

1,161

2,319

$2,186

Increase/Decrease

2%

4%

60.39%

# of donors

# of gifts

Avg. gift/donor

Alumni participation

YTD FY 12 Alumni Donors

742

1,555

$643

9.46%

YTD FY 13 Alumni Donors

757

1,660

$842

9.89%

Increase/Decrease

2%

7%

31%

0.43%

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

Cultivating Scholars & Leaders One by One

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COMING EVENTS FISK UNIVERSITY

Office of Institutional Advancement 1000 17th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37208 (615) 329-8530 - Telephone (615) 329-8627 - Facsimile

NASHVILLE, TN. JANUARY 17, 2013, 10:00 A.M. CLINTON B. FISK MEMORIAL CHAPEL. ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CONVOCATION. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. William Morris, retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church. Prior to being elected to the Episcopacy, he served as senior pastor of local churches in Tennessee, including Stanley Methodist Church in Chattanooga, John Wesley United Methodist Church in Nashville and First United Methodist Church in Gallatin. After retirement, he served as the Interim General Secretary of the General Commission on United Methodist Men and interim pastor of several churches. Dr. Morris co-chairs the Religious Leaders for Fisk Steering Committee.

FEBRUARY 3, 2013 - FISK SUNDAY

We’re on the Web! www.fisk.edu

Keep in touch with Fisk— Follow Fisk on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Fisk University

Visit the Official Fisk University Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ pages/FiskUniversity/251281638240388

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 oia@fisk.edu.

(L to R): Provost Princilla Evans Morris, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, President Hazel O’Leary, Mr. Stan McKenzie and Rev. Dr. Jason Curry at Religious Leaders for Fisk luncheon

MARCH 2013 - THE HONORABLE HAZEL O’LEARY ’59 WILL PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S WEEK AT THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE AND WILL RING THE BELL. SPECIFIC DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED.

FISK JUBILEE SINGERS® 2013 CONCERTS Sunday, January 20,7:00 p.m.

Center,Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville Symphony "Let Freedom Sing" Concert,Schermerhorn Symphony Tickets: FreeConcert/TicketsRequired 615-687-6400

Saturday, February9, 7:00 p.m. DanaAuditorium, Queens Universityof Charlotte,Charlotte,NC Tickets: $15 704-337-2320 Bill Means meansb@queens.edu Tuesday,March 26, 7:30 p.m., Martha Street CulpAuditorium, D.P. Culp University Center East Tennessee StateUniversity,JohnsonCity, Tennessee 423-439-5673 AnitaDeAngelis deangeli@etsu.edu Ticket prices:$15,$10,$5 www.etsu.edu/cas/arts Saturday,April 6, 7:00 p.m., ArtsFest Finale, Cannon Center for the PerformingArts,Memphis, Tennessee Tickets: TBA 901.416.3432 PatrickDru Davison,Ph.D. drudavison@gmail.com Sunday,April 14.7:00 p.m., Annual Spring ArtsFestival, ClintonB. FiskMemorialChapel FiskUniversity,Nashville,Tennessee Tickets: No Tickets /Free admission 329-8744 pkwami@fisk.edu Friday,April19,6:00 p.m., The Collegeof Charleston’sAveryResearchCenter, Charleston,South Carolina Dr.Patricia Williams patriciawlessane@gmail.com Sunday,May 5, 7:00 p.m., Commencement Concert,Clinton B.Fisk MemorialChapel, FiskUniversity, Nashville,TN Tickets: No Tickets /Free admission 615-329-8744 pkwami@fisk.edu

You may make a contribution, including recurring monthly gifts, at the online giving site at https://connect.fisk.edu/donate. You may telephone (615) 3298722 OR email supportfisk@fisk.edu. OR mail to Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1000 17th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.