CONTENTS READINGS AND FEATURES 14
MILDRED PRETTY
Honoring Her Late Husband
15
HOMECOMING 2013
Creates Endowed Scholarship
The Sights and Sounds
29 ALUMNA K. FOXX ‘01
Makes Waves On-Air and On TV
DEPARTMENTS 4 6 20 22 24 28
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT UNIVERSITY NEWS ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS SHAW SUCCESS CLASS NOTES ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
On the cover: Members of the 2013 Homecoming Court wave to the crowd during the Homecoming “Bear Tracks” Parade. The parade returned after a five-year hiatus and featured more than 30 entrants, including local high school marching bands, businesses and nonprofits.
The National Alumni Association of Shaw University unveiled the “Shaw Bear” statue on Friday, October 18, 2013 during the University’s annual homecoming celebration. The statue is displayed in the CIAA Garden of Champions in front of the C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium on Shaw’s campus.
Pr es i d e n t’s MESSAGE
The SHAW GAZETTE is published for alumni and friends of Shaw University.
PRESIDENT
Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Ph.D.
VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Evelyn Leathers
EDITOR AND WRITER
P r es i d e nt ’s MESSAGE Greetings Shaw University Alumni and Friends: While this is my final Gazette as Shaw’s President, I am truly excited by what we have accomplished and the future that lies ahead. We have achieved so much in just two short years – reopening our student center and repairing all of our buildings after the tornado; balancing our budget; increasing our alumni giving percentage; and most importantly, the University’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In addition, the accreditation of both our social work and kinesiotherapy programs were also reaffirmed by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) respectively. This homecoming edition of the Gazette highlights our continued achievements, including our students interning at Fortune 500 companies and our alumni making a difference around the world. I am proud of the Shaw family and all we have done together, but I am challenging everyone to rise to the occasion. To our generous and enthusiastic alumni, I applaud your continued support and commitment to our great University, but we need you more than ever. If you have not returned to campus since you graduated, come back and spend some time mentoring our students. If you have given a donation, we thank you and ask that you give a little more. Your assistance, whether it comes in the form of your time, monetary gift or recruitment efforts, is essential and always appreciated. To our loyal friends and countless dedicated donors, we could not fulfill our mission without you. Your gifts ease the financial burden of paying for college for many of our students and help fulfill their dream of receiving a degree. Think about making a long-term commitment by creating an endowed scholarship. An endowment is a lasting reminder of your generosity that benefits students now and for generations to come. Shaw University’s legacy as a community of leaders, advocates and activists is undeniable and our students, alumni, faculty and staff have succeeded beyond measure. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that Shaw’s legacy endures for our future Shaw Bears.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Ph.D. President 4 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
Odessa Hines
DESIGNER
Reneé Saddler
CONTRIBUTORS
Sherri Fillingham, Thomasi McDonald, Stacey Sowell, Khloe Washington
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sherri Fillingham, Odessa Hines, Steven Worthy
BOARD OF TRUSTEES CATEGORY I
Randolph Bazemore Joseph N. Bell, Jr. Thomas F. Darden George C. Debnam Carolyn Ennis David C. Forbes Willie E. Gary John I. Kester Wilson Lacy H. Donell Lewis John H. Lucas Ol’Bunmi Peters James Thornton Guthrie L. Turner, Jr. David Walker Ida Silver Wiggins A. Hope Williams Lorenzo Williams Sean Woodroffe
CATEGORY II
Audrey Battle Linda Bryan Haywood Gray Wilberforce Mundia Howard W. Parker James Shaw Diamond Pennington (SGA)
CATEGORY III - EMERITI
Stanley Alexander Thomas J. Boyd Geneva B. Chavis Melvin Clark Chancy R. Edwards W. B. Lewis
DIGNITARIES
Evander Holyfield
Don King
Visit The Shaw Gazette online at http://issuu.com/shawu SEND ALUMNI NEWS, CLASS NOTES AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:
Office of Alumni Relations & Planned Giving Shaw University 118 East South St. Raleigh, NC 27601 919.719.8850 shawgazette@shawu.edu
HOMECOMING2013
SEE PAGE 15
Un i v e r s i ty NE W S
Shaw University
Reaccredited Shaw University, the first historically black university
in the South, announced that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed the University’s accreditation during its December annual meeting in Atlanta, GA. The accreditation was reaffirmed for 10 years. “The reaffirmation of accreditation is great news and validates all the hard work our students, faculty and staff do every day to make Shaw one of the best universities in the country,” said Shaw President Dorothy Cowser Yancy. “We look forward to continuing our rich legacy of educating the next generation of global leaders.” SACSCOC is the recognized regional accrediting body in eleven U.S. Southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
6 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees. The Commission on Colleges’ Board of Trustees is the representative body of the College Delegate Assembly and is charged with carrying out the accreditation process. To gain or maintain accreditation with SACSCOC, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the Commission on Colleges. The Commission on Colleges applies the requirements of its principles to all applicant, candidate, and member institutions, regardless of institution type.
Counseling Center Receives $500,000 Consortium Grant Shaw University’s Counseling Center received a $500,000 domestic violence grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women the University announced. The Center was awarded the “Resources, Intervention, Services and Education (RISE)” grant as part of a consortium with Bennett College and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T). “This grant is a wonderful opportunity for our Counseling Center to increase its domestic violence prevention programming and services for our University community,” said Shaw President Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy. “We thank the Department of Justice for funding this important work and we look forward to collaborating with our grant partners Bennett College and NC A&T in implementing these new service programs.” The Shaw Counseling Center, staffed by Director Jerelene Carver and Counselor Latisha Riley, will use the grant
WSHA Hosts Freelon Benefit Concert By Khloe Washington
funds to implement intervention and education programs for incoming students and University faculty, staff and campus safety units. Awarded for three years, the grant will focus on reducing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking on college campuses as well as encourage adoption of comprehensive and coordinated responses to these crimes. Additionally, outreach programming, training and resources will be provided for victim safety, offender accountability and prevention. “The grant will not only support the Counseling Center but the entire campus community,” said Carver. “We will provide culturally sensitive services that address the unique needs of our students. Additionally, this grant will also allow us to engage university men in preventing violence against women by developing and supporting healthy masculinity.” Each campus will partner with community-based nonprofit victim advocacy organizations and local criminal justice or civil legal agencies to develop protocols and policies that will treat violence against women as a serious offense as well as offer victim service programs.
Freelon is a six-time Grammy Award-nominee who has earned a reputation as a captivating live performer. She has appeared at several events such as the Democratic National Convention Media Day, Asia Pacific Economic Summit at the White House, and also teamed with Opera Superstar Jessye
An Evening with
Norman and The Roots at the Hollywood Bowl. Along with
Nnenna Freelon, a
Freelon’s live performances, she has made appearances on the
one-night only live
big screen with TV appearances including PBS’s The Charlie
benefit concert, took
Rose Show and NBC’s Weekend Today. Freelon was awarded
place on Saturday,
the “Legend Award” from North Carolina’s YWCA in 2011 and
September 14 at the
the 2010 “Woman of Substance” award from Bennett College.
Duke Energy Center
Nnenna Freelon
for Performing Arts. A
The Beast is a Durham based band known for their
world renowned Jazz
effortless sound of blending hip hop and jazz. The band was
singer, composer,
formed after pianist Eric Hirsh, drummer Stephon Coffman,
producer and arranger,
bassist Peter Kimosh, and emcee Pierce Freelon (Nnenna’s
Freelon hosted this
son) graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel
special concert to
Hill, where they all studied jazz. Big Band is the group’s larger
raise funds for Shaw
ensemble that includes the addition of horns, strings, guitar and
University’s WSHA
percussion to create the orchestral “big band sound” melded
radio station. Shaw
with hip-hop and jazz.
was the first black college in the nation to own a radio station. Along with Freelon’s anticipated showcase, The Beast + Big Band performed as the concert’s opening act.
FALL 2013| 7
U ni v e r s ity NEW S conduct focus groups, open forums and listening sessions with representatives of various constituencies as part of its outreach efforts. “I am pleased we have such a great committee to assist with the search for Shaw’s next president,” said Bell. “Shaw is a great institution with a rich history and we expect that many strong candidates will be interested. The selection of a leader for the first historically Black university in the South and among the oldest in the nation is one of our most important tasks. Members of the Shaw University Presidential Search Committee
Shaw University Names Presidential Search Committee Dr. Joseph N. Bell, chair of the Shaw University Board of Trustees, announced the appointment of the Shaw University Presidential Search Committee. A national search will be conducted to replace current Shaw President Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, who will be retiring. Dr. Yancy has served with distinction as the University’s 14th and 16th president. “While there is always more to do, I am proud of what has been accomplished during my tenure at Shaw,” said President Yancy. “It has been a pleasure to serve this great University, and I am confident that our students, faculty, staff, alumni and Board of Trustees will continue Shaw’s historic legacy of academic excellence and civic engagement.” The Search Committee includes Shaw University trustees, students, faculty and staff as well as business and government leaders in the Raleigh-Durham community. In conjunction with the University’s Board of Trustees, the Committee will
SGA Hosts Peace Walk The Shaw University Student Government Association (SGA) hosted a “Peace Walk” in honor of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King’s momentous “I Have a Dream” speech on August 29, 2013. More than 100 students walked from Shaw’s campus to the State Capitol in downtown Raleigh. Before departing, they shared history about downtown Raleigh and the role that Shaw University played in helping young, African-American students fight for their civil rights. 8 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
Shaw University seeks to engage members of its community in a collaborative effort to promote business sector growth, to increase economic development opportunities in Wake County and to foster the advancement of Raleigh-Durham’s residents.” As outlined in the board policies, the Search Committee will guide the first stage of the search which includes screening applicants, conducting campus interviews and making recommendations to the Board of Trustees. HEAL Global Consulting, a division of HEAL Global, Inc. that provides strategic consulting services to businesses and executive search services to the higher education industry, is assisting with the presidential search. Board Trustee Dr. David C. Forbes, Sr. will serve as chair of the Committee. “I take the responsibility as chair of this committee very seriously and I am certain each member of the search committee feels the same,” said Forbes. “We will do our best to find the most qualified and best-suited visionary leader to become the 17th president of this great university.”
Appointments Shaw Promotes Marcus Clarke to Athletic Director Shaw University promoted Marcus Clarke to Athletic Director. Clarke previously served as the University’s interim athletic director during the 2009-2010 academic year and again
Rev. April Rhinehardt
in 2012. He will continue to serve as Shaw’s Compliance Officer, a position he has held for the last 10 years. Clarke began his athletic
Marcus Clarke
career as an athletic trainer and head track and field and cross country coach at Virginia Union. In 1996, he served as the athletic trainer for the British Virgin Islands Olympic team, and was responsible for the care and injury prevention of the track and field athletes in the delegation. Clarke earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree from Capella University.
Rev. Dr. Timothy Boddie Joins Divinity School Reverend Dr. Timothy
Reverend Rhinehardt Named University Chaplain Shaw University announced Reverend April R. Rhinehardt as its new University Chaplain. Rev. Rhinehardt formerly served as the Clinical Staff Chaplain at High Point Regional Health in High Point, NC and is a BoardCertified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains. As University Chaplain, Rev. Rhinehardt will serve as pastor of Shaw’s Thomas J. Boyd Chapel, providing spiritual leadership, pastoral counseling, to the University community.
deep commitment to her
Additionally, Rev. Rhinehardt will lead the planning, implementing and officiating of a variety of Chapel services and programs,
Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA,
including the Cultural and Spiritual
has joined the Shaw Divinity
Enrichment Seminars (CASES).
Education (MRE) program. As
minister and counselor is exceptional and shows a
pastor of the Friendship
of the Master of Religious
record as a chaplain,
grief counseling and mentorship
Boddie, formerly the senior
School staff as the coordinator
“Rev. Rhinehardt’s
profession and to those in need. We are excited to have her as a part of the Shaw family.”
Rev. Rhinehardt brings Rev. Dr. Timoty Boddie
more than 25 years of diverse clinical, counseling and ministerial
coordinator, Dr. Boddie is responsible for advising
experience, including serving as
all MRE students and teaching several courses in
a hospital chaplain, associate
the Divinity School.
minister and school counselor.
Previously, Dr. Boddie served for 11 years as
DR. JEFFERY A. SMITH Vice President for Student Affairs and Administration
As the Clinical and Hospital Chaplain for Wake Forest Baptist Health in
University Chaplain and Pastor of the Memorial
Winston-Salem, NC. In addition, she served as a middle school counselor
Church at Hampton University in Hampton, VA.
for Guilford County Schools for 22 years.
As University Chaplain, Dr. Boddie served in
Rev. Rhinehardt received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the
a dual capacity, as Campus Minister and as
University of North Carolina at Charlotte; a master’s degree in counseling
Executive Secretary of the Hampton University
from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; and a
Ministers’ Conference. In addition, Dr. Boddie
Master of Divinity degree from Shaw University.
taught in Hampton’s Department of English for 17 years.
FALL 2013 | 9
U ni v e r s ity NEW S Jody Ball Receives
UPS Scholarship Shaw University student Jody Ball received the United Parcel Service (UPS) Foundation Scholarship during a recent check presentation ceremony at the headquarters of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Ball is a sophomore from Washington, Jody Ball
D.C. majoring in Adapted Physical Education. The UPS Foundation Scholarship is awarded through the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), the statewide organization of North Carolina’s 36 non-profit, private colleges and universities accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Shaw University is a member of NCICU.
UPS Division Manager and Independent College Fund of NC Board
go a long way in helping him to pay for
a check for $86,400 for student
his education. “Without this scholarship,
scholarships at the 36 independent
I would have struggled to pay the
colleges and universities in North
balance of my tuition,” said Ball. “I
Carolina to Jack Frost, Independent
really appreciate receiving it, as it’s the
College Fund Board Chairman; Hope
first time I’ve ever been selected for a
Williams, NCICU President; Jim Brown
scholarship.”
Fund Director, and the scholarship
The Cato Corporation Donates $100,000
Dr. Butler Publishes Journal Article Dr. Eric Butler, associate professor of Biology in the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, has published “Species-specific Escape Behaviour in Grasshoppers” in the academic journal Behaviour. Dr. Butler’s articled studied the approach distances, escape distances, and angles of escape of nine sympatric species of
10 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
Ball noted that the scholarship will
member, Nicole Brandon, presented
In Brief
Dr. Eric Butler
recipients.
acridid grasshoppers.
for Endowed Scholarship The Cato Corporation, a leading specialty retailer of women’s fashions and accessories that operates approximately 1,300 apparel and accessories specialty stores in 32 states, donated $100,000 to establish the Cato Corporation Endowed Scholarship for Elementary Education Students and Scholars the University announced. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to academically deserving Shaw students with a financial need that are pursuing elementary education as a career.
Collegiate 100 Host 9/11 Memorial Service Members of the Collegiate 100 Chapter of Shaw University hosted a memorial service for the victims of the 9/11 tragedy on Shaw’s campus. The service included the “Presentation of Colors” by Shaw’s ROTC, the singing of the “National Anthem” by Stephanie Taylor and speeches from members of the Collegiate 100 Chapter. Following the playing of “taps,” Collegiate 100 President Kendrick King recalled his memories during September 11th. At the time, King was nine years old and living in Germany with his parents. Although he was not living in the United States, King noted that being an American is what mattered the most and kept the country together during a time of tragedy. Na’eem Wilkins, Vice-President of the Chapter, followed with a speech that recounted the first moments of September 11th when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Wilkins noted that during challenging times, we should use those opportunities for greater good. “Here at Shaw University, we must choose to see challenges as stepping-stones, opportunities that we have encountered along the way for us to use, to “step on” so that we can achieve more, develop further and ultimately realize more of our goals,” said Wilkins. The service was dedicated to the men and women who sacrificed their lives during September 11th. It also honored the firefighters and first responders of Engine One Company who serve the University.
Shaw University Receives $50,000 Grant from Duke Energy Shaw received a $50,000 grant from Duke Energy the University announced. The funds will be used to create the Duke Energy Foundation Scholarship which will target upperclass students who are first-generation and majoring in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)related disciplines. Scholarships will be awarded based on need, academics, community service and exemplary leadership ability with a special focus on selecting students from Eastern North Carolina. “We thank Duke Energy for this tremendous investment in Shaw students,” said Shaw President Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy.
Members of Shaw’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Student Athletes Participate in Youth Week Shaw University opened Youth Week when members of the Shaw Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) visited two classes at Ligon Middle School. This kicked off a week of activities that included school visits and concluded with Shaw’s Youth Day football game. The SAAC members visited classes at Ligon Middle School and at Bugg Elementary, as well as took part in Bugg’s morning newscast. Their message centerd on the value of education and the importance of making good life choices. As part of a week of community engagement, the Shaw football team also lead a campus cleanup morning.
Social Work and Kinesiotherapy Programs Reaccredited Shaw University’s social work and kinesiotherapy programs were both reaccredited the University announced. The social work program received its reaffirmation of accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) while the kinesiotherapy program accreditation was reaffirmed by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). In addition, Shaw is the only private HBCU with an accredited kinesiotherapy program and one of two HBCUs in the nation to offer the program.
“Ninety-seven percent of our students received some form of financial aid during the last academic year. These funds will enable us to continue our mission of facilitating student learning and achievement through a quality education that is both accessible and affordable.”
FALL 2013 | 11
Un i v e r s i ty NE W S
Shaw Students Receive Scholarships at Lawrence M. Clark University Community Dinner Shaw University juniors Danielle Green and Brandon Banks
MoN Project” during the summer of 2012. His active nature has
were among six students recognized at North Carolina State
granted him the opportunity to serve in various capacities on
University’s Lawrence M. Clark University Community Dinner.
Shaw’s campus, including as the Pre-Alumni Council President,
Each student received a $500 scholarship.
Collegiate 100 Education Chair, and NAACP member. He is
Green, a junior mass communications major from
also a chartering board member of the Junior Advisory Council
Portsmouth, VA is a first generation college student. She is
of the Wake County Salvation Army. After graduation, Banks
a presidential scholar, a member of the Honors College and
plans to attend graduate school and obtain his PhD in clinical/
the Alpha Chi National Honor Society and a member of the
community psychology and teach on a collegiate level.
Platinum Sound marching band. Green was unanimously voted
The revived dinner, last held in 2009 (when Shaw alumnus
by the mass communications faculty as the outstanding student
Willie E. Gary was presented with the Benjamin E. Mays Award)
of the year. Her dream is to become an entertainment journalist
has been renamed after Clark. Rev. Donna Battle and Dr. Kim
and a journalism professor.
Leathers served as Shaw’s representatives on the planning
Banks is a junior psychology major from Riverdale, Georgia
committee for the dinner.
and was a research intern for the University’s “Shaw in Jamaica
Shaw Opens Small Business Resource Center Shaw University opened its first-ever Small Business Resource Center in December. In partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Center will assist Shaw students and members of the Raleigh community with resources to start, finance and operate a successful business. Located in the Shaw Villas on the corner of Person and Lenoir streets, the Center will host seminars and workshops on a variety of small business topics, including business planning, credit building and marketing. The Center is a product of the Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) Shaw signed with the SBA on May 9, 2013.
12 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
SBA Regional Administrator Cassius Butts and President Yancy cut the ribbon to open the Shaw University Small Business Resource Center.
Shaw Students Learn Early Lesson About Dorm
FIRE SAFETY
Raleigh, has not had a major fire
By Thomasi McDonald
in recent memory. Still, university
More than 400 new students and
administrators thought it was important
their resident advisers gathered on the
for new students to understand what to
lawn of Shaw University late Tuesday
do in the event of a campus fire.
morning to learn an early semester
“We haven’t had an actual fire,
lesson about dormitory room fire safety
but that does not mean that it couldn’t
and the benefits of having a sprinkler
happen,” Hines said.
system.
Hines said that was especially
The students, mostly
important with an incoming class of
freshmen who had just moved into
about 700 students this fall, 94 percent
nearby Fleming Kee Living and
of whom live on campus.
Learning Center, watched as two
Eleven North Carolina college
upperclassmen, Destini Dixon and
students have died in fires in on-
Malek Hewston, sat inside makeshift
campus and off-campus housing
dorm rooms that were about to go up
since 2000, according to the state fire
in flames.
marshal’s office.
Hewston, a junior music major,
Of the 162 students who have
sat on the edge of his twin bed while
died in college fires nationwide since
a guest walked in and lit a fire in his
2000, four out of five deaths occurred
trashcan. As smoke from the trashcan
in off-campus housing. In late 2005,
rose to the ceiling, a smoke detector went off and Hewston fled the room as flames spread to the bed. Less than a minute later, the fire spewed thick black smoke. Three minutes later, the room was fully consumed by a roaring fire. Firefighters standing by hosed the fire out in less than 30 seconds. The students applauded. “That was really amazing,” said Jaslyn Hunter, a 19-year-old freshman sociology major from Charlotte. “I’m ready for the next one.” Dixon, a senior recreation management major, reclining on her dorm bed reading a book, was ready, too. But the damage caused by the fire lit in her trashcan was not nearly as dramatic. The blaze in Dixon’s room started at 11:22 a.m. The smoke detector went off and she fled just before a
sprinkler system kicked in. The fire was extinguished by 11:24 a.m. and had caused only minimal damage, mostly to the trashcan. The effectiveness of the sprinkler system was readily apparent. Shaw University spokeswoman Odessa Hines said two dormitories on campus; Fleming Kee and Dimple Newsome, were retrofitted with sprinkler systems, while two other dormitories on Person Street were equipped with sprinklers when they were built in the 1990s. Sprinkler systems are required for college dormitories in North Carolina, but only for those built since 2006, said Marni Schribman, spokeswoman for the state Department of Insurance, which includes the Office of State Fire Marshal. Shaw University, in downtown
two N.C. State University students – Cody Pilkington, 19, of Grifton and Brandon “Moose” Davis, 22, of High Point – died when the three-story duplex where they lived off Oberlin Road erupted into fire caused by a lit cigarette left on a sofa. “Today’s demonstration shows the staggering reality of how quickly a fire can change – or even end – lives,” insurance commissioner Wayne Goodwin said in a statement. Moments before Tuesday’s demonstration, Shaw University President Dorothy Cowser Yancy told students that when she served as president of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, a student started a fire in a campus storage room. Yancy said a major incident was averted when the fire was caught by students. “Keep your eyes and ears open,” she said. FALL 2013 | 13
GIVING BACK
MILDRED PRETTY CREATES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP HONORING HER LATE HUSBAND WILLIAM PRETTY, JR. ‘66
B
y all accounts, William “Bill” Pretty Jr. was a successful
at the opportunity, knowing how important Shaw and young
business owner. He believed that with determination,
people were to Bill. ”We had collected some money already
perseverance and a strong belief in God anything was
following Bill’s passing and we thought we would just donate
possible. After graduating from Shaw in 1966 and marrying his
it to a deserving Shaw student,” said Mildred. “However, when
college sweetheart Mildred three years prior, Bill initially began
the Black McDonald’s Operators approached us, we thought it
a career with the federal government, helping disadvantaged
would be best to start a foundation, that way we could continue
youth. However, in just a few short years and with knowledge
to give scholarships for years to come.”
gained from helping his father’s restaurant business, Pretty
Founded in 2004, the mission of the William Pretty Jr.
would become the first African-American McDonald’s Operator
Foundation is to provide financial assistance to Shaw students
in North Carolina. His legacy would live on through the creation
who have demonstrated academic excellence as well as a
of the William Pretty Jr. Foundation, dedicated to financially
high level of commitment to the community. To assist with
assisting Shaw’s students.
raising funds for the Foundation, each year in partnership with
Bill and Mildred operated three McDonald’s locations for
McDonald’s, the Foundation hosts an annual golf tournament.
27 years in Sanford, NC. Not only were they business owners,
Now in its eighth year, the 2013 tournament raised more than
but the Prettys were active in the community as well. Mildred
$22,000. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded more than
was a founding member of the Ronald McDonald House in
$15,000 in student scholarships.
Chapel Hill, NC and Bill, who was a member of Shaw’s Board
Mildred hopes that with the help of generous donors
of Trustees, served on countless boards and committees. He
and assistance from BMOA that the Foundation will continue
was always willing to help -- including hiring many of Sanford’s
to grow. “We want to be able to give scholarships to Shaw
young people to work at his restaurants.
students for as long as possible,” said Mildred. “So we can give
Following Bill’s untimely death in 2003, the Raleigh Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) approached the Pretty family about honoring his legacy, particularly his commitment to assisting and inspiring youth. Mildred jumped
14 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
away more money each year.”
FALL 2013 | 15
HOMECOMING SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
T
he Greatest Homecoming in Raleigh returned for a week full of excitement, new memories and Bear Pride! If you missed it, read on and be sure to return to campus in October for this year’s festivities.
»Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet The University recognized eight outstanding former Shaw athletes during the annual Hall of Fame Banquet on October 17th. This yearly event inducts Shaw’s best athletes into the Shaw University Athletic Hall of Fame. Congratulations to our newest inductees! • • • • • •
Victor Edward Blakey ‘83 – Basketball Edward R. Mason ‘62 – Coach Milton Redd, Jr. ’03 – Baseball Robert Bracely Russell, Jr. ’67 – Football Lawrence O. “Snuffy” Smith ’75 – Basketball Bonnie Tanner ‘82– (awarded posthumously) – Basketball • Donald Tanner ’82 – Basketball • John Frederick Walker ’58 (awarded posthumously) – Football and Baseball
The 2013 Shaw University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
»Yancy Building Naming Ceremony Just before the start of the Founder’s Day Memorial Service on October 18th, the Board of Trustees unveiled the Dorothy Cowser Yancy Building. Formerly the Institute for Health, Social, and Community Research Building, the Board voted to name the building in honor of President Yancy during their October meeting. During the ceremony, President Yancy thanked the Board and the Shaw community for the tremendous honor.
President Yancy and members of the Shaw University Board of Trustees look at the new sign for theDorothy Cowser Yancy Building.
16 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
Founder’s Day Convocation Our annual tribute to Shaw University Founder Dr. Henry Martin Tupper and his wife Sarah featured an electrifying speech from Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the only national organization representing nearly 300,000 students attending the nation’s 47 public historically black colleges and universities. Mr. Taylor, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, a master’s degree from Drake University and a Juris Doctor degree from Drake’s Law School, received an honorary doctorate from Shaw during the event.
Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.
Immediately prior to assuming the presidency of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Mr. Taylor worked as a senior executive for IAC/InterActiveCorp – first as its Senior Vice President of Human Resources and then as the President & CEO of one of IAC’s operating subsidiaries, RushmoreDrive.com. Before joining IAC, Mr. Taylor’s career spanned nearly 15 years as Litigation Partner and President of the human resources consulting business for the McGuireWoods law firm; Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary for Compass Group USA; General Counsel & Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Viacom subsidiary, Paramount Pictures Live Entertainment Group; and Associate General Counsel & Vice President of Human Resources for Viacom subsidiary, Blockbuster Entertainment Group. Mr. Taylor currently serves on the corporate board of Gallup, and also volunteers his time to several not-for-profit boards, including serving as the Former Chairman of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); a Member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of the USA; and a member of the Board of Trustees of The Cooper Union, one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher learning dedicated exclusively to preparing students for the art, architecture and engineering professions. With music from the Shaw University Band and the Shaw University Choir, Convocation was certainly an event to remember.
»Alumni Banquet
Speeches, awards and presentations highlighted this year’s Alumni Banquet. Keynote speaker Wendell Kinney ’05 shared a moving testimony of his journey from working in the IT industry to becoming an acclaimed actor; President Yancy received donations from more than 12 reunion classes, including the 50th Anniversary Class of 1963; Twenty-five donors were inducted into the Crystal Bear Society for creating endowed scholarships; the founders of Reaching Your Goals, Inc. - Shaw graduates Warrick Scott ’00, Mitchell Summerfield ’02, Byron Williams ’01, Reba Williams ’02 and Chris Young ’99 presented a check for $125,000 to fund student scholarships; and the National Alumni Association presented the following awards: • • • •
Chapter Award - The Rocky Mount/Kelly Bryant Alumni Chapter Alumnus Award - Diane Cordell Wright Faculty Award - Dr. Cheryl Kirk-Duggan Staff Award - Joann Davis
Founders of Reaching Your Goals, Inc. present a check to Dr. Yancy during the Alumni Banquet.
FALL 2013 | 17
2013 FALL
ATHLETIC ROUND-UP
18 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
FALL 2013 | 19
At h l e t i c R OUN D -UP
2013 Fall Sports Review The fall sports season at Shaw had its share of ups and downs, but win or lose, the Bears and Lady Bears showed great resolve and dedication to their roles as Shaw student-athletes.
FOOTBALL
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
After opening the season with key non-conference wins against Charleston (WV) and Virginia Union, the Bears lost three straight, including conference matches against Chowan and Virginia State. Shaw then won three straight – including the first Darnell Evans Homecoming win in three years – and they closed out the season with the win over Saint Augustine’s.
The men’s cross country team had a variety of strong performances this season. The season also included solid finishes at the HBCU Challenge, the Adidas Cross Country Invitational and a win over North Carolina Central in a dual meet.
The gridiron Bears found itself over .500 this season, with key wins on the road at Fayetteville State and against cross-town rival Saint Augustine’s.
With the wins came recognition for some Shaw standouts. Three players – running back Marquise Grizzle; offensive lineman Jeremy Gatson and cornerback Darnell Evans – earned First Team All-CIAA honors. Evans was also recognized as First Team Daktronics All-Region team, making him eligible for AllAmerican consideration.
For the fourth straight year, Darius Berry earned All-CIAA honors with a top-ten finish at the championships. The Bears completed the season with their highest ever finish at the NCAA Regional Cross Country Championship.
VOLLEYBALL
A very young squad took to the courses this season, and claimed a win over North Carolina Central in a dual meet. Freshman Merideth Alexander was consistently the top finisher for the Lady Bears, closing out the season with a season-best time at the CIAA championships.
Plagued by injuries, the 2013 volleyball team faced quite a bit of adversity this season, but showed gritty determination throughout, even when the team was down to the minimum number of players. Sashane Watson led the team in kills, while Senior Michelle Oliver, who changed position to setter, led the team in assists. Watson, Oliver, Shay Walton and Morgan Moore were celebrated on Senior Night. 20 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
Sashane Watson
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
SHAW BEARS MEN’S SCHEDULE
SHAW BEARS WOMEN’S SCHEDULE
DATE
TIME
OPPONENT
DATE
TIME
OPPONENT
Nov. 8
6:00 PM
Barton 45-Second Classic vs. Mount Olive College
NOV. 14
6:00 PM
OHIO CHRISTIAN
Nov. 16
2:00 PM
Elizabeth City State
Nov. 26
6:00 PM
Belmont Abbey
DEC. 6
2:00 PM
SHAW UNIVERSITY INVITATIONAL FayeteeviieeState es.ePaimeBeacheAtiantc
DEC. 7
2:00 PM
SHAW UNIVERSITY INVITATIONAL Shawees.ePaimeBeacheAtiantc
Dec. 11
TBA
District of Columbia
DEC. 14
1:00 PM
GOLDEY-BEACOM
Nov. 9
4:00 PM
vs. Barton College
NOV. 16
4:00 PM
CHARLESTON (WV)
NOV. 23
4:00 PM
GEORGIA REGENTS
Nov. 30
TBA
IRMC Classic
Dec.1
TBA
IRMC Classic
Dec.12
7:30 PM
Georgia Regents
Dec.14
TBA
Charleston (WV)
Dec.20
TBA
Florida Southern
Dec.22
TBA
St. Leo
JAN. 2
8:00 PM
ELIZABETH CITY STATE
JAN. 4
4:00 PM
CHOWAN
JAN. 6
8:00 PM
VIRGINIA STATE
Jan. 9
7:30 PM
Virginia Union
Jan. 11
4:00 PM
Bowie State
Jan. 13
7:30 PM
Lincoln (PA)
Jan. 18
7:30 PM
Livingstone
JAN. 22
8:00 PM
WINSTON-SALEM STATE
Jan. 25
7:30 PM
Saint Augustine’s
Jan. 29
7:30 PM
Fayetteville State
FEB. 1
4:00 PM
JOHNSON C. SMITH
FEB. 8
4:00 PM
LIVINGSTONE
Feb. 12
7:30 PM
Winston-Salem State
FEB. 15
4:00 PM
SAINT AUGUSTINE’S
FEB. 19
8:00 PM
FAYETTEVILLE STATE
Feb. 22
7:30 PM
Johnson C. Smith
Feb. 24 Mar. 1
CIAA Basketball Tournament
Games in gold denote home games Games with an asterisk (*) denote conference games
Dec. 16-17
Nova Southeastern Tournament
DEC. 16
7:30 PM
Barry
DEC. 17
5:30 PM
Nova Southeastern
Dec. 20-21
Florida Tech Tournament
DEC. 20
2:30 PM
PaimeBeacheAtiantc
DEC. 21
TBA
TBD
JAN. 2
6:00 PM
ELIZABETH CITY STATE
JAN. 4
2:00 PM
CHOWAN
JAN. 6
6:00 PM
VIRGINIA STATE
Jan. 9
5:00 PM
Virginia Union
Jan. 11
5:00 PM
Bowie State
Jan. 13
5:00 PM
Lincoln
Jan. 18
5:00 PM
Livingstone
JAN. 22
6:00PM
WINSTON-SALEM STATE
Jan. 25
5:00 PM
SavnteAugustneese
Jan. 29
5:00 PM
FayeteeviieeStatee
FEB. 1
2:00 PM
JOHNSON C. SMITH
FEB. 8
2:00 PM
LIVINGSTONE
Feb. 12
5:00 PM
Winston-Salem State
FEB. 15
2:00 PM
SAINT AUGUSTINE’S
FEB. 19
6:00 PM
FAYETTEVILLE STATE
Feb. 22
Johnson C. Smith
Feb. 24 Mar. 1
CIAA Basketball Tournament
Shaw SUCCESS
R
ecent research by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found a strong positive relationship between a student having an internship and an increased probability of receiving a full-time job offer while searching for a job prior to graduation. This past summer and fall, three Shaw students had the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with well-known Fortune 500 companies.
During the fall semester, Miriam Young, a junior Presidential Scholar majoring in political science with a concentration in international relations, and Lionel Morgan, a sophomore Lionel Morgan and Miriam Eaton majoring in mathematics, interned with Eaton Corporation. A global company with locations in more than 33 countries, Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help consumers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power.
Shaw Junior Interns with PricewaterhouseCooper Cassandra Burney, a junior Accounting and Business Management major from Henderson, NC, interned with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Accounting firm in their Charlotte office. “I am grateful to receive this opportunity,” said Burney. “I believe as a student majoring in accounting, the choices I make now will greatly impact my career path upon graduation. The field of accounting offers a broad array of professional opportunities for students who are dedicated and motivated.”
Cassandra Burney
PwC is one of the world’s largest accounting networks and known as one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, along with Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and KPMG. PwC provides assurance (including financial and regulatory reporting), advisory and tax services for over 85 percent of the largest U.S. public and private companies. PwC’s internship program is designed to expose high-performing college students to their firm. Interns in the program have the opportunity to further professional and technical development skills in the appropriate business related areas while working with teams in different functional areas across PwC. Interns participate in technical development exercises focused on knowledge management, research, preparing for an engagement and conducting a PwC audit. In addition, interns complete real life projects focused on knowledge management, serving clients and internal firm services initiatives that support PwC’s business development. Since completing her internship, Burney will have the opportunity next summer to complete a client service internship in one of three PwC’s service lines: assurance, tax, or advisory which can lead to a full-time offer after graduate school.
22 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
Lionel Morgan and Miriam Young Intern at Eaton Corporation
“I interned with Eaton’s Federal Systems and Contract Department as a contract administrator and worked heavily with the government to subcontract different electrical, hydraulic and mechanical projects,” said Young. “Earning this competitive internship was a great experience. I have come to realize the importance of professionalism in an international corporation and the added benefit of getting career experience in business and government relations.” Eaton is one of the largest power management corporations in the world. As a government contractor, Eaton performs battery installations for air force bases, air national guards, and other military sites across the United States. Eaton also provides products like back- up power on airplanes, and serves a variety of industries from automotive to farming and many more. “I was very thankful to have the opportunity to work with the Eaton purchasing and contracting team as a contract administrator,” said Morgan. “I learned much from the team, and gained professional experience in working with many projects across the U.S. for the electrical industry. I would like to thank Shaw’s Career Development Center and the Eaton team, for pushing me and helping to make my work experience a reality.” Young and Morgan are both students in the Shaw University Honors College. Both took the junior honors colloquium, “Reality Check” this semester, which challenges students to search for an entry level job in their major in both the Raleigh area and another major city, and then focus on how to “exist” using that salary. They must then determine regular expenses - everything from rent to health insurance to car payments to a working wardrobe. They both agreed that their practical experience in the work world coupled with their class work has made them more prepared to face the future in terms of job prospects and graduate study. The “real world” – life after graduation – is much more complicated than it seems. But with help from corporations like Eaton, Shaw’s Career Development Center and the Honors College, they will certainly be prepared.
Class NOT E S We want to hear from you! Class Notes submission deadlines: Fall Deadline: Spring Deadline:
November 1 May 1
To submit Class Notes, see page 27.
1955
Dr. Audrey Lucille Leathers Price Battle was recognized with three prominent achievements to the state, church and the community. She received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, an honorary doctorate from Shaw University and just finalized four years as president of Women Baptist Home and Foreign Mission of North Carolina. Dr. Battle is also a member of the Shaw University Board of Trustees.
1982
Edwin Dinkins is currently the pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Helena, Alabama. He recently celebrated his 28th wedding anniversary to his college sweetheart Janice Marie Whorley. Jon Murphy is currently a therapist for faculty, physicians and staff at Wake Forest University and Wake Forest Baptist Health Hospital. Murphy has been married for 28 years and has three children.
1987
Gail Anderson has been inducted into the National Continental Societies Inc. Hall of Fame, representing the MidAtlantic Region. The Hall of Fame Award is the second highest award in the Continental Societies organization. The induction ceremony was held at the 57th National Conclave in Dallas, Texas on June 29, 2013.
1995
Gloria F. Davis has been appointed by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Organization to write test items for the exam that 24 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
certifies Counselors. The commission sets the standard for quality rehabilitation counseling services in the United States and Canada. Davis recently retired from the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services as a Counselor in Charge. Dr. Juanita Linton received her doctorate in Instructional Leadership, Higher Education from Argosy University. Linton is currently the Director of the Shaw University Center for Early Childhood Education, Development and Research and an assistant professor of education. Lenard D. Moore, founder and executive director of the Carolina African American Writers’ Collective and co-founder of the Washington Street Writers Group, was a panelist and participant in the 2013 West End Poetry Festival in Carrboro, NC. Moore is currently a professor at Mount Olive College.
2002 Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy, chair of the Shaw University Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and assistant professor of chemistry, was featured in the May issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine as a “Fun, Fearless, Female.” Dubroy and business partner Tiffani Bailey Lash, were recognized for starting the “Brilliant and Beautiful Foundation,” a nonprofit that encourages young women to study the field of science.
2003
Stacey Sowell was named associate dean of students at Shaw University. Sowell provides overall direction and management of the University’s Student Affairs Office, including leading and directing Shaw’s Residence Life and Housing services.
2007
Kyle Keye, CEO of Kyle Keye Presents, Inc., a creative performing arts production company headquartered in Atlanta, GA with an operating office in
Raleigh, NC, presented “Don’t Bring Flowers to Dinner,” an upbeat comedy about the world of dating for young adults from a male’s point of view. The show is currently on tour throughout the Southeast.
2008
Shambulia Gadsden Sams was recently hired as a Public Policy Specialist for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in Washington, DC. Sams analyzes, formulates, and monitors issues and legislation at the federal, state and local levels and confers with public officials to assess the impact of public policy changes on members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as the general public. In addition, Sams researches and crafts possible positions or solutions and recommends policy actions.
2010
Laurie Cooke was featured on WXII-TV for starting a cheerleading program at a Greensboro, NC elementary school. A former cheerleader at Shaw, Cooke started the program to teach young girls the fundamentals of cheerleading as a way of increasing their confidence and self-esteem. Rachel Oliver passed the Illinois Bar Exam. At Shaw, Oliver was a member of the Honors College.
2011
Joseph W. McAlpin, Jr., has been accepted into the Capella University graduate program in Mental Health Counseling.
2012
Rachel Weathers studied abroad in Brussels and interned at the European Parliament last summer. She is currently interning at Nonviolence International in Washington, D.C. Weathers is scheduled to graduate in May 2014 with a master’s degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University.
In Memoriam Adam Burton – 1974 Milton M. Davis – 1963 Mrs. Almeda Bryant Glascoe – 1941 Harriett Louise Nunn Haith - 1953 David Earl Hamilton, Jr. – 2012 Warren G. Hairston – 1941 Rev. Dr. Isaac B. Horton - 1955 Bettie Ridley McClain - 1962 Erma G. McDougle – 1946 Cheryl D. Moye – 1999 Grady Nelson, Jr. – 1950 Charlie Page, Jr. – 1948 G. Sylvester Price, Jr., MD – 1947 Dr. Sandria Williams Rodriguez – 1966 Irene Scales – 1938 Dr. William H. Sherrill, Sr. – 1954 Dr. William M. Spann – 1956 Virginia Swayze – 1942 Peter James Waiters - 1964 Dr. George L. White – 1957
South Jersey Alumni Chapter Hosts Fundraiser
Members of the South Jersey National Alumni Association.
The South Jersey Chapter of the Shaw University National Alumni Association (NAA) hosted its inaugural boat cruise fundraiser “Homecoming in the Summer Time in Atlantic City” last month. The sold-out event raised $1,500 for the University and NAA. Organized by Chapter members Ernest Alexander ‘70, Wilbur Banks ‘80, Ronald Cash ‘80 and William Waller ’82, the cruise featured a DJ, buffet and more than 60 Shaw classmates. The cruise was held immediately following the “Whispers/George Clinton” concert, a part of Atlantic City’s Summer Concert Series organized by Shaw alumnus Wilbur Banks. Banks serves as the Chapter’s vice president and as Director of Human Services for
Raleigh Wake Alumni Chapter Donates Office Supplies The Shaw University Raleigh-Wake Alumni Chapter has begun an “Office Supply” drive to provide office supplies to University departments and programs. Thus far, the Chapter has distributed 884 office supplies, including 48 cases of copy paper and hundreds of pens, highlighters and other smaller items. Believing that having adequate supplies are a must for any educational enterprise to successfully reach its objectives, the Chapter began collecting supplies for the University as a way to give back, but more importantly, allow the University to use its funds in other areas. To date, the value of the Chapter’s in-kind donations have totaled more than $4,200. Chapter President Dr. Mack Sowell says chapter members
Atlantic City.
Weldon-Seaboard Alumni Chapter Host Freshmen The Weldon-Seaboard Alumni Chapter of Shaw University participated in the first Roanoke Valley- HBCU Collaboration on August 1st. This inaugural event was a freshman student sendoff for those attending historically black colleges and universities. More than 100 students, parents and alumni were in attendance. Incoming Shaw freshmen Alexis Banks and Marvin Purnell, Jr., participated in the event as did Weldon-Seaboard “Adopt-AStudent” sophomore Amber Phillips.
are very excited about the drive and are planning to continue the effort in 2014.
FALL 2013 | 25
Where Are They
NOW?
Ever wondered what happened to some of your favorite classmates after the tassels were turned and you said your goodbyes? We did too! Here, three graduates tell the Gazette what life has been like since leaving Dear Old Shaw U.
JOHN. W. JOHNSON, JR. CLASS OF 1969
After graduating in 1969, I signed a contract to teach math at Estill High School in South Carolina, but before I started, I was drafted into the Army and served two years (13 months in Vietnam). After the Army, I was hired at Estill High where I taught math, coached baseball and softball, and served as an advisor to the chess club, the photography club and the newspaper staff. During my time as a math teacher, I enrolled at South Carolina State University and received my master’s degree in mathematics in 1985. After 33 years, I retired from Estill in 2000, but I currently work part-time at Limestone College in Gaffney, SC teaching math. I was also awarded two “Teacher of the Year” awards and 12 “Star Teacher” Awards. I have been married to Shirley Brooks Johnson since 1972 and we have three children – sons John III and Reginald and daughter Kimberly. I have four grandchildren – Camille, 11; Amber, 8; Bryce, 7; and Alaina, 4 - and two daughter-in-laws, Centrail and April. I was recently named the chairman of the deacon board at First Estill Baptist Church in Estill, SC and I spend most of my time traveling, taking wedding pictures and just serving the community in any way that I can.
AGNES BAXTER
(Formerly Agnes Boykins)
CLASS OF 1983
After graduation I attended The Ohio State University for graduate school where I studied adapted physical education. In 1984, I returned to Raleigh to live and worked in home healthcare. In May 1985, I married my college sweetheart and classmate Carl Baxter, who just two years prior, stood by my side during graduation. Twenty-eight years later, we are still standing together. After being a stay at home mom for three years, I had the opportunity to come to work at my alma mater in the Residence 26 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
Life department. From the very beginning, I had a passion for helping our students to achieve and to understand their value. Since 1990, I have served in many capacities, including my current position as Director of Judicial Services. I have served on many committees and as a volunteer to a variety of student groups. I grew up with Shaw University and she is ingrained in every fiber of my being. Most of my life changing events have taken place here. Aside from meeting my husband here, two of the proudest moments in my life have happened at Shaw - being inducted into the Shaw University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002 in track and field and watching our daughter Jan’el, who excelled in women’s basketball, graduate magna cum laude in 2010. In addition to Jan’el, Carl and I have one son, Carl II, who also attended Shaw but transferred after his sophomore year. I am active in my church, Tupper Memorial Missionary Baptist Church and in my spare time, I volunteer with World Ministries, which distributes food to those in need. I enjoy reading, walking, Zumba and supporting ALL Bear athletics and many University sponsored activities. My goal in life is to please GOD and to be an encourager to all!
AUTUMN BAILEY-FORD (formerly Autumn Bailey)
CLASS OF 2005
After graduating, I relocated to Atlanta, GA and launched my company, Autumn Bailey Entertainment, whose mission is to produce high quality documentaries, short films, feature films and reality television shows. In March 2008, my company partnered with the Peachtree Village International Film Festival to build relationships throughout the world and the festival attracts more than 4,500 film enthusiasts, actors, producers, film makers and casting directors each year. I previously served as the Committee Chair of the festival as Director of Panels. Currently, my company is producing several film and TV projects and I recently became the Vice President of Acquisitions & Partnership and a partner in iflixtv, LLC, an online film distribution company. I also run “Get Connected,” Atlanta’s leading successful and sought after entertainment industry mixer. In 2013, I started the “Georgia Entertainment Gala” an awards show that gives back not only to the community, but to people who do amazing things in the industry. I’m a happily married, self-proclaimed “Georgia Peach,” who enjoys sharing her down-time with family and friends. A relentless networker, you can almost be sure to catch me at any industry event, sharing stories and laughs with some of the most influential people in the business. I’m married to Rashad Ford and love spending time with our dog Tre and traveling. Children are definitely in the future for us!
S HA RE
YO U R NEWS
SHAW UNIVERSITY
ALUMNI
Do you have news to share with the Shaw community? Please send us information about your promotions, career announcements, marriages, businesses, awards and community service. The Shaw Gazette is always eager to hear about your achievements. Complete the form below and mail it to: Alumni Relations Shaw University 118 E. South Street | Raleigh,NC 27601
Please fill out completely
Announcement News/Promotion Address Change SHAW UNIVERSITY ALUMNI Class of ___________________________________ Major______________________________________________________________
Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________ FIRST
MIDDLE
LAST
MAIDEN
Spouse ____________________________________________________________________________________________ FIRST
MIDDLE
LAST
MAIDEN
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________ STREET
CITY
STATE
ZIP
Email Address ______________________________________________________________________________________ Home (____) _____________________________ Mobile(
)____________________ Business(
)______________
Employer _______________________________________________________ Position___________________________ Please share your news about awards, job changes, promotions, or marriage, birth or death announcements ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ You may also email news to shawgazette@shawu.edu or complete this form online at www.shawu.edu/alumni.
Shaw University Text-To-Give Campaign Text STUDENTS to 50555 to Donate $5.00 to Shaw University
Reply with “Yes” when Prompted You can send a text up to six times per billing cycle
FALL 2013 | 27
Al u mn i SP O TLI GHT
S
haw’s young alumni are making moves around the world and helping to change lives.
JUSTIN MOORE ‘06
Justin Moore, a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Western Michigan University, spent this past summer in Africa. As part of a Kalamazoo, Michigan-based group called Urban Youth for Africa (UYFA), Moore traveled to Sierra Leone with four other adults and eight high school students. Moore serves as a mentor for the organization, helping the students to build leadership characteristics and instilling a globalized perspective.
Justin Moore
Once in Sierra Leone, the group worked with the children in the slums of Kroo Bay, a sub-community within Freetown Sierra Leone. Moore witnessed deplorable conditions, including countless pigs, dogs, and chickens wildly roaming around and defecating everywhere, even in the same streets and stream used by the people. Many of the people he saw did not have food to eat and lived in tin shacks with no doors. The group spent two weeks helping with a tutoring program, feeding children, cleaning up facilities, donating money and repainting a building among other projects. Despite the conditions, Moore said the trip changed him in many ways. “I was immensely inspired by the resiliency of the people of the Bay,” recalled Moore. “In the face of adversity, the people remained joyful and pleasant. The children’s smiles were magnetic; they pulled you in and you couldn’t help but to give them a hug. Our student mentees from UYFA seemed to deeply and genuinely connect with the children in the village. Our journey halfway around the world was worth it, if for nothing else than to watch the students and the children cheerfully interacting.” To read more about Justin’s trip to Sierra Leone, visit: www.wmugradcollege.wordpress.com.
CURTIS OUTLAW ‘09
Curtis Outlaw, currently a public administration student at New York University’s (NYU) Robert F. Wagner Graduate school of Public Service, was accepted into the Educational and Social Reform program located in South Africa last summer. One of NYU’s most prestigious programs, Outlaw spent the summer in an intensive study abroad program that focuses on education and social reforms in post-apartheid South Africa. While in South Africa, he met with prominent researchers and government officials who shared their knowledge and experience living during and after apartheid. In addition, he was interviewed by a local South African newspaper, the Pretorian 28 | THE SHAW GAZETTE
News, where he shared his feelings and thoughts about South Africa and the late South African Leader Nelson Mandela. In addition, Outlaw is working on a book based on his Newport News, Virginia childhood and the similar challenges South African children face. He hopes the proceeds from the sales of the book can go towards funding educational initiatives in South African primary schools.
Curtis Outlaw
TIFFANY MACKEY ‘11
Last summer, Tiffany Mackey, now a graduate of Georgia Southern University’s Master of Public Health program, was awarded the Minority Health and Health Disparities International Training Research Internship. The nine week study abroad program allowed her to receive training in experimental design, interpretation of data and the use of current scientific equipment and analytical methods. Mackey traveled to Rheine, Germany at the Mathias-Hoshcule, where she studied the psychological predictors of women with breast cancer and the effect on their families. Tiffany Mackey
During the summer of 2012, Mackey studied abroad at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. While there she determined epidemiological principles required for assessing emerging diseases and worked with public health professionals by performing PMTCT, HBV, syphilis, HIV/AIDS intervention clinic/ counseling interaction and education modules. In addition, Mackey was selected for the Public Health Associate Program (PHAP), a competitive, two-year, paid Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fellowship. As a public health associate she worked at the Orange County Health Department in Hillsborough, NC, with a first year focus on adolescent health and sexually transmitted infections/diseases and a second year focus on chronic diseases and smoking cessation. Currently, Mackey is enrolled in Nova Southeastern University’s Doctor of Health Science program.
ALUMNA K. FOXX ‘01
Makes Waves On-Air and On TV
SG: How did you get into radio? Many of us still remember your time on K97.5!
Following her graduation in 2001, Shaw alum and radio personality K. Foxx found her niche, and launched an enviable on-air career in the nation’s biggest entertainment markets – New York and Miami. Here, Foxx shares how she got her start and why Shaw U was vital to her success. Shaw Gazette: You’re a city kid from NYC with a background in the performing arts. How did you choose Shaw University?
you. Also connect with your professors an make sure you understand what they want from you. Focus on the work, and you can play later.
KF: Oh thanks! I loved working for WQOK 97.5! I still speak to Brian Dawson till this day! I actually started in radio at WSHA. I started in radio at the Saturday night hip hop show where me and a few other mass comm majors would go and play hip hop records. While I was there a young lady told me about an internship at K97.5 and I applied. After I applied I got an onsite position at WQOK working overnights and I filled in on any day part I could just to get experience.
K. Foxx
K. Foxx: I always wanted to be apart of the HBCU experience and Shaw University was the perfect fit. I liked the fact I could get out of the inner city, and the classes seemed intimate enough so that I wouldn’t feel lost. SG: What kind of student were you during your Shaw days? Were you on the yard or in the library most of the time? KF: I was a very active student. I took advantage of everything I could! I was a part of a dance troupe called Mosaic. I was a part of the Student Government Association, I was Miss Black and Gold, and I was also fortunate enough to be crowned Miss Homecoming. SG: Did you work at WSHA or host any shows for the station? KF: Yes I did. Saturday nights, myself and other people that were mass communication majors did a hip hop show on Saturday nights. It was REALLY FUN! SG: What do you remember most about your time at Shaw? Tell us your favorite memories. KF: I remember hanging out on the yard, meeting new friends and exchanging life experiences. Going to the Bears Den was fun. I could let loose when I was studying really hard, and go to the Bears Den and unwind. I also remember having professors that taught with a sense of passion, and that inspired me.
SG: You’re a successful radio personality, been on-air in the largest radio market in the U.S. and starred in a “must watch” reality show on VH1. How did Shaw contribute to your success? KF: Thank you! If there was no WSHA, I would not be the radio personality I am today. It was because of that local station that I believed that I could actually do radio. SG: What advice would you give to a Shaw student wanting to work in the entertainment field? KF: I would say that you need to own your craft because no one can take that away from you. Also, you need tough skin. There will be people that don’t want to see you succeed but you must not be concerned with that. Keep going no matter what and never give up! I would also advise that you take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you. Timing and being prepared equals Success. SG: You’re back in Miami, doing what you do best! What can we expect next from K. Foxx? KF: The sky is the limit! I am very fortunate to be presented with the opportunity to head up my own radio show in a place like Miami. Being back feels amazing, and with everything that I’ve learned in my career thus far, I can incorporate that into my show now. Look out for me on a silver screen near you, and make sure you catch me on 103.5 The beat in Miami from 6-10 pm! Twitter: Kayfoxx Instagram: Therealkfoxx Facebook: Therealkfoxx Email: Contactkfoxx@gmail.com
SG: What would you tell current students about making the most of their college experience? KF: I would say to take advantage of everything around
FALL 2013 | 29
Like Father, Like Daughter Lessons I Learned from the Original Dean Sowell By Stacey Sowell ‘03
For 39 years, Dr. Mack Sowell ’64 served his alma mater in a variety of administrative positions, including as dean of student life and development. Three years after he retired in 2010, his daughter, Stacey Sowell ’03, would be promoted to associate dean of students at Shaw. Here, Stacey reflects on what it means to be “Dean Sowell.” The year I was born, my dad’s official title was dean of students at Shaw University. He had been working at Shaw for more than ten years by then, in various capacities in career counseling, student life, residence life and acting as an advisor to a number of student clubs and organizations. And as I grew, I ran behind my dad to every Shaw function he would allow me to attend. I can distinctly remember choir concerts in the University chapel well before its renovation, riveting plays performed by The Shaw Players, freshman picnics at Jordan Lake, running up and down the hill beside Dimple Newsome Residence Hall well before it had a name, and all of the Shaw students who I looked up to as a child. For eighteen years, I watched Dean Sowell counsel students, bring them to our home for large dinners, travel with them to games, show them tough love, be a father to those who didn’t have one, and give Shaw University as much of his time and energy he could spare. I watched him closely and studied his fairness, compassion, attention to detail 30 | | THE THE SHAW SHAW GAZETTE GAZETTE 30
and commitment to doing what was right -- not realizing how that was shaping my philosophy on higher education. Many years later, after graduating from Shaw, I decided to follow in my father’s footsteps and entered higher education leadership as a career. I always remembered the lessons he modeled of community service, punctuality, respect for authority and protocol, advocacy for students, compassion for others, and his willingness to come early and stay late. I never thought that ten years into my career, I would hear someone say “Dean Sowell” and that person would be referring to me. Dean is more than a person and more than a professional title. It is a legacy with huge shoes to fill. That legacy dictates a strict set of professional ethics and a sacrifice of personal comfort for the greater good. It calls for me to do what is right and just even at the expense of my personal time. It mandates that I think, act and do with little direction, just because the task at hand needs to be done. The legacy of Dean Sowell means never walking past a piece of trash without disposing of it properly; always having time to listen to a student’s issue; being ready to pray for and with a student at a moment’s notice; and somehow finding time to do the things I love with the people I love. It means having pride in my alma mater and being a cheerful and consistent giver. I could go on and on about the lessons I’ve learned from Dean Sowell. Every professional habit that I have that is good, I learned from him. He’s been my biggest critic, hardest teacher, biggest ally and greatest mentor. I am blessed to carry his name and hope that I can continue his legacy in a way that is befitting of all he has accomplished.
Salute to Our Veterans MAJOR JAMIE BELL ‘94 Jamie Bell, a native of Norfolk, VA, first entered the Army in May of 1991, as an Army Reservist assigned to the 302nd Transportation Company in Hampton, VA. After graduating from Shaw as a commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Air Defense Artillery with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, he continued his military service and would later become an Army Major. While still in the military, Bell decided to enroll in graduate school and in 2005 earned both a MBA and a master’s in public administration from Syracuse University. Following his retirement from the military on July 9, 2013, Bell received numerous awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, a Certificate of Appreciation from President Obama, personal letters from former Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush and Letters of Appreciation from Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. Not quite ready for full retirement, in January, Bell began working as a project manager for Level 3 Communications in Herndon, VA. A single parent of five children - Jaime Jr. (15), Daria (12), Daija (10) and twins Jayson and Justin (8) – Bell looks forward to experiencing this new chapter in his post-military life.
The Shaw University Family proudly salutes Jaime and all of our Shaw Bears who previously and currently serve as members of the United States military. We value your countless acts of bravery and heroism and appreciate your willingness to protect our freedoms at home and abroad. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do!