A Newsletter for Alumni of Bethune

A Newsletter for Alumni of Bethune-Cookman University published by the National Alumni Association
Volume 1, Issue 1
January 2015
HAPPY NEW YEAR WILDCATS!
“May this New Year bring new light and new hope and may you
reap all the fruits of your hard work this year.”
A new year is one of the most memorable and celebrated festival in
the modern world. As we start another year, I want to say thanks for
supporting all of the events and programs during the first six months
of my tenure. It has been a whirlwind of representing you as the
leader and spokesperson for the Association.
However, the strength of the Association is the unwavering
commitment of you – the members. We welcome all of you who
have renewed your membership with your local chapter and thank
you for that commitment. For those of you reading this and have not
renewed yet, there is still time, so check the NAA website for a
chapter near you.
In July, 2014, I stated that more communication with our chapters
would be one of my goals for the next two years. This inaugural
issue of “CLARION” is one of the ways that chapters, members, and
future members can read about the Association. Thanks to our
Public Relations Director, Cynthia Oliver Carter for agreeing to
publish this Newsletter periodically to help keep alumni informed of
the activities, plans and accomplishments of the Association and
chapters.
I am looking forward to visiting your chapter during this year,
(another goal), as I begin touring with other officers of the
Association and the staff of the Office of Institutional Advancement.
These tours are designed to keep alumni informed of
association/university events and activities, to introduce a new way
alumni members can give regularly to the association/university and
to address members' questions and concerns.
Let's Go Wildcats!
Jennifer
In This Issue
Contacts
Upcoming Events
Notes from the Editor
Meditation and Motivation
Remembering our Legacy
Tech News
Convention News
Membership
Annual Membership
Life Membership
Special Offer for Life Members
Alumni Day of Service
Alumni Notes
Celebrations
Roar About It (Kudos and Thanks)
Campus News
Chapter News
Leadership
Executive Officers
Board of Directors
Standing Committees
Ms. National Alumni and Royal Court
Additional Board Members
L
Life Member Pin Order Form
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CONTACTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
PRESIDENT
Jennifer Adams
[email protected]
Board of Directors' Meeting- Feb. 28- PACPresident's Board Room
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Cynthia Oliver Carter
[email protected]
NAA ADDRESS
National Alumni Association
Bethune-Cookman University
Post Office Box 1899
Daytona Beach, FL 32115
LIFE MEMBERSHIP ONLY
B-CU Life Membership
Post Office Box 11646
Daytona Beach, FL 32120
Life Members Pinning - Feb. 28- 2:00pm- PAC Atrium
Wildcat Day at the Capitol - March 18- Tallahassee,
FL
Alumni Day of Service - March 26-27- B-CU
National Alumni Convention-June 17-21- Fort
Lauderdale, FL
Executive Board Meeting- April 8- Conference Call
Board of Directors' Meeting- April. 25- PACPresident's Board Room
Note: Visit the National Alumni website for chapters'
meeting dates, times, and locations.
WEBSITE
http://www.bcu-naa.com
NAA ONLINE PAYMENTS/SHOPPING
http://www.shop.bcu-naa.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/bcualumniassoc
CLARION- January 2015
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NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
Hail Wildcats! I am so excited to begin publication of our newsletter and delivering news about the great things going
on with the Wildcat Nation. In order to deliver the best product in a timely manner, please use the following guidelines
to submit news.
 Send your news - print ready- to the Public Relations email address listed in the Contacts section.
 If sending pictures, please submit no more than two high quality graphics. Depending upon space, we may not
be able to use both, but would definitely use one (1) to showcase your story.
 Documents may be submitted in text or WORD format. Please do not submit PDF documents.
Publication and Submission Deadline Dates for 2015:
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT
PUBLICATION DATE
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT
PUBLICATION DATE
February 28
March 2 (For Feb.)
August 16
August 28
March 15
March 27
September 13
September 25
April 12
April 24
October 18
October 30
May 17
May 29
November 15
November 27- Dec. 1
June 14
June 26
December 20
December 30
July 19
July 31
MEDITATION AND MOTIVATION
Wildcats Use Your PAW Power (P3). Prayer, Provision, Proclamation.
Pray often for Bethune-Cookman University:
 Students
 Alumni
 Families
 Leaders
 Faculty and Staff
 Community
Provide a consistent stream of revenue to fund the school and strengthen the school endowment:
 Donate online
 Deduct donations automatically and systematically via payroll deductions
 Inquire about your employer’s matching donations and direct those payments to B-CU
Persist in positively proclaiming the B-CU story. Share, with one and all, the Bethune-Cookman University history and
what the Bethune Legacy has done and continues to do.
REMEMBER WILCATS----PAW POWER!!
Wildcat Trivia
What is the name of Dr. Bethune's favorite song?
In what year was the first "National Alumni Convention" held?
(Hint: Check MOPAC)
CLARION- January 2015
Answers will be provided in the February issue of "CLARION".
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REMEMBERING OUR LEGACY- NEWS
FROM OUR HISTORIAN
CONVENTION NEWS
CONVENTION REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
B-CU Keiser Practice Laboratory School students
Photo provided by NAA Historian, Margaret Hill
TECH NEWS - ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM
In 2014, we successfully launched the National Alumni
shopping site at www.shop.bcu-naa.com. Members who
registered on the site and placed their orders for last
year's National Convention found it to be convenient and
reliable. The National Treasurer is able to track each
payment and immediately notify members if there were
questions or if verification of their order was needed.
Because it was successfully tested and utilized, we are
definitely moving toward full online payments.
We urge everyone to visit the site and become registered
members of shop.bcu-naa.com. In order to make
purchases (convention registration, membership
payments, etc.) you are required to be a site member.
This year's National Alumni Convention is being
hosted by the Broward County Alumni Chapter,
President Michael Shorter. Mr. Shorter is also
serving as the Chairperson for the convention.
Details and decisions are in progress and the
convention is shaping up to be a spectacular event.
Information will be disseminated via the
association's secretary, chapter presidents and the
2015 Convention Webpage. Click the link to
access the page and stay abreast of updates.
Additional details will be available and posted to
the website after the Board of Directors meeting on
February 28, 2015.
Credit card information that is entered, during your
initial user set up or when actually making a purchase,
can only be seen by our security vendor, Authorize.net.
The administrators (Webmaster, NAA President, and
Treasurer) are only able to see your names, addresses,
email, and orders. You even control your username and
password.
Currently there are no items for sale, but you may want to
go over and register so you'll be in the system and ready
to make your future purchases. Try it out now! Click
here.
CLARION- January 2015
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MEMBERSHIP
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Commit-Recommit Your Time, Your Talent and Your Treasure!
Are you connected? Have you drifted away? Why not come home?
Economic and political forces have aligned themselves against the continued existence of Historically Black Colleges
and Universities. Politicians and “economic experts” no longer see the “value” of supporting these institutions. Join
your alumni association today if you are not a member. If you are a member, get involved! Use your knowledge, skills,
and talent to help Bethune-Cookman University in any way that you can. This is a time of reflection and recommitment.
Do your part to continue the Bethune Legacy: support Bethune-Cookman University with your time, your talent, and
your treasure.
Visit the National Alumni Association's website to locate a chapter near you or one that you would like to join. On this
page, you will also find other chapter links (websites and Facebook pages) that you can visit to see what other Wildcats
are doing. For additional information, contact Carmen Williamson at [email protected].
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
If you are not a Life Member but would like to join and receive Life Membership benefits, visit our website at www.bcunaa.com/lifemembership, download the form and follow the directions as listed. For additional information, contact
Edgar Scott at 386-212-2407 or Rufus Wilson at 386-679-1446 (Committee Co-Chairs).
A Life Membership application is located on our website on the Life Membership page.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR LIFE MEMBERS
Exclusive offer for fully paid B-CU National Alumni Association Life Members!
Purchase yours today for only $150
Crafted from 14 karat solid gold complimented by a rich, maroon background, this lapel pin can be proudly adorned on
any type of garment you choose. The five surrounding diamonds prominently represent the original students with whom
Dr. Bethune started our illustrious school.
Complete the Life Membership Lapel Pin Order Form or visit our website where you can locate the form on the Life
Membership page.
Contact members of the Life Membership committee or Wayne Davis, Alumni Trustee at [email protected]
for details and to place your order, or mail your payment to B-CU Life Membership, PO Box 11646, Daytona Beach, FL
32120.
A form has been provided with this Newsletter.
CLARION- January 2015
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ALUMNI DAY OF SERVICE - “Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve”
The Annual Alumni Day of Service focuses on connecting alumni with students and allowing alumni to
inspire students to excel in their professional areas by sharing their expertise and stories from B-CU and
beyond.
Alumni Access: $65.00
PAY ONLINE AT: https://collegeadvancement.cookman.edu/form-page/internal-page---alumni-day-of-service2014-registration or FAX YOUR REGISTRATION TO: (386) 481-2973
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, March 26th
President’s Reception
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday, March 27th
Breakfast
7:45-8:45 a.m.
Friday, March 27th
Luncheon
2:15-3:45 p.m.
Friday, March 27th
Chill on the Quad
4:00 p.m.
CONTACTS
Michael Shorter, Chairman
Board of Visitors
CLARION- January 2015
Gerald Yancey
Board of Visitors
(404) 274-1510
[email protected]
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ALUMNI NOTES
CELEBRATIONS

Spotlight: After completing a year as a Band Director, 2Lt. Charles Stacy Todd, III pursued the opportunity to
become a military officer. He entered the United States Air Force in November 2013, and was commissioned a
second lieutenant in February 2014. He is currently in training at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Upon graduation,
he will be a Combat Systems Officer (CSO). CSOs (pronounced cizzo) are Air Force officers assigned duties in
what was formerly three different career fields; navigator, electronic warfare officer and weapons system officer.
Bio Brief: Valdosta, Georgia, Lowndes High School. 4th Generation B-CU graduate - Class of May 2008 - Cum
Laude - Bachelor of Arts - Music Technology. Legacy: Charles E. Todd, II, B-CC Class of 1979, Grandparents Charles E. Todd, Jr. and Naomi Todd, both B-CC Class of 1953 and Great Grand Mother - Vangeola M. Adams,
B-CC Class of 1930. Congratulations Charles, and thank you for your service.

We're sending a special Happy 100th Birthday to Mr. James Huger - January 4th. ( B-CC High School Class of
1933, B-CC Class of 1935). And many more...

Ms. Davida Hunter (Marching Wildcat 2001-2005) became engaged to Mr. DeAngelo Godfrey. The wedding is
set for August 8, 201, in Virginia. Congratulations and Best Wishes to the happy couple!
ROAR ABOUT IT - KUDOS AND THANKS

The Prince and Constance Oliver Family would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the
Scholarship Gala. It was a beautiful, elegant affair and made even more special by our Mistress of Ceremonies,
Sallie Culver. Thanks again, to everyone.

The Volusia County Chapter thanks everyone for attending the Christmas Dance. The chapter fundraiser was a
huge success and lots of fun.

The Orange County Chapter hosted their annual Christmas Social on Friday, December 19, 2014. Thanks to all
who were in attendance, especially our Orange County students who also joined us.

The Technology Team thanks Gleandeal Johnson-Young, Treasurer, for her assistance with setting up the shopping
carts for the upcoming National Convention and for her assistance in completing the annual security compliance
review.
CLARION- January 2015
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CAMPUS NEWS
Head Football Coach Named
(L to R) Athletic Director, Lynn Thompson with Coach Terry Sims
Terry Sims was announced as the new head coach for Bethune-Cookman University Football on Monday,
December 22, 2014. Sims, a 43-year old native of Jesup, Ga., was announced as the 11th head coach of the B-CU
Football program by Director of Athletics Lynn W. Thompson. The announcement came just five days after the
resignation of former head coach Brian Jenkins, who recently accepted a similar position at Alabama State
University.
Sims has spent the previous five years as an assistant coach for the Wildcats under Jenkins, responsible primarily
for safeties and special teams. He was also the assistant head coach, handling some of the day-to-day duties of the
program. Under his tutelage, the Wildcats secondary has ranked amongst the national top 25 statistically in
several categories since 2010.
Sims is a 1994 graduate of Knoxville College, where he was a
team captain as a defensive back on the gridiron, while also
patrolling center field in baseball. He would go on to earn his
Master’s Degree from Louisville in 1997. He is married to Joyce.
The couple has two children: daughter Sierra, and son Xavier.
*Information obtained from B-CU Athletics. Visit B-CU
Athletics for the complete story.
CLARION- January 2015
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CHAPTER NEWS
Miami-Dade Chapter
Volusia County
As most of the United States suffers during a cold
winter, the sun is shining brightly in Miami and its rays
are especially uplifting for the Miami-Dade Chapter.
The holiday season was more than eventful - it was
memorable. It all started with an exciting watch party at
Don Shula's fantastic restaurant and was followed by a
fantastic comedy night at the Improv and then its annual
Christmas Party where glad tidings were shared by all.
The chapter also recognized an internationallyacclaimed filmmaker with a resolution recognizing her
art and its contributions to promoting the legacy of our
alma mater. As the holidays give way to the imminent
arrival of springtime, the Miami-Dade chapter is very
excited to be at almost 90% of its membership goal for
financially active B-CU alumni.
Volusia County Chapter hosted their annual Heritage Soul
Food Dinner on February 21, 2015, at the Alumni House.
Seminole County Chapter
President Jennifer Adams was the keynote speaker at the
Seminole County chapter's second annual Prayer
Breakfast on January 10, 2015. The President's message,
"The Model Prayer", paralleled The Lord's Prayer and the
dreams, life, and actions of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.
Faye Henderson entertained the body with several musical
selections, and a current B-CU student addressed the
body with great news; not only does she enjoy attending
B-CU, she is also currently on the Dean's list.
Duval-Nassau Chapter
The Duval-Nassau Chapter will host the Mary McLeod
Bethune Community Leadership Breakfast on Saturday,
February 28,2015, at Emanuel Baptist Church. The
breakfast is slated to begin at 9:00 am and tickets can be
purchased for $30.00. Call Bennie at (904) 386-7597 for
ticket(s) and information.
CLARION- January 2015
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NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
STANDING COMMITTEES
President - Jennifer Quash-Adams
Vice President - Carmen Oliver Williamson
Immediate Past President - A. Ray Brinson
Recording Secretary - Marilyn Hinson Jordan
Corresponding Secretary - Kathy Desmore-Reeves
Treasurer - Gleandeal Johnson-Young
Financial Secretary - Vanessa Lloyd
Chaplain - Dr. Herbert Corbin, Jr.
Alumni Trustee - Rufus L. Wilson
Alumni Trustee- Wayne A. Davis
Parliamentarian - Robert Delancy
Director of Public Relations - Cynthia Oliver Carter
Legal Advisor - Johnny McCray
Budget - John Williams
By-Laws - Cynthia Walker-Bland
Class Reunions - Sherry Paramore
Fundraising - TBA
Membership - Carmen Oliver Williamson
MOPAC - Laveta Logan
Nominations and Elections - Gwen Anderson
Social Media - Sumner Hutcheson III
Strategic - Fred Seamon
MS. NATIONAL ALUMNI AND ROYAL COURT
Ms Alumni - Ms. Iona Gamble
Ms. Gold - Mrs. Shirylon McWhorter-Jones
Ms. Maroon - Mrs. Laveta Logan
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Chapter Presidents)
Alachua - Winston Bradley
Atlanta - Toni Johnson
Bahamas - Ricardo Deveaux
Big Bend/Tallahassee Area - Sandi McCloud
Broward - Michael Shorter
Duval/Nassau - LaRose Lovett
Escambia - Juanita Palmer
Grand Bahamas - Chervita Campbell
Hillsborough - Andra Diggs
Lake City - Jan Harrison
Marion - Felita King
Miami-Dade - Shirylon McWhorter- Jones
North Carolina - Bobby Marshall
Orange - Cynthia Walker-Bland
Palm Beach - Sylvia Gibson
Polk County - Collins Smith
Seminole County - Eldred "Will" McCoy
St. Petersburg - Gwen Anderson
Volusia - Carmen Oliver Williamson
Washington D.C. Metro - Raenetta Floyd
ADDITIONAL BOARD MEMBERS
Alumni Center Curator - Joneva Loper
Historian - Margaret Hill
L to R: Dr. Edison O. Jackson, Mrs. Shirlyon
McWhorter-Jones, Ms. Iona Campbell, Mrs. Laveta
Logan, Mr. A. Ray Brinson
CLARION- January 2015
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Life Membership Lapel Pin Order Form
Mail Payment and Form to:
B-CU Life Membership
PO Box 11646
Daytona Beach, FL 32120
Make $150.00 check payable to B-CU Life Membership
Customer Information
Name:
Address:
Email: (Optional)
Phone:
Only complete this section if this is a gift for a current Life Member
Recipient's Name:
Recipient's Address:
For more information, contact:



Lapel Pin Sales Coordinator: Wayne Davis, Alumni Trustee Representative:
[email protected]
Life Membership Co-Chair: Rufus Wilson, Alumni Trustee Representative: 386-679-1446
Life Membership Co-Chair: Edgar Scott - 386-212-2407
CLARION- January 2015
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