Looking Toward Our Future Events Reviewing Our Past Achievements

Transcription

Informing, engaging and highlighting our alumni family
Clark Atlanta University Alumni
Vol 8 | Issue 1 | February 2012
Reviewing Our Past Achievements
Looking Toward Our Future Events
SAVE THE DATE
March 17, 2012
Reunion Celebration
May 18-21, 2012
Fall Conference
May 17-19, 2012
From Paws to Claws
Spring Edition
April 12, 2012
In This Issue...
3
4
5
6
14
15
16
18
20
21
22
24
31
34
37
38
40
42
43
44
Text to Give
May Weekend/Reunion Activities
May Weekend/Reunion Registration Form
Pictorial Review
Fall ’81 30th Anniversary
36 Peridots of Perfection
Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Moving Forward Together
in the 21st Century
CAU on Broadway
Mass Media Alumni Society Screening
Inspirational Voice of Faith
Alumni Relations
Annual Fund and Special Giving
Personally and Professionally Speaking
Marriages, Births, Necorology
Featured Stories
Call to Action
A Moment in History
Love Stories
Panther Pages Ads
Alumni Paraphernalia
Spirit of Greatness Highlights
Editor:
Gay-linn E. Gatewood-Jasho
Director of Alumni Relations
Publication Editorial Team:
Audrey Arthur
Photographer
Jayan Allan, CC ’78
Roshunda Carroll
Horace Henry, CC ’71
Rhonda Bellamy Hodge, CC ’79
Jamie Liles
Curtis McDowell, Curtis McDowell Photography
Designer:
Keene Design, Inc.
Printer:
Graphic Solutions
To submit by e-mail:
Send information to [email protected].
Send all correspondence to:
Office of Alumni Relations
Clark Atlanta University
223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W.
Campus Box 2030
Atlanta, GA 30314
Strength Sacrifice Service
Our strength, our sacrifice and most importantly our service makes us proud
alumni. The path that we each walk as we represent ourselves and our alma mater
has impacted our world, the world. Bragging rights are not given, but earned, and
we must continuously showcase who we are at Clark Atlanta University. Let us
look at our strength, sacrifice and service separately.
STRENGTH
The statement that there is strength in numbers is more than just a theory. As alumni, many of us support our
alma mater in a multitude of ways. We participate in University programs and activities such as
concerts, sporting events and our covenant Homecoming. We have a commonality when we come together
formally and/or informally during reunion celebrations, chapter and national meetings through the CAUAA,
or just because. And, we share our thoughts through the University’s many social media sites. Yet, the basis of
our strength began in 1865 and 1869 when the parent institutions unknowingly laid the path towards our
exemplary Clark Atlanta University.
Not knowing the future, I am sure, our parent institutions moved along each of their timelines as they fed
each hungry mind, our minds, as we grasped and honed the knowledge we received. Faculty, staff and
administrators over the years can claim part of the responsibility for who we are today. However, our strength
as alumni, the only permanent constituency of Clark Atlanta University, must be undergirded in all that we do
for our alma mater.
SACRIFICE
First of all, the words “Thank You” will always be our initial response to everything you do through your
Office of Alumni Relations and the University as a whole. This office could not function without your
support and concerns. We thank you for supporting the brick program since October 2008 which has
provided over $57,000.00 to the general scholarship fund. Remember that your brick has placed you in
perpetuity. Again, we thank you for providing enhancements to your Albert H. Watts Alumni House
conference room through the “Share Your Heart Appeal” last year. We are most thankful for each reunion gift
that is given through this office as you walk down memory lane. And, we cherish the visits when you stop in
to stay hello and leave a gift for our alma mater.
Nonetheless, we need for you to sacrifice even more. When you receive requests from the Office of Alumni
Relations and the Annual Fund, special requests from specific programs and the CAUAA, Inc., please
support the clarion calls. Though separate requests, everything supports our alumni-in-waiting (students) and
our institution.
SERVICE
To that end, we look forward to you volunteering on campus and in your own communities, always
proclaiming that you are an alumnus/alumna of Clark Atlanta University. For we are proud alumni and in
every arena we should share where our educational roots are planted.
Support the signature program of the Office of Alumni Relations, “From Paws to Claws” and its three unique
editions. The CAU Experience Edition introduces us to the incoming first year and transfer
students; the Fall Edition affords students to sit with us in our area of expertise; and the Spring Edition teaches
the art of networking. “From Paws to Claws” continues to be successful because of your
participation. Please call your Office of Alumni Relations to inquire about other mentoring programs.
Lastly, we are offering a new service to you through your “Connections” publication. Many of you have
inquired about how and if you can advertise in this publication. Please review page 38
.
We are looking forward to showcasing your business as you provide financial support toward the
production of “Connections.”
So here we are, strong in numbers—strength; a spirit of giving—sacrifice; and willingness to
share—service.
As always, I am here to be of service to you, receive your concerns and welcome you home to our alma mater.
Until we communicate again,
Call us:
(404) 880-8022
Gay-linn E. Gatewood-Jasho, CC ’81; CAU ’94
Corrections:
Apologies to the South Florida Chapter for not listing
their $1,500 contribution during May Weekend 2011.
Clark Atlanta University South Florida Chapter
worships at the historical Ebenezer United
Methodist Church, Founders Day 20ll.
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Connections
Text to Give
Having a hard time keeping up with all the latest news at Clark Atlanta University? No Problem. You can now have CAU with you wherever you go.
Text “Panthers” to 50555 or visit your CAU website at www.cau.edu to opt in to receive news and updates no more than four times a month.
And support Clark Atlanta University now! Text “CAU” to 50555 and donate
$10 to CAU today. Always remember to reply “yes” for your gift to register.
When texting CAU to 50555, a one-time $10 donation will be added to your mobile phone bill. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or will be
deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and data rates may apply. Text “Stop’ to 50555 to stop.
Text “Help” to 50555 for help.
Schedule of Events
March - 2012
12-16 Founders Week
17
Spirit of Greatness Gala
April - 2012
12 “From Paws to Claws”
May - 2012
17-19 CAUAA May Weekend Conference
18-21 Reunion Weekend for the 2s and 7s
Connections
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May Weekend 2012 May 17-19 ~ Reunion Weekend 2012 May 18-21
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, May 17th
7:00 p.m.
Executive Committee & Board Meeting
Hilton Atlanta Airport
Registration
Henderson Student Center
Friday, May 18th
8:30 a.m.±12:30 p.m.
Pick up badges, bags, souvenir journal and tickets to all events.
8:30 a.m.±10:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.±11:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
Parliamentary Procedure Workshop
Workshop required for Executive Committee Members
This interactive workshop will show ways that relate to the orderly transaction of
business in meetings and the duties of officers in facilitating the conduct of business.
11:00 a.m.±12:00 p.m.
Giving in the Panther Way
Learn about a multitude of ways to give back to Clark Atlanta University.
Lunch on your own
1:30 p.m.± 2:45 p.m.
Opening Session
.
Hear from the Executive Board and Executive Committee of the
Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association.
3:00 p.m.± 4:30 p.m.
Chapter Development
.
Learn best practices for a successful chapter and/or affinity group.
Reunion Class Activities
Coordinated via class
Classes of the 2s and 7s have their individual celebrations.
8:00 p.m.
Panther Mixer
Join class reunion attendees, conference attendees, parents and the entire Clark Atlanta
University family in a festive atmosphere with food, fun and music!
Saturday, May 19th
8:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m. ± 9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m. ± 3:00 p.m.
Bus to Clark Atlanta University
Continental Breakfast
Memorial Service and Wreath Laying
Take a moment to reminisce and reflect on our departed alumni with the laying of
the memorial wreath.
Executive Board Wrap Up Session
TBD
Cookout and Campus Tour
Watts Alumni House
Relaxing time to eat, drink, and share memories. Afterwards, tour the campus
and relive those special moments.
3:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Bus to Hilton Atlanta Airport
Alumni Recognition Award Banquet
This is the reason you came! Class Competition ~ Chapter Roll Call
Service Awards ~ State of the University Address ~ Induction of Officers
10:00 p.m.
Hospitality Suite
Come in and relax!
Baccalaureate
Henderson Athletic Center
Epps Gymnasium
Commencement
Panther Stadium
Sunday, May 20th
10:00 a.m.
Monday, May 21st
8:00 a.m.
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Connections
Connections
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From Paws to Claws
“From Paws to Claws” is the signature event of the Office of Alumni Relations which embraces all avenues traveled by the alumni constituency. The
CAU Experience Edition introduces first year and transfer students to a diverse group of alumni.
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Connections
Homecoming 2011
Enjoy the pictorial review from the first Young Alumni vs. Future Alumni Basketball game, the annual Alumni Open House featuring Ryan Kilgore
and Milkshake and MSQ, the Boosters Open House, the highlights of the Honorees of the Hall of Fame Breakfast, the parade, pre-game activities,
tailgating, Boosters Hill, the Alumni Chapel and Roast the Reverend which honored the first chaplain of CAU, the Rev. Dr. Paul H. Easley, Sr.
Young Alumni vs. Future Alumni Basketball Game
Connections
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Open House
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Connections
Boosters Open House
Hall of Fame Breakfast Recipients
Amanda Davis
Dr. Alfred D. Wyatt, Sr.
Harvey Giddens
Homer C. McEwen, Jr.
Rev. Alvelyn Sanders for the Alvin J. Sanders
Richard Wyche
Valerie Belts Jones
Connections
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The Parade
Love Float Alumni: Dr. Winfred and Mrs. Mary Stephens Harris; Milkshake and Mrs. Christine Mayfield; Mr. Calvin
and Dr. Samantha Elliott Briggs; Mr. Bruce E. and Mrs. Katrina S. Strickland (hidden) and Mr. Clarence and
Mrs. Virginia Tucker Lewis.
The Pre-Game Activities
Tailgating and Boosters Hill
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Connections
Connections
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Alumni Chapel Service
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Connections
Alumni Chapel Service
Roast the Reverend
Connections
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Fall ’81 30th Anniversary
The Fall 1981 pledge class of Clark Atlanta University’s Greek-letter
organizations acknowledged their 30th anniversary during 2011
Homecoming festivities by hosting a fundraising event. Members of
Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta sororities joined their
Pan-Hellenic brethren from Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta
Sigma and Omega Psi Phi fraternities in staging a post-homecoming game
celebration, “Let’s Do It Again...With A Purpose.” More than 400 people
gathered at South Atlanta’s Cascade Club for a night of revelry and
reminiscing, raising more than $3,600 for Clark’s general scholarship
fund.
Prior to the party, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity hosted a fundraising
reception in honor of their deceased pledge brother, Eddie Lewis, raising
an additional $1,500. During the Homecoming game, each organization
wore commemorative unity patches, recognizing each Greek-letter
organization, and acknowledging the three deceased members of their
collective Fall ’81 pledge class: Marilyn (Teasley) Carnegie, Yolanda Ross,
and Lewis.
Members of the celebration planning team are as follows (clockwise from bottom left): Shawn
Watson, Monica Smith, Rhonda Clark, Karen (Whiting) Miller, Gloria Sebastian, Brian Foster,
Larry Steele, and Rev. Cord Franklin. (Not pictured: Gary Freeman and Thomas Tatum)
36 Peridots of Perfection – Fall 1991 –
Sweet Alpha Pi Chapter
The Honorable Meca Walker, CAU ’93, Historian, National Alumni Association
20/20…What does it mean? That was the question that many people asked me
and my Alpha Kappa Alpha line sisters during 2011 Homecoming weekend. The
simple answer is 20/20 means 20 years with 20 pearls; 20 years of sisterhood that
began on the campus of CAU in the fall of 1991.
Yes, 20 years ago 36 young ladies at CAU joined a powerful sisterhood that would
keep us connected in ways our young minds could never imagine. Our experience
at Homecoming 2011 was magical, spiritual and emotional. When I returned to
Houston, and was driving to work on Monday morning, I was still basking in the
afterglow of my Homecoming experience. CAU not only provided me with a
wonderful education, the experience gave me 35 sisters that I will have for the rest
of my life. I’m so glad I went to CAU! Here are a few comments that my line sisters
shared as they reflected on Homecoming:
This was my first year to attend Homecoming, and I must say, my eyes became tearful
when I stepped out of my vehicle and saw all of the changes on the campus. Reuniting
with my line sisters was one of the best experiences that I had during Homecoming. The
fond memories that were rekindled from 20 years ago made me proud to be a member
of Sweet Alpha Pi Chapter! Homecoming Weekend 2011 will definitely be cherished in
my heart! —Ayodeji Griffin
It has been a number of years since I returned home to Clark Atlanta; I had not
realized how much I missed her. When I walked into the alumni center and saw the
generations of CAU graduates dressed in a sea of red joining in laughter and
reconnecting, a feeling of supreme pride overcame me. CAU gave me two invaluable
gifts, two motto’s, “I’ll Find a Way or Make One” and ”Culture for Service.”
Continued pg.15
14
Connections
Continued fromt page 14
When I am faced with an obstacle before me “I’ll Find a Way or Make One,” rings in my head and drives me towards a solution. CAU also gifted me with a
sisterhood, my line sisters, the 36 Peridots of Perfection, women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The 20th anniversary of our line brought us back home,
but it was our “Culture for Service,” and our love for CAU that has bound and kept us together over the years. There is not a day that I do not look back
upon my experiences at CAU without complete gratitude and extreme pride. CAU and Alpha Kappa Alpha have produced a sisterhood of women that would
make any university proud, yet we give CAU and AKA every ounce of the credit they are due for shaping us into valued and productive members of our
society. The 20th anniversary of my line, celebrating 20 Years of 20 Pearls, and Homecoming Weekend 2011, have now been defined for me as the best
homecoming/reunion experience of my life thus far. I am so proud. –Toyia Nash Lyda
I had been excited about Homecoming Weekend for some time, however, I had no idea that I would come away from Homecoming feeling the way I do.
Words can’t describe the love I have for my line and AKA! I will become active this year and I’m excited about that because I know it is a direct result of
CAU Homecoming 2011. – Coniquka Nevett
CAU is a family, a community, and she is a home away from home. My Homecoming experience was the best I’ve experienced so far and I get all
warm and fuzzy inside thinking about the good times that I have when I “come home.” Because of our powerful Homecoming experience, my line
sisters and I have renewed our commitment to each other, AKA and CAU. We will continue with our daily lives and commitments to our husbands,
children, family, careers and day-to-day duties, however, there is a special section reserved in each of our hearts for CAU and we can’t wait until we
do it again!
Sigma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.
Celebrates 80th Anniversary
Dr. Revonna Graham Mitchell, CC ’76, chair; Sherra Parsons, CC ’83, co-chair; and members of the Sigma Chapter Alumnae 80th Anniversary
Committee
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s first chapter in the Southern Region, Sigma, has celebrated 80 phenomenal years of sisterhood and service in
the heart of Atlanta, on the campus of Clark Atlanta University. On May 6, 1931, nine sensational ladies chartered the Sigma chapter
(affectionately known throughout the sorority as “The Real Plum of the South”). To date, more than 1,000 young ladies have crossed through
Sigma chapter into our beloved sorority and gone forward to make a tremendous impact around the world.
During CAU Homecoming 2011 more than 200 sorors of the Sigma chapter returned for a three-day celebration of the chapter’s 80th
anniversary. The theme for the 2011 anniversary was “Embracing 80 years of Excellence…The Legacy Continues.”
The anniversary celebration included a warm welcome home event, a sit-down dinner party, a fun-filled tailgate, and sorors in the ministry
brought us a good Word during Sunday brunch! All weekend long we laughed, cried, ate, sang, danced and took a trip back down memory lane.
We left filled with joy! Our nine charter members of the “Pearl Bearing” Sigma chapter would be proud of us.
We love our dear ol’Delta and CAU, the school on the hill!
Connections
15
Moving Forward Together
in the 21st Century
Rhonda Bellamy Hodge, CC ’79, First President of
Dallas Chapter
The “Distinguished” Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Clark
Atlanta University Alumni Association hosted the 2011
edition of the Fall Conference, November 10-13, 2011. The
Renaissance Dallas Hotel provided a central location with easy
access to local transportation hubs, after-hours dining
entertainment establishments and a staff ready to serve the
needs of the organization. Chapter President Corey Echols,
CAU ’96 and ’98, along with National President Devin P.
White, CAU ’95 and ’00, both addressed attendees with warm
welcomes and gratitude for their dedication to the University.
Additionally, they encouraged alumni not only to enjoy the
conference by renewing old friendships and establishing new ones, but to take the message back to their
home states to fellow alumni to become more involved as we seek to grow the Alumni Association through
the 21st century.
Highlights of the Fall Conference include the 2011 Maxey Williams Marshall Corporate Breakfast, the
President’s Luncheon with Dr. Carlton E. Brown and the CAUAA Town Hall with Shelia Lewis, AU ’86.
For a historical perspective down memory lane, Rhonda Bellamy Hodge, Clark College, CC, ’79, and the
first president of the Dallas chapter, reflected on the establishment of the chapter and Marshall’s tireless
contribution to its success.
“Maxey was a ball of energy and encouragement, making it known that we had all been privileged to
attend CC and CAU and had a responsibility to serve, noting that ‘Culture for Service’ had been our
motto for many decades. We will forever remember and miss her,” Hodge said.
Gail Warrior, CEO of the Warrior Group and a graduate of CAU in accounting was slated to deliver the
keynote address for the Corporate Breakfast. Unfortunately, she fell ill and Misha Sturns CAU ’93 ably
delivered the speech in her absence. The Warrior Group (www.warriorgroup.com) is one of the largest
woman/minority owned general contractors in the Unites States and was founded by Warrior in 1997.
Starting from nothing - no money, no blueprint, no business plan, no location, no experience, Warrior had
what she needed most – the spirit of a “warrior” to propel her through 14 years of business success and yes,
even some failures. As CEO of the Warrior Group, she is responsible for the development of the
company’s strategic plan, corporate guiding principles and creating a company culture that celebrates
superior customer service, empowerment and excellence. Committed to serving the Dallas community,
Warrior founded two outreach entities: Heart of a Warrior Charitable Foundation and the Warrior Small
Business Academy. Both of these organizations seek to bridge the gap between education achievement and
business development in their respective communities.
CAU President Dr. Carlton E. Brown presented the University’s strategic plan highlighting five priorities:
1) Build and Execute Institutional Accountability for Enrollment Management. 2.) Build Institutional
Capacity. 3.) Align Learning, Knowledge/Discovery and Performance. 4.) Improve and Maintain
Financial Strength and Viability. 5.) Embrace and Provide Leadership in Community Development and
Environmental Sustainability. Dr. Brown stated that the University must prepare students for global
employment and business opportunities to remain competitive in the 21st century. Business and
collaborative relationships have been established with global companies such as Met Life, Verizon and
Avon. Resources such as scholarships must go to students who have already established themselves as
leaders and game changers. Many buildings on campus have been renovated and brought up to current
standards and technology. In closing, Dr. Brown said, “This is a great institution. We are at the beginning
of a great journey where Clark Atlanta University will arrive where it was always intended to be It will
indeed take all of us: administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni whose lives are forever changed by
attending the institution. We can’t do it a little bit or sometimes; we must do it with stability, and all the
time. I’m looking forward to taking the journey with you all.”
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Jayan Allen, photographer
Jayan Allen, photographer
An interactive workshop was conducted by Gay-linn E. Gatewood-Jasho, director of Alumni Relations,
CC ’81 and CAU ’94. After dividing attendees into groups with names related to CAU such as the
“Spirit of Greatness,” “Reign Clark Atlanta,” “Red–Black-Gray” and “Mighty Panthers,” the groups
collaborated as a team and answered the following questions: “What is the purpose of the Office of
Alumni Relations?” “What are the services that the Office of Alumni Relations offers?” and “What
services do you think the Office should offer?” Each attendee left with information showing the services
rendered by the Office of Alumni Relations as well as who the Office works with collaboratively.
Note: The results from the questions are answered on pages 22-23.
Shelia Lewis, AU ’86 and CEO of Flyin’ West Marketing of Freemont, Calif. (www.flyingwestmarketing.com) passionately enlightened and challenged fellow alumni members to accept and capitalize on
the value they can bring to the University. She asked the multiple choice question, “Who is most
important to CAU: students, faculty, staff, community, parents, alums, corporations?” She continued,
“We are the product (alumni) of a company (university) and the company is only as good as its
product.”
Rhonda Bellamy Hodge, photographer
Historically Black universities produce more black graduates than any other institutions. We must
recognize the importance of our educational legacy. However, we cannot continue to use the old model
to produce new things, but instead reshape how we think about our alma mater. We must make it our
personal responsibility to think legacy and dare CAU to partner with us so that we all can be game
changers. There must be a strategic plan to include increasing alumni giving and we must have the
internal staff as well as outside professional help to achieve our financial goals. Lifetime membership in
the CAUAA, Inc. should be a goal for each of us. For those considering lifetime membership, there is a
five-year payment plan available.
Additionally, a gift of $10 can be made to the University by texting “CAU” to 50555. The gift may be
repeated up to three times per month. Dr. Brown has set a goal of increasing alumni giving to 15 percent over the next two years. Currently, it is below five percent. Many companies offer matching gift
programs for colleges and universities. Please check with your human resource office for details. Every
dollar counts to ensure the continued success of our University!
CAU on Broadway 2
CAU on Broadway 2 was another moment to
celebrate Tony nominee, director Kenny Leon,
CC ’79. Being the only African-American
director to have two plays running
simultaneously on Broadway speaks volumes to
who he is as a man, his artistry and his vision.
On Dec. 2, 2011, alumni, friends of the
University, faculty, staff and administrators met
at B. Smith’s restaurant to celebrate Kenny
Leon and each other. Alumnus Dexter Cheston
CAU ’02 sponsored the reception. After
introductions of all faculty and administrators
from Clark Atlanta University by Gay-linn E.
Gatewood-Jasho, director of alumni relations,
the president of Clark Atlanta University,
Dr. Carlton E. Brown brought greetings to the
attendees and in turn introduced Leon to the
group. Leon shared his thoughts about being a
director on Broadway and thanked everyone
for their patronage.
The vice president of the CAUAA New York,
Jasu Sims, CAU ’06, also brought greetings and
presented Dr. Brown with a check for $2,000
in support of the general scholarship fund.
More than 70 attendees and alumni, spanning
from the classes of 1941 to 2011, participated
in a “Talk Back” hosted by Leon after the play.
This covenant opportunity made CAU on
Broadway 2 unique. With questions, answers
and comments flowing freely, a round of
applauses welcomed Angela Bassett, one of the
stars of the play “Mountaintop” to the event.
Quickly moving back into the mode of conversation between artists and audience, with yet
another round of applause, the audience welcomed the play’s other star Samuel L. Jackson
as he took his seat to complete the renowned
panel. Leon explained the connection between
the three by sharing he and Bassett had known
each other since their childhood in Florida and
he knew Jackson since their collegiate days at
Clark College and Morehouse, respectively.
The CAU on Broadway series is becoming
commonplace. Leon’s other play “Stick Fly”
was promoted as an individual event with attendees choosing their own date of celebration.
Additionally, a portion of the ticket sales supported the general scholarship fund.
Lastly, watch for other alumni as they make
their debut on Broadway. Heather Hill, CAU
’97, and Trevon Davis, CAU ’07, are in “Porgy
and Bess” which runs through July 2012.
Connections
19
Mass Media
Alumni Society
(MMAS)
Hosts Screening
Clark Atlanta University Mass Media Alumni
Society hosted the premiere screening of
“Osiris” in the BCL Henderson Student Center
on Nov. 1, 2011. It was a homecoming for the
producer of “Osiris” as well as the producer/
director of photography and the writer/director.
Rodney Breedlove, CAU ’02, Terrence Redd
Clairborne, CAU ’03, and Donnie Leaphart,
CAU ’01, are products of the mass media department.
“Osiris” is a new 10-episode indie sci-fi/thriller
web series featuring gritty crime fiction,
espionage and the supernatural. Much of its
inspiration comes from classic network shows
such as “Lost,” “True Blood” and “24.” Filmed
with very little money, the filmmakers hope to
entertain as well as demonstrate that film
creativity can still flourish without a Hollywood
budget.
“Osiris” : the Series Synopsis
The series follows the title character Osiris, a
man with an eternally extended warranty on
life. He can never die. If he’s shot, he comes
back. If he’s stabbed, he comes back. Even if
he’s blown up, he comes back…in exactly 37
minutes, every time, in excruciating pain. This
has been happening for more than 300 years.
Rodney Breedlove, Producer
Rodney Breedlove has most recently produced
programs for BET, Atlantic Records and
Universal Music Group. His previous work
includes contributions to MTV’s reality series
“Made,” the 2006 BET Hip Hop Awards, the
Dirty South Awards, And-1 Basketball
tournament and Tyler Perry’s widely successful
stage plays. A graduate of Clark Atlanta
University’s film and television program,
Breedlove’s true passion lies with narrative
storytelling. He’s produced several short and
feature films through his own Atlanta-based
production company from which his debut
satirical independent film “Jail Party” went on
to garner a national distribution deal. His desire
to contribute unique, thought-provoking and
groundbreaking films to the cinematic landscape drives his ability to push those around
him.
20
Connections
Terrance “Redd” Claiborne, Producer and
Director of Photography
Terrence “Redd” Claiborne has been heavily
involved in film and video photography
since earning his bachelor’s degree in
communications from Clark Atlanta University.
He has served as director of photography on
numerous independent short films,
documentaries and commercials. He juggled
both producer and director of photography
duties on the 2005 nationally distributed
independent feature film “Jail Party” which
launched Redd’s career into work on various
network television shows. His most recent
credits include the “2011 Soul Train Awards,”
Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and
TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress.”
Rodney Breedlove, Producer
Donnie Leaphart, Writer, Director and Editor
Donnie Leaphart honed his talents as a writer,
director and editor at Clark Atlanta University’s
film and television program where he received
several honors for his work, including the 2001
Outstanding Achievement in Film Award.
During this time, he founded Pyramid Pictures,
LLC and went on to produce two films that
were distributed nationally. Leaphart also has
many short films under his belt as a writer
and/or director including, “Eddie & Gunner,”
“Hot Now” (official selection in several film
festivals), “The Seventh Day,” “The Box” and
“The Five Year Itch.” Currently, Leaphart
edits independent films, documentaries and
nationally broadcasted television programs for
networks such as Showtime, BET and VH1,
bolstering his attention to detail and knack for
story structure. His most recent editing duties
include the “2010 Soul Train Awards” and
specials for Viacom’s BET Networks.
Company Info
Breedlove, Clairborne and Leaphart created a
film/television production company called
Pyramid Pictures back in 2003. Pyramid
Pictures, LLC is full-service independent film
and video production company based out of
Atlanta, Ga. The company provides work
services in all areas of media production for
projects ranging from feature films to content
for television. Credits include independent
feature films, television shows, commercials and
documentaries for Bravo, TLC, VH1, BET,
BET-J, Atlantic Records, Universal Music, QD3
Entertainment (Quincy Jones III), Macy’s, Pink
Magazine, The Africa Channel, Black Family
Channel, and others. The company most
recently worked on the “2011 Soul Train
Awards” for BET and the Centric Network.
Episodes and more information can be found
at:
www.Osiristheseries.com
http://www.facebook.com/OsirisTheSeries
http://www.pyramidpicturesonline.com/
Terrance Redd Claiborne,
Producer and
Director of Photography
Donnie Leaphart, Writer,
Director and Editor
Inspirational Voice of
Faith Alumni Society
From Songs to
Scholarships
Homecoming 2011 brought members of the Inspirational
Voices of Faith (IVOF) back to campus where they’ve rendered
their voices and service as a gospel choir for more than three
decades at Clark College and Clark Atlanta University. Still
practicing the saying “I would rather see a sermon than hear
one,” the members sang at the Homecoming chapel service
and have recently formed an affinity group called the IVOF
Alumni Society (IVOFAS).
Many of the members had not seen each other nor sung
together in more than 20 years. Despite the time span,
members of the choir brought one voice of praise and
celebration, after having only one rehearsal. Even the
Alphonics, who had not sung together since their collegiate
days in the 1980s, harmoniously delivered two memorable
selections.
To that end, the main purpose of the IVOF reunion was to
celebrate their advisor, the Reverend Dr. Paul H. Easley, Sr.,
who served the institution from 1981 to 2001, and holds the
title of first chaplain of Clark Atlanta University. Not only was
Dr. Easley the advisor to IVOF, but he served as their spiritual
leader, surrogate father, and as time moved forward in many of
their lives, the title of friend. “He made a huge difference in
every aspect of my life,” said Tony B. Smith CC 89, recently
elected chair of the IVOF Alumni Society.
During the “Roast the Reverend” held immediately following
the service, members and friends gathered to celebrate
Dr. Easley. The most serious moment at the event was the
announcement of the establishment of a book scholarship in
Dr. Easley’s name. IVOF alumni present during the
announcement made a promise to continuously fund the
scholarship with affirmations from other University alumni
and staff members.
Keeping their word while in their embryonic stage as an official
group, the IVOFAS formed a team of judges to review
applications and they chose the first two recipients of the
Reverend Dr. Paul H. Easley Book Scholarship during the
month of December. At the inaugural meeting of the IVOFAS
in December, members greeted the two recipients of the book
scholarship and they were introduced to Dr. Easley.
The IVOFAS will partner with the Office of Alumni Relations,
the Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association, Inc., and the
Office of Religious Life, which will shepherd the scholarship.
The Reverend Dr. Valerie Tate Everett, university chaplain,
invited representatives of IVOFAS to make a formal presentation to the recipients of the book scholarship in University
Chapel.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13, is the original motto of the Inspirational
Voices of Faith. IVOFAS will keep this same motto as the
newly established group continues to live this sermon.
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Alumni Relations
I n s t i t u t i o n a l
A d v a n c e m e n t
&
U n i v e r s i t y
R e l a t i o n s
The Clark Atlanta University Office of Alumni Relations is the Concierge Desk for all alumni. We are able to serve you with the intentions that
we may not have all of the answers, but we will seek and connect you to the correct office and/or individuals to meet your needs and requests.
With this in mind, three words encapsulate the Office of Alumni Relations— Communication, Cultivation and Celebration. These words guide
each program and activity as well as support the ideology of collaborations within the division of Institutional Advancement and the University
Relations and all aspects of the University.
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COMMUNICATION ~ database; all communication tools; focus groups
CULTIVATION ~ alumni-in-waiting (students); general alumni body; CAUAA, Inc.
CELEBRATION ~ alumni contributions; reunion class celebrations; Homecoming; May Weekend
At the Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association Fall Conference in 2011, attendees were asked three pertinent questions concerning the
Office of Alumni Relations. They were as follows:
1. What is the purpose of the Office of Alumni Relations?
2. What are the services that the Office of Alumni Relations offers?
3. What services would you like the Office of Alumni Relations to offer?
Please see below for some of the responses from the participants during the interactive workshop.
What is the purpose of the Office of Alumni Relations?
Cultivate and inform grads
Communicate all messaging from the University to alumni
Contact people for class reunions
Central liaison between the University and the Alumni Association as well as the medium to
keep alumni active
Serve as the catalyst to develop ideas/strategies for the University
Help create funds/assist with alumni giving
Serve as the resource to sustain, maintain and provide a clean alumni database
A place to visit on campus
Serve as a friend and fund raiser
Very important office
Responsible for disseminating information to keep alumni informed. Communication is very important!
Be the place alumni can go to get answers
Assist alumni in planning events that move the University forward and vice versa
What are the services that the Office of Alumni Relations offers?
Serves as referral point or “clearing house” to help alumni find answers
Maintains an accurate database of all alumni
Maintains archives for the Alumni Association
Provide current events of the University via Internet, newsletters, and magazines
Coordinate alumni functions
Class Reunions, Homecoming, May Weekend, Golden Sons and Daughters
“From Paws to Claws”
Assist with chapter development along with the Alumni Association
Holiday Party
Alumni pin/paraphernalia/swag
Mentoring
Provide meeting space and assist with room reservations for alumni
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The director of alumni relations received each response and written evaluation of the workshop as a way for the Office to do a self-appraisal with
hopes of incorporating many of the suggestions. Before the conclusion of the workshop, each participant was presented with information showing an overview of the services (and products) that the Office of Alumni Relations presently provides.
U n i v e r s i t y
Increase communication/more mailings/more social media
A clean database
Assist the association, alumni chapters with demographics
Assist with instilling pride and commitment with our students
Speedy responses
Solicit help from the CAUAA
Be represented in student programs
To be highlighted and put as equal with other major departments
Provide recent graduates with local chapters and benefits for members of CAUAA
Access to the alumni database (online)
Highlight chapter activities between regions
Better connect the alumni chapter with students in each area
R e l a t i o n s
What services would you like the Office of Alumni Relations to offer?
At the end of session one final question arose, “What are the services and/or needed information provided by other areas within Institutional Advancement and University Relations?” On the following pages you will find information that is pertinent to alumni from Annual
Fund and Special Giving, Advancement Services, Strategic Planning and Communications, and Endowed Scholarships.
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Annual Fund and Special Giving
&
U n i v e r s i t y
R e l a t i o n s
Clark Atlanta University Annual Fund
The purpose of the Clark Atlanta University Annual Fund is to encourage annual gifts to the University from
alumni and friends that will enhance programs in each of CAU’s schools and beyond. The Annual Fund
theme is “Stand Up For CAU!” and kicks off every year in July. Annual Fund gifts have an immediate and
direct impact on financial aid, academics and other resources for our students. These yearly gifts to the
University help to keep a CAU education within reach for our students and families and support the core
elements of CAU’s academic enterprise.
Gifts to the Clark Atlanta University Annual Fund keep the vision alive by supporting our incredible diversity of students, subjects of study, and
faculty. We hope you will choose to support CAU, get involved, and play a part in University’s excellence in teaching, research, and public
service.
There is often an impression that gifts not designated to a specific program area don’t make a difference. The fact is that you have the ability to
direct your Annual Fund gift to any area of the University.
Ways to Give
There are many ways you can make your annual gift this year—online gifts, recurring credit card gifts, checks, appreciated securities, and others.
Find out all the options and decide which will work best for you!
How to Make a Gift: Gifts may be made in a variety of forms, including cash, securities, and real estate, or through planned gifts, such as
bequests or life income agreements. Gifts to CAU are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code.
Cash Gifts
Online: To charge your gift using, Visa, Master Card or American Express, use our secure website to access our online credit card form
to make a quick, easy and convenient donation.
By Phone: To pledge your gift or to charge your gift using, Visa, Master Card or American
Express, call (404) 880-8710.
By Check: Please make checks payable to Clark Atlanta University and mail to Clark Atlanta University, Office of Institutional
Advancement and University Relations, 223 James P. Brawley Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314.
Gift of securities or other appreciated assets: Contact the Office of Annual and Special Giving for information on Trusts, Estates, and
Gift Planning by phone at 404-880-8710.
Printable Pledge Card: You can electronically fill out and print or manually fill out and print the Pledge Card.
Securities: While many donors prefer to make gifts of cash – a growing number are taking advantage of contributing gifs of long-term
appreciated securities to support the educational goals of Clark Atlanta University. To contribute securities, please call the Office of
Annual and Special Giving at (404) 880-8710.
Gift Planning: By including CAU in your financial and estate plans, you may increase your current income and provide future support
for areas of the University important to you. Often you can make a larger gift than you might have thought possible – while also
benefiting yourself. To find out more, contact the Office of Annual and Special Giving at (404) 880-8710.
Corporate Giving: For more information on Corporate Giving, contact the Office of Annual and Special Giving at
(404) 880-8710.
Why Give?
Annual restricted and unrestricted gifts are critical to maintaining the exceptional CAU experience. As such, the Annual Fund program has the
mission to reach out to as many alumni, parents and friends of the University as possible and to raise unrestricted support for the University and
its academic units. CAU Annual Fund gifts are vital to the health and continued growth of the entire University.
The breadth of CAU contributions to society is truly astounding. Every day, world-class faculty, exceptional students, and distinguished alumni
around the world are advancing our world in the areas of research, technology, the humanities and the arts. And from its inception, CAU has
welcomed qualified students of all backgrounds with a desire to learn and contribute to society. What many people don’t realize is that you can
make a gift to the Annual Fund to any of the four schools, centers of excellence or any other campus unit of your choice.
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Where Will Your Dollars Be Spent?
Clark Atlanta University has established 27 annual funds supporting schools and units across the University. Each fund provides essential
resources that deans and unit heads rely on to sustain quality teaching, research, and outreach. Gifts of all sizes are welcome. You can designate
your gift to any of the schools and units listed below.
The Academic Enterprise
University’s Greatest Need
Student Scholarship Fund
R e l a t i o n s
Support what’s most important to you. Interested in giving back to your Clark Atlanta University School or special program? Want to support
alternative energy solutions? Love jazz or the arts? Hope to help researchers find cures for cancer and other persistent diseases?
U n i v e r s i t y
School of Education
Whitney M. Young School of Social Work
School of Business Administration
School of Arts and Sciences
English Department Writers Workshop Conference
Mass Media Arts Fund for Excellence
Graduate Programs
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Research Centers
Additional Areas of Great Potential
Student Affairs
Student Programs (list desired area)
Greek Organizations (list desired area)
Pre-Alumni Council
Philharmonic Society
University Bands
Jazz Ensemble
Athletics (list desired area)
Athletics Booster Association In-scholarship Initiative
Cheerleading Squad
Religious Life Fund
WCLK-91.9FM
CAU-TV
CAU Art Galleries
Robert W. Woodruff Library
Alumni Consistent Giving Program
CAUReunion.org Endowed Book Scholarship Fund
Any other area at CAU that you choose (list desired area)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Annual Fund Giving Opportunities
Giving Societies
Clark Atlanta University Annual Fund gifts can be of any size. All gifts are acknowledged by the University. The University giving societies recognizes gifts to the Annual Fund, in addition to other gifts to the University, at the following levels:
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U n i v e r s i t y
R e l a t i o n s
CAU Annual Fund gifts are both restricted and unrestricted; the University directs funds to areas where the need is the greatest. This year, the
University has identified student scholarships as one of the areas of greatest need. Annual Fund also supports various types of student aid, faculty
recruitment and hiring, program development, and the University’s infrastructure.
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What is the difference between making a gift and paying national and/or chapter dues? You can pay your national dues at www.cauaa.org, or
by calling the CAUAA, Inc. office at 404.880.8071 or by mailing your national dues to CAUAA, Inc.~ Clark Atlanta University ~ Campus Box
1913 ~ Atlanta, Ga. 30314. Giving a gift is separate from paying national dues. Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association relies on dues-paying alumni and association members to help support all their programs and events.
Please note that each chapter and affiliate group will provide their guidelines for dues submission.
When does the Annual Fund ask for support? CAU’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. The CAU Annual Fund cycle coincides with the
University’s fiscal year. Solicitations begin in early August and end in June.
How often will I be contacted? We send two to three direct-mail appeals each year, and alumni volunteer and student phonathon programs attempt to reach as many individuals as possible. Making your gift by December 31 is a great idea because it provides a year-end tax advantage for
you, and CAU saves the cost of sending you additional mailings.
Will my gift make a difference? Yes. Unrestricted gifts to the CAU Annual Fund provide the greatest flexibility for each of the academic schools
and programs to meet its most pressing needs. Your gift is significant to the success of the University.
Gifts to the CAU Annual Fund provide unrestricted support for CAU, which allows the University to put funds to use wherever the need is
greatest. You can designate your gift to any of the following colleges and units listed on the Annual Fund donation form.
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R e l a t i o n s
U n i v e r s i t y
Will my gift count toward my class? All gifts made to CAU will count toward your class’ charitable totals. (There are sometimes special recognition efforts for reunion-year campaigns, so please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (404) 880-8022 for more details about your class reunion campaign effort.)
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What is the matching gift program? Contact your Human Resources office to see if your organization matches charitable gifts to CAU. If so,
they can provide you with the form(s) you need to fill out and send to the Office of Advancement Services. If your employer offers a matching
gift program you may be able to double or even triple your gift to CAU.
Can I designate my gift to a specific part of CAU? Gifts to Clark Atlanta University Annual Fund provide unrestricted support for CAU, which
allows the University to put funds to use wherever the need is greatest. You can designate your gift to any of the CAU schools and units listed on
the Annual Fund donation form. You are welcome to designate your gift to any area of CAU.
How do I make my gift? The quickest way would be to visit us online and use our secure gift form. For more details, including how to make
gifts of stock or where to learn more about putting CAU in your will, please contact the Office of Annual and Special Giving at (404) 880-8710.
If you are writing a check, please make sure to write the check out to Clark Atlanta University.
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Advancement Services
Gift processing involves depositing and acknowledging gifts as well as research and updates to constituent information. For the benefit of the
donor, language regarding the definition, policy, and guidelines for each type of gift accepted is in the Clark Atlanta University Gift Acceptance
Policy located on the CAU website at: http://www.cau.edu/Institutional_Advancement_Welcome.aspx.
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U n i v e r s i t y
R e l a t i o n s
The following IRS publications provide guidance relative to fully deductible charitable contributions.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Determining the Value of Donated Property- IRS Pub. 561
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p561.pdf
Charitable Contributions- IRS Pub. 526
Charitable Contribution- IRS Pub. 1771
Substantiation Requirements- IRS Pub. 8623
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-regs/td8623.txt
Charity’s Guide to Donations- IRS Pub. 4302
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/pub4302.pdf
Updates on Disclosure and Substantiation Rules
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/pub/irs-tege/topic-g.pdf
Definition of Terms
•
•
•
•
•
Gift: a contribution received by an institution for either unrestricted or restricted use in the furtherance of the institution for
which the institution has made no commitment of resources or services other than, possibly, committing to use the gift as the
donor specifies.
IRS: defines a donor as someone who makes a contribution directly to a qualified organization for the use of the organization.
Legal/hard credit: The transaction which represents the amount that would be allowable for an IRS deduction (regardless of
the donor intent to take the deduction).
Soft/recognition credit: The transaction which allows for recognition at a different amount than the legal/hard credit or on a
different constituent record. Soft credits are not typically used in financial reporting, but are frequently used as the basis for
honor rolls and gift club qualifications.
Facilitating credit: These credits may be given to recognize individuals who may have been a facilitator in the contribution of
a corporation or foundation.
Acknowledgement Process
•
•
•
•
•
All gifts are logged in on the Cash Receipt Log and forwarded to the Office of Advancement Services for processing.
Once the gift reaches Advancement Services, it is expected to be processed within 72 hours.
Once the gift is authenticated, the donor is determined and the designation is established, it’s determined if soft credit is
applicable. Examples of who receives soft/recognition credit are a spouse, matching gift company employees, owners of
companies for a gift given by their company, etc.
IRS requires that all contributions of $250 or more be receipted; it is the policy of Clark Atlanta University to acknowledge
all donations.
Written acknowledgements provide the amount or description and a statement indicating whether or not any goods or
services were provided in exchange for the gift.
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Strategic Planning and Communications
R e l a t i o n s
Best Practices:
Communications and Marketing
Graphic Representation
The University’s logo should always be reproduced in the
University’s colors of record: red (PMS 186); silver (PMS 432)
and black. It is always preferable to display the logo in full color,
with the “U” in red (PMS 186). In some cases, it may become
necessary to reverse out the logo and display it against a colored
background, preferably black.
Full Color Logo
U n i v e r s i t y
When promoting Clark Atlanta University, alumni are invited to
use the University’s logo. The logo may be used with only the
graphic (intertwined letters); however, it is preferable to use both
the graphic and the signature beneath the icon (“Clark Atlanta
University”).
Reversed Out Logo
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Use of the University’s seal is reserved for official University documents such as diplomas, official memoranda of
understanding, official publications of the board of trustees, presidential decrees and correspondence and, with
permission, special use. The seal is not intended for use in general communications or marketing materials.
The University’s Boilerplate
When communicating about Clark Atlanta, it is often helpful to include a “boilerplate,” or a brief description of the
University. The official boilerplate (below) may be copied for this purpose, but should not, under any circumstances, be
altered.
Clark Atlanta University is a private, coeducational four-year university located in the historic heart of Atlanta. It is
the largest of the nation!s 39-member UNCF institutions and is classified by The Carnegie Foundation for the
Advancement of Teaching as a Doctoral Research University (D/RU). Our nearly 4,000 students are engaged in
some 38 areas of study in our four schools and five Centers of Excellence. National business and consumer
publications rank Clark Atlanta high among the best buys in American higher education. The University is
accredited to award the bachelor!s, master!s, specialist and doctoral degrees by the Commission on Colleges of
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga., 30033-4097;
404-679-4501). For more information, call 404-880-8000 or go to www.cau.edu.
Current University Information
The University’s fact sheet is updated intermittently by the University’s Office of Planning, Assessment and Research.
The most current fact sheet is always available in the General Information section of the University’s web site,
www.cau.edu.
Editorial and Marketing Support! !
The University’s Office of Strategic Communications and University Relations is always happy to provide more detailed
information to ensure that editorial, marketing communications and graphic representations of the University are
accurate and appropriately aligned with the institution’s mission, vision, goals, objectives and standards. For assistance or
information, simply email [email protected] or call 404-880-8337.
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Endowed Scholarships
•
The Division of Institutional Advancement and University Relations is responsible for communicating the status of your endowment
funds.
•
The Office of Financial Aid in the Division of Enrollment Services and Student Affairs provides the recipient with
information on scholarships and book funds in addition to making awards.
•
The Office of Business and Finance provides the financial summary report on endowed funds earned interest and the amount
available for award. The annual endowment reports will be provided to you after the University’s annual audit cycles.
Endowment Establishment Policy
•
The Board of Trustees has approved a revised Endowment Investment Policy which can be accessed and reviewed on Clark
Atlanta University’s website at http://www.cau.edu/adminstration.aspx
Have you updated your biographical information lately? Please send all information including your graduation year, phone
numbers and e-mail address to [email protected]. And if you know of other alumni not receiving this communication, please
ask for them to forward their current information, too.
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U n i v e r s i t y
R e l a t i o n s
Stewardship
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PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING
(Please continue to submit your accomplishments to [email protected] to be
showcased in “Personally and Professionally Speaking.” )
1971
Charles Williams, Sr. (AU) was inducted into
Beta Nu Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Professional
Fraternity. Williams, Sr. is president of Williams
Innovative Strategies and resides in Potomac
Falls, Va. with his wife Marjorie Seymore. He
holds membership in the RVN Helicopter
Pilot Association, Society of American Military
Engineer, Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame,
and is currently chairman of the Tuskegee University Board, a lay leader
with the Mount Zion United Methodist Church, and a founding member of the Loudoun Laurels.
Beta Nu Boulé is the Northern Virginia Chapter of the nationally
professional fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi. Founded in Philadelphia, Pa.,
Sigma Pi Phi was conceived at a time when black professionals were not
offered participation in the professional and cultural associations
organized by the white community. It is the first African-American
Greek-lettered organization and now has more than 5,000 members and
126 chapters throughout the United States and the West Indies.
1981
Steven H. Boler (CC). After leaving Clark College, Boler worked in
regional theatre (The Alliance Theatre) for four years. This afforded him
an opportunity to work with various designers and directors from all
over the United States and eventually led to the position of technical
director with the Negro Ensemble Company (N.E.C.). After a brief
period touring with N.E.C., he made the jump to the film industry and,
with the exception of mentoring, has not looked back. He has numerous
film and television credits and has been employed in the industry as a
construction coordinator. Currently, he is working at Tyler Perry Studios
as the construction general foreman/coordinator for the sixth season of
“House of Payne”: and the series “For Better or Worse.” Basically, his job
entails working with production designers and art directors to transform
visions into tangible realities. He ensures that sets are built,
engineered and installed on sound stages and frequently on location.
1989
Marcel Elligan (CAU) is the owner of P & E Smokin’ Pit. His business
is located in Decatur, Ga.
Sheila Y. Tenney (CC; CAU ’94), director of media relations, Atlanta
Metropolitan College, was among the winners of the Sixth Annual Top
25 Women of Atlanta Awards presented on Oct. 15, 2011, by Rolling
Out and the Steed Society, Inc.
“We admire the Top 25 Women of Atlanta honorees for making history
with their unparalleled achievements. We are grateful to them for all they
do and give. Their level of service is why we have labeled them titans in
the industry and community. Their leadership allows others to follow the
well-blazed trail they have marked,” said Munson Steed, CEO, Steed
Media Group.
1992
Celedor Hutto Akintunde, M.D. (CAU) has joined the Floyd Primary
Care network in the practice of family medicine in Rome, Ga.
1993
Gladys Crowther Billups (CAU) author of “Chosen” (WinePress, 2011),
shares her personal experience with abortion, and the emotional
devastation that ensued. In the book, she also details other painful
moments and sins in her past and how God was able to redeem and
restore peace in her life. Billups’ message to readers:
“You can find forgiveness and healing in Christ after the most life-altering sins. The mistakes we make in life can lead us back to God. You are
not the first person to love God and sin against Him – look at the lives
of people in the Bible, look at me. Stop running from God – He wants
you to get to know him. God, the creator of everything, has chosen you
to be in relationship with Him.”
“Chosen,” she adds, “emphasizes God’s grace in the face of our darkest
moments and ugliest sins.” Billups dedicated her book “to those who
have made mistakes in life and wondered if they were worthy of God’s
favor, forgiveness, and restoration.”
1994
Sheryl L. Smith Grayer (CAU) recently formed a business along with a
former high school classmate called Inspiring Students to Excel In
Higher Education, LLC. The organization is designed to motivate and
train U.S. college bound and enrolled college students (ages 16-23)
on where to find free scholarship money to pay for their college
education. Grayer’s main focus is a passion for mentoring youth as well
as serving in various organizations such as BBBs, Boys & Girls Club of
America and church youth groups, judging youth talent competitions
and the creation of a semi-annual awards letter competition for students.
The life lessons that all students obtain through Inspiring Students to
Excel in Higher Education helps each of them to better prepare for their
future. The program also teaches that persistence does pay in more ways
than one. Grayer’s favorite quote that she uses with young people was
taken directly from her own experience in an oratorical contest when she
was a young teen – “If it is to be...then it’s up to me!” The website
address for the organization is www.inspiringstudentstoexcel.com.
1996
Rev. Dr. Romando James, (CAU) is president and founder of Operation
Common Sense with P.R.I.D.E. Ministries. P.R.I.D.E. stands for P. –
Purpose –Prayer, Perseverance, Proactive, R.—Respect For Self and
Others; I.—Integrity Truth and Honesty; D.—Determination Discipline
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E.—Enthusiasm “Enthuse” (The Spirit of God). Dr. James is professor
emeritus at Clemson University as well as health, education and human
development specialist.
1997
Heather M. Hill (CAU) was a soloist in the “Messiah” at Abyssinia Baptist Church in Harlem on Dec. 2, 2011. Hill is also in the ensemble cast
for “Porgy and Bess” which opened on Broadway on Jan. 12, 2012.
1998
Albert T. Brownlee (CAU) received his graduate degree in business
administration on June 25, 2011. He has also been appointed to serve
as the 2011-2012 northern area director, District of Indiana, Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Tarik J. Haskins (CAU), a Morris Nichols
Commercial Law Counseling Group associate,
has been awarded the 2011 Community Service
Award by the Multicultural Judges and Lawyers
Section (MJL) of the Delaware State Bar
Association. The award is presented to a Section
member who has exhibited outstanding
community service.
Haskins currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Prestige
Academy Charter School and Westside Family Healthcare and he is on
the deacon board and is a youth director at the Canaan Baptist Church
in New Castle, Del. He is also a former member of the executive
committee for the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League’s Young
Professionals and a former chair of the MJL.
The mission of the MJL is to further the objectives and interests of
attorneys, judges and members of the community of diverse ethnic
backgrounds, foster communication and understanding among diverse
groups within both the legal and greater community, encourage the
public service rendered by its members and promote the professional
development and interests of its members.
Haskins’ legal practice focuses on mergers, acquisitions, loan
transactions, capital formation, and on the areas of partnership, limited
liability company and statutory trust law issues.
Clara Taylor, Ed.D. (CAU) received her graduate degree in school
counseling. Dr. Taylor shared that the experiences at CAU attributed to
her growth and mastering the skills necessary to become a leader in the
field of education. “These experiences have provided me with
opportunities to work closely with all stakeholders and gain knowledge
and insight into what is required to be an effective instructional leader.
Additionally, these experiences have taught me flexibility, to be a team
player, and to make decisions that will best benefit all that are involved.”
Upon completing a master of arts degree in school counseling, she
received the education specialist degree in school counseling from State
University of West Georgia, and education doctorate degree from
Georgia Southern University in curriculum and instruction with a focus
on school improvement and instructional leadership. Her professional
experiences include a variety of positions as an educator. These
experiences include: middle grades teacher certified in social sciences
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and language arts, professional school counselor, assistant principal,
instructional specialist, instructional coach and leadership support
specialist. Dr. Taylor is excited to have an opportunity to give back to
CAU and the students by serving as an adjunct professor in counselor
education.
Some of her research and presentations include:
Taylor, C. (2008), Reading Through Brown Eyes: A Culturally
Congruent Reading Curriculum. In Ming Fang He & JoAnn Phillion
(Eds.), “Personal~Passionate~Participatory Inquiry: Research for Social
Justice” (pp. 177-198). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
Dissertation – Georgia Southern University 11/05 – “Reading Through
Brown Eyes: Toward Developing A Culturally Congruent Reading
Curriculum.”
Dr. Taylor was selected to present research at the National Association
for Multicultural Education 15th Annual International Conference,
November 2005, “Reading through Brown Eyes.”
1999
Melodee Henderson-Silmon, Esq. (CAU), managing attorney of
Henderson Law Group, was appointed to the United Way of
Metropolitan Atlanta’s Young Professional Leaders (YPL) Advisory
Board for 2011-12. Young Professional Leaders is a dedicated group of
rising leaders under age 40 who donate at least $250 to United Way annually and promote thriving communities across metro Atlanta through
volunteering and advocating in the areas of education, income, health,
and ending chronic homelessness.
2000
Tracie Stroud-Ball (CAU) completed her graduate studies at Clark Atlanta University, earning a master’s degree in school counseling. She has
been a counselor in the Atlanta Public Schools system for 12 years and is
currently serving at Parkside Elementary School. “I feel that the counseling program at Clark Atlanta has prepared me to work with the diverse
student population at Parkside. The courses at Clark taught me how to
deal with and solve many of the situations that I see happening among
our youth,” she said.
“Upon finishing Clark Atlanta University, I have had the privilege of collaborating with the counseling department and serving as a supervising
counselor for intern and practicum students. I have been involved in the
recent achievements that the counseling department has recently earned.
I have interviewed and provided valuable input to help Clark Atlanta
University obtain the NCAPE and CACREP accreditations.”
She added, “Clark Atlanta has indeed been a benefit to my career as a
counselor. With my graduate degree, I not only felt that I achieved a
thorough knowledge of counseling, but I felt that I was prepared to handle and tackle all situations.”
2001
Tharon L. Johnson (CAU). The man who orchestrated Atlanta Mayor
Kasim Reed’s campaign has been tapped to help President Barack
Obama win the South in 2012. A spokesman for Obama for America
said Johnson has joined the campaign as the southern regional director
and will be “a key part to building the organization” in the area.
Obama did not win Georgia in 2008, and the only southern states he
did win were Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.
2002
Talya D. Thomas, Ph.D. (CAU; CAU ’04) received her doctorate in urban planning and environmental policy from Texas Southern
University in Houston, on August 6, 2011. The
title of her dissertation: “A Comprehensive
Study of the Beneficiaries of Habitat for Humanity Clustered Neighborhood Programs:
Home Sweet Home in Houston, Texas.”
2006
Dr. Teresa Grear (CAU) was named Shorter University’s 2011 College
of Adult and Professional Programs Teacher of the Year.
Grear, an adjunct professor for Shorter for more than seven years, has 18
years of professional experience as a licensed clinical social worker
working in different settings of the human service and counseling fields.
“It is indeed an honor to receive the Teacher of the Year Award from
Shorter University,” Grear said. “The respect that I have for those in my
classes is immense. I enjoy helping students to integrate their life
experiences with theory learned in the classroom to envision themselves
as professionals using what they’ve learned in the classroom and in life.
Furthermore, as an adjunct professor at Shorter, I respect the University’s
commitment to the Christian faith and integrating Christian values
within a nurturing community within its whole process of education.”
She has taught many classes at Shorter including Introduction to Human
Services, Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Social Psychology
Development: Birth to Adolescence and Development: Adulthood to
Aging.
Grear received her bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Spelman
College and a master’s degree in social work from the University of
Michigan. From 2006-2007, she earned her doctorate in social work
administration, social policy and research from Clark Atlanta University.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, she began to work in
various areas of social work giving her clinical, management, teaching
and case management experience in the field. Grear works with clients in
hospitals, intensive outpatient psych, homeless centers for women,
homes for pregnant teens, and home health. She is involved in military
social work, clinical supervision and teaching on the collegiate levels.
2007
Robert Lee Steward Jr., Ph.D (CAU) presented his dissertation “Probing
Cellular Behavior Response Through Dual Mechanical Stimulation” in
fulfillment of the doctor of philosophy degree in mechanical engineering
from Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Steward is serving as an associate
researcher at Harvard University’s School of Public Health.
2009
Danielle S. Battle, Ph.D. (CAU) was a principal at Parkside Elementary,
and worked as a teacher and principal with Wake County Public Schools
in Raleigh, N.C. prior to coming to Atlanta. She volunteered to move to
a feeder middle school, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, after
successful leadership at Parkside Elementary. Her support for the School
of Education began before she became a member of the doctoral cohort
from which she graduated in 2009. Her dissertation focus was action
oriented and was applied to identify problems impacting student
achievement in math. Dr Battle is currently serving as interim executive
director in the Atlanta Public Schools. She attributes her capacity to
identify causal variables that might impact student achievement to the
preparation in educational leadership at Clark Atlanta University. “I
thank Drs. Persaud, Turner and Moffett for serving on my dissertation
committee where I was challenged to conduct research to impact student
achievement,” she said.
Sarah Kirksey Haynes, Ph.D. (CAU) is employed by Atlanta Public
Schools as an assistant principal at Parkside Elementary School, which is
located in the Grant Park community. This school year, 2011-2012,
marks her 10th year as an administrator.
“The three-year doctoral cohort, of which I was a member at Clark
Atlanta University, has greatly enhanced my leadership and research
skills,” said Dr. Haynes. “The job of educating America’s children
requires collaboration between teachers and administrators. Clark
Atlanta has helped me fine-tune my understanding of shared
leadership. The professors from the educational leadership department
were very strategic in ensuring that my colleagues and I developed a skill
set for research, from the inside out. One of the unique features of our
group was that we were all practicing administrators and could conduct
on-site research. My dissertation was written based on data collected on a
group of students in my building. The knowledge and insight that I
gained from my matriculation at Clark Atlanta University has made me a
skilled observer and evaluator. I have a greater understanding of how to
conduct research from primary and secondary sources.”
Bahiya Lawrence (CAU) is currently in his third year at Carolina Central
University School of Law in Durham, N.C.
Lydia Raney (CAU) is a preschool teacher and graduate student working
to establish Beautiful Raneyday Creations, which offers custom-made
jewelry for women, men and children.
2010
Dr. Jacqueline Scott, Ed.D. (CAU) is the director of community
relations and special projects at Morehouse School of Medicine. She is
an instructor in the Department of Community Health and Preventive
Medicine. She directs three pre-college programs: Benjamin Carson
Science Academy, Medical Preparation Program, and The Vivien
Thomas Summer Research Program for high school students.
2011
Jayme Canty (CAU) received her master’s degree in Africana women’s
studies. Canty decided to also attend CAU to receive her doctorate
degree in humanities with a concentration in Africana women’s studies.
Jamar Herrod (CAU) who received his master’s degree from Clark
Atlanta is now working on his doctorate in African American studies.
Lauren Martin (CAU) is working with Behavioral Health Link (Georgia
Crisis and Access Line).
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33
Marriages
Necrology
Leah O’Londrea Meeks, CAU ’00, and Carmello Antonio Garrido were married
during a beautiful ceremony in Stone Mountain, Ga. on Dec. 11, 2010. They reside
in Cobb County, Ga.
Shontell Powell, CAU ’00, and Anthony Craig Blount Jr. were married in July 2011
at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Atlanta.
Stephanie Renee Newton, CAU ’09, and Cedric Anthony Berry, were married on
Oct. 1, 2011, at First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Hinesville, Ga. Mrs.
Berry is currently employed with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Minnie Christine “Chris” Benton, CC ’65
Joyce Pauline Bostic, CC ’61; AU ’69
Mattie Harper Briscoe, CC ’35
Cynthia A. Collier, CC ’75
Morris Ector, CC ’77
Harold Julian Farris, AU ’68
Ernest E. Fair, AU ’57
Deisha Galbreth, CAU ’00, and Rashidi Barnett, CAU ’00,
were married on the steps of Harkness Hall at Clark Atlanta University on Oct, 22,
2011. (Read their love story on page 41.)
Delores Arnold Ferrell, CC ’52
Andrew O. Hill III, CC ’70
Theodore Jones, Jr., CC ’56
Births
Talya D. Thomas, Ph.D., CAU ’02;’04, welcomed her first child into the
world on April 2, 2011. Derrick Shukri Aziz weighed 6 pounds and 14
ounces.
Maurice Morse, CC ’47
Janet Lee Ross Payne, CC ’81
Annie Ruth Carter Simmons, CC ’63
Katie Phillips Slaton, AU ’64
Featured Accomplishments,
Announcements
and a Moment in History
Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band
Remains Favorite
Pictured: Band Director Dr. Alfred Wyatt, Sr. and members of the Metropolitan
Atlanta Community Band. Photo and Story by: Horace Henry, CC ’71
Dr. Alfred D. Wyatt, CC ’50; AU ’86
They are good any time of the year, but you will especially want to catch a performance of the Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band during the
Christmas season. The band is quite capable of performing various types of music and has experienced tremendous growth since it was founded
15 years ago. Recently, at a performance presented at Bethel United Methodist Church on New Hope Road in Atlanta, the band received cheers,
accolades and thunderous applause as it played flawlessly before a large audience. Dr. Alfred Wyatt, Sr., is the more than capable director and founder
of the band and is assisted by Curtis Byrdsong. It was in 1996 that Dr. Wyatt, a graduate of Clark College and Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta
University, realized his long-time dream of forming a community band which was to be composed of local Atlanta area musicians from all walks of
life. It was to be a strictly volunteer organization and Dr. Wyatt later saw to it that the organization applied for and was granted non-profit status so
as to be able to receive donations from well wishers. The new MACB is a far cry from the meager 25 members it started off with back in October
1996. Today, it is comprised of former college music majors, students, school teachers, retired musicians, working musicians, and others who
contribute musically to this very viable organization including volunteer vocalists who could easily rival any current professional singer. The band has
several concerts scheduled in the coming months. Atlantans are encouraged to check out an upcoming performance by the Metropolitan Atlanta
Community Band.
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Returning Home for Ordination Services
The Reverend Dr. Gregory A. Nash, CC ’80; AU ’83
Coming home! Dr. Gregory A. Nash returned to the campus that had impacted his life as an undergraduate student, a graduate and professional
scholar and an alumnus for more than 35 years. This was the place where the fruits of his labor and longings to grasp more knowledge in higher
ducation began. On the other hand, and much more importantly, this was the campus where he sought God for the spiritual contact and content of
his life.
Surrounded by family, friends, fraternity brothers and classmates on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, Dr. Nash’s ordination ceremony was held in HavenWarren Hall, a building that holds great significance as it was the site of his freshman English and African-American history classes, which were taken
on the ground floor and the main floor. It was also in this same building that he became fiscally minded when seeking support from the Financial
Aid and Business offices.
Davage Auditorium, where the service took place, supported the greatest sense of coming home. Freshmen orientation, movie nights, and his coveted
commercial, which as a mass communications project he wrote, directed and filmed using Denise Williams’ popular song “I Just Got to be Free,” was
shown in that same auditorium.
Yes, coming home brings a sense of responsibility and re-entering the safe haven of one’s developing stages of life calls for deep reflection.
Flyin’ West LLC
Sheila Lewis, AU ’86
President and Chief Navigator
Described as a strategic, innovative, and creative thinker, Sheila Lewis brings a calm intensity and a “will do”
confidence and attitude to her work and charitable activities. She is known as an energetic entrepreneur
with a keen ability to see the global picture. She combines an MBA in marketing and finance with more
than 15 years of progressive corporate success in consumer marketing and new product development,
having held management positions with Visa International, the Quaker Oats Company, and Lane Bryant
(a Division of The Limited, Inc.).
In 1997, she founded Flyin’ West LLC, a firm providing marketing and business services to clients in areas
including strategic planning, branding, positioning, project management, product development, communications planning and implementation, advertising, market research and multicultural marketing. Flyin’ West consultants are based throughout the
United States. A partial client list includes: U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Dun & Bradstreet, HSBC, Mills-Peninsula Health Services, Nationwide
Insurance, and Visa as well as a number of nonprofit clients across the U.S.
In February 2011, Flyin’ West announced a new service in the education sector—Engagement and Fund Development for Alumni of Color. This
initiative helps development officers at majority white colleges and universities build relationships with often-overlooked African-American,
Hispanic, Asian and Native American alumni, resulting in a larger donor base—and more and larger gifts. As American demographics shift, this
program will grow to become the premier service in the United States. Recently, the services of Flyin’ West have generated interest from the nation’s
historically black colleges and universities as well as the nonprofit sector. The goal of this initiative is to change the face of philanthropy in the U.S.
Lewis is dedicated to exhibiting and teaching solid leadership principles and characteristics with a particular focus on women and minorities. In
1997, she created the It’s Just Business Leadership Development Foundation. She has held leadership positions on several nonprofit boards and is a
frequent speaker on a variety of marketing and business management topics and serves as emcee for several Bay Area events.
Lewis earned a bachelor of science in business administration in marketing and management from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA
with highest honors in marketing and finance from Atlanta University.
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35
Alphas Celebrate Completion of Martin L. King, Jr. National Memorial
The Reverend Herman “Skip” Mason, AU ’89
On Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. held the only dedication ceremony during the
weekend that tropical storm Irene was responsible for prompting the MLK Memorial Foundation’s decision to
cancel the official dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“Personally, it was the highlight of the weekend for me to look out and gaze at more than 3,000 people in
the hot sun assembled as we celebrated the Alpha’s completion of the monument,” said Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity 33rd General President Herman “Skip” Mason Jr. “All of the principal parties were there including
civil rights icons, the King family, past general presidents [for the fraternity] and members of the King Memorial Foundation board of which I sit on.
What a sight it was to walk arm in arm with the likes of Andy Young, Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, Rev. C.T. Vivian, Otis Moss, Jesse Jackson and the
King family over to the monument.”
More than 3,000 fraternity men and their families participated in the sole dedication of the memorial along with King’s relatives and other Alpha
civil rights icons on Friday, Aug. 26. Due to Hurricane Irene, Harry H. Johnson, Sr., president and CEO, of the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther
King Memorial Project Foundation, canceled the official dedication that was scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 28.
“The cancellation of the dedication on Sunday was heart wrenching given the significance of the anniversary of the occasion and the planned
program, but it was the right and safe thing to do. Programs can be rescheduled and anniversaries and dedication celebrated. We did not want anyone in harm’s way who was attempting to travel to D.C. for this dedication. I supported Harry Johnson’s decision,” said General President Mason.
Extracted from News From Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Playing the Key Role in (Re)marking African Boundaries
Dr. F. Wafula Okumu, CAU ’92
Dr. F. Wafula Okumu has co-edited “Militias, Rebels and Islamist Militants in Africa and Democratic Transitions in East
Africa” and co-authored “The African Union: Challenging of globalization, Security and governance.” He is currently
working on another book on African boundaries. Besides authoring numerous articles in reputable journals, Okumu has,
since graduating, taught at various universities around the world and worked for the United National and the African
Union. He currently lives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he works with the African Union Border Programme, whose
main objective is to prevent border-related disputes in Africa. Okumu felt “the most enriching experience so far has been
the key role I have played in making the boundaries of Africa’s newest state, South Sudan. At the moment, I am working
closely with both the Republics of Sudan and South Sudan to reach an agreement that will define and mark the boundary
between the two nation-states.” Okumu is always indebted to CAU, particularly its great faculty and pedagogy, for
equipping him with the requisite knowledge and skills that have enabled him to contribute to Africa’s peace.
An Ideal That I Share With The World
Sean Palmer, CAU ’07
Bustling with music, you can hear the dynamic sounds of jazz emanating from Duke University’s Mary Lou
Williams Center for Black Culture. But much more than music is going on inside this space on the second
floor of the West Union building. African art, walls of “black” books and DVDs, and the history of black
Duke line many of the walls of the Center. Pictures of John Hope Franklin (a noted Duke professor), Julian
Abele (the African-American architect of Duke’s west and east campuses), and Reginaldo Howard (Duke’s
first black president of the Student Government Association) dot the landscape of what is affectionately
called “The Mary Lou.” When you enter the Center, you become increasingly aware that a new “black”
aesthetic emerges in contrast to the neo-gothic standard for which Duke is known. Beyond the aesthetic, programs and projects are executed in “the
Mary Lou” to help develop black undergraduate and graduate students, foster an understanding of the black experience, and provide a space for
interaction between various black constituency groups.
Right in the middle of all of this, you can find Sean Palmer, CAU ’07, creating innovative programs, working with students, and talking with
colleagues about the importance of the African Diaspora. Palmer offered, “the work that I do at Duke is a calling in its own right. It is premised on
the instruction and education I received from the many gifted professors that I had during my time at Clark Atlanta University.”
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Connections
As the assistant director of the Mary Lou Williams Center, named in honor of the great jazz pianist by the same name, Palmer’s work is in direct
correlation to his graduate work in Africana studies at Clark Atlanta University. Whether it’s an art gallery exhibit, the annual Kwanzaa celebration,
or a black student leadership summit, the depth of Palmer’s work requires that he maintains a certain level of intellectual and creative edge. Noting
that his skill set was honed at Clark Atlanta, Palmer added, “I was able to take my intellectual interests and merge them into a skill set that required
that I be able to think, plan, and execute. I thank CAU for sharpening these things through leadership and enrichment.”
He also noted that he is not the only CAU alumnus working in America’s many black cultural centers. “I realize that trailblazers like fellow alum
Dr. Rodney Cohen, CC ’88, at Yale are engaged in similar work…and that the nearby Sonja Haynes Stone Center is named in honor of one of our
alumni.” Less than 20 miles away, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill celebrates the work of Dr. Sonja Haynes Stone, AU ’67, a
graduate of Atlanta University’s School of Social Work (now named in honor of Whitney M. Young, Jr.), who spent time teaching, mentoring, and
cultivating students, before her untimely death in 1991. According to UNC-Chapel Hill lore, Dr. Stone’s office was always filled with laughter and
joy. “I’d like to think that Dr. Stone’s infectious joy permeates the work I do here at Duke,” said Palmer.
Regardless of whether its Duke, Yale, or UNC-Chapel Hill, you can find Clark Atlanta University alumni engaged in the work of cultivating black
students for both a challenging and dynamic future. Palmer remarked, “at the heart of CAU’s mantra is an idea that we must train people to be
leaders of thought and missionaries of culture’ as once uttered by W.E.B. DuBois…it is this ideal that I share with the world.”
CALL TO ACTION
Make Your DONATION NOW!
Thanks to the establishment of the Dr. Richard Lyle Book Scholarship, Dr. Randolph Gunter, CAU ’00 is challenging all Ph.D. recipients to
make a tax-deductible gift to the Clark Atlanta University Dr. Richard Lyle Book Scholarship Fund. Contributions will help future graduate
students in the School of Social Work.
And don’t stop there. Please help spread the word!
EVERY DONATION COUNTS
Checks can be made payable to Clark Atlanta University
In the memo section of your check: Dr. Richard Lyle Book Scholarship Fund, School of Social Work
Mailed to:
Institutional Advancement Office
223 James P. Brawley Drive, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
Dr. Richard Lyle, AU’64
Dr. Lyle earned his master’s of social work degree from Atlanta University School of Social Work and upon graduation was employed by the
Atlanta Urban League. Subsequent to his employment with the Atlanta Urban League, he worked with the Southern Regional Office of the
National Urban League. Following his employment with the National Urban League, he attended Brandeis University and earned his Ph.D. in
social welfare. Exclusive of a couple of years of consultant work, he was employed by Clark Atlanta University Whitney M. Young, Jr., School of
Social Work (formerly known as the Atlanta University School of Social Work). During his 30 years of tenure with the School of Social Work,
Dr. Lyle has held various leadership positions including interim dean, associate dean and chair of the Ph.D. program, the position which he
currently holds. Dr. Lyle is also one of the co-founders of the Ph.D. program.
The mission of the Ph.D. program is to prepare students for leadership in management of human service organizations, teaching and research
and social policy analysis. Under Dr. Lyle’s leadership, more than 90 percent of the graduates from the Ph.D. program have earned such positions
in both the public and private sectors.
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37
A MOMENT IN HISTORY
38
Connections
The Atlanta Inquirer, May 10 1975
Missing in Vietnam Since 1972
HAS USA FORGOTTEN BOBBY KIRBY?
By Ernest M. Pharr,
Inquirer Editor
A black flier from Atlanta, shot down in Vietnam in late 1972, is not only missing but apparently forgotten by the country he served.
According to an article in last Friday’s CONSTITUTION, there are 14 Georgians still listed as missing in action in Vietnam. Their families hope with the war’s end the Communists will soften their attitude about providing information about America’s more than 900 MIAs including the “14” Georgians.
The Fact is that there are at least FIFTEEN Georgians missing in Vietnam. If there aren’t, it’s a complete surprise to relatives and friends
that Bobby Kirby never lived, never climbed a tree or played in the streets of Atlanta, never served his church, never attended Howard High
School, and never got his Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark College in 1952 shortly before he took “one step forward” to become a member of
the U.S. Air Force.
Many Atlantans were amazed that Lt. Col. Kirby’s name was not listed in the newspaper article. Defense Department officials at Dobbins Air Force Base say they don’t know where the CONSTITUTION got its information, but they have tried to console Kirby’s parents, sister
and brother who live here. Just last week, the family received a letter, one of many over the last 28 months, that nothing official is known about
the whereabouts of Kirby.
Kirby’s wife, Juanita, and eight-year-old daughter, Nita, recently moved back to their native California. The Air Force officer re-settled
his family here just four months before his plane was shot down December 21, 1972. His tour of duty would have been over in November, 1972,
but it was extended. Kirby had planned to take his 20-year-retirement and study at Atlanta University.
“VERY HURT”
“We were very hurt when we didn’t see Bobby’s name in that article,” Mr. and Mrs. Willie Kirby told the INQUIRER. “Bobby was a Georgia
boy,” the mother of the flier continued “I have mixed feelings,” said Mrs. Evalena Kirby. “They’ve just forgotten about him and the others, too. I
was so hurt I just didn’t know what to do—and I still don’t know what to do or say.”
Mrs. Peggy K. Jones, sister of Lt. Col. Kirby and an Atlanta third grade teacher, said Bobby dedicated his life to the service and now it
feels he’s just been forgotten. Now that the war is over, we may not ever know where Bobby is and there doesn’t seem to be too much effort to find
out but, of course, I’m not where the effort is being made.”
MONUMENT
If Lt. Col. Kirby is not remembered in some places, he and the eight crewmen downed with the plane are remembered in Blytheville, Ark. where
they were based before the assignment to Vietnam. A huge monument was constructed and dedicated to the nine crewmen a few months ago and
citizens of the city joined military personnel and the families’ fliers at the dedication. The fliers were members of the 97th Bombardment Wing.
Three of the crewmen on the downed plane were black. Only one member of the crew was ever listed as a POW. He returned during the
Prisoner of War releases in February, 1973 and has been in touch with the families of the missing men but unable to shed any light on what happened after the plane hit the ground.
Lt. Col. Kirby, who was Major Kirby when his plan was shot down, is the only known black Atlanta missing in Vietnam. In October of
1972, Navy Lt. Norris Charles was one of the first two Americans released by the Vietnamese. Charles, not an Atlanta native, is a Morehouse College graduate.
Kirby’s name has never turned up on any list. The American government in 1973 said it had some evidence that men whose names were
not on POW lists were being held as prisoners, but the North Vietnamese have yet to account for them.
EIGHTH MISSION
Lt. Col. Kirby was on his eighth straight mission as a navigator-bombardier when his B52 was struck by hostile fire near Hanoi, North
Vietnam. His plane was observed “in a controlled descent with a wing on fire, and then was observed to explode,” according to the official government report. “A fireball,” the report continues, “was observed on the ground shortly afterward, no parachutes were observed and no voice transmissions were received.”
Known to his classmates and friends here as “Rip,” Kirby had been in Vietnam for less than 6 months. In 1971, as a major, he was
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for meritorious courage, achievement, and courage under extremely hazardous conditions in Thailand.
On the back of a photograph of the citation he sent his wife, he wrote in subtle humor: “Honey, you’ve got a hero.”
The Kirby story might not have gained media prominence had not his wife called the CONSTITUTION to ask for a black reporter because, in February of ’73, she received a “dun” from the Air Force saying she owned the government $465.22 because the Air Force had paid her
husband in advance for his temporary Vietnam duty.
The page one story created quite a stir and when the newspaper contacted Pentagon officials in Washington, the amount went down to
$141. Everything eventually was settled.
Kirby’s wife told the INQUIRER at that time she had talked to her husband the night before he was shot down and he told her his
morale was low, that he had flown eight straight missions and was “just plain tired.”
“My husband,” she said “was a professional soldier. He did his job and carried out his duties, but he felt that what he was doing in Vietnam was morally wrong.”
At least one family member told the INQUIRER some 26 months ago of developing “hostility” toward the government which seems “to
have no feeling for families. The correspondence we get says the same thing every week.”
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39
LOVE STORIES
The Cohens
Rudolph “Rudy” Cohen CC ’52
Eula M. Jones Cohen, Ph.D.
CC ’51; AU ’52, ’76, ’83
On Dec. 20, 2011, we celebrated 57 years of marriage. We often reflect on the wonderful
memories we have of Clark College. We have fond memories of our president, Dr. James
P. Brawley and the outstanding faculty who taught, encouraged and prepared us for our
future careers. We also think of the many friends we met and whose friendship we still
have and cherish.
We met at a Freshman Orientation outing, held at Lincoln Country Club on Simpson
Road. Following our first meeting, we soon became friends, and, over time, the friendship
developed into a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. Our love for each other and Clark
(College) continued to grow as we spent time together sitting on the “Greek” benches
(known as “The Rock”); dancing in the “Rec” (recreation snack room); and attending
concerts, plays, and movies in Davage Auditorium. We especially looked forward to the
dances sponsored by the fraternities, sororities, state clubs, and other social and academic
organizations. Rudy always gave me beautiful corsages for the dances and I looked forward
to getting them.
As a member of the Atlanta chapter, Rudy served as president, a member of several committees, chairman of the travel committee for the chapter’s travel to the fall conferences
and chairman of the ticket committee.
I also served as president (two terms) of the Atlanta Chapter, chairman of the nominating
committee and chairman of the committee honoring the incoming freshman class.
Both of us are also active with the CAU Athletic Booster Association. Rudy has been
recognized in the Booster Hall of Fame. He also serves on the travel committee which
plans out-of-town trips in support of the football team.
Both of us have been honored by the College, and the local and national alumni
associations.
We are also involved in the community. Rudy has been a member of Radcliffe
Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years. He is an inactive deacon, member of
Presbyterian Men, former church school teacher, and former member of the stewardship
committee. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and served several years as
graduate advisor to Alpha Phi chapter at Clark (now CAU).
Unfortunately, we did not spend time together at the football games because as a majorette (head majorette) I had to sit with the marching band. However, we enjoyed the
basketball games together, holding hands enjoying conversation as we walked a long distance to t Sunset Inn, a hall on Magnolia Street, where the games were played.
As a member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Association Inc., he was named 2009
Paratrooper of the Year. In May 2002, Rudy was featured in a celebration of Memorial
Day as a proud patriot wearing his paratrooper cap and badge.
We also remember with big smiles our Sunday afternoon dates in the lounge of Merner
Hall, which was monitored every 10 or 15 minutes by the house mother.
I, too, have been a member of Radcliffe Church for more than 50 years. I am a member of
the Presbyterian Women Volunteer Service Guild, and stewardship committee. I am a life
member and golden soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
In addition to the many social and athletic activities we enjoyed, we were involved in campus clubs, and for Rudy, the Men’s Council. My involvement included, to name a few,
Alpha Kappa, Delta Honor Society, Social Science Club, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Tennessee State Club,
Women’s Council and Bon Bon Social Club.
Our campus courtship was cut short, because at the end of Rudy’s sophomore year he was
drafted into the Army, where he volunteered for the paratroopers and was stationed at
Fort Campbell in Kentucky. He kept our courtship growing with letters, phone calls
(when he could get through on the phone on the hall) and visits when he could get a
“leave.”
After graduating from Clark, as valedictorian with an A.B. degree in social science and
from Atlanta University with a master’s degree in sociology; I permanently moved to
Atlanta from Chattanooga, Tenn. to accept employment with the Atlanta Public Schools
system. Rudy continued to keep our courtship alive with the usual phone calls, letters and
occasional visits.
In 1953, Rudy was discharged and after a brief visit to his home in Tampa, Fla., he returned to Atlanta and to Clark College. He soon was employed at Lockheed Aircraft in
Marietta, Ga. Our relationship continued, and in 1954 we were married.
During these many years of marriage, we have been and continue to be committed to each
other, family and our institution. Therefore, we take every opportunity to say proudly that
we are graduates of Clark College (now (CAU).
Our commitment as alumni over the years is evidenced by our participation with the
national and local alumni associations, CAU Booster Association and the University. We
support our University financially and by attending Founders and Convocation Days,
plays, concerts, athletic activities and other special activities sponsored by the University.
As a member of National Alumni Association, Rudy served as president for two
terms, board of trustee representative, co-chairman of a May Weekend and chairman of
the banquet ticket committee; attends fall conferences; and is a supporter of the Spirit of
Greatness Gala.
I have served on the national level as vice president, secretary, board of trustee
40
representative and chairman of May Weekends; attend fall conferences; and support the
Spirit of Greatness Gala.
Connections
At the regional and national levels of the sorority, I have been a seminar presenter, and
have been honored several times as an outstanding soror. Currently, I serve as vice
president of the board of directors at Quality Living Services, Inc., an organization serving
senior citizens, past president of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and treasurer of the Smart
Set.
Our work experiences have been interesting and enjoyable. Rudy worked with the City
of Atlanta in the Water Department as a water service administrator and retired as
production control supervisor and the Atlanta Public Schools system.
All of my work experiences have been in the field of education, with the Atlanta Public
Schools (APS) system. I served as a teacher and counselor at the elementary, middle and
high school levels. I was elected as Counselor of the Year at the elementary and high
school levels and also served as president of the Atlanta Counselor Association. I’ve served
as program presenter at the Georgia State Counselors Conference and worked at Albany
State College as a counselor in the pre-college program. After retiring from APS, I taught
at Clark Atlanta and Spelman College in the education department.
Our love for each other extends to our sons of whom we are very proud, LTC (Ret.)
Rudolph R. Jr., CC ’79, former Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and Rodney T., CC ’88,
assistant dean of Yale College and director of the Afro-American Cultural Center of Yale
University. We are also the proud grandparents of granddaughter, Shannon, a 2007
graduate of Florida A&M.
The longevity of our marriage is based on our strong dedication to the commitment of
marriage, family and strong faith.
To paraphrase the words of Ray Charles’ song “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” Rudy and I
“Can’t and Won’t Stop Loving” each other, family and CAU.
Our days at “Dear Ole Clark College” were truly “the good ole days.”
The Barnetts
Rashidi Barnett, CAU ’02
Deisha Calberth Barnett, CAU ’02
A CAU Love Story
Fifteen Years of Friendship, Many Years of Marital Bliss to Come
As the old adage goes, “love comes when you least expect it.” Deisha Galberth and Rashidi
Barnett were freshmen at Clark Atlanta University in 1996. They got to know each other
as friends and remained in touch after their graduation in 2000. Never did the classmates
think they’d become Mr. and Mrs. Barnett, the fun-loving couple that was recently married on the stairs of Harkness Hall. Read more about how their love story unfolded.
1996:
Deisha and Rashidi met at Clark Atlanta University. She was a happy Holmes Hall “Diamond.” He was a proud “Man of Brawley.”
1997: Deisha and Rashidi both served on the Residential Apartments Hall Council. She
was “Social Coordinator.” He was “Mr. Residential Apartments.”
1998: Deisha screamed “Go, Shidi!” during Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma
Kappa Chapter’s spring 1998 probate show.
Instead of handing out favors to those who attended their celebration, the couple made a
generous donation to the CAU Scholarship Fund in memory of their CAU mom and dads
who, now, look down on them from heaven – the bride’s mother and father, Dorothy and
Kirby Galberth, Sr., and the groom’s father, Glenn Barnett.
Visit the couple’s web site at www.deishidi.com.
A host of CAU alumni also joined the couple’s post-wedding celebration. From Rashidi’s
fraternity brothers, Deisha’s Holmes Hall sisters, many CAU mass communications grads,
former B-School students and other Panther friends, the couple felt so blessed by the CAU
love and support that was abounding!
The Barnett’s Special Day: CAU Alumni Behind the Scenes
Pastor Kenneth Wilson, CAU ’01
The Refreshing Church
Pastor Kenneth Wilson led the couple through pre-marital counseling and offi-
1999: Deisha cheered during Clark Atlanta University’s Homecoming Fashion Show
when Rashidi took the stage and the crowd went wild.
2000: Deisha and Rashidi co-wrote a final paper in Dr. Joyce McGriff’s Consumer Behavior class. They earned an A and graduated on May 22, 2000 – Deisha with a degree in
mass communications and Rashidi with a degree in business administration.
ciated their wedding. He boasts a congregation with a zero percent divorce rate!
http://refreshingchurch.typepad.com/
Briana Rogers Pigford, CAU ’98
Co-Owner of Aesthetic Floral and Event Artistry
2001: Deisha and Rashidi both remained in Atlanta following graduation. They began
their careers and made the most of single life in the city that they both had grown to love.
Briana Rogers Pigford was the creative genius behind the floral arrangements
2002: Deisha and Rashidi bumped in to each other at Homecoming, caught up briefly
and kept it moving.
stairs of Harkness Hall to the décor at their celebration at the Bill Lowe
2003: Deisha moved from a public relations firm to in-house public relations for
EarthLink. Rashidi shifted his career to interactive marketing.
www.myaesthetic.com
2004: Rashidi moved from CIO Partners of Atlanta to in-house marketing for EarthLink
and design that made the couple’s day so beautiful. From the flowers on the
Gallery, Pigford’s work speaks for itself.
Jamal Coleman, CAU ’95
Event Planner
2005: Deisha and Rashidi realized they lived around the corner from each other and carpooled to work a few times.
Jamal Coleman made sure the couple’s day went off without a hitch. From his
2006: Deisha walked past Rashidi’s desk at work almost daily. The two gave each other career counsel, dating advice and shared lots of laughs. A solid friendship had been formed.
to his knack for throwing a fun party, Coleman helped make sure it wasn’t
2007: Rashidi helped send Deisha off to Arkansas after she joined Walmart’s corporate
communications team.
never-ending list of DJs, videographers and contacts across the city of Atlanta,
your typical wedding.
twitter.com/themallyg
LaKeitha Daniels, J.D., CAU ’00
2008: Deisha and Rashidi kept in touch across the miles – they even went to see Jill Scott
with a group of friends during one of Deisha’s many return trips to Atlanta.
Owner, Sweet Justice
LaKeitha Daniels whipped up delicious cupcake sliders that were served at the
2009: Rashidi joined AOL’s strategy team. Later that year, while on a girls’ trip with her
mom, Deisha received a text message from him and had a crazy thought – might Rashidi
be the guy for her? She sent him a text message, he sent her a text message back … soon
after, the two friends became lovers.
couple’s wedding celebration. Guests are still raving!
www.sweetjusticeonline.com
2010: Deisha’s mom gave Rashidi her blessing. Two weeks later, Rashidi popped the question and Deisha said YES!
2011: Rashidi moved to Arkansas and ended the couple’s long-distance love story. They
tied the knot on the stairs of Harkness Hall on 10.22.11!
Connections
41
Panther Pages Ads
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Always seeking ways to support alumni entrepreneurs and their businesses, please find the ad information
that will not only showcase your business, but also support your publication. More information to come.
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Alumni Paraphernalia
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223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Atlanta, GA
Permit No. 524
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Informing, engaging and highlighting our alumni family
Spirit of Greatness Gala
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Loews Atlanta Hotel
1065 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Ga. 30303
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Ticket Price: $150
Homecoming 2012 October 13th

Looking Toward Our Future Events Reviewing Our Past Achievements

Transcription

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