MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
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ALUMNI NEWS
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FALL 2020
CONTENTS TM
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Morgan Forever!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Virtual Gala 2020. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Alumni Day 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter and Class News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Alumni on the Move. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 In the News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Office of Alumni Relations Alumni House 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane Baltimore, MD 21251
Necrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Virtual Alumni Day 2020 Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2020 Life Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Morgan State University Foundation, Inc.
Virtual Homecoming
Gala 36
www.alumni.morgan.edu
Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, at 7 p.m. You can access the 36th Annual Homecoming Gala at
www.morganvirtualgala.org. The Virtual Gala is free. We invite you, as an alumnus and friend, to fill a virtual table!
MORGAN FOREVER! Dear Alumni, As we continue to face the challenges of this pandemic, I pray that you, your families and all whom you hold dear are doing well. We extend our well wishes to all of you as you face daily this unconscionable and devastating virus, and we offer our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to all who have lost loved ones to this disease. In spite of all that is going on around us, please be assured that we will get through this. We have to remember to hold onto our faith and each other as we travel through these troubled waters, and remember that there will be calm at the end of this storm. For all of us who look forward to our annual Homecoming activities and celebrations, having to cancel them this year is disturbing, to say the least. However, because of the risk of COVID-19, we literally had no choice. Life takes precedence over everything, and protecting ourselves and our communities is paramount. In this time of deprivation, I hope none of us will ponder what could or should have taken place, but instead remember the blessings that we are still alive and well. Just think about how special
Homecoming 2021 will be! I encourage all of us to focus on the things that make us happy, and spend as much time as possible with those with whom we are able to spend that time. Please remember to pray for our beloved Morgan — including our faculty, staff and students — to emerge from the other end of the pandemic unscathed, standing tall and forever strong for many, many years to come. As we fight this virus together, please do all you can to protect yourselves and others by being smart and safe, to stay healthy. Onward and upward, in the spirit of our “Fair Morgan!” Best wishes, Joyce A. Brown, ’86 and ’01 MSU Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Strategic Engagement and Executive Director, MSU Alumni Association
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MSU Alumni Association Receives National Honor The Board of Directors of The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., has selected the Morgan State University Alumni Association (MSUAA) as this year’s recipient of the foundation’s 2020 Legacy of Leaders National Alumni Association of the Year Award. The honor was presented online during a Virtual Recognition ceremony in September 2020, as part of the 35th Annual National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Weekend. The Legacy of Leaders Awards honor alumni and national and local alumni chapters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities for contributions to their alma maters and other HBCU institutions. The honorees are visionaries who have demonstrated specific leadership qualities and a track record of having made a positive impact on their alma mater and/or their alumni association, as well as having improved the quality of life in their communities. The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., is dedicated to the growth and development of HBCUs through scholarships, internships, training and technical assistance, alumni recognition and programs that encourage humanitarian involvement.
MSU Maintains A+ Bond Rating Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global has affirmed Morgan State University’s financial strength with an “A+” long-term and underlying rating for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. This marks Morgan’s fourth consecutive year with an A+ rating from S&P. In January 2019, Morgan received an A1 rating and stable outlook from Moody’s, another leading ratings agency. “We are extremely pleased that S&P reaffirmed our A+ rating,” said Sidney H. Evans, vice president for Finance and Management at Morgan. “Maintaining a strong financial position is paramount for us as we plan for future growth.” The excellent ratings from two respected authorities bode well for Morgan amidst a higher education landscape mired in economic uncertainty. While commending the University’s operating performance, S&P lowered Morgan’s outlook, in part because of continued financial pressure, most recently brought on by the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, Morgan has experienced great success, utilizing fiscal dexterity and leveraging its consistent growth in enrollment, steadily advancing endowment and unwavering support from the State of Maryland.
President Wilson’s 10th Anniversary
Morgan State University’s Growing the Future Opportunity Fund provides support for students overcoming financial barriers, by offering them emergency assistance and grants that create a pathway toward academic success. We invite you to join us in helping to remove barriers that threaten student success. Make your gift today to the Growing the Future Opportunity Fund at www.givetomorgan.org. As we work in new ways to advance our mission and provide our students with the education they deserve, we will experience, once again, the powerful force of the generosity of our extraordinary alumni and friends.
Morgan Opts for Remote Instruction During the Fall Months of thoughtful deliberation, careful communication and meticulous planning to meet the challenges of COVID-19 brought Morgan State University to a final decision in August: instruction and learning at MSU will be remote-only, with no in-person instruction, for the fall 2020 semester, with the exception of students taking nursing lab courses and students taking required courses in ROTC that must be offered face-to-face. Morgan has been ahead of most institutions of higher education in the region with its response to COVID-19, reviewing and updating its Campus-Wide Pandemic Disease Preparation Plan in late February to account for the novel coronavirus, for example, and appointing administrators, faculty, staff and student leaders to a Campus Reopening and Readiness/Preparedness Committee in early May. The University announced in June that fall semester courses would include a mix of in-person and remotely instructed classes. However, as MSU President David K. Wilson stated in an email message delivered to the Morgan family on Aug. 11, “…even the best laid plans must be revisited when all of the indicators show the COVID-19 virus increasing in spread in our city, state and nation.” Other decisions announced in the President’s August communication included fee reduction for students to account for unused room and board; increased institutional aid to assist students who are financially challenged because of the pandemic; and special, on-campus housing arrangements for 300 students who have extenuating circumstances that do not allow them to reside elsewhere. Dr. Wilson ended his Aug. 11 message with a note of care and encouragement: “As we continue to navigate our current state of reality, please continue to wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands frequently. I know we, as a University community, will be alright on the west side of COVID-19.”
Morgan’s Gala Goes Virtual in 2020! Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce that this year’s Homecoming Gala will be held virtually, on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, at 7 p.m. You can access the 36th Annual Homecoming Gala at www.morganvirtualgala.org. The Homecoming Gala is our signature fundraising event. This year, it will support the Growing the Future Opportunity Fund to assist students facing financial barriers. Morgan students have been hit especially hard by the pandemic crisis, and your support means more now than ever, as we work to educate the next generation of leaders and scholars. We invite you, as an alumnus and friend, to fill a virtual table! On the Gala website, click the “Become a Fundraiser” or “Growing the Future Opportunity” menu. You will have an opportunity to support a virtual table and/or create a personal fundraising page that you can share with your family and friends. Make the difference in the lives of Morgan State University scholars pursuing a quality education. Morgan Forever, Forever Morgan, “Bear Strong”!
When he assumed the presidency of Morgan State University in July 2010, David Kwabena Wilson, Ed.D., inherited both a tremendous success story and a daunting challenge. The 2011–2021 Strategic Planning Process he initiated during his second month in office sought to build upon Morgan’s outstanding achievements since its founding in 1857 as well as make the institutional changes needed to ensure the University’s survival and advancement in the future. The resulting 10-year plan — established by MSU Regents, faculty, students, staff, alumni, administrators and deans, and local community representatives — set ambitious goals and objectives in areas including student success, research, infrastructure and operations improvement, human and financial resources, and community engagement. By December 2018, under Dr. Wilson’s leadership, Morgan had reached so many of its marks, ahead of schedule, that new, higher targets had to be set. In addition, Dr. Wilson’s $107,000 in contributions to the Five Dollar Scholarship Fund he created at the beginning of his presidency, to support Morgan students, has helped grow the value of the fund to more than $1 million! Today, as our nation faces the intertwined challenges of pandemic, economic downturn and social change, Fair Morgan’s momentum, influence and beneficial impact have never been stronger. Congratulations to Dr. Wilson on the 10th anniversary of your membership in the Morgan family! Kudos on a job well done! THE ALUMNI NEWS
DUES RENEWAL
The Alumni News is published biannually by the Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Public Relations and Communications.
Dues renewal began on July 1, 2020.
Any questions or concerns about this publication can be directed to: Office of Alumni Relations, Alumni House, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251, (443) 885-3015.
Emergency Assistance for Morgan Students Affected by COVID-19
You Make It Happen! One gift, every year, in any amount, from our alumni, goes a long way to strengthen Morgan’s credibility in attracting institutional dollars, experienced faculty and outstanding students. Thanks for helping Morgan continue to soar!
Growing the Future, Leading the World! United Way and Combined Charity Campaign for Baltimore City #3052 Combined Federal Campaign #49337 Maryland Charities #3052 You may also visit www.givetomorgan.org to make a secure gift now!
ALUMNI BUSINESS DIRECTORY Do you own a business? We are inviting you to join our Alumni Business Directory, where you can post information about your business online and gain support from other alumni. Log on today, and be connected at alumni.morgan.edu!
Enjoy all of the benefits of being an alumnus on an annual basis, for $35 per year: our easiest and most convenient way to contribute to the Morgan State University Alumni Association! Membership dues cover the fiscal year July 1, 2020–June 30, 2021. We look forward to your continued support!
Photo by Rebrand Cities from Pexels
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Celebrating Classes Ending in ‘1’ or ‘6’ in 2021!
Challenge and Opportunity for MSU Athletics
As we look forward to 2021, let’s plan to celebrate all classes ending in “1” or “6” at our 81st Annual Alumni Awards and Class Reunion Luncheon. The much-anticipated event is scheduled for Friday, May 14, 2021. We encourage all of our Class Agents to begin contacting your classmates in preparation for this auspicious milestone. We have already claimed that this pandemic will not defeat us! We will continue to assist Morgan in our giving and our outreach! As a result, we must be creative in our efforts to reach out to our classmates to urge them to support their upcoming reunion both financially as well as physically. So, let us all plan for our successful reunions with tenacity, vigor and determination. With all that we are going through, and have been through, we should never take any of our reunions for granted. We hope you will look at 2021 as another opportunity to celebrate a time in your life that has touched you in some special way. Please know that the Alumni Relations Office stands ready to assist you with mailings, emails or anything you can think of that we can do to make your reunion special. We look forward to working with each of you. We extend a special “Congratulations!!!” to the Class of 1971, as you prepare to celebrate your 50th Anniversary.
Tyler Hall Is Open for MSU Students and Staff!
The long wait for Morgan State University’s new student services facility is over! Movein has begun for the newly constructed Calvin and Tina Tyler Hall, a strikingly designed, modern facility overlooking the southwest corner of Hillen Road and E. Cold Spring Lane, on the eastern edge of Morgan’s main campus. The 139,000-square-foot facility now houses the University’s student services and administrative support functions, including Admissions, Records and Registration, Financial Aid, Bursar, Comptroller and Human Resources. The four-story building features an expansive, interconnected, three-story lobby atrium and was designed to achieve LEED Silver Certification for optimum energy and environmental efficiency. Tyler Hall is named for two of Morgan’s most prominent supporters, Morgan alumnus Calvin Tyler and his wife, Tina. The nationally known philanthropists have donated more than $5 million to the University to provide need-based scholarships to Morgan students who reside in their hometown, Baltimore City.
When the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) made the decision in July to suspend all fall sports because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgan’s quest for victories on the fields of play was put on indefinite pause. But behind the scenes, the pursuit of excellence by MSU athletes and coaches continues apace, reports Edward Scott, Ph.D., Morgan’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Most of our coaches have been doing these jobs for their entire professional careers, and many of our student-athletes have been training for these opportunities since they were little kids. So facing this roadblock is a big mental health challenge,” says Dr. Scott. Despite the difficulties, most are doing very well, he adds. “We’ve provided mental health resources to them, both from the NCAA and on campus, and we’re in constant contact with each other in meetings. In the absence of certainty, I think they appreciate communication.” Communication between his department and MSU alumni has also been positive, Dr. Scott reports. “They’re still passionate about Morgan Athletics and their alma mater,” he says. “They’re disappointed that we won’t have sports this fall, and they’re concerned about keeping Homecoming as a touchpoint. But they also want to make sure Morgan continues to make good decisions for the health and safety of our student-athletes.” Support of MSU Athletics by alumni remains critical, Dr. Scott says, and he is excited about a new vehicle to promote that support: the Morgan Bear Club, the Athletics Department’s first dedicated philanthropic arm. The club’s launch is being led by Lydell Sargeant, Morgan’s recently hired Associate Athletic Director for External and Revenue Generation. Sargeant, a former player with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League, came to Morgan from UCLA, where he was Assistant Athletic Director for annual giving. For his part, Dr. Scott remains Morgan Athletics’ motivator in chief, in these uncertain times of pandemic.
“What I keep telling our folks is, ‘What you do in the dark will come to light,’ ” he says. “Right now, we have a wonderful opportunity to keep recruiting, to keep preparing our minds and our bodies for when we get to the other side of COVID. As soon as those lights come on, and we get our shot, we’re going to have a great opportunity to show the world what Morgan has been doing.”
SAVE THE DATE! Morgan State Bears Annual Golf Tournament Monday, May 10, 2021 Turf Valley Resort 2700 Turf Valley Road Ellicott City, MD 21042
GIVE A GIFT TO MORGAN We are always told, “It is better to give than receive.” So, on your birthday, anniversary, graduation, holiday or any other significant day in your life, honor your alma mater by giving a gift to Morgan State University! Visit www.givetomorgan. com, and click on “Give Now,” or make your check payable and mail it to: MSU Foundation, Inc., 201 Truth Hall, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251.
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CHAPTER AND CLASS NEWS Georgia Alumni Chapter Celebrates Year 26
NeXtGenMSU Chapter Launches Virtual ‘Wake Up Sessions’
Morgan State University’s Georgia Alumni Chapter will reconvene for its general membership meeting in September. In the meantime, the chapter asks that all 600-plus MSU alumni living in the state make chapter membership a high priority, as the Georgia Alumni Chapter celebrates its 26th anniversary! Your dues and donations can make a tremendous difference in the life of a Georgia student attending Morgan. Your funds may provide a student with a new textbook, an extra meal for the week or even that trip back home for the holidays. Payments may be mailed to:
Morgan State University Georgia Alumni Chapter P.O. Box 43104 Atlanta, GA 30336 Howard L. Cornish Chapter Supports Morgan Food Resource Center
Morgan’s NeXtGenMSU Alumni Chapter, also known as MSU’s “innovation generation,” has brought back a flash from the past, in the form of a weekly webinar series named “The Wake Up Session.” The original “Wake Up Sessions” were launched in the early 1990s by The Gentlemen of Quality (GQ), a campus-based organization established in 1986, to bring awareness of social issues of the day through informal discussions. Fast forward to spring 2020, when the coronavirus and Black Lives Matter took the world by storm. Derrick Chase, ’95, founder of Stand Up Baltimore, vice president of the NeXtGenMSU Chapter and one of the organizers of the original “Wake Up Sessions,” turned to NeXtGenMSU President Khalilah M. Harris, J.D., Ed.D., ’98, about reviving the sessions virtually, by bringing in alumni with expertise in a range of issues to serve as panelists. The new “Wake Up Sessions” began this past April, with topics ranging from reopening schools in the face of COVID-19 to lighthearted discussions on dating after 40. The NeXtGenMSU Alumni Chapter is a virtual organization focused on raising a seven-figure dollar amount in the next five years for the MSU Foundation; mentoring and hiring new and recent graduates; and providing a developmental forum for Generation X to move into leadership within the MSU Alumni Association and in industry. “The Wake Up Session” appears every Thursday at 7 p.m. Eastern Time/4 p.m. Pacific Time LIVE on the chapter’s Facebook page. To learn more about NeXtGenMSU’s virtual alumni chapter, send a message to nextgenmsu@gmail.com.
Prince George’s County Alumni Chapter Rolls On Despite Pandemic
The Howard L. Cornish Metropolitan Baltimore Alumni Chapter has adopted the Morgan Food Resource Center, by providing monthly food and cash donations from its membership. The MSU Food Resource Center provides students in need with a centralized location to receive food resources with the use of their BEARcard student identification. The center also aims to educate the Morgan family about healthy food-related strategies and methods such as couponing, meal prepping, familiarity with nutritional value, and proper food selection. In May and June, the Cornish Chapter donated more than $1,500 in grocery products to help build the food inventory at the center. In the photo above, chapter members Gloria Wayman, Anthony McPhail and Annette Brown practice very stylish social distancing while delivering the June donations.
New Jersey Alumni Chapter Continues Serving the Community
The MSU Prince George’s County Alumni Chapter has been on the move, despite COVID shutdowns. The chapter made a financial donation to the MSU Memorial Chapel and took part in the Embrace-the-Chapel/Adopt-A-Service Program in February 2020. The chapter members and friends made a monetary donation to the MSU Food Resource Center, serving students who remained on campus during the COVID crisis, and they donated pizza to incoming Prince George’s County freshmen who participated in the virtual “Admitted Students Live Tailgate.” The chapter has awarded scholarships to two MSU incoming freshmen from Prince George’s County, Maryland, this year, and the group continues to hold bimonthly chapter meeting via Zoom.
South Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter Assists Voters in Virginia The South Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter is fully engaged in strengthening democracy. In August, the chapter began its 2020 Vote-by-Mail Campaign. The chapter’s Community Service Committee completed the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Third-Party Registration Training and used the Department of Elections online voter registration system to: register citizens online or provide them with hard-copy registration applications; register citizens without access to computers and Vote-By-Mail availability; ensure voter address information was correct and up-to-date; confirm that ex-offenders’ rights to vote were restored and register them online; register the homeless; and, if requested, confirm that applications were processed. The chapter shared its strategy with other HBCU alumni associations, fraternities, sororities, churches and civic organizations throughout the country. If available in their state, the chapter advised organizations to use online systems to assist citizens in the event of disruptions of the November 2020 election caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Class of 1961 Recommits to Its Promethean Oath The approach of its 60th Anniversary Celebration in 2021 is an opportunity for reflection on its prelude to glory for Morgan’s Class of 1961. Continuing its lasting contributions to community, the nation and the world, the class is committed to making Morgan a high priority through its endowment. Please send contributions to:
MSU Class of ‘61 Endowment Fund Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane 201 Truth Hall Baltimore, MD 21251 For additional information, please email Class Agent Alice Downs at alicedowns5@ aol.com. The MSUAA New Jersey Alumni Chapter continued its longstanding tradition of serving communities in the state with its annual activity at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in February 2020. As part of the HBCU-NJ Consortium, Morgan’s NJ Alumni Chapter, along with 15 other HBCU alumni chapters, prepared packages for families facing food insecurity. This activity was followed by a wonderful group lunch. Although the coronavirus pandemic prevented the chapter from organizing any other activities, the NJ Alumni Chapter continued to support Morgan and its students by making donations to the Student Emergency Fund and the Food Resource Center. The chapter closed the year with the election of new officers for 2020–22. Congratulations to Anthony Hudgins, President; Laurinda Harper, First Vice President; Trenae Forman, Second Vice President; Brenda Perry, Treasurer; Diane Pearson, Financial Secretary; and Naomi Hudgins, Secretary. 4
Class of 1969 Cancels an Event But Continues Its Giving The Class of 1969 Reunion Committee had been planning its 13th Annual Homecoming Brunch/Hospitality Gathering with great anticipation, however, health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 public health crisis led the committee to cancel the event. COVID-19 has spotlighted the need for ongoing financial assistance of current and future Morgan State University students. Therefore, the Class of 1969 is continuing its financial support of the students by encouraging contributions to its 1969 Class Scholarship Endowment Fund #6147. New Maryland legislation, an HBCU Tax Credit, rewards donors who make contributions to HBCU endowment funds. It provides incentives for Maryland residents and nonresidents to give back to Maryland HBCUs such as Morgan State University. For more information regarding the HBCU Tax Credit, visit HBCUtaxinfor@ comp.state/md.us. Limited credits are available, so the class urges its members to act now to get the best possible value for their donations.
‘From Vision to Victory,’ Reimagined On May 31, 1970, 549 undergraduate and 90 graduate students at Morgan State College converged on Hughes Memorial Stadium for their unforgettable Commencement processional. This year, with “From Vision to Victory” as its motto, the Class of 1970 was set to celebrate its 50th reunion. Unfortunately, COVID-19 upended the plans for an in-person celebration. Instead, on May 16, MSU President David Wilson delivered a special virtual recognition message to the class, congratulating them on the achievement of a major milestone and thanking them for their ongoing support of the University. Under the leadership of Reginald Thomas, the Class of 1970 has continued to focus on supporting the University. The class gift of $341,556 will provide critically needed scholarships to support a new generation of leaders and scholars. Recognizing the immediate financial hardships confronting many students because of COVID-19, the class made a $1,000 contribution to Morgan’s Fund for Emergency Assistance and Student Success. Many members of the class made individual contributions to the fund as well. Through the efforts of Joyce Turnipseed, a partnership was established with Dawna Michelle Fields, Associate Director, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program, and Community Affairs, Colgate-Palmolive Company, to provide 500 personal hygiene/dental kits for distribution to MSU students.
Class of 1973 Kicks Off ’50 by 50’ Fundraiser The Class of 1973 “Change Makers” have kicked off their “50 by 50” Fundraising Drive. The goal of the drive is to raise an additional $50,000 for the Class Endowment Fund before Jan. 1, 2023, the first day of the class’s 50th Anniversary year. To fulfill this goal, the Class of 1973 Reunion Committee is asking every member of the MSU Class of 1973 to pledge a gift of $100 per year for the next five years. Donations are tax-deductible. Please make checks payable and mail them to:
Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane 201 Truth Hall Baltimore, MD 21251 Please write “Class of 1973 Endowment” on the memo line of the check. For additional information, please contact Denise Smith at denise.smith@morgan. edu or (443) 885-3325, or Gail Robinson-Brown at g_robinsonbrown@msn.com or (410) 961-5916.
Class of 1975 Celebrates Its 45th Year via Zoom On May 29, 2020, members of the last class of Morgan State College, the Class of 1975, met virtually through Zoom from as far away as Seattle, Washington, to celebrate their 45th anniversary. With 52 in attendance, it was a high-spirited, heartwarming gathering that resonated with intense love for Morgan. Dr. David Wilson, MSU President, took time out of his busy schedule to join in and congratulate the class on its milestone. He also provided updates on planning related to the pandemic and challenges regarding HBCU funding. Joyce A. Brown, MSU Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Strategic Engagement, and Executive Director of the MSU Alumni Association, greeted the class via Zoom as well. Congratulations were extended to Art Lawson, ’74, for being selected as the 2020 MSU Alumnus of the Year and to the Northern Virginia Alumni Chapter for being selected as the MSU Chapter of the Year for 2020. The Class of 1975 was excited and pleased to make a donation of $77,892 to the Morgan State University Foundation. Members also committed to supporting students experiencing challenges during this pandemic. Eager to sustain the energy of this gathering, plans were made for a Zoom meeting to be held in August 2020 to discuss the class’s 50th Anniversary.
The Class of 1981 Makes Big Plans for 2021 The Class of 1981 will celebrate its 40th Anniversary Reunion in 2021 and is encouraging all members to make a commitment to give $100 to Morgan on what would have been the date of the Homecoming celebration, Oct. 17, 2020. Members can give through the MSU Foundation (Class Giving) online at https://givetomorgan.org/give, or make checks payable and mail them to:
Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane 201 Truth Hall Baltimore, MD 21251 The Class of 1981 remains committed to assisting Morgan’s students to the fullest and plans to show its Morgan pride in a major way at the Alumni Awards and Class Reunion Luncheon on May 14, 2021. The class is also seeking fundraising ideas. Please send your ideas to one of the Class Agents: Lolita A. Kelson, lolitaakelson@yahoo.com; Karen Gilmore, kgilmore1959@gmail.com; or Vanessa Grey, vmgrey1958@gmail.com.
The Class of 1982 Establishes an Endowment The Class of 1982 Steering Committee is happy to be moving toward the class goal of raising $82,000 before its 40th Anniversary Reunion in 2022. The class has begun the process of setting up an endowment to support that goal, an endowment that will not only help current and future students but also leave an everlasting legacy from the class. To make your tax-deductible gift to the Class of 1982 Endowed Scholarship Fund online: • Go to https://givetomorgan.org/give. • Select “Other (Specify your desired area)” from the dropdown menu to earmark your donation. • In the “Instruction about My Donation” box directly below, indicate and write, “Please apply my donation to the pending Class of 1982 Endowed Scholarship Fund.” • After giving all required information, click “Donate Now”. • Print out your tax-deductible receipt. Or, please mail your tax-deductible donation to:
Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane 201 Truth Hall Baltimore, MD 21251 Write “Class of 1982 Endowed Scholarship Fund” in the memo section of your check. You will receive your tax-deductible receipt by mail from the MSU Foundation, Inc. For more information, please contact your Class Agents, Dorothy Scott Blakely at (410) 302-1264 or Gregory T. Pinn at (917) 861-7242.
Class of 1984 Fundraising Begins Anew The Class of 1984 has begun a new five-year cycle of fundraising that ends in May 2024, the class’s 40th anniversary year. The class goal is to contribute more than $40,000 during the cycle. All class members are encouraged to send in their annual Class of 1984 tax-deductible contributions. Donations can be made online at givetomorgan.org/give or by mailing them to:
Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane Truth Hall, Room 201 Baltimore, MD 21251-0001 Please reference “Class of 1984” when donating. For updated class and alumni news, please email your contact information to karenmsu84@yahoo.com.
Class of 1996 Seeks Leaders, Contributors and Reunion Attendees Attention, Class of 1996! On May 14, 2021, the class will celebrate its 31st Anniversary at the 81st Annual MSU Alumni Awards and Class Reunion Luncheon. The class is seeking a strong attendance at the event and generous donations in the interim to help the class meet its fundraising goal. The class is also in need of members willing to become Class Agents. If you have served as Class Agent before and would like to do so again, or if you are interested in serving in the position for the first time, please contact Janice Burrell at (443) 617-9657.
Help Us Stay Connected! Let’s stay in touch! Please let us know of any changes to your profile, including your name, address, telephone, email, etc. You may notify us by email at alumni@morgan. edu, by telephone at (443) 885-3015 or through our Online Community (www.alumni. morgan.edu). We would also love to know of any other MSU alumni who are not receiving our mailings. Please check with your MSU family members and friends, and contact us by phone or email if you hear of any missed connections. Keeping the information in our database current will ensure that you and all of our alumni will continue to receive Morgan Magazine, Alumni News and other Morgan publications and important email messages. In addition to housing your profile, the Alumni Online Community provides important alumni information and updates, and we encourage you to log on there on a regular basis. If you have never accessed the Online Community before, you will need a Constituent ID Number. Just reach out to us, and we will provide it to you. The site includes great features such as an alumni Business Directory, where you can post your business online and gain support from other alumni, and a chapter map, which gives you the capability to search for an MSUAA chapter in your region. It also has other useful tools that enable you to locate your classmates and friends, post pictures and class notes, and much more. Sign up TODAY, and be informed! Of course, you may also stop by the Alumni House, if you are in the area, to make your updates! We hope to hear from you, and we would love to keep you up to date on all of the great things happening here at Morgan and throughout our alumni community.
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ALUMNI ON THE MOVE Morgan State University’s longtime Director of Alumni Relations has been elevated to a new position at MSU! Joyce A. Brown, ’86 and ’01, was appointed as Morgan’s Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Strategic Engagement in 2020. In her new position, she continues to lead the Office of Alumni Relations, coordinating alumni programs across the University; developing new programs; and working in collaboration with the MSU Alumni Association, schools, colleges, departments and units, reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. In addition, she is responsible for creating and overseeing a comprehensive nationwide alumni engagement strategy focused on the lifelong enrichment of Morgan alumni and serves as the Executive Director of the MSU Alumni Association. Brown earned her Bachelor of Science and MBA at Morgan and is an MSUAA Life Member, a charter member of the Morgan On-Campus Alumni Chapter and a member of the Howard L. Cornish Metropolitan Area Alumni Chapter. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has appointed Shawn B. Coates, ’03, as Vice Chair of the College of Southern Maryland Board of Trustees. Coates has more than 20 years of experience in the federal government, having served in leadership and management roles at numerous government agencies, among them the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency. He also serves as the Scholarship Chair for the Morgan State University Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter, is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and participates in the Black Executive Exchange Program. He is a Life Member of the MSU Alumni Association and earned his Bachelor of Science in information systems at Morgan. A publication by Melonie B. Garrett, ’77, “Stillness In My PPE: A Guided Journal for Praise, Prayer, and Enlightenment During Pandemics,” has been released on Lulu.com. Garrett, who earned her Bachelor of Science in psychology from Morgan, is an International Coach Federation Master Certified Coach, and Owner of ATG Coaching and Consulting, LLC. Her new publication seeks to prompt readers to reflect on their journey through their “various seasons of pandemics (dis-eases) and joys (eases)— the dichotomies of life,” regardless of the reader’s religious affiliation. The guided journal includes moving, thought-provoking verses, questions, prompts and practices. Danielle Greene, D.D.S., ’90, was featured in the June 29, 2020 edition of the blog Today’s Honoree. Dr. Greene is Founder and Owner of Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta, located in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia. A pioneer in the dental industry, her passion for cosmetic dentistry and performing smile makeovers has helped her achieve the goal of owning her own practice and developing a line of oral care products. Dr. Greene was born in Queens, New York, and earned her Bachelor of Science in physics from Morgan, where she was also a Fulbright Scholar. The Morgan State University Office of Student Life and Development has presented Vanessa Grey, ’81, with its Advisor of the Year Award. Grey has served as Alumni Relations Program Manager in Morgan’s Office of Alumni Relations since 2014 and is an Advisor to the MSU Pre-Alumni Council. The award recognizes Advisors who have exuded the qualities necessary to enhance the value of a student organization at Morgan. The position of Advisor holds the great responsibility of cultivating young minds and building strong leaders, and its honorees are exemplary leaders, teachers and positive role models for the Morgan community. Grey earned her bachelor’s degree in secretarial science at Morgan. Lamar R. Hylton, Ph.D., ’04 and ’13, has been named Vice President for Student Affairs at Kent State University. He had served as Interim Vice President since September 2019. In his new position, Dr. Hylton 6
leads Kent State’s Division of Student Affairs and the university’s institutional efforts to enhance the co-curricular lives of all Kent State students within the eight-campus system. Before joining Kent State in 2017 as Dean of Students, Dr. Hylton served as the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Affairs at the University of Minnesota for three years. He also served as the director of the Intercultural Center and Office of Multicultural Student Programs at the University of North Carolina – Asheville from 2011 to 2014. Dr. Hylton received a Bachelor of Arts in vocal musicperformance and a doctorate in higher education administration from Morgan. Gregory M. Jones, ’80, has been elected to the Board of Trustees of Eversource, a Fortune 500 company that transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to approximately four million customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Jones serves as Vice President of Community Health and Engagement for Hartford Healthcare, where he leads the $4-billion integrated healthcare system’s community health and engagement efforts. A current member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Hartford Community Foundation, he previously held leadership positions with United Technologies, Pratt & Whitney, Tyco and JP Morgan and has more than 25 years of experience as a finance and corporate strategy executive leading large-scale business development initiatives. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Morgan. The Governing Board of the Balsz Elementary School District of Phoenix, Arizona, has appointed Arleen M. Kennedy, Ed.D., ’19, as the district’s new Superintendent, effective July 1. Dr. Kennedy came to Balsz from the St. David Unified School District in St. David, Arizona, where she had served as Superintendent since July 2018. With more than 25 years’ experience as an educator and school administrator in Maryland, Louisiana, South Carolina and Arizona, she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in equity and urban leadership to her new position. The Governing Board viewed her as uniquely qualified to unify the district’s immigrant, refugee, homeless and other marginalized students and families, and support the work and vision of its teachers and principals. Dr. Kennedy holds a doctorate in urban educational leadership from Morgan. Kiyana Lewis, ’15, has joined the weather teams of two New York City television stations as Meteorologist: News 12 The Bronx and News 12 Brooklyn. Lewis earned her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and multimedia production from Morgan and also holds a certificate of meteorology and weather forecasting from Pennsylvania State University. She has a diverse background in broadcast journalism, including roles such as weather reporter, assignment editor and morning producer at Fox 5 in Washington, D.C., WBAL in Baltimore, Maryland, and 47 ABC in Salisbury, Maryland. Keith A. Mays, D.D.S., Ph.D., ’83, has been appointed Interim Dean of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, for an expected two-year term. Dr. Mays came to his new position after serving the school as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs since 2015. He also remains a Professor in the school’s Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences. Dr. Mays’ academic career includes teaching in preclinical and clinical prosthodontics; student mentoring and advising; and private faculty practice, and his previous posts include Division Director of Prosthodontics at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine and Assistant Director of the University of Maryland General Practice Residency Program. He completed Morgan’s Bachelor of Science program in biology. Corvelli McDaniel, ’85, and Lorraine Cole, his colleague at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, have won the 2020 People’s Choice Award — a nationwide, vote-based honor within the Samuel J. Heyman “Service to America” Medals (a.k.a., “the Sammies”) — for their creation of the Treasury Bank Mentor Protégé Program. The program provides unique opportunities for minority-owned banks
to benefit from the experience of large financial institutions and remain viable, so they can help address the needs of their underserved communities. McDaniel earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration at Morgan and is a 27-year veteran of the Treasury, where he now serves as Assistant Commissioner – Revenue Collections: the first African American to hold the position. McDaniel and Cole are also finalists for the Sammies’ Management Excellence Medal this year. Judge Dana M. Middleton, ’98, was named the Top Winner in the Leadership in Law awards during The Daily Record’s Leadership in Law virtual celebration in June. Middleton was selected by a vote of the other Leadership in Law winners. Middleton was named a Circuit Court Judge for Baltimore City by Gov. Larry Hogan in 2017. She previously worked in the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General. Middleton has served as Co-chair of the Maryland State Bar Association’s Leadership Academy Committee since 2010 and has also served as President of the Bar Association of Baltimore City. Middleton is using her position with the bar association to help increase access to legal services for underserved populations. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science at Morgan. Danny T. Molock Jr., Ph.D., ’11 and ’19, Assistant Coordinator for Morgan’s Office of Student Life and Development (OSLD), has been selected to participate in the Association of College Unions International’s (ACUI’s) inaugural Closing the Gap career advancement program. The new initiative is designed to increase the representation of professionals from traditionally marginalized groups in the upper ranks of higher education, particularly in the senior leadership of college student unions and student life. A recent recipient of a doctoral degree in higher education from Morgan, Dr. Molock also has a Bachelor of Science in social work from MSU. He has joined 11 other university administrators from across the U.S. in this year’s cohort of Closing the Gap, which is designed to support mid-career professionals with networking, educational opportunities, career development and community building. Ivanhoe Mines, a Canadian mining company with major projects in southern Africa, has appointed Nunu Ntshingila, ’96, Regional Director of Facebook Africa, as an Independent Director of Ivanhoe Mines’ Board of Directors. Ntshingila, who earned her MBA at Morgan, has more than 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising with African-based companies. Ntshingila joined Facebook Africa in September 2015. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, she is responsible for building the company’s commercial presence across the entire continent. Her previous experience includes almost 16 years with Ogilvy & Mather South Africa, where she held positions of increasing responsibility and became company Chair in 2012. She also worked as Director of Communications for Nike South Africa for three years and has served as a council member of the Women’s World Banking Council, whose mission is to drive financial inclusion for women in Africa. Jasmine E. Sessoms, ’06, has joined Hilco Redevelopment Partners’ (HRP’s) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, office as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs. A lifelong Philadelphian, Sessoms will oversee HRP’s community and government outreach efforts, as the company executes its plan to clean up and transform the former PES refinery site into a state-of-the art, multi-modal logistics campus. She began her career in corporate giving before transitioning to Managing Executive Director of The Mayor's Fund, where she oversaw $17 million of grants and awards to meet the goals of the Mayor of Philadelphia’s philanthropic priorities. Sessoms, who earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management at Morgan, recently served as a government relations officer for the Community College of Philadelphia, and, before that, founded and led the political fundraising firm J&S Strategies in Philadelphia.
Gilbane Building Company has promoted Yvette Stevens, ’01, to Director of Economic Inclusion and Community Affairs, responsible for the planning and execution of Gilbane’s corporate economic inclusion strategies to support the company’s commitment to marketplace inclusion and diversity. Stevens’ objective is to drive Gilbane’s community partnerships and promote and engage with historically underutilized businesses, including minority-owned, women-owned, small and local business enterprises. A 20-year professional, Stevens served in a global project management role before joining Gilbane in 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Morgan and is a Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Gilbane has more than 45 office locations worldwide. Kirk Sykes, ’94, has been appointed as the Head of The SEED School Maryland, a statewide public boarding school with a mission to provide students across Maryland with an opportunity to receive a tuition-free education that prepares them for success in college and beyond. Sykes brings more than 20 years of experience in educational leadership to SEED and has a proven record of raising student achievement by establishing professional learning communities, coaching principals, developing meaningful parent and community involvement initiatives, enhancing school climate and culture, and implementing sound school budget priorities. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Sykes began his career in education as a classroom teacher and has held various school leadership roles, including principal, throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Morgan. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Larry D. Turner, ’79, has been appointed Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). He had served as the Department of Labor’s Deputy Inspector General and as a member of the Senior Executive Service since September 2014. In his new post, Turner is responsible for overseeing administration of a nationwide, independent program of audits and investigations involving DOL programs and operations, and for combatting the influence of organized crime and labor racketeering corruption in the workplace. He previously held leadership positions in other federal agencies, and served 24 years in the U.S. Army before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His Bachelor of Science in business is from Morgan State University. Kalin Wynn, ’85, has been named Head Women’s Basketball Coach of Notre Dame of Maryland University for the 2020–21 season. The new post represents a promotion for Wynn, who served as Interim Head Coach last season, leading the Notre Dame Gators to their second Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Playoff showing and a finish at number three in the CSAC for the 2019–20 basketball season. In addition, four scholar-athletes on the Gators Women’s Basketball Team earned conference postseason honors. Wynn previously served the Gators as assistant coach for two years. He received his Bachelor of Science in political science from Morgan.
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IN THE NEWS MSU Journalist Wins Top Press Award “22News,” a show anchored, reported, hosted and produced by Morgan graduate Yesenia Taveras, received Best Prepared Report honors in 2020 from the Delaware Press Association. A veteran journalist, television talk show host and national public speaker, Taveras is also a five-time winner of national awards from the National Federation of Press Women and has received numerous other honors, including a Yesenia Best Speech Award this year from the Delaware Press Association. Taveras Her 18-year career includes work for the Police Athletic League of Delaware; UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Delaware; ESPN; Channel 6 ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Def Jam Records; Black Enterprise magazine; Career Communications Group, Inc.; Delaware Comcast Channel 28; and the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League. She has served with the City of Wilmington’s WITN Comcast Channel 22 (WITN22) government TV station for the last 12 years. Taveras earned her Bachelor of Arts in communications at MSU in 2006. Taveras also established and served as producer and reporter for Spanish-language programs including Primeras Noticias Locales (First Local News), Latinos En Acción (Latinos In Action), which won the Delaware Press Association’s first place award for Best Television Special Programming in 2013. She also established and served as host of La Conexión/The Connection, which won first place for Best Television Talk Show in 2018 from the Delaware Press Association. Now Senior Producer and On-Air Talent at WITN22, Tavares is the host of the station’s only live talk show, IN Focus. In addition to continuing her award-winning journalism career, Taveras is a national sexual assault survivor activist and public speaker who travels across the U.S. to share her story and inspire other victims and survivors to make their dreams come true while they continue their fight to recovery. She has also volunteered her time and expertise to nonprofit organizations such as Nuestras Raices Delaware, Miss Delaware Latina, ASPIRA of Delaware and Delaware’s Millennial Summit, and now serves on the Board of Directors of Communities in Schools of Delaware. Taveras has been a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the National Broadcasting Society, Magazine Publishers of America and the National Association of Government Communicators, and she is a current member of the National Federation of Press Women and the Delaware Press Association.
U P YO U R WO R K W E A R G A M E
Appearance is the first impression a student makes when sitting for an interview. It tells the interviewer how serious the candidate is about the job or internship. At The Career Closet, we believe that every person should have a good suit! Buying a new suit doesn’t start in the stores. It starts with your goals. Morgan’s Center for Career Development seeks to equip students with valuable resources they can take into the future. Toward this end, Earlene Goodson, ’82, partnered with the MSU On-Campus Alumni Chapter and Target to open The Career Closet. The Closet provides professional career clothing for all current Morgan students for occasions such as interviews, career fairs, internships, networking receptions and other career-related events. The Closet is generously supported by donations from Morgan alumni, community organizations, students and local employers. Come visit us! You may also schedule an appointment at (443) 885-3110. morgan.edu/careerdevelopment
NECROLOGY Deceased MSU Alumni, Faculty, Staff & Students “Gone But Not Forgotten” Dr. Clara I. Adams, ’54..........................................8/5/2020 Marc W. Alexander, ’83.........................................3/17/2020 Martha Patterson Allen, ’56...................................7/7/2020 Dr. Willis A. Allison, ’51.........................................10/25/2019 Dr. Nancy L. Arnez, ’49.........................................2/15/2020 Pastor Kanice Attles-Johns, ’84..............................9/17/2019 Bryon John Bandy, ’90..........................................6/14/2020 Shirley N. Barrett, ’56...........................................3/16/2020 Catherine L. Beard, ’46.........................................7/12/2020 Manuel Berry (Student).........................................8/13/2020 Bencine M. Blake, ’71...........................................6/15/2020 Roslyn Boles, ’73.................................................11/25/2019 Cecil Bond, Jr., ’61...............................................7/24/2020 Joseph L. Boston, ’55...........................................8/7/2020 Roberta J. Palm Bradley, ’69..................................7/8/2020 Dr. Willie Bragg, ’70.............................................8/1/2020 Charles Brown, ’64...............................................9/19/2019 Earl Brown, ’64....................................................10/9/2019 Jesse Brown, ’77..................................................9/15/2019 Josphine Brown, ’56.............................................1/31/2020 Paul Brown, ’70...................................................10/29/2019 Thomas Brown, ’60...............................................11/21/2019 Sable Brown (Student)..........................................10/6/2019 Karen Burgess, ’92...............................................4/30/2019 Terry L. Burke, ’88................................................7/3/2020 Otyce M. Byrd, ’71...............................................6/20/2020 Roosevelt Caldwell, ’61.........................................1/8/2020 Carolyn Campbell, ’61...........................................2/4/2019 Brent P. Carter, ’89..............................................6/20/2020 Jewel C. Chambers, ’64.........................................5/23/2020 William Chan (Former Faculty)................................11/4/2019 Dr. LaVerne Chandler, ’74......................................10/31/2019 The Honorable Tama Myers Clark, ’68......................1/22/2020 JoAnn B. Clay, ’66 ...............................................5/22/2020 Jordan Cofield (Student)........................................8/22/2020 Joseph E. Conway, ’59..........................................6/6/2020 Aurora Cooke-Trigg, ’74.........................................11/5/2019 Bettilee Covert , ’55..............................................1/7/2020 The Honorable Elijah Cummings (Regent).................10/17/2019 Yvonne Curbeam, ’67............................................10/19/2019 Anne S. Davis, ’57................................................4/8/2020 Gertha J. Davis, ’64..............................................7/12/2020 DeNita Delano, ’98...............................................1/16/2016 The Rev. Carl Doerr, ’69........................................2/13/2020 Ernest Donaldson, Jr., ’64.....................................6/22/2020 Betty J. Dorsey, ’67..............................................3/21/2020
Dr. Shirley Bastfield Dunlap, ’74 (Faculty/Staff) ......6/15/2020 Brian Fletcher, ’74................................................8/27/2019 Bruce E. Foote, ’76...............................................2/29/2020 Barbara L. Forrest, ’64..........................................7/17/2020 Estelle Foster, ’72................................................9/24/2019 Jerrelle Francois, ’58.............................................12/25/2019 Camille E. Frazier, ’55...........................................4/13/2020 Nathaniel Frazier (Former Staff)..............................9/22/2019 Lavadia S. Gibson, ’62..........................................3/8/2020 Albert C. Gilbert, ’50.............................................6/24/2020 Iris B. Gilbert, ’51................................................4/8/2020 James Gilliam, ’75 and ’85....................................10/20/2019 Carrie Lou Gilmore, ’71.........................................5/14/2020 Doris Keeley Goins, ’54.........................................5/20/2020 Yvonne V. Goldson, ’69.........................................4/24/2020 Ellen Gonzales, ’63...............................................12/15/2019 Pablo Gonzales, ’63..............................................9/16/2019 Myles Goodson, ’65..............................................2/17/2020 Herbert Gordon, ’79.............................................1/24/2020 Joseph Graham (Student)......................................8/10/2020 Earl Graves, Sr., ’57.............................................4/6/2020 Dr. James Gray, ’04..............................................5/23/2019 Sharon A. Hackett, ’69..........................................4/13/2020 Gladys W. Hall, ’66...............................................3/16/2020 Raymond Haney, ’77............................................5/20/2020 Linda M. Hardges-Scruggs (Staff)...........................3/15/2020 Florence Henderson, ’52........................................12/3/2019 William B. Henry...................................................4/19/2020 Joyce Henson, ’77................................................10/8/2019 Mrs.. Gwendolyn Hicks, ’76...................................12/29/2019 Alica V. Hillard, ’71...............................................6/16/2020 Mrs Cornelia Hsu (Former Faculty)..........................9/21/2019 Dr. Hortenese Jackson, ’88....................................10/17/2019 Maurice Jackson (Former Staff)..............................11/11/2019 Dr. Edward James, ’49..........................................10/7/2019 Joseph James, ’62................................................7/3/2020 Charles Jamieson, ’70...........................................2/8/2020 Ms. Maureen Joe, ’12...........................................10/31/2019 Charles Johnson, ’60.............................................2/8/2020 David Johnson, ’63...............................................11/12/2019 Jasper E. Johnson, ’69..........................................6/30/2020 Lorraine Johnson, ’61...........................................1/1/2020 Reginald A. Johnson, ’61.......................................4/8/2020 The Rev. Roy Jollenbeck (Former Staff)....................10/1/2019 Col. (Ret.) Martin Andrew Jones, ’59.......................8/10/2020 The Rev. Wayne Jones, ’73.....................................11/26/2019
Michael Kamara, ’77 (Faculty)...............................5/3/2020 Doris Earline Keeley, ’54.......................................5/20/2020 Rosetta Kerr-Wilson, ’73.......................................5/14/2020 Ledonia Kimball, ’64 and ’76.................................1/26/2020 Carrie Langley, ’62...............................................10/30/2019 Gaines Lansey, ’71...............................................5/26/2020 Robert Loyal, ’63.................................................6/9/2020 Dr. Mankekol Mahlanfu-Ngcobo, ’84.......................12/10/2019 Warren W. Manns, ’75..........................................6/30/2020 Dr. Nan Manuel, ’44.............................................10/20/2019 William Marshall, ’59............................................7/26/2019 Marcia C. Martin, ’80............................................5/24/2020 Levy N. Mazyck, ’74..............................................5/24/2020 Lorraine McAdory, ’48...........................................1/21/2020 Renee McDuffie, ’03.............................................5/7/2020 Betty Williams Mello, ’56.......................................4/2/2020 The Honorable Ishmael Meyers, ’62.........................11/16/2019 Ugochi Mezu (Student)..........................................10/10/2019 Paul Miller (Former Staff)......................................11/22/2019 Dr. Scott Miller, ’84..............................................12/24/2019 George E. Mitchell, ’76.........................................7/14/2020 Joseph R. Mitchell, ’71..........................................6/1/2020 Tracy Annette Molson, ’86.....................................5/23/2020 Ruth R. Monroe, ’93.............................................5/10/2020 James Morant, ’70...............................................1/11/2020 Malik Mosley, ’15.................................................3/28/2020 William Mumby, Jr., ’52........................................3/5/2020 Lt. Col. (Ret.) Edward L. Murray, ’55.......................6/27/2020 Matthew Najjar....................................................6/10/2020 Lloyd S. Newton, ’66.............................................7/23/2020 Alfred Osborne, ’75...............................................12/19/2019 Harvey Palmore, ’68.............................................8/5/2020 Paula Pecou Parker, ’66........................................5/6/2020 Bessie Perine, ’64.................................................11/6/2019 Camilla B. Peterson, ’55........................................4/22/2020 Edmond C. Piercy, ’68...........................................4/16/2020 Jean Pinkney, ’53.................................................12/2/2019 Dr. Marion Primas, ’59..........................................2/3/2020 Crystal Racks-Cook (Former Staff)...........................12/29/2020 Avis H. Ransom, ’73.............................................7/11/2020 Emily Reaves, ’60.................................................8/26/2019 Randolph Richardson, ’75......................................2/5/2020 Lillian O. Richburg, ’71.........................................5/4/2020 Dr. Vattel Theodore Rose, ’59.................................5/12/2020 James Ruffin, ’69.................................................11/7/2019 Thomasina S. Sanders, ’76.....................................4/7/2020
Sydney Saul, ’60..................................................8/24/2019 Everett D. Scruggs, ’83.........................................3/21/2020 Alfrieda Shaw, ’63................................................4/22/2020 Bill Nana Baah Shoetan, ’10..................................4/3/2020 Eugene A. Simms, ’77...........................................7/20/2020 Laura A. Skinner, ’68............................................6/21/2020 John Smith, ’77....................................................4/1/2019 Larry Smith, ’74...................................................9/10/2019 Rebecca J. Smith, ’51...........................................8/8/2020 Richard Garry Smith, ’72.......................................4/23/2020 Samuel Smith, ’69................................................8/29/2020 Yolanda C. Smith-Moore, ’78.................................8/12/2020 Leroy Stanley, ’67................................................4/21/2020 Wardell Stansbury, ’58..........................................6/22/2020 Jimmie L. Stanton, ’66..........................................7/18/2020 Robert Stanton, ’75..............................................9/15/2019 Allan Starkey, ’72.................................................11/6/2019 Carmen Starkey, ’74.............................................10/30/2018 Gordon H. Stills, ’54.............................................3/4/2020 Dr. Reppard Stone, ’52.........................................10/2/2019 Vivian Storey-Hobbs, ’67.......................................3/7/2020 Parul Stout, ’77...................................................1/23/2020 Maudeline Swaray, ’76..........................................2/21/2020 Shirley N. Tarter, ’56.............................................7/27/2020 Armenia Taylor-Collins, ’70....................................1/26/2020 Marva Thomas (Former Staff).................................1/8/2020 Timothy Tilghman, ’80...........................................2/16/2020 Raymond Tillery, ’62.............................................10/14/2019 Robert Vassar, ’88................................................7/9/2019 Robinson Wadsworth, ’58......................................4/1/2020 Earl Walls, ’65.....................................................1/10/2020 John S. Ward, ’51.................................................6/2/2020 Elder Erminie Wars, ’72.........................................1/26/2020 Hugh Waters, ’62.................................................3/3/2020 Lois Y. Whitaker (Staff).........................................5/15/2020 Gus J. White, ’65..................................................6/18/2020 Charles W. Wiggins, ’56........................................7/11/2020 William Wiley, ’71................................................9/28/2019 Robert Wilson, ’78................................................10/24/2019 Lois Winstead, ’50................................................3/10/2018 Robert Winters, ’64..............................................11/3/2019 The Rev. Marcus Garvey Wood, ’65.........................5/11/2020 Ann V. Young, ’51.................................................8/11/2020
This list is effective as of 9/9/2020. Any notices after that date will be reflected in the next issue of the Alumni News. 7
Northwood Commons Development Moves Forward
Progress is apparent adjacent to Morgan’s West Campus, as the $50-million redevelopment of the former Northwood Plaza Shopping Center continues. Plans for the town center-type, mixed-use venue to be known as Northwood Commons include retail shops; a recently announced Lidl supermarket; a Fulton Bank; a full-service restaurant; and new facilities for the Morgan State University Barnes & Noble Bookstore (with a Starbucks café) and the MSU Police and Public Safety Department, which are now located on the main campus. Opening is anticipated for 2022. The shopping center at Northwood has great historical significance for the MSU family. Thousands of Morgan students engaged in nonviolent civil rights actions at Northwood Plaza during the 1950s and ’60s to racially integrate the businesses there. The tactics they employed were ultimately successful and included the pioneering use of sit-ins at segregated establishments.
“…We officially close one chapter in our history here at this location and look to another,” said President Wilson during his remarks at the groundbreaking for the project, in November 2018. “…We look forward to the transformation, the complete transformation of this location, by bringing forth a new kind of town center, one that is going to revitalize the area by bringing much-needed services and businesses to the community with the construction of Northwood Commons.”
MSU civil rights pioneers flash the "victory" sign, after the Northwood Commons Groundbreaking Ceremony (Nov. 1, 2018)
‘Virtual Alumni Day’ Was a First in 2020 Morgan’s traditional, in-person Alumni Day activities were canceled this year because of the pandemic. However, the annual celebration continued with a Virtual Alumni Day! A link to the event was sent by email to all alumni on Friday, May 15, 2020, at 12 noon, the same day and time that our original Alumni Day would have taken place. We received a number of requests for refunds and redirection of monies paid for Alumni Day tickets. Some alumni requested that their monies go to the MSUAA Scholarship Fund, to the MSU Foundation, Inc. fund for their class or to the MSU Food Resource Center.
MSUAA Annual Business Meeting Will Be Virtual in 2020
The Giving Report for classes ending in “0” or“5” since their last reunion five years ago, May 1, 2015–May 1, 2020, is as follows:
Class Year
Amount
1945
$613.00
1950
$16,910.00
1955
$49,477.37
1960
$100,549.81
1965
$400,305.10
1970
$339,931.00
1975
$77,431.48
1980
$108,187.50
1985
$20,609.85
1990
$38,911.41
1995
$59,431.70
• The President’s Award for second place went to the Class of 1949, 80.0 percent; and
2000
$52,206.00
2005
$126,044.62
• The Dean’s Award for third place went to the Class of 2017, 76.1 percent.
2010
$20,577.00
2015
$11,039.45
The following awards went to the three classes with the highest alumni participation-in-giving rates during calendar year 2019: • The Chairman’s Award for first place went to the Class of 1960, 83.2 percent;
TOTAL GIFTS
$1,422,225.29
The Annual Business Meeting of the MSU Alumni Association will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020 beginning at 12 noon EDT. As Morgan’s Homecoming festivities, with the exception of the Gala, have been canceled because of the pandemic, we will move forward with the Business Meeting in a “virtual environment” to bring you MSUAA’s news and business updates. Should President Wilson’s schedule allow, we will also receive his “State of the University Address” during the meeting, to get highlights of University news and initiatives. The online platform for the Business Meeting will accommodate up to 1,000 persons. The meeting web address and link will be provided at a future date to MSUAA financial members listed on the Alumni Relations Office membership roster. We look forward to seeing you and sharing information about some of the awesome things we are doing at the University and the Alumni Association. May you remain safe and healthy. Fair Morgan!
2020 Life Members This list includes members who completed their Life Memberships between May 7, 2019 and May 7, 2020. Although we have done everything possible to present a full list of Life Members for this period, we apologize should there be any omissions or other mistakes. Please contact the Alumni Relations Office for any corrections. Candida V. Adkins, ’84** Rodney B. Adkins, Jr., ’85** Dr. Okechukwu N. Akpa, ’04 Geraldine Bates, ’76 Deriece K. Pate Bennett, ’06 Lt. Col. (Ret.) Charles E. Birdsong, III., ’92** Pamela Jackson Birdsong, ’93** Valerie G. Boykin-Pair, ’97 Carolyn R. Bridgeford, ’73 Yovonda D. Brooks, ’69 and ’77 Metrica C. Brown, ’96 Dr. Thelma J. Bryan, ’70 and ’75 Charlene A. Butler, ’67 Wanda B. Carter, ’73 Dominique Renee Chatters, ’99 Boris O. Cheek, ’83 The Rev. Dr. Robert F. Cheeks, Jr., ’96 Darron D. Claiborne, ’99 Shawn B. Coates, ’03 8
Cody L. Cox, Jr., ’94 Mae Faidley Cumberbatch, ’64 Andrea Hunt Darden, ’87 George Anthony Daughtry, ’95 Camille Christine Davis^ Myrtle E.B. Dorsey, Ph.D. ’74 and ’77 Sidney H. Drake, 92 Sheila Gross Dukes, ’67 Dr. Anne-Marie Duncan, ’14 Charlene Powell Dyches, ’75 Robert Jefferson Elliotte, Jr. ’83 Laverne Evans, ’68** Robin H. Evans, ’68** Dr. Dorothy S. Farrington, ’60 Larry B. Fenwick, ’80 Dana R. Dunsen Ferguson, ’91 Roslyn Bacon Fontaine, ’83 Levis Claudia Francis, ’00 Joseph S. Fulmore, Jr., ’05** Sheena Y. Fulmore, ’05**
Dayna R. Green, ’09 and ’10** Judah J. Green, ’12** Wanda Denice Green^ Michelle Alston Hairston, ’74 Ella G. Hamilton, M. Ed., ’98 Alzenia S. Gardner Harcum, ’77 Eleanor A. Harley, ’82 André M. Harris, ’89 Dr. Miles G. Harrison, Jr., ’71 Nandi M. Henderson, ’14 Shirley A. Hicks, ’69 Linwood R. Hilton, ’01 Akwete D. Hines, ’95 Saana Wright Holley, ’96 Vivienne Kellogg Howze, ’67 Paul W. Hubbard, ’73 Arthur L. Hughes, Jr., ’77 Jean T. Hunt, ’58 and ’81 Melisa M. Hypolite, ’04 Carolyn Blagmon Jay, ’72
Emelda C. Jensen, ’78 Dante’ A. Jiggetts, ’02 Arkley Barry Johnson, ’69 Kayenda T. Johnson, ’99 Alfred Paa Kwesi, ’15 William A. Lewis, Jr., ’67 Tracy L. Lockhart-Talley, ’86 David R. Marshall, ’87 Arnold D. McKenney, ’73 Tian A. McPherson, ’07 Kiyona S. Miah, ’04 Marvin Eric Mingo, ’90 Dr. Raymond D. Mooring, ’99** Dr. Suazette R. Mooring, ’00** Noelle Winder Newman, ’01 Dr. Nilajah M. Nyasuma, ’12 Crystal K. Oliver-Slater, ’95 Frenchettia C. Payne, ’84 Samuel E. Penn, ’94 Tiana R. Phillips, ’05
Tunesha M. Phipps, ’05 and ’14 Juanson J. Pitt, ’97 Ralph T. Portee, ’70 Michele C. Powell-Larkin, ’67 Deborah Beverly Pugh, ’79** Robert T. Pugh, ’79** Brandy-Mickel R. Rambus, ’05 Shayla Harris Rice, ’00 Aaron D. Roberts, Sr., ’00** Tia Carson Roberts, ’00 and ’05** Dr. C. Anita Robinson, ’69 Abess Safiedeen, ’07 LaVerne Poteat Scott, ’75 Marcus B. Sills, Sr. ’00 Elisha Islamb Smith, ’96 John H. Spencer, ’76 Marshall Terrel Stevenson, Jr.^ Pearl E. Stewart, ’88 Kimberly M. Sutton, ’01 Jamaal M. Taylor, ’10 and ’14
Gabriella C. Teh, ’75 Rachele L. Thomas, ’02 Glenn Marvin Thompson, ’77 and ’82** Sheila D. Thompson, Ph.D., ’80** JaQuay D. Waller, ’01 Monica D. Waters, ’13 John M. White, ’85 Christopher Wilds, ’11 Cherié M. Williams**^ Joseph P. Williams, ’91** Julia Dozier Winder, ’69** Paul L. Winder, ’62** ^Associate *Deceased **Family Life Membership