March 1, 2019
A newsletter for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends
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UMES Love Story
UMES Homecoming 2019 theme: There is no place like home. This is true for Clayton Nichols, an Ocean City native, and Shaneka Schoolfield Nichols of Berlin. The Stephen Decatur High School graduates have known each other since the sixth grade in Worcester County and their story would continue at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Clayton (’97), a cross country / track star and art education major, says his mother influenced his decision to attend school close to home. Mother does know best. Shaneka (’97) sought to make her own mark, following family members who also attended the university dating back to its Maryland State College days. “He was an athlete … so you know, they can be kind of cocky. I’m also a ‘Type A’ person,” Shaneka said. In explaining how their relationship came to be, Shaneka described herself as outgoing and let it be known among her friends she would be the one to date Clayton. “Every time I turned a corner, she was peeping around a door,” Clayton
said as they laughed together. The couple poke fun at their different recollections about shared experiences, such as “Remember, you told me you had a girlfriend when I first asked you out on a date?,” Shaneka said. “I didn’t have a girlfriend,” Clayton insisted with a chuckle. “I said no because I was pledging” Phi Beta Sigma fraternity (’95). The campus buzzed about Clayton the athlete who often
Happy anniversary Batman, Superman Brad & Spider-man ByHudson
Carmall After graduating with a Washington, bachelor’s degree in studio art from the University of Maryland, sequential arts student I looked for a graduate program in sequential arts but had trouble finding one that fit my budget. Creating this unique program at UMES has enabled me to help students like myself. Most of the handful of institutions that do offer this program charge tuition fourto-five times more than UMES. So, the university can rightfully claim to be a good value for students with these unique skills. The spring 2019 semester will yield the largest graduating class for sequential arts at five students, or about half the projected number of graduates studying fine arts. As the program celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, I dream someday about being able to offer UMES students a Master of Fine Arts in sequential arts.
INSIDE
When I started teaching as an adjunct instructor at UMES in 2000, there were no sequential arts courses, which today nearly two decades later are distinctively unique offerings in the university’s Department of Fine Arts. The department had just launched its applied design degree when I joined the faculty, and I was tasked with developing and teaching most of the courses for the graphic illustration concentration. After implementing those new courses, I sensed among students an interest in comic book drawing and story-telling and saw an opportunity to create something new. So the department experimented with some elective courses in sequential arts to gauge whether UMES should incorporate this option in the curriculum. Once I proved demand existed, I proposed creating another concentration of courses in the field of sequential arts. Since 2009, UMES has been the home to Maryland’s only sequential arts program. The university is also the nation’s lone historically black institution with this program, and the only public institution that affords this opportunity to its students. When I was a student, I loved comic books and cartooning but was discouraged by instructors from pursuing that interest.
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Homecoming generosity IIE Seal of Excellence UMES love story cont.
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Alumna & the anthem Anderson in Md. leadership class
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… No place like Homecoming ’19 photo album
LOVE STORY / continued on page 2
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Worsley named to MEAC HOF Hawks’ Hoops: A family thing
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Work-study abroad in D.R. UMES hosted robotics competition
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Henderson photography exhibit Rhythm & Hues: March and April events
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Circling the Oval
The Key / March 1, 2019
Fundraising at the Nest
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. members Trevor Britt, Eric Moby Brown, Emil Cromwell, and Chuck Flowers pause for a photo with Dr. Heidi Anderson during a check presentation in the Hytche Athletic Center Feb. 16.
Left to Right: Franklin Ausby Jr., Kadeem Turnbull, President Heidi M. Anderson, Anthony Kevin Chase and Bryant Mercer participate in homecoming weekend check presentation on behalf of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc.
Charles D. Gregg (’68) presents a memorial scholarship gift in memory of his aunt and uncle Edith R. and Henry W. Jones to Dr. Anderson. The $10,000 endowment will assist UMES students majoring in education. Athletics Director Keith Davidson applauds the scholarship donation.
UMES awarded IIE Seal of Excellence Dr. Lombuso Khoza recently accepted the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Generation Study Abroad Seal of Excellence award. UMES became an IIE Commitment Partner in 2015, when the university had just one undergraduate studying abroad. By 2017, that number had grown to 25, which garnered UMES the award. UMES has had 59 students participate this academic year in a combination of study abroad, mission-led, and faculty-led tours, Khoza said.
Photo credit: Joey Gardner
LOVE STORY / continued from cover
was referred to good-naturedly as UMES’ “Forrest Gump” for his obsession with running. “He would run on Backbone Road to Salisbury on any given day,” Shaneka said. As an undergraduate, Nichols set the university record for the fastest time (30:34) running a 10-kilometer course in the 1994 MEAC conference championship for cross country. He was inducted in the UMES Hall of Fame in 2014 when he was still second overall in the MEAC conference record book. Reflecting on their college days, Shaneka defines “Hawk Pride” as meaning “family.” “Some of the people I met my first week at UMES are lifelong friends,” she said. “These are people who will be in my life for a long time – including my husband.” The Nichols’ family would begin on campus; one of their six children (3 boys and 3 girls) was born during their junior year. Shaneka and Clayton tied the knot in 1997. “Clayton and I have been on this crazy road for about 24 years,” Shaneka estimated. “It hasn’t always been easy, but there is no other person I would want to travel this path with than him.” Mrs. Nichols is a commercial insurance agent and Mr. Nichols owns a local construction company and is also employed by Skydive OC.
UMES People
The Key / March 1, 2019
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“Oh, say” Can She Sing the National Anthem. Basketball fans who were in their Hytche Athletic Center seats early to take in the 2019 homecoming games Feb. 16 against Coppin State were treated to a rare, live performance of the national anthem. Chanda Brown-Wilson, UMES class of 2010, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” a cappella, creating an instant buzz among fellow alums and adding to her growing resumé of public performances of the tricky song. A year ago, Brown-Wilson answered an open audition call by the Washington Nationals baseball team, which gives polished local singers a chance to perform the pre-game tradition. She impressed the judges and earned the chance to appear on the field at an early season game April 9, a performance that boosted her confidence to pursue singing professionally. With support and guidance from friend Kris Hicks, who posted a recording of the 2018 baseball game performance on social media, Brown-Wilson has since done encores at other public events, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s inauguration and the National Park Service’s 2018 Juneteenth celebration on Theodore Roosevelt Island. “Those were all pretty exciting opportunities,” Brown-Wilson said. How does being invited to sing for a UMES homecoming rank? “Pretty high. I’m excited,” she said before rehearsal. “I’ve always been someone who enjoyed singing along at sporting events,” especially at UMES volleyball matches when she was an undergraduate majoring in math. Brown-Wilson, who lives in Clinton, delivered a flawless rendition at homecoming, drawing a robust round of applause from an appreciative audience. Singing has been a part of her life since her youth; she attended Suitland (Md.) High School because it had a performing arts magnet program with voice training and continued singing while a UMES student under the tutelage of Dr. Sheila Harleston. “She was very nurturing, and concerned for each student,” Brown-Wilson said of Harleston. “She took the time to explain the content of the music, which I really appreciate.” Brown-Wilson, who has worked in business development and is a praise-worship leader at her church, Metropolitan Baptist in Largo, describes her national anthem singing style as a mix of gospel and inspirational. The goal is to deliver it in about two minutes … “give or take.” “It’s not as easy as it may sound,” she said. “I want to be known for producing quality work.” UMES alumni at Homecoming 2019 would say she delivered. Photo credit: Joey Gardner
Anderson Chosen for 2019 Leadership Maryland class UMES President Heidi M. Anderson is among 52 people who have been chosen to participate in Leadership Maryland’s 2019 professional development program. Beginning in April, Anderson and other leaders across the state will begin an “eight-month handson learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues.” Participants will attend a two-day retreat and in the ensuing months “attend five two-day sessions traversing the state focusing on Maryland’s economic development, education, health and
human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity. Those sessions, according to Leadership Maryland, will be followed by a one-day closing retreat in November and a graduation celebration in December. More than 100 experts representing business, government, education, and the nonprofit community will serve as panelists and guest speakers. Leadership Maryland is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in their careers or communities. The program, which launched in 1993, is “dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders.” Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about the state’s most critical issues as well as a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities and the state of Maryland.
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Homecoming 2019
The Key / March 1, 2019
(L-R) Allen Singleton, Vernetta Brittingham Williams, Starletta DuPois, President Heidi M. Anderson and First Gentleman Leon Roberts
The Key / March 1, 2019
There Is No Place Like Home
University employees greet an alum from Atlanta. Left to right: Anshay Tull, Chanel Carter, and Lakeisa Brown
Photo credit: Tahja Cropper and Joey Gardner
Miss UMES Carmia Smith and Marcus Burrell, Mr. UMES, acknowledge the crowd during a break in the basketball action during homecoming weekend.
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HH3 takes a potential “WeeHawk” under his wing for a keepsake moment recorded by the little guy’s dad.
Andrew Bates (’69) with junior Finance major, Khali Duffy. Bates was behind an at-random gift of $131, which was collected at the basketball game. Duffy, of Baltimore, says he is “thankful” for the donation and he plans to use the funds to pay the fee to join the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).
2019 UMES alumni honorees and their family members during the Friday night awards banquet. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorors didn’t let the threat of rain dampen their fun at the Tawes Tailgate outing on homecoming Saturday. Left to right, Front row: Carol A Wright (‘69), Golden Soror Edith Aydlett-Whitmore (’69), and Wanda Molock (’76) Back row: Nyla Green (junior), Jade Prince (junior), and Diamond Watson (senior)
UMES’ Men of Kappa Alpha Psi were among those who performed during Saturday evening’s Step Show at the Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts. Back Row (Left to Right): Georgio Lamptey, Darius Davis, Emanuel Cadet. Front Row (Left to Right): Omari Carter, Malik Harris, Jonathan Mitchell Cambridge’s Maple Elementary School sent its band to play shotgun alongside the Thunderin’ Hawks during homecoming and wowed the crowd with their musicianship. Left to Right: Principal Jerome Stover (UMES ’05), Pratham Oza, Alexander Boda, Christian ThomasMcNamara, and Collin Bair
Norman Tilghman, seated, was joined by his sister Evelyn and his brother John, both current UMES employees, at the Friday night awards banquet.
A highlight at UMES homecomings is the return of cheerleader alumni, including these 1990s teammates (L-R) Ann Lynn Cobb (‘97), Starr Thomas (‘96) and Adrienne Betts Moore (’99).
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The Key / March 1, 2019
Athletics
MEAC names Worsley Hall of Fame worthy UMES alumna Jessica Worsley Bond is about to add another accolade to her stellar bowling career as a collegian when she becomes a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. Bond’s induction March 14 during MEAC basketball tournament week makes her UMES’ first bowler to be so honored. Her coach Sharon Brummell was named to the MEAC hall in 2013. Bond led the Hawks to their first national championship appearance in 2007 — and first title in 2008. A year ago, she was elected to the UMES Athletic Hall of Fame. “Being inducted into the Hawks Hall of Fame was such an honor in itself with all of the great athletes that the university has produced, I cannot express the pride I feel with now being inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame,” Bond said. “The MEAC was always one of the top conferences in the country for women’s bowling, so I am truly overjoyed and beyond grateful to become the first bowler to be inducted hall of fame.” The 2008 title was the first NCAA Division 1 championship for the Hawks in any sport and first for any historically black institution. She led the team to MEAC Championships in 2006, 2007 & 2008. Bond was named 2008 MEAC Woman of the Year and UMES’ Female Athlete of the Year in 2007 and 2008. She earned All-American honors in 2007 and 2008, was selected to the NCAA All-Tournament Team in 2007 and 2008 and named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Performer in 2008. Here’s what her former teammates had to say: “Jessica is one of the main reasons the UMES Bowling Program has been so successful,” said Kristina (Frahm) Sczerbinski, former Hawks bowler (2007-11) and coach (2011-13). “It’s an honor that she very much deserves.” “Jessica is a true Hawk, and so very deserving of this recognition because she fought and gave her all every day for our team, and was a huge part of the reason why we shocked the world in 2008.” teammate Martha Perez (2007-11) said “She was such a great role model when I got to school. We only shared a year, but it was one of the coolest,” said former Hawk (200711) and current professional bowler Maria Rodriguez. The MEAC Hall of Fame class has enshrined 148 since its inception in May 1981.
Taylor siblings bond over basketball By Ted Shockley
How many Eastern Shore siblings get to play the same sport at the same college at the same time? That’s what Isaac and Angelique Taylor of Wachapreague, Va., are doing at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. After missing last season with an injury, the 6-foot, 8-inch Isaac Taylor is commanding attention during his redshirt junior season with the Hawk men’s basketball team, averaging nearly seven points and three rebounds a game. His sister, 5-foot, 10-inch Angelique Taylor, is a sophomore who has battled injuries this year but has started one game and played in 11 for the Hawk women’s hoop squad, including an eight-point, nine-rebound performance earlier this season against Regent. They get a chance to watch the other’s games, even sending texts to the other to critique performances. “After the game, I’ll check my phone and I’ll see four or five messages stacked up from her,” Isaac Taylor said. The younger two children of Walter and Tina Taylor of Wachapreague, they credit their parents for keeping an emphasis on schoolwork and athletics. They also have two older brothers, Josh and Chris Taylor. “They told us, if you do something, don’t do it halfway,” said Angelique Taylor of her parents. She graduated from Nandua High, while he attended Nandua until his senior season, when he transferred to Montrose Christian School in Maryland for its higher-profile basketball program. This article is published with permission of Ted Shockley, editor of Eastern Shore First newspaper based in Belle Haven, Va.
School News
The Key / March 1, 2019
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By Rashmi Sharma
Work-study abroad in the Dominican Republic
UMES students Rashmi Sharma and Danielle Wojeski
The service learning trip I took in January to the Dominican Republic was a great way to begin 2019. I am so glad the Richard A. Henson Honors Program provided me this wonderful opportunity, which enabled me to experience a new culture – and learn about environmental conservation. It also allowed me to enjoy some adventurous moments with my peers and interact – despite the language barrier – with the affectionate Spanish speakers The service I performed alongside fellow UMES students at the environmental institution we visited was the most important aspect of the trip. It made me realize the difference I am making in the environmental community. Through small but significant projects involving a lot of digging in the dirt, I was able to share the environmental concerns with my peers and with the (local) students at the institution. From these projects, I not only began to value environmentalism, but I also began to appreciate my lifestyle in America. I discovered that what we take for granted back home is a luxury in Dominican Republic. Clean drinking water is one such luxury because as we were testing the quality of water from a river in Dominican Republic, we found some level of contamination. We quickly understood that is why we were constantly being told not to drink or brush our teeth (with water) from the tap and that the safest option for us was using bottled water. My experience in Dominican Republic overall turned out to be very memorable one and makes me want to return to that warm Caribbean nation to perform more service – and learn more Spanish.
UMES hosts prep robotics tournament
(L-R) Joel Tomlinson, UMES; Jeffrey (Wyatt) Donoway, Parkside High School; Bryan SebaRaj, James M. Bennett High School; Corey Phillips, Mardela Middle & High School; Goutham Korada, Bennett High; Dr. Kate Brown, UMES; and Shelby Brewington, electrical / electronics engineering technology major.
UMES was the host site Feb. 2 for a regional VEX Robotics Competition that attracted 17 teams from across Maryland. Dr. Kate Brown, Dean of the School of Business and Technology, and Dr. Nicole Hollywood, a management professor, partnered with NASA Wallops Island, the REC Foundation, the Wicomico County Robotics Club and Mader Systems Consulting to stage the tournament. UMES faculty and students, including members of the National Society of Black Engineers, Wicomico County Robots and Somerset County 4-H provided volunteer support at the inaugural event. Teams of students designed, built and programmed robots to compete in
a game-based engineering challenge. Towson’s Loyola Blakefield prep school was tournament champion; AC Robotics won the skills and excellence award; Parkside High in Salisbury was the design award recipient while Loyola Blakefield also took home the judges award and sportsmanship award. “The goal of competitive robotics,” Hollywood said, “is to create engaging opportunities to immerse young people in science, technology, engineering and math through the excitement of building and programming robots.”
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MAIL MOVERS
University Relations 30665 Student Services Center Lane Princess Anne, MD 21853
MARCH
Women’s History Month*
29 & 30 31
“Celebration of Women: A Series of One-Act Plays” 7:30 p.m. 2 p.m.
Black Box Theater Wilson Hall 2nd floor $5 general admission / Free for students w/ ID Tickets must be purchased in advance. UMEStickets.com
Graphic by Janay McIntosh
APRIL
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Springfest
11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Student Services Center Courtyard UMES Open House and Carnival. Prices for food determined by visiting vendors. 410-651-6411 (Admissions) 410-651-6434 (Carnival)
Community Players of Salisbury*
2 p.m., Ella Fitzgerald Center for Performing Arts The community theater company presents “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” a one-act play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects. All tickets are $10. Written by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron Based on the book by Ilene Beckerman Call 410-546-0099
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UMES Concert Choir Performance
4 p.m., Ella Fitzgerald Center for Performing Arts UMES Concert Choir presents “Motown to Madrigals,” a program spanning the ages with a special tribute to Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. 410-651-6572
The Key / March 1, 2019
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