05 () - Johnson C. Smith University

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Meet the Staff
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Informer
Volume 3, Issue 2
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
STAFF
Spring/Summer 2005
Message from New SSS Interim Director
Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, President
by James Saunders
Jeffrey Smith, V.P. for Student Affairs
Cathy Jones, Dean of Students
Constance Green-Hosten, Associate Dean
James Saunders
James Cuthbertson
Devonia Jackson
Interim Director
Disability/Language Specialist
Office Assistant
(704) 378-1116
(704) 378-1282
(704) 371-6778
Student Support Services Staff:
James Saunders, Interim Director
704.378.1116
James Cuthbertson, Reading Language
Specialist, Disability Services Coordinator
I am very excited to have the opportunity to
lead the Student Support Services Program.
Over the past seven years, the program has
grown to become one of the premiere units
on campus. Our goal is that this growth and
commitment to excellence will continue as
we strive towards extraordinary outcomes.
704.378.1282
-James Saunders
Interim SSS Director
Devonia Jackson, Administrative Assistant
704.371.6778
The Mission:
Affiliations
SSS SERVICES
U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
North Carolina Council of Educational Opportunity
Programs (NCCEOP)
Southern Association of Educational Opportunity
Program Personnel (SAEOPP)
National Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)
Association on Higher Education and Disability
(AHEAD)
•
Academic Support & Advising
•
Counseling Support
•
Cultural/Educational Enrichment Activities
•
Peer Mentoring/Tutoring
•
Study Skills Workshops
The Student Support Services (SSS) Program
provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements and serves to motivate students towards
the successful completion of their post-secondary
education.
SSS Senior Banquet Recognition
Goal:
“The education from Johnson C. Smith will take you anywhere you want to go,” stated North
Carolina State Senator Malcolm Graham while addressing the 2005 graduates of Student
Support Services and their friends. “The education, the friendships you have gained have
made you what you are today.”
Graham, a 1985 graduate of Johnson C. Smith, was the keynote speaker for the Student Support Services 2005 Senior Banquet and Recognition Ceremony held at the Sheraton
Airport Hotel, April 27th, at 6 p.m.
He continued to say, “ At 22, I thought I knew everything. Graduation is not the
end. It is only the beginning. It prepares you for the next phase. You should pause, take a
break and then get back to work. Assign yourself. You never stop learning. Everyday, put
your best foot forward. Perception is reality.”
He added, “Change what you do, how you look. You have to get into the game.
Then you can write the rules.”
He ended by advising graduates to be proud to be an alumnus of Johnson C. Smith
University and to remember to “give back to JCSU.”
Earlier in the evening, Miss Johnson C. Smith 2005-2006 Correa McCoppin, welcomed the audience, and Interim Director James Saunders gave opening remarks. Giving his
key points of integrity, critical thinking, patience and perseverance, he used an analogy of
golf to give his keys to being successful.”
“In your journey in life,” Saunders said “you will experience some bad shots. If you
continue to recover in life as you did at JCSU, you will be as successful in life as you were at
JCSU.”
Sharika Sneed introduced Graham after dinner was served. His message followed.
The Office of Student Support Services seeks to
accomplish its mission through providing services
that increase college retention and graduation
rates of its participants and facilitates the process
of transition from one level of higher education
to the next.
Inside this issue:
•
Community Service Opportunities
Message from Interim Director
SSS Senior Banquet Recognition
•
Career & Graduate School Exploration
SSS Snapshots
•
Disability Services
College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA)
1
1&3
2
Trip to Biltmore Estates
SSS Highlights
3&4
3-6
Visit to Charleston, SC
4&5
Snapshots of Charleston Visit
Student Peers/Student on the Move
5
6
Message from Former SSS Director
Meet the Staff & Affiliations
7
8
“A Tribute to Destiny”
by James Cuthbertson
Continued on next page
Johnson C. Smith University ● 100 Beatties Ford Road ● Charlotte, North Carolina 28216 ● www.jcsu.edu
Johnson C. Smith University ● 100 Beatties Ford Road ● Charlotte, North Carolina 28216 ● www.jcsu.edu
Surround Yourself with Success at JCSU!
SSS Banquet Snapshots
Johnson C. Smith University Student Support Services Newsletter
Message from Former SSS Director
by Cathy Jones
Since August 2000, I have directed the Student Support Services Program. What a journey it has been. During this time we have experienced
much success tempered with frustrations and challenges as well. After
all “anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” It’s how we manage in the storm that builds integrity and character. Yes! We’ve worked
hard to establish a reputation of success, excellence and honesty. Just ask
any of the SSS students and they will eagerly articulate the value of the
program and all its benefits. All who really know me, know that I am
driven by student development, student achievement and positive student
outcomes. It’s my Passion and Purpose! As I move on, I am confident
that the SSS program will continue our tradition of motivating, developing and producing exceptional students as they transition from one level
of higher education to the next.
-Cathy Jones,
Dean of Students
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Surround Yourself with Success at JCSU!
Student Peers Teach USA Fund Life Skills
by James Cuthbertson
Student peers teach USA Funds Life Skills at Johnson C. Smith University
Implementing USA Funds® financial-literacy program just seemed like the right thing to do,
according to Keisha Ramey, assistant director of financial aid and alumna of Johnson C.
Smith University. She remembers not so long ago what it was like to be a student and worry
about credit-card debt and student loans.
“I saw how important aspects of life management are – balancing work, studies and social
life,” she explained.
®
When she learned about USA Funds Life Skills during a tour of USA Funds’ defaultprevention operations, Ramey – at that time the university’s default manager and orientation
leader – knew she had to bring the program to the campus. She was pleased to learn that the
program was available at no charge because JCSU is one of the nation’s Historically Black
Colleges and Universities. Since then, Module 5, “Now That You Are About to Graduate:
Taking Control of Your Life,” has been used with graduating seniors the past three years.
Modules 1 and 2, “Get a Grip on Your Finances: Smart Spending for Students” and “Seek
Out Financial Aid: Funding Resources and Financial Obligations” are used in orientation
sessions.
But just recently, nine students – resident advisers and peer mentors – attended a USA Funds
Life Skills Train-the-Trainer workshop. The group is teaching Modules 1-4; for the resident
advisers. It is part of the mandatory workshops they are required to do in their dorms. A
“campus expert,” for example, a default specialist or representative from student support services, assists the peer counselors at the sessions. At the end of each session, they review information about financial-aid issues. More than 100 students have attended sessions.
“Students will listen to other students before they listen to us. Students relate the information
in terms their peers can understand. Teaching USA Funds Life Skills not only helps those
attending the sessions but it also helps the student facilitators with hands-on experience and
knowledge,” Ramey explained.
One student is teaching USA Funds Life Skills to meet community-service requirements in
his fraternity. Crystal Gavin, a peer mentor this spring, is excited about becoming a resident
adviser and using the program on the floor in her dorm next fall.
“I’m really looking forward to doing the program every month in the freshmen dorms. The
time-management information will give them insight to help them through the first semester
and really, their first year. I presented the same information in a speech class and got a lot of
comments that it was very informative. I’m excited about presenting the program next fall!”
Gavin said.
Flyers and e-mails are used to promote the sessions. Ramey believes participants are spreading the word to others on campus.
Student on the Move
by James Cuthbertson
Lauren Davis a 2004 JCSU graduate from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has achieved a 3.4 grade point average during her first year at East Tennessee State
University. She is pursuing a Masters degree in Technology Concentration. Hats off to
Lauren!
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Johnson C. Smith University Student Support Services Newsletter
SSS Highlights:
continued...
Gadsden, LaToya Jackson, LaSherise
Simpson
Pi Delta Tau Education: LaQuanda
Higgins
Alpha Lambda Delta Freshmen: Brandy
Brown, Suvondra Brown, Shana Collins,
Sheena Dennison, Torris Flenor, GregoryGatewood, Terri Harris, Jeffrey
Hunt, Christina Moody, Anneshia Perry,
and Iviance Smith.
Johnson C. Smith University’s Andre
Kelly, a member of Student Support
Services was selected to receive a scholarship during the opening ceremony of
the 19th National Minority College Golf
Championship at the PGA Historical
Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The freshman from Washington, D.C.,
received a $2,500 grant from representatives of State Farm Insurance Company.
The National Minority College Golf
Scholarship Fund grant recipient won
the Scholarship May 5th.
What is Student
Support Services?
The mission of the Student Support Services (SSS) Program provides opportunities for academic development,
assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students
toward the successful completion of their
post-secondary education.
The goal of the Office of Student
Support Services is to accomplish its mission through providing services that increase college retention and graduation
rates of its participants and facilitates the
process of transition from one level of
higher education to the next.
Activities include academic advising, personal counseling, tutorial services,
peer mentoring and career exploration,
disability accommodations, exposure to
cultural events, graduate and professional
school exploration and grant aid to Pell
eligible recipients.
At Johnson C. Smith University,
Disability Services operates under the auspices of Student Support Services, which
provides a multiplicity of services.
SSS Highlights:
On Friday, January 28, Student Support
Services prepared for a visit to The Levine Museum of the New South and the
Blue Restaurant.
Preparation for the trip began with an
etiquette dining session in the Family
Dollar Room on Thursday, January 27.
Student Support Services participants
arrived and listened intently to the well
received tips on dining that were given
by Ms. Deborah Armstrong of the Blue
Restaurant.
Then on Friday, the trip downtown
started at The Levine Museum of the
New South, a place brimming with the
history of old Charlotte including the
African American neighborhoods of
Cherry and Brooklyn.
Complete replicas of Highland Mills
provided glimpses of the cotton industry
in the region.
The evening was capped by a wonderful
dinner at the Blue Restaurant.
The Disability Awareness Workshop/
Faculty Appreciation Day on February
11 focused on informing the faculty of
successful practices used by students
with disabilities and showing the faculty
how much the students in Student Support Services appreciate them.
Daunte Bruce, Terri Harris, Ryan Neely
and Delora Turner discussed everything
from questions of transition from high
school to college to good note taking
and making teachers aware of techniques that could enhance the learning
process.
During the session from 11 a.m. to
noon. At noon, a lavish spread of refreshments and drinks were provided for
the faculty and staff.
On Tuesday, April 12, the Eighteenth
Annual Johnson C. Smith University
Honors Convocation was held in the
Jane M. Smith Memorial Church.
At the 10 am ceremony several Student
Support Services students were honored.
The big awards went to Steve Allen,
Kera Carter, Indya Davis, Casarae Gibson, Ashley Greene, Travis Hentz, Tyrell Hughes, Ashley Greene, Jamaal
Griffin, Ryan Neely, and Donna Paul.
SSS Banquet Senior Recognition continued…
Then a musical tribute featuring McNair Scholar and rising sophomore Taurus Turner and
Steven Hanks from Zeb Vance High School was performed. “Your lives are predestined, but
you determine your destiny,” he quoted.
The program followed with a tribute to seniors by Correa McCoppin in the form of a
slide show and a poem by Casarae Gibson.
One of the highlights of the night was a selection from “The Miseducation of
Lauryn Hill” by Amber Murray and Joshua Fleming. Both are members of the JCSU choir.
Receiving senior awards were Steve Allen, Alexis Bibbs, Daunte Bruce, Kayla
Clark, Ronisha Cody, Coyia Curry, Indya Davis, Tia Dixon, Frederick Engram, Carol Gerald,
Reginald Goins, Travis Hentz, John Holmes, Tyrell Hughes, Khalila Islam, LaVonya James,
Jarvis Jones, Veronica Johnson, and Nubia Jones.
Also Charla Jordan, Thasaian Jordan, Ruth Lazarre, Nicole Mallory, Charra Moore,
Kevin Moore, Christopher Parker, Donna Paul, Sandra Ramsey, Derrick Spearman, Jannice
Stratton, Paige Waymer, Jamie Wilder, and Colene Wright.
December graduates will include Jimmy Bean, Terrence Daniels, Curtis Dorsey,
Alisha Felder, Jimmia Hart, Amber Hymes, Shekia Johnson, Larry Ledbetter, Ryan Neely,
Michael Nelson, Jr., Adrine Pettaway, Brian Richards, Shakima Ruffin, Delora Turner, and
Darwin Wilmore.
These awards were given by Mr. Saunders, Ms. Devonia Jackson (Office Assistant),
and Mr. James Cuthbertson (Disability Specialist).
The SSS seniors gave Mrs. Jones, Mr. Saunders, Ms. Jackson, and Mr. Cuthbertson
gifts of appreciation.
Former SSS Director Cathy Jones had closing remarks. “You were born for and with
a purpose,” said Mrs. Jones. “Seek to find your passion in life. You are living proof that determination and hard work will pay off. What a blessing it has been for me to watch you go
from diapers to degrees. We hope throughout your JCSU educational experience that we have
not only taught you how to make a living, but also how to live.”
The
hosts and hostesses of the evening were Lionel Johnson, Marcus Lyles, Kyeshia Carter, Terri
Harris, Veronica Jones, Erica Lockhart, Brandi Laribo, and Antoine Singleton.
Trip to Biltmore Estate
by James Cuthbertson
Who says there aren’t castles in America?
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is the largest, private residence
ever built in the United States. It contains 250 rooms, 34 family and guest bedrooms, 65 fireplaces, three kitchens and an indoor swimming pool. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt, it opened on Christmas Eve in 1895.
Who was George Vanderbilt? He was the grandson of ‘The Commodore’ Cornelius
Vanderbilt; Vanderbilt University is named for him and a member of a family with a vast
fortune in shipping and railroads.
Poughkeepsie, New York’s Jallah Rouse said, “It was a beautiful estate. The ornate
architecture introduced a lot of style to the house.”
Antoine Singleton, sophomore from Charleston, said “The rooms were set up very
nicely and the art was great.”
“It was like something I have never seen before,” said Kyeshia Carter. “The library
and the collection of over 10,000 volumes in it were remarkable.”
Jokingly, she said, “But the beds were small.” This was after her tour of the resting
areas for the Vanderbilt family.
Fortunately, we all had the opportunity to view the Christmas Show.
The elaborate layout, design and Christmas decorations impressed Correa McCoppin. “Every room had a Christmas scene in them!”
The tour began at the entrance hall, followed by a tour of the winter garden featuring
the center fountain sculpture ‘Boy Stealing Geese’ by Karl Bitter. The students passed
through the billiards room followed by a visit to the banquet hall and the breakfast room.
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Surround Yourself with Success at JCSU!
Trip to Biltmore Estates continued...
In the salon, a chess set that was owned by Napoleon Bonaparte and wall hangings made by 17th century French statesman Cardinal Richelieu were observed.
In the music room there was a woodblock print by Albrecht Durer. The tapestry gallery featured Flemish tapestries.
Reminiscent of the “The Phantom of the Opera”, a big four story iron chandelier weighing 1,700 pounds was suspended over the Grand Staircase.
The second floor consisted of the tower room, living rooms, and bathrooms,
while the third floor consisted of beautiful rooms with beautiful paintings.
The basement featured a gymnasium, the pool, a bowling alley, pantries, cooking, and laundry facilities.
Ashley Nichols capped the day, “It was beautiful, all 250 rooms!”
Johnson C. Smith University Student Support Services Newsletter
SSS Highlights:
continued...
Allen received the Christopher W.
Kemp Award for Musical excellence.
Carter received the Calvine Shadd Battle
annual scholarship of $5,000 awarded to
a sophomore with a 3.5 GPA.
Davis received an award for having the
highest GPA in communication arts.
Gibson, who also presented the inductees into Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman
Honor Society, received the A.O. and
Dorothy Steele Scholarship of $1,500
given to the rising junior with high academic achievement, proven leadership
skills, and commitment to services.
Greene received a $2,000 Charlotte
Alumni Scholarship awarded to graduates of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
with a 3.0 GPA or better with participation in extracurricular activities.
Visit to Charleston, South Carolina
by James Cuthbertson
Approximately 40 students and chaperones, which included Mr. James Saunders,
Director; Mrs. Cathy Jones, Dean of Students; and James Cuthbertson, Reading and Language Specialist, were given the royal treatment in Charleston, South Carolina recently.
The day began at the Visitor’s Center where we picked up a pass for the bus to be
able to tour the Charleston area, an area of many narrow streets and historical sights. Our
sights were then set on the College of Charleston where we would complete the first part of
our objective, a visit to a graduate school.
The students arrived at the College of Charleston and were immediately treated to
an introductory luncheon where university officials were introduced to the students.
Dr. Elise Jorgens, Provost of the College of Charleston welcomed us to the university.
After a very tasty luncheon in Craig Cafeteria, Student Support Services students
participated in a seminar in which university officials gave tips on applying to graduate
school, being successful in graduate school, passing the graduate entrance exams (GRE,
LSAT, GMAT and others), how to write personal statements, and how to get good recommendations. Another key point discussed was how to obtain financial assistance.
The College of Charleston is located in the center of Charleston, South Carolina.
The University has about 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Charleston is located on a peninsula, rich in flora and fauna; attractive to visitors, residents and students.
The university provides programs leading to a masters degree in accounting, early
childhood and elementary education, special education, early childhood and elementary and
middle level, education in special education, education in languages, English to speakers of
other languages, bilingual legal interpreting, and education in science and mathematics.
Also English, history, public administration, computer and information sciences, marine
biology, environmental studies and several certificate programs.
Later in the evening, we quickly checked into the hotel, then boarded a bus for a
trip to the reception that was held in our honor in one of the most beautiful buildings on
campus, Randolph Hall.
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Receiving the Schlafhorst Endowed
Scholarship of $1,000 for Computer
Science, Engineering, Biology, or
Chemistry major who live in the Metrolina area and have a 3.0 or higher as a
rising junior or senior was Jamaal Griffin.
Tyrell Hughes received the SmithUnderwood-Scott Award given to a liberal arts major who has demonstrated
leadership and academic excellence.
Donna Paul received the Wall Street
Journal Award for the most outstanding
student in Business and Finance.
Duke Power Engineering Scholarships
went to Jamaal Griffin, Travis Hentz,
Ryan Neely, Roashelle Rose and Shayla
Smith.
Also honored with athlete/scholars recognition awards were LaQuanda Higgins, bowling; April Lewis, Patricia
Ofori, tennis; Lydia Biggs, Indya Davis,
Casarae Gibson, Charla Jordan,Ariel
Jackson golf; Nikia Beachem, Tia
Dixon, Latoya Jackson, softball and
Ryan Blassingame in men’s golf.
With grades being so important, the
President’s List which featured students
with a 4.0 included Student Support
Services students from Fall 2004. Those
honored were Quinzzy Pratt, Jallah
Rouse and Antoine Singleton.
SSS Highlights:
continued...
continued...
Also the Fall 2004 dean’s list of students
with 15 or more hours and a 3.0 grade
point average included the following:
Melissa Anderson, Nikia Beachem,
Jimmy Bean, Kecia Benson, Alexis
Bibbs, Lydia Biggs, Aisha BlackwellHardge, Brandy Brown, Suvondra
Brown, Stacia Browne, Travis Burgin,
Bridget Chisolm, Christopher Coffee,
Shana Collins, Frederick Engram, Amber Enoch , Torri Flenor, Ja’nae Gadsden, Gregory Gatewood, Carol Gerald,
Reginald Goins, Akiba Griffin, Terris
Harris, Zarinah Harris, LaQuanda Higgins, Candace Hill, Tyrell Hughes, Jeffrey Hunt, Khalila Islam, Ariel Jackson,
Latoya Jackson, LaVonya James, Lionel
Johnson, Veronica Jones, Charla Jordan,
Thasaian Jordan, and T’Erica Kennon.
Others making the Fall Dean’s List were
Brandi Laribo, Aisha Lide, Nicole Mallory, Coreea McCopppin, Marquis
McElvine, Leah McPherson, Elysa Melton, Iman Miles , Christina Moody,
Charra Moore, Jackyne Mullings, Ryan
Neely, Patricia Ofori, Donna Paul , Devonna Penny, Reginald Randolph Jr.,
Lakesha Reid, Shakima Ruffin, Jontel
Scott, LaSherise Simpson, Shayla Smith,
Jannice Stratton, Michelle Sturdivant,
Albert Suber, and Delora Turner.
Visit to Charleston, South Carolina continued...
Dr. Sumita Furlong, Director of The Multicultural Center and Services and Mr.
Victor Wilson, Senior Vice President of Student Affairs offered us a hearty welcome to the
College of Charleston.
Then after a walk through the MARKETPLACE, we dined at Bubba Gump’s
Shrimp Company. The students enjoyed drinks, salads, an ice cream sundae and choices of
“Mama Blue’s Southern Charmed Fried Shrimp, Forrest’s Fresh Catch of the Day, Dumb
Luck Coconut Shrimp, Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs or Charbroiled Chicken Breast.”
The night was concluded as everyone dug in at Howard Johnson’s Riverfront Hotel
in West Charleston.
The morning began with a full buffet of delicious eggs, bacon, and sausage.
Then the group was ready for the Gullah Tour of Charleston.
A highlight of the day during the Gullah Tour was a visit to the home of Mr. Philip
Simmons, a master of iron and the creator of many of the iron gates that are located around
Charleston. He has been designated as a national treasure.
Mr. Alfonso Brown, our guide, teased us with some Gullah words.
For instance, “ ‘Tie yuh mout’ ” (hush, stop talking) or “ ‘E bad mout’ me” (he
cursed me).
The tour offered visits to the Underground Railroad sights of Charleston, Catfish
Row (Setting for ‘Porgy and Bess’), The Old Slave Mart, Emanuel A.M.E. Church, the Battery, Jones Hotel, The Old City Market, and the Old and New Custom House, just to name a
few.
After the tour, the MARKETPLACE was at full blast and the students enjoyed the
exhibits and the art galleries before heading back to Charlotte.
“I enjoyed the trip,” said Crystal Gavin, a 19 year old Student Support Services student, “I learned how much graduate school costs and the different opportunities to obtain
monies. Everyone was friendly, it was motivating.”
Snapshots
Charleston, SC
Making the Honor’s List of Students
with 12 hours or more and a 3.0 grade
point average were Kera Carter, Kayla
Clark, Ronisha Cody, Tynika Collins,
Indya Davis, Dakeela Dunlap, Tariq
Evans, India Fisher, Crystal Foster,
Tyannia Foster, Crystal Gavin, Rosie
George, Casarae Gibson, Makeia Judkins, Marcus Lyles, Takia Meggett, and
Malisa Previtire.
Also making the Honor’s List were
Sandra Ramsey, Brian Richards,
Roashelle Rose, Patricia Seraphim, Carmen Shepherd, Jonathan Shropshire,
Iviance Smith, Nekeya Swann, Bonice
Tyler and Faheem Wesley.
On this great day, several students were
inducted into Honor Societies:
Honors College: Taurus Turner, Quinzzy Pratt, Antoine Singleton
Delta Mu Delta International Business:
Kera Carter, Candace Hill
Student Support Services Lab Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: 9 am - 11 am, noon - 2 pm, 3 pm - 5 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 9 am - noon, 1 pm - 5 pm
Friday: 9 am - 4 pm
Pi Gamma Mu : Carmen Bell, Ja”Nae
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