Normal Index Alabama A&M University
FALL 2016
GROWTH: In Spite of
Normalites’
Millennials and the New Normality
Musical Legacy
Inside ... 5
Alumni Points of Pride
7
Hill Happenings
Research and Scholarly Endeavor
12
All About Students
10 14
Running Things!
Normal Index Alabama A&M University
Millennials and Gen X
20
Alumni Updates Pavers Project
27
Chapters
28 30
Normalite Necrology Giving Back
32
Normal Index - Fall 2016 PRESIDENT Andrew Hugine, Jr., Ph.D. Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Kevin Rolle, Ph.D. INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING, COMMUNICATION AND ADVANCEMENT Archie Tucker EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION Allen P. Vital EDITOR Jerome Saintjones ALUMNI EDITOR Sandra S. Stubbs The Normal Index is published by the Office of Marketing and Public Relations in cooperation with the Office of Alumni Affairs
Millennials like Detroit native Gary T. Whitley, Jr., public and governmental affairs liaison for Huntsville Utilities, are charging toward their destiny.
FALL 2016
Correspondence and Inquiries to: Alabama A&M University/MPR 303 Patton Hall Normal, AL 35762 (256) 372.5607 Send items for consideration to the aforementioned address or e-mail public.relations@aamu.edu Copyright 2016
Why Is AAMU Unique?
Alabama A&M University is a more than 141-year-old, 5,500-student landgrant institution of higher education located in the high-tech city of Huntsville, Ala. It offers sought-after degree programs that lead up to the Ph.D. degree in four high-demand areas: food science, physics, plant and soil science, and reading/literacy. Over the years, it has produced an “American Idol” (Ruben Studdard); a Pro Football Hall of Famer (John Stallworth, Pittsburgh Steelers); NFL professionals, such as Robert Mathis of the Indianapolis Colts; CEOs, like H. Louis Gilford of the Washington, D.C.area Gilford Corporation, a contractor instrumental in renovations to the Washington Monument and building the plaza for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial; publisher William E. Cox of DIVERSE higher education magazine; Dr. Henry Panion III, noted conductor and long-time arranger for the legendary vocal artist Stevie Wonder; and numerous others. Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC), as well as other specialty, regional and national accrediting bodies, AAMU’s quality programs have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, and the Washington Monthly, to name a few. Each year, the campus welcomes a Nobel Laureate to serve as guest lecturer to its students, faculty and the community. Moreover, the institution continues to serve as the host site for numerous professional associations and organizations. Its students, faculty and staff compete on the regional and national levels in a wide range of scholarly endeavors. In 2015, the University held the Grand Opening for its Confucius Institute, which is one of only four at HBCUs and one of only 107 at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Finally, in athletics, the AAMU Bulldogs compete in 16 Division I NCAA sports and are a vibrant team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
The Normalite Experience
The AAMU student ranges from the first-generation college student to one who can easily boast about being representative of the fifth generation. Students
hail from throughout and beyond the contiguous United States, the western hemisphere and other points of the globe. The many backgrounds create a base for greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and experiences. Yet, all of these exciting differences merge into one Bulldog team spirit and love for the Maroon and White.
Research That!
An array of degrees are offered in four major colleges: The College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences; the College of Business and Public Affairs; the College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences; and the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences. Among the more popular majors are biology; family and consumer sciences; food science; urban and regional planning; business administration; logistics and supply chain management; marketing; political science; communications media; social work; physical education; psychology; computer science; civil engineering; electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
What’s New?
The University’s trustees have approved the establishment of a Center for Academic Excellence in Geospatial Sciences; a Center for Global Social Services Research; and the Pinnacle Professional Development Schools Project. These fall in line with new programs offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels to keep the University in tune with the workforce needs of business, industry and government sectors. The University’s board in 2015 set into motion the establishment of a solar farm that will ultimately generate energy for the campus. Moreover, the University has made significant strides in renewable energy research, particularly in biodiesel technology
utilizing canola. Faculty in the area of urban and regional planning have begun to offer courses in climate studies. Other STEM-related departments are continually updating their curricula, cognizant of the growing interest in several emerging fields. In recent years, various efforts have explored how to incorporate smart grid topics into engineering curricula via electrical engineering courses. These potentially open the door for cross-disciplinary curricula collaborations benefitting students in mechanical engineering, computer science and information technology.
Rolling with the Times
Ongoing challenges will continue to be led by steady declines in state support, increased costs of providing services (i.e., utilities, salaries, capital improvements), and constant deferred maintenance issues. The University has methodically gone about addressing these concerns through phases of right-sizing, attrition, periodic salary increases; setting in place alternative energy programs; repurposing facilities.
Strategy
Having received reaffirmation of its 10-year accreditation, the University recently received a go ahead from trustees on its ambitious strategic plan and campus master plan, which together cover nearly every facet of campus operations.
Out of the Box
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
A LESSON FROM AGRICULTURE: You reap what you sow. How do you grow the next generation of agricultural scientists? Certainly not by waiting for them to eventually visit one’s campus. Enter AAMU’s College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences, coupled with forward-thinking teachers and administrators at A&M and Meridianville Middle School. The end result is FEAST, an acronym that stands for “Fostering Environmental and Agricultural Scientists for Tomorrow.” The program’s aim is to rekindle the mission of 1890 land-grant institutions like AAMU by boosting agricultural awareness throughout the community.
USDE VISIT: John B. King, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, visited Alabama A&M University as part of a national tour to showcase schools that are attracting students in the STEM disciplines.
SELFIE: Dr. Ivory Toldson of the White Houe Initiative on HBCUs captured his image while seated in “Super Lucy,” a race car designed and built by AAMU students.
MOTIVATED: The Youth Motivation Task Force, coordinated by Career Development Services, is a professional resource group that provides AAMU students extra information about the business and corporate sector. Normal Index -4-
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
P
oints of Pride 2016
u AAMU produces lead-
ers for higher education. Two A&M alumni, Dr. Carl Harris Marbury and Dr. Jack Thomas, former English major and AAMU track star, served as presidents of Alabama A&M University and Western Illinois University, respectively. Dr. Nathan Essex serves as president of Southwest Tennessee Community College, and Norman Cephus was president at C. A. Fredd Technical College in Tuscaloosa, Ala. u AAMU produces governmental leaders: Kenneth Gulley, Mayor of Bessemer, Ala., and former Bessemer Mayor Edward May; Jay Roberson, Birmingham City Council; Senator Linda Coleman and Representatives Laura Hall, Mary Moore and Anthony Daniels of the Alabama Legislature; James Perkins, former Mayor of Selma, Ala.; Mandela Barnes, Wisconsin State Assembly; and Chris Carter and Michael Butler, Missouri General Assembly. Other local governmental leaders include Bob Harrison, Madison County Commission (Ala.); Richard Showers, Huntsville City Council; and Wil Culver, Huntsville City Council. u AAMU produces leaders in public education, among them current and former superintendents of schools: Dr. Eugene White, Indianapolis Public Schools; Dr. Arlester McBride, Wilcox County Schools; Dee O. Fowler, Madison County Schools; Dr. Fred Primm, Jr., Bessemer City Schools; Woodie E. Pugh, Jr., Clarke County Schools; Elam Ray
Swaim, Madison County Schools; Robert Brown, Greene County Schools; and Bernadeia Johnson, superintendent of Minneapolis, Minn., schools (featured on CNN’s “Blacks in America” series). u Julian “Juels” Pierrot interned a summer before the launching of the tenth year of the noted Brooklyn Hip-hop Festival, which has attracted performances by Kanye West and, most recently, Jay-Z. Now Pierrot, an AAMU alum, is listed as the current contact for the festival’s marketing and communications efforts. u Dr. Henry Panion III is widely known for his work as a conductor and arranger for superstar Stevie Wonder, for whose performances and recordings he had led many of the world’s most notable orchestras. u William E. Cox is president of Cox Mathews & Associates, publisher of the nationally distributed higher education publication DIVERSE magazine. u Julian Green has joined the Chicago Cubs operation as vice president of communications and community affairs, following a stint as the spokesperson for MillerCoors. He was also a communications specialist for then Senator Barack Obama. u Dr. Philip C. Cleveland, deputy state superintendent for career and technical education/
workforce development, has been named interim state superintendent for Alabama following the retirement of Superintendent Tommy Bice in March. Cleveland received his AA certification from AAMU in agribusiness education. u Dr. Marquita Furniss Davis served as the first female finance director for the State of Alabama. 66. Paul Pinyan is executive director of the Alabama Farmers Federation and general manager of ALFA Services, Inc. u Singer Mitty Collier of Chess Records fame, who popularized “I Had a Talk with My Man Last Night,” still influences the next generation of vocalists through her role as a pastor in Chicago. u Late alumnus Booker T. Whatley was noted internationally for developing a process of year-round farming for a 100-acre family. The plan attracted the attention of the Wall Street Journal and the founder of Domino’s Pizza. u Rose Crumb Johnson is a senior adviser for PanAmerican Risk Management, LLC. She pioneered new methods of service delivery in the health care arena and was noted for her innovation in implementing new initiatives. u John O. Hudson, III, is vice president of public relations and charitable giving for Alabama Power. He also serves as president of the Alabama Power Foundation,
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one of the largest foundations in Alabama. u Carolyn Caldwell is president and CEO of Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo. She has also been elected to the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees. u Dr. Alease S. Sims was a co-defendant in the longrunning Knight & Sims vs. Alabama higher education desegregation lawsuit, first launched in 1981. u W. Clyde Marsh has achieved the highest rank of any graduate of the AAMU ROTC. He retired with the rank of Rear Admiral and is currently serving as the director of veterans affairs for the State of Alabama and as president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. u Adrienne Pope-Kelly Washington is the first black female to earn the permanent grade of GS-15 in the history of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, first black female to hold the position of Director of Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD) and first black female to serve as the Division Chief of Air and Missile Defense Systems in SAMD. She has also headed the South Eastern Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. u Sadie Britt was elected the first black female president of the League of Municipalities for the State of Alabama. Also, Mrs. Britt is currently serving in her 22nd year as an elected City Council member for the City of Lincoln, Alabama.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
The Normal Legacy Society The Normal Legacy Society was established at Alabama A&M University in 2010 by President Andrew Hugine, Jr., to recognize individuals, organizations and companies that demonstrate significant lifetime financial contributions to the institutions amounting to $100,000 or more. The members of the Normal Legacy Society publicly acknowledge their partnership with AAMU to protect and advance its mission of teaching, research and service. Owing to their sustained contributions, members are identified and invited into the Society through public acknowledgement at Founder’s Day, where inductees receive a special pin and other honors. Inaugural members into the Normal Legacy Society during 2010 included the following: Dr. Henry and Mrs. Nell Bradford of Huntsville, Ala.; Ms. Bertha M. Jones of Tuskegee, Ala.; Dr. Ernest and Mrs. Marion Knight of New York City; Mrs. Ella Byrd McCain of Birmingham, Ala.; Rev. Lucien Randolph of Tuskegee, Ala.; the Tom Joyner Foundation; Ms. Velma Walker of Detroit, Mich.; and Mrs. Geneva S. Wright of Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Henry Bradford, Jr.
Mrs. Nell Lane Bradford
Ms. Bertha Mae Jones*
Dr. Ernest and Mrs. Marion Knight
Mrs. Ella Byrd McCain
Rev. Lucien M. Randolph*
Ms. Velma Walker*
Mrs. Geneva S. Wright
Atty. W. Troy Massey
Mrs. Patricia McIntosh
Mr. Ron McIntosh
Dr. Belvie Brice
Mrs. Dorothy Brice
Mrs. Sue Massey
The 2011 inductees were Atty. W. Troy and Sue Massey of Montgomery, Ala.. In 2013, Ron and Patricia McIntosh of Huntsville, Ala., were added to the distinguished group. Dr. Belvie and Mrs. Dorothy Brice of Pell City, Ala., joined the society in 2015.
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ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
Hill Happenings
Hustle and Bustle of Growth
If you’re one of those Normalites who haven’t visited the Alabama A&M University campus in a while, then you’ll likely notice a sense of “bustle” from the top to the bottom of The Hill, activity that is likely to continue into 2017. In addition to the demolishment of Gravitt Apartments to make way for a new 600-bed residential facility on Meridian Street (right), also leveled has been the Old Police Building adjacent to Hopkins Hall, as well as the Old Pump House located in the rear of the Normal Post Office.
Construction is scheduled for new 600-bed facility on Meridian Street.
CI-AAMU Growing into Mission
After only slightly more than a year in existence, the Alabama A&M University Confucius Institute (CIAAMU) is already making inorads to the Tennessee Valley community. As recent as July 2016, the CI-AAMU was holding classes to teach Chinese language and culture to children and teens at the Huntsville Public Library. Its first full year targeted AAMU faculty and staff. CI-AAMU is the result of six years of coordination between AAMU and its Chinese partner institution, Nanjing Forestry University, evolving from a program that provided for meaningful student/faculty exchange
research opportunities. Confucius Institutes collectively promote and teach Chinese culture and language around the world. They develop Chinese language courses, train teachers for teaching Chinese, and provide information about contemporary China. On the economic front, CIs facilitate business operations between USA and China. Today, the Chinese economy represents the second largest in the world; second only to the United States. Additionally, China is also an important market for many large United States
companies, given it’s one of the largest populations in the world. Further, there are many U.S. companies with a presence in China, such as AT&T, Dell, Apple, Ford, GM, Nike, Johnson and Johnson, Sam’s Club, Walmart etc. There is also a significant Chinese investment in the United States. Currently the Chinese investment in the U.S. exceeds $43 billion. Right here in Alabama, the investment exceeds $301 million. With the opening of the Golden Dragon Copper Tubing Plant in Wilcox County, and the
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3D Printer Factory in Dothan, Alabama, Bloomberg calls Alabama “the new hub of Chinese manufacturing.” As AAMU continues to prepare its students for the globally competitive world of the 21st Century, the Confucius Institute at AAMU will provide a platform for addressing the strategic goal of internationalizing the curricula to be responsive to current and emerging needs. There is a high probability that some graduates from AAMU will take positions with one of the U.S. companies in China, and the University wants to be sure that they are prepared.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
Alabama A&M University and U.S. Small Business Administration officials formalized an agreement in 2016 that will significantly expand the two entities’ outreach efforts to the Tennessee Valley area’s small business sector. AAMU President Andrew Hugine, Jr., signed a two-year Strategic Alliance Memorandum aimed at assisting the start, maintenance and expansion of small businesses in Alabama. Hugine was joined in the signing by Thomas A. Todt, district director of the Alabama District Office of SBA, in addition to several other local business partners. Cassius F. Butts, SBA Region IV administrator,
who called in to the signing ceremony, underscored that the Alliance would help to ensure that entrepreneurs receive the resources to succeed. He added that the formalization was yet another step toward allowing all markets a chance to work with the government. Butts added that going forward “A&M will be one of the shining stars” as both the University and the SBA work together to achieve their objectives for the business community. Todt stressed that the memorandum will enable SBA to “grow our own” at the neighborhood level. The signing also was attended by Dr. Del Smith,
dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs; and Dr. Teresa Merriweather Orok, executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Development (CEIED) in AAMU’s College of Business and Public Affairs; campus officials; several representatives of local business advocacy groups and organizations, as well as the federal sector.
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The AAMU-SBA working relationship aims to facilitate the strengthening of small business through the strategic sharing and provision of access to resources, publications, training materials, workshops, speakers and referrals. For additional information about the partnership and future activities, contact Dr. Teresa M. Orok at (256) 372-5603.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
Farmer Honored by USDA, White House An alumnus and noted farmer joined 15 “Champions of Change” recognized by the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Billy B. Bridgeforth, a 1980 soil science graduate, was distinguished as a trendsetter during a program recognizing leaders
who are making significant positive impacts on the next generation of farming and ranching. He is a fourthgeneration farmer in Tanner, Ala., whose Darden Bridgeforth & Sons grows cotton, corn, wheat, soybeans, and canola using a variety of cutting-edge agronomic techniques.
U.S. Senator Sessions Makes a Visit U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) engaged in an hourlong dialogue and discussion with Alabama A&M University President Andrew Hugine, Jr., along with AAMU administrators and college deans. Hugine provided the Senator a brief overview about the 141-year-old institution, its student demographics, rankings in selected areas, current research, scholar accomplishments and the University’s master plan. Sessions inquired about AAMU’s designation as a historically black college/ university (HBCU) and as an 1890 institution, urging University officials to continue to engage with his office for assistance with the facilitation of federal grant opportunities. The senator also acknowledged the role AAMU was playing in ensuring that small farmers
were making more productive use of their land. Senator Sessions solicited opinions and feedback from University officials on proposed legislation that could impact the University’s ability to fulfill its mission. The dialogue particularly focused on the higher education reauthorization act as it relates to the Pell Grant, student financial aid programs, college rating system, and increased requirements on universities for responding to sexual violence. He encouraged AAMU officials to make strategic use of its affiliated advocacy organizations, including the Association for Public Land-grant Universities (APLU), the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) and the American Council on Education in providing input on these issues.
AAMU, Pinnacle Schools Pen MOA Officials from Alabama A&M University, The Pinnacle Schools and the Save the Youth Organization signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Coordinated by AAMU’s Office of Global Social Service Research, the public event acknowledges the relationship between the entities, a partnership that exists to provide at-risk students an opportunity to attend college, boost retention and offer sufficient support to meet the needs of these at-risk students. The Pinnacle Schools provide academic and therapeutic programs for local middle and high school students who have difficulty in traditional classroom settings for various reasons. The AAMU Office of Global Social Services Research (GSSR) promotes global citizenship and professional action among students, faculty and professionals to foster the improved well-being of the most vulnerable individuals, families and communities around the world. The office also aims to improve global and community health by fostering partnerships that promote student engagement, continuing education, community service, collaborative and community-based research. For additional information, contact Selina Mason at (256) 518-9998 or email smason@thepinnacleschools.com.
AAMU Launches Strategic Plan President Andrew Hugine, Jr., has unveiled the key plan of AAMU’s aspiration, priorities and principles. In a nutshell, the AAMU 2015-25 Strategic Plan represents a four-prong approach to academic excellence through 1) a quality and distinct educational experience; 2) the promotion of excellence, innovation and creativity University-wide; 3) infrastructure upgrade; and 4) a diverse financial base. The sizeable strategic planning committee refers to the nearly 40-page plan as “a living, breathing document” that will serve as a guide to recruit, retain and graduate students.
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ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
R
esearch and Scholarly Endeavor
Professor Joins National Journal’s Editorial Board An Alabama A&M University professor’s submission to an international journal led to an invitation to join its editorial board. Dr. Jacob O. Oluwoye, professor of transportation and environmental health for AAMU’s Department of Community and Regional Planning, submitted his research paper on “Developing a Sustainable Cost Effective Emergency Management Model” to the Journal of Management Studies. After subsequent review of
Oluwoye’s submission, the professor was asked to join the peer-reviewed Journal’s editorial board.
Workshop Focuses on Subsurface Water Movement The College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences conducted a mid-May workshop designed increase participants’ awareness about how subsurface water measurement has evolved over the years. The Borehole Infiltration Workshop was held at the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station in Hazel Green, Ala., “to provide hands-on experience in measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity in the field,” according to Dr. Dedrick D. Davis, assistant professor of soil physics for the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Expertise on the subject was provided by David Radcliffe of the University of Georgia and Thomas Macfie of Soil Science, Inc. In addition to showing how water moves through soil, workshop organizers discussed a number of permeameters used for submeasurement.
Scientists Awarded Funds for Phase Two of Research Two Alabama A&M University professors have been awarded $400,000 award from the Department of Homeland Security to enter the second phase of their research aimed at detection and identification of explosive materials. The principal investigator for the project is Dr. Aschalew Kassu, an assistant professor in the Department of Engineering, Construc-
tion Management and Industrial Technology in the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences. Dr. Anup Sharma, professor of physics, is the project’s Co-PI. The project also will provide an opportunity for AAMU to procure equipment and supplies necessary to advance existing research capabilities, as well as involve science, technology, engi-
neering and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate students in research. The professors noted the DHS grant will boost “current efforts in mentoring, educating, building a wellrounded research capability,” as well as provide scholarships for up to 10 STEM students.
Building Vets’ Interest in Farming Opportunities Alabama A&M University’s Small Farms Research Center (SFRC) in the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences has received over $180,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide training and technical assistance to Alabama’s veterans and socially disad-
vantaged beginning farmers and ranchers. The project aims to recruit veterans and increase their awareness of and participation in farming opportunities; assist producers in owning and operating successful farm businesses, and in accessing capital, markets
and other resources; provide need-based assistance and education in a wide-range of need areas; foster communication between farmers/ ranchers, mentors, and those entities designed to support them; and develop, assemble and distribute appropriate training material.
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According to SFRC, most veterans starting businesses are not able to develop or use a business plan, suggesting the urgent need for education and training. Returning servicemen and women in Alabama have often expressed interest in farming opportunities.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
GRA New Member of Fund Council
Research is formalized curiosity. - Zora Neale Hurston
A graduate research assistant in AAMU’s Department of Community and Regional Planning has been accepted as a member of The Bill Anderson Fund Student Council, formed by 20 students this year from various universities. Lady Franciscar NicolasKassama is a new addition to the council on The William Averette Anderson Fund, which was created
to expand advanced studies in the field of disaster and hazard research and mitigation within minority communities, with the initial focus on increasing the number of African American scientists, practitioners, and policymakers. Hazard and Disaster Mitigation is designed to make communities in the U.S. and around the world safer in the face of hazards and disasters of all kinds, from naturallyoccurring events like Hurricane Sandy to accidents involving technology, etc.
by Eddie E. Davis The end of the Civil War led to Abe Lincoln’s liberation of four million penniless slaves of African descent. Emancipated Negroes were now free from the physical chains of slavery. But free to go where? Free to do what? Many understood, however, a country could not remain half-free and half-bond. Therefore, in 1865, the Republican Party brought forth the Freedmen’s Bureau Bill as a legislative approach, and education had now become a reality for former slaves including William Hooper Councill. Prevailing over the woes of slavery, the young Councill displayed a keen desire for knowledge while learning his alphabets at the age of sixteen in 1864. Later, he attended a Freedmen school near Stevenson, Alabama known as Averyville, and was noted the best student
of the school. After three years, Councill became an assistant teacher in Jackson County, Alabama, but threats and violence caused him to return to Madison County and establish the first county school for African Americans, known as Lincoln School in March of 1869. For Councill, education was a necessity. Even when
times became more difficult, the young scholar sacrificed and worked whatever jobs he could find to obtain his goal. Having only the basic necessities, Councill could not afford a kerosene lamp, but would study at night by cedar wood fire, which he later called, “Cedar College.” Councill wrote of his challenging educational experiences: I have slept in a cotton pen a whole winter because I had no better place. I have washed an only shirt and then sat in the shade of a tree while it dried. I wore a pair of Yankee drawers for pants for a whole winter. I wore low cut shoes in winter without socks. When a boy, I never had an undershirt nor dreamed of an overcoat. I plowed, once, three days for an old Greenleaf ’s Arithmetic. I only had a split cedar for light for three years. Later I walked three
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miles, three times a week, for lessons a week in Physics and Chemistry and paid a learned professor fifty cents for each lesson. God forbid that anybody, white or black, should ever be forced to battle against such odds. For more information go to www.presh4wordpublishing.com or amazon.com to order William Hooper Councill: The Greatest Negro the Race Ever Produced.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
S Hercules Scholars tudent Achievement
Darrian Parker ... Darrian Parker is a junior majoring in business management and minoring in hospitality management at Alabama A&M University. A native of Mobile, Alabama, where he was Salutatorian at Vigor High School, Darrian has a 3.51 GPA at AAMU and is actively involved in numerous campus activities, including the Honors Program, the University Echoes Student Ambassadors, the Collegiate 100, Men of DistinC and Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity. Upon the completion of his studies, Darrian will pursue a challenging position with a leading company or pursue graduate school with particular focus on entering the prestigious hospitality management master’s degree program at Cornell University, which he learned about while on a summer internship at Walmart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. He has also participated in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute. Joshua Baker ... Hailing from the Rocket City of Huntsville, Alabama, Joshua Baker is a freshman majoring in social work. In high school he was president of his
class for three years, and he was president of the Student Government Association during his senior year in high school and was the class Valedictorian. At AAMU, Joshua is an enthusiastic volunteer, as well as a member of the Poetry Club and the Honors Program. Moreover, he has a special talent for writing and is keenly interested in writing scripts for plays. Julian Griffith-Battle ... When Julian Griffith-Battle decided to try a few courses at Alabama A&M University one summer, he was immediately hooked by the family atmosphere and fact that the entire institution wants him to succeed. The Huntsville, Alabama, native is a sophomore accounting major with a 3.83 GPA. Julian also finds time for active involvement in the Honors Program, the University Echoes Student Ambassadors, the Accounting Club and as sophomore class senator of the Student Government Association. He is also a praise dancer at the New Life Christian Center. Upon the completion of his studies at Alabama A&M, Julian plans to continue his studies in pursuit of the MBA.
Andrew Jones ... In addition to leadership in a campus physics organization and serving on the executive board of the Honors Program at Alabama A&M University, sophomore Andrew Jones has garnered a 3.91 GPA. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Andrew followed the lead of his older sister, who also attended Alabama A&M. He has been involved in several service projects, most notable programs with the Boys and Girls Club and the Lincoln Academy in Huntsville, Alabama. Upon graduation from AAMU’s physics program, Andrew envisions a world of possibilities, from cancer research at a graduate program at Northwestern or Duke to research programs within the Department of Energy. Robert Norwood ... A sophomore electrical engineering major from Thomaston, Alabama, Robert Norwood is a member of the Honors Program at Alabama A&M University, as well as the National Society of Black Engineers and the STEM Star Scholars program. Part of a long line of
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STEM graduates of Alabama A&M, Robert is also an avid volunteer who proudly devotes time to help those in assistant living situations, tutors high school and college students, and serves as a mentor young males. Currently holding a 3.91 GPA, Robert enjoys the support he received from several mentors within AAMU’s engineering school.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
NASA, A&M Students Partner in Tech Transfer Graduate and undergraduate students who were enrolled in two entrepreneurship courses at Alabama A&M University had a chance to partner with NASA‘s Office of Technology Transfer to look into ways
to make NASA employee inventions commercial through alternative uses. For instance, Andrew Schnell of the Advanced Concepts Office of NASAMarshall Space Flight Center
Diversity Builds Unique Experience
CARMEN WRIGHT Miss AAMU
The AAMU student ranges from the first-generation college student to one who can easily boast about being representative of the fifth generation. Students hail from throughout and beyond the contiguous United States, the western hemisphere and other points of the globe. The many backgrounds create a base for greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and experiences. Yet, all of these exciting differences merge into one Bulldog team spirit and love for the Maroon and White.
Students show project during STEM Day 2016.
Carmen Wright, the 66th Miss Alabama A&M University, has inspired her fellow students to embrace an ambitious agenda that Creates Awareness, Reassurance, Motivation and ENcouragement (CARMEN) on Normal’s Hill.
TARA CRAWFORD SGA Prez The multitalented Tara Crawford of Sacramento, Calif., was elected by the student body to serve as president of the Student Government Association, the highest student office. Crawford will also have a seat and voice as a non-voting member of the Board of Trustees.
presented his invention, the Rigidized Inflatable Structures, to AAMU business students. After the presentation, Schnell stated, “I enjoyed presenting my technology to the students,
and I’m looking forward to hearing the students’ ideas for rigidized inflatable structures.” Schnell said he heard “several good ideas” from the students within minutes after talking to them.”
AAMU Business Students Place 3rd in TVA Investment Challenge A team of sudents from the Department of Finance and Economics, led by Dr. M. Robbani of AAMU’s College of Business and Public Affairs (1st row, left) recently placed third in the annual Tennessee Valley Authority Investment Challenge Program. TVA’s Investment Challenge is a unique, innovative partnership between TVA and 25 universities in its service territory. The program aims to provide real-world experience in portfolio management. The Challenge gives teams of students hands-on experience in managing real stock portfolios. AAMU students actively managed TVA funds by designing long-term investment strategies, placing trades and providing performance reports to TVA. “The results of the TVA Investment Challenge shows that Alabama A&M students can perform exceptionally well in highly competitive environments,” said Dr. Del Smith (right), dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs.
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M
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
illennials and Gen X
Placing Money in Proper Perspective
A recent Alabama A&M University finance graduate has turned down three job offers to devote his earnest attention to a program he founded to help students from low performing public schools get on track for brighter academic futures. “There is more to life than a dollar,” commented Kyle King, who declined offers from Barclays, IBM and BMW because of a compelling desire “to serve and build communities.” About a year ago, he started Project SHINE, a Huntsville-based 501(c)(3) operation in response to what he saw as
a growing need for tutorial and other support of underrepresented students from low-resource public schools. King believed that, with a comprehensive educational process, these students could enter a collegiate business program and become “globally competitive business leaders.” His passion was fueled by his volunteer work as a tutor at six local schools for two years. He joined a team of fellow volunteers who donated significant hours weekly to assist students improve math and reading skills. In the process, he
picked up on some discrepancies and systemic issues negatively impacting student success that the students, and often their parents, could not deal with on their own. The lack of access to resources, he found, was very real, and new approaches would be needed to cultivate the community’s next generation of leaders. Project SHINE, endorsed by AAMU’s College of Business and Public Affairs, will target 16 students at three Huntsville, Alabama, high schools and Tucker High School in Tucker, Ga., and expose them to an
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intense four-year program that places them on a path toward becoming successful business leaders. The program includes pairing the prospective students summer programs and business mentors. For additional information, visit www.projectshineal.com.
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Hadiyah Former Miss AAMU, Physicist Lauded for Innovative Cancer Research
In spring 2016, the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) welcomed Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green as assistant professor in its department of physiology. In addition to her faculty role, Green will continue work that developed from patent-pending technologies, including a 3-in-1 system for early detection, targeting, a selective treatment of malignant tumors, and a nanoparticle-enabled 10-minute laser treatment that induces 100 percent tumor regression. Dr. Green was awarded a $1.1 million HBCU-Research Scientist Training Program Career Development Award from the Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service of the Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development.
“Dr. Green’s groundbreaking research is developing revolutionary technologies that could result in life-saving alternatives for people fighting cancer,” said Dr. Sandra Harris-Hooker, vice president and executive dean or research and academic administration. “We welcome her diversity of thought to not only help in the education of the next generation of providers, but to partner with our community of researchers in the advancement of health equity.” Prior to joining the MSM faculty, Green taught at Tuskegee University, where she served as an assistant professor in the department of physics with adjunct appointments in the departments of biological sciences
and materials science engineering. Green is a multi-disciplinary physicist who specializes in nanobiophotonics and targeted cancer therapeutics, using lasers, nanoparticles, and antibodies to develop biomarker-specific platforms to target, image, and treat malignant tumors including head and neck, prostate and women’s cancers. Green completed the Bachelor of Science degree in physics with a concentration in optics and a minor in mathematics from Alabama A&M University in 1999. She received a master’s in physics with a concentration in nanobiophotonics in 2009 and the Ph.D. in physics in 2012 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
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As a student, she received $300,000 in scholarships and fellowships, including the National Physical Science Consortium Fellowship, National Science Foundation Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship, David and Lucille Packard Foundation Fellowship and AAMU Presidential Scholarship. Sources: AAMU, MSM
The Mythical
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Mr. Mathis AAMU alum Robert Mathis is more than an American football outside linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts. Drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Mathis was a four-year starter for the AAMU Bulldogs football team, setting an NCAA I-AA record with 20 sacks for his final season and establishing himself as a formidable force in NCAA I-AA history. In the summer 2010, Mathis graduated with a degree in exercise science with a minor in physical education,
and is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Nu Epsilon chapter. The Atlanta native’s impressive honors include Super Bowl champion (XLI); 6× Pro Bowl (2008–2013); Firstteam All-Pro (2013); Second-team All-Pro (2009); AFC Defensive Player of the Year (2013) and NFL sacks leader (2013). Among his career stats are: 506 total tackles, 118 sacks, 49 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, and one defensive touchdown. But behind the Goliath stats is a
Alabama A&M University
Bulldog Football Schedule 2017 September 3 September 10
6 p.m. Middle Tennessee State 4 p.m. SWAC Mississippi Valley State
Murfreesboro, Tenn. Itta Bena, MS
Louis Crews Classic September 17 September 24 October 1
6 p.m. SWAC Prairie View A&M 6 p.m. SWAC Southern 7 p.m. SWAC Texas Southern
Huntsville, Ala. Huntsville, Ala. Houston, TX
Homecoming October 8 October 15
2 p.m. SWAC Alcorn State 2:30 p.m. SWAC U. of Ark.-Pine Bluff
Huntsville, Ala. Pine Bluff, Ark.
Magic City Classic October 29 TBA SWAC Alabama State Birmingham, Ala. November 5 2 p.m. SWAC Grambling State Huntsville, Ala. November 12 TBA SWAC Jackson State Jackson, Miss. November 19 TBA Auburn Auburn, Ala. Jordan-Hare Stadium
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more human side, borne of childhood memories, of playing days at McNair High School, and seasons as a Bulldog on “The Hill.” And, a diverse group of young men from around the Tennessee Valley and beyond got a chance to see the evolving legend in person as part of a football camp in Louis Crews Stadium. Son, husband, father, alumnus. These are all roles that spur a mammoth athlete like Mathis to steadily give back.
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Everybody LOVES
TRENT
It’s hard to beat Trent’s giving. Trent Griffin is employed by the Marshall Space Flight Center as a physicist. He works within the Engineering Directorate, Space Systems Department, as a part of the Electrical Electromechanical and Electronics Parts Team, where he develops programmatic requirements for space flight vehicles, payloads and experiments. He also serves as the Safety Supervisor for the Space Systems Department. Griffin is engaged in community outreach for NASA as part of the Marshall Speakers Bureau and in the
form of a program that he created called “Simple Science.” The program creates interest in S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education for youths. He captivates the students by performing and relating science experiments with items found in the every home. He has presented this program for over 12 years at several schools within Huntsville and Madison. He is an accomplished mentor, motivational speaker and poet. Moreover, he has dedicated his life to working with and for others, especially young people. A frequently requested visitor
at local schools and churches for holidays, Black History Month, youth motivation and “Read Across America,” he was recently recognized nationally for his outreach efforts on the ABC television program “Good Morning America,” where he was awarded the “Above and Beyond Award.” At the workplace, he is known as “Mr. Griffin”, but within the schools and area neighborhoods he is fondly known as “Mr. Trent.” Griffin is a member of several professional, civic and community organizations. He is affiliated with the Huntsville City Citizens
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Board on Transportation, The Juvenile Conference Committee, and is currently the President of the North West Huntsville Neighborhood Association. Most recently, he was the Activities Chairperson for the North Huntsville Back To School Parade. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, and embodies its simple motto: “Culture for service and service for humanity.”
Kevin Ferguson was recently accepted into Harvard Business School, which ranks top in the United States and the world. Harvard Business School has a 12 percent acceptance rate. Kevin is a native of Gadsden, Ala., and attended Gaston High School where he was Salutatorian of his class in 2008. Upon graduation, Ferguson received an academic scholarship to attend Alabama A&M University, where he studied electrical engineering. While at Alabama A&M, each semester he was on the Dean’s List, Honor Roll, and was a President’s Cup recipient. During his sophomore year, he joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. While an undergraduate, Ferguson won “Brother with the Highest G.P.A.,” the “Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Contest”, the “Keeper of the Light” award, and was the 2013 Southern Region Brother of the Year. At the 2011 Student Choice Awards, his peers voted him the “Most Outstanding Male Student” on campus. He has been a student representative, University Ambassador, and was a part of the Honors Program while in college. In January 2012, Ferguson was featured in Source magazine as a Historically Black College and University leader. The former Rosetta James Scholarship recipient graduated summa cum laude from Alabama A&M in December of 2012.When reflecting on his college experience and the advice he would share with undergraduates, Ferguson stated, “A good friend of mine, Aisha Miller, constantly encourages others to be true to themselves no matter what’s going on around them. I’d like to echo her sentiments. The undergraduate years will be some of the most wonderful moments of your life. Study what you are interested in, join organizations you love, and talk to folks who you have absolutely nothing in common with; but, most importantly, be true to yourself.” The day after Kevin graduated, he and his father launched The Ferguson & Son Scholarship Fund.
Since its inception, nine students have been awarded scholarships to pursue collegiate education, and over 50 students have been exposed to engineering and technology through mentoring, workshops and tutoring. By the summer of 2014, Ferguson was among a group of about 60 students chosen from around the world to participate in Yale’s Global Pre-MBA Leadership Program. Different Paths. “My time at Yale was a light bulb moment for me,” Ferguson said. “As I combed through and discussed different case studies with my classmates, I realized that responsible enterprises and corporations have the ability to change the world. After that program, my law school dreams faded, and I became infatuated with businesses that made an impact.” Thus, Ferguson believes his time at Harvard Business School will enable him to build upon his experiences at Yale, as he collaborates with and learns from “the best minds in the world.” Such a gift will help him gain a plethora of perspectives to solve complex issues. Still, Ferguson says he is holding the opportunities in check. When asked is he felt an Ivy League distinction would modify any of his previous or current views in regards to African-Americans in America, Kevin commented, “I do not see an Ivy League distinction as an addition or modification to any views I’ve had in the past with respect
to blacks in America. For me, an Ivy League distinction serves as an additional tool of hope for little black boys whose American experience I understand all too well. In high school I had coaches who made snide remarks because I would rather take a class
than lift weights for football during fourth period. It’s due to these experiences, I can tell young men if you are not blessed with the talents of Cam Newton or cannot rap like Drake, there is a different path for you.” In August, that path will take Ferguson and his wife Devin to Cambridge, Mass., where he will shed his Chevron cape to become a full-time student or as he likes to put it, “I’ll be eating Ramon noodles and begging my wife to take me out to dinner.” Ferguson says that although the MBA will likely be the last academic degree he will seek, he will nonetheless keep learning from others and through the creation of an impactful life, which he will always allow enough room for God to
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structure for him. In the past, God has provided structure and guidance by sending several people into his life. “I have so many AAMU mentors that I truly cannot narrow it down to one individual,” he said. “These people include Dr. Dorothy Huston, Stoney Massey, Dr. Brandon Wolfe, Wiley Henderson, Eddie Morrow, Gerald Vines, former AAMU trustee Robert Avery, and the list goes on.” Ferguson said he recalls telling Dr. Huston, an AAMU alumna, former administrator and business owner, that he wanted to study at Harvard, and she told him, ‘You can do it.’ “It was a feeling I’ll never forget,” he recalled. “I vividly remember feeling like this was the first time someone truly believe I could achieve something worth celebrating outside of my wife, pop, mom and sister.” The Light. As we further discussed the role God has played throughout his journey, Ferguson stated that although he has grown up in church his entire life, he did not feel as if he had a relationship with Christ until he was 24. His “awakening moment” as he describes it, came during a Baptist church service in Midland, Texas, when he heard a minister mention the verse John 15:5. “I went home and read that verse, which describes God as the vine and everyone else as branches,” he said. “It was at that moment that I realized my purpose is much larger than myself, and I’m nothing more than an imperfect instrument. Christ is integrated into everything I do.” When asked what he would do entirely differently if given a chance, he answered that he would have carved out time to study abroad. “As the world continues to become flatter,” he reasoned, “it’s important that our business leaders and policy makers are able to work across multiple cultures and collaborate with people who do not look or think like them.” by Jerome Saintjones
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For the Children Attorney Whiquitta Tobar joined the Juvenile Law Center in Philadelphia, Pa., in September 2015 as the fourteenth Sol and Helen Zubrow Fellow in Children’s Law. As a Fellow, Tobar supports all aspects of the Juvenile Law Center’s work in the child welfare and juvenile justice arena. Tobar was born and reared in Blythville, Ark., as the youngest of four in a single-parent household in the Arkansas Delta. There, she received her elementary and secondary education, supported by a mother who worked in a local restaurant while simultaneously taking care of Tobar’s paralyzed brother. Tobar graduated magna cum laude from Alabama A&M University in 2012
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a minor in philosophy. While at AAMU, she participated in the Fulbright-Hays study abroad program in Africa. Tobar also captained the university’s Division I women’s basketball team, was the team’s third leading scorer of all time, and was named the player of the year for the 2012 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Tobar went on to graduate from Georgetown University School of Law in May 2015. She was one of the nine law students selected as a Public Interest Law Scholar, which included a scholarship, and was selected for the Dean’s List. During law school, she served on
the Pro Bono Board and was a member of the Black Law Students Association and Outlaw, Georgetown’s LGBTQ Association. Tobar also was one of 13 students chosen to participate in Abbe Smith’s year long criminal defense and prisoner advocacy clinic. Tobar interned at Bread for the City, a civil direct services organization. She also worked for the Public Defender Service of Washington, D.C., in the juvenile and adult criminal trial divisions as well as the Orleans Parish Public Defender’s office in New Orleans, La. While still attending law school, she became the guardian of her nephew which intensified her interest in children and family law.
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A
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lumni Updates
AAMU Alum Known Throughout Nation as “Father of Environmental Justice”
Dr. Robert Bullard is known as one of the forerunners of the environmental justice movement. The influential Sierra Club bestowed upon Bullard its highly prestigious John Muir award. The award, records DIVERSE magazine, “is considered to be one of the most significant for individuals who have attained
achievement in national or international conservation causes.” Throughout the years, Bullard, who serves as dean of the Barbara JordanMickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, helped draw attention to environmental hazards. By 2014, the Sierra Club extended its recognition of the Houston-area scholar’s work by forming the Robert Bullard Environmental Justice Award. It presented its first such award at an affair in San Francisco. Last fall, Bullard led a group of HBCU students to Paris for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for a 13-day climate change initiative. The group included AAMU’s environmental science major Antoinette
Fowlkes. Bullard earned a master’s degree at Atlanta University and a Ph.D. in sociology from Iowa State University.
Four Inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame The AAMU Alumni Association, Inc., induct four individuals into the prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame. The men and woman were honored for their university support, public service and career success. The distinguished four include Dr. Taylor Byrd, Jr., retired educator; Georgia S. Valrie, institutional advancement professional and Alumni Affairs director emeritus; Langston J. Walker, businessman; and Gadsden City Councilman Deverick Williams. Dr. Taylor Byrd, Jr., (3rd, l) Education Alumni Hall inductee, earned the B.S. degree in 1963 with a major in agricultural education and general science. After serving eight years at AAMU, he worked within industry and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as regional manager of minority economic development and regional manager of community diversity development in Huntsville, Ala. Georgia Sharp Valrie, the Com-
munity Service Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, received the B.A. degree in 1971 with a major in sociology and the M.S. degree in adult and continuing education. After serving 31 years of dedicated and exemplary service at AAMU, she retired in August 2003, only to join Technology Management Training Group, Inc, and to serve five years as vice president of outreach programs. She later served as the Director of Development for Union Chapel Christian Academy. Langston J. Walker, (left) the Business and Industry Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, is highly recognized among Normal Index -20-
his colleagues, peers and constituents as an extraordinary businessman. He has a wealth of experience in accounting, auditing, business and finance, investment and management. Langston is a 1972 honor accounting graduate of AAMU. Deverick Williams, (far right) the Government and Law Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, is an energetic member of the City Council in Gadsden, Ala., the first youngest and African American to serve in the position. A proud 1994 accounting graduate of AAMU, he is President/CEO of the Leira Group, Inc, a consulting services provider.
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known as “Monica”) Finch is director of admissions at Bethune-Cookman University, a 3,400-student historically black college/university in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Alum Hopes to Inspire Youths with Story of AAMU Physicist The director of the local non-profit 4SIGHT is on a mission to build up the interest and confidence of minority junior high school students when it comes to the field of physics. Dr. Cydale Smith believes he can accomplish this by sharing the inspirational story of Howard J. Foster (above), a long-time Alabama A&M University physicist, at the Howard J. Foster Physics and Mathematics Education Symposium with local Huntsville junior high school students. Although Smith never met Dr. Foster, as a graduate of AAMU’s physics program, he believes he is definitely a beneficiary of the program founder’s great work. “I started to hear about how he was forward-thinking, talented and committed to education for the ‘underrepresented’ students, as the term is applied today,” said Dr. Smith. “The more research I conducted on Dr. Foster, the more I realized this story had to be told.”
Alum New Admissions Director in Florida An AAMU alumna and former staffer in the AAMU Admissions Office is the new director of admissions at a prominent Florida HBCU. Manicia (better
Detroiter Noted for Making a Difference
AdColor Awarded Presented to Adu Justin Adu was among a distinguished list of 11 honorees at the AdColor Awards in New York City. The activity recognizes “the best and brightest” in advertising, marketing and public relations, as well as those who simultaneously “go out of their way to help others and make an impact on their peers.” Alum Justin Adu, creative lead of Open Channels Group PR, received AdColor’s “Rising Star” award, which is presented to a young professional who stands out among his or her peers as a person who raises the bar of excellence while advancing career.
Artist’s Work Appears at WSCC The “Rendevous” exhibit will run from Friday, at the Evelyn Burrow Museum located on the campus of Wallace State Community College through late October. The work of an AAMU civil engineer, NovOntos, is an artist and design engineer from Cullman, whose work includes abstract graphic designs, architectural plans and models, ceramic sculptures and more. An Alabama native, NovOntos holds undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Civil Engineering from Alabama A&M, Architecture from Auburn University, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in Sculpture from Yale. He has taught in the Architecture Department of Pratt Normal Index -21-
Ronald Norwood was honored as a young person that The Huffington Post says is making a difference in a metropolitan city desperately in need of his spirit and innovation. Norwood (3rd, 2nd row) was listed among nearly a dozen Millennials who are making a positive impact on the city of Detroit and who are working feverishly to assist in its revitalization efforts. Norwood was noted for his work in facilitating programs under the Neighborhood Service Organization’s youth initiatives project, which empowers young people to take stands against bullying and gang violence.
Institute in Brooklyn, NY, and at several colleges in Alabama, and spent much of his professional life with a number of Architectural and Engineering firms in Alabama.
Colonel Heads Fort Leonard Wood An Anniston, Ala., native was recently placed in command of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Army Col. Tracy Lanier appointed garrison command-
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er of Fort Leonard Wood, said he was grateful to receive the advancement. Lanier is responsible for the quality of life, security and infrastructure of FortLeonard Wood. In July 1993, Lanier graduated from Alabama A&M University’s ROTC program, and afterward joined the Army, he said. The 1988 Walter Wellborn High School graduate said the last time he lived in Anniston was when he attended high school.
Brig. General Leads Picatinny Brigadier General Patrick W. Burden is the Deputy Program Executive Officer Ammunition and Senior Commander Picatinny Arsenal, leading the mission to develop and procure conventional and leap-ahead munitions to increase the Warfighter’s combat power. Prior to his arrival to Picatinny, BG Burden served as the Deputy to the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology - Pentagon. The general previously served as the Project Manager for the General Fund Enterprise Business System, Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems at Fort Belvoir. He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from AAMU and a Master of Science in management information systems from Florida Institute of Technology. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, the Advanced Program Management Course at the Defense Systems Management College, and the U.S. Army Senior Service College Fellowship Program at the University of Texas-Austin.
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and several other awards and decorations including the Parachutist Badge and Army Staff Badge.
‘Raising Men’ Through Lawn Care Rodney Smith, Jr., decided to start a free lawn mowing service as a way to improve other people’s lives. With more than 500 lawns mowed for free so far, the project has achieved that. Smithgot the idea when he saw an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn in his hometown of Huntsville, Ala. The goal is to provide free lawn care to the elderly, the disabled, single mothers and veterans using local volunteers and providing young boys with positive role models and an emphasis on charitable service. The rapid growth of the organization has inspired him to pursue a master’s degree in social work at AAMU.
Grad Named Teacher of the Year Biology graduate Thomasena Garner was named Teacher of the Year at Liberty Middle School in Madison, Ala. Garner teaches seventh grade life science. She counts among her mentors Dr. Ruby Jewel in Normal Index -22-
the College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences.
Youth Advocate Making Inroads in West Virginia If you asked Obi Henderson a few years ago if he would ever find himself in a small town in West Virginia, he would have probably doubted it seriously. But that would have been then. Now, the 30-year-old Chicago native is on the rebound after hitting a rough spot in the road of life. An active participant in the Americorp Vista program, which he refers to as a domestic version of the Peace Corps, Henderson has spent over four years in Charleston, working to help troubled youths. Although the 2009 marketing major remembers the exact day he found himself homeless (April 1, 2012) in a state-funded men’s shelter in West Virginia, he said his passion drove him to continue to try to help young people despite his own condition. Within a year, however, Henderson said his fortune began to change. As part of his Americorps experience, Henderson leads the Dreams Community Development Corporation, designed to help young men and women realize the importance of education, and to place them on the road to success through the Brains & Brawn fitness and literacy program. The DREAMS acronym stands for Developing Resourceful Entrepreneurs through Academics, Mentoring, and Scholastics--what Henderson refers to as key stages to entrepreneurship. “Whatever is wrong in our community, African-American males are the solutions,” said Henderson.
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Rural Scholar Wins UASOM Award Dr. Dana Todd, a physician from Greensboro, Ala., received the University of Alabama School of Medicine (UASOM) Young Alumni Award. Since she was an 11th grader in the University of Alabama’s Rural Health Scholars Program, she has known that she would go back to complete her medical degree and return to the Black Belt. Todd was also a Rural Minority Health Scholar at the University of Alabama for three summers while attending Alabama A&M University, Todd completed family medicine residency in Tuscaloosa and was highlighted in a Washington Post article about young physicians from Alabama’s Black Belt.
Teacher Receiving Life Lessons in New Orleans Cadarris Rucker is a 2010 alum of AAMU and Teach For America-Alabama. He currently teaches at KIPP Believe Primary in Greater New Orleans. “Powerful, poignant revelations ... are the reason I joined Teach For America and the reason I teach,” said Rucker. “Despite the educational opportunity and the many institutional prejudices that I experienced growing up as an African American in Alabama, several excellent educators supported
me, along with my family and community. As a teacher, I get to pay that forward, serving as an example of what’s possible with faith, consistency, hard work, and a solid education.”
Alumni Active in Local Preservation Efforts Members of the Normal Historic Preservation District Association (NHPDA) were on hand at the Depot in downtown Huntsville Tuesday, May 10, as Mayor Tommy Battle proclaimed
out Huntsville, while Jessica WhiteBlatter, historic preservation consultant for the Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission, discussed the heritage development plan for AAMU. The more than 30-member NHPDA held its last meeting on May 18 at the Edmonton Heights Family Center. Above: Mayor Battle (center) is pictured with NHPDA members Dr. Chinella Henderson, Dr. Bernice Richardson, Mrs. Patricia Bullard and preservation consultant Jessica WhiteBlatter.
Houston Alums Partner with Area Energy Company
May 2016 as National Historic Preservation Month in the city of Huntsville. During the brief press conference, Battle highlighted the projects through-
The AAMU Houston Alumni Chapter has partnered with Ambit Energy to assist in its scholarship fundraising initiatives and other activities. The program will achieve optimum success as members select Ambit as their respective electricity provider and recruit friends and acquaintances to do the same. The Chapter receives monthly revenue from subscribers paying their electrical bills.
HIGHLIGHT! Entertainer and former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard has called receiving an honorary master’s from this Alma Mater one of the highlights of his life. Here, Studdard is hooded by President Andrew Hugine, Jr., and Trustee Velma Tribue. Normal Index -23-
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Chapter Annual Gathering The AAMU Metro-Atlanta Alumni Chapter will hold its annual Holiday Party on Sunday, December 11, in Smyrna, Ga. For additional information, contact info@aamuatl.org.
Bulldog, Chicagoan Speaks for Cubs About five years ago, the Chicago Cubs announced the appointment of Julian Green to a newly-created position of vice president of communications and community affairs to direct non-baseball communications. Green brought to the Cubs over 15 years of experience in communications and had served as director of media relations for MillerCoors, where he was chief spokesperson for the company’s operations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Green also served as Illinois press secretary to then-United States Senator Barack Obama (2005-07) and as campaign press secretary from May to November 2004. He served as director of communications and marketing for the Chicago Park District from July 2003 to May 2004. He once told the Huntsville Times that his affiliation with his Alma Mater can be traced to his high school principal, who arranged for him to receive a four-year music scholarship and mentoring by Dr. Henry and Mrs. Nell Lane Bradford. Green received his bachelor’s degree from AAMU in mass communication, specializing in radio and television broadcast. He and his wife Antris reside in Chicago with their three children.
Alabamian Named ‘Legislator of the Year’ Anthony Daniels’ interest in politics is not a new development. Its origin, in fact, stems back to an earlier stint in the nation’s capital when he served as an influential elected officer for the National Education Association and had worked on education initiatives with the late Senator Ted Kennedy and former President George W. Bush. That seminal opportunity helped the Alabama state representative to realize without a doubt that the way to change the world was through policy. Additionally, owing to his humble beginnings in Midway, Ala., he learned to appreciate the value of hard work and faith. “I’ve been faced with so many obstacles and even poverty,” recalls Daniels. “I credit Alabama A&M for being a home away from home. It wasn’t just the teachers who make up the entire education department. It was the support staff, people like Coach Andrew Lee and Mr. Alfred Baker—people from all over the institution, even cafeteria and dorm staff. They gave me good, sound advice because I would listen.” “Those who are interested in public service must find out their best fit and be able to relate to others,” Daniels explains, drawing from a simple, pastoral past. “In other words, they have to bring the hay low enough for the cows to eat.”
The Hill Launches a Voice of Southern Hip-Hop From the musical independence of “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy, who Normal Index -24-
once served as AAMU band director to the methodic Carlton J. Wright and prolific Horace Carney, over the years A&M has given birth to leaders in a variety of musical genres. A case in point it Michael Crooms, well known by his stage name ‘Mr. Collipark’ or even ‘DJ Smurf.’ Croom has found success as a hip-hop producer and as head of his own Atlantabased record label, Collipark Music, which began seven years ago. Crooms derived ‘Collipark’ from the city of College Park, Ga. He is given credit for his key part in the career of the Ying Yang Twins, Soulja Boy, Taurus, Hurricane Chris, V.I.C., and Vistoso Bosses. In 2007, Mr. Collipark won BMI’s “Songwriter of the Year” award. The Orlando, Fla., native was also nominated for a 2008 Grammy for his work with Soulja Boy.
Seasoned Senator Continues Impact An AAMU alumna is continuing a long legacy of political impact in the Birmingham area. Linda Coleman is a Democratic member of the Alabama State Senate, representing District 20. She was first elected in 2006. Coleman served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 2003 through 2006 and on the Birmingham City Council from 1985 to 1997. She received a B.S. degree in education from AAMU and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama. Her committee assignments have been many and varied. Among them
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have been committes on Banking and Insurance; Constitution, Ethics and Elections; Governmental Affairs; Health and Human Services; Judiciary; Jefferson County Legislation; and Transportation and Energy.
Grad Heads Logistics Firm Clarence Newby is president and CEO of Precision Logistics International (PLI). He studied business management at AAMU and also studied business administration at Lincoln University in Missouri. The veteran and Virginia resident’s productive career is punctuated by service as a squadron commander, commander and deputy chief of staff/ executive officer for the U.S. Army Materiel Command. Newby also served in key positions for defense contractors before launching PLI in March 2010. PLI is a small, minority and service-disabled, veteranowned business that provides supply management and warehouse support, facilities maintenance and operations support, engineering support services and program management to both federal government and commercial clients. Newby’s operation teams with experienced, seasoned government contractors, who collectively bring over 60 years of experience and successful past performance to the federal government.
Huntsvillian Rises to Tuskegee VP Post A former AAMU staffer currently serves as vice president for student affairs at historic Tuskegee University. Regina Jamar
Burden served as an assistant vice president for student affairs at Motlow State Community College in Tullahoma, Tenn., prior to assuming the post at Tuskegee. Burden, a 2001 AAMU graduate, was affiliated with the Tennessee Board of Regents.
DJ Plows Place in Atlanta Urban Music Scene A native of Lansing, Mich., a 15-year-old Calvin “DJ Infamous” Donald started working live at the college radio station based at Michigan State University. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at AAMU and
was hired on as music coordinator for the Huntsville Flight, a team of the National Basketball Development League. He earned his degree in 2004. Infamous soon became a mix-show DJ and radio personality on Power 93.3 FM, then a new radio station in Huntsville, Ala. There he hosted the popular 5 o’clock rush hour mix as well as his own radio show on Sundays. Following Power 93.3FM, Infamous secured an internship in the programming department at Atlanta’s #1 urban radio station, V-103 FM. In 2005, he graduated to having his own weekly mix-show, making him the youngest DJ to mix on a major radio station in Atlanta. In 2009, he lost everything in the rampant floods that hit Atlanta in September. By 2011, however, he had Normal Index -25-
Detroiter on Firm Foundation in South Gary T. Whitley, Jr., has always been a Normalite who goes after what he wants. At present, the serves as the Public and Governmental Affairs Liaison at Huntsville Utilities. Prior to Huntsville Utilities, Whitley served as an executive assistant in the Office of the Commanding General at United States Army Materiel Command (AMC)–Headquarters (Redstone Arsenal, Ala.). Previously, Whitley has been employed at AAMU in the Office of the President, Department of Athletics, and Information Technology Services. Also at AAMU, he worked for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, for Dr. Wilma J. Ruffin, Dr. Chinella G. Henderson, and Dr. Virginia Caples. An advocate for higher education, particularly HBCU’s Mr. Whitley was recognized by the AAMU Board of Trustees in 2006 for his outstanding commitment to higher education, as he met with both Alabama U.S. Senators and former Alabama U.S. Congressman Bud Cramer in Washington DC, to discuss the increased need and continued funding for Alabama A&M and other HBCUs. As a civic volunteer, Whitley donates his time to the Manna House of Huntsville, an organization that provides basic life needs kits to individuals in the Huntsville community. He works with this program under the auspices of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. Passionate about music, Gary also finds time to visit the Veterans Home of Huntsville once per month to sing songs to war veterans, alongside his music fraternity brothers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. Committed to the advancement of his beloved AAMU, Whitley is an active member of the Huntsville Progressive Alumni Chapter of AAMU National Association. Since 2010, he has served as a board member for the Rosetta James Scholarship Foundation.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
signed on as the newest promotional DJ with Ciroc Premium Vodka and as Island Def Jam recording artist Ludacris’s official tour DJ.
Grad Named Interim State Superintendent Dr. Philip C. Cleveland is the Deputy State Superintendent for Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development. In this role, he manages the Alabama State Department of Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Section, Guidance and Counseling program, and other initiatives focused on preparing students for a lifetime of success after high school graduation. He is a key liaison between secondary and postsecondary education and works closely with Alabama’s Workforce and Economic Development sectors. His postsecondary experiences range from serving as the vice president for learning and dean of applied technologies at Wallace State Community College, to the position of interim community college president of Chattahoochee Valley State Community College. Dr. Cleveland holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in agriculture business and economics, a master’s degree from Auburn in agriculture education, an A.A. from Alabama A&M University in agribusiness education, and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Alum Gets New Education Leadership Role Travis Fanning, the former principal at Cypress Springs High School in the Houston, Tex., area, has been named the assistant superintendent of second-
ary school administration. Fanning has served in public education for 15 years. He previously worked as a principal at Normandy Crossing Elementary School and the North Shore ninth-grade campus in Galena Park ISD from 2010-2012. Prior to that, he was an assistant principal of curriculum and instruction (2007-2010), a GEAR UP advisor (2004-2007) and a mathematics teacher (2000-2004). Fanning was named Secondary Principal of the Year in 2013-2014. He received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics education from AAMU in 2000.
Husband-Wife Duo Maintain Duties in School System It’s been some six years, but a Bulldog couple have maintained their distinction as husband and wife principals within Jefferson County (Ala.) school system.
Since 2010, Angela Watkins has switched her school then to become principal at Hueytown Elementary School, while her husband Jarvis (right) remains principal at Pleasant Grove Middle School. The two met while students at AAMU. (2010 Photo: AL.com) Normal Index -26-
Home-Grown Musical Genius: The Wooten Effect Alabama-reared Kelvin Wooten is consistently considered by those who know the music industry as the man who can do it all and do it well. Sporting an eternally youthful visage, he is an instrumentalist, arranger and producer who has been the behind-the-scenes talent and often a force behind such names as Mary J. Blige, Earth, Wind & Fire, Macy Gray, Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott and many others, according to EURWeb.com. When not in the studio or on the road as a music director playing keyboards, guitar or bass, Wooten works out of his studio in the Huntsville area. In 2011, Wooten’s production on the Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton duet “So In Love” made history, as the single remained #1 on the Urban Adult Contemporary chart for 18 weeks straight. Wooten has traced the beginning of his professional musical journey to a single call he received his sophomore year at AAMU in 1995, when he played in the band on a tuba scholarship. Source: EURWeb.com
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
P
avers Project
Paving the Way! The Normalite Walkway Pavers Project--a major campus beautification project aimed at fostering communitywide pride in the historic institution--is an integral part of long-running construction and renovation to The Quad in the center of the AAMU campus. Because the AAMU family was successful in garnering assistance from thousands of individuals to participate in a previous Home Depot HBCU “Retool Your School” contest targeting beautification efforts, the pavers project benefitted from plans to upgrade the busy Quadrangle. Wide walkways, lined with brick pavers, now intersect at a huge AAMU logo. AAMU family and friends can still participate in 2016 and beyond making themselves and other loved ones a permanent part of the Normalite Walkway by purchasing a paver that can be engraved with name, graduation date, class, or the name of a loved one or some other important but space-limited information. Project coordinators have called the project an opportunity “to support the University” and to become an integral part of the University’s history by having names permanently engraved in
the walkway. Contributions made to purchase the pavers are tax-deductible, and the proceeds from the sale of the pavers will be used for scholarships for deserving students. The Bulldog Pride Committee was established in 2009 under the leadership of First Lady Abbiegail Hugine as an additional mechanism through which faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni and friends of the university, nationwide, could support Alabama A&M University. The primary aim of
Normal Index -27-
the Committee is to encourage and enhance pride in the University from all of the constituent groups. Dr. Barbara Cady serves as chair of AAMU’s Normalite Walkway Pavers Project. The pavers project group is rounded out by First Lady Abbiegail Hugine; and alums Diann Anderson, Clarene Johnson and Eugene Tasie. For additional information, contact bbcady@aol.com or Sandra Stubbs, director of alumni affairs at (256) 3725286.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
Chapters eb2839@att.com Columbus Ohio Chapter Mark Harrell ‘85 5806 Gaelic Court Dublin, OH 43016 (614) 551-4047 marklh49@att.net
Aliceville Chapter Warren E. Lavender, II ‘75 511-10th Avenue NW Aliceville, AL 35442 (205) 373-3657 ejackson@bama.ua.edu Anniston Area Chapter Mary F. Williams ‘57 P. O. Box 186 Ohatchee, AL 36271 (256) 892-0470 jmktmj@aol.com Blackbelt Chapter Angenell G. Jones P. O. Box 817 Demopolis, AL 36732 (334) 289-3409 angenell_jones@yahoo.com
Lanett, AL 36863 (334) 644-1201 3275janice@gmail.com
(334) 297-3110 neekie7@bellsouth.net
Charlotte Queen City Chapter Perry Caudle, Jr. ‘78 Interim P. O. Box 49104 Charlotte, NC 28277 (310) 946-5645 thecaudlegroup01@gmail.com Chattahoochee Valley Chapter Muriel Battle ‘57 903 28th Avenue Phenix City, AL 36869
Chicago Chapter Jamal M. Ali 7142 S. Paxton Chicago, IL 60649 (312) 369-9140 jamalali919@gmail.com Cleveland Chapter Earnest Bizzell ‘66 20604 Alameda Parkway Highland Heights, OH 44128 (216) 752-1454
CSRA-Augusta Chapter Nicole Moore Bright ‘94 521 Ridgewood Drive Augusta, GA 30909 (706) 860-7662 ndmoore72@hotmail.com Dallas Fort Worth Chapter Anita G. Ballard-Murrell ‘84 5520 Chimney Rock Road Fort Worth, TX 76112 (817) 451-7715 dfwaamu@yahoo.com Dayton, OH Chapter Stephanie George Lewis ‘01 P. O. Box 341451 Beavercreek, OH 45431 937-545-7867 georg1sg@yahoo.com Detroit Chapter Charles Philpot ‘66 2226 Oakman Blvd. Detroit, MI 48238 (313) 834-4658 chuckphilpot@aol.com
Birmingham Jefferson Chapter Carol Watkins ‘ 70 P. O. Box 550395 Birmingham, AL 35255 (205)746-1397 watk4848@bellsouth.net
Detroit Renaissance Chapter Cynthia Boyce, Interim 3130 W. Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48221 (313) 520-5851 topnote007@sbcglobal.net
Chambers County Chapter Janice Cumberlander ‘76 3275 County Road 212
Gadsden/Etowah Chapter
Normal Index -28-
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY Warner Robins, GA 31095 (478) 919-8483 golf06@aol.com Mississippi Alumni Chapter Sharon B. Langford-Jones ‘79 324 Red Cedar Drive Brandon, MS 39047 (601)479-2817 sharon2@comcast.net Eloise O. Turk ‘58 912 E. Tomahawk Trail East Gadsden, AL 35903 (256) 543-2035 eturk63979@aol.com Greater Indianapolis Chapter Raymond Young, Jr. ‘82 10705 Club Chase Fishers, IN 46037 (317) 915-7532 rayyoungjr@msn.com Greater St. Louis Chapter Heather B. Day 1814 Atmore Dr St. Louis, MO 63136 (256) 755-1952 hbbrice1@hotmail.com
Jacksonville, Florida Chapter Maxine Collins ‘82 13939 Sea Prairie Lane Jacksonville, FL 32224 (904) 527-3037 collinsmaxine537@yahoo.com Lee County Chapter Bernice Rutledge ‘69 519 Raintree Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 821-3624 jrutledge33@charter.net
Mobile Alumni Chapter Edna Rivers ‘56 2358 Crestwood Circle Mobile, AL 36617 (251) 452-9692 ehri27215@aol.com Montgomery Alumni Chapter Don Clemons ‘75 3440 Woodpark Drive Montgomery, AL 36116 (334) 328-9180 dclemons75@gmail.com
Nivory Gordon, Jr. ‘89 P. O. Box 111 Furman, AL 36741 (334) 301-4876 nivory.gordon@al.usda.gov Southeast AL Area Chapter Betty Smith ‘61 1015 County Road 25 Abbeville, AL 36310 (334) 585-5322 henrysmith02@centurylink.net Talla-Coosa Chapter Howard Harrell 2008 North Central Ave. Kellyton, AL 35089 (256) 234-0348 howardharrell@bellsouth.net Talladega County Chapter Dorothy P. Brice ‘69 390 Mays Bend Lane Pell City, AL 35128 (205) 884-0554
Houston Alumni Chapter Albert Benifield, Jr. P. O. Box 421702 Houston, TX 77242 281-997-8078 abenifield@yahoo.com Huntsville/Madison Chapter Clarene Teague Johnson P. O. Box 568 Normal, AL 35762 256-694-2038 4timegrad69@gmail.com Huntsville Progressive Chapter Carla Clift P. O. Box 330 Normal, AL 35762 256-520-8992 carla.clift@drakestate.edu
Metro Atlanta Chapter Keshia Appkins P. O. Box 91314 Atlanta, GA 30364-1314 (404) 349-8989 kappkins@gmail.com Middle Georgia Chapter Johnny B. Kirk ‘79 P. O. Box 6276
Muscle Shoals Chapter Julian Fanning 717 Richton Avenue Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 (256) 389-9813 mnapier5@bellsouth.net Pasadena Chapter Elizabeth Russell ‘68 7525 8th Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90043 (310) 431-6919 elizabethrussell@sbcglobal.com San Francisco Bay Area Annie J. White ‘60 1932 Quint Street San Francisco, CA 94124 (415) 467-5019 ajean1932@yahoo.com Selma/Dallas County
Normal Index -29-
akabrice08@yahoo.com Tuscaloosa Chapter John Kennetih Washington ‘81 P. O. Box 72151 Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (205) 886-9362 kadillac1911@yahoo.com Tuskegee/Macon Erskine McKinnon ‘70 108 Union Springs Road Tuskegee, AL 36083 (334) 727-9393 erskinemckinnon@yahoo.com Washington Metro Chapter Anetra Withers ‘96 P. O. Box 1187 (301) 261-0087 Bowie, MD 20718 (301) 412-5801 1NeteDiva@gmail.com
1940s
N
Oscar O. Simmons ‘41 Birmingham-based Normalite of true spirit, undeniable style, respectability and purpose. Mildred Harris Seay ‘43 Educator, Madison County School System. Altonette Tarver Burks ‘47 An active alumna and retired educator at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Dan Tibbs ‘48 - Served diligently as an educator, voter registration advocate, community activist Pierce J. Cody ‘49 - The Tuscaloosa native was a retiree and former dean of students at Harry E. Wood High School and John Marshall High School of Indianapolis Public Schools.
1950s B.N. Cephus ‘50 - “Mr. A&M” - Longtime public school administrator in Birmingham, Ala. Ardent supporter in the long-running higher education desegregation lawsuit. Robert A. Bell - AAMU Athletic Hall of Fame member and youth advocate. Mercy D. Stevenson Burns ‘52 - Among the last to complete both high school and college on the AAMU campus.
N
ormalite
Robert T. Hughes ‘53 Served a 42-year affiliation
with the Lauderdale County Extension Office, culminating with his position as County Extension Coordinator.
Dr. Willie Mingo Clark ‘54 Native of Troy, Ala.; loyal son and educator, Councill High School. Dr. Sonnie Wellington Hereford III ‘55 - A noted locat
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
ecrology
1960s Dr. Lucy Green Parker ‘60 A teacher and administrator at various schools within the Mobile County School System. She retired as principal of Craighead Elementary School. Elijah Walker - After becoming one of Atlanta’s first black golf pros in the 1970s, Walker launched the
AAMU Loses One of Its Oldest Alumni Alabama A&M University Family mourned the death in Birmingham, Ala., of one of its oldest alumni.
Faye Sanders - Former First Lady of St. Roberts, Mo., during her husband George’s term as mayor. Dr. Jerry R. Shipman ‘63 Mathematician and former dean of AAMU’s School of Arts and Sciences. Mable Jones McCall - Retired educator and former First Lady of St. John AME Church, Huntsville. Dr. Shirley Tait King ‘66 Former AAMU education professor and department head.
The 102-year-old Ida Lee Perry Hubbard was a native of Decatur, Ala., who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from AAMU. She soon began her 34-year teaching career in the Lawrence County School System in 1945. She retired from the Tarrant City School System in 1980.
Barbara Brown Massey ‘69 Loyally and effectively served as an elementary school teacher in the Georgia public school system of GriffinSpalding County.
Hubbard was an active member of the Forty-Fifth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham and enjoyed her role as an usher and as president of the church’s Senior Women’s Circle.
Jewel Joiner, former grants specialist, AAMU Office of Research and Development.
professor, physician and civil rights advocate. Daniel William Littlefield ‘55 - Educator, businessman, and community advocate in the Gadsden vicinity. He was also a member of the AAMU Athletic Hall of Fame. Nathaniel Sellers - A native of Coffeeville, Ala., he spent most of his adult years in Long Beach, Calif., where he worked for Long Beach Naval Shipyard.
first city-owned junior golf program in the nation to expose inner-city children to the game. Agnes Baugh Hayden ‘62 - educator in the Morgan County (Ala.) School System at the elementary level for some 30 years. Dave M. McGlathery Councill Training High grad who integrated the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 1963. He was a Navy veteran and 45-year civil servant at Marshall Space Flight Center.
Normal Normal Index Index -30-30-
1970s Oliver Washington III, of Theodore, Ala. - Former AAMU trustee and owner of the successful Shore Acre Plant Farm. Dr. Olivia Harris Sanders ‘72 - AAMU professor and director of the AAMU-UAH Regional In-Service Education Center. Hezekiah Wagstaff ‘73 Activist and former assistant presss secretary for Governor George C. Wallace.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
Geraldine Downing Williams ‘75 - Active alumna and community advocate; U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command as a Contracting Officer/Team Lead for the Apache Sensors Division, U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal. Shelia Renee Foster - A longtime Decatur, Ala. resident, her career included teaching and directing AAMU’s Child Development Center. Alvin B. Bolden ‘77 - Loyal member of the Metro Atlanta Chapter and a trusted Life Member of the Alumni Association. Harden “Bill” Randolph Wesley, former fire fighter, educator, business owner, and employee at Redstone Arsenal (Huntsville, Ala.) Wanda H. McGuire, retired administrative assistant in AAMU College of Business and Public Affairs (Huntsville, Ala.)
1980s Brenda Denise Gordon Gray ‘82 - Served with distinction as a Global Marketing Manager for Shaw Industries for 29 years, ably facilitating training for domestic and international markets. Earl C. Johnson ‘82 - Contract specialist, Huntsville. McAuthor Johnson ‘82 - A native of Lower Peachtree, Ala., he donated consider-
able time to improving the lives of young men and women.
man, woman and child who crossed his path.
John Darren Gill, Jr. - Mobile native and true Normalite and golf enthusiast.
2010s
Gari “GiGi” Mitchell ’87 Daughter of noted Bulldog loyalist Gary Mitchell and longtime guidance counselor at George Washington Carver High School, Birmingham.
Stanford Chance Wilson - Local businessman and former outstanding kicker on the Bulldog football squad.
1990s Peter Horace Wade ‘99 He worked for more than 20 years with the Onan Corporation and served as a substitute instructor for Madison City and Madison County Schools.
2000s Brian J. Baldwin ‘02- A consummate technologist, producer, event planner and keeper of the William Hooper Councill Legacy. Robin C. Bodrick, staffer, AAMU Child Development Center (Huntsville, Ala.) Patrick Xavier Javier Thompson ‘04 - Energetic and loved faculty member for AAMU’s Telecommunications major. Ronald G. Childress, Jr. ‘07 - A positive spirit with a God-given talent for engaging everyone with whom he came into contact and for brightening the day of every
Danny K. Johnson - Muchloved and revered Bulldog, consummate student, talented athlete and friend. Lavanya Abburi - Ph.D. agriculture student and native of India. Najee Jamaal Shakeel Shakeel was a mechanical engineering major. Kaylan Kamonta Perry Died from injuries sustained from motorcycle accident in Birmingham, Ala.
(Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) Virgie Mae McCrary, long-time staffer in Physical Facilities (Huntsville, Ala.) JoAnn Morris, retired English professor (Shreveport, La.) Martha D. Mullins, longtime staffer in the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences (Huntsville, Ala.) Dr. Ruby Nell Cummings Nicholson, retired education professor (Scottsboro, Ala.) Guerry Dwight Parks, former AAMU electrician (Huntsville, Ala.) Anne Geneva Rutledge, retired English professor and poet (Huntsville, Ala.) Lt. William Andre Schumake, Public Safety officer (Huntsville, Ala.)
Loyal Sons and Daughters
Waylon Sims, beloved athletic/academic enhancement/compliance officer (Mobile, Ala.)
Gary Bush, former head of the Learning Resources Center (Gadsden, Ala.)
Dr. Douglas Tyrone Tate, retired professor (Huntsville, Ala.)
Willie Mae Pearson Butler, former physical education professor (Huntsville, Ala.)
James Uundra Wright, former assistant men’s basketball coach (Birmingham, Ala.)
Wallace Dooley, former sports information director (Nashville, Tenn.) Joel T. Gilliam, former interim Chief of Police (Decatur, Ala.) Dr. Robert Lehman, professor of plant and soil science and former dean of the School of Graduate Studies
Normal Index -31-
Edmond Wyche, Jr., former football coach (Dover, Del.)
Level 1 - $1,875.00 and Above
I
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
nstitutional Advancement Level 2 – Other Contributors
Mr. Isaac Edmond, Huntsville, Ala. Dr. Horace W. Rice, Huntsville, Ala.
Chambers Bottling Company LLC, Huntsville,
Dr. Chasie F. Reynolds, Tuscumbia, Ala.
Ms. Camelia A. Holmes, Birmingham, Ala.
Ala.
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), Huntsville,
Mr. Samuel L. Brewer, Florence, Ala.
Ms. Barbara Hundley Jones, Huntsville, Ala.
Ala.
Huntsville Alumnae Delta Sigma Theta Charitable
Mr. Odysseus M. Lanier, Missouri City, Texas
Dr.Barbara S. Rice, Huntsville, Ala.
Fund, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. John B. Cole, Florence, Ala.
Mrs. Beverly B. Redrick, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Oneil Culver, Eufaula, Ala.
Walmart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Ark.
Ms. Claudinette Purifoy, Meridianville, Ala.
Mr. Tommie L. Cutts, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Douglas C. Bonner, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Homer McCall, Normal, Ala.
Mr. Jerone Levy, Bessemer, Ala.
Farm Credit Bank of Texas, Austin, Tex.
Ms. Addie Hayden Pugh, Birmingham, Ala.
Mrs. Jonell Y. Calloway, St. Louis, Mo.
Volkert & Associates, Inc., Mobile, Ala.
Dr. Charles E. Cannon, Chicago, Ill.
Mr. Eddie W. Ayers, Gallion, Ala.
Mr. Douglas C. Bonner, Huntsville, Ala.
The Philadelphia Foundation, Philadelphia, Pa.
Mrs. Elaine Chapman-Epps, Troy, Mich.
Mr. Eldridge O. Turner, Fairfield, Ala.
Atty. James B. Prude, Montgomery, Ala.
Mrs. Molee M. Thomas, Phenix City, Ala.
Mrs. Velma Tribue, Dothan, Ala.
Mrs. Velma Tribue, Dothan, Ala.
AAMU Houston Alumni Chapter, Cypress, Tex.
Mr. Stanley Bernar Stallworth, Chicago, Ill.
AAMU Gadsden/Etowah Alumni Chapter, Gads-
Mrs. Sylvia Flakes, Meridianville, Ala.
Tuscaloosa District Christian Education Depart-
den, Ala.
Mrs. Mary Hurt, Huntsville, Ala.
ment, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Mr. Samuel L.Brewer, Florence, Ala.
Mr. Eugene A. Blocker, Bessemer, Ala.
Dr. Dorothy J. Gurley, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Julian Fanning, Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Ms. Mae H. Towns, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Charles H. Scales, Huntsville, Ala.
AAMU Gadsden/Etowah Alumni Chapter, Gads-
Mrs. Beverly A. Harris, Louisville, Ky.
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), Huntsville,
den, Ala.
Mr. Crayton Lamar Sterns, Madison, Ala.
Ala.
Mrs. Betty J. Smith, Abbeville, Ala.
Mr. Lucien B. Blankenship, Birmingham, Ala.
Dr. Richard Showers, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Emmitt Edwards Jimmar, Leighton, Ala.
Mr. Langdon B. Conaway, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Lillie M. Williams, La Palma, Calif.
Xerox Corporation Matching Gift Program,
Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, Talladega, Ala.
Future Research Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
Rochester, N.Y.
Mr. Eugene A. Blocker, Bessemer, Ala.
AAMU Birmingham Alumni Chapter, Fairfield,
Mr. Arthur A. Burks, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr., Normal, Ala.
Ala.
Mr. James D. Foster, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Julia H. Shealey, Raleigh, N.C.
Mrs. Carolyn R. Culpepper, Adger, Ala.
Mrs. Velma Sales Foster, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Richard Showers, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Andrew Hugine, Normal, Ala.
Dr. Barbara S. Rice, Huntsville, Ala.
AT&T Foundation, Princeton, N.J.
Mrs. Eloise O. Turk, Gadsden, Ala.
Mr. Oscar O. Simmons, Birmingham, Ala.
Ms. Mozelle Jones Peagler, Greenville, Ala.
Mrs. Agrippa D. Bass, Huntsville, Ala.
Atty. Braun D. Littlefield, Atlantic City, N.J.
K&D HSV, LLC, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. John T. Stamps, Alpine, Ala.
AT&T Foundation, Princeton, N.J.
Mrs. Geneva S. Wright, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Barbara Cady, Athens, Ala.
Mrs. Ruby Nell Jones, Oxford, Ala.
Ms. Lettye Ann Boyd, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Evelyn Scott, Birmingham, Ala.
Gaudinette Purifoy, Meridianville, Ala.
Dr. Milton W. French, Elk Grove, Calif.
Dr. Chasie F. Reynolds, Tuscumbia, Ala.
Mr. John W. Beale, Harvest, Ala.
Mr. Herman E. Finklea, Mobile, Ala.
Combined Federal Campaign, Huntsville, Ala.
Mrs. Elaine Chapman-Epps, Troy, Mich.
Mrs. Marjorie Battle, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. James E. Hatchett, Huntsville, Ala.
Mrs. Dorothy A. Mayweather, Stone Mountain,
Normal Index -32-
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY Ga.
Ms. Lillian V. Baker, Salem, Ala.
Mr. Michael G. Grubbs, Opa Locka, Fla.
Ms. Ebonee A. Walker, Montgomery, Ala.
Ms. Erica L. McClain, Madison, Ala.
Dr. Barbara Cady, Athens, Ala.
Nelms Memorial Funeral Home, Huntsville, Ala.
Mrs. Patricia Butler, Florence, Ala.
Mrs. Annie R. Gunn, Birmingham, Ala.
Mrs. Margaret J. White, Birmingham, Ala.
LTC (Retired) Jesse L.Pugh, Fayetteville, Ga.
Mrs. Bernice Sanderfer, Athens, Ala.
Shell Oil Company Foundation, Princeton, N.J.
Mr. J. Gerrard Allen, Baltimore, Md.
Mr. Bobby F. McDonald, Madison, Ala.
Mrs. Patricia Butler, Florence, Ala.
Ms. Wanda G. Nall, Meridianville, Ala.
Mr. James E. Hatchett, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Robert T. Hughes, Florence, Ala.
Mr. Frank L. Davis, Mobile, Ala.
Mr. John H. Holmes, Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Ms. Audrey M. Turner, Chicago, Illinois
AAMU Anniston Alumni Chapter, Ohatchee, Ala.
Ms. Barbara Jean Moore, Birmingham, Ala.
Mrs. Bettye Cain, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Brunette K. Lanier, Inglewood, Calif.
Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, Talladega, Ala.
Mrs. Barbara Speights Allen, Birmingham, Ala.
Mrs. Mary K.Thomas, McDonough, Ga.
Dr. Luben Dimov, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Bessie T. Roberts, Warner Robins, Ga.
Mr. Raynorald U. Farley, Calumet City, Ill.
Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign, San
Ms. Lenora Orr, Pell City, Ala.
Ms. Ebonee A. Walker, Montgomery, Ala.
Francisco, Calif.
Mr. Arthur Brown, Birmingham, Ala.
Dr. Irene W. Lawson, Lithonia, Ga.
Mr. Robert W. Bullock, Jacksonville, Fla.
Ms. Willie B. Stinson, Madison, Ala.
Mrs. Teresa C. McDonald, Tuscumbia, Ala.
Mr. Charles H. Scales, Huntsville, Ala.
Mrs. Agrippa D. Bass, Huntsville, Ala.
Mrs. Annie R. Beckwith, Florence, Ala.
Mr. Kevin Monroe Tolbert, Powder Springs, Ga.
Ms. Bessie T. Roberts, Warner Robins, Ga.
Ms. Kathryn Robinson, Birmingham, Ala.
Ms. Addie Hayde Pugh, Birmingham, Ala.
Mr. William T. Mayweather, Stone Mountain, Ga.
Mr. Jamal Ali, Chicago, Illinois
Mrs. Latonya Henry, Fort Huachuca, Ariz.
Mr. Clyde A. Dumas, Mobile, Ala.
Ms. Sharion Menefee, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Everett W. Wess, Birmingham, Ala.
Mrs. Ezonia Moore Taylor, Mobile, Ala.
Mr. James E. Hatchett, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Charles H. Scales, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Herman E. Finklea, Mobile, Ala.
Ms. Addie Hayden Pugh, Birmingham, Ala.
Mr. Ralph T. Redrick, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Merline Mason Rice, Aliceville, Ala.
Mr. James E. Hatchett, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Joe L. Arrington, Cypress, Tex.
Mrs. Mattie B. Reveire, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Mrs. Frances Merritt, Dothan , Ala.
Mr. James L. Jennings, Harvest, Ala.
Mr. Robert T. Hughes, Florence, Ala.
Col. (RET.) James O. Heyward, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Anthony A. Jones, Meridianville, Ala.
Ms. Louisiana S. Floyd, Tuscumbia, Ala.
Dr. Lillie M. Williams, La Palma, Calif.
Mr. Wendell W. Brooks, Chesterfield, Mo.
Mr. Robert T. Hughes, Florence, Ala.
Mr. Rudolph W. Hudnell, Eight Mile, Ala.
Mr. Charles H. Scales, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Louisiana S. Floyd, Tuscumbia, Ala.
Mrs. A. J. McLemore, Savannah, Ga.
Mrs. Dorothy S. Griffin, Eufaula, Ala.
Mr. Michael G. Grubbs, Opa Locka, Fla.
Rev. David McGhee, Talladega, Ala.
Reverend Carl L. Davis, Birmingham, Ala.
Mr. Willie J. Fuller, Madison, Ala.
Mr. Curtis M. Flakes, Mobile, Ala.
Ms. Sirlean L. Battles, Huntsville, Ala.
Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, Talladega, Ala.
Ms. Frances D. Maple, Southfield, Mich.
Mr. Curtis M. Flakes, Mobile, Ala.
Mr. John T. Stamps, Alpine, Ala.
Mr. Freddie D. Player, Harrisburg, Pa.
Ms. Bivian M. Woody, Douglasville, Ga.
Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, Talladega, Ala.
Mrs. Frances Merritt, Dothan , Ala.
Mr. Willard E. Brooks, Madison, Ala.
IBM International Foundation, Armonk, N.Y.
Atty. Ane Debro, Normal, Ala.
Ms. Bester Karzetta, Birmingham, Ala.
Mrs. Venita Clisby King, Harvest, Ala.
Ms. Glynda F. Walker, Selma, Ala.
Ms. Karzetta D. Bester, Birmingham, Ala.
Mrs. W.G. McLemore, Savannah, Ga.
Mrs. Jacquelyn Outlaw Ifill, Huntsville, Ala.
Mrs. Margaret P. Manns-Jones, Atlanta, Ga.
Oracle Matching Gifts Program, Princeton, N.J.
Mr. William D. Lawson, Goodlettsville, Tenn.
Family Funeral Home, Benton Harbor, Mich.
Mrs. Geneva S. Wright, Huntsville, Ala.
Shell Oil Company Foundation, Princeton, N.J.
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Benton Harbor ,
Mr. DeWayne O. Carter, Birmingham, Ala.
Dr. Richard Showers, Huntsville, Ala.
Mich.
Mrs. Frances Merritt, Dothan , Ala.
Mr. Robert W. Bullock, Jacksonville, Fla.
Mrs. Paulette N. Williams, Huntsville, Ala.
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ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY Mr. Cornell Radford, Clarksville, Tenn.
Mrs. Vernessa M. Edwards, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Therese B. Beebe, Toney, Ala.
Mr. Wendell W. Brooks, Chesterfield, Mo.
Mr. Vastell Williams, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Keisha Gilmore-McDaniel, Blacklick, Ohio
Ms. Edna L. Sanders, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Janet Jones, Harvest, Ala.
Ms. Ruth Mae Giles, Charleston, S.C.
Mr. Quinton Tarver, Eufaula, Ala.
Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr., Normal, Ala.
Ms. Geraldine Parks, Chattanooga, Tenn.
LTC. C. H. Walker, Harvest, Ala.
Ms. Betty Kelly Austin, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Harvey Hamilton, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. A. Bibb Ball, Madison, Ala. Col. (RET.) Larry C. Lauderdale, Hope Hull, Ala.
Ms. Claudette Faye Johnson, Alexandria, Va. Anonymous
Mr. James Nero, Washington, D.C.
Ms. Sirlean L. Battles, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Margaret Freeman, Florence, Ala.
Ms. Nancy E. Pittman, Chicago, Ill.
Dr. Florence A. Okafor, Normal, Ala.
Mr. Leroy Barley, Washington, D.C.
Mr. Charles A. Shepherd, Southfield, Mich.
Dr. Olatunde A. Ogunyemi, Ruston, La.
Mr. Harry Louis Vernon, Columbus, Ga.
Mrs. Penelope J. Johnson, Tuscumbia, Ala.
Mr. Jamal Ali, Chicago, Illinois
Mr. Willard G. Maxwell, East Point, Ga.
Mr. George Edward Johnson, Tuscumbia, Ala.
Mrs. Ivy J. Allen, Birmingham, Ala.
Ms. Parisea Story, Huntsville, Ala.
Mrs. Rubye R. Fuqua, Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Mrs. Ollie S Wood, College Park, Ga.
Ms. Marsha Morgan, Fultondale, Ala.
Mr. Ron Dial, Prattville, Ala.
Ms. Linda T. Hunt, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Travers C. Sutherland, Waco, Tex.
Mr. Ellis Bone, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Jacqueline Dixon, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Mrs. Shirley K. Alexander, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. James E. Hatchett, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. JoAnn H. Fitts, Larkspur, Colo.
Mr. Kerry Cole, Tallassee, Ala.
Mr. Charles H. Scales, Huntsville, Ala.
Mrs. Bertha M. Mulkey, Clayton, Ala.
Ms. Pamela Holmes Brooks, Huntsville, Ala.
Mr. Ollie Sanders, Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Ms. Carrie Reynolds, Selma, Ala.
Dr. Rosanna H. Chang, Huntsville, Ala.
Dr. Charles E. Cannon, Chicago, Ill.
Mr. Probthanil Vance, Bessemer, Ala.
Mr. Erskine McKinnon, Tuskegee, Ala.
Mr. Herman Edward Bell, Mobile, Ala.
Ms. Simpson Avon Vance, Bessemer, Ala.
Ms. Tomeka S. Hale, Sylacauga, Ala.
Boeing Gift Matching Program, Princeton, N.J.
Ms. Carolyn B. Harris, Huntsville, Ala.
Ms. Deborah Peppers, Normal, Ala.
Mr. James Nathaniel Lee, Birmingham, Ala.
Mrs. Vernell H. Cannon, Decatur, Ala.
Ms. Gertrude Thompson, District Heights, Md.
Mr. Michael Dennard, Vidalia, Ga.
Mr. Jerome Saintjones, Toney, Ala.
Mr. James H. Wilson, Houston, Tex.
Mrs. Jean A. Blake, Normal, Ala.
Mr. Archie Tucker, Huntsville, Ala.
Innogive Foundation, Calabasas, Calif.
Mrs. Richette Brison-Harris, Madison, Ala.
Mrs. Sandra F. Stubbs, Madison, Ala.
Ms. Erica L. McClain, Madison, Ala.
Mrs. Ursula L. Brooks, Huntsville, Ala.
1875 Normalite Campaign Each of us has a role to play in AAMU’s work and achievement. Our nation’s top-rated universities earn their national reputations because of the achievements of their graduates and friends, and those individuals’ support of their alma matter. That’s why I am asking you to join me in a vital start at AAMU— the 1875 Normalites Campaign- an annual giving program through which we are asking friends like you to support achievement at Alabama A&M University with a gift of $1875.00 or more a year—just $156 per month. Your tax-deductible gift can be unrestricted, or it can be used to support an area that is meaningful to you, such as scholarships for deserving students. Please join me in supporting the 1875 Normalites Campaign. Our goal of 1,000 supporters from 2010 to 2013 would provide $1,875,000 to power student achievement, success and AAMU’s growing impact. If you would like to support AAMU, please make your tax-deductible contribution by giving online or mailing your donation to “AAMU Foundation”, writing “1875 Normalites Campaign” in the memo. Please send it to: Alabama A&M University 309 Patton Building Normal, AL 35762.
Normal Index -34-
A L A B A M A
A & M
U N I V E R S I T Y
Building an Endowment for the Future
In an increasingly competitive global environment, the need for exceptional educational experiments are paramount. YOUR GIFT - Provides access and opportunity to the next generation of Normalites - Funds critical priorities, such as faculty support, research and scholarships - Creates a lasting impact, a legacy for donors or someone you choose to honor - Provides stable, long term financial resources
ESTABLISHING AN ENDOWED FUND
Alabama A&M University’s Office of Marketing, Communication & Advancement has designated the following guidelines for establishing endowment funds. These can be provided through current gifts or through planned gifts:
Endowment Fund Types Minimum Required General Endowment $25,000 Scholarship Fund $25,000 Research $50,000 Lectureship $50,000 Fellowship $100,000 Visiting Professorship $500,000 Professorship $1,000,000 Chair $2,000,000
Please give today! Need more information? Call (256) 372-8344 or contact Archie.Tucker@aamu.edu
Alumni Giving Alumni support provides resources for future generations. Alumni support of Alabama A&M University through gifts to the 1875 Normalite Fund help to provide the resources for providing an exceptional education to deserving Alabama A&M students. Why you give: - To perpetuate the values endowed - To demonstrate the confidence in your education by enhancing the prestige of the University - To ensure that the legacy of excellence passes to the next generation - To invest in programs that make a difference in the lives of students - To set the standard and serve as an example and leader to others No matter what reason you choose to give, your gift shows your commitment to Alabama A&M, your connection to your classmates, and your dedication to today’s and tomorrow’s students. No gift is too small, and every gift counts. “Give Now” to make your gift securely online or discover more ways to make your gift.
STAY CONNECTED TO AAMU
Visit www.aamu.edu for the latest campus happenings
Follow us on Facebook
Tweet us @aamuedu
SIGN UP FOR THE MONTHLY ALUMNI E-NEWSLETTER WWW.AAMU.EDU/ALUMNINEWSLETTER If you are an alumnus of Alabama A&M University, please e-mail Sandra.Stubbs@aamu.edu to update your address information.
- Correct inaccurate information about you, - Help us find ‘lost’ members, and - Enable us to contact you about alumni gatherings and news concerning AAMU
We are 35,000 strong and growing! We can’t wait to hear from you!