UMES
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A newsletter for stud ents, faculty, staff, alumni and friends CIRCLING
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February 28, 2014
WORLD
UMES students are White House Initiative “All-Stars” Two University of Maryland Eastern Shore students are among 75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students in the inaugural class of “All-Stars” selected by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Senior Chanel Banks of Silver Spring, Md. and So-Jin Park, a sophomore from Salisbury, were picked for “their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.” Park, a chemistry major and member of the Richard A. Henson Honors Program, said Chanel Banks she sent in an application because she thought it might be a way to pay back the institution that provided her an academic scholarship. Banks, a rehabilitation services major, said “this honor means you can do whatever you want – if you apply yourself. I feel blessed because it took a while for me to start believing in myself.”
The HBCU All-Stars, who represent 62 institutions, were chosen from 445 students who submitted applications that included a transcript, resume, essay and recommendation, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The agency said the All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative by “providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource.” UMES is one of 10 institutions with two honorees; Howard University had three. So-Jin Park “Engaging with the next generation of leaders, who will graduate from HBCUs and go on to make meaningful contributions to society, is crucial to the success of our community, our country and our global competitiveness,” said George Cooper, executive director of the White ALL STARS / continued on page 4
exclusively for students of America’s A quartet of UMES Historically Black Colleges and UMES team advances to Honda undergraduates placed third Universities. homecoming weekend in a Campus All-Star nationals Along with the third-place qualifying tournament for the 2014 trophy, the UMES contingent Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a received the Team Sportsmanship performance that earned them an Award at the Feb. 15 competition invitation to compete in the national hosted by Morgan State in tournament this spring. Baltimore. UMES’ Honda All-Star team “The team played with ‘Hawk anchored by sophomore Mariah Pride’ and represented UMES well,” Dennis, who competed a year ago, White said. senior Jonathon Weary, junior Evan Dr. Anthony Jenkins, vice Bryant and sophomore Jonathan president for student affairs and Wheeler, all first-time competitors, enrollment management, and heads to Los Angeles in April to UMES’ Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team members, from left, are: President Juliette B. Bell, both sent represent the university in the 25th Evan Bryant, Mariah Dennis, Jonathan Wheeler, Jonathon Weary. words of encouragement that White annual event. said inspired the team. “The team competed against some great teams in round-robin play,” “This is wonderful news,” Dr. Bell said when told Monday of the Coach James White said, including “perennial powers like Howard tourney results. “Good luck in your preparations to bring home the prize!” University (a former national champion) and the 2013 champions, Morgan White said he already had a practice schedule drawn up. State University.” The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is a game of quick recall HONDA / continued on page 4
INSIDE
Page 2 Dinner Theatre Choral Festival
Page 3 Oratorical Student Q&A
Page 4 Prayer Breakfast Spelling Bee
Page 5 Alumni Give Back Retool our School
Page 6 Homecoming Game Bowling Fundraiser Pharmacy 5K
Page 7 Facebook Poll Gourmet Dinning Series Golf Tournament
Page 8 Calendar of Events
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The Key / February 28, 2014
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UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
Looking to dine on a gourmet meal Hospitality and Tourism Management while enjoying a lively show? Then be program (formerly Hotel and Restaurant sure to get a ticket, now on sale, to the Management) will present a gourmet University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s buffet complete with hors d’oeuvres, 2014 Dinner Theatre production dinner items and carving stations. A “Motown N Mo,’ Take 3.” dessert buffet “to die for” is presented Players from the university’s drama between acts. society take to the stage for an 8 p.m. Marlon Bouie, a UMES senior from curtain time in the Richard A. Henson Baltimore, will be among the experienced Center following dinner seating hospitality students overseeing things as beginning at 6 p.m. managers working behind the scenes in Written by Dr. Della Dameronthe hot and cold kitchens, the bake shop Johnson, the society’s director, the play and stewarding. is a “continuation of the history of Bouie, who will serve in the top spot Motown through dialogue, song and as production manager, will also be dance.” It follows “Motown N Mo’” and assisting Chef Ralston Whittingham with “Motown N Much Mo’,” original plays the menu selection and food ordering. previously performed by the group. The Students interested in the management audience can expect favorites inspired by the likes of the Supremes, The positions signed up and were voted on by their peers. Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Stevie Wonder. “Of course, we Bouie spent the 2013 semester as an intern with Walt Disney World couldn’t talk about that era without including Tina Marie and Rick James,” she resorts as a food and beverage operations cast member. said. Tickets are $45 for Friday night and $50 for Saturday night. Call 410Before the start of the show, students and faculty in the school’s 651-6230 for tickets or for more information.
UMES Dinner Theatre set for April 4 and 5
HBCU choirs unite for “I, Too, Sing America”
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore plays host to the “I, Too, Sing America” Choral Festival, which takes its name from the poem by the late poet and social activist Langston Hughes. The Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts in Princes Anne fills with the heavenly voices of choristers from Bowie State and Delaware State universities, the University of the District of Columbia and UMES on April 6, at 4 p.m. The choral director for the festival, Dr. Sheila McDonald Harleston, director of choral activities and associate professor at UMES, points to the uniqueness of the event. “It’s not a competition,” Harleston said. “The purpose is to provide a meaningful experience for the audience, as well as, an opportunity for the talented musicians to broaden their musical perspectives. It also serves to perpetuate the significance of the Negro spiritual and other genres of music.” Harleston, who has been involved in the event for the several years,
Alfred Street Baptist Church Symphony Orchestra
said the festival was the brainchild of Dr. William Garcia of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. The first event at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania has inspired similar concerts that bring together other HBCUs. This year’s concert also features a guest performance by the 38member symphony orchestra of the Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va. The ensemble has performed “from the church’s sanctuary to the lawn of the White House.” One of UMES’ own, Jamal Lee, a 2009 music education major, serves as the symphony’s director and has been instrumental in the growth and outreach of the group, Harleston said. “I am not surprised at Jamal’s success. He was an outstanding student—very creative.” The concert is free and open to the public, however, for $25 concertgoers can enjoy a gourmet buffet prepared in the Richard A. Henson Center by the students and faculty of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program (formerly the Hotel and Restaurant Management) program. Call 410-651-6574 for tickets to the dinner or for more information.
April 6, at 4 p.m.
UMES PEOPLE
The Key / February 28, 2014
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Q A Meet Aaron Caldwell, a senior majoring in sociology
Mr. UMES named top HBCU student orator Jeremy W. Whichard returned from the 2014 HBCU Kings’ Leadership Conference and Competition earlier this month with two honors – runner-up in the 10th annual event and winner of its oratorical competition. He bested 15 other entrants in the speech-making competition and came home with a $1,000 prize as runner-up in the Mr. HBCU event at Lincoln University in Missouri. “I had a good feeling going into it, that I would do well,” Whichard said. “When they announced I had won, it was a numbing, but humbling, feeling.” The 16 competitors were given three minutes to give their perspective on “HBCUs (as) the cornerstones for black history and culture” and whether “black men (are) the catalysts at HBCUs.” Whichard, an English major from Upper Marlboro, focused his message on “how black men conduct themselves now versus how they used to. We have potential to be catalysts, but we’re not. I’d describe it as an observation in frustration.” UMES homecoming organizers asked Whichard to deliver his speech to alumni, who gave him a standing ovation during the annual presidential breakfast held in their honor. The recognition for Whichard at a conference of HBCU peerleaders was capped by participants presenting him with a cake and wishing him a happy 22nd birthday. Whichard already knew some competitors he previously met at other conferences, but “I really enjoyed the bond we created that weekend. It solidified the bond. I’d call it a brotherhood.” Whichard said the experience has reinforced his belief he picked the right university and came under the tutelage of the right mentors. He credits former Mr. UMES, Drake Winkey, with showing him the path to being a campus leader. “He took me under his wing when I was a freshman. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Whichard said.
Why did you enroll at UMES? My brother was a student here. I attended Morgan State and was not a fan of being educated in the city. I knew I would be distracted, so I transferred to UMES to focus on academics and graduate on time. What inspired you to apply for this program? I was a rebel with a cause in high school. During my junior year (here), I realized I needed to find a fellowship. I wanted to get into education to pass on the knowledge given to me. Teach For America was the top choice. My cousin was a corps member in New Orleans. She motivated me to join. Who was the first person you told after receiving this great news? I called my high school SGA advisor, who wrote my recommendation letter. It was an amazing feeling to know I received a job post graduation (from college). Based on what you know from the application process, what will you be expected to do? I have to complete three state certified exams. There will be a seven-to-eight week training (session), which partially will be held at Temple University. I will also be interviewing for which (Prince George’s County) school I will assigned. In what ways has UMES prepared you for this opportunity? During my interview, I discussed the challenges of being a resident assistant, Mr. Junior and senior class president. I also feel my recruiter and mentors helped me. They were pushing me to not give up. I’m so thankful to have them in my life. What made you want to teach math for America Corps? Being a first-generation college student, I chose a major to make sure I was enrolled in school and could graduate. Math was not something I picked; it picked me based on my interview. How long is your commitment to the program? Two years. I am excited to figure out how these two years will help me prepare for the real world. Where do you see yourself 10 years? Working in education, either in schools or working for the Department of Education.
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The Key / February 28, 2014
SCHOOL NEWS UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
President’s Prayer Breakfast slated for April 25 UMES’ Interfaith Prayer Breakfast—a long standing spring semester tradition—returns April 25 for its 11th year and a first for President Juliette B. Bell. “As an institution founded 127 years ago by the Methodist Episcopal Church, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore remains committed to maintaining a connection to its neighbors and the faith-based community,” Bell said. “We hope to provide an informative and inspirational program for all denominations.” Dr. Bowyer G. Freeman, senior pastor of New St. Mark Baptist Church in Baltimore, will be the keynote speaker. Bowyer has served almost a decade as a board member of Associated Black Charities and most recently as its chair. The public foundation’s mission is to “facilitate the creation of measurably healthier and wealthier communities throughout the State of Maryland through responsible leadership and philanthropic investment.” Bowyer also has served in leadership roles of the NAACP’s Region seven and its Howard County branch as well as the United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland. He holds master’s degrees in business administration and divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from Howard University. This year’s breakfast takes place in the university’s Student Services Center ballroom at 7:30 a.m. UMES’ gospel and concert choirs will perform inspirational music along with the Phenomenal Women, a praise team from St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Salisbury. Call 410-651-6102 for reservations or more information.
UMES hosts regional spelling bee for local youth Top spellers from elementary and middle schools in Dorchester, Somerset and Wicomico counties converge on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday hoping to earn a trip to Washington, D.C. Among the 54 competitors in the 2nd annual Maryland Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee are 10 students who participated in the inaugural event a year ago. The free event begins at 10 a.m. in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts on the UMES campus. A new wrinkle in the 2014 regional bee will be vocabulary. Competitors can expect an occasional question where they’ll be given a challenging word and asked to pick a definition from two choices. The Scripps National Spelling Bee introduced vocabulary at the 2013 competition to encourage a broader understanding of language and it has urged regional bee sponsors to embrace that philosophy this year. The Maryland Eastern Shore regional bee champion wins an all-expense paid trip underwritten by UMES to compete in the National Bee May 25-31. The finals are broadcast on national TV. A year ago, 281 “spellebrities” from across the United States and several foreign countries participated in the National Bee. Khaled Mohamed, at the time a seventh-grader at Bennett Middle School in Salisbury, represented the Lower Shore. His younger brother, Omar, qualified as one of Bennett Middle’s representatives this year, as did 2013 runner-up Grace Drehmer of Mardela Middle and High School. Lower Shore schools last fall were invited to identify two top spellers for the competition. Thousands of students in grades four-through-eight vied for the honor of being their schools’ representatives. UMES’ designated region includes Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester and Dorchester counties as well as students in the Delmar, Del. school district. The university is among a handful of higher education institutions that sponsor a regional competition. UMES President Juliette Bell has called the university’s role “a natural fit” because the institution has a long history of educator-training. In addition to a week’s stay in Washington for the winner and a chaperone, the Maryland Eastern Shore’s top speller will receive an unabridged dictionary and a keepsake medallion.
ALL STARS/ continued from cover
House Initiative on HBCUs. “These 75 students … have demonstrated a commitment to both their own academic achievement and (are) making a difference in their communities,” Cooper said. “We look forward to working with them as partners in advancing President Obama’s college completion goal.” Over the course of the next year -through social media and their relationships with community-based organizations -- the All-Stars will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential. In addition, the 45 women and 30 men will participate in regional events and web chats with Ivory Toldson, deputy director of the White House Initiative, other Initiative staff and professionals from a range of disciplines. They will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to showcase individual and collective talents across the HBCU community. HONDA / continued from cover
Forty-eight teams advance to the National Championship. Over $300,000 is at stake this year, with the champion HBCU earning a $50,000 grant. The 48-team field was announced Feb. 20 during a live webcast. More than $7 million in grants have been awarded by Honda to participating HBCUs, and nearly 100,000 students in 22 states have participated since the competition began a quarter century ago.
SCHOOL NEWS
The Key / February 28, 2014
UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
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Alumni groups present gifts to UMES at Homecoming Game Omega Psi Phi
Delta Sigma Theta $500
UMES received the second highest number of votes in the 2013 Home Depot “Retool Your School” Contest. The subsequent $10,000 award from Home Depot was used to replace windows and doors and paint the interior of Clusters’ residence halls, as well as, replace ceilings in Kiah and Wilson halls.
Annapolis
This year’s project is very exciting!
Baltimore
UMES’ submitted proposal is to build one large and four small wireless gazebos near the Student Services Center and the William P. Hytche Athletic Center to serve as gathering places for students. Plants and flowers will be added to complete the beautification project! This HBCU contest started Feb. 17. Let’s be the #1 HBCU this year!
Groove Phi Grove
To be #1, we need the following: 1) EVERYONE to vote EVERY DAY at http://www.retoolyourschool.com/vote-now/ 2) Use social media outlets to encourage your friends, classmates, alumni and colleagues to vote. #umesTHDRYS Bookmark this link, http://www.retoolyourschool.com/ *If you experience problems connecting through Internet Explorer, please select another browser. Thank you in advance, UMES FAMILY!
Now, let’s win FIRST PLACE and receive $50,000!
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The Key / February 28, 2014
UMES basketball teams delivered a double-header treat for 4,602 fans during homecoming weekend 2014, including a jaw-dropping come-from-behind victory by the men over Howard University. The university’s sports information office quickly labeled the 87-73 win “a comeback for the ages.” The Hawks were led by senior Troy Snyder, who had a career day with 34 points and five assist, both personal bests. The Hawks were behind by 20 points with 16 minutes to play, making the men’s win the largest deficit overcome by a UMES squad since 2005. The Hawks played the Bison close early in the first half, but found themselves down by 11 at halftime. Howard came out in the second half aggressive, extending the margin to 20 points. A 19-5 UMES run over a seven-minute span catapulted the Hawk faithful into a frenzy and shifted the momentum to the maroon and gray. Snyder's 34 points were the most scored by a Hawk player in six years. He
UMES ATHLETICS UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
UMES sweeps Howard in Homecoming action
finished up with 14 rebounds, one shy of his career high of 15, and tied a career high of five assists. Freshman Hakeem Baxter chipped in 22 points, including 14-for-17 from the free-throw line and senior Louis Bell scored 15 points in 34 minutes. The Hawks’ 87 points were the most in a MEAC contest in two years. UMES used a strong full-court press and good shooting from the floor to mount a methodical comeback before pouncing on the Bison with five minutes left. Two free-throws by Bell evened the score at 67, before the Hawks went on their own surge, scoring 15 unanswered points over a three-minute span to reverse their fortunes and take a 14-point lead, 8167. The Lady Hawks were less dramatic but nonetheless delivered a solid 66-57 win over the Lady Bison in a game where the home team was in control most of the game. Junior Jessica Long led UMES with 19 points, while junior Shawnee Sweeney tallied 16 off the bench.
SCHOOL NEWS
The Key / February 28, 2014
UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
President’s Day Facebook poll On Presidents’ Day earlier this month, the UMES News Facebook page featured a poll asking followers to pick four prominent people who might be featured on a university “Mt. Rushmore” – assuming Princess Anne had a mountain. The options were: (women’s dean) Lida Brown, Dr. William P. Hytche, Dr. Thomas Kiah, Skip McCain, Frank Trigg, Art Shell, professor
Art Shell
Richard Thomas and Dr. John T.
Dr. William P. Hytche
Williams. Hands down, the top votegetter was Hytche, followed by Shell, Kiah and Williams. Among the write-in nominees: Dr. Della DameronJohnson and residential life area Dr. John T. Williams
director,“Dean” John Tilghman.
Dr. Thomas Kiah
Tickets now on sale for the Hospitality and Tourism Management’s
2014 Spring Gourmet Luncheon Series Select Mondays and Wednesdays
June 10 Art Shell UMES Junior Tournament June 11 Art Shell UMES Celebrity Golf Classic For more information or to register, please contact Chenita Reddick at 410-651-8045 or ArtShellGolfClassic@umes.edu.
throughout the spring semester
Served at Noon Richard A. Henson Center, Bailey Thomas Room Advanced tickets required. $12 per person Tickets may be purchased in person Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Henson, Room 2100
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CALENDAR
The Key / February 28, 2014
RHYTHM & HUES
UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
Gourmet Luncheon Series* Noon
Richard A. Henson Center A series of gourmet lunches by the students and faculty of the Hotel & Restaurant Management program will be held on select Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the spring semester. Advanced tickets required. $12 per person 410-651-6563
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Dinner Theatre* 6 p.m. seating/ 8 p.m. curtain Richard A. Henson Center, ballroom UMES Drama Society presents “Motown N Mo’, Take 3”to a gourmet buffet by the Hospitality and Tourism Management students and faculty. $45 Fri.; $50 Sat. Advanced tickets required. Call 410-651-6230 for tickets or more information. Choral Festival 4 p.m. Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts HBCU concert choirs are featured in the “I, Too, Sing America” Choral Festival. Concert is free. Post-concert buffet dinner is $25. 410-651-6571 Opening Reception Art Exhibit 4-6 p.m. Mosely Gallery “UMES Fine-Art Student Show.” Students display their artistic works in various mediums.Show on display through April 24. 410-651-7770
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Jazz Ensemble and Combo Concert 7 p.m. Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts 410-651-6571
Editors Gail Stephens, Assistant Director of Public Relations and Publications Manager Bill Robinson, Director of Public Relations Ashley Collier, Public Relations Assistant
ARTS& ENTERTAINMENT *Unless stipulated, all events listed are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Events are subject to change. For the most updated information, call the numbers listed or visit www.umes.edu/events.
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Health & Wellness Festival 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Student Services Center Ballroom Health screenings and wellness informational displays. 410-651-6356
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Spring Career Fair 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Student Services Center Ballroom Open to UMES students and alumni with ID only. 410-651-6447
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Big Band Bash 5 p.m. Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts UMES, Bowie and Morgan state universities perform. 410-651-6571
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UMES Alumni Jazz Concert 4 p.m. Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts 410-651-6571
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Springfest* 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cappy Anderson Stadium UMES Open House and Carnival. 410-651-6411 (admissions) 410-651-6434 (carnival)
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UMES Honors Band and Choir Concert 4 p.m. Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts 410-651-6571
The KEY is published by the Office of Public Relations in the Division of Institutional Advancement. 410-651-7580 FAX 410-651-7914 www.umes.edu Submissions to The KEY are preferred via email. All copy is subject to editing.
Design by Debi Rus, Rus Design Inc. Printed by The Hawk Copy Center The KEY is delivered through campus mail. Call 410-651-7580 to request additional copies. The Key is written according to the Associated Press stylebook.