Summer 2017
Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber
Phenomenal Women of VSU
Virginia State University
From the President
Alumni Magazine
Greetings Alumni & Friends:
A magazine for Alumni and Friends Summer 2017 Volume 15, Issue 1
This Issue Features
Board of Visitors Rector Harry Black, ‘85
Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber
Vice Rector Huron Winstead, ‘89
This issue of our Alumni Magazine features our fall commencement, which was the first commencement ceremony held in the Multipurpose Center; phenomenal women of Virginia State University and alumna Deshauna Barber, Miss USA 2016. It is my hope that this edition ignites your Trojan pride in our accomplishments and plans for the upcoming year, and inspires you to partner with us in embracing our opportunities for excellence.
Makola M. Abdullah Ph.D.
As President of Virginia State University, I am excited about the direction we are going. I am proud to be the President of a family who represents the best historically black university in the world. During the course of my presidency, we have witnessed great achievements. Some of those achievements included the Southern Association for College and Schools Commission of Colleges removing the University’s warning status; our freshman enrollment increased by more than 30 percent; the opening of our Multipurpose Center; the creation and opening of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), which provides our scholars with the resources to succeed academically; and the 2016 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Championship. As we move Virginia State University forward, please know that I stand committed in ensuring we provide a transformative experience for students, embrace our role as Virginia’s Opportunity University, maximize our fundraising opportunities and strengthen our community outreach. I ask that each of you remember that as Trojans, we should remain diligent in our quest for excellence in all our actions. By doing so, Virginia State University will emerge as an even more vibrant institution of higher learning for America’s best and brightest scholars for generations to come. Thank you as we continue toward excellence, and please enjoy this exciting issue of our alumni magazine. With Trojan Pride,
6
Secretary Thursa Crittenden
Grants
Members Pamela Currey Daryl C. Dance, ‘57 Robert Denton Michael Flemming Charlie Hill, ‘66 Alma Hobbs Frederick Humphries, Jr. Jennifer Hunter Paul Koonce Xavier Richardson Glenn Sessoms, ‘76 James Stegmaier Wayne Turnage
4
President
11
12 The New Executive Team
10
Faculty Representative Dr. James Norman
Phenomenal Women
8
Student Representative Shai West ‘17
University Administration President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. VP of Institutional Advancement Reshunda Mahone
Departments
Editor/PR & Marketing Specialist Latryce Noel ’97, ‘16
Contributing Writers
Alumni
Cassandra Artis-Williams, ’13, ’15; Morgan Gibson, ’17; Charles Hamlett, ‘17; Maurice Jones; Pamela Turner
Athletics
20
14
Contributing Photographers David Carter; Lorenzo Cheatham, ’16; Brandon Green; Vashaun Newman, ’17; Deon Tillman, ‘15
Contributing Designer
Campus History
Shawn Gray, ‘17
Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D.
Instagrad
Fall Commencement
Virginia State University Alumni Magazine is published twice annually. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please send them to: Editor, Virginia State University Alumni Magazine P.O. Box 9027, Virginia State University, VA 23806. Visit us on the web at www.vsu.edu. Copyright © 2017 by Virginia State University
30 WWW.VSU.EDU
3
SUMMER 2017
Institutional Advancement
22
Virginia State University
From the President
Alumni Magazine
Greetings Alumni & Friends:
A magazine for Alumni and Friends Summer 2017 Volume 15, Issue 1
This Issue Features
Board of Visitors Rector Harry Black, ‘85
Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber
Vice Rector Huron Winstead, ‘89
This issue of our Alumni Magazine features our fall commencement, which was the first commencement ceremony held in the Multipurpose Center; phenomenal women of Virginia State University and alumna Deshauna Barber, Miss USA 2016. It is my hope that this edition ignites your Trojan pride in our accomplishments and plans for the upcoming year, and inspires you to partner with us in embracing our opportunities for excellence.
Makola M. Abdullah Ph.D.
As President of Virginia State University, I am excited about the direction we are going. I am proud to be the President of a family who represents the best historically black university in the world. During the course of my presidency, we have witnessed great achievements. Some of those achievements included the Southern Association for College and Schools Commission of Colleges removing the University’s warning status; our freshman enrollment increased by more than 30 percent; the opening of our Multipurpose Center; the creation and opening of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), which provides our scholars with the resources to succeed academically; and the 2016 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Championship. As we move Virginia State University forward, please know that I stand committed in ensuring we provide a transformative experience for students, embrace our role as Virginia’s Opportunity University, maximize our fundraising opportunities and strengthen our community outreach. I ask that each of you remember that as Trojans, we should remain diligent in our quest for excellence in all our actions. By doing so, Virginia State University will emerge as an even more vibrant institution of higher learning for America’s best and brightest scholars for generations to come. Thank you as we continue toward excellence, and please enjoy this exciting issue of our alumni magazine. With Trojan Pride,
6
Secretary Thursa Crittenden
Grants
Members Pamela Currey Daryl C. Dance, ‘57 Robert Denton Michael Flemming Charlie Hill, ‘66 Alma Hobbs Frederick Humphries, Jr. Jennifer Hunter Paul Koonce Xavier Richardson Glenn Sessoms, ‘76 James Stegmaier Wayne Turnage
4
President
11
12 The New Executive Team
10
Faculty Representative Dr. James Norman
Phenomenal Women
8
Student Representative Shai West ‘17
University Administration President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. VP of Institutional Advancement Reshunda Mahone
Departments
Editor/PR & Marketing Specialist Latryce Noel ’97, ‘16
Contributing Writers
Alumni
Cassandra Artis-Williams, ’13, ’15; Morgan Gibson, ’17; Charles Hamlett, ‘17; Maurice Jones; Pamela Turner
Athletics
20
14
Contributing Photographers David Carter; Lorenzo Cheatham, ’16; Brandon Green; Vashaun Newman, ’17; Deon Tillman, ‘15
Contributing Designer
Campus History
Shawn Gray, ‘17
Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D.
Instagrad
Fall Commencement
Virginia State University Alumni Magazine is published twice annually. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please send them to: Editor, Virginia State University Alumni Magazine P.O. Box 9027, Virginia State University, VA 23806. Visit us on the web at www.vsu.edu. Copyright © 2017 by Virginia State University
30 WWW.VSU.EDU
3
SUMMER 2017
Institutional Advancement
22
VSU Granted More Than $6 Million for Various Projects
VSU Business Students Win Prestigious Statewide Awards
Fall 2016 was a semester replete with grants from various agencies and organizations: Thanks to $1.2 million in support from the U.S. Department of Education, Virginia State University can assist 1,000 adults in applying for post-secondary education. The Educational Opportunity Center grant also aims to improve financial and economic literacy of its participants, who must live in select cities and counties of Central Virginia. The National Science Foundation awarded VSU a $3 million grant titled “Algebra Project Mathematics Content and Pedagogy Initiative.” This initiative partners with school districts in Petersburg, Va., Richmond. Va., New Orleans and Philadelphia to increase the number of underrepresented minority students entering college with the necessary skills to pursue a STEM major and career. The university was selected by New York-based Wallace Foundation to receive $2.41 million to improve collegiate training of high school principals. The four-year initiative aims to develop training models, and examine state policy for opportunities to encourage higher-quality training statewide.
Left to right (front row): Dr. Emmanuel Omojokun, dean; Justin Camp; Kamaya Reid; Louis Dabney, advisor; Dr. Aurelia Donald, advisor; Brandon Green (back row) Regan Taylor, Terrill Shephard, Elette Ocloo
Six Virginia State University students from the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business competed in the Virginia Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference and Competition in Richmond, Va.
SHARE YOUR NEWS
STAY CONNECTED
We’d love to hear about and share your news and accomplishments! Accomplishments could be promotions, awards, recognitions or alumni chapter events and milestones.
Stay connected with VSU through our channels listed below.
@
Web: www.vsu.edu
Email: alumni@vsu.edu Facebook: VirginiaStateUniversity Phone: (804) 524-5045 Twitter: @vsutrojans Mail:
Alumni News Institutional Advancement P.O. Box 9027 Virginia State University, VA 23806
Instagram: officialvsutrojans
YouTube: VSUOfficialChannel
WWW.VSU.EDU
4
SUMMER 2017
The VSU team brought home several first and second-place awards, qualifying the members to advance to the National Leadership Conference and Competition in Anaheim, Calif. in June. The individual and duo awards won were:
First Place: Second Place:
•
Business Sustainability – Elette Ocloo and Kamaya Reid
•
Emerging Business Issues – Elette Ocloo and Kamaya Reid
•
Strategic Analysis and Decision Making – Justin Camp and Regan Taylor
•
Public Speaking – Justin Camp
•
Website Design – Brandon Green
•
Business Ethics – Regan Taylor and Terrill Shephard
•
Business Plan Presentation – Terrill Shephard and Brandon Green
The team competed against students from the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, James Madison University and Longwood University. Coached and advised by Dr. Aurelia Donald and Professor Louis Dabney, the team consisted of the following members: Justin Camp of Petersburg, Va.; Regan Taylor and Brandon Green of Richmond, Va.; and Terrill Shephard, Kamya Reid and Elette Ocloo of New York. Phi Beta Lambda, the collegiate chapter of Future Business Leaders of America, is the largest business student organization in the world. Phi Beta Lambda’s mission is “To bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.”
WWW.VSU.EDU
5
SUMMER 2017
VSU Granted More Than $6 Million for Various Projects
VSU Business Students Win Prestigious Statewide Awards
Fall 2016 was a semester replete with grants from various agencies and organizations: Thanks to $1.2 million in support from the U.S. Department of Education, Virginia State University can assist 1,000 adults in applying for post-secondary education. The Educational Opportunity Center grant also aims to improve financial and economic literacy of its participants, who must live in select cities and counties of Central Virginia. The National Science Foundation awarded VSU a $3 million grant titled “Algebra Project Mathematics Content and Pedagogy Initiative.” This initiative partners with school districts in Petersburg, Va., Richmond. Va., New Orleans and Philadelphia to increase the number of underrepresented minority students entering college with the necessary skills to pursue a STEM major and career. The university was selected by New York-based Wallace Foundation to receive $2.41 million to improve collegiate training of high school principals. The four-year initiative aims to develop training models, and examine state policy for opportunities to encourage higher-quality training statewide.
Left to right (front row): Dr. Emmanuel Omojokun, dean; Justin Camp; Kamaya Reid; Louis Dabney, advisor; Dr. Aurelia Donald, advisor; Brandon Green (back row) Regan Taylor, Terrill Shephard, Elette Ocloo
Six Virginia State University students from the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business competed in the Virginia Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference and Competition in Richmond, Va.
SHARE YOUR NEWS
STAY CONNECTED
We’d love to hear about and share your news and accomplishments! Accomplishments could be promotions, awards, recognitions or alumni chapter events and milestones.
Stay connected with VSU through our channels listed below.
@
Web: www.vsu.edu
Email: alumni@vsu.edu Facebook: VirginiaStateUniversity Phone: (804) 524-5045 Twitter: @vsutrojans Mail:
Alumni News Institutional Advancement P.O. Box 9027 Virginia State University, VA 23806
Instagram: officialvsutrojans
YouTube: VSUOfficialChannel
WWW.VSU.EDU
4
SUMMER 2017
The VSU team brought home several first and second-place awards, qualifying the members to advance to the National Leadership Conference and Competition in Anaheim, Calif. in June. The individual and duo awards won were:
First Place: Second Place:
•
Business Sustainability – Elette Ocloo and Kamaya Reid
•
Emerging Business Issues – Elette Ocloo and Kamaya Reid
•
Strategic Analysis and Decision Making – Justin Camp and Regan Taylor
•
Public Speaking – Justin Camp
•
Website Design – Brandon Green
•
Business Ethics – Regan Taylor and Terrill Shephard
•
Business Plan Presentation – Terrill Shephard and Brandon Green
The team competed against students from the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, James Madison University and Longwood University. Coached and advised by Dr. Aurelia Donald and Professor Louis Dabney, the team consisted of the following members: Justin Camp of Petersburg, Va.; Regan Taylor and Brandon Green of Richmond, Va.; and Terrill Shephard, Kamya Reid and Elette Ocloo of New York. Phi Beta Lambda, the collegiate chapter of Future Business Leaders of America, is the largest business student organization in the world. Phi Beta Lambda’s mission is “To bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.”
WWW.VSU.EDU
5
SUMMER 2017
Phenomenal Miss USA 2016 D
uring the start of Homecoming weekend, VSU welcomed a loyal daughter who epitomizes grace and beauty in the United States: Deshauna Barber, Miss USA 2016. Barber was a member of the Trojan Warrior Battalion, and was commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer. After graduating in 2011, she became an IT analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce and a logistics commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit of the United States Army in Fort Meade, Maryland. Among many passions, Barber is an advocate for PTSD care for service members and loves hiking. In June 2016, Deshauna Barber was crowned the ninth African-American Miss USA in the pageant’s 64-year history. After a whirlwind of interviews and appearances, Barber was all too happy to come home and reconnect with sorors, friends and classmates. Her first moments back on campus were spent with the alumni magazine staff to share insight on her journey and moral responsibility as a newly minted public figure.
Her message about self-esteem.
Her favorite part of Homecoming while she was in school.
Barber revealed that when she was first crowned Miss USA, she received a lot of racist backlash. Sadly, she was called the “n” word, tar, ape, and was told she wasn’t a good representation of the country because of the color of her skin. She says that there will always be racism, and there are always going to be people that tear you down for absolutely no reason. She believes it’s best to focus on inner beauty and dreams, and to never feel inadequate because of the way you look or where you come from. She wants young women to stay inspired and not to allow the opinions of others to affect their self-esteem.
The food vendors! She liked being able to eat all the different foods, as she is a self-described foodie. She enjoys seeing old friends while visiting different hospitality rooms hosted by fraternities, sororities and other organizations. She’s also very fond of the pep rallies, and was excited to get to Daniel Gym to participate as she hasn’t been to homecoming in two or three years. A mentor who made her college experience memorable. Her Soror and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. advisor, Patrice Randall. Barber shared that Randall was an awesome advisor who kept the VSU chapter together with a relaxed style that allowed them to create their own experience.
Her favorite place to eat at Virginia State University. Hands-down, Ettrick Deli. Her favorite is the chicken bacon ranch sandwich, and she really likes the fries.
How she plans to inspire young girls looking to be the next Miss USA.
Her favorite on-campus memory.
Barber is all about exuding possibilities. She believes that being one of only two Miss USA winners hailing from an HBCU will show young girls that they are capable of anything if they continue to chase and believe in their dreams.
Her involvement in various student organizations. Aside from being a lady of Sigma Gamma Rho, she was also a member of the Virginia State University Gospel Chorale and Diversified Virtue Entertainment (DVE). Barber says that being involved on campus is important for relationship building and enhancing the overall undergraduate experience.
Why she decided to audition for the Miss USA pageant after starting her career. By random chance, someone found Barber and told her she was beautiful and could easily be the next Miss Universe. At first, she didn’t believe them but she decided to enter her first pageant at age 19, and competed in pageants every year until she won in 2016. Barber cites seven years of losing pageants as the reason why she tells people to never give up on their dreams.
WWW.VSU.EDU
6
SUMMER 2017
Why she chose Virginia State University. Primarily because it was just far enough, but also close enough to home. She also revealed that she had a less than stellar high school GPA, and VSU was one of the few universities that accepted her. More importantly, she was determined to attend an HBCU and her final choices were between Virginia State University and Norfolk State University.
WWW.VSU.EDU
7
SUMMER 2017
Phenomenal Miss USA 2016 D
uring the start of Homecoming weekend, VSU welcomed a loyal daughter who epitomizes grace and beauty in the United States: Deshauna Barber, Miss USA 2016. Barber was a member of the Trojan Warrior Battalion, and was commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer. After graduating in 2011, she became an IT analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce and a logistics commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit of the United States Army in Fort Meade, Maryland. Among many passions, Barber is an advocate for PTSD care for service members and loves hiking. In June 2016, Deshauna Barber was crowned the ninth African-American Miss USA in the pageant’s 64-year history. After a whirlwind of interviews and appearances, Barber was all too happy to come home and reconnect with sorors, friends and classmates. Her first moments back on campus were spent with the alumni magazine staff to share insight on her journey and moral responsibility as a newly minted public figure.
Her message about self-esteem.
Her favorite part of Homecoming while she was in school.
Barber revealed that when she was first crowned Miss USA, she received a lot of racist backlash. Sadly, she was called the “n” word, tar, ape, and was told she wasn’t a good representation of the country because of the color of her skin. She says that there will always be racism, and there are always going to be people that tear you down for absolutely no reason. She believes it’s best to focus on inner beauty and dreams, and to never feel inadequate because of the way you look or where you come from. She wants young women to stay inspired and not to allow the opinions of others to affect their self-esteem.
The food vendors! She liked being able to eat all the different foods, as she is a self-described foodie. She enjoys seeing old friends while visiting different hospitality rooms hosted by fraternities, sororities and other organizations. She’s also very fond of the pep rallies, and was excited to get to Daniel Gym to participate as she hasn’t been to homecoming in two or three years. A mentor who made her college experience memorable. Her Soror and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. advisor, Patrice Randall. Barber shared that Randall was an awesome advisor who kept the VSU chapter together with a relaxed style that allowed them to create their own experience.
Her favorite place to eat at Virginia State University. Hands-down, Ettrick Deli. Her favorite is the chicken bacon ranch sandwich, and she really likes the fries.
How she plans to inspire young girls looking to be the next Miss USA.
Her favorite on-campus memory.
Barber is all about exuding possibilities. She believes that being one of only two Miss USA winners hailing from an HBCU will show young girls that they are capable of anything if they continue to chase and believe in their dreams.
Her involvement in various student organizations. Aside from being a lady of Sigma Gamma Rho, she was also a member of the Virginia State University Gospel Chorale and Diversified Virtue Entertainment (DVE). Barber says that being involved on campus is important for relationship building and enhancing the overall undergraduate experience.
Why she decided to audition for the Miss USA pageant after starting her career. By random chance, someone found Barber and told her she was beautiful and could easily be the next Miss Universe. At first, she didn’t believe them but she decided to enter her first pageant at age 19, and competed in pageants every year until she won in 2016. Barber cites seven years of losing pageants as the reason why she tells people to never give up on their dreams.
WWW.VSU.EDU
6
SUMMER 2017
Why she chose Virginia State University. Primarily because it was just far enough, but also close enough to home. She also revealed that she had a less than stellar high school GPA, and VSU was one of the few universities that accepted her. More importantly, she was determined to attend an HBCU and her final choices were between Virginia State University and Norfolk State University.
WWW.VSU.EDU
7
SUMMER 2017
Phenomenal Women of VSU G
raceful, modest, driven, indomitable—awesome. Words cannot fully characterize the countless women of Troy who have persevered through life’s challenges and still made an indelible impact in their community and careers. There aren’t enough pages to tell the thousands of stories of these phenomenal women, however, this is our inaugural effort. We hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed learning about this issue’s nominees.
Naomi Long Madgett, ’45:
Ret. Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater, ’68:
Madgett’s career as a published poet spans more than 70 years. She is the author of ten poetry books, a collegiate textbook, and editor of two anthologies, including the groundbreaking Adam of Ifé: Black Women in Praise of Black Men. Her poems appeared in numerous journals and more than 190 anthologies-- both domestically and abroad. Her work Octavia and Other Poems was made required reading in all Detroit public high schools. A Poet’s Voice, a documentary film based on this award-winning book, premiered in 1997.
Bridgewater won numerous commendations for her contributions to international affairs and public policy, including two U.S. Presidential Meritorious Service Awards; the Charles Cobb Award for Trade Promotion; the Department of State Superior Honor Award and the Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award. She also received the highest national honors bestowed upon non-citizens from the Republic of Benin and the Republic of Ghana.
The Honorable Denise Nappier, ’73: Nappier is a woman of many firsts: she is the first woman elected as State Treasurer in Connecticut; the first AfricanAmerican woman elected State Treasurer in the United States; and the first African-American woman elected to any statewide office in Connecticut. She was once named by Treasury and Risk Management magazine as one of the nation’s “100 Most Influential People in Finance.” She also expanded the Connecticut Higher Education Trust program and lowered its fees, helping thousands of families save more money for their children’s college educations.
Pauline Boxley, ’47: Boxley, a Caroline County, Va. educator of 49 years,
loved working with students and their parents. Her community work is extensive-- supporting senior citizens at the Caroline County Community Center and St. John Baptist Church through the Rappahock Area Agency on Aging; as well as working with parents to help their children improve their reading skills. Boxley is currently a member of the VSUAA, Carolina County Chapter after joining in the 1950s, and an Adah on the Star in the Eastern Star Organization.
Irene F. Logan, ’75: A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Irene
Joan Jefferson Brown, ’65:
A retired assistant superintendent of schools in Prince George’s County, Md., Brown was recognized by the Senate of Maryland, the Governor of Maryland and the Maryland General Assembly for outstanding service to the children of Prince George’s County. She established the Thomas S. & Joan Jefferson Brown Endowed Scholarship Fund at VSU and currently serves on the board of VSUAA, Prince George’s County Chapter. She is a member of the Virginia State University 1882 Society, a Life member of VSUAA and Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
was the first female to complete the four-year Reserve Officer Training Corps at Virginia State University. She served and excelled in every position she held until her retirement in 1996. In December 2009, she was inducted in the Virginia State University Military Hall of Fame. Logan served as the director of Admissions at Virginia State University until 2016, and was instrumental in the growth of the university. She is a life member of the VSUAA Military Chapter and currently serves as the treasurer.
Ret. Brigadier General Sheila Baxter, ’77:
Baxter was the first female Virginia State College basketball player to score 1,000 points over the course of her career, and the first woman and second AfricanAmerican to earn the rank of Brigadier General in the Medical Service Corps. She is also a recipient of the U.S. Army’s Distinguished Service Award.
Christine Darden, ’67: Darden was a research assistant at Virginia State College, studying aerosol physics and earning her master’s degree in 1967. She was one of several African-American women employed at Langley known as the “West Area Computers.” The collective soon garnered a reputation as “human computers” essential to NASA’s operation. Before the group was disbanded, Darden moved up the ranks to become “one of NASA’s preeminent experts on supersonic flight and sonic booms,” as well as the first African-American woman at Langley to be promoted into senior executive service. She is the author of more than 50 publications in the field of aeronautical design, and is the recipient of numerous awards. Darden is featured in Hidden Figures, a nonfiction book by Margo Lee Shetterly, however she is not portrayed onscreen in the movie. WWW.VSU.EDU
Minnie Louise Martin Davis, ’79: Davis persevered as a single mother of five while completing her degree at Virginia State College. A community activist and champion for the mentally ill, she is now a cancer survivor/fighter, and was the recipient of the 2013 President’s Lifetime Service Award and countless more from other organizations. Davis served on the National Pan Hellenic Council for more than eight years, and was president of the Beta Xi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
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SUMMER 2017
Rovenia “Dr. Ro” Brock, ’81: “Dr. Ro” has been a leading nutrition coach for over two decades and was named one of the nation’s top five nutritionists by More Magazine and Shop Smart (The quick & easy guide from Consumer Reports). Dr. Ro has served as the resident nutritionist and blogger for iVillage.com; the leading health source for women and families online; and joins former First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey on the 2010 and 2011 Ebony Power 100 Lists of the Most Influential African Americans in the U.S. She served on the Medical Advisory Board for the Dr. Oz Show, and serves as the Nutrition Coach-- helping over a half-million Americans lose more than five million pounds. She recently joined the Advisory Board at Family Circle Magazine. As the go-to nutrition coach to people and celebrities nationwide, Dr. Ro has been featured in O Magazine, Quick & Simple, Self, Self Ebony, Essence, Family Circle, The Dallas Morning News, Memphis Commercial Appeal and numerous national publications. As an award-winning nutritionist she has received many awards, including the 2017 Howard University Sesquicentennial Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievment; the Women in Medicine Award from The National Medical Association; and others from the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, as well as the Howard University Most Distinguished Ph.D. Alumnae award in 1998 and 2002. Kimberley Martin, ’90: Martin actively and tirelessly serves the community through
the KLM Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization she founded in 2002. Understanding the challenges many students face while paying for textbooks, Martin has provided more than $100k in book scholarships to students enrolled in Virginia colleges and universities. Martin has been recognized for her dedication to public service and education, and received: the Governor’s Public Service Award; the Urban League of Greater Richmond’s Community Service Award; the Allen & Allen Law firm’s Hometown Hero Award; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Phi chapter’s Citizen Service Award, and named Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Rho Omega chapter’s 2016 Mid-Atlantic Citizen of the Year.
Veda Stanley, ’90: Stanley is a 20-plus year Governance, Risk and Compliance veteran with a strong history in community involvement. She is very active in the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), serving in various executive leadership positions to provide networking opportunities for students and develop strategic partnerships, to name a few; she is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., serving the organization in various leadership capacities to improve processes.
“….Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care. ’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.”
~ Maya Angelou “Phenomenal Woman” from And Still I Rise. Copyright © 1978
Lolita Slater, ’98: Slater is a New Jersey social worker and community advocate. She served on several boards and committees; including the Equity and Women’s, Negotiations and Election Committee for her Local Union CWA 1080; and Young Enterprising Sisters, an entrepreneurial program for girls ages 1217 that educates, empowers and energizes the next generation of business owners/ entrepreneurs. She is the executive director for Someone’s Daughter Inc., a community based non-profit organization to educate, empower and encourage young girls, and provided leadership support to the NAACP, The Black Doll Affair Movement, AAU Basketball, Habitat for Humanity, NJ Cares, National Council of Negro Women and “Dress for Success” Programs. Jada Brooks, ’02, ’04: Brooks is a new member of the Virginia State University 1882 Society and president of the VSU Human Ecology Alumni Association. Dr. Brooks has completed several studies and published research on issues centered on family relationships, academic persistence, and health and wellness in the African-American community.
Shemicia Bowen, ’97:
Bowen climbed the ladder in the telecommunications industry with support from the Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals, an organization where she served as president for two years. Through her roles in various leadership positions, Bowen has pushed the organization to engage politicians in candidate forums while leading voter registration drives. Bowen remains committed to empowering younger people to get involved in their communities. Through the Queendom Project, she works with young women on navigating careers and life in the ways she wished had been available to her. She was named “Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40” in 2014.
WWW.VSU.EDU
9
Asia Hicks, ’11:
Hicks received a pregraduation offer in management at Duke University Hospital with Aramark Food Service. She quickly began working on her dream of becoming an entrepreneur, and is now in her third year of business as owner of the R&B Seafood Box in Durham, N.C.
SUMMER 2017
Phenomenal Women of VSU G
raceful, modest, driven, indomitable—awesome. Words cannot fully characterize the countless women of Troy who have persevered through life’s challenges and still made an indelible impact in their community and careers. There aren’t enough pages to tell the thousands of stories of these phenomenal women, however, this is our inaugural effort. We hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed learning about this issue’s nominees.
Naomi Long Madgett, ’45:
Ret. Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater, ’68:
Madgett’s career as a published poet spans more than 70 years. She is the author of ten poetry books, a collegiate textbook, and editor of two anthologies, including the groundbreaking Adam of Ifé: Black Women in Praise of Black Men. Her poems appeared in numerous journals and more than 190 anthologies-- both domestically and abroad. Her work Octavia and Other Poems was made required reading in all Detroit public high schools. A Poet’s Voice, a documentary film based on this award-winning book, premiered in 1997.
Bridgewater won numerous commendations for her contributions to international affairs and public policy, including two U.S. Presidential Meritorious Service Awards; the Charles Cobb Award for Trade Promotion; the Department of State Superior Honor Award and the Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award. She also received the highest national honors bestowed upon non-citizens from the Republic of Benin and the Republic of Ghana.
The Honorable Denise Nappier, ’73: Nappier is a woman of many firsts: she is the first woman elected as State Treasurer in Connecticut; the first AfricanAmerican woman elected State Treasurer in the United States; and the first African-American woman elected to any statewide office in Connecticut. She was once named by Treasury and Risk Management magazine as one of the nation’s “100 Most Influential People in Finance.” She also expanded the Connecticut Higher Education Trust program and lowered its fees, helping thousands of families save more money for their children’s college educations.
Pauline Boxley, ’47: Boxley, a Caroline County, Va. educator of 49 years,
loved working with students and their parents. Her community work is extensive-- supporting senior citizens at the Caroline County Community Center and St. John Baptist Church through the Rappahock Area Agency on Aging; as well as working with parents to help their children improve their reading skills. Boxley is currently a member of the VSUAA, Carolina County Chapter after joining in the 1950s, and an Adah on the Star in the Eastern Star Organization.
Irene F. Logan, ’75: A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Irene
Joan Jefferson Brown, ’65:
A retired assistant superintendent of schools in Prince George’s County, Md., Brown was recognized by the Senate of Maryland, the Governor of Maryland and the Maryland General Assembly for outstanding service to the children of Prince George’s County. She established the Thomas S. & Joan Jefferson Brown Endowed Scholarship Fund at VSU and currently serves on the board of VSUAA, Prince George’s County Chapter. She is a member of the Virginia State University 1882 Society, a Life member of VSUAA and Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
was the first female to complete the four-year Reserve Officer Training Corps at Virginia State University. She served and excelled in every position she held until her retirement in 1996. In December 2009, she was inducted in the Virginia State University Military Hall of Fame. Logan served as the director of Admissions at Virginia State University until 2016, and was instrumental in the growth of the university. She is a life member of the VSUAA Military Chapter and currently serves as the treasurer.
Ret. Brigadier General Sheila Baxter, ’77:
Baxter was the first female Virginia State College basketball player to score 1,000 points over the course of her career, and the first woman and second AfricanAmerican to earn the rank of Brigadier General in the Medical Service Corps. She is also a recipient of the U.S. Army’s Distinguished Service Award.
Christine Darden, ’67: Darden was a research assistant at Virginia State College, studying aerosol physics and earning her master’s degree in 1967. She was one of several African-American women employed at Langley known as the “West Area Computers.” The collective soon garnered a reputation as “human computers” essential to NASA’s operation. Before the group was disbanded, Darden moved up the ranks to become “one of NASA’s preeminent experts on supersonic flight and sonic booms,” as well as the first African-American woman at Langley to be promoted into senior executive service. She is the author of more than 50 publications in the field of aeronautical design, and is the recipient of numerous awards. Darden is featured in Hidden Figures, a nonfiction book by Margo Lee Shetterly, however she is not portrayed onscreen in the movie. WWW.VSU.EDU
Minnie Louise Martin Davis, ’79: Davis persevered as a single mother of five while completing her degree at Virginia State College. A community activist and champion for the mentally ill, she is now a cancer survivor/fighter, and was the recipient of the 2013 President’s Lifetime Service Award and countless more from other organizations. Davis served on the National Pan Hellenic Council for more than eight years, and was president of the Beta Xi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
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SUMMER 2017
Rovenia “Dr. Ro” Brock, ’81: “Dr. Ro” has been a leading nutrition coach for over two decades and was named one of the nation’s top five nutritionists by More Magazine and Shop Smart (The quick & easy guide from Consumer Reports). Dr. Ro has served as the resident nutritionist and blogger for iVillage.com; the leading health source for women and families online; and joins former First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey on the 2010 and 2011 Ebony Power 100 Lists of the Most Influential African Americans in the U.S. She served on the Medical Advisory Board for the Dr. Oz Show, and serves as the Nutrition Coach-- helping over a half-million Americans lose more than five million pounds. She recently joined the Advisory Board at Family Circle Magazine. As the go-to nutrition coach to people and celebrities nationwide, Dr. Ro has been featured in O Magazine, Quick & Simple, Self, Self Ebony, Essence, Family Circle, The Dallas Morning News, Memphis Commercial Appeal and numerous national publications. As an award-winning nutritionist she has received many awards, including the 2017 Howard University Sesquicentennial Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievment; the Women in Medicine Award from The National Medical Association; and others from the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, as well as the Howard University Most Distinguished Ph.D. Alumnae award in 1998 and 2002. Kimberley Martin, ’90: Martin actively and tirelessly serves the community through
the KLM Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization she founded in 2002. Understanding the challenges many students face while paying for textbooks, Martin has provided more than $100k in book scholarships to students enrolled in Virginia colleges and universities. Martin has been recognized for her dedication to public service and education, and received: the Governor’s Public Service Award; the Urban League of Greater Richmond’s Community Service Award; the Allen & Allen Law firm’s Hometown Hero Award; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Phi chapter’s Citizen Service Award, and named Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Rho Omega chapter’s 2016 Mid-Atlantic Citizen of the Year.
Veda Stanley, ’90: Stanley is a 20-plus year Governance, Risk and Compliance veteran with a strong history in community involvement. She is very active in the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), serving in various executive leadership positions to provide networking opportunities for students and develop strategic partnerships, to name a few; she is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., serving the organization in various leadership capacities to improve processes.
“….Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care. ’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.”
~ Maya Angelou “Phenomenal Woman” from And Still I Rise. Copyright © 1978
Lolita Slater, ’98: Slater is a New Jersey social worker and community advocate. She served on several boards and committees; including the Equity and Women’s, Negotiations and Election Committee for her Local Union CWA 1080; and Young Enterprising Sisters, an entrepreneurial program for girls ages 1217 that educates, empowers and energizes the next generation of business owners/ entrepreneurs. She is the executive director for Someone’s Daughter Inc., a community based non-profit organization to educate, empower and encourage young girls, and provided leadership support to the NAACP, The Black Doll Affair Movement, AAU Basketball, Habitat for Humanity, NJ Cares, National Council of Negro Women and “Dress for Success” Programs. Jada Brooks, ’02, ’04: Brooks is a new member of the Virginia State University 1882 Society and president of the VSU Human Ecology Alumni Association. Dr. Brooks has completed several studies and published research on issues centered on family relationships, academic persistence, and health and wellness in the African-American community.
Shemicia Bowen, ’97:
Bowen climbed the ladder in the telecommunications industry with support from the Urban League of Greater Richmond Young Professionals, an organization where she served as president for two years. Through her roles in various leadership positions, Bowen has pushed the organization to engage politicians in candidate forums while leading voter registration drives. Bowen remains committed to empowering younger people to get involved in their communities. Through the Queendom Project, she works with young women on navigating careers and life in the ways she wished had been available to her. She was named “Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40” in 2014.
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Asia Hicks, ’11:
Hicks received a pregraduation offer in management at Duke University Hospital with Aramark Food Service. She quickly began working on her dream of becoming an entrepreneur, and is now in her third year of business as owner of the R&B Seafood Box in Durham, N.C.
SUMMER 2017
Introducing the Executive Leadership Team
Left to right: Hubert Harris, Vice President for Administration; Letizia Gambrell-Boone Ed.D., Vice President for Student Success and Engagement; Annie Redd, Ed.D., Special Assistant to the President and Board of Visitors Liaison; G. Dale Wesson, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Economic Development and Professor of Engineering; Reshunda Mahone, Vice President for Institutional Advancement; Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D, President; Pamela Turner, Director of Communications; Rodney Hall, Executive Director of Enrollment Management; Donald E. Palm III, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Kevin Davenport, Vice President for Finance. (not pictured) Osubi Craig, Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives and Director of Government Relations
WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
Introducing the Executive Leadership Team
Left to right: Hubert Harris, Vice President for Administration; Letizia Gambrell-Boone Ed.D., Vice President for Student Success and Engagement; Annie Redd, Ed.D., Special Assistant to the President and Board of Visitors Liaison; G. Dale Wesson, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Economic Development and Professor of Engineering; Reshunda Mahone, Vice President for Institutional Advancement; Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D, President; Pamela Turner, Director of Communications; Rodney Hall, Executive Director of Enrollment Management; Donald E. Palm III, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Kevin Davenport, Vice President for Finance. (not pictured) Osubi Craig, Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives and Director of Government Relations
WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
Game Time at Fall 2016 Commencement Virginia State University’s fall 2016 commencement proved memorable for two distinct reasons—the venue and its commencement speaker. To the delight of more than 300 graduates, their families and the VSU community, the ceremony was held for the first time at the Multipurpose Center. The near-capacity venue framed an environment where the palpable excitement for the occasion was elevated by the electric delivery of keynote speaker Roland S. Martin. Launching into his address with what he deemed an appropriate opening, Martin invited graduating senior John Morris onstage to deliver a solo that would make “Jesus walk through that door.” Morris then sang an a cappella version of “When I See Jesus Amen” that brought the audience to its feet.
WWW.VSU.EDU
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Martin’s address challenged the graduating class by stating “everybody has the potential to be great-the question is, will you do what is necessary to be great?” Stressing that it is now “game time” for VSU’s newest alumni, he underscored the importance of “excelling to the point to be a representative of the best the university has to offer.” To do that, Martin continued, one must be willing to go the extra mile by “staying late, showing up early, getting an advanced degree” and working harder and smarter. “Now it’s time for you to get to work,” Martin concluded. “Game time—it’s on!” Roland Martin is host and managing editor of TVOne’s NewsOne Now. He is considered the nation’s top black pundit, and is a senior analyst for the Tom Joyner Morning Show, where the daily segment is broadcast on more than 100 stations to 8 million people.
WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
Game Time at Fall 2016 Commencement Virginia State University’s fall 2016 commencement proved memorable for two distinct reasons—the venue and its commencement speaker. To the delight of more than 300 graduates, their families and the VSU community, the ceremony was held for the first time at the Multipurpose Center. The near-capacity venue framed an environment where the palpable excitement for the occasion was elevated by the electric delivery of keynote speaker Roland S. Martin. Launching into his address with what he deemed an appropriate opening, Martin invited graduating senior John Morris onstage to deliver a solo that would make “Jesus walk through that door.” Morris then sang an a cappella version of “When I See Jesus Amen” that brought the audience to its feet.
WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
Martin’s address challenged the graduating class by stating “everybody has the potential to be great-the question is, will you do what is necessary to be great?” Stressing that it is now “game time” for VSU’s newest alumni, he underscored the importance of “excelling to the point to be a representative of the best the university has to offer.” To do that, Martin continued, one must be willing to go the extra mile by “staying late, showing up early, getting an advanced degree” and working harder and smarter. “Now it’s time for you to get to work,” Martin concluded. “Game time—it’s on!” Roland Martin is host and managing editor of TVOne’s NewsOne Now. He is considered the nation’s top black pundit, and is a senior analyst for the Tom Joyner Morning Show, where the daily segment is broadcast on more than 100 stations to 8 million people.
WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
Athletics Recap Morgan Gibson, Mass Communications ‘17
T
he Virginia State University athletics department achieved many notable accomplishments during the fall and winter athletic seasons. Those sports include football, volleyball, cross county and basketball.
• Head football coach Reggie
team finished second in the CIAA conference and the women’s finished eighth overall. The teams are currently preparing for the outdoor cross-country season.
Barlow’s inaugural season wrapped up with an overall team record of 9-2, 5-2 in the CIAA conference. Additionally, Barlow was named the 2016 CIAA “Newcomer Coach of the Year.” Defensive lineman Bryant Frasier collected an impressive amount of awards including, “HBCU Defensive Player of the Year,” “Richmond Touchdown Club Defensive Lineman of the Year,” the “Willie Lanier Award,” and the “CIAA Defensive Player of the Year.”
• The volleyball team ended their
• The Trojan basketball teams
season with a 19-10 overall record, earning them a number two ranking in the CIAA Northern Division. The team advanced to the championship round of the CIAA tournament after taking down the Rams of WinstonSalem State University. The victory was monumental as this was the first year the Trojans hosted the CIAA Volleyball Championships. All of the matches were played in the new Multipurpose Center.
• The cross-country team is now
under the leadership of head coach Wilbert Johnson. The men’s
also had a productive athletic season. The men’s basketball team-- wrapping up a third straight season with more than 20 victories under Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr.—advanced to the semifinals of the 2017 CIAA Tournament. The women’s team collected a 22-8 overall record, 11-6 in the conference. They advanced to the championship round of the CIAA Tournament where they fell short to Johnson C. Smith. A key studentathlete on the men’s side was newcomer Richard Grandberry, who dominated the court for the Trojans leading with the most points, rebounds and assists. Senior Nandi Taylor was consistent field goal leader for the women, while newcomer Taylor Daniels was under the basket taking charge of VSU’s rebounds. Head football coach Reggie Barlow
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SUMMER 2017
Athletics Recap Morgan Gibson, Mass Communications ‘17
T
he Virginia State University athletics department achieved many notable accomplishments during the fall and winter athletic seasons. Those sports include football, volleyball, cross county and basketball.
• Head football coach Reggie
team finished second in the CIAA conference and the women’s finished eighth overall. The teams are currently preparing for the outdoor cross-country season.
Barlow’s inaugural season wrapped up with an overall team record of 9-2, 5-2 in the CIAA conference. Additionally, Barlow was named the 2016 CIAA “Newcomer Coach of the Year.” Defensive lineman Bryant Frasier collected an impressive amount of awards including, “HBCU Defensive Player of the Year,” “Richmond Touchdown Club Defensive Lineman of the Year,” the “Willie Lanier Award,” and the “CIAA Defensive Player of the Year.”
• The volleyball team ended their
• The Trojan basketball teams
season with a 19-10 overall record, earning them a number two ranking in the CIAA Northern Division. The team advanced to the championship round of the CIAA tournament after taking down the Rams of WinstonSalem State University. The victory was monumental as this was the first year the Trojans hosted the CIAA Volleyball Championships. All of the matches were played in the new Multipurpose Center.
• The cross-country team is now
under the leadership of head coach Wilbert Johnson. The men’s
also had a productive athletic season. The men’s basketball team-- wrapping up a third straight season with more than 20 victories under Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr.—advanced to the semifinals of the 2017 CIAA Tournament. The women’s team collected a 22-8 overall record, 11-6 in the conference. They advanced to the championship round of the CIAA Tournament where they fell short to Johnson C. Smith. A key studentathlete on the men’s side was newcomer Richard Grandberry, who dominated the court for the Trojans leading with the most points, rebounds and assists. Senior Nandi Taylor was consistent field goal leader for the women, while newcomer Taylor Daniels was under the basket taking charge of VSU’s rebounds. Head football coach Reggie Barlow
WWW.VSU.EDU
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Quick Six
With: Head Football Coach
Reggie Barlow
by Charles Hamlett, Mass Communications ‘17
2017 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Date
Opponent
Location
Time
September 2
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA
6:00 p.m.
September 9
Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte, NC
4:00 p.m.
September 23
Winston Salem State University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
September 30
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NC
6:00 p.m.
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC
TBA
October 14
Bowie State University (Homecoming)
Ettrick, VA
2:00 p.m.
October 21
Lincoln University
Lincoln, PA
TBA
October 28
Chowan University
Murfreesboro, NC
TBA
November 4
Virginia Union University
Ettrick, VA
2:00 p.m.
November 11
CIAA Football Championships
TBA
TBA
November 18
NCAA Play-Offs
TBA
TBA
October 7
A fun fact: I’m from Alabama and a true southern dude! I like fishing, that’s [my real passion]. Whenever I have free time, that’s usually what I try to do.
Why he chose to coach at Virginia State University This is a great university! Whenever you’re looking at a job or position, you look at the leadership and I thought with Dr. Abdullah, with his approach and his leadership and he is a very engaging guy, he has the school headed in the right direction. Athletic Director Peggy Davis has been here many years and has had a lot of success. Coaches and student athletes have had success under her. I just thought that it was a good fit and a good opportunity for me, my family and of course we have enjoyed it.
Motivation to transition from NFL player to college coach I enjoyed being a football player and playing in the NFL, but I realized that as my career was winding down, I wanted to be a coach. It was another way to give back. My goal initially wasn’t to be a college coach, but to be on the high school level. I really enjoyed it and got an opportunity to coach at Alabama State as an assistant coach and it kind of went on from there.
Factors that attributed to the undefeated home record Well, we made it [a priority]. Approaching the season, you obviously want to win your home division and want to have a chance to play for a championship. I think our guys realized how important it was to defend their home turf. This is a time when your fans are going to see you and putting on a good performance is good, so it was just a mindset that we created that nobody comes here in Rodgers Stadium and beat us. What he learned about the team this season This is a team with great character-- notice I say character and not characters. This is a good group of guys that had great mental maturity, and as I continued to coach them, I realized it was a mature group of guys that really loved the game of football. When it was time to work, they worked hard and they know how to overcome adversity. Virginia State University’s Homecoming versus Alabama State University’s Homecoming That’s a hard comparison! I was really impressed because I have heard about [VSU’s Homecoming] and the fans and how many people attend, and I think it’s awesome that they make it a big deal and people come back for it. It was really a great atmosphere for me and my family to see it and experience it. Homecoming at Alabama State for me is different because typically we play Tuskegee University on that game. The years that we’ve played Tuskegee, we have about 24,000 folks at the game, but when we didn’t play Tuskegee we didn’t draw a big crowd. The atmosphere [there] was still good, but the intimacy of VSU’s Homecoming, with the tailgating and everything made it really special. So I really enjoyed it.
HOME GAMES IN BOLD
2017 VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Date
Opponent
Location
Time
September 1 & 2
Opening Weekend Invitational
Ettrick, VA
Noon
September 8 & 9
Shepherd Volleyball Tournament
Ettrick, VA
Varied
September 16 & 17
Round Up #1 - Bowie State University
Bowie, MD
Varied
September 25
VSU vs Virginia Union University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
September 30
Round Up #2 - Virginia State Univ.
Ettrick, VA
Noon
October 1
Round Up #2 - Virginia State Univ.
Ettrick, VA
11:00 a.m.
October 5
VSU @ Chowan University
Murfreesboro, NC
6:00 p.m.
October 9
VSU vs Lincoln University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
October 12
VSU vs Bowie State University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
October 16
VSU at Virginia Union University
Richmond, VA
6:00 p.m.
October 22
VSU at Elizabeth City State
Elizabeth City, NC
2:00 p.m.
October 30
VSU at Lincoln University
Lincoln, PA
6:00 p.m.
November 6
VSU vs Chowan University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
November 9
VSU vs Elizabeth City State
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN BOLD November 17-19, 2017 CIAA Volleyball Championship Tournament Ettrick, VA WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
Quick Six
With: Head Football Coach
Reggie Barlow
by Charles Hamlett, Mass Communications ‘17
2017 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Date
Opponent
Location
Time
September 2
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA
6:00 p.m.
September 9
Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte, NC
4:00 p.m.
September 23
Winston Salem State University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
September 30
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NC
6:00 p.m.
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC
TBA
October 14
Bowie State University (Homecoming)
Ettrick, VA
2:00 p.m.
October 21
Lincoln University
Lincoln, PA
TBA
October 28
Chowan University
Murfreesboro, NC
TBA
November 4
Virginia Union University
Ettrick, VA
2:00 p.m.
November 11
CIAA Football Championships
TBA
TBA
November 18
NCAA Play-Offs
TBA
TBA
October 7
A fun fact: I’m from Alabama and a true southern dude! I like fishing, that’s [my real passion]. Whenever I have free time, that’s usually what I try to do.
Why he chose to coach at Virginia State University This is a great university! Whenever you’re looking at a job or position, you look at the leadership and I thought with Dr. Abdullah, with his approach and his leadership and he is a very engaging guy, he has the school headed in the right direction. Athletic Director Peggy Davis has been here many years and has had a lot of success. Coaches and student athletes have had success under her. I just thought that it was a good fit and a good opportunity for me, my family and of course we have enjoyed it.
Motivation to transition from NFL player to college coach I enjoyed being a football player and playing in the NFL, but I realized that as my career was winding down, I wanted to be a coach. It was another way to give back. My goal initially wasn’t to be a college coach, but to be on the high school level. I really enjoyed it and got an opportunity to coach at Alabama State as an assistant coach and it kind of went on from there.
Factors that attributed to the undefeated home record Well, we made it [a priority]. Approaching the season, you obviously want to win your home division and want to have a chance to play for a championship. I think our guys realized how important it was to defend their home turf. This is a time when your fans are going to see you and putting on a good performance is good, so it was just a mindset that we created that nobody comes here in Rodgers Stadium and beat us. What he learned about the team this season This is a team with great character-- notice I say character and not characters. This is a good group of guys that had great mental maturity, and as I continued to coach them, I realized it was a mature group of guys that really loved the game of football. When it was time to work, they worked hard and they know how to overcome adversity. Virginia State University’s Homecoming versus Alabama State University’s Homecoming That’s a hard comparison! I was really impressed because I have heard about [VSU’s Homecoming] and the fans and how many people attend, and I think it’s awesome that they make it a big deal and people come back for it. It was really a great atmosphere for me and my family to see it and experience it. Homecoming at Alabama State for me is different because typically we play Tuskegee University on that game. The years that we’ve played Tuskegee, we have about 24,000 folks at the game, but when we didn’t play Tuskegee we didn’t draw a big crowd. The atmosphere [there] was still good, but the intimacy of VSU’s Homecoming, with the tailgating and everything made it really special. So I really enjoyed it.
HOME GAMES IN BOLD
2017 VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Date
Opponent
Location
Time
September 1 & 2
Opening Weekend Invitational
Ettrick, VA
Noon
September 8 & 9
Shepherd Volleyball Tournament
Ettrick, VA
Varied
September 16 & 17
Round Up #1 - Bowie State University
Bowie, MD
Varied
September 25
VSU vs Virginia Union University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
September 30
Round Up #2 - Virginia State Univ.
Ettrick, VA
Noon
October 1
Round Up #2 - Virginia State Univ.
Ettrick, VA
11:00 a.m.
October 5
VSU @ Chowan University
Murfreesboro, NC
6:00 p.m.
October 9
VSU vs Lincoln University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
October 12
VSU vs Bowie State University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
October 16
VSU at Virginia Union University
Richmond, VA
6:00 p.m.
October 22
VSU at Elizabeth City State
Elizabeth City, NC
2:00 p.m.
October 30
VSU at Lincoln University
Lincoln, PA
6:00 p.m.
November 6
VSU vs Chowan University
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
November 9
VSU vs Elizabeth City State
Ettrick, VA
6:00 p.m.
HOME GAMES IN BOLD November 17-19, 2017 CIAA Volleyball Championship Tournament Ettrick, VA WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
2016-2017 VSU Athletic Awards Banquet The VSU Department of Athletics held its annual athletics awards banquet on April 24 to recognize outstanding performances of the 2016-17 school year.
Tamisha Richardson Highest Individual GPA (Women’s Tennis)
This year the coaching staff presented three awards from the following categories: Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player, Offensive Player, Coaches Choice Award, Newcomer of the Year and Most Improved. Other awards that were presented were Community Service, Team Highest Cumulative GPA, StudentAthlete Highest Cumulative GPA, Orange Team (Cumulative GPA 3.5 – 3.70), Blue Team (Cumulative GPA 3.71 – 4.0), and Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year.
J’Nae Gray Female Student Athlete of the Year
Alumni Fundraising FOVSU: The Friends of VSU’s mission is to raise money for Virginia
State University Athletics, the Trojan Explosion Marching Band, and the Hospitality Management department through events and member gifts. Launched in 2015 by Veasey Wilson ’76 and Derwin Cox ’78, the group has raised more than $115k toward scholarships and recruitment efforts. To learn how to invest in the Friends of VSU’s efforts, please visit www.fovsu.org.
Jordan Cleaves Memorial Scholarship: This past fall, Virginia State University alumnus and New Jersey Assemblyman, Benjie Wimberly ’89, hosted a fundraising dinner for the Jordan Cleaves Memorial Scholarship. Jordan Cleaves was a scholar athlete from Paterson Catholic High School in Paterson, New Jersey who attended Virginia State University. He performed as a stellar running back during his freshman year, but his life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2006. Wimberly was Cleaves’ coach at Paterson and mentored him along with All-Pro Chicago Bears wide receiver Victor Cruz. Cruz, along with several former and current NFL players, appeared at the dinner in support of the effort for his fallen friend. With an overall goal of $100,000, the fund benefits students from Paterson who are interested in attending VSU. Wimberly recently presented the university $21,000-- an initial installment toward the Jordan Cleaves Scholarship, with the amount in honor of Cleaves’ high school jersey number.
David Markins Male Student Athlete of the Year Woo Woo (Baseball)
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SUMMER 2017
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SUMMER 2017
2016-2017 VSU Athletic Awards Banquet The VSU Department of Athletics held its annual athletics awards banquet on April 24 to recognize outstanding performances of the 2016-17 school year.
Tamisha Richardson Highest Individual GPA (Women’s Tennis)
This year the coaching staff presented three awards from the following categories: Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player, Offensive Player, Coaches Choice Award, Newcomer of the Year and Most Improved. Other awards that were presented were Community Service, Team Highest Cumulative GPA, StudentAthlete Highest Cumulative GPA, Orange Team (Cumulative GPA 3.5 – 3.70), Blue Team (Cumulative GPA 3.71 – 4.0), and Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year.
J’Nae Gray Female Student Athlete of the Year
Alumni Fundraising FOVSU: The Friends of VSU’s mission is to raise money for Virginia
State University Athletics, the Trojan Explosion Marching Band, and the Hospitality Management department through events and member gifts. Launched in 2015 by Veasey Wilson ’76 and Derwin Cox ’78, the group has raised more than $115k toward scholarships and recruitment efforts. To learn how to invest in the Friends of VSU’s efforts, please visit www.fovsu.org.
Jordan Cleaves Memorial Scholarship: This past fall, Virginia State University alumnus and New Jersey Assemblyman, Benjie Wimberly ’89, hosted a fundraising dinner for the Jordan Cleaves Memorial Scholarship. Jordan Cleaves was a scholar athlete from Paterson Catholic High School in Paterson, New Jersey who attended Virginia State University. He performed as a stellar running back during his freshman year, but his life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2006. Wimberly was Cleaves’ coach at Paterson and mentored him along with All-Pro Chicago Bears wide receiver Victor Cruz. Cruz, along with several former and current NFL players, appeared at the dinner in support of the effort for his fallen friend. With an overall goal of $100,000, the fund benefits students from Paterson who are interested in attending VSU. Wimberly recently presented the university $21,000-- an initial installment toward the Jordan Cleaves Scholarship, with the amount in honor of Cleaves’ high school jersey number.
David Markins Male Student Athlete of the Year Woo Woo (Baseball)
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SUMMER 2017
Alumni News In memoriam: Winonah Peters Greene, ’24 passed away in October 2016 at the remarkable age of 110 in Florida. The “supercentenarian” remained an active life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. until her death. Greene earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in home economics, and taught high school in Virginia and Philadelphia for s many years.
1920
In memoriam: Dr. Calvin Thigpen, ’53 passed away in January 2017. Thigpen was a former VSU Board of Visitor, and enjoyed a distinguished dual career of medical doctor and lawyer. He served two terms as Vice Chief of Staff and two terms as Chief of Staff at Petersburg General Hospital (now Regional Medical Center). He was also a s Southside former President of the Petersburg Bar Association.
1950
In memoriam: Dr. Robert A. Bracey III, ’55, passed away in September 2016. Bracey was a former Liberty Junior High School and Patrick Henry High School principal, a retired Hanover County educator and senior associate with the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline E. Wallace Bracey. Dr. Arthur Dawkins, ’56 was announced as a 2017 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Service awardee. Dawkins is a saxophonist and former director of the Jazz Studies program at Howard University, and over the years served as a performer and clinician with the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. In memoriam: Glenwood Ellis Trivers Sr., Ph.D.,’56 passed away in September 2016. Dr. Trivers was a dedicated and well-respected Research Biologist at the National Institute of Health for 57 years.
In memoriam: Oscar J. Harrison Sr., ’49, passed away in September 2016. Harrison was a U.S. Army Col. Ret. combat veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
1940s
Willie T. Brickhouse Jr., ’57 was posthumously inducted into the 2017 VSU Hall of Fame. Brickhouse was a decorated wrestler in the 130-pound weight class and captain of the wrestling team. He earned multiple CIAA championships and awards, including Outstanding Wrestler at the 1957 CIAA Tournament. Brickhouse joined the Army and worked his way to the rank of Major. He was killed in the Vietnam War in 1967 and is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. In memoriam: Todd W. Dillard, ’57, passed away in December 2016. Dillard, originally from Forest, Va., was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also is remembered for being a student driver for former Virginia State College president, the late Dr. Robert Prentiss Daniel.
The Hon. Klinette H. Kindred, ’75 was appointed as the second bankruptcy judge in the Alexandria Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Judge Kindred is the first African-American and first female to be appointed to the Bankruptcy bench in the Eastern District of Virginia.
1990s
Leonard Jack Jr., M.Sc., Ph.D., ’85, was recently named Editor in Chief of Preventing Chronic Disease, an online journal of the Center for Disease Control with more than 68,000 subscribers. Since 2012, Dr. Jack has served as the director of the Division of Community Health.
1980s
Dr. Nikita Garris-Watson,’95, ’02, ’03 recently released her book Damaged but Destined, So What? Now What!- a survivor story that leads the reader to experience a torrent of emotions that may leave them at times loss for words but simultaneously full of encouragement and motivation. More than just a story about survival, this book shows people how to embrace their God-ordained future, when there is a willingness to accept and forgive the past.
Davida Harrell-Williams, ’90 was appointed to the local College Board for Paul D. Camp Community College in Virginia.
Garvey A. Wright, ’90 was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the United States Army. He received his bachelor’s in agricultural business and economics, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Trojan Warrior Battalion. Wright is currently serving as a Defense Resource Manager on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. Bryant Greene, ’92 recently received FunTimes Magazine’s 2016 Entreprenuerial Spirit Award. Greene is the owner/administrator of Always Best Care franchises in Pennsylvania and Delaware. FunTimes Magazine is a culture and life-style magazine for African, Caribbean and African American communities in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Congratulations to Robert Morgan, ’96 for his 2017 Screen Actor’s Guild award win for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series. Morgan has a recurring role on the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things” as Officer Powell. He is also known for his roles in Netflix’s “Daredevil” and Marvel’s “Luke Cage” series.
Calvin R. Swinson, CPA, ’58 was elected to the board of directors of the Foundation for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Inc. one of the premier performing arts organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Andriece King, ’07 has been promoted to an Administrative Officer within the Office of Administrative Management at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.
1960
Paul David Simpson Jr., ’63 recently retired from the Centers for Disease Control after nearly 40 years of service. Simpson also retired in 2001 as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves after serving more than 20 years in the Medical Services, Transportation, and Air Defense Artillery Branches. After retirement, Simpson plans to become a space physics consultant specializing in STEM.
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The Hon. Roger L. Gregory, ’75 was recently named by Richmond Times Dispatch a 2016 Person of the Year. Gregory, a newly appointed Chief Judge of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, shared his role model, favorite movie, greatest strength and weakness, and other fun facts in the article.
Alfred F. Abramson III, ’87 was recently promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, the fourth highest rank that can be achieved in the United States Army. Currently, Abramson is the Deputy Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical and Biological Defense, at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
In memoriam: Mary Jeanette Dandridge Sims, ’57 passed away in Maryland.
Three-time All-CIAA quarterback Dr. DeWayne Jeter, ’62 was inducted as a 2016-17 CIAA honoree into the John B. McLendon, s Jr., Hall of Fame. Jeter joined the VSU football team in 1957 and was a four-year starter quarterback and led the Trojans in passing yards in each of his seasons for a career total 2,510 yards. His career passing yards and total offense (1958, 1,012) records upheld in the Virginia State record books for 28 years. In 1962, Jeter signed a professional football contract with the Dallas Texans of the American Football League, known today as the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. Called to active duty, he continued his passion for football through the military at Fort Benning. Jeter’s performance at quarterback led the Doughboys to an undefeated season and a 1962 National Military Championship.
WWW.VSU.EDU
In memoriam: Samuel Young Jones, ’73 passed away in August 2016. Upon completion of his studies, he was an educator in several surrounding area schools. In 1980, he joined the United States Navy and served until his retirement in 2000. Continuing his quest for adventure and service to his country, Jones worked for the Central Intelligence Agency until his health began to decline. He was survived by his wife Loyce.
1970s
SUMMER 2017
2010s
Latasha Harrison, ’12 was hired as a Logistics Manager at Lidl U.S. She previously worked as a Logistics Manager at WalMart Distribution Center in Sutherland, Va.
Cameron Wynn, ’15 was hired as a Warehouse Supervisor at Supervalu. Wynn was previously a supervisor at Amazon.
Dena Thompson, ’12 now works as Accounting Analyst at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City. Anthony White, ’12 recently wrote a children’s book Ameenah the Queen, a story about pride and self-discovery. Curtis Dixon, ’13 is employed as a Change Management Associate at PwC in Washington, D.C.
WWW.VSU.EDU
21
2000s
Lawrence Fitch, ’16 was hired as an INO Analyst at ADT in Norfolk, Va. Irvisha Pervall, ’16 earned a full-time position as a Fraud Specialist at Capital One in Richmond, Va.
SUMMER 2017
Alumni News In memoriam: Winonah Peters Greene, ’24 passed away in October 2016 at the remarkable age of 110 in Florida. The “supercentenarian” remained an active life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. until her death. Greene earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in home economics, and taught high school in Virginia and Philadelphia for s many years.
1920
In memoriam: Dr. Calvin Thigpen, ’53 passed away in January 2017. Thigpen was a former VSU Board of Visitor, and enjoyed a distinguished dual career of medical doctor and lawyer. He served two terms as Vice Chief of Staff and two terms as Chief of Staff at Petersburg General Hospital (now Regional Medical Center). He was also a s Southside former President of the Petersburg Bar Association.
1950
In memoriam: Dr. Robert A. Bracey III, ’55, passed away in September 2016. Bracey was a former Liberty Junior High School and Patrick Henry High School principal, a retired Hanover County educator and senior associate with the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline E. Wallace Bracey. Dr. Arthur Dawkins, ’56 was announced as a 2017 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Service awardee. Dawkins is a saxophonist and former director of the Jazz Studies program at Howard University, and over the years served as a performer and clinician with the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. In memoriam: Glenwood Ellis Trivers Sr., Ph.D.,’56 passed away in September 2016. Dr. Trivers was a dedicated and well-respected Research Biologist at the National Institute of Health for 57 years.
In memoriam: Oscar J. Harrison Sr., ’49, passed away in September 2016. Harrison was a U.S. Army Col. Ret. combat veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
1940s
Willie T. Brickhouse Jr., ’57 was posthumously inducted into the 2017 VSU Hall of Fame. Brickhouse was a decorated wrestler in the 130-pound weight class and captain of the wrestling team. He earned multiple CIAA championships and awards, including Outstanding Wrestler at the 1957 CIAA Tournament. Brickhouse joined the Army and worked his way to the rank of Major. He was killed in the Vietnam War in 1967 and is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. In memoriam: Todd W. Dillard, ’57, passed away in December 2016. Dillard, originally from Forest, Va., was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also is remembered for being a student driver for former Virginia State College president, the late Dr. Robert Prentiss Daniel.
The Hon. Klinette H. Kindred, ’75 was appointed as the second bankruptcy judge in the Alexandria Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Judge Kindred is the first African-American and first female to be appointed to the Bankruptcy bench in the Eastern District of Virginia.
1990s
Leonard Jack Jr., M.Sc., Ph.D., ’85, was recently named Editor in Chief of Preventing Chronic Disease, an online journal of the Center for Disease Control with more than 68,000 subscribers. Since 2012, Dr. Jack has served as the director of the Division of Community Health.
1980s
Dr. Nikita Garris-Watson,’95, ’02, ’03 recently released her book Damaged but Destined, So What? Now What!- a survivor story that leads the reader to experience a torrent of emotions that may leave them at times loss for words but simultaneously full of encouragement and motivation. More than just a story about survival, this book shows people how to embrace their God-ordained future, when there is a willingness to accept and forgive the past.
Davida Harrell-Williams, ’90 was appointed to the local College Board for Paul D. Camp Community College in Virginia.
Garvey A. Wright, ’90 was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the United States Army. He received his bachelor’s in agricultural business and economics, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Trojan Warrior Battalion. Wright is currently serving as a Defense Resource Manager on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. Bryant Greene, ’92 recently received FunTimes Magazine’s 2016 Entreprenuerial Spirit Award. Greene is the owner/administrator of Always Best Care franchises in Pennsylvania and Delaware. FunTimes Magazine is a culture and life-style magazine for African, Caribbean and African American communities in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Congratulations to Robert Morgan, ’96 for his 2017 Screen Actor’s Guild award win for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series. Morgan has a recurring role on the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things” as Officer Powell. He is also known for his roles in Netflix’s “Daredevil” and Marvel’s “Luke Cage” series.
Calvin R. Swinson, CPA, ’58 was elected to the board of directors of the Foundation for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Inc. one of the premier performing arts organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Andriece King, ’07 has been promoted to an Administrative Officer within the Office of Administrative Management at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.
1960
Paul David Simpson Jr., ’63 recently retired from the Centers for Disease Control after nearly 40 years of service. Simpson also retired in 2001 as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves after serving more than 20 years in the Medical Services, Transportation, and Air Defense Artillery Branches. After retirement, Simpson plans to become a space physics consultant specializing in STEM.
20
The Hon. Roger L. Gregory, ’75 was recently named by Richmond Times Dispatch a 2016 Person of the Year. Gregory, a newly appointed Chief Judge of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, shared his role model, favorite movie, greatest strength and weakness, and other fun facts in the article.
Alfred F. Abramson III, ’87 was recently promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, the fourth highest rank that can be achieved in the United States Army. Currently, Abramson is the Deputy Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical and Biological Defense, at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
In memoriam: Mary Jeanette Dandridge Sims, ’57 passed away in Maryland.
Three-time All-CIAA quarterback Dr. DeWayne Jeter, ’62 was inducted as a 2016-17 CIAA honoree into the John B. McLendon, s Jr., Hall of Fame. Jeter joined the VSU football team in 1957 and was a four-year starter quarterback and led the Trojans in passing yards in each of his seasons for a career total 2,510 yards. His career passing yards and total offense (1958, 1,012) records upheld in the Virginia State record books for 28 years. In 1962, Jeter signed a professional football contract with the Dallas Texans of the American Football League, known today as the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. Called to active duty, he continued his passion for football through the military at Fort Benning. Jeter’s performance at quarterback led the Doughboys to an undefeated season and a 1962 National Military Championship.
WWW.VSU.EDU
In memoriam: Samuel Young Jones, ’73 passed away in August 2016. Upon completion of his studies, he was an educator in several surrounding area schools. In 1980, he joined the United States Navy and served until his retirement in 2000. Continuing his quest for adventure and service to his country, Jones worked for the Central Intelligence Agency until his health began to decline. He was survived by his wife Loyce.
1970s
SUMMER 2017
2010s
Latasha Harrison, ’12 was hired as a Logistics Manager at Lidl U.S. She previously worked as a Logistics Manager at WalMart Distribution Center in Sutherland, Va.
Cameron Wynn, ’15 was hired as a Warehouse Supervisor at Supervalu. Wynn was previously a supervisor at Amazon.
Dena Thompson, ’12 now works as Accounting Analyst at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City. Anthony White, ’12 recently wrote a children’s book Ameenah the Queen, a story about pride and self-discovery. Curtis Dixon, ’13 is employed as a Change Management Associate at PwC in Washington, D.C.
WWW.VSU.EDU
21
2000s
Lawrence Fitch, ’16 was hired as an INO Analyst at ADT in Norfolk, Va. Irvisha Pervall, ’16 earned a full-time position as a Fraud Specialist at Capital One in Richmond, Va.
SUMMER 2017
Institutional Advancement News
Institutional Advancement News Fall 2016 By the Numbers
Powell Society’s Newest Members The Office of Institutional Advancement inducted the 2016 members of the Powell Society during the Homecoming President’s Luncheon on October 22, 2016. Twelve inductees collectively designated over $238,000 to Virginia State University through planned gifts. The Powell Society recognizes individuals who have included Virginia State in their estate, will, life insurance policy or other planned giving vehicles. The new members are: Stephanie Allen ‘88, Charlyne Andrews ‘79, Janice Argudin ‘87, Nicole Becketts ‘93, Valerie Brown, Christopher Groomes ‘68, Anita Jackson ‘82, Darryl Kelson ‘85, Andrice King ‘07, Kara King ‘82, Gayle Rowell and Nellie Spann. The Powell Society is named for Dr. and Mrs. Clilan and Lena Powell, who bequeathed more than $1 million to Virginia State University. Consider leaving a legacy gift to the university through your estate or other planned giving vehicle. For more information, please call (804) 524-5045 or email giving@vsu.edu.
Enrollment:
2016 Freshman Class increased by 30% over the 2015 freshman class.
VSU Athletics: Achieved an 88% academic success rate.
Academic Center for Excellence: Facilitated over 5,000 encounters across the Academic Advising,
Career Services, Strategic Learning and Trojan Odyssey departments.
Retention rate: 74% among sophomores
Alumni: • VSU has over 27k Alumni with contact information • alumni live in every state except for North Dakota and Wyoming • 4% alumni giving rate 2016-2017 Enrollment: 4,600
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Institutional Advancement News
Institutional Advancement News Fall 2016 By the Numbers
Powell Society’s Newest Members The Office of Institutional Advancement inducted the 2016 members of the Powell Society during the Homecoming President’s Luncheon on October 22, 2016. Twelve inductees collectively designated over $238,000 to Virginia State University through planned gifts. The Powell Society recognizes individuals who have included Virginia State in their estate, will, life insurance policy or other planned giving vehicles. The new members are: Stephanie Allen ‘88, Charlyne Andrews ‘79, Janice Argudin ‘87, Nicole Becketts ‘93, Valerie Brown, Christopher Groomes ‘68, Anita Jackson ‘82, Darryl Kelson ‘85, Andrice King ‘07, Kara King ‘82, Gayle Rowell and Nellie Spann. The Powell Society is named for Dr. and Mrs. Clilan and Lena Powell, who bequeathed more than $1 million to Virginia State University. Consider leaving a legacy gift to the university through your estate or other planned giving vehicle. For more information, please call (804) 524-5045 or email giving@vsu.edu.
Enrollment:
2016 Freshman Class increased by 30% over the 2015 freshman class.
VSU Athletics: Achieved an 88% academic success rate.
Academic Center for Excellence: Facilitated over 5,000 encounters across the Academic Advising,
Career Services, Strategic Learning and Trojan Odyssey departments.
Retention rate: 74% among sophomores
Alumni: • VSU has over 27k Alumni with contact information • alumni live in every state except for North Dakota and Wyoming • 4% alumni giving rate 2016-2017 Enrollment: 4,600
WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
2016 President’s Scholars Golf Tournament
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SUMMER 2017
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SUMMER 2017
Since
1994
144 Pl ayers
d $20k raise
2016 President’s Scholars Golf Tournament
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SUMMER 2017
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SUMMER 2017
Since
1994
144 Pl ayers
d $20k raise
Inaugural Week Honoring President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. Sip & Paint with First Lady Ahkinyala Cobb-Abdullah, Ph.D.
Academic Forum
Inaugural Gala
Prayer Walk
feat. Walter M. Kimbrough, Ph.D.
Petersburg Symphony & VSU Gospel Chorale
Investiture Ceremony
Basketball Game
WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
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SUMMER 2017
Inaugural Week Honoring President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. Sip & Paint with First Lady Ahkinyala Cobb-Abdullah, Ph.D.
Academic Forum
Inaugural Gala
Prayer Walk
feat. Walter M. Kimbrough, Ph.D.
Petersburg Symphony & VSU Gospel Chorale
Investiture Ceremony
Basketball Game
WWW.VSU.EDU
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SUMMER 2017
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SUMMER 2017
Alumni Weekend 2017
WWW.VSU.EDU
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Spring 2017 Commencement
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SUMMER 2017
Alumni Weekend 2017
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Spring 2017 Commencement
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VSU History and HBCU Connections by Maurice Jones uring the founding years and well beyond the civil rights era, D HBCUs frequently shared faculty, staff and administrators due to an
On the campus of Winston-Salem State University, the nowdemolished Colson Hall was named for Kate Colson, Dean of Women. Colson Hall at VSU is named for her husband, James M. Colson, Jr., the first science teacher and second principal of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute. Enter the doors of Harris Hall at VSU and the first room you will see is Edna M. Colson Auditorium, named for the founder of the School of Education. Also working in higher education, Dr. Edna Colson followed in the footsteps of her parents James and Kate serving VSU for 44 years. Upon her death in 1985, she willed her half of the home she shared with Professor Amaza Lee Meredith (founder of the Dept. of Fine Arts) to the VSU Alumni Association and the building is now known as the Alumni House.
inability of African-Americans gaining employment at predominantly white institutions. The phrase “stick together” was literally a way of life for our ancestors, supporters, and alumni who paved the way and dismantled the closed doors that we so freely walk through each day. With this communal spirit, it is no surprise we are linked to our sister institutions near and far. Luther Hilton Foster, Sr. became the Treasurer/Business Manager of Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute in 1913 at age 24, after serving as a bookkeeper for Saint Paul’s Polytechnic Institute--now-defunct Saint Paul’s College--in Lawrenceville, Virginia.
These educators left lasting legacies at several universities, and their contributions should be known to our students and alumni who now benefit from their hard work and sacrifice.
After serving as Treasurer/Business Manager for 29 years, Foster served as acting president of the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute, eventually being named the fourth president of the college in 1943. He served as president until his death in 1949. Born on the campus of Saint Paul’s Foster Hall, Virginia State University Polytechnic Institute in 1913, his son Luther Foster, Jr. came to Tuskegee Institute in 1937, also at the age of 24 and also as Business Manager. He served in this capacity for 12 years after a four-year stint as Budget Officer at Howard University. The younger Foster, an alumnus of VSU, served as the fourth president of Tuskegee University for 28 years from 1953 until his retirement in 1981. The engineering building at Tuskegee University, Foster Hall, is named in his honor for 40 years of service to the university. The student union at Virginia State University, erected in 1954, was named Foster Hall in honor of his father for 36 years of service to VSU. Langston University is the only HBCU in Oklahoma. It’s named for John Mercer Langston-- the first African-American elected to the U.S. Congress from Virginia; the founder of the Howard University Law School; the great uncle of famed poet Langston Hughes, and the first president of Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, now Virginia State University.
WWW.VSU.EDU
Foster Hall, Tuskegee University
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They are destined for greatness. Please support their journey.
VSU History and HBCU Connections by Maurice Jones uring the founding years and well beyond the civil rights era, D HBCUs frequently shared faculty, staff and administrators due to an
On the campus of Winston-Salem State University, the nowdemolished Colson Hall was named for Kate Colson, Dean of Women. Colson Hall at VSU is named for her husband, James M. Colson, Jr., the first science teacher and second principal of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute. Enter the doors of Harris Hall at VSU and the first room you will see is Edna M. Colson Auditorium, named for the founder of the School of Education. Also working in higher education, Dr. Edna Colson followed in the footsteps of her parents James and Kate serving VSU for 44 years. Upon her death in 1985, she willed her half of the home she shared with Professor Amaza Lee Meredith (founder of the Dept. of Fine Arts) to the VSU Alumni Association and the building is now known as the Alumni House.
inability of African-Americans gaining employment at predominantly white institutions. The phrase “stick together” was literally a way of life for our ancestors, supporters, and alumni who paved the way and dismantled the closed doors that we so freely walk through each day. With this communal spirit, it is no surprise we are linked to our sister institutions near and far. Luther Hilton Foster, Sr. became the Treasurer/Business Manager of Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute in 1913 at age 24, after serving as a bookkeeper for Saint Paul’s Polytechnic Institute--now-defunct Saint Paul’s College--in Lawrenceville, Virginia.
These educators left lasting legacies at several universities, and their contributions should be known to our students and alumni who now benefit from their hard work and sacrifice.
After serving as Treasurer/Business Manager for 29 years, Foster served as acting president of the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute, eventually being named the fourth president of the college in 1943. He served as president until his death in 1949. Born on the campus of Saint Paul’s Foster Hall, Virginia State University Polytechnic Institute in 1913, his son Luther Foster, Jr. came to Tuskegee Institute in 1937, also at the age of 24 and also as Business Manager. He served in this capacity for 12 years after a four-year stint as Budget Officer at Howard University. The younger Foster, an alumnus of VSU, served as the fourth president of Tuskegee University for 28 years from 1953 until his retirement in 1981. The engineering building at Tuskegee University, Foster Hall, is named in his honor for 40 years of service to the university. The student union at Virginia State University, erected in 1954, was named Foster Hall in honor of his father for 36 years of service to VSU. Langston University is the only HBCU in Oklahoma. It’s named for John Mercer Langston-- the first African-American elected to the U.S. Congress from Virginia; the founder of the Howard University Law School; the great uncle of famed poet Langston Hughes, and the first president of Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, now Virginia State University.
WWW.VSU.EDU
Foster Hall, Tuskegee University
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They are destined for greatness. Please support their journey.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6 Petersburg, VA
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY Office of Institutional Advancement P.O. Box 9027 Virginia State University, VA 23806
October 13-14
VSU 2017 Homecoming