Archway Spring 2009 by Sigrid Hall-Pittsley

FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS SPRING 2009 V O L U M E 11 NO. 1

The Red and White Goes Green pg. 03 WSSU named Tom Joyner School of the Month Why I LOVE WSSU

pg. 05 pg. 06

Student takes semester off to campaign for Obama pg. 08

time capsule

Courtesy of the Winston-Salem Journal

archway spring 2009 school of the month | pg. 5

the red and white goes green | pg. 3

Archway is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications within Winston-Salem State University’s Division of University Advancement. Address: 310 Blair Hall, Winston-Salem, NC 27110 Phone: (336) 750-2150 Fax: (336) 750-3150 We welcome story ideas and class notes by e-mail to: archway@wssu.edu Chancellor: Donald Julian Reaves, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for the Division of University Advancement: Michelle Cook Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Advancement/Chief Marketing and Communications Officer: Sigrid Hall-Pittsley Editorial Team: Interim Publications Director: Jackie Foutz Editor: Cortney Hill Wilson ‘01 Contributing Copy Editors/Writers: Rudy Anderson

Corderro Jones

Bridget Armstrong

Brittani Parker

Victor Bruinton ’82

Cortney Hill Wilson ’01

Brianna Galbreath

Chris Zona

Photography: Garrett Garms ’07, University Photographer and Sharrod Patterson, Intern Photographer Design: Zero Gravity Design Associates

where are they now | pg. 12

donor spotlight | pg. 13

02 Chancellor Reflects

06 Why I Love WSSU Students, faculty and alumni share their experience and what they love about WSSU

time out | pg. 14

in this issue

08 Semester Spent Campaigning Merid Fetahi, a senior political science and economics major, recently took a semester off to work for the Barack Obama Campaign 16 Alumni News Class Notes Chapter News In Memoriam

archway adds multimedia flair We know how much you enjoy reading the variety of stories in Archway; now you can see it come to life! Look for the video camera icon at the end of stories. The icon indicates there’s a special video where you can see anything from highlights from an event, to on-air interviews. See for yourself at www.wssuarchway.com

corrections On page 46 of the Fall 2008 Archway issue, the woman pictured is Dr. Cynthia Bell of the School of Health Sciences, not Dr. Anne Jenkins. On the inside cover page of the Fall 2008 Archway that displayed the time capsule, the woman in the middle is not Simona Atkins, instead it is her older sister Anna Atkins.

opposite page Change has come to America, and with it comes the United States first AfricanAmerican president. Barack Obama, a 47-year-old first-term senator from Illinois, shattered more than 200 years of history November 4 when he became the 44th president-elect of the United States. We, the Archway team, would like to honor this moment in history by featuring President Obama in this edition of time capsule.

board of trustees 2008-2009 Mr. Nigel D. Alston, Chair

Dr. James C. Hash, Sr.

Mr. F. Scott Bauer, Secretary

Mr. Thomas W. Lambeth

Mrs. Brooke Burr

Mrs. Debra Miller

Mrs. Lisa J. Caldwell

Mr. Harold T. Respass

Mr. Martin B. Davis

Mr. Keith W. Vaughan

winston-salem state university foundation, inc. board of directors 2008-2009 Dr. Lenora R. Campbell Mrs. Michelle M. Cook Mr. Richard N. Davis Mr. W. Randy Eaddy Mr. Kelvin Farmer ’86 Treasurer Mr. Gerald T. Finley Ms. Jacque Gattis Mr. Timothy A. Grant Ms. Catherine Pettie Hart, Vice Chair Mrs. Sue Henderson Mr. Harold Kennedy III Ms. Martha Logemann Dr. Charles Love ‘66 Mr. Arthur E. McClearin Ms. Beverly McLendon Mr. James E. Martin Dr. Steve Martin, Chair Ms. Patricia D. Norris Ms. Cathy Pace

Ms. Stephanie L. Porter ’81 Secretary Donald J. Reaves, Ph.D. Mr. Curtis Richardson ’76 Mr. Clifton H. Sparrow Ms. Stacey Stone- Bennett Mr. Francisco Velasco Mr. Charles” Chuck” Wallington EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS Mr. Nigel Alston Mr. Gerald Hunter Mr. Victor L. Bruinton ’82 Mr. Gordon Slade ’93 Mr. Harold T. Respass EMERITUS DIRECTORS Ms. Florence P. Corpening Mr. Victor Johnson, Jr. ’61

ECO2 varsity paper initiative Based on 4464 pounds. 19 trees preserved for the future. 78 lbs waterborne waste not created. 11,377 gallons of water saved. 1259 lbs solid waste not generated. 2480 lbs net greenhouse gases prevented. 18.972 BTUs of energy not consumed.

15,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $0.76 per copy.

spring 2009

winston-salem state university

chancellor reflects

by chancellor donald julian reaves

Michelle Obama, visited the WSSU campus

and most of all, be sure that you support our

during the Democratic primary season.

students by contributing to this effort.

She told us to believe in Barack and that it was possible. I like to think that WSSU contributed, in a small way, to this historic outcome when it invited the First Lady to our campus to spread the word about her husband. This moment in history is captured in the Time Capsule located on the inside cover. Also featured is the story about one of our students, Merid Fetahi, a senior political science major who took a semester off from his studies at WSSU to

Welcome to another edition of Archway, your Winston-Salem State University magazine – the spring 2009 edition. Spring 2009 promises to be an exciting time on the WSSU campus and in the City of Winston-Salem, with an array of planned events and activities. But before we look at what lies ahead, let’s take a quick glimpse at what has transpired since the last edition of Archway hit the streets.

work for the Barack Obama Campaign for

Obviously, the biggest news in recent

Joyner Foundation in raising much-needed

times was the historic election of Barack

scholarship funds for our students. The

Obama as our nation’s 44th President, an

media exposure from this event will be

event of monumental significance in so

tremendous, reaching more than eight

many ways that it is virtually indescribable.

million listeners daily, the exposure for

For some it is still hard to believe that

the university will be significant, and the

an African-American has been elected

university’s accomplishments, goals and

President of the United States. But

objectives will be featured before a nation-

remember, we were given a hint as to

wide audience. Be sure to tune in on

what might happen when First Lady,

behalf of WSSU, be sure to spread the word,

Change.

Also during the month of March the City of Winston-Salem will host the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), basketball tournament. The tournament will be a major draw for the City of Winston-Salem, bringing both the men’s and women’s teams, and their fans from 11 other HBCUs that comprise the conference. Though WSSU is not yet a full member of the MEAC and thus not eligible for tournament play, both the men’s and women’s teams will play a MEAC Tournament Championship bonus game

Looking ahead we are really excited about

against North Carolina Central University,

two major upcoming events. First, the

another school that is in transition to full

university has been selected by the Tom

MEAC member status.

Joyner Foundation as its School of the Month for the Month of March 2009. What a tremendous honor and opportunity! Being selected the School of the Month means that WSSU will be featured daily on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, and will be assisted by the Tom

As we await the arrival of spring and the warmer weather that it brings, we are very excited about the many wonderful activities that are taking place, many of which are described in the pages that follow. So I urge you to take a few minutes and read about why current and former students love WSSU, or learn about what’s happening, On The Yard, or read about who is new at WSSU or who has left the university, or about the news from the alumni, and much more. Please enjoy.

Donald J. Reaves, Ph.D.

winston-salem state university

spring 2009

by bridget n. armstrong, archway writer

The demand for citizens of the world to be more environmentally friendly has increased in recent years.

feature healthy products and

Transitioning the motor fleet to hybrid

environmentally friendly vendors.

fuel-efficient cars while conserving gas in the meantime

Individuals and businesses, as well as institutions all over the world are stepping up to contribute to efforts to save our world. To take part in this global movement, WSSU will be kicking off a new initiative to “Go Green”.

“I’m excited about the Generation Green

The Generation Green campaign will

at an HBCU, are taking the initiative to really

WSSU has already begun to do its part

increase WSSU’s progressive attempts

get back to our roots and connect with the

to comply with the initiatives, including

to conserve resources such as water,

environment through sustainability.”

monitoring utility consumption, waste and

electricity and paper, as well as participate in campus and community clean-ups and make a conscious effort to recycle materials. The Generation Green festival will be a 3-day event beginning April 20 and concluding on April 22, International Earth Day. The festival will include documentary viewings, speakers, lectures, forums, a “gently used” clothing fashion show and an entirely “green” yard festival that will

initiative and look forward to it really taking off,” said Judy Willis, Project Manager of the Generation Green Festival, and WSSU’s Office of Marketing and Communications copywriter. “Our people have always been connected to the earth and environment through our history. It’s only natural that we,

As mandated by the UNC-Tomorrow Initiative, all 17 UNC institutions must develop programs to conserve resources and become sustainable. Campuses have been strongly encouraged to reduce their spending through several strategies, including: • Educating staff and faculty on sustainable practices

• Providing community workshops on sustainability • Establishing environmentally preferred purchasing policies • Increasing water conservation

water. WSSU facility workers have replaced many trash cans with recycling bins and a new environmental education program has been launched within the School of Education and Human Performance.

For more information on the UNC-Tomorrow Initiative, visit http://www.nctomorrow.org

spring 2009

winston-salem state university

letter from the editor

passion:

the fuel that drives wssu! Passion fuels many dreams, and gives

Love is certainly in the air. Read

wings to grounded ideas that make one

comments about why faculty, staff,

gaze up in amazement, as if witnessing

students and alumni love WSSU on

the world’s first magical butterfly.

pages 6 & 7. And apparently, the ‘Fly-

So, reader, what gives you your wings? What is that thing that brews the excitement inside of you and drives your dedication, your devotion, and your commitment to whatever it is that sets you . . . free? For Merid Fetahi, senior political science/ economics major, his passion for ‘change’ Winston-Salem State University was

drove him to take a semester off and

founded by a person who held a great

work for the Obama Campaign for

passion for ensuring that young African-

Change. Read about his adventure

Americans of the late 19th century

on page 8.

received a quality education. Dr. Simon Green Atkins planted the first seed by way of a one room facility with 25 students, and today WSSU boasts 117 acres, over 30 buildings and nearly 6,500

Rams zealously working to save our planet decided to turn their red and white

Jock’ Tom Joyner loves us too! He has named WSSU School of the Month for March, and will be making a major donation to increase scholarships for deserving students (page 5). I could pinpoint more examples of how passion drives WSSU, but why don’t you peruse the magazine yourself, and read the many stories waiting to jump off the pages into your hearts. Hopefully, their “passion” will inspire you to spread your wings. In health and happiness... and a happy spring!

GREEN! Read more about the university Going Green on page 3.

students; and it was all born from an

Cortney H. Wilson ’01

emotion called passion.

letter to the editor

there’s no place like home

Editor

Homecoming 2008 was SPECTACULAR

and kings, and was sponsored by the

And though we lost our game on

from beginning to end. We reunited with

Clarion Sundance Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Saturday to Bethune-Cookman, and had

our lifelong friends and reflected on the

We thank and appreciate them for

a little rain on our parade, it didn’t take

precious memories we shared at WSSU.

their sponsorship. And I can’t forget to

away from the fun time we had at the

congratulate the charming Miss Alumni

Ram “Double” Victory Extravaganzas.

2008, Jacqueline Pittman Cureton.

The 70s/80s party featured Confunkshun,

Let’s reflect on Homecoming Weekend:

and Kid Capri appeared at the Grown

On that Thursday morning, our Homecoming began with our traditional

On Friday, the Wreath Laying Ceremony

“Return To Serve” event where various

was followed by Founder’s Day

alumni came back to speak to current

Convocation, which energized us to

students about life after college. Later

reconnect with our alma mater, while the

that afternoon, an elegant tea and

honoring of our Alumni Hall of Distinction

Tonya Talley Smith, ‘70

reception was held for former queens

Recipients was significant and amazing.

Special Events Coordinator

and Sexy party. Happy New Year, and looking forward to seeing you at HOMECOMING 2009!

winston-salem state university

spring 2009

feature story wssu named tom joyner foundation school of the month The Tom Joyner Foundation has chosen Winston-Salem State University as its School of the Month for March 2009, just in time for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament coming to Winston-Salem in March. The Tom Joyner Foundation is a charitable organization assisting AfricanAmerican students with financial need at HBCUs across the nation. The foundation will highlight the university’s accomplishments, profile scholarship participants/recipients, conduct live interviews, and spotlight major national and local donors. Throughout the month of March, the ‘Fly-Jock’ Tom Joyner will ask his listening audience to call in donations or to go online to www.wssu.edu to donate to WSSU; to that end, the university needs your support to help raise money for scholarships. Don’t miss this opportunity to support WSSU as we raise funds and awareness, nationally and locally, through this unique national exposure. For more information, visit us online at www.wssu.edu.

Did you miss the game last week? Want to find out what is going on around campus? Just want to look at some photos? Then check out the WSSU’s Flickr site at: www.flickr.com/photos/wssuphotography

spring 2009

winston-salem state university

spring 2009

winston-salem state university

spend an evening with grammy award-winning songstress

patti austin

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 8:00 pm K.R. Williams Auditorium

Featuring the WSSU Burke Singers under the direction of D’Walla Simmons Burke. Bob Moody, Music Director of the Winston-Salem Symphony will emcee. Tickets are $50/advance; $55/day of show. Tickets can be purchased at the WSSU ticket office or at www.ticketmaster.com. Student tickets are $20 (with their respective college I.D.) and are on sale only at the WSSU ticket office. Proceeds from ticket sales support university scholarships.

proved to be time well spent

semester spent campaigning for obama by bridget n. armstrong, archway writer

during the Democratic primaries.

multiple tasks and use the leadership

Fetahi (pronounced: fuh-tah-hee) was

abilities and skill sets he attributes to

later offered a job as Field Organizer

WSSU’s grooming and teaching.

and Director of Faith Outreach for 11 counties in Northwestern North Carolina, including Forsyth County.

Merid Fetahi, a senior political science and economics major, recently took a semester off to work for the Barack

While working for the campaign, Fetahi, who hails from Ethiopia, launched community-canvassing trips to extend

“Working for a campaign that has

Obama’s message to prospective voters,

the potential to change the world is

recruited many volunteers, and organized

empowering. I was given a tremendous

block parties and community marches to

amount of responsibility that was very

the polls to encourage voter registration

critical to the campaign here in North

and One-Stop early voting.

Carolina. It gave me a feeling of competence and achievement,” Fetahi commented.

“I sacrificed a semester because I believe in Barack Obama’s message of ‘change’”, he said. “I had to do my part. It’s about

Obama Campaign for Change. After

As a Field Organizer and Director of Faith

understanding the fundamental concept

working as a volunteer, he was hired to

Outreach, Fetahi had many responsibilities

of thinking globally and acting locally”.

serve as WSSU’s campus coordinator

and duties that required him to balance

winston-salem state university

spring 2009

on theyard

campus news and events

student radio station goes global by corderro jones (special to archway)

The campus station, WSNC 90.5 FM, is known in the Winston-Salem area for playing jazz, blues and NPR news. But the students wanted a station they could call their own, that would give them more hands on experience. When the student station idea was brought to light, the WSNC staff enlisted the help of student radio hosts to build a new Internet stream radio station. One year later, WRAM Student Radio was born, thanks to seniors Corderro Jones, mass communications major, and Sharrod Patterson, history major/mass communications minor.

“We thought it was important for students to … run a station and play the music they like,” said Elvin Jenkins, General Manager for WSNC 90.5 FM and advisor for WRAM Student Radio. “It’s exciting to watch the students … build a radio station from the ground up,” said Ben Donnelly, student station advisor and technical assistant. The station is being broadcast through the Internet on campus at www.wramradio. com and at www.myspace.com/wram, click the “listen to rams” link.

career services offers new alumni on-line recruitment tool Looking for a new job, or are you an

Browse through hundreds of job listings,

For more information, call the Office of

employer who’s ready to expand your

post your resumes for free, and explore

Career Services at 336-750-3240.

recruitment reach? WSSU’s Alumni Career

listings of senior and executive level

service is ready to take your job and

positions provided by many of Winston-

employee search to the next level.

Salem’s premier employer partners.

The Office of Career Services and

To access the Alumni Network, log on

Boxwood Technologies have partnered to

to wssu.edu and proceed to the “Quick

extend their support for the lifelong career

Jump” section; from there, click on “Career

advancement of WSSU alumni.

Services” and then click on “Alumni”.

lough named associate vice chancellor for advancement Catherine Wood Lough, former associate director and director of programs at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, was named associate vice chancellor for University Advancement at Winston-Salem State University in October 2008. Lough has more than 14 years of corporate banking experience, having served as Vice President and Carolina Community Affairs Officer for the Corporate and Community Affairs Group of the Wachovia Corporation.

spring 2009

winston-salem state university

a lookback

ress and honored Tony award-nominated act ryl Lee Ralph, belts AIDS activist She an rmance of her one-wom out a song during a perfo I Cry. The production production Sometimes pus in September. The came to the WSSU cam by real women’s life production was inspired with HIV and AIDS. stories and their battle

ice songstress Kelly Pr Grammy-nominated R&B men’s rmance at the BET Wo a special encore perfo ce, SU on Sept. 6, 2008. Pri Health Symposium at WS t being k these days, said tha who sports a slimmer loo ut at you look like, but abo healthy is not about wh the d ne inside. She joi what you feel like on the h Symposium to support BET Foundation’s Healt , and has traveled with living healthier lifestyles her gift of song, and the symposium to share ight loss. success story with we gave

winston-salem state university

spring 2009

more e of c n ie d au ees, a t to an D g in k s i a orr Spe activis 00, M rights il than 3 iv c ed ern lly not South e h t nationa f er o about -found lked a t , r and co the Cente er and e ty Law r r a e c v l o ga P , Jr. , his le r King dhood e il h h t c u his tin L ted r. Mar keyno D s f e o e s. D legacy re in State Lectu d l e ia it r n o U m in the ins Me n Atk 8. o t ls 0, 200 .A 3 P, . t c the J ton LL aw O k c L o l t a n itutio rick S of Const Kilpat m ir s, one f in k w t la A he and on d by t time, . Alst e J r is o h s s r n f o Spo on e hon tuals o lectur er, Sim tellec l d in a n u u s n o t n f h the a SU’s civil rig f WS o emost s r n o o f s the of six gest n u o y the ins. n Atk Gree

t, mollet S e e n , Jur nd

a 08 Obama 25, 20 r k c e a b r m a B aters pte t Deb ter of a On Se r o e p r p u G nate s s The passio vies a o U to m h c d WSS f su e o te it r is a v t s r to vo you ’s Ba egiste r e v o t E and urnee dents line. J ge stu d a a r u e o d c this 0 en ober 1 ce of t n c a t O r o p a by the le as the im a’s ro ssed n e li r o t r s a also rth C and No n io t c ele state. ground le t t a b

spring 2009

winston-salem state university

where are they now

by brittani parker, archway writer

Greatness can be achieved when you focus and stay committed. Ask that of any summa cum laude graduate, and you’re sure to hear many stories of how they survived “college life”, and sailed to the top. For this edition of “Where Are They Now?”, we wanted to see where former summa cum laude graduates are today, and Joyce T. Irby ’92 responded quickly, and with such fervor. Her story is quite interesting and one that would probably encourage others to never give up on your dreams, no matter what happens in your life. Joyce, 51, has had her share of adversities and trials to overcome during her lifetime. As her thoughts carry her back to the spring of 1992, she reflects on being a senior non-traditional student who was completing her student teaching, struggling to save her first marriage and supporting her mom in her battle with cancer. “It had to be the Lord who brought me through,” shared Irby, who

Former Summa Cum Laude

earned her bachelor’s of arts degree in Early Childhood Education. For instance, during her student teaching time, the head teacher went to New Zealand, leaving Irby alone in the classroom for almost two weeks. She maintained primary responsibility for the classroom during that time. Surviving unforeseen obstacles, Irby was offered a job before graduation and was hired at the completion of her student teaching. Irby attributes her success to her parents. “They taught me to go after the highest education I could,” she remembered. Her mom died on April 19, 1992, Irby’s last year in school. Irby is currently a sixth grade math teacher at Northwest Middle School in Greensboro, and was named “Teacher of the Year 2008-09”. Proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, her daughter, Sharene, was named valedictorian at North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, and is a Park Scholarship Recipient at N.C. State. Her son graduated with high honors from ECPI College of Technology. Her youngest daughter is an honor student in middle school. Planning to earn her doctorate in mathematics, Irby is Vice President of United Methodist Women, a United Way Campaign Manager and serves on the Laity Council for the Winston-Salem district. She is married to Edward Irby.

winston-salem state university

spring 2009

donorspotlight by brittani parker, archway writer

The WSSU School of Business and

For several years, WSSU and BB&T

Economics received $1.25 million from

have had a strong and enduring

corporate donor BB&T in November

partnership. “I’m proud to have seen

2008. The money will be disbursed in

the campus double in size over the

$125,000 increments over the next

last couple of years,” said J. Cantey

10 years. The School of Business

Alexander, regional president of

and Economics hosted a reception

BB&T’s Triad region. “The monetary

honoring BB&T in recognition and

gift is to be used to assist students in

appreciation for its support of “The

expanding their knowledge by traveling

Ethical Values of Capitalism.”

globally, teaching high school students about capitalism and to establish an investment fund in capitalism.”

studentspotlight Brenda Kittles Leadership is never too hard to find

organizations that I am in,” said Kittles,

is a member of the Student Honors

on the campus of Winston-Salem

who was named Student of the Month

Organization. She was voted Miss

State University. It is illustrated in

for November 2008 by the Honors

Honors Program by her peers.

our faculty members, the chancellor,

Program Executive Board. Students

and numerous members of the

are chosen for displaying leadership

student body. While some roles

and scholarship qualities, and going

automatically spell leadership,

above and beyond what is required.

like “president”, “vice president”,

Kittles indeed fits the bill of a leader.

by brianna galbreath, archway writer

“captain”, or “chair”, Brenda Kittles,

Viewed as a leader and role model to the young girls she mentors within the Big Sister program, Kittles strives to make a difference in this world, as well as involve

Kittles is a native of Bowie, Maryland

herself in the things

and is a Chancellor’s Scholar. She

and activities that she

is involved in a host of activities on

feels passionate about.

and off campus, such as Leaders of

She plans to keep that

“Every person is critical to this

Virtue and Excellence, Big Brothers/

philosophy near and dear

university’s success, and I simply

Big Sisters, is an active member in

throughout her academic

try to make a small impact in the

the Undergraduate MBA Club, and

career and life.

a junior Business Marketing major, doesn’t serve in any of these roles, yet she is a leader among her peers.

spring 2009

winston-salem state university

timeout

RAM SPORTS

by chris zona, sports information director

rams, lady rams gear up for 2008-09 track & field season There is an air of excitement surrounding

Rams’ freshman Bobby Grier has shown

the WSSU track & field program as it

some great promise in the pre-season

heads into the 2008-09 season.

and could give the team a lift in longer

The Rams will return a stellar group of

sprint events.

athletes with senior sprinter Gerrod

Fellow freshman Jasmine Whitener is

Sidbury leading the way. Last season,

also likely to make a tremendous effort

Sidbury posted some of the top times for

for the Lady Rams in the distance events.

the Rams sprinters. Though his primary

The freshman had a great cross-country

event was the 400-meter run, the senior

season with some of the top 10 finishes

will be a key member of the Rams’ relay

in school history.

team and a number of other events.

With this stellar team, the upcoming

For the Lady Rams, the squad will return a

track & field season is looking bright for

fantastic group of athletes sprinting to the

Winston-Salem State. The team opened

finish line. Like Sidbury, Sandy Harrison

the indoor season at the Liberty Kick-Off

returns as one of the top sprinters on the

on December 3-4 in Lynchburg.

squad and will be counted upon for leadership when she takes the track this season.

winston-salem hosts MEAC tournament march 9-14 The City of Winston-Salem will host

of Winston-Salem’s great infrastructure,

the MEAC Basketball Tournament for

its citizens, hotels and arena will prove to

the next three years (2009-2011). The

be a win-win for both sides.”

2009 Tournament occurred March 9-14 and was played at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The move to Winston-Salem marked the third different host city in the new millennium. The tournament had a five-

“We are extremely excited that the

year run in Richmond, Va. and then went

basketball tournament came to such a

to Raleigh for the last three years. This

progressive city as Winston-Salem,” said

will be the second time that Winston-

MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas.

Salem has played host to the MEAC.

“We look forward to growing the

The tournament had a three-year run

tournament here and know that the City

from 1980-82.

winston-salem state university

alumninews

spring 2009

where do we go from here?

The way you add meaning to your life is to devote yourself to something that gives you purpose and meaning.

Never before have we had an opportunity like this to have a global impact through our partnerships and our commitment to education. In this issue of Archway, there’s a story that talks about why people love WSSU. Well, one of the best ways for alumni to show their love is by joining the National Alumni Association. We must continue to focus on growing our financial membership; without it, many things that are pleasing and appealing to you would not be possible. Also, I value your ideas; and when you’re a member of the NAA, you are able to make a difference, and contribute to making your alma mater a better university for its current students, our future alumni. So this year, if you are a former member, or have never been a member, please consider renewing or joining your National Alumni Association, and recruit a new member. We all must continue to invest in the future of our alma mater and give annually. Homecoming 2008 was spectacular and a grand time was had by all. Thank you Special Events Committee. Congratulations to Miss Alumni – Jacqueline Pittman Cureton and to the 2008 WSSU National Alumni Hall of Distinction Inductees. Your recognition is a symbol of respect and admiration. I want to take a moment to thank those who shared ideas and suggestions in moving our Association forward. Your voices were heard loud and clear and steps have been taken to ensure greatness. With homecoming now a distant memory and many past heated political campaigns behind us, it is time to welcome a new year. We must stay committed to our decisions and remain flexible with our approach. Thank you once again for allowing me to serve.

Sincerely,

Victor L. Bruinton ’82 National Alumni Association President

spring 2009

winston-salem state university

alumninews class notes

’60s

’90s ’69, Ms. Burmadeane George, Director of Phoenix Academy, was one of thirty educators from the United States selected to attend an Oxford Roundtable entitled “Child Poverty: Educational Initiatives and Consequences.” The event was held July 27-August 1 at Harris Manchester College at Oxford University in Oxford, England.

’80s ’83, Ms. Maria Howell appeared in two Lifetime television programs. On Sunday, October 5, she appeared in an episode of the Lifetime series “Army Wives”. She played the part of Specialist Trevor LeBlanc’s drug counselor. On Saturday, October 18, Maria appeared in a Lifetime Original Movie called “Living Proof”. Maria played the part of Kate (best friend of actress Regina King’s character). The movie is based on a true story about Dr. Denny Slamon (played by Harry Connick, Jr.), who developed the lifesaving breast cancer drug, Herceptin 2.

’90, Dr. Henry O’Lawrence, chair of the Professional Studies Department at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), was recently named the 2008 Educational Specialist of the Year in the field of Career and Technical Education (CTE) by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). O’Lawrence was cited by ACCSCT at its annual Professional Development Conference, which was held in Bethesda, Md. in October. ’91, Ms. Trice Hickman was featured in the November 2008 issue of Sophisticate’s Black Hair Styles and Care Guide magazine. The article was written by LaFayette Jones, president and CEO of Segmented Marketing Services, Inc. (SMSi) and publisher of Urban Call: The Trade Magazine for Urban Retailers. The article features a Q&A with Hickman where she related her favorite childhood memories and problems to her favorite poem. Hickman is an author, and her debut novel, Unexpected Interruptions, was released last year.

’00s ’01, Cortney Hill Wilson, fitness specialist, kicked off the 2009 CIAA “Rock the Rim” Women’s Health & Wellness Symposium with a ZUMBA Master Fitness Workout on Sat., Feb. 28 at the the Charlotte Convention Center from 9:15-9:30 a.m. Wilson is the founder of FiF Element (Fitness is Fun!), a mobile fitness company that features international and original fun fitness exercises. ’05, Avis Nicole Woods, graduated from Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, Georgia, May 31, 2008 with her Master of Arts Degree in Graphic Design. She is now employed by Leader Enterprise Marketing Firm in Roswell, Ga.

in memoriam Mrs. Charlene Russell Brown

November 7, 2007

Dr. Robert L. Floyd, ‘54

July 22, 2008

Mr. Alexander Raye, Jr., ‘53

August 26, 2008

Ms. Rachel Johnniece Campbell

Mrs. Dorothy Jeannette Summit, ‘85

Mrs. Diana Ann Stinson Johnson

October 7, 2008

Mrs. Virginia Hicks Daniels

October 8, 2008

September 5, 2008

Mrs. Wanda Lucas Hill, ‘47

October 17, 2008

Mr. Clarence Westbrook, Jr., ‘75

September 10, 2008

Mrs. Catherine Edwards Capers

October 27, 2008

Mr. Roland J. Hanes, ‘55

September 15, 2008

Mr. Bernard John Pickens, ‘63

October 29, 2008

Mrs. Arnetta Gilmore Washington, ‘61

September 20, 2008

Ms. Mildred Virginia Moore

October 30, 2008

Ms. Sabrina Lechelle Lilly, ‘06

September 26, 2008

Mrs. Gloria Fuller Hyde, ‘62

November 19, 2008

Ms. Gwendolyn Oliver Reid, ‘71

September 29, 2008

Ms. Geneva Douthit Davis

November 20, 2008

Mr. Fred James Hargro, Sr.

October 2, 2008

October 7, 2008

winston-salem state university

spring 2009

a letterto alumni & friends

Archway could become a digital-only publication Like many other universities in the UNC System, WSSU has been affected by the financial downturn; therefore, we must identify ways to cut costs in order to survive during these challenging economic times. Although we truly understand the value of your alumni and friends magazine, future Archway publications may become available exclusively on-line due to high production and printing costs. Identifying a way to cover these costs is our only alternative. We’ve heard your praises, and we’ve read the many e-mails showing your admiration for this magazine. We are so grateful for your support.

If you would like to keep receiving your copy of Archway in the mail three times a year, we ask that you please participate in a brief online survey. If sufficient support is provided, we will continue to offer subscribers this invaluable publication in print. Go on-line to www.wssuarchway.com, and respond by April 10, 2009. We will share the results from the survey and post our final decision at www.wssuarchway.com by Friday, May 6. Until then, yours in Ram Spirit.

The Archway Team

congratulations to our archway “test your knowledge” trivia game winner Mrs. Alice Bitting ’77 of Winston-Salem. She was the first to e-mail her correct trivia answers, which were, 1. D; 2. C; 3. A; 4. C. She won a pair of Homecoming tickets, as well as other prizes. Below are other participants who guessed correctly as well, and received consolation prizes for their participation: 1. Myra Brower Waddell ’83 of Greensboro, NC

5. Parmilla Savage Edwards ’82 of Kinston, NC

2. Jacqueline Best Hale ’77 of Winston-Salem, NC

6. Tiashia Gibbs Harris ’99 of Garner, NC

3. Kimberly A. Nowlin ’88 of Charlotte, NC

7. Annis M. Lytle ’87 of Asheville, NC

4. Staci L. Harris ’07 of Durham, NC

8. Catherine Hart ’74 of Atlanta, GA

Thank you all for participating in our Trivia game! Look for more games and chances to win prizes from your alma mater in future issues!

THE

SAVEAPRILDATE 24, 2009

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Ann

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WINSTON LAKE

GOLF COURSE

THE WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION Sponsorships will be available on a number of levels. Individual supporters are also encouraged to participate. Proceeds will support student scholarships.

Office of Marketing and Communications Winston-Salem State University 310 Blair Hall Winston-Salem, NC 27110

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