norfolk state university behold magazine

2 President's Message

3 Profile Paul I. Adams Pens "Behold" 4 twitternews Tweet This

6 MeaC ChaMPions

NSU Rules the MEAC

11 artistry at work Valenté Frazier: Portrait of a Makeup Artist

15 aluMni: know&tell A Perfect Mix: Friends Kelcey Newman and Andreas Branch Mix Friendship and Business

17 futurealuMni

19 aluMniBriefs

The successes and accomplishments of Black men

are often overshadowed by the stark and dire statistics

slung daily at us at every turn. This issue of BEHOLD

is dedicated to successful Black men — those who

graduated between 1990 and 2012 and even a couple

who are on the cusp of graduation in 2013.

— BEHOLD!

Contents

Special edition:

Photo By David B. HollingsWorth

Making Black Male achieveMent viSiBle

Dear Friends,

Last year, I wrote an editorial about the state of educational attainment for African Americans in HamptonRoads. Because this remains a timely and critical issue, I feltcompelled to share an updated version with you in this editionof BeHoLD magazine. Before I do, let me encourage you to read the fall 2012 issue from cover-to-cover because first, it is a great read,

and, second, it recognizesyoung African-Americanmen who are proving thateducational attainment isnot insurmountable inHampton Roads. At NSU,African-American maleleaders are part of a growing body of young graduates who are rapidlybecoming the public facefor a new generation ofleaders. These youngadults are making a difference in the communities they serve all because they believe in the great equalizer—educational attainment.

Much work remains to be done to ensurethat all have access to

a great education regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality. I invite you to join me as we work to improve educational opportunities for the next generation of Spartan scholars!

THE QUIET CRISIS: AFRICAN AMERICANS AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT There is a quiet crisis unfolding across America, and it is the shaky and precarious state of educational attainment forAfrican Americans. This crisis is not only a problem for AfricanAmericans, for it poses a serious threat to the nation’s economicstanding and competitiveness in the global market place.The crisis was described by Dr. James V. Koch last year at theTwelfth Annual State of the Region breakfast. According to Dr. Koch, the unemployment rate for African-American menbetween 2007 and 2009 in the region jumped from 9.1 percent to 17.5 percent. While the achievement of a college degree may not be the biggest factor in this finding, it appears to contribute to the unemployment dilemma faced by African Americans. In his book entitled “Kids Don’t Want to Fail,” Dr. Angel

L. Harris, who delivered an exceptional presentation during my inaugural activities last March, shines the light on the black-white achievement gap in America. He notes that this disparity begins at the kindergarten level, and it escalatesthrough elementary, junior high school and high school grades.Harris stated in a radio interview on National Public Radio thatthe average African-American 12th grader possesses the academic skill set of the average eighth grader in America.These reports, among many others, are telling our nation that it is time to address the crisis “head-on,” and if we don’t,

2 BeholD Magazine • fall 2012

BEHOLD is published twice a year by the Office of Communications and Marketing.Contact Cheryl Bates-Lee: [email protected] | www.nsu.edu

Call us: 757.823.8373 Fax: 757.823.9206

the word “BEHOLD” is often used by those who love norfolk State. it sums up the excellence of the University and pride felt for it. that is why when it came to naming your magazine–featuring

alumni and their achievements as well as the accomplishments and progress taking place at norfolk State—“BEHOLD,” easily came to mind.

Dr. tony atWaterPrEsiDEnT OF nOrFOLk sTATE uniVErsiTy

BEHOLDN O R F O L K S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y

fall 2012 a magazine with global Reach

BoarD of visitors 2012-2013 henry D. light VicE rEcTOr Christel l. leWis sEcrETAry lloyD Banks, Jr. Byron l. Cherry, sr., Col (ret) thoMas n. CheWning D. MyChael DiCkerson stanley green, Jr. eDWarD l. haMM, Jr. lula B. hollanD, Col (ret) peter J. kao Julien g. patterson WaDe W. perry, Jr.

presiDent’s CaBinet

kiM luCkes ExEcuTiVE VicE PrEsiDEnT cHiEF OPErATing OFFicEr sanDra J. DeloatCh PrOVOsT AnD VicE PrEsiDEnT AcADEmic AFFAirs gregory a. Davis inTErim VicE PrEsiDEnT FinAncE & ADminisTrATiOn eDWarD M. Willis inTErim VicE PrEsiDEnT sTuDEnT AFFAirs stephen l. MCDaniel inTErim VicE PrEsiDEnT uniVErsiTy ADVAncEmEnT Cheryl Bates-lee AssisTAnT VicE PrEsiDEnT uniVErsiTy rELATiOns terriCita e. sass AssisTAnT VicE PrEsiDEnT EnrOLLmEnT mAnAgEmEnT JaMes t. Walke inTErim AssisTAnT VicE PrEsiDEnT

insTiTuTiOnAL rEsEArcH AnD PLAnning paMela f. Boston uniVErsiTy cOunsEL DeBorah C. fontaine cHiEF OF sTAFF paula gentius AssisTAnT TO THE PrEsiDEnT FOr PArTnErsHiPs AnD uniVErsiTy OuTrEAcH

aluMni assoCiation exeCutive CoMMittee gregory o. griMes, ’86 PrEsiDEnT roBert e. holMes, ’71 FirsT VicE PrEsiDEnT Donnell C. parhaM ’81 sEcOnD VicE PrEsiDEnT thelMa Burns-BynuM, ’81 TrEAsurEr Darlene Walker, ’80 FinAnciAL sEcrETAry patriCe Johnson, ’91 rEcOrDing sEcrETAry Mia a. WooD, ’90 cOrrEsPOnDing sEcrETAry shelvee osBorne, ’79 immEDiATE PAsT PrEsiDEnT Col. JaMes WooD, ’72 cHAPLAin Curtis hurDle, ’62 PArLiAmEnTAriAn (ATTEnDED)

BeholD staff

Cheryl Bates-lee AssisTAnT VicE PrEsiDEnT uniVErsiTy rELATiOns MiChelle D. hill, ’96 DirEcTOr, ALumni rELATiOns stevalynn aDaMs mArkETing DEsign AnD cOmmunicATiOns mAnAgEr regina lightfoot cOmmunicATiOns & mArkETing PrAcTiTiOnEr Christopher setzer AssisTAnT crEATiVE DEsignEr

President’s Message

cOnTinuED On PAGE 9

Dr. TOny ATWATEr

fall 2012 • BeholD Magazine 3

Profile

“The pride andtradition for whichthe Spartan Legionis known is alive

and well.”— Paul I. Adams,

interim director of bands

PAuL i. ADAms

When the mighty Spartan Legion marching band makes its entrance it often plays a bold, powerful musical piecetitled—what else but— “Behold the Green and Gold.”

It’s unmistakable. The composing of that musical piece was synergistic. When Paul I. Adams came to Norfolk State in 1974 as the associatedirector of bands, he often would talk with his music departmentcolleague Dr. Carl Haywood, author of Norfolk State’s Alma Mater. The two would discuss their experiences and especially the traditions held dear by the previous institutions where they worked or wherethey attended. out of these conversations was born the idea of a grand entry for what was then the Norfolk State College band, which was under the direction of emery Fears. excited about the prospect of developing his signature band piece, Adams decided to use the popular phrase,“Behold the Green and Gold” as the title. “I saw the space, place and need for a grand entry march, and was further inspired to design a composition that naturally should andwould musically depict the character of a Spartan,” said Adams, who isnow NSU’s interim director of bands. “I then knew that the music hadto be bold, powerful, different, developmentally appropriate and easily playable.”

A BOLD AND POWERFUL ANTHEM The boldness, explained Adams, comes from the trombones which are prominently featured, the powerfulness is conveyed throughthe trumpets, and the distinctness of the piece is its departure from atraditional march, while the developmental appropriateness and easyplayability allow a small band to robustly perform the composition. For listeners, as well as other bands, Adams wanted to make surethat they understood through the music that the Legion was a bandcharacterized by strength, determination and fearlessness. He wanted to evoke a greater sense of pride in the alumni, students and Spartan fans than what he had experienced as a studentand seen as chief arranger and assistant director of bands at SouthernUniversity. “I could envision, based on my Southwestern AthleticConference experience, that this was a dynamic opportunity to create the school’s musical brand, and particularly contribute to theband’s success,” said Adams. “At the time, Norfolk State’s popularitywas second to none in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.” Fears and Adams used their talents to create the Spartan Legion.Nearly 40 years later, “Behold the Green and Gold,” continues to beplayed as the band strides onto the field.“The pride and tradition forwhich the Spartan Legion is known is alive and well,” said Adams.“We, the current NSU Spartan Legion, take pride in the history of theband’s accomplishments and we know that we stand on the shouldersof those who have come before us and will strive to maintain thepositive momentum and respect for our program.”

Adams Composes AnOutstanding Anthem

Norfolk State University honored its top faculty members in the new Lyman Beecher Brooks Library Rotunda. Thefaculty members were recognized for their scholarship,

teaching, research and service. Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, professor of history, wasnamed the 2012-13 University Professor, the most distinguishedaward given to faculty. The award incorporates exemplaryteaching, research and service. Dr. Dorothy L. R. Jones, professor of business, received the 2012 Distinguished Faculty Award for exemplary Teaching and Dr. Govindarajan Ramesh, professor of biochemistry, received the 2012 Distinguished Faculty Award for exemplaryScholarship. Four other faculty members were recognized with resolutions presented to them by the NorfolkState University Board of Visitors: Dr. Sylinda Gilchrist Banks, associate professor of secondaryeducation and school leadership; Dr. Carl W.Haywood, professor of music; Dr. Rasha Morsi,associate professor of engineering; and Dr. Frances R. Williams, associate professor of engineering.

4 SPRING 2012

TwitterNews

1. Dr. cassandra newby-Alexander 5. Dr. carl W. Haywood2. Dr. Dorothy L. r. Jones 6. Dr. rasha morsi3. Dr. govindarajan ramesh 7. Dr. Frances r. Williams4. Dr. sylinda gilchrist Banks

/

TECHNOLOGY INCITESENGAGED LEARNINGDr. Rasha Morsi, associate professor of

engineering, received the 2012 Outstanding

Faculty Award presented by the State Council

of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and

Dominion Resources. Dr. Morsi’s recognition

is for her work in teaching and technology.

&

§

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$

Best Among Faculty for 2012 Honored

!


Dr. rAsHA mOrsi

Campus


Where Beauty Meets FunctionTHE NEW LYMAN BEECHER BROOKS LIBRARYThe new 132,000-square-foot Lyman Beecher Brooks Library offers state-of-the-art function encased in abeautiful edifice. Dedicated in March, the library has a three-story, 90-foot-high glass rotunda. The libraryhouses 600,000 volumes, includes the University archives and African Art Gallery, and provides a technology-rich environment with a computer resource lab, e-learning center and internet café. A LEED-Silver certifiedbuilding—meaning it meets certain cost-efficient and energy-saving standards—the library also includes 50study rooms, a distance-learning suite and a production studio.

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY sports had an unprecedented2011-12, winning six mid-eastern athletic conference (meac)titles. the Spartans won first-ever meac titles in football andmen’s basketball and advanced to the ncaa Division 1postseason play for the first time in both sports. nSU also earnedits first-ever postseason victory at the Division 1 level when themen’s basketball team upset no. 3 ranked missouri in the secondround of the ncaa west Region.the tournament upset brought anomination to the Spartans in the “best Upset” category for the2012 excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (eSPY) awardsaired live and nationally on eSPn. besides the football and men’s basketball titles, the Spartanscompleted a yearly sweep of the men’s cross country, indoor andoutdoor track championships for the fourth consecutive year, whilethe women’s bowling team won its first-ever meac championship.the conference titles gave nSU the most championships in asingle academic year since joining the meac in 1997-98. norfolk State went on to end 2011-12 by winning its eighthconsecutive talmadge layman hill award, the men’s all-sportstrophy. it’s the ninth time overall that nSU has claimed the award,winning it for the first time in 2001. off the field and in the classroom, a record 67 nSU student-athletes were named to the meac commissioner’s all-academicteam. in addition, the football team received the academicProgress Rate award from the football championship Subdivisionathletics Directors association for the third straight year.

Faculty Receive Grant Awards

Dr. Jessica Parrot, assistant professor in the Nursing and Allied Health Department, was awarded a $100,000 grant by the Robert Wood JohnsonFoundation and a $20,000 grant by the obici Healthcare Foundation. Additionally,Dr. Ashley Haines, assistant professor in the Biology Department, was awarded a $30,000 grant from the Thomas F. and Kate Miller Jefress Memorial Trust insupport of chemical, medical and other scientific research. Dr. Aprillya Lanz,associate professor of mathematics, was awarded a research grant by theMathematical Association of America in the amount of $27,500 for the projectperiod of June 1 through July 31. Dr. Darlene Colson, associate professor ofpsychology, and Dr. Kathryn Simms, research methodologist/statistician for the College of Liberal Arts Research Center, received a $40,000 Spencer Foundation grant for the period April 1, 2012 through August 31, 2014.

NSU Receives Coveted NSF Partnership

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is granting Norfolk State University one of its six Partnerships for Research and education in Materials (PReM) awards.The awards, which are for five years, are the result of the 2012 PReM competitionand have an annual NSF support of $5.93 million. The Norfolk State UniversityPReM will collaborate with researchers from the University of Michigan's Centerfor Photonic and Multiscale Nanomaterials, Purdue University and CornellUniversity to investigate metamaterials—artificial materials that exhibit propertiesnot found in nature. The objective of the PReM program is to broadenparticipation of underrepresented minorities and enhance diversity in materialsresearch and education. This is accomplished by stimulating the development ofcollaborative research and education partnerships between minority-servinginstitutions and NSF's Division of Materials Research-supported facilities.

Rulin’ the MEAC!

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Dr. William Agyei, professor of sociology, was selected for the FulbrightScholarship Award during the 2012-2013 academic year. Dr. Agyei will conduct research and teaching with the Department of Population Studies at the University of Botswana. His research work will focus on non-HIV sexually transmitted infections among youth in Botswana.

AMS Chooses Congressional FellowThe American Mathematical Society (AMS) has chosen Dr. Carla D. Cotwright-Williams, assistant professor of mathematics, as its Congressional Fellow for 2012-13. Fellows spend a year working on the staff of a member of Congress or a congressional committee as a special legislative assistant in legislative and policy areas requiring scientific and technical input.

Six Named Arthur Ashe Sports ScholarsDiverse: Issues in Higher Education named six NSU women athletes asArthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars for the 2011-12 academic year. Marian Brooks,women’s basketball; Jasmine Frazier, women’s volleyball; Naeemah Brooks,women’s tennis; and the trio of Sheila-Marie Smith, Jessica overton and TheaAspiras, women’s bowling, were honored for their accomplishments in theclassroom, on the athletic field, and in their community service aspirations.

Dean of Library Services NamedSarah A. Wiggins has been selected as the dean of library services. She was one of four finalists who participated in interviews with a variety of campus constituents. Wiggins has served as a librarydirector for more than 10 years and as a librarian for more than 20 years. She earned the master of libraryscience from the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), and the undergraduate degree in history/political science from Christopher Newport University. She holds certification as a public librarian from the states

of New York, North Carolina and Virginia. The dean of library servicesprovides the vision, oversight and direction for the strategic growth of the campus library.

Spartan Center Kyle O’Quinn was chosen in the second round of theNBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He was the 49th overall pick. O’Quinnis NSU’s first NBA draftee since 1988. He is also the first draftee froma MEAC school since 1998. O’Quinn became the first player in MEAChistory to sweep league Defensive Player of the Year and Player of theYear honors in the same season while helping NSU to a 26-10 record,the school’s most victories since 1994-95. He was also named MEACTournament MVP and the Lou Henson Award winner as the nation’stop “mid-major” player. He went on to earn MVP honors at thePortsmouth Invitational Tournament in April.

Kyle O’Quinn

Miller Accepts Two Competitive Programs

Dr. Carla Miller, professor of sociology, was selected to participate in the2012 ICPSR Summer Program course on Quantitative Analysis of Crime and Criminal Justice sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. She also was chosen to participate in the emerging Scholars Interdisciplinary NetworkFellowship Program in Applied Multi-ethnic Research at the University ofMichigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. That program is sponsored in conjunction with the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research. It providesunique opportunities to further develop integrative research skills and gain valuable career advice from leading senior scholars. Both programs for which Miller was selected are nationally prestigious and competitive.

Agyei Named Fulbright Scholar

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WiLLiAm AgyEi

sArAH Wiggins


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Interim Education Dean Selected

Dr. Denise Littleton has been selected as the interim dean of the School of education. Littleton, a professor ofelementary education, has also held administrative posts in the School of education as assistant dean and actingdean. Her additional professional experiences includebeing a public school teacher, a member of theInternational Reading Association’s national commissionand a research associate at the U.S. Department ofeducation. A teacher quality project directed by Littleton in the 1990s for NSU was recognized by then-U. S.

education Secretary Dick Riley.

Changes Take Effect in Social Work

Dr. Rowena Wilson has been appointed interim dean of theethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work. Wilson is amongthe nation's leading social work educators and scholars.She joined the NSU faculty in 1986 and has served theUniversity in a number of capacities, most recently asassociate dean of social work. During her tenure at NSU,she has been honored as an “eminent Scholar;” received anoutstanding Community Service Award from the GeneralAssembly of Virginia; and has been recognized by SCHeVfor her contributions as an outstanding Virginia faculty

member. Dr. Dorothy C. Browne, former dean, is assuming a new position in theDivision of Academic Affairs as assistant for special projects.

School of Business Leadership Changes

Dr. Bidhu B. Mohanty has been selected as the interim dean for the School of Business. Dr. Mohanty, a professor of accountancy, finance and informationmanagement, began his service with Norfolk StateUniversity in 1992. He most recently served as associatedean for administration in the School of Business. Duringhis tenure at NSU, he has actively participated on severalschool and university-wide committees and as chair of theUniversity Curriculum Committee. Dr. Steven Papamarcos,former dean, will join the Business School faculty as the

edward L. Brown Professor of Management.

NSU Partners With Links

The Links Inc., a national organization of professional women of color, hasundertaken the HBCU Community College Collaborative project, an effort toincrease college completion rates for African-American students. Funded by agrant from USA Funds and the Lumina Foundation for education, the projectseeks to strengthen ties between community colleges and four-year historicallyBlack colleges and universities. The goal of the program is that 50 percent ofparticipating community college students transfer to the partnering HBCUs andearn a bachelor’s degree. each community college selected for participation will be paired with a local Links Inc. chapter and a nearby HBCU. In some cases therewill be two HBCUs involved in a partnership with a particular community college.Norfolk State, along with other institutions, has joined with The Links Inc. in this initiative.

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Students in the inaugural Legacy Media Institute class showcased their hard work and new-found skills with the debut of their poignant film, “The Least of Us,” at the Institute’s closing ceremony in July. The

seven-minute film, which was silent, tells the story of a father who remembersthe day that his chronically sick son, who was wearing a leg brace, realized thedream of a lifetime—playing baseball. The boy, who often watched a team ofkids his age play, was invited to participate in the last inning of one of theirgames. He scored the winning home run. Unfortunately, the boy died after hiswish came true. In June, NSU President Tony Atwater and NSU alumnus Tim Reid, notedactor, comedian, producer and filmmaker, signed a partnership agreement thatprovides NSU students with real-world experience in the filmmaking industrythrough the Legacy Media Institute. The Institute is housed in the Departmentof Mass Communications and Journalism. Atwater and Reid were on hand topresent the students with their certificates of completion. Mass Communications and Journalism Department Chair Dr. Wanda Brockington said that the Institute is exactly what’s needed. “I have longwanted a film component in our curriculum, so this is much more than I ever imagined or hoped for,” she said. “The Institute provides the ‘beyondthe classroom’ experience that the academy just can’t duplicate. Tim and his film colleagues provide insight into the real and gritty side of theindustry which we need to share with our students.” NSU mass communications major Shimira Cole discovered something about her strengths during the Institute. “I received great advice andreviews from actors James Avery and Tim Reid on a piece I have written,” said Cole. “This impacted me to focus on being a screenwriter rather thana director.” According to Brockington, Reid liked one of her scripts so much that he is interested in developing it into a film. However, Cole doesn’tplan on totally discarding being a director. She plans to pursue directing as a goal further in her future.

Legacy Media Institute Students Premiere Film

e’laina cessions (left), hbcU student, and Kaneshia clark (right), nSU student, participatedin the legacy media institute. both students are mass communications majors.

TWITTER NEWS cOnTinuED On PAGE 18

DEnisE LiTTLETOn

rOWEnA WiLsOn

BiDHu mOHAnTy


the nation will pay an even higher price than investing in the solution. That higher price will be in increased costs for social programs, prisons and otherrehabilitative measures. Federal programs such as “No Child Left Behind” have attacked the educationalattainment crisis by investing in higher teaching standards, stronger K-12 academicstandards and new instructional technologies in the classroom. While some progress has been made, a key factor in the educational attainment crisis has not been adequately addressed. Family issues and social pathologies represent “the invisible elephant” in the room, and until this elephant is exposed, reckoned with and led gracefully out of the room, the crisis will remain a crisis. As you may know, Norfolk State University has decided to respond strategically and comprehensively to the crisis. Last academic year, under my direction, NSUlaunched a campus-wide initiative known as the Spartan Crusade for Academic Success (SCAS). This initiative engages every department and college at NSU in directlyaddressing the educational attainment challenge, firstly in Norfolk and later in theHampton Roads region. The University will develop and deploy academic support and enrichment programs and activities designed to help students (pre-K through highschool) succeed academically and become “college ready.” To achieve this lofty goal, NSU will enlist multiple partners from the private, socialand government sectors. We will work closely with our adopted high school, Booker T.Washington High School, and our adopted elementary schools, Lynnhaven elementaryand Tidewater Park elementary, to promote academic success among studentsthroughout their academic careers. And, we are confident that the result will be moreNorfolk State University students who perform well academically and who graduatewithin five years. The Bank of America, Dominion Foundation, Norfolk Southern Foundation and the NSU Alumni Association have become the first partners for the Spartan Crusade for Academic Success. There is no question about the resolve of our faculty, staff and administrators aboutreaching out and investing in the future citizens, professionals and leaders of Hampton Roads. By working to address financial, academic and socio-economicchallenges facing our youth in partnership with other committed constituents, NSU believes it can make the seemingly impossible...possible. Please join me as we work to ensure that the impossible becomes possible for an NSU student. Make your gift of support today at www.nsu.edu.

Spartan Proud!

Dr. Tony AtwaterPresident

President’s Message cOnTinuED FrOm PAGE 2

"I AM NSU"

buttons will be

distributed this semester,

kicking off at the Labor Day Classic.

Make Sure You Show Your Love of Alma Mater!

GET YOUR BUTTON SOON.

Contact Crystal Square-Williams at (757) 823-9164 for additional information

on the "I AM NSU" button campaign.

Sponsored by theNorfolk State University Foundation, Inc.

10 SPRING 2012

Valenté Frazier is an internationally known makeup artist who has traveled the world and worked with the best in his industry.



The face is the canvas where Valenté Frazier, ’98, creates hisart. An emmy Award-winning makeup artist, Frazier hasbeen called on by celebrities and even First Lady Michelleobama to work his magic on their famous faces. He is thepersonal makeup artist for supermodel and media mogulTyra Banks and has worked with supermodel Iman, actor

Angela Bassett, and recording artist Rihanna among others. His work hasbeen featured in numerous publications including Elle, Elle Girl, Essence,Harper’s Bazaar, Italian Vogue, Jane and O. And he has traveled internationallyto Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Milan and Paris as well as to Australia,Barbados, Brazil, China, South Africa and Thailand. Known and respected in his industry, Frazier recently served as thekeynote speaker at the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show inLondon, the makeup world’s largest industry gathering. But it all started at NSU. Though he is a natural artist, it was atNorfolk State where his love of art and transformation combined to createhis passion for makeup artistry. Frazier, who was born and raised inPortsmouth, graduated from NSU with a B.A. in fine art. While at theUniversity, he involved himself in both student life and art. “NSU was avery expressive place during the 1990s,” he said. “Norfolk State was andstill is the place for ‛all striving to succeed, forging onward bound to lead,’as our alma mater states,” continued Frazier with enthusiasm. When he began at Norfolk State, he put his energy and efforts intothe Spartan Legion marching band. “During that time, I learned the mostabout stewardship, loyalty, timeliness, precision, discipline, accountability,

OF A

MAKEUP ARTIST

PORTRAIT

BEHOLD

Valenté Frazier

By rEginA LigHTFOOT

cOnTinuED On NEXT PAGE


teamwork, leadership and pride. These attributes carried over into my chosendiscipline.” Although he loved the Spartan Legion dearly, Frazier realized that heneeded to concentrate on becoming the best artist he could. He immersed himself ina spectrum of art classes: drawing, fashion illustration, animation and painting. Itwas the fashion illustration class where he discovered the joy of illustrating facesand fancy hairstyles, which led to his signing up for and being accepted into thehighly regarded animation program that Disney and Warner Bros. sponsored atNSU. He took what he learned in animation and applied it to painting. The turning point for him came one day while hanging out with friends at the“new” Barnes and Noble on Virginia Beach Boulevard. “I was browsing through thehealth and beauty book section and discovered two life changing books: The Art ofMakeup by Kevyn Aucoin and Fine Beauty by Sam Fine,” said Frazier. “These bookswere amazing and these makeup artists’ career stories were amazing andinspirational.” He recognized Fine’s work in Black music videos and beautypublications. Frazier, who hadn’t realized that makeup artistry was a career choice,began practicing on friends.

PASSION AND DRIVE That passion drove him to go after jobs in makeup and emboldened him tonetwork with many of the industry’s top artists. Sometime after graduation, Frazier,who had no retail experience, was able to finesse his way into working as the countermanager for elizabeth Arden Cosmetics at Dillard’s in Greenbrier Mall. But heyearned to be in the thick of things in New York. So he took his experience at Dillard’sand landed a job in New York City at M.A.C. Cosmetics. once he was in New York,a trip to a Bronner Brothers Beauty Show finally gave him the chance to meet theman who helped change his life. He took a master makeup class from Sam Fine andlater became his number one assistant. He later assisted as many top makeup artistsas he could and also freelanced as a national trainer for Iman Cosmetics, where hemet Jay Manuel, Iman’s international makeup artist and creative director. Thatintroduction led to Frazier later assisting Manuel. He broke into the high-profile world of makeup in 2003, when Manuel calledhim to work on Tyra Banks’ reality television show, “America’s Next Top Model.”Frazier first served as model and show judge Janice Dickinson’s makeup artist. Butwhen Manuel became a creative director on the show, he referred Frazier to do Banks’makeup. “I’ve been working with her ever since,” he said. Frazier has gone from Norfolk State to New York and throughout the world, buthe is still drawn back to NSU. “I’m a sentimental kind of a guy,” he said. “NorfolkState is where I truly discovered who I really was as an individual and an artist. Thebond I share with the professors and staff who are still there today shaping the mindsand character of current students is unwavering.” And, of course, there is the band. Frazier is a proud member of the Alumni BandChapter of the NSU Alumni Association. Behold!

Follow Valenté on Facebook or visit www.valentefrazier.com for more information.

BEHOLD

AN EMMY AWARD-WINNER,Valenté Frazier is makeup

artist for Tyra Banks and works withsupermodel Iman, among others.


Valenté Frazier has also worked with First Lady Michelle Obama.


Alumni: Know & Tell

Follow Kelcey on Facebook /Twitter or visit www.attaindmc.com

for more information.

Follow Andreas on Facebook or visit www.andreasfoto.com

for more information.

kELcEy nEWmAn, ’93 AnDrEAs BrAncH, ’96


Alumni: Know&Tell

If it had not been for the friendships they developed and words ofencouragement from professors while they were at Norfolk State,Kelcey Newman, ’93, and Andreas Branch, ’96, may not have beenable to call NSU their alma mater. Cash strapped, as many collegestudents are, the two thought of inventive ways to survive the

forces outside the classroom that could have very well led to theirdropping out. “Norfolk State in the early ’90s felt like the TV showSurvivor,” said Newman, looking back on those days. “In addition todoing small art freelance projects, I was one of a couple of campusbarbers.” Those barbering skills came in handy one Thanksgivingwhen his mom couldn’t afford a plane ticket to get him home. “I wasso determined to go home that I began cutting hair about 9 a.m. anddid not stop until about 10 p.m. and made enough to get a one-wayticket to LA! My hands still shake from the clipper vibration.” He canlook back on those days somewhat humorously now, but theexperiences helped forge friendships that have become lifelong. Branch also remembers that his first two years at NSU were rough.“I lost a number of key family members and just the transition of life,period. I spent a lot of time trying to find myself and coming to gripswith who I was as an artist,” he said. “NSU was very different backthen, and it was a place where the friends you went through hard timeswith ended up becoming friends for life.”

STRIKING OUT ON THEIR OWN They have taken their NSU education and become successful intheir own right. Although Branch and Newman met through a mutualfriend while in college, it wasn’t until after they graduated that theirfriendship took off. Newman is principal and creative director ofAttain Design. His clients include President Barack obama, NIKe Inc.,the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),SoNY Home entertainment, The LeBron James Foundation, theCalifornia African American Museum and the Republic of SouthAfrica Department of education. Branch is a freelance photographerwhose work has appeared in Elle, Vogue, Vogue.com, People, British GQ,LA Confidential, GOTHAM, INTERVIEW and Los Angeles Magazine,among others. His personal clients have included Wolfgang Puck Inc.and John Varvatos. He also has worked in the recording industryphotographing such artists as John Legend and the Roots. Newman formed his company in 2003 after he was terminatedfrom his job as brand manager for a major biotech company. When hecouldn’t find a job after five months of looking, he humbled himselfto interview with a fast food restaurant. Surprisingly, he still did not

get the job, but came to the realization that from that day on, he wouldbe the controller of his own fate. Branch’s career as a photographer officially started while crashingon another NSU graduate (DeShaun Jones) and friend’s couch inPhiladelphia in what he describes as a strange twist of fate. “I’d lostmy job in Norfolk, had no car and had no place, and I didn’t want togo back to ettrick, Va., so I bought a one-way ticket to Philly,” saidBranch. “I arrived in Philadelphia with two cameras and $60 to myname.” Branch had no job and no job prospects, but his timing wasright because the Philadelphia music scene began to take off. “I knewI made the right decision, considering that I met Philly’s topphotographer on the train in Baltimore the day I left Virginia.”

JOINING FORCES Those days are behind them. Both men, who now live inCalifornia, collaborate on projects together. The two of them talkseveral times a week and meet once a month over coffee in Malibu todiscuss business and their respective industries. “Through my company, I have been able to hire many of my oldcollege associates with various business talents,” said Newman. “Ihave contracted Andreas for a number of commercial photographyprojects and marketing campaigns.” Two of those projects haveincluded where Newman art directed Branch in a photo shoot withChuck Dee of Public enemy, while Branch assisted Newman withcreative development for campaigns with HUD, the Navy Seals anda personalized photography coffee table book produced for First LadyMichelle obama that featured the work of Valerie Goodloe, the onlyAfrican-American press photographer assigned to the 2008 presidentialcampaign press corps. When the two met at NSU, they could not have predicted thatthey would be friends and business associates 20 years later. “Neverburn any bridges with people,” said Branch, “because those peoplemay unexpectedly become your best friend—the person that hires youor saves you in a time of need.” Newman takes a more philosophical look at it. “Right now, thepeople you meet while in school don’t seem to have any importanceto your life—they’re just passing dots. But it is [imperative] that yougather and keep as many dots as possible,” said Newman, “becausewhen you put them all together on the page later in life they will forma picture. The more dots (network) you have, the easier it will be to‘connect the dots’ and see the big picture.”

A Perfect MixFRIENDSHIP + BUSINESS

By rEginA LigHTFOOT

the images (opposite left page) are a compilation of account projects designed by Kelcey newman for attain Design and marketing communications. the photography images are portfolio shots by andreas branch.


Alumni: Know & Tell

During his sophomore year, Barry Bryant, a mass communicationsbroadcast major, took a music video class and fell in love. “I shot and edited everything I produced,” said Bryant. Since taking that class, Bryant, now a senior expecting to graduate in May 2013, has directed andrecorded music videos, documentaries, interviews and live performances. With a minor in fine art, Bryant is able to fuse together his passion forvideo/film and his love of art. He keeps in mind something that one of hisprofessors said: “as artists when painting or drawing, we try our best tomake the image look exactly the way the artist before us did. We have toremember, we are not copy machines.” Remembering the professor’sstatement allows him to create freely rather than trying to replicate

someone else. “In my opinion art is an expression that shows your truecolors,” said Bryant. “Whenever I decide to shoot something or someone,the first thing I do is imagine how it would look when it is completed.” He is currently working on a video series for NSU's office ofCommunications and Marketing that focuses on the University's tagline,"Achieving excellence. Success Beyond Measure." “In this video series, I have the opportunity to work with some of the most goal-orientedstudents,” Bryant said. "The first student is Brandon Blake,” he said.“Brandon is a business entrepreneurship major at Norfolk State University,who does ballet and loves to study abroad. According to Brandon, this ishis way of “Achieving excellence and Success Beyond Measure.”’

A Love of Film and Art Gives Passion A Purpose

Barry Bryant (left) and Brandon Blake (right) review video of Blake’s dance work.


FutureAlumni

An Adventurous Spirit Leads to New Experiences

Brandon Blake doesn’t mind taking chances—a good trait for the NSU senior business entrepreneurship major. When he was 20 years old, the 6-foot-5-inch and very lean Blake steeled his nerves and walked into a dance studio filled with 8 and 9 year-old girls and began his formal ballet training. “I was a giant in comparison,”

he said. “I turned around and opted for the exit door but stopped when I realized the parents of some children were peeringat me through the wooden door’s window pane.” Now two years later, he trains at the Ballet Virginia International orNorfolk Academy to perfect that art. over the summer, Blake, who expects to graduate in May 2013, embarked on another adventure—studying abroad at Yonsei University in South Korea. When he went on his first study abroad in fall 2011, he went to england to study at Kingston University in London. “I chose england, Great Britain, partly because english is the official language,partly because of price and partly because I knew I had an aunt living there,” he said. “What person of Jamaican heritagedoesn’t have a relative in england,” he joked. While in england, he met people from South Korea and became intrigued with that country. “I now yearn to see the land, to learn the language and to gain a better comprehension of South Korean customs and political structure,”Blake said. He was awarded a $3,000 scholarship that would cover his expenses but needed an additional $2,000 to make his dream a reality. Determined to take the trip in summer 2012, Blake sent letters to family and friends detailing his aspirations. They came through for him. In June, Blake boarded a plane for South Korea ready for a new adventure. “I’m grateful,” he said, “for the support of NSU, my friends and family in helping me to make this dream a reality.”

BrAnDOn BLAkE

BArry BryAnT


Anderson Selected Liberal Arts Dean

Dr. Belinda C. Anderson has become the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. A strong proponent of liberal arts education, she holds degrees in history and social sciences from Radford University and VirginiaTech. Anderson has more than 25 years of service in theacademy covering a myriad of administrative experiencesincluding dean of the School of General and Continuingeducation at Norfolk State University. Through herinnovative leadership, student enrollment in the School increased from 45 in 1988 to 700 in 1997.

NSU Students Study in CubaFor a second consecutive year, Norfolk State University students studied abroad in Cuba. Travel to Cuba is restricted, so few universities have been able to offer programs there. NSU students, along with Tufts University students, were expected to research new expressions of civil society in Cuba and explore emerging opportunities for scholarly exchanges and intercultural service learning projects.

Foundation Awards Nursing Grants

Norfolk State University has been selected by the Robert Wood JohnsonFoundation (RWJF) to participate in RWJF's prestigious New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program (NCIN). During the 2012-13 academic year, schools will receive grants to support students in their accelerated baccalaureate and master's degree nursing programs, who are traditionallyunderrepresented in the field of nursing and are pursuing a second career in nursing.

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BELinDA AnDErsOn

She teaches some of the youngest students in school. He teaches some of the oldest. She talks about colors and shapes. He talks about parallel lines and congruent triangles. But Norfolk State University is where their

experiences intersect. Keysha Thomas, ’97, a kindergarten teacher at NorthernShores elementary School, is the city of Suffolk’s Teacher of the Year for 2012. Shawn ellis, ’04, a mathematics teacher at Maury High School, is Norfolk’scitywide Teacher of the Year for 2012. He is also the school district’s high schoolTeacher of the Year. Additionally, Connie Burgess, ’96, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Riverdaleelementary School, is the 2012 Teacher of the Year for Southampton County Public Schools. Because of their designations as top teachers in their districts, Burgess, ellis and Thomas could find themselves competing against each other for Teacherof the Year for Virginia, which is selected in the fall. on the school level, Janis Fulgham-Faulk, ’00, an eighth-grade physical science teacher at J.P. King Middle School in Franklin, Va., was recognized as the school’s Teacher of the Year. Fulgham-Faulk, a Center for Materials Researchscholar, graduated from NSU with a degree in chemistry and has been teachingeight years. In Norfolk, of the top four teachers including ellis, three are Norfolk State

graduates. Besides ellis, they include Sinclair Harris, ’05, at Norview MiddleSchool, as the middle school Teacher of the Year, while Robin Ward, ’97, at theNorfolk Technology Center, is the auxiliary education Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Deran R. whitney, superintendent of Suffolk Public Schools, recognizes Keysha thomas, ’97, a kindergarten teacher at northern Shores elementary, as the school district’s teacher of the Year.

Teachers of the Year have Norfolk State in Common

Shawn ellis,’04, a mathematics teacher at maury high School, was named the norfolk Public Schools teacherof the Year at the school system’s “evening of excellence” gala celebration.


When we think of inventors, we often think of Thomas edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and African-American inventors such as GeorgeWashington Carver, Granville T. Woods and elĳahMcCoy. But there is an innovator and inventor whocalls NSU home.

Wilbur Myrick, ’93, is a Dozoretz NationalInstitute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences(DNIMAS) alumnus. He is the creator and inventor of numerous cutting-edge devices that improve the quality of our lives in ways that we don’t thinkabout. Because of the proprietary nature of the work

that he has performed for most of his career, Myrick, whose degree is inelectronics engineering, can only say that he officially holds one patent. “Itend to work on research projects that are five to 10 years ahead of technologythat you are currently using,” he explained. “one of my research projects inthe past had me working on a fourth generation (4G) wireless project around

the 1997 timeframe. 4G has just become more prominent in recent years and is now available to consumers in all types of mobile devices.” The position that Myrick now holds as a senior technical subject matter expert at QinetiQ North America (QNA) in Reston, Va., offers him the opportunity to obtain additional patents for the work that he performs. “Being able to get involved on projects years before witnessing the realizationof these projects makes your job exciting every day,” he said. “one day youare developing something in a lab and the next day you may see similarconcepts being made available to consumers.” Because of his work, Myrick received the Black engineer of the YearAward in Career Achievement in 2006. He credits Norfolk State with helpingto make his life what it is today, including meeting his wife, Sabrina HoodMyrick, ’93, chemistry. “My wife and I are both DNIMAS graduates andwould not have received our Ph.D. degrees in chemical and electricalengineering from Purdue University, respectively, if it were not for NSU andthe DNIMAS program providing the necessary foundation and motivation toget to the next level of education.”

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Engineering Graduate Uses Inventive Mind for Innovation

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Curtis Bunn, ’83, is sure that he would not have achievedthe kind of success that he has – award-winning journalistand bestselling author – were it not for Norfolk StateUniversity and his experiences there.

A Washington, D.C. native, Bunn came to Norfolk Stateunsure and a little intimidated about making new friends andwhat the future held. But he discovered encouragement,newfound responsibility and lifelong friendships.“Interacting with people from New York, Boston and smallerplaces I’d never heard of opened me up,” he said. “UltimatelyI grew as an individual.” Most of all, he said, “I made someof the best friends of my life in college.”

When it came to his career, Bunn knew that he wanted to be a sports reporter and worked for the Spartan Echo

newspaper from his freshman year until graduation, serving as reporter, sports editor, assistanteditor and executive editor. His work with the Spartan Echo helped him get an internship withThe Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk’s daily newspaper. That experience set his career in motion and ledto a journalism career that included working for The St. Petersburg Times (Fla.), The WashingtonTimes (Washington, D.C.), New York Newsday, New York Daily News and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, mainly covering a wide variety of collegiate, professional and international sports. Bunn carved out a second career as an essence No. 1 bestselling author. He has penned fivenovels, including Homecoming Weekend (Strebor Books/Simon & Schuster), which will be releasedon September 4 and available in bookstores nationwide and at www.curtisbunn.com. The story takes place at NSU. “It’s a love letter to Norfolk State,” Bunn said. “The tailgating, thecamaraderie, reunions and connecting with old friends. It’s relatable to anyone who’s attended a Historically Black College or University in general and Norfolk State in particular.” His affection for his school is undeniable. “I bleed Green and Gold,” he said. And he wantsto preserve its legacy. “The survival of the school is predicated on what you do when you leave,”Bunn said. “Giving back of your time, talent or treasure is important. Why wouldn’t you do that for the school you believe contributed to your development as an adult?”

Journalist Credits NSU for His Success

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These days when you walk into the Melvin and Patricia Stith Alumni House, all you cansay is “Wow!” The freshly painted, rich but understated green walls, the light coloredwood floors and the photographic display of alumni give you a sense of pride and place.

The foyer is inviting, while the main room is warm as cozy leather loveseats and chairs areintimately grouped creating an atmosphere for friendly conversation. “The contrast between the ‘before’ and ‘after’ is amazing,” said Alumni Relations DirectorMichelle Hill, ’96. “Alumni now have a place to gather that is professional looking yet makesyou feel at home.” The transformation is the hard work of Lynda Griffin, ’92, who took on the challenge.Griffin, who lives in Prince George’s County, Md., and owns Creative Interior Designs byLynda LLC, first stepped into the Alumni House on Corprew Avenue in 2011 while visitingcampus and seeing the new building projects. A lifetime member of the Prince George’s alumnichapter, she could feel something “new” in the air at Norfolk State and suggested that theAlumni House reflect that new energy. “We have new leadership with Dr. Tony Atwater andthere’s so much that’s happening with the University on the positive side,” said Griffin. “Wewant young alumni to come back and give back,” she said. “This is about giving back andpreserving the University.” When Griffin came to Norfolk State as a freshman, she wanted to be a police officer and graduated with degrees in criminal justice and sociology. Somewhere along the way, her interest and love for interior design took over. She followed her heart’s desire and began her interior design career. Griffin has still found a way to serve her community by sharing herinterior design expertise through speaking engagements and workshops. As for giving her time and talent to the Alumni House, she explains that it’s“nothing” compared to what Norfolk State has given her. “It’sabout giving back to the University that I feel so connected to.”Griffin remembers the love and encouragement she received from her professors and advisors and being part of the SpartanLegion marching band. “They cared for you and encouraged you,” she said. “You may come in wanting to be a police officer, but you leave caring about people.”


AlumniBriefs

A Designing Alumna GivesAlumni House A Makeover

Stark white walls have been painted understated green and light colored wood flooring installed.cozy leather furniture grouped around a coffee table creates a feeling of intimacy.

before the alumni house had an elementary style but with the makeover, it has graduated toan advanced degree of sophistication.


Official NSU Alumni Host HotelHoliday Inn Executive Center5655 Greenwich RoadVirginia Beach, Virginia 23462Cost: $89 per night plus taxRoom rates are for Thurs., Nov. 1-Sat., Nov. 3 (Price available until 10/19/2012)

To make reservations, call (757) 499-4400 or (800) 567-3856Group Name: Norfolk State Homecoming

Questions? call the office of alumni Relations at (757) 823-8135 or email [email protected]

November 1-3, 2012

Norfolk State UniversityAlumni Association Inc.

HOMECOMINGWEEKEND

Office of Alumni Relations Telephone: (757) 823-8135 or (800)-nSU-alUmnorfolk State University Email: [email protected] Park avenuenorfolk, Va 23504

Join Today!

office of Communications and Marketing

700 Park Avenue, HBW 340

Norfolk, VA 23504

Address Service Requested

Achieving Excellence. Success Beyond Measure.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”—Malcolm X

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