MSUBA 2015 Focus Summer Newsletter

SUMMER 2015
ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF BLACK ALUMNI, STUDENTS AND FACULTY
1st Annual MSUBA Classic A Success
focus
NBA and NCAA Champion, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Michigan State
University Black Alumni, Inc. teamed up for the 1st Annual MSUBA Classic
with Earvin “Magic” Johnson on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at the luxurious
Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, MI. The event was sponsored by Tim Horton’s,
Greek Town Casino, Dean Transportation, AARP, MGM Grand Casino, Diageo,
Ketel One, Spartan Fund, Michigan State Athletics, Michigan State University
Federal Credit Union Avis Ford and the National Basketball Retired Players
Association. The golf outing was attended by prestigious Spartans: head
basketball coach Tom Izzo and assistant Dwayne Stephens, MSU Hall of
Fame member and 1979 NCAA National Champion Greg Kelser, NFL sports
agent and 1982-1986 MSU football player Paul Bobbitt, 1966-1970 MSU
football player Jack Pitts, WDIV Channel 4 News Anchor Rhonda Walker
and many more. This golf classic laid the groundwork for the MSUBA/
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Endowment and Expendable fund that will provide
financial assistance and scholarships to deserving students at Michigan State
University. The goal of the fundraiser was to raise significant funding to support future and current students who
struggle with the ever growing demand for educational expenses and rising cost of college tuition. Help suppot our
students by making a donnation today, to the MSUBA Earvin “Magic” Johnson Endowment thru the following website:
https://fundly.com/msuba-classic-w-magic-johnson
WHAT’S INSIDE
MSU Hall of Fame
Photo, left to right: Jeannette Patterson, Kim Henderson, Earvin “Magic” Johnson,
Lural Baltimore, Paris Ross, Ericka Savage and Rich Lewis
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Board Members Wanted 3
Golf Classic Highlights
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Scholarship News
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Endowment Update
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Fallen Spartans
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Proxy Vote Form
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Homecoming 2015
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Calendar of Events
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JONES MAKES COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME,
PREDICTS TITLE FOR MSU
By Joe Rexrode, Detroit Free Press
This is going to be Clinton Jones’ year – but more importantly,
he insists, it will be Michigan State’s year.
Jones was emotional today about an honor he never thought
he’d receive. The National Football Foundation announced
that he will be one of 15 players and two coaches in the 2015
class of the College Football Hall of Fame.
“Joyful, overwhelmed and totally thrown off,” Jones said of
the honor, which makes him the eighth Michigan State player
in the hall – and the fourth from his legendary 1965-66
teams. “I’m still trying to grasp it, to digest it.”
He knows it was part of his dream for 2015, though. He will
turn 70 on May 24. He and his wife, Rosielee, are celebrating
their 40th year together, 36th of marriage and 35th of
their chiropractic business in the Los Angeles area. Their
grandchildren are due to double from three to six.
And he has fantasized about joining his close friends and
teammates in the hall – Gene Washington and the late Bubba Smith and George Webster – while MSU football celebrated the
50th anniversary of its last national championship with another. He felt a lot better about the likelihood of the latter than the
former. “In my heart of hearts, I honestly believe we’re going to win it this year,” said Jones, an All-America halfback for MSU
in 1965 and ‘66. “What’s happening right now at Michigan State is things coming full circle, with Lou Anna Simon and Mark
Hollis and Mark Dantonio. This is about Michigan State coming back to the national scene.”
Dantonio reached out to Jones soon after he was hired to replace John L. Smith in late 2006. He took Jones and another great
from those teams, Bob Apisa, to lunch in Los Angeles and told them of his vision for the program. They’ve been on board
since and have been engaged in a rise that has included 53 wins in the past five years, two Big Ten titles, a Rose Bowl win,
a Cotton Bowl win and three triumphs over top-5 teams in the past 13 months. And now Jones is getting his due. He will be
inducted Dec. 8 in New York. On Sept. 12 at Spartan Stadium, he will be added to the Ring of Fame as part of MSU’s game
against Oregon.
Smith, Webster and Washington are already in it, along with former President John Hannah, former coaches Duffy Daugherty
and Biggie Munn, and the other four MSU players in the College Football Hall of Fame – Don Coleman, Brad Van Pelt, John
Pingel and Percy Snow. Two other MSU greats were on the ballot this year, receiver Kirk Gibson and running back Lorenzo
White. Jones’ induction means all four players who were part of an unmatched NFL draft showing are now in – the 1967
draft saw Smith go No. 1 overall to Baltimore, Jones No. 2 to Minnesota, Webster No. 5 to Houston and Washington No. 8
to Minnesota.
After accounting for 2,549 all-purpose yards from 1964-66 under Daugherty, Jones played seven seasons in the NFL, six with
Minnesota and one with San Diego. He retired with 5,035 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns, and he remains best friends
with Washington.
During Jones’ playing days at MSU, Daugherty once said of the Cleveland native: “I wouldn’t trade Jones for any halfback in
the country. He’s the greatest back at eluding and breaking tackles I have ever seen. He has remarkable balance, speed and
power. Jones is also big, so he can run either around tacklers or over them, and that’s the same thing that made Jim Brown
so great.” Those Daugherty teams played a critical role in integrating the sport, and in 1965-66 the Spartans went a combined
19-1-1. Though some independent selectors awarded MSU the national championship after the “Game of the Century” 10-10
tie between No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 2 MSU, the Irish topped the polls.
The 1965 MSU team is the last to win an official national championship, and its 50th anniversary this fall.
So even as Jones basked in his long-awaited honor, he talked excitedly Friday about Dantonio, Connor Cook, his personal
favorite, receiver Andre Sims Jr. – Sims’ grandmother is Jones’ second cousin -- and the culture change that has allowed a
repeat to be possible.
“I saw this coming the first time I met Mark Dantonio,” Jones said. “He understands this is about team – you can’t play
football by yourself. Just like I’d never be here without my teammates, including those guys at the end of the bench who
made us better in practice every day.”
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CHARLIE BELL, ANDRE RISON HEADLINE
MSU HALL OF FAME CLASS
By Matt Charboneau, Detroit News
of student-athletes being awarded their
first varsity letter jacket in conjunction
with honoring our best of the best with
the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
We also celebrate the 100th anniversary
of the Varsity S Club. This is truly one of
my favorite weekends of the fall. “What
strikes me is that these former studentathletes not only achieved individual
success, but they excelled on some
outstanding teams.”
Charlie Bell, a member of Tom Izzo’s
2000 national championship team, and
NFL Pro Bowler Andre Rison headline a
six-person class to be inducted into the
Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame,
the school announced on Tuesday. Bell
(1997-2001) and Rison (1985-88) are
joined by Mary Kay Itnyre (basketball,
1977-80), Pat Milkovich (wrestling, 197276), Doug Weaver (athletic director,
1980-90/football, 1950-52) and Mike York
(hockey, 1995-99) as part of the 2015 class
that will be inducted formally on Sept. 17.
“We’re excited about inducting another
elite class into the MSU Athletics Hall of
Fame,” athletics director Mark Hollis said.
“We really look forward to the unique
opportunity to celebrate the achievement
Bell, a Flint native and an All-American in
2000, is MSU’s all-time leader in games
played and won four straight Big Ten
championships as well as three straight
Final Fours while winning the national
title in 2000. Bell played parts of seven
seasons in the NBA, averaging 13.5
points in 2006-07 with the Milwaukee
Bucks. “I was shocked when I got the
call from Mark Hollis, but I was also
extremely happy,” Bell said. “I had a lot
of different emotions, and I was just
trying not to cry. This is a great honor,
and one that I wouldn’t have realized
without tremendous support from so
many people throughout the university,
including our fans and alumni. But
most importantly, I need to thank my
teammates and coaches.”
Rison, a native of Flint, was an AllAmerican receiver who helped the
Spartans win the Big Ten in 1987 and
reach the Rose Bowl. He still ranks
among MSU’s career leaders in receiving
yards (second), 100-yard receiving
games (second), yards per catch (third
with 20.49 avg.), receptions (fourth)
and TD receptions (tied for fourth with
20). “I was fortunate to play with some
great players and great teammates,”
Rison said. “When I received the news
from Mark Hollis, I immediately thought
about guys like Percy Snow and
Harlon Barnett. You can’t erase those
memories. We’re Spartan brothers for
life.” Rison also lettered in track (1986)
and basketball (1988) while at MSU,
finishing second in the long jump at the
1986 Big Ten Indoor Championships.
He went on to a standout NFL career
where he was voted to the Pro Bowl five
times.
Photo, left top: Charlie Bell. Above:
Andre Rison.
MSUBA BOARD MEMBERS WANTED
Are you interested in joining the MSUBA National Board of Directors? MSUBA has 17 elected board members who
serve four year terms and are elected annually during homecoming weekend. MSUBA has three board vacancies in
2015. Nominees must have a strong interest and commitment to furthering the mission of MSUBA. Contact Secretary,
Ericka Savage, at [email protected] for a nominating form. All nominees must be present at the Annual Business
Meeting on October 3, 2015 at Causeway Bay Hotel. Visit www.MSUBA.org to learn more about MSUBA’s history and
the Board of Directors. You must be a financial member of MSUBA to serve on the Board!
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2015 EARVIN “ MAGIC” JOHNSON MSUBA CLASSIC
Photo: Top row left to right: Greg Eaton, Magic Johnson and Joel Ferguson; Lural Baltimore, Greg Eaton and Maura Benton; Marie Antoinette Duncan. Bottom
row, left to right: David Thomas, Greg Eaton, Tom Izzo, and Joel Ferguson; Janeé Ayers, Magic Johnson and Sparty. View more photos online: www. msuba.org
BLACK ALUMNI ASSN. PARTNERS WITH MAGIC JOHNSON FOR SCHOLARSHIP
Article published in the State News, July 13, 2015 by Ryan Kryska
The Michigan State Black Alumni
Association has partnered with Earvin
“Magic” Johnson to host an inaugural
scholarship fundraiser at the Detroit Golf
Club on August 11, 2015.
The fundraiser will support the MSUBA
endowment fund, the newly established
Magic Johnson Scholarship Fund and an
expendable fund for students, said Paris
Ross, the National President of MSUBA.
Ross said students can contact MSU to
apply for the scholarships. The fund aims
at remedying MSU college students who
struggle financially on their way toward
graduation. Antoinette Warr, facility
coordinator at the MSU Detroit Center and
the fundraiser’s chair, said Magic’s new
fund allows him to continue his legacy
of helping college students. “A very large
percent of students have to leave college
because they do not have the money to
go. We want to eliminate this problem,”
Warr said. “We can not put a price tag on
Earvin’s involvement and support. He has
given in so many ways.”
The fundraiser offers multiple sponsorship
packages for the public and Warr said
many Spartan legends have been invited,
including Mark Dantonio, Tom Izzo, Greg
Kelser, Steve Smith, Lorenzo White, Sam
Vincent, Adreian Payne, Mateen Cleaves,
Draymond Green, Mark Hollis, Alan Haller,
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David Thomas, Dwayne Stephens and
many more. The fundraiser will feature
a day of golf, pictures with Johnson, a
full breakfast, an elegant lunch, an open
bar and a silent auction. An onlinegiving account is also available for
anyone to donate to the the scholarship
funds. Warr said sponsors thus far
include Greektown Casino, Tim Hortons,
Dean Transportation, MSU Athletic
Department, MSU College of Education,
Spartan Fund, Avis and DoubleTree by
Hilton. “My blood is green. I am a true
spartan and spartans give back; we
want to help the cause,” Warr said.
2015-2016 MSUBA SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES
William Carr Scholarship Receipent
Dr. Charles and Martha Vincent Scholarship Receipent
• Paris Harper, Harrison High School, Farmington Hills, MI
• Brianna Lemon
Dr. Paulette Walker Scholarship Receipent
James T. Garrett Scholarship Receipent
• Egypt Eddy
• Quinton Shine, Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, Detroit, MI
Harold and Barbara B. Yates Scholarship Receipents
Ernest G. and Phyllis C. Green Receipents
• August Jenkins, Southfield Christian School, Southfield, MI
• Micah Davis, Cass Technical High School, Detroit, MI
• Kenneth Williams, Jr., Cass Technical High School, Detroit, MI
• Megdelwit Abebe
• Grace Clark
Ronald E. Goldsberry Family Scholarship Receipents
MSUBA General Scholarship Receipents
• Janae Carter, University Prepartory, Detroit, MI
• Brianna Davis, Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti, MI
• Sherronia Dorsey-Walker, Pershing High School, Detroit, MI
• Tatyona Fields
• Chardonnay Golson, Cass Technical High School, Detroit, MI
• Gabrielle Groce, Renaissance High School, Detroit, MI
Miller-Wilson Scholarship Receipents
• Alleah Thomas, Chandler Park Academy, Harper Woods, MI
• Labrawn Wade, J.W. Sexton High School, Lansing, MI
• Travon Malone, Iona Preparatory High School, New York, NY
• Vivian Obia, Renaissance High School, Detroit, MI
• Sierra Scott, Cass Technical High School, Detroit, MI
Pipes-McAdoo Scholarship Receipents
• Eiyesha Stephens, Pontiac High School, Pontiac, MI
• Samuel Esters, Detroit Renaissance High School, Detroit, MI
• Aliyah Tyson, West Bloomfield High School, West Bloomfield, MI
• Brionca Daniels, Crocket Technical High School, Detroit, MI
Photo, left to right: Jennifer Wallace, Walter O’Bryant, Samuel Esters, Quintin Shine, Jermayne Hairston, Kenyetta Smith, Paris Ross,
Janae Carter, Gabrielle Groce, D’Nae Hearn, Brionca Daniels, Erin Lasenby, Sierra Scott, Scott Westerman, Kenneth Williams, Jr.,
Eiyesha Stephens, August Jenkins, Lural Baltimore and Kim Henderson.
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ENDOWMENT UPDATE
The purpose of MSU Black Alumni (MSUBA) is to support and promote the welfare
and interests of black alumni, students, faculty and staff at MSU. One of our
goals is to implement programs to enhance educational opportunities and the
quality of life for blacks at MSU. MSUBA’s current scholarship endowment stand
at a market value of $1,010,029.00 as of April 2015. At this market value, the
scholarship income for fiscal year 2015-16 is $46,633.00. The named scholarship
endowments currently are:
Photo left to right: MSUBA Scholarship Student
Group members Sierra Scott, Kenneth Williams,
Jr., Janae Carter, D’Nae Hearn, Quinton Shine,
August Jenkins and Eiyesha Stephens.
James T. Garrett Sr. Pipes –McAdoo William Carr
Miller-Wilson
Dr. Robert L. Green
Harold and Barbara B. Yates Jr.
D.C. Chapter
Dr. Paulette Walker Charles and Martha Vincent Ernest G. and Phyllis C. Green Washington
Ronald E. Goldsberry Family
Interested in establishing a named scholarship endowment or need more information regarding establishing a named
endowment? Contact Lural Baltimore, email: [email protected]
FALLEN SPARTANS
Each year during Homecoming weekend MSUBA acknowledges fellow black alumni who have passed on. We try to recognize
all names that are provided to us since many of us have special memories of fallen Spartans. Names that have been
provided to us this year are:
Chris Ferguson Carlos Gaither
John Lewis
Dr. Dawn H. Pearcy Geneva Williams
Donald Vest (MSU first African American cheerleader)
If you know of other Spartans who have passed since October 2014, please submit their names to Lural Baltimore, email:
[email protected]
PROXY AUTHORIZATION FORM
PROXY AUTHORIZATION: Financial members who are unable to attend MSUBA’s Annual meeting
may authorize another MSUBA Financial member to vote on their behalf. Please complete the form
below and mail to: MSUBA, P.O. Box 26214, Lansing, MI 48909 Note: Per bylaws, proxy must be
filed five days prior to the day of the vote (Article II, Section 4.3.) Proxies must be received by
September 28, 2015.
I,
(Print first and last name here)
(Print authorized financial member’s first and last name here)
do appoint
, as an agent for me and give
him/her authorization to vote on my behalf at this year’s meeting, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2015. I understand that
this proixy is non-transferable to another financial member and secures my vote for this business meeting only.
(Sign first and last name here)
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MSUBA HOMECOMING
Event Schedule
October 2-4, 2015
Celebrating 35 Years of Honoring Our Past and Celebrating Our Future
FRIDAY
OCTOBER 2
EVENT
LOCATION
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Registration
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Old School Welcome Back Reception
5:00 p.m. - 2: 00 a.m.
Happy Hour at Gregory’s
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
MSU Homecoming Parade
9:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
MSUBA Welcome Back Party
$10 advance
$15 at door
Causeway Bay Hotel/Conference Ctr.
6820 S. Cedar
Lansing, MI 48911
Causeway Bay Hotel/Conference Ctr.
Lobby and Atrium
Gregory’s Inc.
2510 N. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.
Lansing, MI 48906
MSU Campus and Downtown East Lansing
Grand River Avenue
Causeway Bay Hotel/Conference Ctr.
Main Ballroom
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 3
EVENT
LOCATION
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
MSUBA National Board Meeting
Causeway Bay Hotel/Conference Ctr.
Executive Ballroom
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
MSUBA Tailgate
Donations accepted for food
MSU Campus
By International Center
N. Shaw Lane and Red Cedar Road
Noon – 3:00 p.m.
MSU Homecoming Football Game
MSU vs. Purdue
MSU Campus - Spartan Stadium
325 W. Shaw Lane
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
MSUBA Distinguished Alumni &
Scholarship Dinner
$60 advance
$65 at door
Causeway Bay Hotel/Conference Ctr.
Main Ballroom
10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
MSUBA Saturday Party
Must be 21 and over
$30 advance
$35 at door
Causeway Bay Hotel/Conference Ctr.
Main Ballroom
Featuring Grammy Award Winner D.J. Jazzy Jeff
SUNDAY
OCTOBER 4
10:00 a.m. – Noon
EVENT
LOCATION
MSUBA Memorial Brunch
$30 advance
$35 at door
Causeway Bay Hotel/Conference Ctr.
Executive Room
3
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015
SEPTEMBER
6 Atlanta Chapter
Picnic, 11th Annual House In the Park
20
Atlanta Chapter
Charity Event, Tomorrow’s Luminaries
Annual Charity Polo Match
OCTOBER
2-4Homecoming Weekend
Causeway Bay Hotel - Lansing, MI
17Detroit Chapter
Annual Urban Tailgate, MSU vs. U of M
Michigan State University Black Alumni Association
P.O. Box 26214
Lansing, Michigan 48909
MSUBA: Supporting and promoting the welfare and interest of black alumni, students, faculty and staff at MSU.
Visit us on the web: www.msuba.org