ASU Today Magazine - Alabama State University

FALL 2012
VOL. 5 NO. 3
Alum
ni Magazine
M A G A Z I N E
“I
t’
s
O
ur
H
ou
se
!”
Happy
New
Year!
CONTENTS
2
A Message Regarding
The New ASU Stadium
3
The Tradition Comes Home
4-28
A Calendar of Homecoming Events
29-34
The New ASU Stadium
35
Hornets Walk into New Era
37
Pregame Extravaganza
39
Halftime Highlights and Honors
40
The Story Behind the Opening
41
Seniors Make History in
89th Turkey Day Classic
42
286th Commencement Exercises
44
Focus on Student Achievement
47
Miss ASU Coronation
51
Alumna Honored as a Pioneer
52
Communications Pioneer
LaVonette Bartley Retires
To receive up–to–date information visit www.alasu.edu.
58
Fall Sports
To subscribe for weekly updates go to www.alasu.edu and
click on the link “Sign up for our email newsletter.”
Departments:
Editor
Dr. John F. Knight Jr.
Managing Editor
Danielle M. Kennedy
University Editor
Lois G. Russell
Consulting Editor
Hazel Scott
Copy Editors
Katrina Williams
Dana Vandiver
Staff Writers
Timothy C. Ervin
Tina Joly
Contributing Writers
Deonshay Danson
May Donnell
Duane Lewis (Sports Information Director)
Photographers
David Campbell
Te’Darius Lewis (Student Photographer)
Layout and Design
Haley Cumbie
McQuick Printing
ASU Today Magazine is published by the Office of
University Publications. Items should be mailed to the
attention of ASU Today Magazine, Office of University
Publications, Alabama State University, P.O. Box 271,
Montgomery, AL 36101–0271.
ASU is committed to preserving our earth. If you already
have a copy of this magazine, please share this one with
a friend or recycle it. Return the duplicate address labels
to us so that we may clean up our mailing lists, keep costs
low and be environmentally friendly. Thank You.
Highlights from Homecoming 2012
Commemorative Pullout
“It was like an opening of the Olympics!)
A Great Time to Celebrate Academic Achievement
“Embracing the Beauty of Diversity”
Bertha Pleasant Williams Library
Action and Accolades
46 Campus News
54 Alumni Notes
55 Alumni News
On the Cover: The cover photo features an aerial of The New ASU Stadium on
Turkey Day shot by William B. Birchfield. He was one of four photographers who
assisted University Photographer David Campbell in capturing the highlights
of the Homecoming celebration and the historic opening of the stadium. Other
photographers were Te’Darius Lewis, ASU student photographer; Hal Yeager, sports
action and tailgate scenes; and Dyanne Riche’, suite and general features photography.
You will enjoy their photographs throughout this special edition of ASU Today.
FROM THE EDITOR
• Centers for Leadership and Public Policy, NanoBiotechnology Research and the National Center
for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American
Culture
• Strong standards of fiscal responsibility and growth
of endowment funds
• The state-of-the-art Levi Watkins Learning Center,
The New ASU Stadium, new residence halls and
many other new facilities
• The nearly $1 billion in economic impact ASU
generates in the River Region and the state of
Alabama
• Tens of thousands of permanent jobs created by ASU
in a range of industries
• The University’s global initiative to take the
classroom world wide
As another busy year in the life of our University ends,
just weeks after the dedication of our new stadium, it is only
natural that we pause and take stock of how far we came in
the eventful year of 2012. Even amidst the challenges of the
day, all of us who love Alabama State University can take
heart.
A wise man once said there comes a time in the life of all
great institutions when challenges arise, when setbacks and
even momentary failures present themselves, and these are
in many ways the most important times, for they test and
temper the institution’s resolve, it's unity and it's spirit.
Now, however, when such moments arise in the life of
the institution we hold so dear, we can meet them with a
greater sense of calm than was once the case, secure as we
are in the knowledge that our path has been one of progress
and remarkable achievement over not just the past year, but,
indeed, the past several years.
Since embarking on the Vision 2020 process and
nothing less than the transformation of ASU, we have
together achieved great things. The physical, academic and
administrative transformation of our University is too farreaching to list on any single page, but it includes:
• Exciting new academic programs, recently
approved by ACHE, such as the Master of Science
in Prosthetics and Orthotics, one of only 11 such
programs in the country
• The comprehensive administrative and academic
reorganization of the University
I could go on, if space permitted.
As a result of all of the University’s accomplishments,
today, whenever mighty waves buffet our shores, we know
that we can rest easy, because ours is an institution that is
built on a solid foundation of excellence.
Even so, much remains to be done. We need to martial
our strength to complete the difficult but gratifying work of
achieving our Vision 2020 goals.
We must all of us — administration, faculty, staff, alumni
and students — pull together, because if we do, we can surely
carry the momentum we’ve gained in the past four years
into the new year ahead.
I would like to end this letter on a personal note and say
“Thank You” to my University for having given me so many
opportunities to advance the principles and ideals our alma
mater stands for at its best.
Here’s to another year of amazing progress and
transformation, for which all of us who love and care about
Alabama State University can be grateful. And, here’s to
2013 — another great year to be a Hornet!
Sincerely,
1
letter to the editor
Note from the editor: The letter below was sent to me by Donald Watkins, a former member of the ASU Board of Trustees
and the son of the late ASU president Levi Watkins Sr. Donald Watkins visited our campus a couple of times this year,
most recently as one of the speakers at the re-dedication of the Levi Watkins Learning Center. I wanted to share his
comments with our readers. I felt that they were most appropriate as we continue to celebrate the many accomplishments
of the University during 2012.
Dear John:
I enjoyed my private tour of the new ASU stadium today with you and President Bill Harris. It brought back a lot of
special memories. The tour experience was surreal. I was actually walking around a new, state-of-the-art, on-campus stadium
that was just a dream we shared in 2000.
I have found and attached our original May 2000 stadium proposal. We projected a cost of $60 million in 2000 for the
proposed multi-use ASU stadium. It was built during the past 2 years and completed in 2012 for a cost of $62 million.
It took 12 long years to bring this project to life, but you did it. In 2000, only a handful of people thought that this
stadium project could be successfully undertaken and completed. Many people in the ASU community ridiculed us and said
we were "crazy". Some critics were just down-right hostile to the project and expressed their hostility by sabotaging the 2000
proposal.
You followed our dream of a new stadium! You never gave up. You made the stadium project a reality, and you overcame
all of the massive resistance from detractors and other seemingly insurmountable obstacles along the way.
Today, the new stadium is the pride and joy of the ASU family and all of Black America as well as the City of
Montgomery. It is a world-class facility by any university standards in America.
When my father became president of ASU in 1962, the University was a small, unaccredited teachers college for
"Negroes". In 1962, ASU and Alabama A&M University received their respective allocations of annual state funding only
after the state's prison system received its allocated funding. ASU's very existence was a day-to-day struggle.
My father worked tirelessly each day to lift and advance ASU. The best decision he ever made, however, was his
personnel action in hiring you. He literally struck "pay-dirt" for ASU when he brought you on board as a young staffer in the
1970s.
Thanks to you, your strategic leadership team, the forward thinking ASU Board of Trustees, and your collective love for
and commitment to ASU, the University, in 2012, is one of the top mid-size universities in America. ASU's academic course
offerings, facilities, centers of excellence, and applied research centers are widely recognized in the national academic
community and they are frequently lauded as "outstanding" in terms of quality.
Today, ASU is, by far, the Number 1 HBCU in America.
My father would be extremely proud of you and the service you have provided to ASU since you arrived on campus as
a student more than four decades ago. No single individual, living or dead, has contributed more to the growth in ASU's
academic programs and campus expansion than you.
The public may never properly thank you, but I will and I do with this letter.
You have built upon the solid foundation laid for ASU by my father during his presidential years from 1962-1981. Above
all, you have represented ASU extremely well during your four decades of loyal and dedicated service to the University.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
On behalf of the Watkins family, the ASU family, and me, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for a job well
2170 Highland Avenue S., Suite. 100 • Birmingham, AL 35205 USA
done. Please feel free to share this letter with Dr.
Harris and
the• 877-558-4670(Fax)
members of the ASU Board of Trustees.
205-558-4688
(Office)
www.masada.com
Thank you!
Sincerely,

Donald V. Watkins
Chairman and CEO
________________________________________________________________________________________________
2
2170 Highland Avenue S., Suite. 100 • Birmingham, AL 35205 USA
205-558-4688 (Office) • 877-558-4670(Fax)
www.masada.com
The
Tradition
Comes
Home
3
Homecoming 2012 featured a series of events
that drew hundreds for days and evenings of
laughter, dancing, tailgating, football and just
plain fun. On the upcoming pages of ASU
Today, we wanted to give you a feel for just how
exciting and entertaining Homecoming 2012
was. From the Downtown Block Party to the
SGA-sponsored concert, featuring recording
artist 2 Chainz, the week had something for
everybody.
1
Friday, November 16
Faculty, Staff and
Student Talent Show
The festivities began on Friday
evening with the inaugural Faculty,
Staff and Student Talent Show,
sponsored by the Non-Instructional
Staff Council. Contestants displayed
talents ranging from singing, to
comedy, dramatic monologues, poetry
and rap.
The event was hosted by Mikos
Sapp, who kept the audience laughing
and dancing in the aisles in between
the various acts.
4
The evening ended with the
announcement of the winning act done
in the “Apollo” style, complete with
ASU’s own Kiki Shepard (Georgette
Varner). The crowd favorite and
winning act was “The Ike and Tina
Turner Review,” featuring Media
Relations Specialist Tina Joly (Tina
Turner), Alumni Affairs Director
Cromwell Handy (Ike) and backup
singers, Marian Hollis, Joy Banks and
Shyla Summerlin.
“It was so much fun!” said Hollis.
“We really worked hard on the dance
routines, and I think the audience
2
could see that. Even though I was
nervous at first, I am so glad that we
decided to do this.”
Other participants included Mary
Blanche, Jessyca Reese, Martenia
Larkin, Stephanie Grant, Dr. Freddie
Gallot, Vydreon Moon, Henry Davis,
Dr. E. K. Daufin and Cynthia Ashley.
Members of the ASU baseball team
also performed an original rap as part
of the evening's entertainment.
“The talent show was a big hit with
the crowd,” said Georgette Varner, who
headed the committee that organized
the event. “We were so pleased with
1. The “Ike and Tina Turner Review” was
a hit at the Faculty, Staff and Student
Talent Show. 2. Jennifer Anderson,
director of Development, was one of the
staff members who joined students for the
Homecoming Mixer in the Shuttlesworth
Dining Facility. The event gave ASU
faculty and staff members the opportunity
to “mix” with students in an informal
setting. 3. Danielle Cobb leads the cast
of “Whitney: One Moment in Time,” a
popular production performed by members
of the ASU Department of Theatre Arts.
4. Students take to the dance floor at the
Students' Ball sponsored by the Student
Government Association.
3
a different kind of evening out,” said
Kyle Burney, president of the Student
Government Association. “It was a
great time to get dressed up and spend
an evening in a more formal setting.”
Saturday, November 17
4
the turnout of students, employees
and the friends and family of the
participants. It was just a lot of fun.
I hope the talent show becomes an
annual event during Homecoming.”
Students' Ball
Also on Nov. 16, ASU students were
treated to the Inaugural Students’ Ball,
sponsored by the Student Government
Association.
The affair featured a night of fun
with live music, dancing and other
entertainment.
“We wanted to give the students
Whitney: One
Moment in Time
One of the highlights of the weekend
was the performance of “Whitney” by
the Theatre Arts Department.
The 530-seat Ralph D. Abernathy
Auditorium was near capacity for the
performance which paid tribute to the
career and musical contributions of the
late Whitney Houston.
This was the third performance
of the musical which was written
and directed by Anthony Stockard,
a professor in ASU’s Department
of Theatre Arts. Veteran Theatre
Arts student Danielle Cobb wowed
the crowd with her interpretations
of Houston’s hits. The show also
featured other “artists,” including
“Cissy Houston” (Kristen Webster),
“CeCe Winans” (Kori Hedgemon),
“Kim Burrell” (Dellishea McArthur),
“Deborah Cox” (Jasmine Gatewood)
and “Mariah Carey” (Desire’ Gaston).
“This is a wonderful opportunity to
showcase the talents of our students,”
said Stockard. “The first performance
of ‘Whitney’ was staged not long
after her death. The second was
done at the Montgomery Community
Theater where each performance was
sold out and received rave reviews.
So, we thought ‘Whitney’ would be
a wonderful event to stage during
Homecoming.”
Proceeds from the show benefitted
the Seek a Life Useful Scholarship
fund of ASU’s Chi Chi chapter of
Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre
Honor Society.
Homecoming calendar
continues on page 6.
5
Sunday, November 18
Celebrating
a Culture
of Learning
By Deonshay Danson
6
T
The life and legacy of Alabama State
University’s sixth President, Dr. Levi
Watkins Sr., was celebrated on Nov.
18, when ASU rededicated the newly
renovated Levi Watkins Learning
Center.
Regarded as one of the University’s
most revered leaders, Watkins led
ASU from the volatile and tumultuous
1960s, to the realization of integration
in the 1970s, to the progressive period
of the 1980s, an era that cemented the
viability of the future of ASU.
Members of the Watkins family were
present for the celebration, including
his son, attorney Donald Watkins, and
his daughter, Doristine Minott.
Elton Dean Sr., chairman of the
ASU Board of Trustees, greeted
attendees. Dean (‘71) attended ASU
during Watkins’s tenure as president.
He shared his gratitude for Watkins’s
leadership in moving ASU forward.
“I would label him the best president
that ASU ever had,” Dean said. “It
wasn’t about Dr. Watkins; it was about
ASU. He left a legacy, and I’m proud
to say today that this is it … and all
the other beautiful things that you see
today on this campus — he laid the
foundation.”
Dean also emphasized the
importance of the library as the central
location for educational endeavors at
ASU.
“Everybody talks about the football
field, but this is the best edifice on this
campus,” Dean said.
Watkins’s son spoke about his late
father’s contributions and dedication
to ASU. He also expressed gratitude
on behalf of his mother and siblings for
the celebration honoring his father’s
legacy.
“It’s a special day, and the Watkins
family is deeply appreciative of the
recognition that ASU has given my
father in the space called the Levi
Watkins Learning Center, which is
a living memorial for his chapters at
ASU,” Watkins said. “As we pay tribute
to my father, he believed in you, he
believed in the students, he believed in
the faculty, and his job was to support
them in any way he knew how.”
Watkins also lauded the University’s
strides toward becoming an institution
Continued to page 8
7
Pictured, page 6: The Dr. Levi Watkins
exhibit is one of several showcases staged
on the first floor of the Levi Watkins
Learning Center.
Pictured, page 7: (top left) Attorney
Donald Watkins, son of Dr. Levi Watkins
Sr., was one of the guest speakers at the
ceremony in his father’s honor.
(top right) Artist Synthia SAINT JAMES
unveils her painting “Enlightenment:
ASU,” which will hang in the Levi
Watkins Learning Center.
Pictured, this page: (top) Visitors view one
of the informational exhibits inside the
Levi Watkins Learning Center.
(bottom) The E.D. Nixon exhibit pays
tribute to the man who was a central figure
in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the
modern Civil Rights Movement.
Levi Watkins
Continued from page 7
poised and ready to compete on a
global level.
“You’ve already taken your rightful
place in Alabama; you can have your
rightful place in the United States.
You’re already number one. I think
your rightful place now is in the global
community,” Watkins said. “I hope
I live long enough to not just see the
building dedicated, but to see a new
dedicated mission to where we are
number one in the world — there is no
reason that we should not be, and all
8
we have to have is the same spirit [as
Dr. Watkins].”
The dedication also featured
performances by the ASU Choir, under
the direction of Dr. Joel Jones, and the
Floyd Elementary School Choir, under
the direction of principal and ASU
alumnus, Ibrahim Kareem Lee.
In addition to the choir
performances, the event included a
special presentation by renowned
multicultural visual artist Synthia
SAINT JAMES, who is best known
for creating the cover art for Terry
McMillan’s bestselling book, “Waiting
to Exhale.”
SAINT JAMES was commissioned
to create a painting, “Enlightenment:
ASU,” for the Levi Watkins Learning
Center. Her creation was unveiled
during the dedication.
The recent renovations to the Levi
Watkins Learning Center cost $22
million and took nearly two years
to complete. The project added
60,000 square feet to the existing
87,000-square-foot library.
The facility boasts more than
three million items, including
books, periodicals, microform,
electronic information sources and
an internationally renowned special
archival collection of writings
pertaining to the Civil Rights
Movement. It also houses an Internet
café, meeting and study rooms, a media
center and outdoor courtyards. n
Monday, November 19
Campus and
Community
Awards
for Spirit
Displays
Homecoming is always an
opportunity to show pride in being
a member of the Hornet Nation.
For those who go above and beyond
in making their allegiance known,
awards were given by the Homecoming
committee.
Hornets in the
Community
The Community Decorating
Contest returned this year much to the
delight of winner, Roszetta Moncrief
(‘72), who loves to show her Hornet
pride, Moncrief's entire yard was
decked out in black and gold, with
leaves creatively piled to spell out
“A-S-U.”
As the winning entry, Moncrief
received two tickets to the Turkey
Day Classic game, two tickets to the
Homecoming Concert and After Party,
a 1st place trophy and a Hornet Spirit
gift pack.
Decorating the Campus
The campus is always a primary
site for Homecoming decorations.
This year, a number of offices and
residence halls participated. Winners
in all categories received trophies. First
place winners also received lunch for
10 people and 10 Turkey Day Classic
T-shirts.
Campus winners by category:
College
1st Place: College of Health Sciences
2nd Place: Levi Watkins Learning
Center
(top right) Roszetta Moncrief, winner
of the Community Decorating Contest,
receives her trophy at the Homecoming
Block Party. Her winning decorations are
pictured to the left.
Residence Halls
(bottom) Judges show their “appreciation”
for one of the entries in the Campus
Decorating Contest.
1st Place: Bessie Benson Hall
2nd Place: CJ Dunn Tower
3rd Place: Abercombie Hall Departments 1st Place: International Student Affairs 2nd Place: Housing & Residential Life 3rd Place: Office of Admissions 4th Place: Office of Disability Services
9
Tuesday, November 20 - Thursday, November 22
Tailgating Draws Hundreds to Campus
T
By Deonshay Danson and Timothy C. Ervin
Tailgating is as much a part of
home football games as peanuts
and popcorn. For ASU, the smell of
barbecue and the colorful lineups
of tents and RVs were a part of the
campus environment for the first time.
The RV Village and tailgate tents
were set up on campus to let fans enjoy
a pregame party like no other.
RVs and “Tent”gates
Walking through the campus
of Alabama State University early
Thursday morning, you could literally
smell the excitement in the air,
especially at the RV Tailgaters Village.
Recreational vehicles started arriving
Tuesday night to kick off a new
10
tradition on campus.
“We had 76 RV spaces and 55 tent
spaces this year,” said Gina JobeIshman, ASU’s facilities manager,
whose department coordinated the
tailgate spaces. “Most of those went
pretty quickly. I think people were
really excited about the opportunity to
tailgate so close to the new stadium.”
Donald Evans, a 1970 alumnus,
and his family kicked off tailgating
with a special Southern breakfast of
grits, eggs and sausage. He said the
menu would change to fried turkey by
afternoon.
“I brought my whole family out this
year — my brothers, sisters, nieces and
nephews. And anybody that comes
out, they are welcome to join us, too,”
Evans said. “We plan to have a jolly ole
good time.”
ASU alumnus Corey Smith (‘95)
arrived on campus Wednesday night
from Huntsville to join in the tailgating
festivities. He said he tailgates at most
ASU football games, but this year was
extra special.
“I’m very excited to be on campus,”
Smith said. “The theme, ‘The Tradition
Comes Home’ is very fitting. We
don’t have to worry about traveling
anywhere. All the festivities are right
here in one location.”
Students Join the Fun
Pictured, Page 10: Vendor Valley was one
of the popular attractions on Turkey Day.
Pictured, this page:
(top left) Nearly 50 vendors lined Harris
Way directly across from The New ASU
Stadium.
(top right) The smells of barbecue filled
the air as tailgaters enjoyed three days of
grilling and other festivities.
(left) Phyillis House, Annette Moore,
Jackie Martin (’09) and Beverly Duncan
(’13) enjoy RV tailgating.
Hundreds of students and recent
grads gathered behind McGinty
Apartments on Nov. 21, for the final
Student Government Associationsponsored event of this year’s Hornet
Homecoming — an all-night tailgate
party featuring live music, food and lots
of dancing.
Heather Scruggs, a senior recording
industry major from Huntsville,
coordinated the SGA-sponsored events
for the second year. She said students
wanted to be more involved with
this year’s Homecoming celebration
because of all the excitement
surrounding the new stadium.
“This is a very special Homecoming
for the entire University, and we as
students wanted to show our pride and
support our football tradition coming
back home to ‘Our House,’” Scruggs
said. “This is my final Turkey Day
Classic as a student, and I wanted it to
be a memorable one.”
Scruggs later said that students
enjoyed themselves so much at the
tailgate, that she finally had to turn off
the music to get them to go home at 5:30
a.m.
Students were not the only ones
enjoying the all-night festivities. Several
recent ASU graduates were on hand to
party with their former classmates and
friends.
“When I was a student, we partied
hard, but we never partied like this!” said
Christopher Ford, a 2011 alumnus
from Birmingham. “This is my first
Homecoming as an alumnus, and it’s
impressive to see the students take
the lead in celebrating this special
moment in ASU’s history.”
SGA President Kyle Burney was
extremely pleased with all the events
the students coordinated, but he
anticipated the all-night tailgating
party the most.
“This year, the students wanted to
bring our involvement to an all-time
high as we bring our tradition home,”
Burney said. “I want to thank the
administration for giving us the green
light and support that we needed to
hold our events.” n
11
Tuesday, November 20
Breakfast Celebrates
Business and
Community Partnerships
By Timothy C. Ervin
Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange and Board Chairman Elton N. Dean shared the
podium to welcome guests to the Business and Community Breakfast.
ASU’s Hornet Homecoming theme,
“The Tradition Comes Home,” was the
topic of discussion for several hundred
Montgomery-area business leaders and
community members who gathered at
12
the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel on
Nov. 20.
Dr. John F. Knight Jr., ASU’s
executive vice president and chief
operating officer, served as emcee
for the Business and Community
Breakfast. He praised the Montgomery
area’s “strong community” for helping
ASU and the city reach new heights.
“It is a blessing to see so much
progress that has taken place in this
city and this region. We are blessed at
ASU with the progress, development
and everything that is taking place.
But nothing would happen if we didn’t
have community people. Nothing
would happen if we didn’t have people
working together,” Knight said.
Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange
expressed his excitement about all of
the Homecoming activities and said it
is rewarding to be mayor of a city with
such rich tradition.
“It is wonderful to be a leader of an
organization during this time of the
year, as we begin this Thanksgiving
season,” Strange said. “There is so
much to be thankful for, and today we
are thankful for ASU. I believe ASU is
1
2
on the cusp of greatness.”
Ashley Brindle, director of
marketing and client relations for Jerry
Kyser Builders, thought the breakfast
was empowering and said it was
great to see the business community
come together with the education
community.
“I think it’s dynamic to see the
Hornets’ pride spread across all of
Montgomery,” Brindle said. “I’ve been
here eight years, and I’ve seen such
a shift and a dramatic impact that is
created just off of the alumni who
have actually stayed in Montgomery to
make a difference. A lot of the business
community has alumni represented
here (at the breakfast), so that is really
great to see that level of connection.”
Delbert Madison is vice president
of cash management for ServisFirst
3
Bank, which served as a sponsor for
the breakfast.
“It was a great effort, not only with
the University, but with the business
community as a whole coming together
supporting higher education,” Madison
said.
A highlight of the breakfast was
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing LLC’s
presentation of $10,000 checks to
both Alabama State University and
Tuskegee University. The donations will
be used at both Universities for general
scholarship funds. ASU presented
two awards during the Breakfast. The
Keepers of the Community Spirit
Awards were given to Drew Nelson of
the Department of Public Health and
to the city of Montgomery Parks and
Recreation Department. n
4
1. Student Government Association
President Kyle Burney addresses the
Breakfast gathering.
2. Local businessmen were invited to
celebrate the growing partnerships between
ASU and the business community.
3. Local businessman and Montgomery
Area Chamber of Commerce
representative Larry Puckett shares his
excitement about the opening of The New
ASU Stadium.
4. Attorney Jere Beasley speaks with Board
of Trustees vice chairman Marvin Wiggins
during the Business and Community
Breakfast.
Pictured across both pages: Arsino
Christopher, bass trombonist, entertains
the breakfast crowd.
13
Tuesday, November 20
Campus Parade Full
of Pep and Pride
By Deonshay Danson
14
T
That Ole ‘Bama State Spirit was
on full display on Nov. 20, as the
Mighty Marching Hornets, the ASU
cheerleaders and other student groups
and organizations participated in the
annual campus parade.
Parade participants lined up behind
the Tullibody Fine Arts Building and
greeted students, faculty, staff and
alumni as they made their way around
campus.
The parade culminated in an all-out
pep rally on the steps of the DunnOliver Acadome. The band and
cheerleaders put on a great show for
fans young and old.
Ibrahim Lee, an ASU alumnus (‘06
& ‘08), former SGA president and
current principal of Floyd Elementary
School, brought nearly 200 students to
see the campus parade.
“It feels so good to give them realworld experiences and more than
doing just class work and worksheets,”
Lee said. “We’ve given them the
chance to see a real college campus.”
Alumna and current ASU graduate
student, Fatima Smith (‘09), was
glowing with pride as she used her
lunch break to enjoy the festivities.
“It’s exciting to see students come
out and support their school and
show their pride, and it’s always
wonderful to see the spirit that Hornet
Nation has,” Smith said. “ASU has
come a long way in just a few years,
and it’s great to see the University
move forward and support our new
stadium.”
Carlton Thompson, a freshman
computer science major from
Montgomery, said he is thrilled about
experiencing his first Turkey Day
Classic as an ASU student.
“It’s truly great to see everyone
come together to celebrate our school;
I’ve never seen anything like it,”
Thompson said. “I’m very excited
about being in the first freshman class
that will get to enjoy having football
in the new stadium. It really is a great
time to be a Hornet.” n
15
RallyAlle
Tuesday, November 20
in the
16
ley
Downtown
Montgomery Buzzing
With Hornets during
Block Party
By Timothy C. Ervin
Downtown Montgomery’s Alleyway
was filled with a sea of black and gold,
as the Hornet Nation held a giant pep
rally and block party as part of the
Hornet Homecoming festivities.
This is the fourth year that the
University has staged the Block Party
in Montgomery’s downtown business
and restaurant district.
“This event has gotten bigger and
better every year,” said Danielle M.
Kennedy, ASU’s vice president for
University Relations. “It represents a
wonderful partnership between ASU
and the city of Montgomery.”
Night of Family Fun
ASU alumnus “The Bad Boy” JoJo
McToy, who served as the official
pep master and host, and Atlanta's
DJ Headake, kept the crowd pumped
up with tunes that turned Tallapoosa
Street into an outdoor dance floor.
At one point, the crowd filled the
middle of the street for the always
popular dance, “The Wobble.”
The ASU cheerleaders and the
Mighty Marching Hornets also
energized the crowd with music and
cheers. A Kids Fun Zone, Dr. Magical
Balloons and the OMG Photo Booth
helped even the youngest of fans join
in the excitement.
The evening was highlighted by
a spectacular fireworks display. For
attendees young and old, The New
ASU Stadium was the “buzz” in the
air.
Oris Jackson, who graduated from
ASU in 1970, hasn’t missed a Turkey
Day Classic in 32 years and said she
was especially excited to attend this
year’s game.
“I am very excited about coming to
the Turkey Day Classic this year. It’s
history in the making,” Jackson said. “I
am a die-hard Hornet. I love Alabama
State!”
For the last few years, ASU alumnus
Lazarus Windham (‘05), an actor and
comedian, has been busy on the road
doing stand-up and appearing in stage
plays. This year, he took a break from
his hectic schedule and traveled from
California to attend the big event.
“Everybody and their mama is here
for the new stadium,” Windham said
jokingly. “I’m seeing faces I haven’t
seen in years. It is such a beautiful
thing for us to come together and
fellowship together for this holiday
event.”n
17
2
3
1
5
4
The Downtown Block Party featured an
evening of family fun.
6
18
7
1. Fans proudly donned their Hornets
gear and enjoyed the festivities of the
downtown Block Party.
2. The Alley’s water tower provided the
perfect backdrop for the celebration.
3. The Marching Hornets always put on
a thrilling show at the Block Party.
4. The ASU cheerleaders entertain the
crowd with awesome routines.
5. Dr. John F. Knight Jr. brought
greetings during the Block Party.
6. Lazarus Windham (‘05) shows off his
dance moves during the downtown
Block Party.
7. Fireworks lit the sky during the rally.
Tuesday, November 20
2 Chainz
Headlines Student Concert
By Deonshay Danson
2 Chainz returned to the building
where he once played as a member
of the ASU basketball team and gave
Hornet Nation a rousing performance.
The award-winning artist performed
some of his hit records including, “No
Lie,” “Birthday Song,” “I’m Different,”
“Spend It” and “Riot.”
Students also enjoyed high-energy
performances from Atlanta rap group
Travis Porter and underground rap
collective Pangea Kidz.
Travis Porter performed “Ayy
Ladies,” “Make it Rain,” “Bring It
Back,” “Aww Yeah” and other hit
singles.
The Pangea Kidz, an up-and-coming
indie rap collective from Miami,
performed their breakout single
“Jungle On My Neck” and “World is
Yours.”
“The 2 Chainz concert was an
exhilarating experience that brought
the student body together through
music, and I had a blast!” said ASU
junior Danielle Owes. “It was part
of the best homecoming that I have
attended in many years.”
Pangea Kidz front man and founder,
Christopher Da Great, said he was
grateful for the opportunity to perform
for such a monumental Homecoming
celebration. He said the Hornet Nation
did an excellent job making his group
feel welcomed.
“We feel really honored; the
hospitality was amazing, from the
staff to the students, they were very
receptive,” he said. “As far as it being a
pivotal moment for you guys, the first
thing we noticed is the development
of this campus and it being an
(top) Fans can barely contain their excitement as
rapper 2 Chainz performs.
(bottom) New artists The Pangea Kidz entertain the
crowd as one of the night’s opening acts.
HBCU. We see a lot of HBCUs
being short-changed as far as funds,
so it’s really good to see this HBCU
… compete with some of the larger
universities when it comes to bringing
tasteful entertainment and having
adequate facilities. It’s been a great
experience.”n
19
Wednesday, November 21
Challenge Breakfast
Energizes Alumni
By Tina Joly
“I give because of a ‘L-asting’ effect on
students and their future, ‘O-pportunity’
for others, ‘V-oice’ to express concerns
and E-ducate the minds, hearts and
souls of students,” - Ann Fairley (’79)
A
Alabama State University alumni
answered the challenge and eagerly
pledged financial support for their alma
mater during the Alumni Challenge
Breakfast, which has become one of the
popular events of Homecoming week.
Held each year at the Renaissance
Hotel and Conference Center, the
breakfast draws hundreds of alumni
who receive an energizing welcome
from ASU cheerleaders, the Golden
Ambassadors and the Mighty Marching
Hornets.
“The breakfast is a great opportunity
for alumni to show our support for our
University,” said Bea Forniss, president
of the National Alumni Association
(NAA), the sponsoring organization
20
for the breakfast.
“ASU has given so much to all of
us, helping to prepare us for careers
and other opportunities. I just am so
excited about having this chance to say
‘thank you.’”
Elton Dean Sr., chairman of the
Montgomery County Commission and
chairman of ASU’s Board of Trustees,
said he hopes alumni can see the
fruits of their labor when they visit the
campus.
“It’s not about how much you give
… we know you love your University.
The challenge is to go into your pocket
and show how much you love it,” Dean
said.
This year’s breakfast drew an
overflow crowd, including alumna Ann
Fairley (’79) who shared the acronym
“LOVE” to describe why she gives to
the University.
“I give because of a ‘L-asting’
effect on students and their future,
‘O-pportunity’ for others, ‘V-oice’ to
express concerns and E-ducate the
minds, hearts and souls of students,”
Fairley said.
Graduating senior Emily Cook
addressed the group and thanked the
alumni for their generosity.
“There are countless numbers
of students who have been affected
because of your giving. I thank
you for myself and the many other
students who may never get a chance
(top) National Alumni Association
president Bea Forniss (far right)
presents a $10,000 check from the
organization to the University.
(bottom left and center) Members of the
Hornet Nation enjoy the festivities of
the Alumni Challenge Breakfast.
to personally thank you,” Cook said.
“Just like the new stadium that sits on
(Harris Way), we, too, are a return on
your investment.”
Perhaps the most inspiring words
were delivered by Dr. John F. Knight
Jr. He electrified the audience when he
gave the alumni charge.
“This is a dream come true. We
have done so much and come so far. I
know firsthand that many of you have
sacrificed … many of you have worked
tirelessly in your community, sending
students to Alabama State University.
We want you to give everything you
possibly can … and you are giving your
love and your time … and I’m very
proud,” Knight said.
Each alumnus who attended the
breakfast had donated to ASU at some
level.
“The support from our alumni has
increased significantly over the past
few years,” said Zillah Fluker, the
University’s associate vice president
for Development. “This year, we
wanted the Challenge Breakfast to
make a statement about how easy it
is to give to ASU. We sent special
Golden Tickets to those who had
already given recently; and then we
asked those who had not given to
come to the breakfast and make a
small donation so that they could
receive their Golden Ticket and join
in the fun. We had an overwhelming
response. I couldn’t be prouder of my
fellow alums.”
Alumni also opened their wallets at
the breakfast, donating approximately
$24,000.
In addition to sponsoring the
breakfast, the NAA presented a
$10,000 check to the University. n
21
Wednesday, November 21
Legendary Band
Director Honored
By Timothy C. Ervin
Alabama State University honored
the work and memory of legendary
band director Dr. Thomas E. Lyle with
the dedication of the Mighty Marching
Hornets band room, located in the
Tullibody Music Building.
A large contingency of former
Marching Hornets gathered, along
with Lyle’s family, friends, colleagues
and other members of the Hornet
family for an emotional and heartfelt
ceremony on Nov. 21. Lyle, who served
as ASU’s director of bands for nearly
25 years (1964-1988), was remembered
for his leadership, dedication and
vision.
“I think this is great,” said Courtney
Burton, Lyle’s daughter. Burton played
in the marching band under her father
from 2000-2005 at Stillman College.
“He is a legacy, and it’s something we
can appreciate. We loved him dearly
… and this was one of the things he
wanted before he passed.” W Rayford
22
Johnson was one of the band alumni
who supported the effort to name the
band room for Lyle. In his remarks, he
said, “An honor long awaited has come
to fruition for a man most deserving.”
Lyle, who died on June 9, 2011, is
credited with taking ASU’s band to
national performance platforms, such
as the halftime shows of National
Football League games during the
1960s and 1970s. He was a graduate
of Tennessee State University and the
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
“It is my pleasure to be a part this
program for a man that is a legend
and my mentor,” said James Oliver,
the current director of the Mighty
Marching Hornets and member of
ASU’s band from 1975 to 1980. “He
was a great man, and he has left a
legacy for all of us.”
Dr. Tommie H. Stewart, dean of the
College of Visual and Performing Arts,
told the crowd that Lyle’s wings still
touch all of us today.
“In these halls, how can we forget
Thomas E. Lyle?” Stewart asked. “This
band room named in honor of Thomas
E. Lyle is meant to be a marker and to
plant a seed in the consciousness of
all of the alumni to spread their wings
and become legends and examples for
others to follow. I say to you today,
we celebrate a legend … This room
will bear his image. His name will be
in bronze. We are going for the best
because he gave us his best.”
The ceremony included the
unveiling of a portrait of Lyle which
will hang in the band room. Organizers
also encouraged the audience and band
alumni to remember Lyle by donating
to the fund that has been established to
buy new uniforms for the band. If you
would like to contribute to the fund,
please see the ad on page 23 of this
magazine. n
2
1
1. The family of Dr. Thomas E. Lyle view his portrait which will hang in the
Marching Hornets band room.
2. Dr. Tommie H. Stewart, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts,
speaks about the legacy of Dr. Thomas E. Lyle.
3. Former Marching Hornet W Rayford Johnson gives a heartfelt tribute to
Dr. Thomas E. Lyle.
3
support the mighty marching hornets…
aDopt-a-BanD stuDent
Because of the demands placed on the Mighty Marching
Hornets’ uniforms over the past years, new uniforms are
needed. You can help by participating in the Adopt-a-Band
student uniform Fundraiser November 4, 2012-August 31, 2013.
suggested dONOR LeVeLs:
Adopt-a-Band student
$500
Coat
$300
trouser/Bib
$200
Cape/shako
$100
For more information, call
4334-229-4280
or 334-229-4289.
Make checks payable to: Asu (MeMO: Band) and mail to
ASU Office of Development • P.O. Box 271 Montgomery, AL 36101
or go to www.alasu.edu, click on ‘giving’ and
select ‘Asu Band’ as the gift category.
23
Wednesday, November 21
A Celebration of Classes
Classes from 1952 to 2012 were
recognized during the Alumni
Champagne Luncheon. The event was
an opportunity to celebrate the decade
classes of the 2s and 7s, as well as the
Silver Anniversary Class of 1987.
This year’s luncheon drew a crowd
of 155 alums to the ballroom of the
John Garrick
Hardy Student
Center. NAA
president Bea
Forniss, interim
associate provost
for Academic
Affairs, Dr.
Sharron HerronWilliams, and
other University
officials were
on hand to greet the enthusiastic
celebrants and to update them on the
progress the University has experienced
over the past four years.
“We invited them to return to
campus for Homecoming to celebrate
their achievements, to greet old friends
and to rise to the challenge to give back
to their alma mater,” said Cromwell
Handy, director of Alumni Relations.
“These alumni appreciate what ASU
did in preparing them for life, and many
were eager to respond to the challenge.”
Handy said that each class was asked
to make a donation to the University.
Each class met that challenge, with the
Silver Anniversary class making the
largest contribution. The donations will
be used as part of the work of the Trust
for Educational Excellence.
At the close of the program, Zillah
Fluker, ASU's associate vice president
for Development, led the group in a
champagne toast and encouraged them
to continue to give back to their alma
mater. n
National Alumni Association 34th Biennial Convention
“Alumni on the Move: New Look,
New Programs, New Opportunities”
JULY 18-21, 2013
Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel
999 Ninth Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20001, USA
AL
Y
IT
STATE UNIV
ER
MA
A
S
AB
N
AL
N
O
,I
NC
TI
NA
.
Sponsored by the NAA and Hosted by The Northeast Region
AL
24
UMN
I A SS O C
I
IAT
O
Bea Forniss, NAA President
Rita Knight, Northeast Region Director
Shannon Cloman, Chapter President
Deborah Scott Thomas, Chair
Oatice Thomas, Vice-Chair
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Home 334-288-8945 - Work 332-242-5464
212-289-3487
301-588-0041
301-502-1680
301-802-2451
For Updated Details, visit http://asuwashingtondcmetro.org
Homecoming Concert
Features Charlie Wilson,
Ledisi and Eric Benét
Music fans got a holiday treat at the
Homecoming 2012 concert, featuring a
trio of national recording artists
From the smooth vocal stylings of
Ledisi, to the neo soul sounds of Eric
Benét, to the electrifying performance
of Charlie Wilson, the concert kept
the audience on its feet, moving to the
rhythms and singing along with familiar
tunes.
Adding a comedic flavor to the
evening was concert emcee Dominque,
who kept the audience in stitches
in between sets. And keeping the
audience dancing in the aisles
between sets was the
ultimate dee jay
Eric Moore. As one excited fan put
it, “It was just one big party in the
Acadome!”
“My family and I try to make every
homecoming concert that we can,”
said Breuna Baine. “And they’re always
great. They can bring Charlie Wilson
every year and we’d be right there.”
Over the years, the ASU
Homecoming concert has featured
a number of contemporary and “old
school” favorites, including Earth, Wind
and Fire, Frankie Beverly, the O’Jays
and Jill Scott.
“We always try to bring quality
entertainment for Homecoming,” said
Danielle M. Kennedy, vice president for
University Relations. “The committee
works really hard to put together
a concert billing that will give our
alumni and other attendees a great preThanksgiving evening.” n
25
1
Thursday, November 22
The 2012 Turkey Day Classic
Parade: The Tradition Continues
D
By Lois G. Russell
Dwayne Tolliver walked in front of the Alabama State Capitol during the early
morning hours of Thanksgiving Day, holding the hand of his son, two year-old
Devin, who tightly clutched a large stuffed Hornet.
“This is a family tradition,” said Tolliver, who graduated from ASU in 2000 and
now coaches football, basketball and track at Montgomery’s Goodwyn Middle
School. “My mother brought me to the parade every year when I was young;
and now, my wife, Natasha (also class of 2000) and I bring our sons Devin and
Dwayne, Jr. I hope they will also continue the tradition with their children.”
The word tradition is synonymous with the Turkey Day Classic Parade.
Tolliver’s story is a common one for the event, which draws hundreds of
spectators every year.
The 2012 parade featured a spectacular array of 166 units, including 15
marching bands, more than 50 floats and even a horse-drawn carriage. The
parade also featured recording artist Eric Benét who served as the parade
marshal.
“Of course, this year’s parade was especially exciting because it was one of
the premier events leading up to the opening of the new stadium,” said parade
coordinator Tina Joly. “I think participants really made an extra effort to be more
creative in the design of their entries this year, especially the floats.”
The parade continues to grow each year, with entries from as far away as
Cleveland, Ohio. Shaw High School’s band has been a part of the parade for
several years primarily because of the relationship between their band director
and the director of the Mighty Marching Hornets.
26
“He (James Oliver) was my band
director at Central State University,”
said DonShon Wilson. “We have a lot
of students in the Mighty Marching
Hornets, and we just wanted to
continue to expose our students to
opportunities in higher education.”
Margaret Sanders was excited
to participate in the parade as a
member of Lee High School’s varsity
cheerleaders.
“I am so excited to be here again,”
said Sanders. “The parade is a lot of
fun, and I just love being a part of it.”
For Dr. Kenley Obas and his 16-yearold daughter, Kindred, the parade is
a different kind of tradition. Obas,
an ASU employee, has volunteered
as a parade marshal for eight years.
Kindred has been with him every
Thanksgiving for the past seven years.
“When we first started, I spent a lot
of time just trying to make sure she
2
3 4
1. The Homecoming banner is carried
by representatives of the Golden
Ambassadors.
2. Dr. Kenley Obas and daughter
Kindred are longtime parade
volunteers.
3. Nathan Hollis smiles and waves as
one of the participants on the Future
Hornet Nation float.
5
4. Columbus, Ga., resident Cleophus
Hope Sr. and Mary Ann Meadows
of Montgomery rode the NAA
float representing the organization
as Mr. & Mrs. National Alumni
Association.
5. Judges awarded the Best Band honor
to the Jefferson Davis High School
Band.
6. ASU's Beta Eta chapter of Delta
Sigma Theta Inc. paraded in grand
style in a horse-drawn carriage.
7. President Emeritus William H.
Harris and former ASU president Dr.
Leon Howard were part of the official
pageantry of the parade.
7
6
8
stayed in place,” said Obas. “But now,
she is an actual volunteer and helps
with lining the participants up. I’m
really proud of her.”
For Kindred, the parade is about
more than her volunteer efforts.
“For me, it’s a great opportunity to
bond with my dad,” said Kindred, with
her trademark smile. “I look forward to
this every year.”
The tradition of awards for
distinctive entries was revived this
year, with Jefferson Davis High School
winning for Best Band, Freewill
8. Dwayne Tolliver and his son Devin
continue a family tradition of
attending the Turkey Day Classic
Parade.
Community Development Corp. won
for Best All-Around Theme and the
Best Float honors went to the entry
from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.,
Miss Creme de la Creme and Little
Miss Creme de la Creme.
The parade’s history dates back
to the 1940s, when it was staged as a
community engagement event and as
an opportunity for black high school
bands, especially those in rural areas,
to be showcased in a vast production.
It is now one of the city’s largest
annual events n
27
More Homecoming Highlights
4
1
5
1. The Homecoming Gospel Concert
featured the ASU Choir along with
guest choirs from surrounding
communities.
2. WVAS radio brought live
entertainment to the Montgomery
Regional Airport on Nov. 20 to
welcome members of the Hornet
Nation who flew in for Homecoming.
3. Members of the organization I
Support the Athletic Program
(ISTAP) meet to discuss their support
of ASU athletics.
2
4. Steppers from ASU’s Card Hall show
their skills during the Step Show
sponsored by the Student Government
Association.
5. The choir from Montgomery's Floyd
Elementary School performed several
songs during the Celebration of a
Culture of Learning program at the
Levi Watkins Learning Center on
Nov. 18.
3
28
Welcome to Our House:
The New ASU Stadium
Opens to Capacity Crowd
29
30
31
32
33
Fans enjoy the game from the upper levels — suite, club and loge seating.
34
Hornets “Walk”
into a New Era
By Deonshay Danson
The ASU campus was literally
alive with activity on Turkey Day, as
the day’s celebration made its way to
campus for tailgating, live music and an
event that has become a Homecoming
tradition — Hornets Walk.
It’s a time for fans to cheer on the
team as they prepare for the annual
Turkey Day showdown. This year, the
tradition of the Walk came to the ASU
campus for the first time. Excited fans
lined up by the hundreds to watch the
team make its inaugural walk up North
University Drive to the steps of The
New ASU Stadium.
Recent graduate and former SGA
President, Travis Smith (‘12), was back
on campus for his first homecoming as
an alumnus.
“I haven't been able to sleep since
Tuesday, I'm so excited!” Smith said.
“I've been coming to the Turkey Day
Classic since I was in the seventh grade
and this is an unimaginable experience.
I didn't think that it could be this big.
It's an honor and a pleasure just to be
here with all the alumni, and it's a great
time to be a Hornet”
The Mighty Marching Hornets
and ASU cheerleaders led the way,
as players shook hands with fans and
received encouraging cheers before the
big game.
Freshman band member and New
Orleans native, Malcolm Hanley, was
ecstatic. Not only would he play in the
first on-campus Hornet Walk, but he
also would perform in the first halftime
show in the new stadium.
“For me personally this is a big day.
We’re opening our very own stadium
and it’s huge,” Hanley said. “When I
graduate, I will look back at this day
and say, ‘I remember marching into
that stadium for the first time at the
first game.’”
Ceremonial Opening
The Hornets Walk was a fitting
preamble to the ceremonial opening
of the stadium. Several University
officials and city leaders spoke to the
crowd about the significance of the
day’s activities.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony
featured special guests, including
former ASU Presidents C.C. Baker,
Leon Howard and William H. Harris;
Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange and
the ASU Board of Trustees.
Dr. Joseph H. Silver Sr. greeted
Continued to page 36
35
Hornet Walk
Continued from page 35
(top photo) Officials cut the ribbon on The
New ASU Stadium.
(center) Excited fans cheer as the
ASU football team walks along North
University Drive to The New ASU
Stadium.
(bottom) Coach Reggie Barlow is greeted
by a fan during the Hornet Walk.
36
attendees and expressed his gratitude
to his predecessors.
The audience also heard from
Trustees Herbert Young, Locy Baker
and Buford Crutcher. They and
the other members of the Board of
Trustees were praised for their part in
ensuring the successful construction of
the stadium.
President Emeritus Harris was on
hand to see the grand opening of the
stadium that sits on a street bearing
his name — Harris Way. Harris was
the chief architect of the Vision 2020
plan that helped to shape the stadium’s
development.
Harris referred to the fact that
Hornet football has returned to the
campus for the first time since the last
game was played in Hornet Stadium
nearly 40 years ago. He compared that
time period to a Biblical reference of
the same time span.
“Today, we shall walk through
these gates for the first time after 40
years. How long was Moses in the
wilderness? We are now walking out
of the wilderness,” said Harris. “We
pray that generations yet unborn shall
forever reap the benefits of those many
who gave so much of themselves so
that this day would come.”
Harris concluded by claiming the
stadium as a symbol of the potential
that ASU can reach with faith and hard
work.
“May it forever stand as an ordered
reminder of the possibilities of life
and of humankind,” Harris said. “May
God forever bless this stadium and
may God forever bless Alabama State
University.”
Following Harris’s comments,
ASU officials, former presidents and
Montgomery’s mayor cut the ribbon,
officially opening The New ASU
Stadium.
“It took a lot of blood, sweat and
tears for a number of years to bring
this to a reality. It has been a collective
group of people working together to
make this happen. We had all kinds
of obstacles to overcome as we took
on this journey to bring this stadium
here,” said John F. Knight Jr., ASU’s
executive vice president and chief
operating officer who was moved to
tears during the ceremony. “It goes
to show that if you just persevere and
have faith, things will be accomplished.
I think everybody can be proud of what
we have today.”
Knight’s sentiments were echoed by
other ASU alumni.
Mable Pryor (‘66) was thrilled as
she prepared to enter the new stadium.
“This is something that I’ve looked
forward to, but I could have never
imagined that we would get here this
fast,” she said. “We’ve made progress
quickly, and I’m so proud to call
Alabama State my home. Words
cannot express the emotions I felt
to see this beautiful stadium on our
campus.”
Norbert Sullivan (‘11) travelled from
Charlotte to be a part of this historic
event. The former ASU cheerleader
could not contain his excitement.
“It is a very overwhelming,
enthusiastic and emotional moment for
us. It’s overwhelming to see the growth
of our campus in just a few short
years,” Sullivan said. “I’m elated! To
have homecoming in our own home is
crazy! It’s an overwhelming experience
to walk the campus all day long, to
see the buildings that you remember,
to see faces of people you haven’t
seen in years on campus. Tailgating
downtown was great, but here we are
at home! I’m at the campus I know
and love, and around the people that I
know and love. To be here today is just
phenomenal.” n
Pregame Show in New
Stadium Wows Crowd
By Tina Joly
Pageantry, pyrotechnics and pride
electrified The New ASU Stadium, as a
spectacular pregame show brought fans
to their feet before the inaugural game
in the new facility. A sold-out crowd
of more than 26,000 fans were wowed
during the Pregame Extravaganza that
kicked off the 89th annual Turkey Day
Classic football game.
Cannons blasted and dancers from
ASU’s Department of Theatre Arts
got the party started with a spectacular
performance that included students on
stilts at center field.
“Although I attended ASU 200610, I felt that being at the stadium
opening was my defining moment at
the University,” said Melvin Bridges.
“As the pregame show was happening,
I looked around and said ‘this is the
ASU I've been dreaming about. This is
my ASU!’”
Pyrotechnics lit up the sky and
fans cheered as the Mighty Marching
Hornets swarmed into the stadium and
strutted onto the field, where they were
joined by recording artist Eric Benét,
who sang the national anthem.
“We really wanted to ‘wow’ the
crowd,” said Danielle M. Kennedy,
ASU’s vice president for University
Relations. “We also wanted to make
sure that our students were able to
Continued to page 38
(top) Recording artist Eric Benét sang the
national anthem as part of the opening ceremony.
(center) The audience was amazed by the
flyover performed by members of the Alabama
Air National Guard's 187th Fighter Wing at
Montgomery's Dannelly Field.
(bottom) Students from the Department of
Theatre Arts thrill the crowd as part of the
Pregame Extravaganza.
37
2
3
Pre-Game
Continued from page 37
1
1. Stilt walkers added a golden flair to
the Pre game Extravaganza.
2. Gov. Robert Bentley joined the
celebration by participating in the
first coin toss in The New ASU
Stadium.
3. Dancers from the Department of
Theatre Arts were featured as part of
the opening show.
38
take center stage in the production
since they are at the heart of what this
stadium is all about.”
Brian Martin, a theatre arts
professor, directed the pregame show
and said he and his students had a lot
to be thankful for on Thanksgiving
Day.
“This production was for our ASU
family as we celebrate for the first time
in our ‘new house,’” Martin said. “I'm
always thankful for every opportunity
for our students to be given a chance to
showcase their talents.”
More cheers came from the crowd
as actor Samuel L. Jackson’s face
filled the stadium’s 65-foot scoreboard
leading off a video welcoming everyone
to “Our House.” The crowd’s cheers
turned to a deafening roar as they
looked into the sky to witness a
flyover by Air National Guard jets,
punctuating the ending of the video
with perfect timing.
“This pregame was like watching
the Olympics’ opening ceremonies.
This is just awesome,” said Melvin
Lowe, a three-time graduate of ASU.
Hornets senior players, Alabama
Gov. Robert Bentley, Montgomery
Mayor Todd Strange, ASU officials
and President Emeritus William H.
Harris participated in the very first
coin toss held in The New ASU
Stadium. n
Halftime Highlights
and Honors
2
By Tina Joly
Special performances and tributes
highlighted the half-time festivities.
Miss ASU and her court were
introduced, along with Hosea
Chanchez star of the hit BET
show “The Game.” Chanchez is a
Montgomery native who has become a
regular at ASU-related events such as
the Magic City Classic.
Knight Honored
The man who is credited with
helping to lead the charge to build
the new stadium was honored during
halftime. John F. Knight Jr. received a
special “thank you” for his leadership
and courage. University officials
presented Knight with a symbolic
“key” to the stadium which read, “This
is the key to Our House.”
Knight expressed his surprise at
being recognized and spoke of others
who also deserved recognition for
bringing the stadium to reality.
“So many people worked to make
this happen, and I just want to express
my appreciation to everyone. It’s
been a team effort with our Board of
Trustees, the faculty, staff, our students
and the community, and I’m really
proud that this day is here,” Knight
said.
The Mighty Marching Hornets,
who worked day and night leading up
to Turkey Day, then took to the field
in a show-stopping performance in
which band members spelled out “Our
House” in the center of the field. n
3
4
1. Miss ASU and court were introduced
during the halftime festivities. They
were escorted by members of ASU’s
Detachment 019 of the Air Force
Reserve Training Corps.
2.
The Mighty Marching Hornets
brought fans to their feet during a
halftime performance that included
the formation of a Hornet in the
middle of the field.
3. Dr. John F. Knight Jr. receives the
symbolic key to The New ASU
Stadium during halftime festivities.
4. Several alumni groups performed
during halftime, including alumni
cheerleaders, Stingettes and band
members.
1
39
The Stadium Core Team (pictured left to right):
Jerry Bartley, Danielle M. Kennedy, Zillah Fluker,
Huey Thornton, Gina Jobe-Ishman and
Melvin Hines. (not pictured: Eric Thornton)
The Story Behind the Opening
By Tina Joly, Lois Russell and Dana Vandiver
The opening of The New ASU Stadium now is a part of Alabama State
University history. What a day it was! The Hornet Nation turned out by the
thousands, swarming into the brand new facility — mouths open, eyes wide,
smiling proudly that The Day had finally come.
But before one gate opened, before one ticket was scanned and before one
turkey leg was devoured, a team of committed organizers worked for months to
make sure that all was ready when the tradition finally came home.
A Stadium Committee was put together to coordinate logistics. The
committee was led by a group that became known as the Core Team, which
worked together to handle stadium logistics. Each member of the Core Team
was assigned a particular area to oversee.
“While the Core Team shouldered the responsibility of leading the overall
logistical efforts for the stadium, the process actually involved planning and
hard work on the part of individuals representing every area of the University,”
said Danielle M. Kennedy, Core Team Leader. “From academics to operations
and from student services to the student leaders themselves, I can truly say the
planning and execution of what people experienced during Homecoming and
on November 22 was a campus-wide effort. We have to be proud of that.”
Communications
Making sure that everyone from fans to families living near the stadium knew
what was going to happen on Turkey Day was a daunting task handled in expert
fashion by Kennedy and the communications committee. Besides the direct
mailings, radio and television commercials and billboards, the team utilized a
more direct approach of holding a
series of community meetings with
internal and external stakeholders.
One of the meetings was streamed live
online to maximize the exposure of
the information on everything from
parking to tailgating and ticket sales.
“Even though we have some
learning opportunities from this year,
I think that most people who were
here for the stadium opening saw
that we had done a lot of preparation
and planning. People had a positive
experience because so many things
went well,” Kennedy said.
Thousands of mailers were sent to
alumni and area residents as well.
“People had been concerned about
parking and the shuttles, but the
systems we put in place worked. The
ticketing worked. The training of our
workers was effective,” Kennedy said.
Continued on page 49
40
Seniors Make History in
89th Turkey Day Classic
By Duane Lewis, Sports Information Director
A total of 17 Alabama State seniors
played their final game for the Hornets
in the historic 89th Turkey Day Classic
as the football team wrapped up the
2012 season.
Greg Jenkins, Landon Jones,
Saeed Lee, Winton Steward, T.C.
McWilliams, Kejuan Riley, Enadiahe
Egauze, Brandon Roberts, Ulysses
Cohen, Corey Schofield, Jimmy
Daniels, Quin Bohannon, Jakari
Wilcoxson, Terren Jones, Akeem
Moore, DreQuay Everett, and
Montavious Paulk will be a part of
history as the senior players who were
a part of the first game in The New
ASU Stadium.
The facility didn’t disappoint, as an
overflow crowd of more than 26,500
fans and a live national television
audience on ESPNU watched the
contest, a close 27-25 defeat to
Tuskegee.
“The stadium gave us a lot of
energy and we fed off of it during the
comeback,” said Jenkins,
who completed his ASU
career ranked sixth
in total offense
(4,003 yards) and
eighth in passing
yards (3,166). “Being
on the first team to
play in the stadium
was bittersweet
because it was my
first game in the
stadium and last
game as a Hornet.”
Jenkins, the
Hornets’s senior
quarterback who
received his degree
in criminal justice
during the Fall 2012 Commencement
Exercises, totaled 253 yards and
accounted for one touchdown in the
game. He led the Hornets on five
scoring drives, including two in the
fourth quarter as he helped Alabama
State nearly eliminate a 12-point
fourth quarter deficit. Jenkins threw
Sophomore RB Isaiah Crowell celebrates
after making the first touchdown in The
New ASU Stadium. Quarterback Greg
Jenkins (#2), one of the senior players, is
pictured behind Crowell.
a five-yard touchdown pass to Jarrett
Neely early in the final period and led
a touchdown drive that ended in Isaiah
Crowell’s one-yard scoring run with
just over two minutes remaining.
Continued on page 60
41
A Great Time to Celebrate
Academic Achievement
By: Deonshay Danson
S
Smiles of pride and tears of
joy were shared and shed as
graduates celebrated their academic
achievements and completion of their
degrees at Alabama State University’s
286th Commencement Exercises on
Dec. 7.
ASU conferred a total of 404
degrees, 277 undergraduate and 127
graduate.
“Living the Dream”
The Rev. Dr. Wendy R. Coleman gave a
challenging and inspiring message to the
graduates at the 286th Commencement
exercises.
42
Among the graduates was
Birmingham native Melanie Wren,
who was all smiles as she lined up for
commencement. She earned a degree
in biology/pre-health and plans to
pursue a career in neonatology.
“It feels so good to be here at this
very moment. (After) all the blood,
sweat and tears I put into ASU, I’m
so glad to graduate here,” said Wren.
“I’ve been in the MARC program, and
they have prepared me to encounter
my future endeavors.”
Wren will attend the St. James
School of Medicine on the Caribbean
Island of Anguilla in May.
Ezekiel Griffin, a native of Valejo,
Calif., earned his master’s degree in
occupational therapy.
“The education I received here has
been excellent. The professors and
the staff have definitely prepared me
so that when I go out and become an
employee for a hospital I will be over
prepared. And I say over prepared
because when I did my clinical
training, my clinical instructors gave
me that feedback,” said Griffin.
Griffin has already secured a
position at a facility in Luverne, Ala.
“I feel like I’m living a dream. It’s
kind of overwhelming,” said Griffin.
“All the sleepless nights are over, all the
days of studying and group work are
over … and this is what I did it for —
this master’s degree,” said Griffin.
Jessica Gray majored in elementary
education and graduated summa cum
laude with the distinction of also being
named a President’s Award recipient.
“It is an extremely proud moment,
and I’m glad that we’re [my classmates
and peers] experiencing this final
thing together,” said Gray. “It’s a great
experience and a great time for our
families to be proud.”
The Tallassee, Ala., native says she
plans to teach before returning to ASU
to pursue a master’s degree.
Words of Destiny
Dr. Wendy Coleman (’93), chair
of the Department of Theatre Arts,
delivered a rousing commencement
address, sending graduates a message
from “Destiny.”
“This morning I had a little talk
with Destiny, and Destiny asked me to
bring you some very important news.
Destiny told me to tell you that you are
going to be successful because your
foundation is solid. Your foundation is
The Alabama State University.”
Coleman reminded graduates that
they did not reach this point on their
own and encouraged them to fulfill
their potential.
“Destiny told me to tell you that not
only is your foundation solid, but your
future is secure,” said Coleman. “Your
future is secure through your own hard
work. You’re going to have to fight to
build your own success.”
In addition to congratulating them
on their hard work, Coleman expressed
the pride that her fellow faculty
members feel when they see their
students reach graduation.
“When we march you out as
professors, we are just as proud as
can be, but we’re just as proud when
you call us and say that you need a
recommendation or a little guidance,”
said Coleman. “Our pride does not
end with your graduation.”
Miracle’s Moment
One of the highlights of
commencement was the inspiring
moment when Miracle Woods walked
across the stage to receive her degree
in English/Language Arts education.
The Montgomery native was born
with cerebral palsy and is usually seen
going about her business on campus
in a wheelchair. She received an
enormous standing ovation from the
audience and her peers.
“It’s all God. I’ve worked so hard
here over these past few years, and
everyone knows about the obstacles
that I’ve been through even with my
disability; but I’ve always made the
strides to persevere beyond that,” said
Woods. “The school and the people in
the audience recognized that and there
are no words to explain how I feel right
now. I’m just so overwhelmed.”
Woods graduated magna cum
(top) Graduate Miracle Woods, pictured
with interim president William H. Harris,
received a thunderous ovation as she
walked across the stage.
(bottom) Jessica Lynch, who received
her degree in elementary education, also
honored the honor of being named a
President's Award recipient.
laude and hopes to pursue a career in
education. She said she wants to work
as a vocational rehabilitation counselor
to help reach other young people with
disabilities.
“I’m looking forward to teaching
in the future,” said Woods. “I just
think the sky is the limit and ASU
has prepared me for that as far as
professionalism. The knowledge and
heritage that are here have greatly
prepared me for my journey ahead.” n
43
Focus
on Student
Achievement
Students Gain International
Experience in Study Abroad Programs
By Tina Joly
Alabama State University senior
Folasuyi Richardson sits on the
patio of her Cyprus apartment
reflecting on her time studying
abroad in a country located
more than 6,000 miles away from
the campus of Alabama State
University.
“I recently spent the day in
Limassol, a city off the coast of
Cyprus, with relatives of a new
friend. We ate a Cypriot lunch that
was prepared in a wooden, stone
oven in a back yard,” Richardson
said.
The back yard lunch is just one
of the many rich
experiences the
Atlanta native is
enjoying while
participating in
a study abroad
program in the
country located
in the eastern
Mediterranean.
The senior
biology/prehealth major is
attending a three
month program
at the University
of Nicosia in
Cyprus where she
is taking classes,
meeting new
Arianna Maxwell (pictured far left) and Foluso Oluade
(pictured third from left) were part of a group of ASU students
people and getting
who studied in Scotland this past summer.
a new look at life.
44
“I really want to begin
relationships with people who I
would least likely encounter in
my comfort setting at home and
at ASU. I also want to grow and
learn new things about myself,”
Richardson said.
Richardson is one of dozens of
Alabama State University students
who have participated in study
abroad opportunities around the
world.
Sophomore Arianna Maxwell
spent a summer she will never forget
studying in Scotland.
She said she hopes other students
will take advantage of opportunities
to study abroad.
“I had a great time and met
a lot of people. It was a great
experience, and I had a chance
to really broaden my horizons,”
Maxwell said.
Maxwell was one of seven
students who spent the summer
taking classes at the University of
Stirling and experiencing life in
another country.
Dr. Sharron Herron-Williams,
interim associate provost for
Folasuyi Richardson (pictured 7th from the left) is shown with fellow study abroad students in Cyprus. Photo courtesy Folasuyi Richardson.
Academic Affairs, said students who
study abroad not only earn college
credit, they also get a firsthand
global experience.
“Technology has reduced the
limitations that students once had
of being connected to the world
because this is a new generation;
it is increasingly important that in
addition to virtual contact, students
have face-to-face exchanges in order
to develop lasting relationships
and expand their professional and
academic networks.”
Dr. Kamal Hingorani, associate
professor of computer information
systems in ASU’s College of
Business Administration (COBA),
recently received a grant from
the United Negro College Fund –
Special Programs (UNCF-SP) that
allowed three students to go on a
South African Trade Mission. They
will spend three days studying at
the University of South Africa and
visiting businesses.
Dr. Hingorani said studying
abroad fits into COBA’s mission
of producing entrepreneurs and
professionals capable of succeeding
in a competitive global marketplace.
“The business competition is
global and South Africa produces
a unique opportunity for U.S.
businesses looking for growth
outside of the U.S.,” Hingorani said.
Herron-Williams said the study
abroad program benefits students
and the University as a whole.
“The study abroad program is
one of the best marketing tools the
University can have. When students
and faculty travel abroad and
connect with peers and colleagues,
the interest in what we are offering
at Alabama State University is
greatly increased. When students
and faculty learn from others
and bring what they have learned
back to our campus, it enhances
the academic environments at the
University,” Herron-Williams said.
Barry Davis, an ASU sophomore,
journeyed to South Korea with five
other students for a study abroad
program at the University of Ulsan
over the summer.
“I had a phenomenal experience.
It was something that will stick with
me for the rest of my life,” Davis
said. “I had a chance to meet and
study with people from a different
country and that was a once-in-alifetime opportunity.”
Herron-Williams said the
University hopes to expand the
program so that even more students
get a chance to gain international
exposure.
“We are constantly inviting
foreign visitors to campus, meeting
with executives from non-profit
organizations and communicating
with our counterparts from around
the world in an effort to establish
more international relationships and
opportunities,” Herron-Williams
said.
As for Richardson, she said
her time in Cyprus is definitely
preparing her to compete and work
in the global health field.
“This is a great way for me to
become accustomed to new cultures
and people. The experience also
shows that I am able to learn
to adapt to different situations.
Everything that I do, learn, see, hear
and experience is helping to build my
future,” Richardson said. n
45
SEPTEMBER
CAMPUS NEWS
Bridge Builders Features Famed Civil Rights Attorney
By Timothy C. Ervin
Bridge Builders speaker Morris Dees.
The importance of building bridges
was emphasized by nationally known
civil rights attorney Morris Dees at the
Alabama State University Center for
Leadership and Public Policy’s Bridge
Builders Breakfast held Sept. 20.
Honoring Teachers
By Tina Joly
WVAS-FM, known as The Voice of
Alabama State University, honored a
group of area teachers on Sept. 18.
Five teachers from Montgomery,
Greene, Lowndes and Macon counties
were honored as part of the national
Teacher Wall project grant awarded to
the radio station.
“We entrust them with the future of
our children and really with the future
of our communities,” said Candy Capel,
WVAS station manager. “What better
way to say ‘thank you’ and acknowledge
the fact that these are very committed
and passionate people who work really
hard every day.”
“I am elated and surprised that my
assistant principal nominated me.
46
Dees is the co-founder and
chief counsel for the Southern
Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
He spoke about his childhood,
several cases that influenced
his life and how building
bridges is a necessity for
America’s future.
“I think the problem we
have in America is fear — fear
of diversity,” Dees said. “In
1948, 17 percent of the people
in the United States were
people of color; today it’s 37
percent. And by the year 2040,
the number will be about 51 percent.
And that’s frightening for people in this
nation.”
Dees said America is great because
of diversity, not in spite of it; and the
This is my 29th year teaching
in Macon County, and I am
thrilled to be here,” sad Carol
Harrison, who teaches chemistry
and genetics at Booker T.
Wasington High School in
Tuskegee. Award winner Ursula
Hardy, an ASU alumna and
teacher at Montgomery’s Pintlala
Elementary School, has been
teaching for 19 years.
“I love teaching. It’s that gratification
that you get when you see that light bulb
go off, when you know that a child gets
it … this is why I do this job,” Hardy
said.
The Teacher Wall dinner was made
possible by the Corporation for Public
Broadcasting, the National Center for
Media Engagement and the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. n
laws that are passed should reflect that.
Before founding the SPLC in 1971,
Dees had a successful legal career
and owned a direct sales and book
publishing company that he launched
while still a student at the University of
Alabama, where he also obtained a law
degree.
After starting a law practice in
Montgomery in 1960, he won a series
of groundbreaking civil rights cases
that helped integrate government and
public institutions. Among his many
other achievements, Dees served as
finance director for former President
Jimmy Carter’s campaign in 1976 and
for democratic presidential nominee
George McGovern in 1972. His work
has been the subject of television movies
and documentaries. n
Teacher Wall Honorees:
Alphonso Morton III
Greene County High School
Gwendolyn Crosby
Central High School
Carol Harrison
Booker T. Washington High School
Robert Taylor
Jefferson Davis High School
Ursula Hardy
Pintlala Elementary School
CAMPUS NEWS
By Deonshay Danson
T
The official reign of Miss Alabama
State University 2012-13 began in elegant
fashion during the annual Miss ASU
Coronation. Birmingham native Raven
Washington was officially crowned as
Miss ASU before a crowd of her peers,
family members and supporters on Oct.
10.
This year’s coronation, themed
“Embracing the Beauty of Diversity,”
celebrated the cultural diversity of the
world and the growing diversity on
ASU’s campus.
Members of ASU’s Dramatic Guild
showcased their talents in presentations
that included a celebration of nations,
from the spirit of Africa, to the rhythm
of Brazil, to the grace of Asia.
In addition to the cultural
celebrations, more than 40 campus
queens were introduced, representing
the campus dormitories, organizations,
sororities and fraternities.
Introductions also were made for
Miss ASU’s court: Miss Senior,
Charita Walker; Miss Junior, Rose
Todd; Miss Sophomore, Taylor
Edwards; and Miss Freshman,
Muriel Pannell.
The highlight of the evening
was the presentation of Miss ASU,
Raven Washington. Her entrance
was preceded by students from the
Zelia Stephens Early Childhood
Center who served as flower girls
and bearers of the scepter, crown and
robe.
As Washington walked onto the
stage to take her regal stroll, the
audience erupted into cheers. The
senior theatre arts major was elected
by the student body in April. She said
she is thrilled about the
opportunity to represent
the University.
“I am honored that
you have entrusted in me
the power to help move
ASU forward. I give
thanks to all of those who
believed in me when I did
not believe in myself. To
my family and friends,
I say, ‘Thank you.’ My
journey thus far has been
good, but I look forward
to greatness with you
all,” Washington said. “Words cannot
express how blessed I am to have been
chosen.”
Washington says her goal as Miss
ASU is to help to unify the campus and
to focus on highlighting the diversity of
the campus population. n
OctOber
Miss Alabama State University:
“Embracing the Beauty of Diversity”
47
November
Southern Normal Campus Hosts
Economic Symposium
Combined Reports
ASU’s Southern Normal campus was
the site of an economic development
symposium that brought together top
experts to discuss strategies for recovery
during challenging economic times.
The 3rd Biennial Regional Economic
Symposium was held on Nov. 15. The
conference theme was “Economics,
Education, Government, Workforce and
Community — On the Road to Regional
Recovery.”
The symposium was the third in
a series of similar events held at the
Southern Normal campus and cosponsored by Alabama State University.
The event focused on recovery from
the recession in Alabama, with specific
emphasis on the counties in the
southern and rural regions of the state,
including Mobile, Washington, Baldwin,
Escambia, Conecuh and Monroe.
“The vision of the Symposium was
Civil Rights Legends
Participate in National
Center Forum
By Tina Joly
Rev. Richard Boone
48
to provide community leaders thoughtprovoking discourse to give them an
opportunity to briefly reflect on the
reality of the economy, to know where
we have been and to enable them as
catalysts for change to prepare the
southern region of Alabama to thrive
as the nation and the state recover from
challenging economic times,” said Dr.
RoseMary Watkins, director of the
Southern Normal Campus.
Watkins said organizers were pleased
with the response to the symposium,
especially the information provided by
the expert presenters.
“In their closing remarks, presenters
repeatedly advised participants to
work together as a region to identify
the strengths of their communities,
prepare their infrastructure, and
train their workforce to be ready
when opportunities are presented,”
Watkins said. “In my closing remarks,
I recommended that we continue
dialogs in formal and informal
settings to prepare our communities
to take advantage of future economic
development opportunities.” n
ASU’s National Center for the Study
of Civil Rights and African-American
Culture brought together civil rights
activists, state legislators and sit-in
participants to discuss “The Voting
Rights Movement: Democracy 2012.”
The Rev. Richard Boone, a former
member of the Student Nonviolent
Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and
the Southern Christian Leadership
Conference (SCLC), was one of the
panelists. He said he promised Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. that he would
always fight for equality.
“I need to finish the job that we
started in terms of getting people
elected and getting people not just to
run for office, but to be trained for that
office so that we can maximize their
time there,” said Boone. “The struggle
is to get every person in this country to
vote so that we can do what needs to
be done for all of the people, and we
haven’t done that yet.”
Other panelists included Dr. John
F. Knight Jr., a state legislator and
ASU’s executive vice president and
chief operating officer, and State Rep.
Thad McClammy. The event was also
attended by civil rights activists the Rev.
Robert and Jean Graetz, along with
two former ASU students who were
expelled for participating in sit-ins at the
Montgomery County Courthouse in the
1960s. n
(top) Several noted panelists shared their
expertise during the economic symposium.
(bottom) Dr. RoseMary Watkins, director of the
Southern Normal Campus, greets the audience
at the Regional Economic Symposium.
Logistics
Continued from page 40
Construction Countdown
After hundreds of workers put in
1,082,500 man hours, The New ASU
Stadium opened on schedule on
Thanksgiving Day.
Eric Thornton, interim vice president
of Buildings and Grounds, said his team
never sat down during the game, making
sure that everything was running
smoothly.
“We had a few minor glitches,
but those things were taken care of
immediately,” Thornton said. “The
stadium opened as planned. I felt joyful
relief… there was so much excitement
and everyone enjoyed themselves.”
Managing Facilities
Before a single fan stepped foot
inside the stadium on game day,
Facilities Management staff conducted
walkthroughs of the facility to make
sure all amenities worked properly —
flushing the 400 toilets, turning on the
faucets of the 200 sinks, and riding up
and down the elevators.
More than 300 temporary workers
were hired for game day, with the bulk
of the staff working as ushers.
“We worked with the University’s
Center for Perpetual Training and
Protocol for customer service training,”
said Gina Jobe-Ishman, ASU’s director
of Facilities Management. “All of the
training had to be done quickly to get
workers acclimated to the stadium.
We also worked closely with Gourmet
Services Inc. to make sure we were
ready to handle a huge and hungry
crowd.”
And after the game, Buildings and
Grounds went into high gear, preparing
the campus for Monday classes.
“It was a wow effect — like, did
we actually have a game here?” JobeIshman said.
Traffic and Safety
Coordinating parking, traffic and
security for roughly 40,000 people
converging onto the ASU campus in
a single day was no small feat. Huey
Thornton, ASU’s former campus police
chief, said parking and traffic flow
getting on and off campus before and
after the game were top concerns.
“There was a tremendous amount
of planning by the Core Team, the
Montgomery Police Department and
police officers from other departments
in the area. We also had help from the
Bruno Events management team and
some specific training on how to park
individuals in a small area,” Thornton
said.
More than 100 law enforcement
officers worked the game on Turkey
Day, including state troopers and
police officers from nearby areas such
as Lowndes and Bullock counties and
Tallassee.
In the weeks leading up to the
game, Thornton personally walked
door to door to surrounding homes
and businesses to make sure ASU’s
neighbors were well informed about
what would take place on game day.
Local passes were provided so that
residents near the campus and their
visitors would not have trouble getting
in and out of their homes or parking
their vehicles.
“This is the biggest thing to happen
in this city in the 20 years that I’ve been
here, and everything went over very
well,” said Thornton.
Ticket Sales
The hottest ticket in town on
Thanksgiving Day was the one that got
you into the 89th Annual Turkey Day
Classic Game.
Jerry Bartley, director of Auxiliary
Enterprises, and his team made
sure fans had smooth sailing when
purchasing their tickets.
“We implemented a new system
(Ticket Return) that worked very well.
People were very responsive,” Bartley
said.
Support Services
Zillah Fluker, ASU’s associate vice
president for Development, juggled
multiple responsibilities as part of the
stadium Core Team. Her committee
made sure suite holders had a flawless
game-day experience, from parking
to set up and on-site amenities. Also,
Fluker’s group worked with sponsors,
as part of the Sponsors' Village, and
organized guest services, placing
greeters at all gates to provide fans
with a smile and the warm greeting:
“Welcome home.”
“We do a lot of things as a team, but
that was probably one of the largest
undertakings that we had ever taken
on. Not only was it the opening of
the stadium, but it [stadium opening]
was on the tail end of a large series
of homecoming activities,” she said.
“When I look back, my immediate
reaction was, ‘Wow, we pulled it off!’” n
49
Crawley Named
Trustee Emeritus
I
By Timothy C. Ervin
In 1997, Oscar Crawley decided
one way he could help his alma mater
would be to serve on the Alabama State
University Board of Trustees. ThenGov. Fob James took him at his word
and appointed him.
Crawley recently ended his 15-year
tenure on the Board, which honored
him by unanimously approving a
resolution to name him a Trustee
Emeritus.
The honor was bestowed on Crawley
during the Board’s regular meeting on
Sept. 28, four months after his 70th
birthday, which required Crawley to
retire as a Trustee due to age limits
established by the Board.
“I appreciate what the Trustees have
done for me. I always will be loyal to
ASU,” Crawley said.
Crawley said it has been a pleasure
to work with his fellow Trustees,
administrators, faculty, staff and
students in the positive development of
the University.
“I have enjoyed serving with the
Board all of these years,” Crawley said.
“I hope that I have made a difference.”
After Crawley’s initial 1997
appointment to the Board, he was
reappointed by then-Gov. Bob Riley in
2004 for an additional term.
During his two tenures, Crawley
served as a Board vice chairman,
as a longtime chair of the Athletics
Committee and as a member of the
Executive and Audit Committees.
He said one of the things he tried
to do as a Trustee was to help the
University’s faculty and staff.
“I worked to get all of the faculty
members and the department chairs’s
salaries raised to the level it should be,
so (ASU) could be competitive with
all colleges and universities across the
nation,” Crawley said.
As his last act as a full Board
member, Crawley nominated fellow
trustee Marvin Wiggins to replace him
Continued to page 62
ASU Welcomes New Board Member
By Timothy C. Ervin
Jacqueline R. Brooks
50
T
The Board of Trustees welcomed
its newest member on Oct. 25.
Jacqueline Renee Austin Brooks,
a native of Macon County, recently
was nominated by Gov. Robert
Bentley.
Brooks attended Alabama
State University on a presidential
scholarship and graduated with
honors in 1990. After graduating
from ASU, she worked for Brevard
County Schools in Viera, Fla., in
a variety of positions, including
classroom teacher, team leader and
site principal. She received a Master
of Science degree and a Doctorate
of Education degree from Nova
Southeastern University.
Brooks returned to work in
Alabama in 1998 and has been
employed in various roles with
the Macon County Board of
Education. She currently serves as
the Superintendent of Education
for Macon County Schools and also
serves as an adjunct professor at an
online university during the summer
Continued to page 62
Alumna Honored as a
Pioneer
A
By Lois G. Russell
An ASU alumna who is
acknowledged as a pioneer in efforts
to provide library services for
African-Americans was recognized
recently at a ceremony renaming the
Montgomery library that she helped
to found.
More than 75 local community
and civic leaders, as well as
members of the Montgomery
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma
Theta Inc., gathered on August
30 to celebrate Bertha Pleasant
Williams’s life and to unveil the
plaque that formally proclaims
the new name of the library as the
Bertha Pleasant Williams LibraryRosa L. Parks Avenue Branch.
A 1943 graduate of Alabama State
College, Pleasant began her historic
career as a librarian more than 60
years ago when she was asked to
return to Montgomery to open a
public library for colored people.
The invitation came from a small
group of citizens who wanted to
provide an opportunity for people of
color to have access to a library.
Jaunita Owes, director of the
Montgomery City-County Public
Library System, was one of the
speakers at the naming ceremony.
She said Williams recounted the
story of her efforts many times,
explaining that the first facility was
named the Union Street Library
for Coloreds and later became the
Cleveland Avenue
Branch Library. The
library was renamed
again when the name
of the street changed
to Rosa L. Parks
Avenue.
Bertha Pleasant Williams
The Delta Sigma Theta chapter
first proposed the idea of honoring
Williams, their soror and former
president, as part of the 75th
anniversary celebration of the
chartering of the Montgomery
Alumnae Chapter and the Beta Eta
Chapter, which was the first Greek
letter organization at ASU.
“Many of the members of
the chapter met Soror Williams
through the public library, either
at the Union Street Library for
Coloreds, the Cleveland Avenue
Branch Library or the Levi Watkins
Learning Center at Alabama State
University,” said Owes. “Soror
Williams was a woman of integrity,
honesty and courtesy, always seeking
to help someone in some way to
earn their degree, or encouraging,
pushing and even sometimes shoving
you towards achieving your personal
goals. The chapter believed that
she was a person that many people
knew either by name or by the title
‘the librarian at Cleveland Avenue,’
thus she became a likely candidate
to have such an honor.”
The plaque that sits on the
library grounds was funded by
the Fortitude Foundation and the
Montgomery Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Making History
During the naming ceremony,
Bertha Pleasant Williams was
remembered as one of the “Unsung
Continued to page 62
51
Communications Pioneer
LaVonette
Bartley
Signs Off
A
By May Donnell
A close friend of LaVonette
Bartley’s has said her love for
Alabama State is located somewhere
in her DNA. Another colleague
says Bartley’s imprint on the Hornet
Nation is an enormous and mostly
overlooked one. Others say they can’t
imagine ASU without her.
Now, they will have to try.
After nearly 29 years, the
University’s Maven of Mass
Communication has retired to life
outside Ole ‘Bama State. It’s a move
that both saddens and excites her
and one that will take some getting
used to.
“I am grateful and humbled to
have been of service to Alabama
State University, my alma mater
and the college that reached out to
the community when I was a child
52
growing up in Montgomery,” says
Bartley. “The legacy of ASU is rich
and deep. It was and is still a source
of awesome inspiration and genuine
pride.”
Bartley’s long career at ASU
began in the early 1980s. A
member of the Class of 1968, the
Montgomery native was running
her own graphics and design firm,
as well as publishing a small weekly
newspaper, when John Knight hired
her as his secretary. Soon, however,
Knight recognized Bartley as
someone who had greater potential.
Knight put her in charge of starting
a school newsletter aimed at alumni.
Bartley took to the job with gusto.
“LaVonette Bartley is a dynamo,”
said Knight. “Everything she does
is done with great passion and with
a desire for excellence. She actually
set the standard for excellence in this
department. Her love for Alabama
State University is unparalleled
and is always the foundation of her
efforts on behalf of this University.”
“Great Creative
Strengths”
When Dr. Leon Howard became
president in 1985, his intention was
to radically revamp the school’s
image via a newly formed, but poorly
funded and sparsely staffed, Office
of Communications and Public
Affairs. He immediately saw in
Bartley an employee who could take
the Hornets places.
“LaVonette is a woman of great
creative strengths,” said Howard,
who now directs teacher education
at Rust College in Holly Springs,
Miss. “She could take ideas and
innovations and put them into
context and get them down on paper.
I can’t stress enough how much she
did in that little office to put ASU
up on a different level. She was just
what we needed at that time.”
Bartley served as associate editor
of ASU Today for a quarter century,
taking it from a one-page flyer to
the award-winning, glossy four-color
magazine and online publication it is
today.
“When you see the excellence of
the publications that are produced
at Alabama State University, you
can thank LaVonette Bartley. It was
her creativity and commitment that
caused ASU’s publications to rise to
the level that they now receive
national acclaim,” said Knight.
Bartley admits that the
magazine was “her baby,” and
like any mother she is extremely
proud.
“The magazine has become
one of the University’s primary
and most highly respected
communications tools,”said
Bartley. “I have been proud
to be part of its evolution into a
premier publication.”
not her.”
Bartley is credited with initiating
a number of longstanding and
award-winning programs at ASU,
including the Black and Gold
Standard, a unique interactive
marketing program that is still in
use today. She also is credited with
organizing the highly acclaimed
Golden Ambassadors, who serve as
the University’s official hosts and
hostesses.
Bartley is also the creative mind
behind many of the University’s
most familiar marketing campaigns:
“When we teach class, the world
takes note” and “myASU” have
become synonymous with the
University.
with Bartley.
“Over the years I have observed
her dedication to ASU and its
students,” said Board of Trustees
member emerita Patsy Parker. “I
have seen her work all hours of the
night, during vacation and always
with the thought of making each
task better than the one before. I
have laughingly called her the ‘drill
sergeant.’ She will be sorely missed
at the University.”
Bartley says her work for the
University has been a labor of love,
stemming from her appreciation for
ASU’s contributions to its students,
the community and to the world.
“The University’s historical
impact, long-standing service to
the community and reputation of
academic excellence have
created a beautiful canvas
on which award-winning and
time-honored publications,
leading-edge radio and
television commercials and
gold-standard special events
have brought our story to
life,” Bartley said. “I just
always wanted to do my part
to highlight what I know to
be true about ASU.”
“...this journey has
been wonderful
and exciting.”
“Loved every minute”
Robert Forbus was 23 when
he came to work for Alabama
State University under Bartley’s
supervision.
“In those days, the pressure to
produce was on. We were insanely
busy. We’d do a fundraiser,
then turn around and put out a
newsletter, then do something at
the new campus radio station, then
promote an event for the alums,
all in the same work week,” said
Forbus. “The staff was small and
everyone had to do everything. Even
under all those deadlines…LaVonette
worked well under the gun. I might
have an occasional meltdown but
“I feel that branding the
University in terms of academic
excellence and engagement with
our constituents is vital to the life
of ASU,” said Bartley. “Over the
years, I have had the opportunity to
work with great marketing teams to
create messages that have become
distinctive ASU brands. It was hard
work, but I loved every minute of
it.”
“So many wonderful things,
like the Golden Ambassadors,
have transpired at ASU under her
watch,” said Forbus. “So many
things have her handprints on them
and I don’t think anybody knows
what all she has been responsible
for.”
Similar comments are made by
others who have known and worked
“Great stories
to tell”
She adds that she could not have
imagined back in 1983 that she
would have so many opportunities
to work on the ASU canvas and be
of service. She describes her time
at ASU as a journey, one that has
been abounding, challenging and
rewarding.
“I have to say that this journey
has been wonderful and exciting,”
said Bartley. “I have had the
opportunity to work with some of
the best and the brightest students,
co-workers and administrators. I
also have had the opportunity to
exercise one of my lifelong passions
Continued to page 61
53
ALUMNI NOTES
Bethani
Thomas (‘09)
recently was
crowned Miss
Montgomery
USA and
competed in
the Miss
Alabama USA
pageant in
December. Thomas, 25, also is
pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy
and Health Sciences at Mercer
University College of Pharmacy in
Atlanta.
After graduating from Florida
State University, Thomas enrolled
at ASU and received a Master of
Science in biological science. She
said she decided to attend ASU
because of the quality education
students receive and because of
family ties to the University. Both
her mother and father received
their bachelor’s and master’s
degrees from ASU.
Thomas recently embarked on a
new adventure and taped an
episode for the BET show “The
Game” which will air in February.
Dr. David L.
Mount (‘94)
has written a
new book,
titled “Waking
Up in College,”
to help college
students use
emotional
coping
strategies to succeed in and out of
the classroom. Mount has traveled
the nation for more than 20 years,
speaking about the critical need
for a new strategy focusing on
“emotional talent management.”
“Ultimately, ‘Waking Up in
College’ is a blueprint for college
54
that promises to stimulate and
provoke students into thinking
deeply not just about their higher
purpose, but also about how to
achieve it.”
Mount is a clinical psychologist
with specialties in primary care
psychology, medical
neuropsychology and medical
rehabilitation psychology. He is the
program director for the Maya
Angelou Center for Health Equity
(Wake Forest, N.C.). Mount earned
the Bachelor of Science degree
from Alabama State University in
1994. He earned the Doctor of
Psychology degree from Argosy
University.
For more information about
“Waking Up in College,” contact
Xlibris Book Publishing at 888795-4274 or on the web at www.
Xlibris.com.
Dr. Terry L.
Harrison Sr.
(‘73) has
released a new
book for the
Department of
Defense,
“Military
Education
Participation
Scale” (MEPS), for use when
military members are deployed to
“austere, remote locations.” These
sites are located 300-400 miles
away from their overseas parent
base.
Harrison explained that usually
when a military member is
deployed to austere, remote
locations, they have to drop their
higher education courses until
they return to their parent base.
MEPS allows affected personnel to
communicate with their professors
from anywhere in the world, taking
online education options for
continuing their education to
another level.
Harrison recently introduced
MEPS to members of the
Department of Defense Worldwide
Education Symposium in Las
Vegas, where it was well received.
MEPS can be found by visiting
www.Lulu.com. It is listed under
Military Education Participation
Scale (MEPS).
The cast of Blood Sisters The Musical
opened for Grammy award-winning
recording artist KEM at his Democratic
National Convention benefit concert
in Charlotte, N.C. Pictured are (L-R):
Malikah Harris (co-writer & co-creator),
Toy Matthews, ASU alum Jacquelyn
Graham (co-writer & co-creator), and
Pascha Weaver.
Jacquelyn Graham (‘96) and
fellow cast members of “Blood
Sisters The Musical” showcased
their talents at the recent
Democratic National Convention
held in Charlotte, N.C.
This original musical, created
and written by Graham and cocreator/co-writer Malikah Harris, is
a fusion concert of classical, jazz,
neo soul, gospel and Broadwaystyle music. The production has
received critical acclaim since its
debut at the 2012 Orlando
International Fringe Festival in May.
“I’m really overjoyed,” Graham
said. “It’s nothing short of a
miracle that we were invited.
People connect to this music.
ALUMNI News
We’ve had men leave the theater
crying. There is a healing message
for families in this music.”
Cast members volunteered their
time and talents, and raised
money for the trip. Graham said
she is grateful for the support she
received from members of the
Hornet Nation.
National
recording artist
Cinque Cullar
(‘01) has
released a new
album titled
“Letters to
God.” The
album features
the praise and
worship anthem, “Continual
Praise.”
“‘Letters to God,’ my first solo
release, was birthed out of a need
to express my gratitude to God
through song,” said Cullar. “This
project is truly an extension of my
heart and soul.”
Cullar began his gospel music
career at the age of 13, singing
with the internationally acclaimed
choir, the Soul Children of
Chicago.
During his time at Alabama State
University, he formed the gospel
performance choir, The Tribe of
Judah, which continues to tour
both nationally and internationally
and has released two albums.
Cullar’s solo project will be featured
during the Tribe’s annual Judah
Fest concert in February 2013.
Cullar now resides in Chicago
and is the Program Director for
Music and Arts, Salem Baptist
Church in Chicago.
For more information about
Cinque Cullar and “Letters to
God,” visit www.cinquecullar.com.
Alumnus Committed to
“Reaching Back” to Help
By Tina Joly
Chris Harris
Alumnus Chris Harris (’11)
recently was promoted at Johnson
and Johnson, and now he has made
it his mission to help other ASU
students and graduates find career
opportunities at the company.
Harris began working at Johnson
and Johnson’s headquarters in
New Jersey shortly after graduating
from Alabama State University in
2011. The Computer Information
System (CIS) major now has been
promoted to the position of business
relationship analyst at the company’s
health care pharmaceuticals division
in Cincinnati. His duties include
research and development, product
innovation and accountability.
Harris credits ASU’s College of
Business Administration (COBA)
with giving him the skills he needed
to become successful.
“ASU serves as the grassroots
for scholars to develop and hone
their skills … COBA fostered an
environment for me to learn and
develop as a business professional,”
he said.
Harris also is responsible for
mentoring co-op students, interns
and new college hires. Harris
said ASU isn’t a target school for
Johnson and Johnson’s recruiting,
but he has made it a personal goal
to build a pipeline of talent between
his company and his alma mater.
“Within my first year of work,
I was successful in on-boarding
a fellow Hornet for a co-op
opportunity that could potentially
lead to full-time employment,”
Harris said.
Not one to forget the people who
have helped him along the way,
Harris recently sent an email to
more than 30 ASU faculty and staff
members to let them know how
much he appreciated them.
“This has been an experience of a
lifetime. Thanks for contributing to
my development and success as an
individual,” Harris wrote.
Harris has this advice for current
ASU students: “Hard work pays
off.”
“Not all days will be good;
neither will they all be bad. There
will be times when you want to
turn around, pack it up and call it
quits,” Harris said. “Keep in mind,
these times let you know that you’re
pushing yourself and aren’t afraid to
learn by trying.” n
55
ALUMNINews
NEWS
ALUMNI
Alumnus Named
Superintendent of the Year
By Deonshay Danson
Dr. Jeffrey Langham
Each year the School
Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)
and Classworks, an SSA Premium
Business Member, recognize a
school superintendent as the
Alabama/Classworks Superintendent
of the Year.
This year's recipient is Alabama
State University alumnus
and Elmore County Schools
Superintendent, Dr. Jeffrey
Langham.
Langham, a member of the first
cohort in ASU’s doctoral program
in educational leadership, policy
and law, earned the Ed.D. in 2007.
He also earned a certification in
administration/supervision from
ASU in 1998.
Since 2005, Langham has served
as the superintendent for Elmore
County Schools, one of the largest
and fastest growing school systems
in the state, with an enrollment of
more than 11,000 students and more
than 1,300 employees.
56
Langham said his educational
experience at ASU has been
instrumental in his professional
development as an administrator.
“I will always be thankful for my
educational experiences at Alabama
State University,” Langham said.
“From my pursuit of certification
in educational administration, to
completion of my doctorate degree
in educational leadership, policy,
and law, ASU equipped me with the
knowledge and skills needed to face
the demands of leading one of the
state's largest school systems.”
Langham was one of nine
superintendents from across
Alabama to be named as finalists for
the award, which was announced on
Oct. 9. He will officially be honored
at the SSA Alabama Superintendent
of the Year Luncheon in February.
Also in February, Langham
will represent Alabama at the
American Association of School
Administrators National Conference
on Education in Los Angeles.
Langham said he is appreciative
of the recognition, and he expressed
gratitude to his fellow educators and
the local community.
“I am so grateful and honored
to be awarded by my peers. This is
one of the most exciting occurrences
in my career and certainly a team
effort,” he said. “I am blessed with
a wonderful community around
me.” n
Alumnus “Adopted”
for Golf Tour
Development
Program
Former
ASU
golfer John
Montgomery
has been
selected to
participate in
the Swingtime
Golf USA
AdoptA-Golfer
Sponsorship
John Montgomery
Program.
Montgomery, who graduated with
honors in the spring of 2012, helped
the Hornets to the golf programs'
first SWAC Championship and first
appearance in the NCAA Tournament
this past spring. Montgomery turned
pro this summer
The Swingtime Golf USA initiative
provides for the sponsorship of
aspiring amateur golfers for a one to
three-year term and aims to increase
minority participation on professional
golf tours.
The Adopt-A-Golfer program was
founded in Knysna, South Africa in
2005 by Alan Duval.
“The opportunity is John's big
break,” said ASU golf coach Gary
Grandison. “He has the temperament
and work ethic to make it. He just
needed a big break.” n
The Hon. Yvonne Kennedy:
A Celebration of Service
By Timothy C. Ervin and Lois G. Russell
Yvonne Kennedy
State Representative Yvonne Kennedy speaks with Miss ASU's second attendant
Deshawn Sutton during the Black and Gold Standard Showcase and Reception, held at
Mobile's Battle House Hotel, Nov. 14, 2008.
The life of Alabama State
University alumna Dr. Yvonne
Kennedy was celebrated during
several services Dec. 14-15. Kennedy
died Dec. 8, following a brief illness.
Kennedy, who was a Democratic
state representative from Mobile,
represented the 97th district. She was
first elected to the Alabama House
of Representatives in 1979, a post
she held until her death.
Kennedy earned a bachelor’s
degree from Alabama State
University, a master’s degree
from Morgan State University
in Baltimore, a Ph.D. from the
University of Alabama and the
Honorary Doctorate of Letters from
Lane College in Jackson, Tenn.
“Yvonne Kennedy will be greatly
missed by this University and by
the state of Alabama,” said John
F. Knight Jr., who served with
Kennedy in the Alabama legislature.
“She was a longtime supporter
of her alma mater, and she was a
veteran legislator who served her
constituents with integrity and
passion.”
Because of Kennedy’s impact
statewide and nationally, the family
planned three memorial services to
celebrate her life.
On Friday, Dec. 14, an educational
tribute was held at Bishop State
Community College’s Baker-Gaines
Central Campus in the Yvonne
Kennedy Auditorium. Kennedy
served as president of Bishop State
from 1981 to 2007. On Friday
evening, a memorial from the
Greater Mobile Chapter of Links
Inc. and an Omega Omega service
from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
were held in the Mobile Convention
Center. Kennedy served as national
president of the sorority from 1988
to 1992.
Funeral services for Kennedy were
held on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the
Mobile Convention Center.
In addition to her service in the
House of Representatives, Kennedy
held a number of other positions
during her lifetime. She was on the
board of the American Association
of Higher Education, was a trustee of
Miles College and was on the board
of the Junior Miss program. She
also was chairperson of the Mobile
County United Negro College Fund
Campaign, youth director for the
Board of Christian Education Southeast Alabama Conference and
former chairperson of the Alabama
Legislative Black Caucus. n
57
Fall Sports
Action and Accolades
By Duane Lewis, Sports Information Director
The Alabama State women’s cross country program continues to set the
standard for the Southwestern Athletic Conference, as it claimed its second
consecutive league title to highlight Alabama State Athletics during the Fall
2012 semester.
The men’s cross country team finished fifth in this year’s championship,
the first of 12 SWAC Championship events during the 2012-13 season. The
soccer team advanced to the quarterfinals, while the women’s volleyball
team advanced to the semifinals in SWAC Tournament play.
CROSS COUNTRY
Dr. Jacqueline R. Brooks
58
Head Coach Ritchie Beene again earned SWAC Coach of the Year
honors as the Lady Hornets won their third SWAC title in the last
five years. And while Alabama State has posted back-to-back titles, this
year’s edition was a freshman-based squad with five newcomers on the sevenperson team.
Of the Lady Hornets’
top finishers in the
SWAC Championship,
four of them were
freshmen, three of
whom earned All-SWAC
honors. Artrailia
LeSane and Kim
Wedderburn finished
third and fourth,
respectively, earning
first-team, all-conference
honors. Paige Rankin earned secondteam, All-SWAC honors with her
seventh-place finish. Shantia Wilson
finished 13th, Jerrica Mahone finished
15th, Soyong Smith was 16th and
Santina Williams finished 21st, as six of
ASU’s runners ran their best times of
the season in the championship.
The men’s cross country team
finished fifth, two places ahead of last
season’s finish. Youth was again served
as four of ASU's six runners were
freshmen. The Hornets were led by
Brandon Coombs who finished 18th,
Cory Nwaiji finishing 22nd and Carlos
Flores finishing 31st. Other finishers
were James Walker, Carleddy St. Jean
and Malcolm Brockton.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
The women’s soccer team posted
its best record in school history at
7-8-2. The Lady Hornets posted a 2-2
mark in conference play and lost to
top-seeded Prairie View in the SWAC
Tournament.
Alabama State had a programbest, five-match unbeaten win streak
during the season, posting a 3-0-2
mark during that time. The team
had big wins against
Tennessee-Chattanooga
and Lipscomb in nonconference play, while
defeating arch-rival
Alabama A&M and
Alcorn State in
conference play.
A total of
five ASU
players earned
All-SWAC
honors. Anastasia
McCleary, Alexandria
Cannon and Lenna
Lamas earned
first-team honors,
with McCleary also
earning Freshman
of the Year accolades.
Iita Peinimaki and
Kylee Hathaway earned
second-team honors.
WOMEN’S
VOLLEYBALL
regular season, losing epic divisional
battles to Jackson State and
arch-rival Alabama A&M. The
Lady Hornets advanced to
the semifinals in the SWAC
Tournament for the second
straight year where they were
eliminated by eventual champion
Jackson State.
Four ASU players
earned All-SWAC honors.
Luiza Griz earned first-team,
all-league honors and was the
SWAC’s Defensive Player of the
Year. Brooke Beasley, one of three
Lady Hornets to earn second-team,
all-conference honors, was also named
SWAC Newcomer of the Year. Beasley
joined teammates Myla Marshall and
Chelsey Scott on the second-team.
Rachel Smith earned SWAC AllTournament honors for her stellar
performance in the 2012 SWAC
Tournament. n
Alabama State finished third
in the Eastern Division during the
59
Men’s Golf Team In
National Rankings
The men’s golf team concluded the
fall season ranked nationally in several
categories.
Freshman Francis Berthiaume
leads the nation in par three greens
hit in regulation (.850 percentage) and
ranks second nationally in greens hit
in regulation overall (.833). Teammate
Ian Mmbando ranks third in greens
in regulation (.818). The duo, along
with Branson Ferrier, have helped the
Hornets rank sixth in the nation in
scoring among freshmen.
TDC Seniors
Continued from page 41
Crowell scored the first touchdown
in The New ASU Stadium in the first
quarter on a three-yard run. He gained
118 yards rushing and scored two
touchdowns, ending the season with a
conference-leading 15 touchdowns.
Hornets Earn
Top Honors
Crowell, who earned conference
Newcomer of the Year honors, was one
of six Alabama State players to earn
first-team All Southwestern Athletic
Conference honors, along with Riley,
Terren Jones, Daniels, Roberts and
Bobby Wenzig, while wide receiver
T.C. McWilliams earned second-team
accolades. The six first-team AllSWAC selections from Alabama State
60
are the most since the Hornets had
eight in 2001.
“It’s a blessing to have guys
recognized for their ability,” said head
coach Reggie Barlow, who has led
the Hornets to three straight winning
seasons for the first time since 2003-05.
“I imagine each guy would commend
their teammates and coaches for their
help in earning these honors. We
congratulate each young man for their
accomplishments.”
Riley, Jones and Wenzig were also
named to the American Football
Coaches Association All-America
teams at their respective positions.
Riley ends his career as a three-time,
first team All-SWAC honoree and
is Alabama State’s career leader in
interceptions with 21 and interception
return yards with 348. McWilliams
Sophomore Robert Grant, a
returning member of the 2012 SWAC
Champions, ranks fourth nationally in
greens in regulation inside of 15 feet
(.421).
As a team, the Hornets rank third
in the country in greens in regulation
(.726), fourth in par three greens
in regulation (.670), tied for 11th in
fairways hit (.687), 16th in greens in
regulation inside of 15 feet (.261) and
17th in bogeys per round (3.33). n
ends his career tied for fourth in
receptions (133), ninth in receiving
yards (1,737) and tied for ninth in
touchdowns (16) in school history. n
L. Bartley
Continued from page 53
which is creating and telling stories.
And given ASU’s rich legacy, the
University has always given me great
stories to tell.”
Her official retirement date is
December 31. Bartley says she plans
to spend the first six months of free
time traveling to places she’s always
enjoyed and taking it easy. After
that, she’s keeping her options open.
“I hope that I will always be given
an opportunity to contribute in
Felicia Lewis, Robert Forbus, John F.
Knight Jr. and LaVonette Bartley were
the Office of Communications and Public
Affairs staff, shown here in 1998.
some way to the cause of others,”
said Bartley. “One of my favorite
quotes is ‘To whom much is given,
much is required.’ I have been given
much, and I truly want to keep
giving in return.” n
Awards and Recognitions
During LaVonette Bartley’s tenure, the Office of Marketing
and Communications received hundreds of awards and
recognitions. Below is a partial list of those awards:
International
2007
ASU Today wins 2008 APEX Award, annual international
award for publication excellence
University Relations wins 2007 APEX Award for Sciences
@ASU
2008
ASU Today wins APEX Award, annual international award
for publication excellence
National
1988
Golden Ambassadors, Bronze Award, CASE
2008
Telly Award for “Eyes Forward Looking Back”
Regional
1988
Golden Ambassadors brochure, Lantern Award, from the
Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF)
1990
Miss ASU Coronation materials, Lantern Award, SPRF
ASU Today, third-place Certificate of Achievement, SPRF
1997
“Get into ASU,” Third-place certificate, SPRF
ASU Today, Third-place award, SPRF
1998
ASU Today “Good as Gold,” Second-place Award of
Excellence, CASE District III
1999
ASU Today wins first-place SPRF Lantern Award
ASU Today receives third-place SPRF Certificate of
Achievement
2000
Season Tickets Campaign, First-place Lantern Award,
SPRF
Communications and Public Affairs, Second and thirdplace, Award of Excellence, CASE District III
ASU Today, Second-place Award of Excellence, SPRF
2001
ASU Today, Second-place Award of Excellence, SPRF
2002
‘The Rosa Parks Story,” Second-place award, SPRF
2003
ASU Today, Award of Excellence, CASE District III
Statewide
1994
ASU Today, Award of Excellence, Public Relations Council
of Alabama (PRCA)
1996
ASU Campus Guide, Certificate of Merit, PRCA
“Learn to Lead” outdoor advertising, Certificate of Merit,
PRCA
2000
ASU Today, First-place Medallion award for feature writing,
PRCA
2001
“When We Teach Class, the World Takes Note”
advertising campaign honored by PRCA
45th Anniversary of Montgomery Bus Boycott, Exceptional
Total Event Campaign, PRCA
ASU Today, Second-place Award of Excellence, PRCA
Communications and Public Affairs, STARR Award, PRCA
2002
“The Rosa Parks Story,” Second-place award, PRCA
2003
Communications and Public Affairs wins PRCA Award of
Excellence for the inauguration of Dr. Joe A. Lee
2005
“Four Generations, One School” campaign, Medallion
Award, PRCA
ASU Connection Day campaign, Medallion Award of
Excellence, PRCA
Outstanding Student campaign, Medallion Award for
Excellence, PRCA
ASU Today, Certificate of Merit and second-place Award
of Excellence, PRCA
Local
1997
“Get into ASU,” First-place Gold Award, Montgomery
Association of Business Communicators
1998
ASU Today “Good as Gold” wins second-place at PRCA
competition
Communications and Public Affairs, Silver ADDY Award
for artistic creation
1999
Turkey Day Classic, Second place, PRCA Medallion
Awards
“Selma Lord Selma,” Second-place award, PRCA
2007
O2ideas /Marketing and Communications wins ADDY
Award for 50th Anniversary Montgomery Bus Boycott
University Relations wins ADDY Award for Sciences @
ASU
ASU Today, Second-place award, PRCA
61
Trustee Emeritus
New Board Member
as vice chair.
Wiggins said he looks forward to the
opportunity.
“I have some big shoes to fill,”
Wiggins said. “I just want to make
sure I maintain the integrity of
the University and provide great
leadership.”
Crawley said that although he is
retiring as a full ASU Board member,
he looks forward to maintaining a
close relationship with the University.
“I will be back to check on things
and help ASU in any way I can,” he
said. “I am looking forward to helping
ASU in the future.”
Crawley also will continue to serve
as mayor in his hometown of Lanett,
Ala. He was first elected as the city’s
mayor in 2004 and is currently serving
another term.
months.
She holds memberships in
many educational organizations,
including School Superintendents of
Alabama, Alabama School Board
Association, Phi Delta Kappa,
Alabama Education Association,
Council of Leaders in Alabama
Schools, Alabama Middle School
Association, the Alabama Teachers
Association and the Association
for Supervision and Curriculum
Development.
She also is a member of Zeta Phi
Beta Sorority Inc. and the NAACP.
Brooks is married to Terry Brooks,
and they have one daughter, Kassidy. n
Continued from page 50
About Crawley
Crawley graduated from ASU
in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in
political science and began graduate
studies at both the University of
Hartford in Connecticut (1965) and the
University of South Alabama (1969).
Crawley has held several positions
with WestPoint Pepperrell Inc. since
1972.
Crawley serves on a number of civic
boards, including the executive board
of the Boy Scouts of America and the
George H. Lanier Council. He also
is chairman of the Chambers County
Heart Association and president of the
Chattahoochee Federal Credit Union
Board of Directors. n
62
Continued from page 50
Pioneer
Continued from page 51
Heroes,” who made significant
contributions to the cause of civil
rights. Not only is she credited
with opening the first public library
for blacks in Montgomery, but she
also served on a committee that
fought for black librarians to gain
full membership in the Alabama
Library Association. Her work
earned her the distinction of being
documented in the early history of
the association.
In 1969, Williams returned
to her alma mater to head the
ASU library’s Rare Books and
Collections department. Williams
also served as president of her
sorority’s Montgomery Alumnae
Chapter and as a member of the
Montgomery Women’s Council.
She was recognized for her service
to ASU and for her civic work on
several occasions.
Tamara Cofield, president of the
Montgomery Alumnae Chapter,
stated in her remarks that “Bertha
Pleasant Williams will always be
remembered for her passion for the
sharing of information with others,
her love of the written word and
her desire to lift someone up so that
they might do the same for others.”
Among those present for the
unveiling were Dr. William H.
Harris; Montgomery Mayor Todd
Strange; Montgomery County
Commission Chairman and
Chairman of the ASU Board of
Trustees, Elton Dean; the president
of the Library Board, Thomas
L. McPherson; the director of
Alabama Public Library Service
(APLS), Rebecca Mitchell;
Fortitude Foundation president,
Stacia Robinson; the president
of the Friends of Rosa L. Parks
Avenue Branch Library, Lillian
Jefferson; County Commissioner
Jiles Williams; City Councilman
Arch Lee; Library Board of Trustee
members; and Library Foundation
Board members. n
Segments of this article were
provided by Jaunita Owes.
Thank You
for coming to “Our House” warming.
89th ANNUAL
TURKEY DAY
CLASSIC 2012
THE TRADITION COMES HOME
To our partners, alumni, fans, students, vendors,
tailgaters, community leaders, first time Tdcers and
63
all of the employees who worked so hard to make this
happen. We couldn’t have done it without you!
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