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Page 1: WINTER 2016€¦ · WINTER 20165 College Choice has ranked Virginia State University number 12 out of 104 Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU) in America. ˜e College

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Page 2: WINTER 2016€¦ · WINTER 20165 College Choice has ranked Virginia State University number 12 out of 104 Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU) in America. ˜e College

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A FinalCelebration!I leave my Virginia State University [VSU] family not with a goodbye, but with a heartfelt “�ank You!” While serving as Interim President, I have enjoyed a splendiferous Intermezzo during the time spent here. �roughout the year, I have learned what it means to be a Loyal Son or Daughter of this venerable institution of higher learning. I have experienced �rsthand the �erce pride and devotion of our alumni to VSU, and their willingness to serve the University that they embrace so dearly.

And what a University it is! Over the past year, our programs and students have earned national honors and accolades. A sampling includes:

u College Choice ranked us number 12 out of 104 Historically Black Colleges or Universities in America.

u VSU was ��h among HBCUs in a ranking of the top producers of teachers.

u Animation Career Review ranked VSU’s animation program 46th in the nation among public institutions and HBCU Digest named the VSU Department of Art & Design the Best Fine Arts Program at an HBCU for 2015-16.

u �e CIAA awarded VSU its three highest athletic honors: naming VSU Athletic Director Peggy Davis the 2015 conference Athletic Director of the Year and presenting the Trojans with the 2015 Loretta Taylor and the C.H. Williams All-Sports Awards for its women’s and men’s athletic programs for an unprecedented second consecutive year.

u More important than championships, the NCAA honored our Trojans as one of 27 NCAA Division II member schools receiving the Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence. �e Presidents’ Award recognizes institutions that achieve four-year Academic Success Rates of 90 percent or higher. With a score of 93, VSU tied for sixth place among the 300 institutions that compete in the NCAA Division II and was the only CIAA school recognized.

Also worthy of note is that nearly all of this issue of VSU Magazine was written, and photographed by our students. It is evidence of the abundance of talent we enjoy at VSU.

�e successes of the 2015 calendar year are attributable to the tireless e�orts of a team of dedicated administrators, faculty and sta�. We are fortunate to have an abundance of experience, wisdom and foresight that will serve VSU well as it transitions into a new era. �e University’s new President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah stands poised to build on this strong foundation and to propel VSU to even greater heights!

As I have expressed and reiterated since Day One of my tenure here at VSU, there is always something to celebrate on �e Hill. Today, I celebrate the extended family that so graciously welcomed First Gentleman Gary Hammond and me to our VSU home that sits “Far Above the Appomattox.” Finally, as I depart from VSU to confront a new life, full of yet-to-be realized opportunities, I also celebrate the honor of leading this illustrious institution, and I encourage all to celebrate the greatness of our beloved Virginia State University.

With all the best wishes to the VSU family for a joyous New Year!

With Trojan Pride,

Pamela V. HammondInterim President

Dr. Pamela V. HammondInterim PresidentJanuary 1, 2015 - January 31, 2016

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Virginia State UniversityA magazine for Alumni and FriendsWinter 2016Volume 14, Issue 1

Board of VisitorsRectorHarry Black

Vice RectorWillie C. Randall

SecretaryDaphne Maxwell Reid

Members�ursa CrittendenDaryl C. DanceRobert DentonMichael FlemmingCharlie HillAlma HobbsFrederick HumphriesJennifer HunterXavier RichardsonGlenn SessomsWayne TurnageHuron F. Winstead

Faculty RepresentativeDr. Milton O. Faison

Student RepresentativeMarshawn Shelton

University AdministrationPresidentMakola Abdullah, Ph.D.

Vice President of Institutional AdvancementGarvin S. Ma�ett, Ed.D.

Editor/PR & Marketing Specialist Latryce Noel

Contributing WritersCalvin Barner II, Mass Communications ‘15; Adriana Fink, Mass Communications ‘16; Latryce S. Noel; Lauren Papillion, Mass Communications ‘16; �omas Reed; Darvasha Spence, Mass Communications ‘16.

Contributing PhotographersDavid Carter; Lorenzo Cheatham, Mass Communications ‘16; William H. Porter III, Rudy Powell.

Contributing DesignerShawn Gray, Graphic Design ‘17

Virginia State University Alumni Magazine is published twice annually for alumni, parents, faculty, sta� and friends. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please send them to: Editor, Virginia State University Alumni Magazine P.O. Box 9085, Petersburg, VA 23806. Visit us on the web at www.vsu.edu.

Copyright © 2016 by Virginia State University

ThisIssue

Features

Departments

4STEM GrantTop HBCU 5 Ag Center

Grant

6 PRinterns 8 NewAppointments

10 14thPresident 12 New

Deans

13 GospelChorale 17 Commence-

ment

2015 President Scholars Golf Tournament

136 Players $16k raised

1994Since14 Athletics

25 Alumni

22 Develop-ment

Page 4: WINTER 2016€¦ · WINTER 20165 College Choice has ranked Virginia State University number 12 out of 104 Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU) in America. ˜e College

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College Choice has ranked Virginia State University number 12 out of 104 Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU) in America. �e College Choice ranking is based exclusively on factors real college freshmen say are most important to their college decision.

Ranking criteria include �nancial aid o�erings, academic reputation, overall cost and success of graduates in the post college job market. Each of these four factors were weighted equally in the ranking and the data were derived from various publicly available sources such as the National Center of Education Statistics, U.S News and World Report and PayScale.com.

“�is ranking further validates our e�ort to raise Virginia State University’s national pro�le and our commitment to our students, from the moment they step on campus to when they graduate,” said former VSU Interim President Pamela V. Hammond.

VSU Named Top HBCU

�e National Science Foundation has awarded Virginia State University (VSU) a $400,000 grant to increase minority pursuit of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors and careers. Over the past three years, NSF has awarded VSU nearly $3 million toward this e�ort.

�e VSU project recognizes that STEM success is largely dependent upon student readiness and performance in calculus. �e project will also review the e�ects of previ-ous math performance training programs that were found to be successful.

“Every year, hundreds of students come to college with the desire to major in a STEM discipline, but de�cien-cies in their mathematics background prove to be an insur-mountable barrier,” according to Oliver W. Hill, Jr., Ph.D.,

$400,000 grant supports STEM career development

executive director for the VSU Research Foundation and principal investigator for the project. “�is grant represents the third in a series of funded projects that we are hoping will have a real impact on increasing the number of VSU students who are successfully able go on to a STEM career.”

Under the direction of Drs. Hill; Dawit Haile; and Milton O. Faison, the project will be implemented over a three-year period.

UniversityNews

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Virginia State University’s Urban Ag Center- Harding Street Project has received a $25,000 renovation grant from the Dominion Foundation. �e Center was established to serve as a hub for fresh produce, an activity site for 4-H students while providing research opportunities for educators and environmental scientists.

With statistics ranking Petersburg as one of the unhealthiest places in the state, administrators will focus a great deal of attention on nutrition and the culinary arts.

�e grant will be used to upgrade the kitchen with a demonstration classroom annex.

“We are very excited to partner with the Dominion Foundation to increase access to healthy food in the region. �is grant will make a signi�cant impact in community health and wellness,” said executive Director Duron Chavis. “We want to build healthier lifestyles and reach young people with the important message.” he added.

From outdoor learning gardens to solar-powered cooling systems, this year’s Dominion educational grants

VSU’s Urban Ag Center Receives $25,000 Grant

will help fund a wide variety of programs engaging students of all ages in science, technology, engineering and math studies related to energy, the environment and workforce development.

“Dominion is pleased to support the Harding Street Community Center, because we know that it will not only bene�t VSU students, but will also bene�t the entire Petersburg area,“ said Earnest Greene, State and Local A�airs Manager for Dominion in the Petersburg area.

For the 2015-16 academic year, more than 140 schools and educational institutions in 11 states and the District of Columbia will share grants totaling $1.5 million from the Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion Resources.

Pictured above: Duron Chavis, center director, inspects a hydroponics system. �e Ag Center is located at 453 Harding St, Petersburg, Virginia.

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Fall 2015 was the start of a new initiative in University Relations. �e university’s PR department, located in

Storum Hall, created a student-based PR and marketing communications team a�ectionately known as “�e PRinterns.” �e students, alone or in pairs, are assigned to one of six colleges on campus, and essentially work as publicists to provide photography, graphic design, press release and news article writing services. �e initiative began with the need to promote positive stories

and provide quality design services on campus. �e team’s supervisor and department’s PR Marketing & Specialist, Latryce Noel, identi�ed a need to create an e�cient way to report campus news stories. “�ere was no way to coordinate the in�ux of news with just two people working [in University Relations], yet there was a job to do,” said Noel. She also noted a lack of internship opportunities for public relations and design students within the Tri-City area. “Ideally, I’d like to see an in-house PR and design operation that is sta�ed by talented

students,” continued Noel, “other universities have them, as should we.” �e name PRintern is a play on PR, print and intern. �e team is comprised of 12 ambitious, talented, motivated and hardworking juniors and seniors from mass communications and art & design: Darvasha Spence, Jordan Mason, Adriana Fink, Brianna Dunlap, Myke’l Jacobs, Jade Cheeseman, Dax Ellison, Calvin Barner II, Lauren Papillion, Marvin Higgenbotham, Lorenzo Cheatham and Shawn Gray. �eir �nished work is featured on various

University Relations’ “PRinterns” Deliver the NEWS

by Darvasha Spence, Mass Communications ‘16

l to r: Brianna Dunlap, Adriana Fink, Shawn Gray, Lorenzo Cheatham, Darvasha Spence, Myke’l Jacobs and Dax Ellison.

UniversityNews

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media, including the university’s website, social media, alumni magazine, student newspaper and most importantly, their portfolios. Jade Cheeseman and Brianna Dunlap, senior mass communication majors and College of Engineering and Technology publicists, interviewed Dean Keith Williamson and Dr. Dawit Haile to research upcoming events in the departments that would be of interest to the campus community. Dean Williamson provided information regarding the department and its plans for future accomplishments. “What I’ve learned [while] interning is people skills, research and time management,” said Cheeseman. Doing research is very important because you must know what you’re talking about when it comes to public relations. �is experience has de�nitely prepared me for a career in PR.” “Having the experience to interview people gave me con�dence to do more interviews and also introduced me to the many responsibilities of a PR specialist,” said Darvasha Spence, senior mass communications major and College of Humanities and Social Sciences publicist. “Interning at University Relations gives me hands-on experience and is equipping me for a career in public relations. At the beginning of my internship, I was a bit nervous and overwhelmed about writing press releases because it was always on the spot and that was something I just wasn’t used to. Now, I am learning to enjoy writing press releases, interviewing, researching, and planning, and this internship has helped me so much.” Naturally, social media is key to their responsibilities. News items are shared on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, but when the team covers an event, they live tweet and Instagram the action. Jordan Mason, a junior mass communications major and College of Business publicist, introduced Periscope to the university’s social media pro�le. Periscope is a live streaming tool that allows viewers to interact in real-time. �e app has proven bene�cial in reaching audiences beyond campus; connecting VSU with students, alumni and the community. “I’d never heard of Periscope, until now. I think

it’s a really good idea for us to use it so that we can promote and share our news,” said Calvin Barner II, senior mass communications major and College of Agriculture publicist.

�e PRinterns have “scoped” Homecoming events, academic seminars and a tour of the Multi Purpose Center. Organization has been key to the team’s success. Trello, a free, web-based, project management application, is the team’s command center where Noel manages schedules, deadlines, news leads, and upcoming events. Trello has

been especially helpful in guiding the team through large signature events, such as Homecoming. “Trello is really what makes this entire operation possible,” added Noel.

continued next page

Having the experience to interview people gave me confidence to do more interviews in the future”- Darvasha

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VSU appoints Institutional Advancement, Government A�airs leadership

Garvin S. Maffett Ed.D. Anthony Thompson Ed.D.

In October, Drs. Garvin Ma�ett and Anthony �ompson joined Virginia State University as Vice President and Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement, respectively. Together, they plan to lay a foundation for

a prosperous VSU that will prove fruitful for many years to come. Dr. Ma�ett presented an ambitious plan for their �rst 100 days saying, “What Dr. �ompson and I have begun [this fall] is to lead an e�ort to 100 days of greatness.” �e Univer-sity has also appointed Ronald White as Director of Govern-ment Relations. Ma�ett and �ompson have the credentials neces-sary to carry out the plan. According to Ma�ett’s bio, he began his career in higher ed philanthropy at Yale University while serving as the Associate Director of Leadership and Major Gi�s. Since then, his career has taken him to Me-harry Medical College where he served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement and College Relations, and now VSU. Ma�ett embraces his Trojan pride, saying, “We are cel-ebrating 133 years of wonderful history. What I’m asking all alumni to do is to provide [us] with 133 new or better ideas

to improve and enhance Virginia State University.” Dr. �ompson’s career commenced at the University of Central Florida as Director of Alumni Relations. Other advancement positions include: Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Tougaloo College; Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Paul Quinn College, South Carolina State University and Virginia Union University; and Vice President for Development and Planning at the Florida Education Fund. �ompson also served in numerous capaci-ties at the University of Central Florida to include: Chief Operations O�cer, Major Gi� O�cer for the College of Edu-cation, Burnett’s Honors College; and Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. Most recently, �ompson served as Senior Vice President for Institutional E�ectiveness and Program Development at VUU. Although his responsibilities at VSU are geared toward alumni and corporate relations, Dr. �ompson believes creating solid relationships with students while they are on campus is both crucial and bene�cial to building stronger numbers. �ompson a�rms that anyone on campus is an ambassador for VSU, asserting that the a�lia-

UniversityNews

by Adriana Fink, Mass Communications ‘16

Thomas ReedRonald White

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“Managing 12 students and keeping up with my day-to-day responsibilities would have proved extremely challenging.” Within the Trello environment, each college has a board, and within each board is a card that has an academic program, task, directive or event. �e PRinterns are assigned to the cards and can collaborate with each other by exchanging messages, documents and web links.

�e PRinterns bene�t from a �exible and autonomous environment. Noel’s support and encouragement has allowed each PRintern to develop their writing, team collaboration, interpersonal communication and public speaking skills. “It has been an exciting experience working at university relations because I never know what I’m going to do from one job to the next. Ms. Noel keeps me on my toes,” said Shawn Gray, junior graphic design major.

�e e�ort is not without its challenges. “One of my biggest challenges is receiving the necessary feedback in order to write a good story,” said Dax Ellison, senior mass communications major and College of Education publicist. Adds Noel, “�e concept is new and I think some people have to get acclimated to the idea of engaging with students in this capacity.” �e students are also learning the art of transitioning between di�erent styles. Adriana Fink, senior mass communications major and College of Business publicist explained, “Alternating between press releases and magazine editorials has proven to be di�cult. �e styles are opposite, with press releases being dry and formal while magazine writing is almost entirely creative.”

�e experience has proven to be educational, exciting and challenging. As young professionals, the ambitious team has successfully performed their PR duties, constantly on the search for a news story to share.

PRinterns, continued

tion between alumni and the corporate world begins with a strong connection with students throughout their VSU career.

Despite the duo’s main objective of drawing success-ful proposals and reaching audiences beyond campus, both emphasize appreciation. “It is such a blessing to have someone make a gi� to you. We can never say thank you enough. We can never show enough gratitude,” says �ompson.

�omas Reed has been promoted to Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Reed has served as the Director of University Relations since August 2001. In addition to his current responsibilities for public relations and communications, Reed will assume responsibility to assist the Vice President with operations. Mr. Reed took over shared responsibility for Institutional Advancement operations in June when the Vice President position was vacated. As Direc-tor of University Relations, Reed has served as VSU’s media spokesperson. He led the University’s marketing initiative that resulted in the creation of the popular “VSU” logo. “I am excited about the new opportunities we have to tell the VSU story and engage the communities that are so critical to our success,” he says.

Ronald O. White joined VSU a�er having served for the past six years as District Director and Military Liaison for Congressman J. Randy Forbes of Virginia’s 4th District. He was responsible for constituent services for the largest part of the district, to include Virginia State University and all military matters for the entire district. White represented the Congressman throughout the 4th District and beyond and represented Mr. Forbes in various capacities and has done so as far as a recent delegation trips to China and Taiwan.

White served in the U.S. Army for over 21 years in various roles, culminating as a Military Aide to �e U. S. Am-bassador to Haiti in the capital city of Port-au-Prince during the most recent con�ict in that region and a �nal assignment at �e Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Lee as �e Deputy TRADOC Program Manager for �e Battle Com-mand Support Sustainment System (BCS3) that received the Army Knowledge Online Award of Excellence for 2004.

Upon retiring from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel Ron worked for Genworth Financial as their Sup-plier Diversity Leader beginning in 2005 and also worked as Certi�ed Special Needs Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch in Richmond, VA.

Ultimately, their strong partnerships and relation-ships will help unite VSU with a myriad of constituencies; transcending the level of excellence for which each has be-come known.

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With a pledge to transform Virginia State University into “Virginia’s Opportunity University”

Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. met his new university family on December 10, 2015. On February 1, 2016, Dr. Abdullah will become VSU’s 14th President. In remarks at his introduction to the Trojan Nation, Dr. Abdullah outlined his four core beliefs. “I believe in God. I believe in family. I believe in the transformative nature of education. I believe in Virginia State University.” Dr. Abdullah, his wife and his mother are products of Historically Black institutions. Both the Abdullah’s son, Mikaili (Morehouse) and daughter Se�yetu (Howard) will attend an HBCU. “I love HBCUs,” Dr. Abdullah explains, with understatement. “I have a long history of understanding the mission of HBCUs. HBCUs represent opportunity in America.” In a departure from his HBCU heritage, Dr. Abdullah attended Northwestern University for his master’s and doctoral studies. At 24, he became the youngest African American in Northwestern’s history to receive a Ph.D. in engineering. Dr. Abdullah and his wife are both natives of Chicago. �eir children were both born and raised in Florida. “We’ll have to buy them a coat,” he quips. Before coming to VSU, Dr. Abdullah served as Provost and Senior Vice President at Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU), a private, historically Black university in Daytona Beach, FL; Provost and Vice President for Academic

VSU’s 14th PresidentVirginia State University welcomes its 14th President, Dr. Makola Abdullah

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A�airs at Florida Memorial University, the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Miami; and as Dean and Director of 1890 Land Grant Programs in the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). At FAMU, Dr. Abdullah enjoyed a distinguished 15 year tenure.

“Dr. Abdullah’s academic credentials are indeed impressive, but what set him apart was his approach to higher education,” said VSU Board of Visitors Rector and Search Committee Chair Harry Black. “In Dr. Abdullah, we have a President who will position VSU not only to meet the challenges of ever-changing technology, but to lead the transformation; to challenge others to keep pace with us.”

Rector Black says that Dr. Abdullah is particularly knowledgeable of VSU’s land-grant heritage, noting the more than $5 million in research funding Dr. Abdullah raised as a single PI, and the more than $20 million overall he secured from various federal agencies as a faculty member at FAMU.

Dr. Abdullah vows to embrace his new role with both hands “in a way you hold something precious.” He plans on engaging alumni with the same vigor, saying “the

During his tenure as Provost and Senior Vice President at Bethune-Cookman University, Dr. Abdullah: u Increased the number of faculty with terminal degrees by 25, a 12.5% increase. �ese hires helped double the number of faculty involved in research and more than doubled B-CU’s competitive research funding.

u Established the College of Undergraduate Studies and invested resources to improve academic support to increase retention and graduation rates. �ese investments helped the university maintain its retention rate and raise six year graduation rates.

u Oversaw the expansion of online initiatives that included an increase in the number of online courses by 10% and the addition of six new, certi�ed online degree programs.

u Established innovative institutional learning outcomes and revised its core curriculum, including mandatory courses in leadership and entrepreneurship for all incoming students.

u Secured new accreditation for B-CU’s Computer Engineering Program.

u Helped secure more than $1 million for the support of B-CU’s new College of Health Sciences and for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.

u Implemented four new graduate programs to provide additional quality experiences for students.

academic excellence of an institution is de�ned by the accomplishments of its alumni.”

In introducing Dr. Abdullah, Rector Black quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “’Intelligence plus character is the true meaning of education.’ Dr. Abdullah possesses both of these characteristics and thus, personi�es a true educator.”

Welcome Dr. Makola M. Abdullah and the Abdullah family, to the Land of Troy!

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The Virginia State University Board of Visitors recently two academic appointments. Dr. Emmanuel Omojokun

was appointed Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business (RFLCB) and Dr. M. Ray McKinnie as appointed Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture. Dr. Omojokun has served VSU for over 20 years, advancing through the faculty and administrative ranks as Professor, Department Head (in Management/Computer Information Systems) and Associate Dean of RFLCB. �roughout his tenure at VSU, the University has called upon Dr. Omojokun to lead and/or assist with various campus-wide IT projects and systems. Highly regarded by colleagues and students across the University, he has consistently demonstrated exemplary commitment to VSU’s mission and principles. Dr. Omojokun is an experienced professional with a

strong research background. Some of his teaching interests include: Introduction to Computer Networks, Advanced Computer Networks, Systems Architecture and Design, Introduction to Information Systems, Databases and Security, Object Oriented Programming Using C++, Management Information Systems, Java Programming Language, and Information Technology Security and Forensics. He has a number of community service projects and has participated on several committees at VSU. His research focus has been in his teaching areas, which includes Computer Networks & Network Applications, Systems Architecture & Design, Programming Languages, So�ware, and the General Computer Information Systems. He has several articles in various publications, has made several presentations, and has a number of awards and recognitions. He has also served as a paper

VSU appoints Business Dean; Interim Agriculture Dean

reviewer, proceedings editor, associate conference program chair, session chair, panel member, panel organizer, and book reviewer. He is a member of several professional organizations.

As Interim Dean, Dr. McKinnie will lend his managerial expertise to strengthen professional a�liations and ensure program accessibility for farmers, students, youth and communities. He will provide administrative oversight for the college’s academic departments, and the agricultural research and Cooperative Extension programs. He previously served as assistant administrator for programs in the College. Dr. McKinnie’s plans include

spurring development of new, innovative programs and product o�erings; increasing partnerships and collaborative agreements; and expanding the College’s sponsorship portfolio as a way to underwrite program costs. Dr. McKinnie brings a

wealth of education and professional experience to his new posts. He served in various administrative capacities, including associate dean and Extension administrator at North Carolina A&T in a tenure that spanned more than three decades. A�er earning his bachelor’s

degree in animal science from North Carolina A&T, his master’s degree in animal science from Ohio State University and his doctorate in reproductive physiology from North Carolina State University, Dr. McKinnie began his career as an assistant agricultural agent. As an extension specialist and researcher working with small, part-time, limited resource farmers, he focused his e�orts on swine, rabbit and meat-goat production.

Emmanuel Omojokun M. Ray McKinnie

UniversityNews

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�e VSU Gospel Chorale recently wrapped up its 2015 European Tour, travelling to Hungary, Italy, Romania and Switzerland in December. Below are some snapshots of their performance at Református Nagytemplom (Kossuth tér) in Debrecen, Hungary.

�e VSU Gospel Chorale recently wrapped up its 2015 European Tour, travelling to Hungary, Italy, Romania and Switzerland in December.

Below are some snapshots of their performance at Református Nagytemplom (Kossuth tér) in Debrecen, Hungary.

VSUGC in Europe

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2016 VSU ATHLETICS SCHEDULE

1/ Winston-Salem State Ettrick, VA 1/9 Livingstone Ettrick, VA 1/12 Johnson C. Smith Ettrick, VA 1/17 Virginia Union Richmond, VA 1/20 Chowan Murfreesboro, NC 1/23 Elizabeth City State Ettrick, VA 1/27 Bowie State Ettrick, VA 1/30 Lincoln Lincoln, PA 2/3 Shaw Raleigh, NC 2/6 Newport News Appr. Ettrick, VA 2/10 Chowan Ettrick, VA 2/13 Elizabeth City State Elizabeth City, NC2/17 Bowie State Bowie, MD 2/20 Lincoln (Senior Day) Ettrick, VA 2/23-27 CIAA Tournament Charlotte, NC

2/21-23 Viking Spring Tee-Off Hertford, NC 3/6-8 CIAA Southern Div. Fayetteville, NC Tournament3/20-22 CIAA Northern Div. Petersburg, VA Tournament 4/13-15 CIAA Championship Charlotte, NC 5/5-8 PGA Minority National Port St. Lucie, FL Championship

3/6 Johnson C. Smith Univ. Winston-Salem, NC3/6 Johnson C. Smith Univ. Winston-Salem, NC3/8 Virginia Union Univ. Ettrick, VA 3/15 Chowan University Ettrick, VA 3/20 Shaw University Murfreesboro, NC 3/20 Shaw University Murfreesboro, NC 3/31 Virginia Union Univ. Richmond, VA 4/2 North Carolina Central Ettrick, VA 4/18 Chowan University Murfreesboro, NC

1/9 Father Diamond Invite Fairfax, VA1/14-16 ETSU Invite Johnson City, TN 1/29-30 Camel City Invitational Winston Salem, NC 1/29-30 Christopher Newport Newport News, VA Multi’s2/5-6 ETSU Buccaneer Invite Johnson City, TN 2/14-15 CIAA Championships Winston Salem, NC 2/20 USC Invitational Winston Salem, NC 3/9-13 NCAA Indoor Pittsburg, KS Championships

MEN'S BASKETBALL

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION

GOLF

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION

MEN'S TENNIS

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION

MEN'S & WOMEN'S INDOOR TRACK

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION

3/19 VCU Ram Invite Richmond, VA3/25-26 Univ. Richmond Fred Richmond, VA Hardy 4/1-2 High Point Univ. High Point, NC Vertklasse 4/7-10 Univ. Tenn. Sea Ray Knoxville, TN Relays4/22-23 CIAA Championships Charlotte, NC 4/28-30 Penn Relays Philadelphia, PA 5/4 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Twilight 5/5-6 Duke University Durham, NC Twilight

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION

3/5 Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, NC 3/6 Johnson C. Smith Winston-Salem, NC3/6 Livingstone Winston-Salem, NC3/8 Virginia Union Ettrick, VA3/15 Bowie State Ettrick, VA 3/17 Chowan Ettrick, VA 3/19 Fayetteville State Murfreesboro, NC 3/20 Shaw Murfreesboro, NC 3/29 Elizabeth City State Ettrick, VA 3/31 Virginia Union Richmond, VA 4/9 Bowie State Bowie, MD4/12 Chowan Murfreesboro, NC 4/14 Elizabeth City State Elizabeth City, NC

WOMEN'S TENNIS

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION

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1/7 Winston-Salem State Ettrick, VA 1/9 Livingstone Ettrick, VA 1/12 Johnson C. Smith Ettrick, VA 1/14 Bluefield State Bluefield, WV1/16 Virginia Union Richmond, VA 1/20 Chowan Murfreesboro, NC 1/23 Elizabeth City State Ettrick, VA 1/27 Bowie State Ettrick, VA 1/30 Lincoln Lincoln, PA 2/3 Shaw Raleigh, NC 2/6 Virginia Union Ettrick, VA2/10 Chowan Ettrick, VA 2/13 Elizabeth City State Elizabeth City, NC 2/17 Bowie State Bowie, MD 2/20 Lincoln (Senior Day) Ettrick, VA 2/23-27 CIAA Tournament Charlotte, NC

2/6 UVA Wise Univ. (DH) Ettrick, VA 2/7 UVA Wise University Ettrick, VA 2/13 Gannon Univ. (DH) Ettrick, VA 2/14 Gannon University Ettrick, VA 2/19 Le Moyne College Ettrick, VA 2/23 William Peace Univ. Ettrick, VA 2/27 Davis & Elkins Coll. (DH) Ettrick, VA2/28 Davis & Elkins Coll. Ettrick, VA 3/5 Mercy College Ettrick, VA3/6 Mercy College (DH) Ettrick, VA 3/7 Bloomsburg University Ettrick, VA3/9 Francis Marion Univ. Florence, SC 3/10 Benedict College Columbia, SC 3/12 Bluefield St. Coll. (DH) TBA 3/13 Bluefield St. Coll. (DH) TBA 3/19 Chowan University (DH) Murfreesboro, NC 3/20 Chowan University (DH) Murfreesboro, NC4/2 Winston-Salem St. Ettrick, VA

University (DH) 4/3 Winston- Salem St. Ettrick, VA

University (DH) 4/6 NC Central University Durham, NC 4/9 St. Augustine Univ. (DH) Raleigh, NC 4/10 St. Augustine Univ. (DH) Raleigh, NC 4/12 Univ. of Mount Olive Mount Olive, NC 4/15 Newport News Newport News, VA

Apprentice (DH)4/16 Lincoln Univ. (DH) Ettrick, VA 4/17 Lincoln Univ. (DH) Ettrick, VA 4/22 Newport News Ettrick, VA

Apprentice (DH)

2/19 West Chester (Dh) Ettrick, VA2/20 Virginia Union Univ. (Dh) Richmond, VA2/21 Salem Inter. Univ. (Dh) Ettrick, VA2/27 Shippensburg Univ. (Dh) Ettrick, VA2/28 Shippensburg University Ettrick, VA3/4 Shaw Challenge Raleigh, NC3/5 Shaw Challenge Raleigh, NC3/6 Shaw Challenge Raleigh, NC 3/11 Salem Tournament (A) Salem, VA 3/12 Salem Tournament (A) Salem, VA 3/13 Salem Tournament (A) Salem, VA 3/18 CIAA Round Up (A) TBA 3/19 CIAA Round Up (A) TBA3/20 CIAA Round Up (A) TBA3/22 Bluefield State College (Dh) Ettrick, VA 4/9 Bowie State University Bowie, MD4/10 Lincoln University (Dh) Lincoln, PA 4/16 Chowan University Ettrick, VA4/17 Elizabeth City State Univ. Ettrick, VA 4/23 Virginia Union Univ. Ettrick, VA4/28-30 CIAA Spring Sports Raleigh, NC

Championships

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

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AthleticsNews

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Fun Fact�weatt has played football since the age of eight; been a coach for more than 10 years and played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans.

On the characteristics of his coaching style:Passionate, smart, motivating teacher- “I want my team to learn from my mistakes.”

On why he chose to come to Virginia State:“Virginia State is a great school. I have followed VSU from afar all my life, and I get the opportunity to do what I love in my hometown”

Byron �weatt VSU’s 24th head football coach. However, as a native of Chester�eld, he is no stranger to “�e Hill.” His goal is to “compete and to win CIAA championships,” and with record of 5-3 in his �rst season and a great coaching sta�, the Trojans have a promising future.

On the football team’s best quality:VSU football team is always moving forward and this team �ghts adversity well. We are resilient.

Of what he is most proud:During the Fayetteville State game. 11 starters were missing or injured and younger team members were forced to start. “Next Man Up” mentality is what the team has to have to in order to move forward.

On the team’s most challenging opponent California, Pennsylvania. �ey are a well-coached team and have been a perennial power.

uick Six With:Head Football CoachByron �weatt

AthleticsNews

by Lauren Papillion Mass Communications ‘16

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Virginia Senator Rosalyn Dance exhorted the Virginia State University 2015 Fall graduating class to capitalize on their generation’s technological capabilities to advance their careers. “You can Facetime with a potential employer anywhere in the world,” she said, “while your competition is sleeping.” Sen. Dance spoke to nearly 400 graduates and a capacity Daniel Gymnasium, with a message of opportunity and personal motivation.

In her current role, Sen. Dance has made jobs creation a

Senator Rosalyn DanceHighlights Fall Commencementpriority. Her VSU address at times resembled a career preparation workshop. “When you get the opportunity, you can’t be over-prepared,” she said. “�rough preparation, you set yourself apart.”

She told the graduates that, while Commencement represents the end of one journey, “It’s only the �rst step. Your real work begins here; and with hard work and perseverance, the ideal job is waiting for you.”

Sen. Dance asked graduates to look inward, to discover their personal motivators. “My motivators,”

she explained, “are God, family and public service.” Developing and calling upon these motivators, she said, will provide strength through di�cult times. “You may not be able to choose what life throws at you,” she said, “but you can always choose how you react.” �e University presented Senator Dance with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and Interim President Pamela V. Hammond with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree.

FallCommencement

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Virginia State University’s student-operated M&M Restaurant re-opened to serve the public every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Gandy Hall, third �oor.

“�e restaurant provides a hands-on learning environment for students, and we hope to continue the tradition of o�ering great food,” says Chef Je�ery Chapman. Diners will enjoy a completely new and a�ordable menu created by Chapman. Appetizers and entrees are priced at $2.50 and $7.95, respectively, and consist of Asian-American delectables such as philly cheesesteak egg rolls, Shanghai sweet & sour ribs, and favorites jerk chicken sandwiches, and stu�ed chicken breasts. A popular dessert, caramel apple crisp, is made with locally-sourced apples. Chapman anticipates menu changes based upon customer response and product availability.

Experience a di�erent side of the campus and bring a friend to enjoy a cozy, intimate atmosphere and great service. M&M is open to the public. Reservations are not required but are accepted via e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 804-524-6753/5926. �e restaurant accepts cash and VSU Trojan Flex Dollars.

M&M Restaurant Re-opensby Calvin Barner II, Mass Communications ‘16

Virginia State University’s Reginald F. Lewis College of Business opened its �rst store on campus to provide a�ordable professional attire to students and the general public.

“�e store opened the �rst week of September and has been running smoothly,” said Brittney Bunch, a junior mass communications major. “We want the store to be a [true retail] experience for students.” �e student advisory board of the College operates and merchandises the store.

“�e sole purpose of the store is to provide students with inexpensive professional wear and give students the opportunity to exert their entrepreneurial skills,” says Jonathan Young, director of corporate relations and store supervisor.

Shoppers can purchase items such as slacks, suits, ties, shirts, dresses and shoes. “�e store is open to everyone however, the main focus and promotion will be towards our students,” says Stacey Elder, a junior business management major.

Donations are welcome and all proceeds help sustain the store, and go toward various needs of the College. �e store is located in 310 Singleton Hall, and operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Jonathan Young at (804) 524-5166, or email [email protected].

VSU LaunchesBusiness Wear Storeby Darvasha Spence, Mass Communications ‘16

CampusUpdates

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Virginia State University’s Department of Hospitality Management is gearing up to open a conference and lodging facility in its Fourth Avenue o�ces on campus.

�e Hospitality Learning Center of Excellence is a learning lab, designed to provide immediate experience and managerial skills through workshops in customer service, cooking, entrepreneur courses and lodging certi�cation. Promoted as a “beacon of hospitality management,” the center’s overall purpose is to facilitate growth and development in hospitality management students.

Department Chair Dr. Deanne Williams, called the center “unique” and said its mission is “to improve academics and instructional resources,

The Hill Gets Tastier With New Dining Options

by Adriana Fink, Mass Communications ‘16

Hospitality LearningCenter of Excellenceby Calvin Barner II, Mass Communications ‘16

�ree new franchises, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks and Subway, opened their doors in September. �e franchises are part of an initiative to bring new food options to campus. As independently owned express entities, each franchise is designed to provide quick, go-to options for on-the-go students. Dining Director John Gri�n explained that having more options provides an “even �ow throughout the dining landscape on campus.” With consultation from students and community input, Gri�n set a plan into motion. Within six months of the initial proposal, the new dining options were available. Students have been incredibly receptive. Chick-Fil-A and Subway were welcomed with lines well into the Yard, while Starbucks cups became a staple around campus. Although the lines have shortened, students continue to take advantage of the extra choices. Gri�n explained that as the semester progresses and customers increase within the campus community, new opportunities will be in the works. Chick-Fil-A and Subway are conveniently located in Foster Hall, while Starbucks is located in Jones Dining Hall.

provide training and workplace advancement.” Currently, Dr. Williams is seeking partnerships with local industries to improve program competitiveness and enhance the university’s brand.

Available to the public, the center boasts 6,500-square feet and features three lodging suites, a conference room and a 24-seat café. It will provide support for meetings, catering, events and conferences. �e department is raising money for this project through alumni support and to date has raised approximately $12,000 toward a goal of $100,000.

Reservations can be made through VSU Department of Conference Services at (804) 524-5775.

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2015 President Scholars Golf Tournament

136 Players $16k raised

1994Since

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“Tis the season to give and receive at VSU, and students were all too eager to show their gratitude!

Students from the Trojan Activities Board and Institutional Advancement’s call center signed nearly 1,000 cards for donors at the �anksgiving Card Signing Day, held in Foster Hall. �e student-centered event was a display of their immense appreciation for VSU’s donors—people and corporations alike. Students got creative at the signing event, where they personalized the cards—o�en

adding some personal information. “VSU alumni are generous in many ways. �is is a simple gesture from our students,” says Dr. Garvin S. Ma�ett, vice president of Institutional Advancement, “I was inspired by Proverbs 29:18 and adapted it to �t our cause ‘Where there is no vision VSU students will perish. Where there are no resources VSU vision will perish.’” He continued by saying, “Participating students likely are recipients of some form of donor support—tuition assistance, through an endowment

Join us in welcoming the newest members of the Powell Society, inducted on October 17, 2015. Ten inductees collectively bequeathed over $300,000. �e Powell Society recognizes individuals who have made provisions for the university with a will, life insurance policy or other planned gi� arrangements. �e new members are: (Front row, l to r) Renee Davis ’83, Zoe Spencer, Laurie Carpenter ’87. (Back row, l to r) Clementine Cone, Bradford Caldwell ’77, Joyce Glasie, Interim President Pamela Hammond, Claude Wood ’77, Ronald Pemberton ’74, Gladys Pemberton ’68, �elma Jones, James Walker ‘94.

New members are inducted to �e Virginia State University Powell Society

or scholarships—resources critical to VSU’s vision.”

Deborah Goode, donor relations specialist for Institutional Advancement, was the driving force behind the event. She says the event was an e�ort to show donors that their actions do not go unnoticed. Goode said the event was so successful that next year’s will grow signi�cantly, with more students involved and more cards mailed. “We’d like to involve other student organizations or possibly making it a competition among classes,” continued Goode. “Expanding the event to other holidays is a possibility, or creating an Alumni Appreciation Day.”

�e Division of Institutional Advancement looks forward to developing �anksgiving Card Signing Day as an event that continues to positively impact corporate, alumni and donor relations.

DevelopmentNews

Students Give Thanks: One Card at a Timeby Adriana Fink, Mass Communications ‘16

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Bryant Greene, owner/administrator of Always Best Care Philly, Bucks & Delaware Counties has been selected as Always Best Care’s 2015 Franchisee of the Year.Bryant’s award, including week-long, all-expenses paid trip for two to Jamaica, was presented at a special dinner and awards ceremony in San Antonio, Texas, site of the fourth Always Best Care International Conference.

�e award was based on 12 distinct criteria, according to Michael Newman, founder, President and Chief Executive O�cer of Always Best Care. �e criteria

Bryant Greene ‘92 Named Franchisee of the Year

consisted of caregiver relationships, support of fellow franchisees, sales success, participation in Always Best Care programs, support of corporate initiatives, giving back to the community, Veterans assistance, Alzheimer’s support, among others.

“I am truly honored to be named the 2015 recipient of this prestigious award,” said Bryant. “Five years ago, as I was faced with a few life challenges, I never thought this would have been possible. I feel extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such an incredible family and team. I am so grateful for their support and dedication and am incredibly proud of our success.” Mr. Greene has achieved signi�cant success as an

Always Best Care owner. In jfour years, his franchise has grown from zero to more than 1,000 employees! He also supports numerous charities and

community organizations, including: Walk to End Alzheimer’s; Lupus Foundation; National Black Nurses Association; Klein JCC; O�ce of Long-Term Living; Evoleur House Veterans Event; Philadelphia Zoo; Spring Garden School; Overbrook School for the Blind; Praise is the Cure -Real Men Wear Pink; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Toys for Tots; variety of churches, little and junior sports leagues; and NOAH.

Bryant has o�ces on West Girard in Philadelphia and in Bristol and Yardley, Pa.

AlumniNews

As Virginia State University strives to build relationships with younger alumni, Jermaine “Jelly” Simpson (‘02, sports marketing) consistently steps up as an example for his peers.

During the 2014 football season, Ronnie Neal, gi� o�cer and fellow alumnus, approached Simpson to elicit his support for the program. Without hesitation, Simpson launched a campaign to raise money and engage others for the Trojan football team.

Simpson was a member of the All-CIAA 1st Teams for Football (2001 and 2002) and Track & Field (2002). He now leverages his marketing and management savvy to create and host alumni bene�t events through his company, Upli� Entertainment. He is also a sales manager at Sheehy

Nissan of Mechanicsville, where he approached General Manager Dan Carbray about a sponsorship opportunity. As a �ve-year employee of the dealership, Simpson was familiar with the organization’s philanthropic endeavors. A�er speaking with Carbray, the wheels began turning to obtain approval for a partnershp with VSU. In June, Simpson and Carbray presented Head Football Coach Byron �weatt and Assistant Football Coach Justin Harper with a $10,000 check. “Knowing that we had a new, world class coach in Byron to lead our team this year made this donation a no brainer,” says Simpson. “I’m excited about our football program and I look forward to cheering the Mighty Trojans of VSU back to the CIAA Championship spot.”

Gi ve s B a c kAl l-Star Alumnus

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Melanie Gri�n-Hamlin ‘05 was named the Nation’s Best School Teacher at the 2015 Ford Neighborhood Awards, an event that showcases exemplary teachers, coaches, churches and more, hosted by Steve Harvey. �e Steve Harvey Morning Show is the number one syndicated morning show in America

and has over six million weekly listeners. In early May, thousands of nominations were made and Melanie �nished in the Top 10. In June, nationwide vot-ing took place. �e Top 4 Nominees from each of the twelve categories were sent to Atlanta.

VSU Alumna Named National Teacher of the Year

Nationwide may make a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products Underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and A�liated Companies, Columbus, OH 43215. Not all Nationwide a�liated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle design are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2015 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. AF0-0898AO.1 (1/15)

TOGETHER, WE HELP EACH OTHER DO MORE.Nationwide is proud to partner with Virginia State University.

Virginia State University believes in the importance ofphilanthropy and in playing an active role in yourcommunity. Nationwide shares these values, too, andthat’s why our partnership works.

To learn more about what our partnership cando for you, call Mequell Green at (804)748-2919.

“Words cannot describe this entire process. To actually have been a part of it from beginning to end and come out as the winner makes me feel amazing. I have been blessed to do something that I love to do---teach. Most of the time it doesn’t come with lots of accolades but this weekend I was celebrated by my family and friends, plus hundreds of well-known people. I gave my acceptance speech on the stage with Steve Harvey in front of more than 15,000 people. I was able to meet some wonderful people and share my experience with others. My church motto is that we are to ‘impact our generation with the love of God’ and that’s what I attempt to do in and out of the classroom.

Melanie graduated from VSU with a Master’s of Ed-ucation in 2005. She is the 2014 Manor Elementary School Teacher of the Year; 2014 Manor Independent School Dis-trict Teacher of the Year; 2015 Texas Region 13 Teacher of the Year Semi�nalist; and 2015 Austin, Texas’s Best Teacher from 96.3 R&B.

AlumniNews

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Marvin C. Allmond has worn several hats in his 65 years: Trojan, teacher, accountant, business owner, philanthropist. �e ’72 alumnus graduated with a B.S. in accounting.

A�er a stint in teaching, he eventually began providing accounting services for the federal government out of his Maryland accounting �rm. Allmond, an active member of the National Association of Black Accountants and VSU College of Business Alumni Advisory Board, continues to give his time, encouragement, and donations to VSU. A�er graduation, Allmond pursued his M.A. in Management at Central Michigan University, then went on to teach accounting at University of the District of Columbia. Teaching inspired Allmond to support aspiring professionals. In 1985, Allmond & Company LLC. was born out of an innovative desire to administer tax, accounting, auditing, and management services. �e company has been a source of opportunity and experience matched by few and is a gateway for interns to develop skills Allmond says are priceless. Allmond stresses the importance of accountability, a strong work ethic and drive. “Accountability is self-taught, but I, and my �rm, encourage it from day one. No one is going to give you the motivation you need except yourself. Find your inner drive, make reachable goals, and strive to mature into a successful accountant,” said Allmond. Creating an impact is something Allmond insists on, in and out of the o�ce. His battle with kidney disease prompted an epiphany: he needed to give more of his time and treasure. “I like to �nd ways that I can leave a mark,” he says, “whether it is donating money or time.” Allmond has built a legacy through his generous donations. Among them, a $100,000 donation to the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business in 2014 that was commemorated with a bronze plaque in his honor in Singleton Hall. Along with monetary

donations, such as funding student trips to the NABA convention, Allmond remains relevant in the College of Business by o�ering internships and hiring VSU students, explaining that he holds them to the highest standards. He searches for the most quali�ed professionals who demonstrate character values similar to those that have carried him through his successful career: determination and ambition. In September, Allmond participated in the Alumni Advisory Board Symposium for College of Business students. �e event was a precursor to the NABA convention held weeks later and provided advice on resume writing and interview etiquette. �e highlight of the event, however, was the level of alumni participation. Speaking to students, said Allmond, “helps shorten the gap between generations. It’s good for students to see they have support from people that have been in their shoes; that have faced adversity like they might be.” Allmond counsels students on the impact an apathetic view of the professional world can have on their career. He insists that accountability, strong work ethic, and professionalism, are some of the most sought a�er traits in the world outside of campus. “�e moment you lose sight of your dream, you lose sight of yourself. You have to keep working toward something and remain humble,” Allmond adds. Digni�ed, yet modest, Allmond maintains that part of his success is due to the team he has created in his �rm. Holding each member accountable to uphold a professional manner, the team is able to successfully carry on his legacy. Engaging and encouraging VSU students, is not only part of serving his community, but also integral to his legacy.

Alumni Spotlight: Marvin C. Allmond ‘72by Adriana Fink, Mass Communications ‘16

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Josephine Samuels ’42 bequeathed an unrestricted planned gi� of $150,000 to the Department of Textiles, Apparel and Merchandising Management.

In memoriam: Bernadine Gines ‘46 passed away on Janu-ary 23 in New York. She was the �rst black female to receive a CPA license in New York. �e New York State Society of CPAs honored her in 2014 for the 60th anniversary of her acquiring the CPA.

In memoriam: Weldon Bailey ‘50 passed away on Sep-tember 22 in Fredericksburg, Va. His wife �elma Bailey preceded him in death.

In memoriam: Grace V. Charity ‘52 passed away on Octo-ber 19 in Richmond, Va.

In memoriam- Recita A. Miles ’52 passed away on August 10 in Brentwood, Md. Her husband Leo F. Miles preceded her in death.

�e National Association of the Links, Inc. honored Ann C. Taylor ’56 for 40 years of active service.

In memoriam: Doris Marie Terrell Moore ‘58 passed away on September 8. She was an active member of the Virginia State University Alumni Association of D.C. and the Xi Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Edward Carter ’62, former mayor of Greenville, NC, was recently inducted to the Sons of the American Revolution.

In memoriam: Rochelle Johnson ‘62 passed away on Sep-tember 17 in Richmond, Va. She is survived by her husband Vincent Johnson.

In memoriam: Elbert Nixon ‘62 passed away on July 5 in Norfolk, Va.

In memoriam: Virginius Bray �ornton III ’62, civil rights leader and a founder of SNCC, passed away on September 3 in West Point, Va. While earning his master’s degree on “�e Hill”, �ornton was a leader of sit-ins dubbed “�e Second Siege of Petersburg” that helped desegregate the Petersburg Public Library and other facilities.

Rudy Powell ‘63 received WWBT-12’s Acts of Kindness award, which recognizes local residents for making a dif-ference in people’s lives. Nominated by broadcasting legend Kirby Carmichael, Powell was called the “Crowned Prince of Giving” and as a recipient of the award, he was presented with a cash gi�. View the heartfelt presentation at www.nbc12.com.

In memoriam: Sandra Mobley ‘64 passed away on August 16 in Richmond, Va. She was a past president of Metro Richmond Alumni Chapter.

In memoriam: James Wendell Beamer ‘65 passed away on August 31 in Matthew, N.C. He was a member of the Nu Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Inc.

In memoriam: Fredi Savage-Easton ‘65 passed away on September 22 in Valley Cottage, N.Y. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Eaton.

Charlie W. Hill ’66 donated $100,000 to establish the An-nase Wilks Hill Minerva Circle Endowment. �e Endow-ment honors Hill’s late wife, Annase Wilks Hill, who earned bachelor and master’s degrees in microbiology from VSU.

In memoriam: Sylvia Holtzclaw Elam ‘67 passed away on October 15 in Durham, N.C. Her husband, Rev. Wesley L. Elam ’68 preceded her in death.

In memoriam: Roosevelt Phillips ‘67 passed away on Au-gust 1 in Richmond, Va.

In memoriam: Rev Wesley L. Elam ‘68 passed away on Sep-tember 28 in Durham, N.C. He is survived by his wife Sylvia Holtzclaw Elam.

In memoriam: Vivian Estelle Ho�er, age 86, passed away on September 17 in Norfolk, Va. Her husband, Carlton W. Ho�er Jr, preceded her in death.

1940s

1950s

1960s

AlumniShorts

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Vernell Battle-Kilpatrick ’77 was honored as the 2015 VSU Alumna of the Year-- the highest honor bestowed upon alumni by the Virginia State University Alumni Association on behalf of the university.

Yvette Robinson ’72 & ’77, member of the Agriculture Alumni Chapter and Ladies in Red Alum-ni Chapter, received the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award and was honored at the 80th Anniversary Gala of Alpha Phi Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi & 85th Anni-versary Alpha Eta, Delta Sigma �eta. As fundraising chair for 125th Anniversary of Land Grant Universities & 2nd Morrill Act, she reached the $10,000 fundraising goal. Additionally, Robinson was appointed to the Delta Sigma �eta Sorority, Inc. National Social Action Commission; commissioned as the assistant district deputy organizer for the 16th District Order of the Eastern Star of VA P.H.A., and elected parlia-mentarian for the Women’s Auxiliary of the Virginia Baptist State Convention.

In memoriam: Leonard O. Farrish ’77, passed away on November 7, 2014 in Hampton, VA. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma and survived by his wife Debra.

Hermon Maclin ’77, aka �e Boogie Doctor of Trussel, is one of 50 educators worldwide to receive the Adobe Youth Voices Creative Educator Award. Maclin teaches youth to “create with purpose” through digital media as a 4-H Exten-sion Agent in Prince George, Va.

Brian K. Telfair ’83, City Attorney for Petersburg, Va., was selected by his peers at the Virginia Bar Association as a member of Virginia’s Legal Elite for 2015.

Col. Earnest A. Bazemore ’85 retired from the United States Army a�er 30 years of service. A highly decorated veteran, Bazemore began a second career as a program manager for intelligence systems for EWA/Information & Infrastructure Technologies, Inc.

1970s

1980s

Ron L. Phillips ‘89 was appointed Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Carnival Cruise Line. He will oversee shoreside and shipboard human resources for the world’s largest cruise line, including talent acquisition, talent man-agement, leadership development, human capital planning, employee engagement, compensation and bene�ts, and performance management.

Kimberley L. Martin ’90, founder of KLM Scholarship Foundation, has been fea-tured in several newspaper and magazine articles that highlighted her organization’s impressive work in providing book schol-arships. Over the past 12 years, she has distributed more than $140,000 in book scholarships to 182 students attending 20 Virginia colleges and universities.

Kipp Rogers ‘92 was recently hired as the chief academic o�cer for Norfolk Public Schools in Virginia. He was previ-ously employed as York County’s director of secondary instruction.

Dianna Hicks Hawkins ’93 opened Hicks Hawkins Agency Inc, dba Farmers Insurance in Norfolk, Va. �e agency is a full service company providing a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products.

Whitney Battle-Baptiste ’94, associate professor of anthro-pology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has been appointed as the director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center at the UMass Amherst Libraries.

Daniel Harrison ’98 was recently hired as the city engineer for Petersburg, Va. He previously worked for Virginia De-partment of Transportation as a project manager.

Jemayne King ’01 was appointed Title III Co-Director and instructor of English and Communications at Johnson C. Smith’s University College. He authored a book, Sole Food: Digestible Sneaker Culture; and in Spring 2015, created an English course based on the book-- a �rst in HBCU history

1990s

2000s

AlumniShorts

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dedicated to identi�cation within sneaker culture.

J. Anthony Williams ‘04 was hired as the Trade and Industrial Education Specialist for the Virginia Department of Education. �is year, he was inducted into the Golden Key International and Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Societies. Rounding o� his achievements is the celebration of his eighth year as owner and president of J&A Audio in Richmond, Va; specializing in audiovisual equipment sales and installation services for residential and commercial clients.

Lashrecse Aird ’08 has claimed many im-pressive accolades in Virginia: appointed by Governor McAuli�e to the Common-wealth Council of Women; appointed to the Petersburg Planning Commission and is the youngest woman elected to the Vir-ginia General Assembly. Additionally, she received the Young Trojan award for two previous consecutive years.

Nichole Tucker ’12 recently published a book of poetry titled �e Upside of Insanity. �e book is available for pur-chase through Amazon Books.

Jahliel �urman ‘14, former SGA presi-dent, has launched a YouTube series high-lighting HBCU campus life called “Yard Talk 101.” Now in its the second season, �urman has visited eight campuses. View YardTalk 101 on its YouTube channel.

Jolisa Williams, M.S ’14 has been named sports informa-tion director at Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. She previ-ously worked at Richard Bland College as sports informa-tion director.

Kondwani Fidel ’15, poet, inspirational speaker, and sub-stitute teacher in Baltimore inspired his students and the world with a viral video of his spoken word performance. View the video on his website.

2010s

AlumniShortsHow CanWE Serve

YOU?�e Division of Institutional Advancement serves to connect you to the University through a number of avenues. Endowments, scholarship funds, fundraising events and volunteer opportunities are only a few ways that you can support the campus and our students.

Feel free to reach out to a sta� member who can answer your questions and provide assistance:

Alumni RelationsDr. Anthony �ompsonAssociate VP(804) 524-1062

Athletics Support Deborah GoodeDevelopment Support(804) 524-5595

Ronnie NealDevelopment Support (804) 524-2312

New EndowmentsMario WhiteMajor Gi�s O�cer (804) 524-5387

Existing EndowmentsBart BlanksAssist. Dir. of Stewardship (804) 524-5559

Fundraising Event SupportCathy WysongPR & Marketing Specialist(804) 524-6779

Planned GivingAnita WynnMajor Gi�s O�cer (804) 524-5397

University Relations�omas ReedAssistant VP (804) 524-5317

Other Sta�Robin Baughan

Adrian BondRodney ButlerDavid Carter

Patricia HawkinsGarvin Ma�ett, Ed.D.

Clarence NelsonLatryce Noel

Jacqueline Smith

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Back Inside Cover

2016 presents many opportunities for you to support your beloved alma mater and its students. �is issue highlights some of the initiatives and porgrams that rely on alumni dollars for success. We’re asking for your commitment to the Tuition Assistance Fund, Annual Fund, Scholarship or Endowment of your choice.

To give online, please click here.

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VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY Division of Institutional AdvancementP.O. Box 9027 Virginia State University, VA 23806

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage PAID

Permit No. 6Petersburg, VA

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