July 2015 tsuoaa newletter final 1

Ocean Beat J U LY 2 0 1 5

OCEAN NEWS

The Official Publication of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter

Congratulations to our 2015 Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Graduates

Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter Officers

Charles Arline Bass Drum

Garnet Foster President

Brandon Collins Drum Major

Joselyn Coats V. P. of Membership

Zedekiah Franklin Saxophone

Kevin Jernigan Treasurer

Donavan Gray Baritone

Pamela Scott Recording Secretary Cynthia Gardner Corresponding Secretary

Chasity Hylton Clarinet

Leonard Faniuel Sergeant At Arms

Daija Laws Motion of the Ocean

Donald Greer Parliamentarian

Stephani Levi Motion of the Ocean

Khary Boykins Financial Secretary Donald Black Communications

Precious Lowe Motion of the Ocean

If you want to submit information to the TSUOOSA Newsletter, please email information to: Oceanalumni@gmail.com

Te’Arra Phillipps Motion of the Ocean

or mail to: Texas Southern University National Alumni Association Ocean of Soul Chapter P.O. Box 88155 Houston , Texas 77288

ON THE COVER The Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Marching Band performed at METRO RAILFEST 2015 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

They celebrated the Grand Opening of Houston’s two new light rail lines The Green Line (East End) and The Purple Line (Southeast)

TSUOOSAC ● VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8

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OCEAN NEWS Maestro Richard Lee conducts the Bahamas All Stars Marching Band The Maestro Richard Lee, Director of Bands, participated as guest conductor and clinician for the Bahamas All Stars Marching Band’s annual summer concert June 28, 2015 on the Island of New Providence in the Bahamas.

This unique concert style included performances from the Bahamas All-Stars concert band, drumline, auxiliary group and marching band. A mixture of concert pieces, local songs and popular music will be feature. Maestro Lee conducted two pieces during the concert and held a student/directors clinic on band development for two hours.

TSUOOSAA hosts Career Workshop for current band members Special thanks to everyone that assisted with the First Annual Career Workshop. Students were able to sit through mock job interviews with alumni that currently work in H.R. or Head Positions for their companies.

Each student in attendance was given one-on-one advice on how to dress, answer tricky interview questions, and how to write an eyecatching resume. All students in attendance were also able to apply for summer jobs.

Special Thanks to Miguel Garcia who assisted with accepting applications on the site. Also, special thanks to Nita Williams, Garnet Foster, Donald Greer, and special guest, Mrs. Alexandre Wood for taking the time out to help with the interviews.

In the end, all students show appreciation and thanked for the helpful tips!

TSUOOSAC â—? VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8

OCEAN NEWS Congratulations to our 2015 Graduates

Donovan Gray ( Baritone) Charles Arline ( Bass Drum)

Brandon Collins Drum Major

Chastity Hylton Motion of the Ocean

Not Pictured: Daija Laws Motion of the Ocean Stephanie Levi Motion of the Ocean Te”Arra Philips Motion of The Ocean Zedekiah Franklin Saxophone

Precious Lowe Motion of the Ocean

TSUOOSAC● VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8

TSU NEWS Faculty/Staff Campaign Tops $1 Million Mark

The 2015 Faculty and Staff Campaign ended April 30 with its Victory Celebration in the Science Center Atrium. Thanks to the generosity of Texas Southern University faculty and staff, campaign organizers proudly announced that the campaign had raised $244,167 and exceeded its monetary goal for the second year in a row. Another milestone was reached with the $244,000 total.

That amount brought the combined total of the six campaigns to $1,002,167. Building and Grounds was the first department to have 100% participation for the sixth straight year and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law had the highest total donated at the m idway point. The College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences donated $33,000, the highest total for this year’s campaign. Pictu red above with the replica check of this year’s total is LaRence Snowden, campaign chair and Barbara Jordan Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs assistant dean, Carolyn Oliver, executive vice president of Development, and E. Craig Ness, vice president of Administration and Finance.

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Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton Presented with the Barbara Jordan Leadership Gold Medal at Texas Southern University

Pictured from left to right: Rose McGowan, (sister of Barbara C. Jordan), Dr. Thomas Freeman, The Honorable Hilary Clinton, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Dr. John Rudley

Keeping the legacy of Barbara Jordan alive, Texas Southern University played host to former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as she received the inaugural Barbara Jordan Public-Private Leadership Gold Medallion June 4, in the H&PE Arena.

Hosted by the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Barbara Jordan Institute for Policy Research, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, TSU’s Student Government Association, and United States Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Clinton was presented the medallion in front of Jordan’s sister Rose McGowan, and the legendary Forensics coach who trained Jordan to be the orator that she was, Dr. Thomas F. Freeman.

“Because of Barbara Jordan’s symbolizing leadership I envisioned the creation of this award to provide a national and international platform for honoring women that embodied the principles of leadership and courage,” said Congresswoman Lee. “It is fitting that the inaugural recipient of the Barbara Jordan Gold Medallion is the former First Lady of Arkansas and the United States, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State: Hillary Rodham Clinton.”

In her acceptance speech, Clinton evoked the legacy of Jordan’s crusade for equal voting rights and called for changes to election laws to make it easier to vote. She called for every U.S. citizen to be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18, unless they actively choose to opt out, and backed a new standard of at least 20 days of early in-person voting in every state, including weekend and evening voting.

“We need more elected officials from Houston to Austin to Washington who will follow in the footsteps of Barbara Jordan and who will fight every day for the rights and opportunities of all Americans and not just those at the top of the ladder. As she [Barbara Jordan] famously reminded us that when the constitution was written it left most of us here out. But generations of Americans fought, marched, organized and prayed to expand the circle of freedom and opportunity. We should be clearing the way for more people to vote, not putting up every roadblock anyone can imagine," said Clinton.

Ocean of Soul Hall of Fame and Ocean Honors The highest award presented by the Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter (OOSAC), the Ocean of Soul Hall of Fame, was created in 2013 to recognize outstanding individual contributions to the Ocean of Soul band in several areas. In addition, there will also be an Ocean Honors Award, given to those individuals who have excelled in areas outside of the Ocean Band Program. The inductees will be permanently recognized in the Rollins Stewart Music Building on the campus of Texas Southern University.

We ask that you help us recognize those individuals who have made truly exceptional contributions and/or performed extraordinary service to the Ocean of Soul Marching Band at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

This year’s nominees will be announced in July and the honoree(s) recognized at the Ocean of Soul Banquet and Hall of Fame Ceremony, which takes place during Homecoming Weekend.

PROCEDURES (Ocean Hall of Fame and Ocean Honors) A. The Ocean Hall of Fame Committee will consist of the following: Ocean Hall of Fame Members, Ronald B. Thornton Family Representative, OOSAC Executive Board, one current Ocean Band Directors, and two undergraduate Ocean of Soul Band Members selected by the Ocean HOF Committee Chairperson. The Ocean HOF Committee Chairperson will be named by the OOSAC Executive Board.

B. The nominees for the ‘Ocean Hall of Fame’ or Ocean Honors, must be approved by a majority vote of the members of the Hall of Fame Committee. The Committee Chairperson will not have a vote unless there is a tie.

C. Any former Ocean Band director, Ocean staff member, Ocean Band Member (at least 1 full year in the Ocean), or Ocean Supporter may submit a name and resume of an individual for induction into the Ocean Hall of Fame or Ocean Honors.

The nomination must be submitted in writing to the Hall of Fame chairperson prior to July 17th of each year. The applicant's resume will remain open each year thereafter (it may also be updated). An individual must be nominated by someone other than himself or herself.

1. Nominations must include: A. To the best of your knowledge, please provide current contact information for your nominee.

B. Please explain why you feel this candidate should be considered for induction in Ocean of Soul Hall of Fame or Ocean Honors and provide examples to support your nomination.

C. Outline the nominee’s Ocean of Soul Background, Ocean contributions, and current affiliation with the Ocean of Soul. Also provide a summary of Professional Achievements, Community Service, and Philanthropic endeavors.

D. Please include your contact information and sign and date your nomination letter. Submit your nomination to the Ocean Hall of Fame Committee at oceanalumni@gmail.com, attention HOF Committee Chairperson.

2. Each person may nominate one candidate.

NOTE: Include at least 2 letter(s) of support from any person who also supports your nominee.

The Hall of Fame Committee will meet annually after July 17 th to review the names submitted for nomination to the Ocean Hall of Fame.

In any given year, there shall be no more than a total of four Hall of Fame and/or Ocean Honors candidates selected for induction from the following areas: Music, Outstanding Achievement, and Ocean Contribution.

Person must be a respected individual in his/her field of expertise.

The Hall of Fame Committee will meet annually after July 17 th to review the names submitted for nomination to the Ocean Hall of Fame.

In any given year, there shall be no more than a total of four Hall of Fame and/or Ocean Honors candidates selected for induction from the following areas: Music, Outstanding Achievement, and Ocean Contribution.

CRITERIA (Ocean Hall of Fame) A. Ocean Hall of Fame-Person must be a former Ocean Band director, Ocean staff member, Ocean Band Member (at least 1 full year in the Ocean), or Ocean Supporter. Given to those individuals for Outstanding Achievement in Music and Service to the “Ocean of Soul� Marching Band.

B. Person must be a respected individual in his/her field of expertise.

C. The candidate must have demonstrated, over an extended period of time, the ability to positively impact the personal and musical development of Ocean of Soul Band members and young musicians through the medium of band music.

D. Person has demonstrated genuine interest through active participation in Music. Key areas considered are: Composition, Conducting, Concert Band, Marching Band, Instrumental Music Education, and Artist Performer.

CRITERIA (Ocean Honors) A. Ocean Honors- Person must be a former Ocean Band director, Ocean staff member, Ocean Band Member (at least 1 full year in the Ocean), or Ocean Supporter. Reserved for those individuals for their Professional Achievement, Community Service, and Philanthropy.

B. Person must be a respected individual in his/her field of expertise.

AWARD A. Recommended individual will be recognized at the annual Ocean of Soul Scholarship Banquet and Hall of Fame Ceremony.

B. The Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter will provide an appropriate gift of recognition.

C. An Ocean of Soul Hall of Fame or Ocean Honors plaque will be established and displayed in the Rollins Stewart Music Building.

D. The Hall of Fame and Ocean Honor members will be posted on the Ocean of Soul and Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter web sites.

E. The Hall of Fame and Ocean Honor member names will be noted in any Ocean of Soul Alumni Chapter program books.

We look forward to receiving and reviewing your submissions.

Any questions regarding criteria and nomination procedures, please contact the Ocean Hall of Fame committee.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Dale Long , Ocean Alumnus 1970-1974 Former Voice of the Ocean

Dale Long, middle, in the concert version of the uniform

Dale Hawkins Long was born in Tuskegee, Alabama to the late Alexander and Gertrude Long and reared in Birmingham where he graduated from high school. He accepted a music scholarship, becoming a member of the famous “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band of Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas where he earned the Bachelor’s Degree in 1974.

Dale now resides in the Dallas suburb of Garland, Texas where he serves as a Dallas Children’s Medical Center Trustee, Dallas County Deputy Voter Registrar and Leadership Dallas Alumni Association. He’s a member of the Dallas Urban League and founding member of the Garland NAACP. He also volunteers with The Dallas Black Dance Theater, Junior Players and is a Life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. A compassionate advocate, for over three decades he has been a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) Lone Star and serves on a national task force to recruit volunteers. His Little Brother, his seventh is eight -year-old Mawntell. Dale also serves on the local BBBS board, National leadership Council and is the National Coordinator of the partnership between BBBSA and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. In this capacity he provides leadership to recruit 10,000 volunteer mentors to serve youth throughout the country.

Dale is employed as the Community Outreach Coordinator/Public Information Officer with the City of Dallas, Public Works Department. Serving as liaison to the community in the implementation of the City’s 2006, $1.35B Capital Bond Program, he also provides media relations. In the past Dale has worked for McDonnell-Douglas on the NASA Space Shuttle Program, Texas Instruments and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Light Rail Starter System. He has received numerous local and national awards for community service and volunteerism. Chief among his major accomplishments are receiving the 1989 National Big Brother of the Year and the 2007 Clifford P. Norman National Award for local board participation both from Big Brothers and Sisters of America. He is the only person in the agency’s one-hundred eight year history to receive both awards. In 2007 Dale was nominated for the coveted Dallas Linz Award. From the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in 2012 he received the Drum Major for Service Award for his work with Mentoring Brothers in Action. For his passion and diligence in working with BBBSA he was featured in Forbes Magazine, the September 2007 issue of Essence Magazine, the June 2009 Ebony Magazine, the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and listed in the 2011 Grio’s 100 Class by NBC News. He has had photographs as well as op-ed ads published in the Dallas Morning News, CNN, Ebony and other media.

Dale has also been a speaker on the national platform, including the National Urban League, Congressional Black Caucus, National BBBSA Conventions, the United Methodist Church’s General Conference, United Methodist Men, BBBSA, the Frito-Lay Corp., Southern Methodist University, both Altus and Sheppard Air Force Bases, the University of Dallas, the Dallas Junior League and numerous Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity regional and national conventions. In 1990 he shared the podium at the White House with President George H. Bush as the President announced one of his “Thousand Points of Light Initiatives”. In July of 2004 President George W. Bush, during the 40th Anniversary commemoration of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, included in his White House speech one of Dale’s childhood memories of growing up in Birmingham. His story of being a victim in the 1963 bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham is chronicled in the book, “Where I Come From”, by Bryan Woolley, published in 2003. In 2002 he was interviewed in the documentary to the FX film, “Sins of the Father”.

A “retired” marathon runner, he now enjoys fitness training and Hatha yoga. His hobbies are reading, politics, music and photography.

OCEAN FLASHBACK

The Ocean of Soul performing in the San Diego Martin Luther King Parade in San Diego, California in 1986

Support The Ronald B. Thornton Scholarship Mr. Ronald B. Thornton served as an Assistant Director of the Forest Brook Senior High School Marching Jaguar Band and the Texas Southern University “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band. Mr. Thornton would later became the Head Band Director of the Mighty Willowridge Eagle Band from 1988 -2009.

Mr. Thornton was a member of numerous organizations, some of which include: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity, Pershing Rifles Military Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority Honorary Member, Professional Musician Local 65, Texas Black Music Educators - Vice President, Texas Bandmasters Association, National Association of College Band Directors, Texas Music Educators Association, International Association of Jazz Educators, Texas Exes & The College of Education-The University of Texas.

In his memory, the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association Ocean of Soul Chapter established the Ronald B. Thornton Scholarship Foundation. The recipients shall be university band students who have exemplified outstanding leadership as band members as well as in the classroom.

Please Support the Ronald B. Thornton Scholarship Fund

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_sxclick&hosted_button_id=T7CQJAMNBLGEU

TSUOOSAC ● VOLUME 1, ISSUE 8

TSU ATHLETICS HISTORIC FINISH Texas Southern Athletics Wins 2014-15 SWAC C.D. Henry Award

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference has recognized Texas Southern University as the winner of the C.D. Henry Award for the 2014-15 academic year. The announcement was made during the league's annual spring meetings.

This is the first time in the history of TSU Athletics that the program has been awarded such honors. The Henry Award is presented to the top men's athletic program in the SWAC. The Tigers finished with 70.5 points after winning three team titles in basketball, indoor track and field, and baseball, and finishing second in three others: cross country, golf, and outdoor track and field.

Second place Alabama State earned 68.5 points and Prairie View A&M finished third with 65.5 points. "This is truly a historic milestone for our athletics program," said TSU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Charles McClelland. "Our student-athletes at Texas Southern University have set a new standard with their respective performances throughout the year."

"Winning the C.D. Henry Award and finishing second on the women's side and second overall was achieved through the collective efforts of all of our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff. On behalf of our entire athletics program we'd also like to thank TSU President Dr. John Rudley for his unconditional support of all of our programs and for paving the way for this historic achievement through his vision and leadership."

The Magee/Jacket Award is presented to the top women's athletic program in the SWAC. The Texas Southern Lady Tigers finished second with 83 points behind Alabama State (104).

The SWAC Commissioner's Cup is awarded to the university compiling the highest combined total of men's and women's all-sport points. ASU took first place with 172.5 points while Texas Southern came in second at 153.5 points.

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TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY FIGHTING TIGERS 2015 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Saturday September 5, 2015 Friday September 11, 2015

LABOR DAY CLASSIC Prairie View A&M University Bacone College BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston

Saturday September 19, 2015

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Saturday September 26, 2015

Jackson State University Jackson , Mississippi

Saturday October 3, 2015

Alabama State University BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Mississippi Valley State Itta Bena, Mississippi

Saturday October 24, 2015

HOMECOMING 2015 Southern University BVVA Compass Stadium College of Faith BBVA Compass Stadium

Saturday October 31, 2015 Saturday November 7, 2015

Grambling State University Grambling , Louisiana

Saturday November 14, 2015

Alcorn State University BBVA Compass Stadium

Saturday November 28, 2015

Alabama A&M University Huntsville, Alabama

Undivided We Will Stand by the Greatest In the Land,” is the theme for the 2015 TSUNAA National Convention, scheduled for July30—August 1, at the Westin Memorial Hotel in Houston, Texas.

The TSU National Alumni Convention is held annually to focus on informing alumni, partners, and TSU supporters about innovative academic programs and projects the University is engaged in and empowering alumni and supporters to give back. The three-day event is filled with workshops and activities that were created to re-ignite, renew and energize the TSU Tiger Spirit and remind alumni of our commitment to be true of the University.

“The alumni love Texas Southern University, make no mistake about that, said Julia Askew, current TSUNAA President. “This event gives us a chance to talk about increased support for whether support comes in the form of volunteerism, tutoring, mentoring or financial assistance. We want our love for the university to resonate into whatever help the university needs.”

Highlights of the convention include: Welcome Reception, Casino Night, Life Members Luncheon, Excellence in Achievement Awards Gala, along with breakout sessions that will enlighten and educate all alumni.

Our theme, “United We Will Stand By The Great In The Land: will be illustrated as we come together to honor our alumni who are doing exemplary things in Achievement Gala.

“I invite all alumni to attend the 2015 TSU National Alumni Convention in Houston,” said Connie L. Cochran, TSU’s executive director of Alumni Relations. “ This is your chance to meet national officers of TSUNAA, members of the University administration and fellowship with TSU Tigers from across the country. It is vital ALL alumni become involved and play a role in the role of the future of the University and the National Alumni Association. As a proud alumna of Texas Southern University a and a Life Member of the Alumni Association I encourage alumni to reconnect with fellow classmates and the University . As alumni it is not only our responsibility, but our duty to give back. Our accomplishments and potential for excellence are rooted in those who work tirelessly to make TSU great. Make your commitment NOW to become involved. I sincerely look forward to seeing everyone in Houston.: TSUNAA is committed to keeping alumni connected to the University and each other. We encourage you to attend our scheduled events and reunite with alumni from all over the country.

Scheduled Activities Alumni Tour of Texas Southern University Welcome Reception Breakout Sessions Life Members Luncheon Casino Night TSUNAA Business Meeting Breakout Sessions Excellence in Achievement Awards Gala For more information regarding the convention, please send inquires to: tsunaaconvention2015@gmail.comor go to www.tsunaa.com