Campus Newsbriefs - January 2013

Where Tomorrow’s Leaders are Students Today

Campus NewsBriefs A Weekly Update of Activities at Rust College Vol. 42, No. 14

January 25, 2013

Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum to Speak at 23rd Annual UNCF Banquet Rust College will welcome Reverend Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum for the 23rd Annual Holly Springs/Marshall County UNCF Banquet on Thursday, February 21. The banquet will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Rust College’s Shaw Cafeteria.

Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr., Pastor of The New Olivet Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, is a 1978 graduate of Atlanta’s Morehouse College and a 1981 graduate of Philadelphia’s Temple University School of Law. In August of 1981 he accepted his call to preach and in 1985 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Sunset, AR selected him as Pastor where he served faithfully for ten years. His journey then led him back home to Memphis Photo credit: Harrison Crite and Olivet Baptist Church where he became Pastor in 1999. Pastor Whalum graduated Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, Jr. from Memphis Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree, Magna Cum 2013 UNCF Banquet Speaker Laude, in May 2009.

A “watershed” experience in the Olivet ministry in June 2000 and its aftermath catapulted Dr. Whalum into the public eye and the place in ministry where he stands today. Revamping the traditional format of the Baptist Church within the walls of The New Olivet, Dr. Whalum created a model for the operation of the church that is supported by twelve integrated ministries that work together to help the Pastor bring God’s visions to life for his people. He introduced a way to worship and pray based on Bible scripture that would produce life altering change for people and immense pleasure to God. What followed were sermons, workshops, Bible Study, and seminars on everything from tithing to becoming a producer of blessings and Dr. Whalum’s first book, FASTING: It’s Not For Everybody, But It Might Be For You! In November 2006, Dr. Whalum was elected to the Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners At-Large Position 2 seat. After being sworn in, Dr. Whalum quickly began to act on his concerns for the children of Memphis and effectiveness of existing programs within the current school system. Dr. Whalum was re-elected as Commissioner in 2010 and was sworn in on January 3, 2011. Dr. Whalum has also served in the following capacities: appointee of the City of Memphis Storm Water Advisory Board, member of the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy, member of The Recording Academy, member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, member of the Memphis Urban League Board of Directors and member of the Memphis Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

In April 2010, Dr. Whalum released his latest book titled, Hip-Hop Is NOT Our Enemy!, which celebrates the creativity of African American youth and young adults (a.k.a. “the hip-hop generation”) and denounces the blame for their negative circumstances placed on hip-hop music and the hip-hop culture in general.

He often attributes his success to the strong-willed faith and support of his wife of thirty years, Sheila, and their children. They are the proud parents of three sons, Kenneth III, Kortland, and Kameron, the proud parents-in-law of Crystal Whalum, wed to Kenneth III, and the proud grandparents of Kenneth IV.

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“BY THEIR FRUITS…

1937 Graduate to be Laid to Rest; Believed to be Oldest Rust Alumnae Mrs. Mary Alma Chess King lived 95 years Mrs. Mary Alma Chess King, who was believed to be the oldest living Rustite, passed away Sunday, January 20 in Greenville, Mississippi. Her funeral will be held Saturday, January 26 at St. Matthews A.M.E. Church, 514 Nelson Street in Greenville at 11:00 a.m. The Rust College A’Cappella Choir will attend and perform during the funeral service.

Mary Alma Chess King was born in Copiah County, Mississippi. She was the eldest of seven children born to the late James and Barbara Chess. Looking for better opportunities, her family of share croppers moved to Washington County during her early childhood.

Mrs. Mary Alma Chess King

Upon moving to Washington County, the family joined the St. Phillips A.M.E. Church. When Mary Alma was six years old, the family moved to Greenville and joined St. Matthews A. M. E. Church. She attended the Greenville Public Schools where she was an excellent student and graduated with honors. She then enrolled in Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where she earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English as part of the class of 1937. After graduation, she returned home and began working in the public schools. Later she enrolled in Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee where she earned the Master of Arts in English. Mary Alma pursued additional studies at Delta State University, Cleveland, Mississippi where she earned her certification in Library Science.

At Rust College, Mary Alma met her future husband, Bishop Wendell King. To this union were born five children.

Her son, Judge Leslie King, currently serves on the Mississippi Supreme Court.

A committed educator, Mary Alma was a member of the Greenville Association of Educators, the Mississippi Association of Educators, the National Association of Educators and the National Council of Teachers of English.

She devoted 41 years to teaching young Mississippians, before retiring in 1978.

She was the longest tenured member of St. Matthew A. M.E. Church, which she served in many capacities, including Director of the Allen Christian Endeavor League, Sunday School teacher, member of the Turner Missionary Society, Missionary Teacher and Stewardess. Her work demonstrated her belief and support of God’s teachings. She served in St. Matthews until her health began to fail.

In March 2011, the Greenville Arts Council recognized her unique contribution to education with its Arts in Education Award. In making the award, the Arts Council offered these insights into her commitment and motivation: “She was dedicated to her students, teaching classes during the day and spending her afternoons working with students after school to practice plays operettas, and poetic presentations. If the school’s hours were not enough, she invited students into her home for one-on-one practice. Even during her busy teaching schedule, Mary Alma found time to empower her students and broaden their perspective on the importance of education and the arts. Children were always foremost in her mind; she wanted them to be able to function in an ever-changing society.”

She made one demand of her students. “Always do your best, “she would say. “When you have done your best, there is nothing else to do.” At the time of her death she was believed to be the oldest living alumnus of Rust College. The College’s motto, “By their fruits ye shall know them” is a motto Mary Alma took to heart, and worked diligently to make sure that her efforts reflected well on Rust College. Both of her daughters, Esther Marion King Dorsett and Helen Cartlidge and her son-in-law, Ira Dorsett, also graduated from Rust.

Mary Alma Chess King was a loving, caring and humble person, with a genuine concern for mankind. In lieu of flowers, the family of Mrs. King ask that donations be made to Rust College. Please send to the attention of Mr. Don Manning-Miller.

...YE SHALL KNOW THEM”

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Rust College Sociology Club Chili Drive: “Keeping You Warm on a ‘Chili’ Day” Submitted by Crystal Stewart

Members of the Rust College Sociology Club will host their second chili drive on Tuesday, January 29 at the Eddie L. Smith Multi-Purpose Center, 235 N. Memphis Street, in Holly Springs. The organization held their first chili event just before the holidays on December 11, feeding the homeless, as well as employees of the City of Holly Springs.

“With the holidays being a special time for giving and sharing, what better way to exemplify love and fellowship than with a bowl of homemade chili and cornbread?” said Crystal Stewart, Sociology Club member.

Club members are urging those who are homeless and hungry to come out and fill their bellies with homemade chili—donations will be accepted from others who are interested. The chili drive will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Sociology Club members: Jonathan T. Nelson, Cherlinca Boyd, Angel Wallace, Crystal Stewart

Students Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Several students joined Rust College chaplain Rev. Annie Travis at Elam Chapel Wednesday, January 23 to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King. Students displayed their talents, while infusing Dr. King’s message, during the event.

Musical trio: Jade Moore, Amber Whitaker, and Mercadez Glover.

Sisters Asianna and Amber Fenton performed a praise dance.

Spoken Word Artists: Kenneth Hoggan, Nekesa Oliver, Noah Moore, Naomi Rahn, and Nigel Chimbetete.

Photos by Symone Hunter-Henderson

Announcements

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY… Emergency notifications for students, faculty and staff will be handled by mass email, Channel 19, WURC 88.1 FM, RC-TV 2, and campus loud speakers. If you would like to receive emergency notifications by text message, please submit your cell phone number to Mrs. Carolyn Hymon, Dean of Students. The numbers will be used for emergencies ONLY and will not be distributed.

Emergency Numbers: Security office: 662-252-8090 Security guard on patrol: 662-216-3429 IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION Rust College Loan Disbursement & Refund Policy Loan disbursement and refunds will be issued after authorized charges have been deducted (tuition, room & board, etc). All student must be enrolled with at least six (6) hours each module in order to process the loan.

Loan Disbursements Spring Semester All Students with “30” hours or less will have their loans disbursed to the college in (2) equal payments each semester: 2013 Spring Semester (Students enrolled in the Fall 2012) 1st Payment January 16, 2013 2nd Payment February 28, 2013 (Students enrolled in the Spring 2013) 1st Payment February 7, 2013 2nd Payment March 7, 2013 If the student account shows a credit balance after payments have been applied to the student’s college expenses (tuition, room & board, etc.) a refund check will then be issued to the student no later than 14 days after the credit balance has been noted.

7th Annual Ford Black College Quiz Tune in and watch the Ford Black College Quiz and show support for Bearcat Noah Moore!

The show will air on WLOV FOX (ColumbusTupelo-West Point-Houston) on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

Broadcasts on other stations will be announced soon!

Dr. David L. Beckley, ‘67, President

Noah Moore represented Rust College at the 7th Annual Ford Black College Quiz in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Ishmell H. Edwards, ’71, Vice President for College Relations

Ms. Adrienne F. Phillips, Public Relations Specialist