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Bulletin October 2003 [.pdf] - Johnson C. Smith University

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the<br />

JCSU Graduates<br />

Largest Class Ever<br />

For the <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> Class of <strong>2003</strong>, the future looks as bright as their mothers’ smiles<br />

and the sunny Sunday morning when they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas — the<br />

best Mother’s Day gift yet. Equipped with excellent academic, leadership and service training from<br />

JCSU, this group —the largest graduating class ever in the history of the <strong>University</strong> — is prepared to<br />

succeed at whatever they set out to do.<br />

Now that he has graduated with a bachelor’s degree in<br />

marketing from <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong>, Derek Epps<br />

of Arcadia, CA, is ready to conquer the world. “I am excited<br />

about the possibilities of what I can do with my degree,”<br />

he said with a big smile.<br />

Epps is one of 237 students who graduated with bachelor’s<br />

degrees at the <strong>University</strong>’s 136th commencement ceremony on<br />

Sunday, May 11. On a warm Mother’s Day morning, the Class of<br />

<strong>2003</strong> became the largest graduating class ever in the history of JCSU.<br />

The <strong>University</strong> conferred 103 bachelor<br />

of arts, 118 bachelor of science, and 16<br />

bachelor of social work degrees. It was<br />

the first year that JCSU presented degrees<br />

in Spanish and Sacred Music.<br />

“This is a moment to be cherished,<br />

and it will be forever etched in your<br />

memory bank,” says Dorothy Cowser<br />

Yancy, Ph.D., JCSU president. “Know that<br />

this is the time for you to take charge of<br />

your life and your future.”<br />

Epps knows exactly where his future<br />

is headed—Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He has<br />

landed a job in the management trainee<br />

program at Ernest & Julio Gallo Wineries.<br />

While at JCSU, Epps spent most of his<br />

summers interning and much of his spare<br />

time in the Office of Career Services. “I am very fortunate to have<br />

had this opportunity,” he said, “and I owe it to the preparation and<br />

assistance that I’ve received at JCSU from professors and staff.”<br />

In Fall 1999, many faculty and<br />

staff welcomed the Class of <strong>2003</strong>,<br />

which was also the largest freshman<br />

class in the <strong>University</strong>’s<br />

history. JCSU experienced<br />

the enrollment jump one year<br />

before its nationally-recognized<br />

laptop initiative became operable.<br />

Along with a list of other<br />

history book recordings, this<br />

class is also the last group<br />

to know JCSU before and<br />

after laptops.<br />

Christopher P. Gardner, <strong>2003</strong> Commencement Speaker<br />

T HE Q UARTERLY N EWSLETTER FOR A LUMNI & FRIENDS OF J OHNSON C. SMITH U NIVERSITY<br />

Derek Epps, <strong>2003</strong> JCSU graduate, proudly reaches for his diploma.<br />

During the ceremony, President Yancy acknowledged the many<br />

accomplishments of the Class of <strong>2003</strong>. JCSU graduates are going to<br />

top-notch graduate programs and receiving career opportunities in<br />

major corporations worldwide. “At this juncture, you must create<br />

a new map of understanding, new ways of thinking and solving<br />

problems of the past that impact the present and your future,”<br />

she said.<br />

The ceremony’s commencement speaker was Christopher P.<br />

Gardner, president and CEO of Gardner Rich & Company, Inc. in<br />

Chicago, IL. Gardner’s path from living<br />

in a subway restroom to becoming a<br />

millionaire has gained national attention<br />

and was heard in a 20/20 special on ABC<br />

News. After a chain of circumstances left<br />

him without a job or home, Gardner<br />

found himself and his baby son on the<br />

streets yet still determined to fulfill his<br />

dream of becoming a broker. Based on<br />

his life experiences, Gardner had two<br />

words for the Class of <strong>2003</strong>: “persistence”<br />

and “patience.”<br />

“Persistence—it’s what’s going<br />

to separate the guy that makes it from<br />

the guy who couldn’t,” Gardner said.<br />

In 1989, Gardner founded his own<br />

brokerage firm and eventually became<br />

a millionaire—all because he was persistent. “I had no choice,”<br />

he said, “so you can stay where you are or you can choose to<br />

rise. I chose to rise.”<br />

Commencement was not only for graduating seniors, but also<br />

for the young and active at heart. During the ceremony, Gardner<br />

received an honorary degree for his commitment to using his life<br />

to be of added value to youth and communities across the country.<br />

Mrs. Sarah Belk Gambrell, humanitarian and dynamic community<br />

leader, was also the recipient of an honorary degree. She served as<br />

a dedicated member of the JCSU Board of Trustees from 1978-2002.<br />

As the Class of <strong>2003</strong> prepared to walk into their destinies,<br />

President Yancy charged the graduates to keep their eyes on the<br />

prize of success and to remember JCSU as the road that helped<br />

them make it there. “Your support and faith are needed to embrace<br />

the history and heritage of this great institution, and we ask that<br />

you always hold high the gold and blue,” she said.<br />

Rev. Dr. H. Beecher<br />

Hicks, Jr. Inspires<br />

Seniors<br />

With a soul-stirring message, “Mark the<br />

Spot,” the Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr.<br />

gave <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> seniors a<br />

great deal of inspiration before the big<br />

day. An annual tradition at JCSU, Senior<br />

Baccalaureate is the first opportunity that<br />

graduates have to formally wear their<br />

robes, march together into the church and<br />

mentally prepare for Commencement.<br />

Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr., senior<br />

minister of the 6,000-member historic<br />

Metropolitan Baptist Church in<br />

Washington, DC, was the keynote speaker.<br />

He shared a message that left the entire<br />

audience standing on their feet by<br />

encouraging students to remember what<br />

they’ve experienced and to let their<br />

victories lead them to their future.<br />

“Wherever you were,” Hicks said,<br />

“when you were accepted to <strong>Johnson</strong> C.<br />

<strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong>—mark the spot; when<br />

you passed a class that you thought you<br />

failed—mark the spot; when you thought<br />

you couldn’t pay for tuition and a relative<br />

sent you unexpected money—mark the<br />

spot.”<br />

For more than 25 years, Dr. Hicks’<br />

leadership has developed Metropolitan<br />

into one of the world’s foremost Christian<br />

congregations. Metropolitan’s four<br />

subsidiary corporations, church<br />

administrative offices, school and over 60<br />

ministries, comprise a workforce of nearly<br />

100 persons, making it one of the<br />

community’s largest faith-based employers.<br />

In November 1993, Ebony Magazine<br />

honored Dr. Hicks as one of America’s<br />

“Fifteen Greatest African American<br />

Preachers.”<br />

Dr. Hicks’ daughter, Kristin Elizabeth, is<br />

a <strong>2003</strong> JCSU graduate. “I have never<br />

missed an opportunity to speak during my<br />

children’s graduations, and I am proud to<br />

be a part of this service at <strong>Johnson</strong> C.<br />

<strong>Smith</strong> with my daughter,” he said.


Clinton Moore explores a new culture during his<br />

travels to Oaxaca, Mexico.<br />

Alumni News<br />

A Family Affair<br />

When Clinton Funderburk Moore ’03 accepted his diploma in May, he joined the<br />

ranks of the fourth generation of his family to graduate from <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

<strong>University</strong>. He’s now taking a global approach to walking in their footsteps.<br />

It’s been more than 100 years since Clinton<br />

Funderburk Moore’s great-grandfather<br />

attended <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong>.<br />

Carrying on the family tradition and proud<br />

of it, Moore is now a fourth generation <strong>Smith</strong>ite<br />

with some giant shoes to fill.<br />

Moore, who attended preschool at JCSU,<br />

could have potentially gone anywhere he chose,<br />

but he applied to two<br />

schools—<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

<strong>University</strong> and Morehouse<br />

College—and was accepted into both. “I was strongly<br />

encouraged to attend <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong>,” he says<br />

smiling, “but I didn’t mind because I knew firsthand<br />

the end product of a <strong>Smith</strong> education. I have a<br />

successful path to follow.”<br />

Moore’s path starts from a long lineage of<br />

accomplished JCSU graduates. His great-grandfather,<br />

Lewis Funderburk, attended the school when it was<br />

named Biddle <strong>University</strong> in the late 1800’s. William<br />

L. Funderburk ’15, his grandfather, was the first<br />

African-American in Lancaster, SC, to receive a BS<br />

degree. Dr. William Funderburk ’52, Moore’s uncle,<br />

graduated magna cum laude, went on to medical school, became a<br />

surgeon and ultimately founded the first ambulatory hospital owned by<br />

an African American. His mother, Dr. Maxine Moore ’65, who is now<br />

Dean of the Honors College at JCSU, was married with children when<br />

she graduated summa cum laude and class valedictorian. And his aunt,<br />

Louilyn Hargett ’53, wife of Trustee Emeritus James Hargett ’52, graduated<br />

summa cum laude with three majors in three years as valedictorian<br />

of her class. Two other uncles, John Funderburk ’70 and Henry<br />

Funderburk ’86, returned to JCSU and graduated.<br />

“So you see I’ve got a lot to live up to. My family is so wellspoken,<br />

intellectual, charming and successful. I want to emulate<br />

that success,” Moore says.<br />

For him, growing up with a family full of alumni not only meant<br />

hearing countless Golden Bull stories during holidays and reunions, but<br />

it also meant that Moore had to find a place at JCSU that was his own.<br />

“Even though I was blessed, it was far from easy,” he says, “It’s<br />

almost like I had to prove that I could be successful at <strong>Smith</strong> on my<br />

own merit.” Moore has taken advantage of the opportunities he has<br />

received at JCSU to the fullest.<br />

In addition to being an Economics major, an Honors College<br />

student, a campus leader and a third generation member of the Rho<br />

Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Moore has traveled the world<br />

while at JCSU. As part of the Russian Language and Culture Program<br />

(RLCP), he went to Russia in 2001. RLCP is a proficiency-based instructional<br />

program, designed to improve and expedite the acquisition of<br />

Russian language and cultural knowledge through a series of language<br />

study and practice opportunities. Then, he lived in Mexico for two<br />

months and was immersed in the culture and the language.<br />

“I fell in love with the Spanish culture—the<br />

sights, sounds, language, smells, food and the<br />

music. It’s just intoxicating,” says Moore.<br />

He now speaks Spanish fluently and is competent<br />

in Russian. “I’m ready to travel abroad again.<br />

I want to retire in Spain,” says Moore. The experiences<br />

that he gained while he was a student at<br />

JCSU has led him to think globally. Next year, he<br />

plans to combine law and graduate schools to<br />

study International Law and Latin American Studies.<br />

Eventually, he wants politics—to be Governor, then<br />

President. “It’s going to happen,” he says.<br />

Moore understands the opportunities to pursue<br />

his interests in international studies and global economics<br />

would not be possible without the support<br />

he received at JCSU. He tapped into the heart of the <strong>University</strong>’s vision<br />

to help students think and understand on a global scale.<br />

When he graduated, Moore received lots of advice from his family<br />

of alumni about his next steps. “My mother just told me ‘Don’t stop<br />

here,’ and I have to honor that,” he says. He’s looked back at his heritage<br />

and realized the sacrifices his family made to enter the realm of<br />

success, and he has to do the same.<br />

He shares his philosophy, “For every goal I achieve, for every<br />

victory I gain, there must be some type of sacrifice to merit my success.<br />

So if I strive to be successful in whatever God may give me, it will<br />

merit the greater things I will receive.”<br />

Receiving a diploma from JCSU is just the beginning for the<br />

motivated young man. Now, Moore must carry on the tradition that<br />

his great-grandfather started—not just the JCSU custom, but the tradition<br />

of establishing a legacy of which future generations can be proud.<br />

Moore, whose family endowed a scholarship last year, knows<br />

that he will always remain connected to <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />

because of what was given to him. “Life isn’t about us—it’s about<br />

the progression of the world. I must contribute ten times as much<br />

as I’ve been given,” he says.<br />

<strong>2003</strong> Commencement Recap<br />

2


Commencement <strong>2003</strong><br />

3


& WORLD REPORT<br />

U.S.News<br />

Best<br />

Colleges<br />

2004<br />

JCSU Ranks<br />

Among the Best<br />

in the Nation<br />

<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> continues<br />

to be heralded as one of the best small<br />

colleges in the nation as evidence of this<br />

year’s “America’s Best Colleges Guide<br />

2004” just released by U.S. News and<br />

World Report. JCSU advances to 22nd<br />

place in the top tier among the best<br />

southern comprehensive colleges and<br />

soars to number two among the best<br />

values in the South. JCSU was ranked<br />

24th and 17th respectively in these<br />

categories last year.<br />

“We are extremely proud to be listed<br />

in the top tier with other great<br />

institutions in the country. Our<br />

advancement in these rankings is a<br />

testament to the hard work of our<br />

faculty, administrators, staff and<br />

students,” says Dorothy Cowser Yancy,<br />

Ph.D., JCSU president. “<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

is committed to academic excellence and<br />

to giving students the competitive edge<br />

they will need to be successful upon<br />

graduation.”<br />

The U.S. News rankings are based on<br />

several key measures of quality, which<br />

fall into seven broad categories:<br />

assessment by administrators at peer<br />

institutions, retention of students, faculty<br />

resources, student selectivity, financial<br />

resources, alumni giving, and graduation<br />

rate performance. JCSU ranked<br />

especially well for its small classes,<br />

percent of full-time faculty and financial<br />

resources. According to U.S. News, “best<br />

values” universities such as JCSU provide<br />

quality academic programs and cost<br />

considerably less than other schools<br />

when financial aid is taken into account.<br />

“We hope the rankings will be an<br />

opportunity for prospective students and<br />

their families to take a look at the<br />

excellent education that <strong>Johnson</strong> C.<br />

<strong>Smith</strong> provides,” says Yancy.<br />

JCSU Makes<br />

Another Top<br />

100 List<br />

JCSU was recently listed in Black<br />

Issues in Higher Education’s “Top 100<br />

Degree Producers <strong>2003</strong>,” ranking 37th in<br />

the nation among higher education<br />

institutions awarding Computer Science<br />

degrees to African-American students.<br />

The <strong>University</strong> also ranked 45th in the<br />

nation in awarding English degrees. In<br />

both instances, JCSU ranks higher than<br />

any other private institution in North and<br />

South Carolina.<br />

JCSU Choir Performs in Bahamas<br />

The <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> Concert Choir shared its gift<br />

of music and left a lasting impression across the nation this<br />

year. With dozens of performances each semester, the choir<br />

performed in Cleveland, OH and Sumter, SC and several<br />

local events including the MLK Celebration for the City of Charlotte<br />

and the United Negro College Fund’s “A Mind Is” gala. Of major<br />

significance was the <strong>2003</strong> Spring Tour, an annual event for the choir<br />

during spring break. The choir traveled to the Bahamas to participate<br />

in the 12th Annual Southeastern<br />

African-American Collegiate Music<br />

Festival and made a spring tour<br />

out of the visit with scheduled<br />

performances throughout the<br />

islands. During the festival, the<br />

choir performed with other<br />

universities including Fisk, Florida<br />

A&M, South Carolina State and<br />

Morris Brown College and had<br />

the opportunity to perform for<br />

the Governor General. As part of<br />

the tour, the choir visited schools<br />

and churches on several islands<br />

including Freeport, Lucaya and<br />

Nassau. They spread the JCSU<br />

JCSU welcomed more than 300 incoming freshman and their<br />

parents to campus during the annual Golden Bull Academy.<br />

Participants received helpful information on topics such as<br />

academics, campus safety, student services and financial aid to<br />

help make it a smooth transition from high school to college life at<br />

story through song to hundreds of people who were excited to<br />

know more about the <strong>University</strong>. “We appreciate the support of<br />

our president, faculty and staff, and alumni throughout the country<br />

who are loyal to JCSU and the choir by continually asking us to<br />

perform each year,” says Bruce Thompson, JCSU director of music.<br />

For a copy of the <strong>2003</strong> performance schedule of the JCSU<br />

Concert Choir, visit out web site at www.jcsu.edu or call<br />

(704) 378-1022.<br />

JCSU Band Gets Down at Arena<br />

Groundbreaking<br />

The building process<br />

for a new Center<br />

City arena, the<br />

home of the NBA’s<br />

Charlotte Bobcats, has<br />

officially begun. An outdoor<br />

celebration with live music,<br />

games, entertainers, a<br />

monster truck and a live<br />

blast kicked off the<br />

beginning of construction.<br />

But of major significance<br />

was the JCSU Marching<br />

Band, also known as the<br />

International Institution<br />

of Sound (IIOS), whose<br />

performance left a lasting<br />

impression with the<br />

audience.<br />

Golden Bull Academy Adds Value<br />

to the Freshman Experience<br />

JCSU. The crowd also had lots of fun and entertainment during their<br />

visit. Golden Bull Academy gives students who will be attending in<br />

the Fall an early start to learn about educational opportunities and<br />

expectations at JCSU. This is the third year the school has<br />

implemented the orientation program.<br />

President Yancy Delivers<br />

VSU Commencement Address<br />

The season of graduation speeches offered JCSU President<br />

Dorothy Cowser Yancy the honor to address more than<br />

600 graduates at Virginia State <strong>University</strong>’s 117th<br />

Commencement. “Leadership is not about grabbing<br />

power,” she said. “Leadership is about empowering other good<br />

people to do good for the larger community. You are the leaders<br />

of your generation, and it is to you that the torch is passed.” In<br />

addition, VSU<br />

conferred<br />

upon President<br />

Yancy an<br />

honorary<br />

Doctorate of<br />

Education degree.<br />

President Yancy poses with Dr. Ronald C. <strong>Johnson</strong>, rector of VSU<br />

Board of Visitors.<br />

4


Headline<br />

Thinkpad U Goes Wireless<br />

<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> will be different this Fall. While the<br />

<strong>University</strong> has been recognized as one of the “most wired” small<br />

colleges in the nation, it’s now taking a different approach —<br />

Thinkpad U is going wireLESS.<br />

“Wireless means that any space can become a classroom,”<br />

says John Norris, JCSU director of information technology.<br />

“Students will have access virtually anywhere<br />

on campus.”<br />

Beginning Fall <strong>2003</strong>, every student<br />

at JCSU received a brand new IBM<br />

ThinkPad R40 Model equipped<br />

with the latest software and<br />

wireless capabilities.<br />

Whether a student is<br />

doing research in the<br />

library or needs to<br />

email an assignment<br />

to a professor before<br />

class, they can do<br />

so with just one<br />

click of a button—<br />

no plug-ins.<br />

Many students<br />

believe that<br />

becoming a wireless<br />

campus adds a new<br />

and improved<br />

dimension to JCSU’s<br />

technology initiative.<br />

“Most people think this kind<br />

of thing only happens at larger<br />

universities,” says Monica<br />

Simpson, a senior, communication<br />

arts major, “but it’s proving that we’re<br />

making our mark in education with these<br />

monumental steps in technology.”<br />

Three years ago when the initiative began, students could<br />

access the campus-wide network and the Internet through data<br />

ports in every building on campus. The wireless component will<br />

eventually allow students to connect anywhere, including outdoors,<br />

on campus. Walls, wires or data ports will no longer serve as a<br />

barrier between students, their laptops and the information highway.<br />

“Going wireless actually makes the laptops more useful,” says<br />

Norris, “because students will enjoy more freedom from room to<br />

room to work on projects and assignments.”<br />

The wireless project, supported by a Title III grant to strengthen<br />

the <strong>University</strong>’s infrastructure, will occur in two phases. Phase I<br />

allows all academic buildings including the library, classrooms and<br />

the Student Union to have wireless access. When students walked on<br />

to campus in August, they were able to log on to the campus-wide<br />

network and the Internet in these facilities. Dorms and<br />

administrative buildings will be outfitted with the wireless<br />

technology during Phase II, which begins in <strong>October</strong> <strong>2003</strong>.<br />

Not only will there be wireless capabilities,<br />

but also the new, upgraded laptops are<br />

equipped with the latest operating<br />

system, Windows XP. This system<br />

better supports the wireless<br />

capabilities, says Norris, and<br />

is the most current<br />

product on the market.<br />

This is the first year<br />

since the laptop<br />

initiative began there<br />

has been a full<br />

laptop upgrade<br />

across the board.<br />

Students,<br />

faculty and staff<br />

will have the<br />

opportunity to<br />

receive full training<br />

on all of the new<br />

technology features<br />

that JCSU offers. “Going<br />

wireless demonstrates<br />

<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

<strong>University</strong>’s commitment to<br />

technological innovation and<br />

to helping our students stay on top<br />

of the learning curve,” says Dorothy<br />

Cowser Yancy, Ph.D., JCSU president.<br />

Several universities across the country including<br />

Seton Hall, Wake Forest and Virginia Union are using the wireless<br />

innovation in some aspects.<br />

While the wireless laptops have arrived, Norris is already<br />

thinking about the future. He believes the next wave of<br />

technological advancement is in sight, which involves integrating<br />

new tools like palm pilots, personal digital devices and pocket PCs<br />

into the academic curriculum.<br />

“We’re always thinking about how we can improve the<br />

academic experience for our students through the use of<br />

technology,” says President Yancy. “That’s what’s going to<br />

continue to make our students competitive upon graduation.”<br />

JCSU is One of Three Universities<br />

to be Elected to Science<br />

Consortium<br />

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) has elected three<br />

new institutions to its consortium including associate<br />

member <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> along with members<br />

Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine in<br />

London and Ohio State <strong>University</strong>. JCSU is one of only eleven<br />

Historically Black<br />

Colleges and<br />

Universities (HBCU)<br />

in the country to hold<br />

this distinction.<br />

“<strong>Johnson</strong> C.<br />

<strong>Smith</strong> is proud to<br />

become a member of<br />

ORAU. It is a valuable<br />

resource to help us<br />

strengthen our focus<br />

on research,” says Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Ph.D., JCSU president.<br />

Among the benefits of joining the ORAU consortium, member<br />

and associate institutions take part in scientific research programs<br />

sponsored or administered by ORAU and benefit from internships,<br />

laboratory research and travel grants. ORAU now has 88 member<br />

institutions and nine associate members, which are found in 25<br />

states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and London.<br />

“Since the consortium’s inception in 1946, ORAU has led the<br />

way in bringing together government and academia to further our<br />

knowledge of science<br />

and continue to<br />

expand our nation’s<br />

technology infrastructure,”<br />

said Dr.<br />

Ronald Townsend,<br />

ORAU president.<br />

OR U<br />

OAK RIDGE ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES<br />

ORAU is a<br />

university consortium<br />

leveraging the<br />

scientific strength<br />

of major research institutions to advance science and education<br />

by partnering with national laboratories, government agencies and<br />

private industry. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science<br />

and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy.<br />

<strong>University</strong> News 1<br />

5<br />

World-renowned<br />

Poet Maya Angelou<br />

Attends Luncheon<br />

at JCSU<br />

More than 300 guests gathered to<br />

hear celebrated poet and author Dr.<br />

Maya Angelou as she lead the firstever<br />

Maya Angelou Women Who Lead<br />

Luncheon. Held at <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

<strong>University</strong>, the benefit for the United<br />

Negro College Fund raised more than<br />

$50,000 in its first year.<br />

Four women leaders who have<br />

made outstanding career<br />

achievements, while also making<br />

significant contributions to their<br />

communities, were honored during<br />

the luncheon: Emma Allen, senior vice<br />

president at Bank of America; Candace<br />

Graves, foreign service officer for U.S.<br />

Department of State; Wilhelmenia<br />

Rembert, chairperson for the Charlotte-<br />

Mecklenburg Board of Education; and<br />

Andrea Stinson, starting guard for the<br />

WNBA’s Charlotte Sting.<br />

During the event, two students<br />

each were presented a $5,000<br />

scholarship. India Simpson, of<br />

Charlotte, is a graduate of Vance High<br />

School and attends JCSU as well as<br />

Diandria Martin, of Charlotte, who<br />

attends Livingstone College. Additional<br />

proceeds will benefit all UNCF<br />

member institutions including the six<br />

located in North Carolina: Barber-<br />

Scotia College, Bennett College, JCSU,<br />

Livingstone, Shaw <strong>University</strong> and St.<br />

Augustine’s College.<br />

Your New<br />

and Improved<br />

Newsletter<br />

Congratulations to Mildred Demetri ’68<br />

of Charlotte, who entered the winning<br />

name for the new and improved alumni<br />

newsletter. The newsletter has been<br />

officially named The <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

<strong>University</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> and will be published<br />

quarterly in <strong>October</strong>, January, April and<br />

July. We hope you enjoy the fresh new<br />

look, interesting feature stories and the<br />

consistent news you need to keep up-todate.<br />

We would also like to extend a<br />

warm thank you to all alumni who<br />

submitted names for the newsletter.


Fall<br />

<strong>2003</strong><br />

Lyceum<br />

Schedule<br />

September 17 @ 7:30 PM<br />

PATRICIA RUSSELL-MCCLOUD,<br />

J.D.<br />

Introspection: Leading From<br />

Where You Are<br />

Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium<br />

<strong>October</strong> 8 @ 7:30 PM<br />

DON MAGER, PH.D.<br />

Book Launching and Poetry<br />

Reading: The Elegance of the<br />

Ungraspable<br />

Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium<br />

<strong>October</strong> 20-31 @ 4:00 — 7:00 PM<br />

(weekdays)<br />

CYNTHIA C. COLE, MA AND<br />

HASAAN A. KIRKLAND, MFA<br />

Faculty Exhibit: A<br />

Women’s Visions and<br />

Making a Soul Effort<br />

James B. Duke Memorial Library<br />

November 4 @ 7:30 PM<br />

JAMES MCBRIDE<br />

The Color of Water: A<br />

Meditation on Identity<br />

Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium<br />

November 11 @ 7:30 PM<br />

CHRISTOPHER WEISE, PH.D.<br />

Recital: Eclectic Electric<br />

Locutions<br />

Jane M. <strong>Smith</strong> Memorial Church<br />

Pilot Training Programs at JCSU<br />

Could Have Positive Impact on<br />

Closing the Gap for Minorities<br />

and Dislocated Workers<br />

Three years ago, <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> (JCSU) was<br />

awarded a $750,000 grant from the United States<br />

Department of Labor (DOL) to identify gaps between area<br />

employers’ needs and the skill level of the available<br />

workforce. After compiling and analyzing data, the results of three<br />

pilot training programs show a potential impact on the workforce<br />

development skills of minorities and dislocated workers in the<br />

Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.<br />

This grant, the largest single grant ever awarded to JCSU by the<br />

DOL, was one of more than $14 million in grants to 13 minority<br />

colleges and universities. Its purpose was to create a partnership of<br />

community leaders to identify employers’ needs and to develop new<br />

systems to train workers for high-skill jobs in areas where<br />

companies are facing labor shortages.<br />

“As one of this country’s oldest and strongest historically black<br />

universities,” said Haseeb Ahmed, Ph.D., associate professor of<br />

finance, “we were in a unique position in the Charlotte community<br />

to provide leadership in closing skill gaps for minorities—not only<br />

for African Americans, but also for Hispanics and Asians.” The grant<br />

targeted workers who were employed but needed to upgrade their<br />

skills, as well as dislocated workers, the underemployed and<br />

unemployed.<br />

JCSU established a consortium of area leaders to address skill<br />

shortages in the area. With input from the partnership, JCSU<br />

completed a business and community audit. Armed with data, JCSU<br />

staff designed and developed pilot training programs which will<br />

have a positive impact on three critical areas of workforce<br />

development: Limited English Proficiency, Information Technology<br />

and Teacher Licensure.<br />

The “Stepping Up” Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Program<br />

targeted the largest segment of the basic skill workforce—those from<br />

Spanish speaking countries. The LEP program was designed for<br />

Construction Updates<br />

JCSU has been busy<br />

over the summer<br />

renovating and<br />

upgrading a few of the<br />

buildings on campus to<br />

make our students’ stay<br />

even more enjoyable. Here<br />

are some of the highlights:<br />

Biddle Hall —<br />

Construction continues;<br />

expected to reopen in<br />

the Spring<br />

Brayboy<br />

Gymnasium —<br />

Locker room showers<br />

renovated; walls and<br />

ceiling repainted; installed<br />

new tile walls and floors<br />

Carter Hall —<br />

Currently undergoing<br />

repairs to roof, fascia,<br />

soffits and rafters; new<br />

gutters; replastered and<br />

painted<br />

Davis Hall and<br />

Perry Hall —<br />

Repaired doors and entrance to the bridge<br />

Duke Hall — Replaced all windows and carpet; porch roofs<br />

repaired; new gutters<br />

Education Building — Windows and ceiling<br />

waterproofed to eliminate leaks<br />

adults whose language skills needed improvement to communicate<br />

effectively in the workplace. Also taught were skills in leadership,<br />

team building, problem solving, data gathering and computers. This<br />

program was especially effective for those who had earned<br />

credentials in another country that were not transferable to the U.S.<br />

The program not only improved speaking skills, but also<br />

emphasized understanding the meaning behind the language.<br />

The Information Technology Program offered comprehensive<br />

computer training to develop skills necessary to get and keep jobs<br />

and then to ensure that each participant was employment ready.<br />

Adult students were trained in hardware, web design and office<br />

products. This program complements and enhances the existing<br />

programs offered in the community because it serves persons who<br />

might otherwise not get training due to barriers that exist regarding<br />

race, class, location and times for classes.<br />

To respond to the critical shortage of licensed teachers, a Fast<br />

Track Teacher Licensure Program was created to provide a stateapproved<br />

and nationally accredited teacher education program. The<br />

major advantage was that JCSU provided evening and weekend<br />

classes—allowing entry teachers the opportunity to complete the<br />

professional block of courses in one semester and a summer.<br />

This workforce development grant has positioned JCSU to be a<br />

major provider of workforce training in the Charlotte area. Based on<br />

the measurable results of the pilot programs, the <strong>University</strong> is now<br />

available to consult with area businesses to “custom-design” training<br />

programs to fit specific employer needs on a “fee for service” basis.<br />

As funds become available, JCSU intends to expand the pilot<br />

models to full training programs for businesses, organizations and<br />

individuals. According to the DOL’s Federal Project Officer, JCSU has<br />

done an exceptional job in meeting the goals of this grant initiative.<br />

The <strong>University</strong> has been invited to post their success on the DOL’s<br />

“Promising Practices” website.<br />

Greenfield<br />

Hall —<br />

Replaced carpet<br />

Irwin Belk<br />

Complex —<br />

Opened last<br />

semester; all home<br />

football games with<br />

the exception of<br />

homecoming will<br />

be played in the<br />

complex<br />

Jane M. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

Memorial<br />

Church — Complete inside renovation; roof and gutter<br />

systems repaired; repaired water damage; new paint; resurfaced<br />

outside walkway<br />

Liston Hall — Have begun to replace 40-year old roof<br />

McCrorey Hall — Modernized with new windows, doors,<br />

wiring, a new ceiling and central air conditioning and heat<br />

6


Headline<br />

Upward Bound Brings <strong>University</strong><br />

Experience to More Than 100<br />

High School Students<br />

Acrime has occurred on campus, and Rene Kimray’s forensic<br />

science class has analyzed the scene. Although the crime<br />

has been staged, the lessons that these Upward Bound<br />

students receive at <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> are real.<br />

“This program gives students a chance to take more advanced,<br />

college-prep courses,” said Kimray, an Upward Bound Forensics<br />

instructor and an outreach educator at Discovery Place. “I’ve seen<br />

students who did not have a great deal of confidence before they<br />

entered the program take flight<br />

and gain a deeper appreciation<br />

for science and for themselves.”<br />

Each year, more than 100<br />

students from area Charlotte-<br />

Mecklenburg high schools<br />

participate in the <strong>University</strong>hosted<br />

Upward Bound Program.<br />

The federally funded program<br />

gives high-potential, low-income,<br />

first-generation college students a<br />

glimpse of college life.<br />

Kendra Jones, a rising junior<br />

who’s been in the program for<br />

three years, took six classes a day<br />

and lived in Myers Hall as part of<br />

her Upward Bound Math and<br />

Science experience. In Forensics,<br />

she had to collect DNA samples,<br />

hair fibers and determine blood<br />

types in order to solve a mock<br />

crime. The class also included a<br />

visit to the morgue and crime lab.<br />

Not only are students<br />

involved in intensive academic instruction, but also through Upward<br />

Bound, they get a real taste of college life. During the six-week<br />

Residential Summer Program, students are provided room and board<br />

at JCSU.<br />

Jones said during the summer program, “You’re in charge of<br />

you. You have to learn how to cooperate, live with other people<br />

and manage your time wisely.”<br />

Tia Golden, a rising junior at Independence High School,<br />

aspires to be a pediatric surgeon and believes that Upward Bound<br />

gives her opportunities that she wouldn’t otherwise have to help her<br />

reach her goals.<br />

“Many students don’t have the same chance to gain these new<br />

experiences. I feel very fortunate,” said Golden.<br />

Through college visits, assistance with entrance exams and<br />

financial aid applications and career counseling, students like Jones<br />

and Golden are prepared to make the transition from high school to<br />

college.<br />

JCSU recently received two grants by the Department of<br />

Education totaling more than $500,000 each year to continue the<br />

Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science Programs for<br />

the next four years. It is one of only two institutions in North<br />

Carolina to receive funding for the Upward Bound Math and Science<br />

Program.<br />

The <strong>University</strong> has been successful in its Upward Bound<br />

program since its inception in 1971 and the Upward Bound Math<br />

and Science Program since 1995. Each year, 99 to 100 percent of the<br />

graduating seniors complete the program and go on to college, said<br />

Magdalyn Lowe, JCSU Upward Bound director.<br />

Students receive services year round through the academic year<br />

and summer components. Lowe believes this exposure to the real<br />

college life experience is good preparation for the students. “We are<br />

excited to have the additional funding because it means that we can<br />

continue what we’ve begun, which is to ensure that students finish<br />

high school and are successful in completing college,” said Lowe.<br />

Renowned Author Challenges<br />

Young Minds<br />

Every author hopes to have a literary piece that changes the<br />

world. Darwin McBeth Walton—notable author and educator<br />

— achieved her goal through a book that has shifted the way<br />

children see color.<br />

In the early 1970’s, Walton recognized a lack of literature on<br />

the contributions of African-Americans. Teaching at a predominately<br />

African-American elementary school in Chicago during that time<br />

prompted her to do something about it.<br />

“There just wasn’t much available to share with my students,”<br />

says Walton. “In order to create good self images, I believe our<br />

children need to know about our rich history.”<br />

To fill in the gaps, Walton taught many of her lessons from<br />

Ebony magazines using assorted cut-outs of people, places and<br />

stories. She wanted to show her students more positive images<br />

of African-Americans.<br />

Her passion for dealing with the issue emerged through her<br />

writing, and in 1973, Walton had her first book published. Her<br />

landmark book, What Color Are You? published by <strong>Johnson</strong><br />

Publishing Company, was one of the first pieces about diversity<br />

to be used in the public schools. It describes the purpose of skin<br />

Rene Kimray, forensics instructor, and an Upward Bound student analyze the crime scene evidence.<br />

and the cause of various skin colors. The book also discusses<br />

the fact that skin color has no effect on basic human needs and<br />

feelings.<br />

“The book made it easy for teachers to speak to the fact of<br />

differences in color,” says Walton. Now, countless educators are<br />

using Walton’s book to address tough issues with children.<br />

What Color Are You? was not the first book Walton wrote,<br />

but she says it is the one that truly inspired her to continue to be<br />

a positive force in the education of children and parents. Her other<br />

books include Overcoming Challenges and Dance, Kayla.<br />

Walton, who attended <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> in the 1940’s,<br />

lives in Illinois and remains in education at National Louis <strong>University</strong>.<br />

She continues to write and talk about the multi-cultural and diverse<br />

society in which our children are growing up.<br />

“All of our children are entitled to a fair education. Young<br />

teachers should work hard to keep our history alive in the schools<br />

for our children,” says Walton.<br />

Out of her love for JCSU and impressionable young minds,<br />

Walton has donated several of her books to the James B. Duke<br />

Memorial Library.<br />

<strong>University</strong> News<br />

Ying Bai, Ph.D.<br />

Assistant Professor of<br />

Computer Science and<br />

Engineering<br />

1<br />

7<br />

Spotlight<br />

Faculty<br />

FacultySpotlight<br />

Treasured<br />

Textbook<br />

An innovative, hands-on textbook by<br />

Professor Ying Bai gives students at<br />

<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> what they<br />

need for IT success.<br />

Dr. Ying Bai, JCSU assistant professor of<br />

computer science and engineering, has<br />

taken a practical approach to a complex<br />

language—computer programming. His<br />

first textbook, Applications Interface<br />

Programming Using Multiple Languages: A<br />

Windows Programmer’s Guide, was just<br />

recently published and is gaining national<br />

recognition as an indispensable tool for<br />

programmers, software engineers, college<br />

students, researchers and professors.<br />

“Before I came to <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong>, I<br />

had never written a book,” says Bai. “But I<br />

realized that our students needed<br />

something that was more organized, and<br />

the only way to do that was to develop an<br />

example-oriented book that students could<br />

use.”<br />

His textbook is the only one of its kind<br />

and is a hands-on, example-packed tool<br />

that guides readers through everything<br />

they need to know about interface<br />

multiple languages in Windows. With a<br />

CD-Rom included, each chapter has<br />

working examples to solve real-world<br />

problems.<br />

Bai teaches four to five classes each<br />

semester at JCSU and uses the new<br />

textbook to help students understand<br />

programming using multiple languages.<br />

His textbook is also being used by other<br />

computer and engineering professionals<br />

across the country. He has two more<br />

books that will be published in the near<br />

future including Mastering Electronics Via<br />

Labs and Serial Port Interface Handbook<br />

in Windows.<br />

Bai has published more than ten papers<br />

in journals and conferences, and his<br />

research interests include software<br />

engineering, mix-language programming,<br />

automatic and fuzzy logic control, robotics<br />

control and calibration as well as accurate<br />

measurements.<br />

Bai received his BS and MS degrees<br />

from Tsinghua <strong>University</strong> and Beijing<br />

Institute of Technology, China in 1983 and<br />

1987 respectively. He studied at Robotics<br />

Center at Florida Atlantic <strong>University</strong> and<br />

earned his Ph.D. in 2000. Before joining<br />

JCSU, Dr. Bai worked as a senior software<br />

engineer at different companies in the US<br />

and successfully developed many projects<br />

in industrial fields.


Class Notes<br />

Bishop John H. Adams ’47, a senior<br />

bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal<br />

Church, former president of Paul Quinn<br />

College (1956-1962), and currently<br />

Resident Senior Bishop of the Seventh<br />

Episcopal District, recently received the<br />

honor of having the Administration<br />

Building (formerly known as Price Branch<br />

Building) at Paul Quinn College dedicated<br />

in his name.<br />

David M. Dupree ’48 was recently<br />

awarded the Elder Watson Diggs Award<br />

during a ceremony at the Capitol Conclave<br />

of Kappa Alpha Psi. The award recognizes<br />

Dupree’s commitment to community<br />

service, accomplishments as famed coach<br />

and educator as well as his dedication and<br />

service to his fraternity, both locally and<br />

nationally.<br />

Jim Richardson ’49, former N.C.<br />

Legislator and Mecklenburg County<br />

Commissioner, was recently honored<br />

as his name was affixed to the U.S. Post<br />

Office at <strong>University</strong> Park in Charlotte.<br />

It is the latest show of appreciation for<br />

Richardson, a retired postmaster who built<br />

a reputation as a political bridge builder.<br />

Tweety Stewart ’60 retired in May <strong>2003</strong><br />

after 43 years in education in Bessemer<br />

City, NC. A veteran language arts and<br />

social studies teacher, Stewart has<br />

instructed and influenced hundreds of<br />

local children.<br />

Janice Tate Gresham ’64, organist,<br />

has been selected to accompany Singer<br />

Deyonne Douglas for a special presentation<br />

in Bermuda. She has also had the<br />

honor of accompanying one of the original<br />

Hall <strong>Johnson</strong> Singers, Nell Henry.<br />

Luther Carter Jr. ’75 has achieved<br />

the designation of “National Conference”<br />

by Allstate Insurance Company for<br />

his superior standards in profitability,<br />

customer satisfaction and customer<br />

retention. He has also won the prestigious<br />

Honor Ring Award for being a top<br />

producer of sales in auto, property,<br />

commercial and life insurance.<br />

Roderick L. Sanders ’81 has been<br />

promoted to assistant vice president and<br />

Operations Team manager for the Atlantic<br />

Region by Bank of America. Before his<br />

promotion, Sanders was implementation<br />

coordinator for Middle Market Treasury<br />

Management.<br />

Cary Mitchell ’83 has been selected as<br />

a consultant to the newest NBA franchise,<br />

the Charlotte Bobcats, on the design of<br />

the team’s uniforms. Mitchell, who has<br />

designed clothing for high-profile athletes<br />

including Tiger Woods, Tim Duncan, Ken<br />

Griffey, Jr., LeBron James, Yao Ming and<br />

Emmitt <strong>Smith</strong>, will join with Chicago-based<br />

NVU Productions, Reebok and the NBA to<br />

develop the club’s<br />

uniform.<br />

<strong>2003</strong> Distinguished Alumni<br />

Each year, <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> recognizes its outstanding alumni for a variety of reasons.<br />

1) JCSU alumni are among the leaders in their chosen professions and are those to whom the <strong>University</strong><br />

turns for assistance in ensuring the integrity of its programs. 2) Recognizing talented and successful<br />

alumni reaffirms that they, like many before them and thousands to follow, give life to the legacy and<br />

contributions of JCSU. 3) The most accomplished alumni represent what it is JCSU does well at its best,<br />

and for that the <strong>University</strong> is grateful.<br />

This year, <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> appreciates the accomplishments of two distinguished alumni.<br />

Dr. David M. Dupree<br />

Class of 1948<br />

Dr. David M. Dupree graduated from JCSU in 1948 with a B.S. in<br />

Natural Science and Physical Education. While attending JCSU, Dupree<br />

was starting full back on the varsity team for three years and also<br />

played as a linebacker. In 1958, he received his masters degree from<br />

New York <strong>University</strong> (NYU). After working hard for many years in the<br />

community, public education and higher education, Paine College<br />

awarded Dupree an honorary doctorate in 2001.<br />

Dupree is best known for his outstanding career as a coach.<br />

A 1992 inductee into the Georgia Hall of Fame, Dupree coached at<br />

Laney High School in Augusta for 26 years, leading the football team<br />

to three state titles and two undefeated seasons. His track team won<br />

two state titles. Dupree has coached noted athletes who later became<br />

professional football players including Robert Wells, George Harold,<br />

Robert Taylor, D. Emerson Boozer, E. Chip Banks and Curtis Rouse.<br />

Dupree acknowledges the role that JCSU has played in his success<br />

and remains connected to the <strong>University</strong>. His involvement as alumni<br />

chapter president and his active support of the <strong>University</strong> is an<br />

outstanding tribute to his alma mater.<br />

Philanthropy<br />

A Life That Continues to Give<br />

Dr. James H. Costen, Sr. ’53 personifies service and ministry to<br />

humankind because of his commitment to bettering the lives<br />

of people throughout the world. His death on April 11, <strong>2003</strong><br />

has left a tear in the hearts of friends and family; however, his<br />

life continues to be an example for us all.<br />

Costen’s call to ministry led him to <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

<strong>University</strong> in 1949, and he continued his education at<br />

<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> Theological Seminary (JCSTS) and<br />

then at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.<br />

His pastoral career began at the Mt. Pisgah<br />

Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mount, NC. He also<br />

served as a leader of a Presbyterian Church in Elm<br />

City, NC where he experienced his first civil rights<br />

encounters. His leadership facilitated the removal<br />

of barriers of segregation in cities and towns in<br />

eastern NC. Costen later founded the Church of the<br />

Master in Atlanta, GA in 1965. This church was one<br />

of the first interracial congregations in the city.<br />

In 1969, Costen became the first president for<br />

JCSTS after its relocation to the Interdenominational<br />

Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta. While serving 14 years<br />

there, he visited Kenya for the first time and was genuinely<br />

motivated to educate its students. He offered scholarships to<br />

students of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) to attend<br />

Sidney Glee<br />

Class of 1963<br />

At JCSU, Sidney Glee was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi<br />

Fraternity, Inc. and graduated cum laude in 1963. Glee spent his<br />

professional career as a public administrator in Washington, DC<br />

for 29 years prior to his retirement. His most notable job was his<br />

appointment by Mayor Marion S. Barry as the Director of Public<br />

Housing.<br />

Glee established the first Public Housing Tenant Management<br />

program for the city. He was given the highest award a member of<br />

the executive branch of the DC government could receive, “The City<br />

Council Resolution Award,” for his outstanding service to the Public<br />

Housing Department.<br />

It was at JCSU that Glee met his wife, the late Lydia Pearl Smalls.<br />

He was married to Lydia for 36 years prior to her death. One of Lydia’s<br />

desires was to assist other students from her old community to attend<br />

JCSU, so Glee endowed a scholarship in her name. Glee credits JCSU<br />

for preparing him for many of the accomplishments that he has<br />

achieved. As a symbol of his appreciation to JCSU, on Lydia’s and his<br />

40th class reunion, he has endowed a second scholarship in his name.<br />

JCSTS/ITC. He has been recognized as expanding educational<br />

opportunities for the Presbyterian Church by raising funds to build a<br />

library, student and faculty housing and other facilities as needed. In<br />

1998, he began to lead group tours to Kenya twice annually in order to<br />

enlighten others of the mission work of the PCEA.<br />

His accomplishments include being elected Moderator of the<br />

195th General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church USA, the<br />

denomination’s highest elective position; serving as chairperson for the<br />

General Assembly Permanent Nominations Committee, Southeastern<br />

Regional Council and the Minority Taskforce on Reunion; as well as<br />

sitting on the Boards of the Fund for Theological Education and the<br />

United Negro College Fund.<br />

Costen, and his wife, Dr. Melva Costen ‘53, have strong devotion<br />

to JCSU and have given in love and gratitude because they believed<br />

the <strong>University</strong> gave them the tools to succeed in all the areas they set<br />

out to pursue. In 1997, Costen and his wife established a $40,000<br />

endowed scholarship as a profound statement of their commitment<br />

and love of their alma mater. Over the years, the Costens’ philanthropy<br />

to JCSU exceeds $100,000.<br />

During an interview with he and his wife in 2000, Dr. James<br />

Costen shared, “Our only regret is that we could not have done more.”<br />

Costen has touched so many lives through his ministry, his service and<br />

his support for the organizations he loved so dearly. His legacy and<br />

spirit continues to be a blessing to future generations.<br />

8


Dr. James P. Green<br />

A Missionary in His Own Right<br />

James P. Green, M.D., ’48, has always been interested in the health<br />

and welfare of people—young and old—in his local community.<br />

However, his latest project is taking his compassionate efforts to a<br />

national audience.<br />

Green, who’s almost 80 years old, has created what some may<br />

think is a medical miracle in a product he refers to as the<br />

Overindulgence Formula. This drug has been approved by the Food<br />

and Drug Administration (FDA) and is a vitamin-packed tablet that<br />

relieves symptoms of upset stomach due to<br />

overindulgence of food and alcohol.<br />

The drug, also referred to as the<br />

“hangover pill,” has been patented as a health<br />

food formula that protects the stomach and<br />

intestinal track. A significant number of studies<br />

show that the drug minimizes symptoms of<br />

nausea, heartburn and fullness. “In other<br />

words, it has the effect of an antacid—only<br />

better,” Green says. “When the drug is used<br />

prior to, people are relieved from the regular<br />

symptoms of a hangover.”<br />

Needless to say, when his sons were in<br />

college, their friends were big fans of Dr.<br />

Green and his new remedy. “Years later, they’re still coming around<br />

asking for some of those tablets,” says Green with a chuckle.<br />

The pill is not only taken for overindulgence, but Green says it<br />

can also be used as an energy-producing supplement. He is currently<br />

partnering with a national company that will begin to supply and<br />

distribute the tablets all over the country. “This is a safe and effective<br />

product that can be used in several ways, and I hope it will be a<br />

benefit to society,” he says.<br />

Green has been a physician with his own private practice in<br />

Henderson, NC for more than 30 years. Through his practice, he’s<br />

been able to care for the needs of hundreds of families, but his<br />

commitment to helping the less fortunate is so strong that he has<br />

reached out in other ways.<br />

After recognizing the need for improved health care for minorities<br />

and low-income families in his community in the 1960’s, Green<br />

Congratulations to all <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> alumni! You<br />

did it. You have achieved the highest participation rate in the<br />

history of JCSU—18% of alumni contributed to the <strong>University</strong><br />

during the 2002-<strong>2003</strong> fiscal year. The JCSU Family extends a<br />

secured two, former hospitals and transformed them into nursing home<br />

facilities. Since then, he has developed new health programs, opened<br />

skilled nursing homes in Oxford and Warrenton, NC, and established a<br />

housing complex for low-income families called Green Acres.<br />

But what Green is most proud of in his professional career is his<br />

development of stable health delivery systems in rural areas, which<br />

has aided hundreds of families and children. “It’s one of the nicest<br />

things I’ve accomplished, and I take real pride in it,” he says.<br />

Green is recognized for his stellar medical<br />

career and his contributions to those in need near<br />

his hometown, but he is quick to point to his<br />

education at <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> as the<br />

building block to his success. With a desire to train<br />

as a foreign medical missionary, Green came to<br />

JCSU in 1944 because of its deep-rooted, spiritual<br />

base.<br />

“<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> had a warm, small<br />

atmosphere that was conducive to helping me reach<br />

my goals,” he says. Growing up in a Baptist church,<br />

Green believes the <strong>University</strong> helped broaden his<br />

religious experience.<br />

During this year’s alumni class reunion, Green<br />

celebrated his 55th anniversary as a graduate of JCSU. He still visits<br />

almost every year during either Homecoming or Commencement.<br />

“I’ve seen a lot of positive growth at <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong>,” says Green.<br />

“It’s increasing in excellence and training for students and preparing<br />

them to enter the world.” His loyalty to JCSU remains strong.<br />

Green is married with three children. While Green says his wife,<br />

Carolyn, was a big influence on his children attending other<br />

universities closer to home, Green says, “but they all hold <strong>Johnson</strong> C.<br />

<strong>Smith</strong> in high regard, and because they know me, they know what<br />

kind of graduates <strong>Smith</strong> produces. “<br />

Green is now semi-retired yet continues to make the world a<br />

better place—one mission at a time. When asked how he wants to be<br />

remembered 100 years from now, Green reveals one simple phrase<br />

taken from an old, familiar Negro spiritual, “May the work I’ve done<br />

speak for me.”<br />

Alumni Reach Participation Goal<br />

<strong>2003</strong> Alumni Weekend<br />

This year, Alumni whose class years<br />

ended in three and eight celebrated<br />

their reunions.<br />

Golden Golden Class Class of 1953 1953<br />

Class Class of 1968 1968<br />

Class Class of 1983 1983<br />

Class Class of 1958 1958<br />

Class Class of 1973 1973<br />

Class Class of 1988 1988<br />

very big THANK YOU to each of you. It is your support that helps<br />

make JCSU the great place that it is. Let this success serve as a catalyst<br />

to even greater participation. Our goal is to reach 22% alumni<br />

participation this year.<br />

Class Class of 1948 1948<br />

Class Class of 1963 1963<br />

Silver Silver Class Class of 1978 1978<br />

Class Class of 1993<br />

1993<br />

Alumni News<br />

1<br />

9<br />

Class Notes<br />

Wilbur Ray Mapp ’86 has been<br />

commissioned to join in the production<br />

of a television documentary to bring<br />

awareness to the making and implementation<br />

of the landmark Amistad legislation<br />

in New Jersey, which is now a national<br />

campaign. Mapp owns and operates a<br />

publishing company called Purpose<br />

Publishing.<br />

James Saunders ’86 was honored as<br />

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association<br />

Golf Coach of the Year. His Golden Bull<br />

team finished as runners-up to FSU in this<br />

year’s CIAA Golf Championship.<br />

Paula Eaton Orr ’88 has been<br />

appointed by Governor Mark Sanford to<br />

serve on the Medical <strong>University</strong> of South<br />

Carolina Board of Trustees. Dr. Orr<br />

attended medical school at Wayne State<br />

Medical School (1992), and completed<br />

residency at Cook County Hospital in<br />

Chicago. She currently has a thriving<br />

OB/GYN practice in North Charleston, SC.<br />

Cheris F. Hodges ’99 has released her<br />

first romance novel, Revelations, published<br />

by Genesis Press, Inc. This is her second<br />

published novel, and she is scheduled to<br />

have a third release, Cautious Heart, in<br />

February 2004. Hodges has been writing<br />

fiction for 10 years.<br />

Michelle E. Vigil ’00 recently received<br />

a Master of Science degree in Biology<br />

from North Carolina A & T. Vigil is currently<br />

seeking a Ph.D. at North Carolina<br />

State <strong>University</strong>. She has given birth to a<br />

daughter, Rachael Artanzia Thornton, on<br />

April 11, <strong>2003</strong>.<br />

Alicia Nicki Washington ’00 has been<br />

selected as a <strong>2003</strong> fellow in the Harriett G.<br />

Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship Program<br />

(JPFP), which is sponsored by the National<br />

Aeronautics and Space Administration.<br />

Washington is a Ph.D. student at North<br />

Carolina State <strong>University</strong>.<br />

Cheronda Ford ’01, of Lockheed<br />

Martin, has been selected to receive an<br />

Emerald Honor for Student Leadership by<br />

Career Communications Group, Inc. The<br />

award celebrates the often-unheralded<br />

contributions of minority women in<br />

science and technology.<br />

Trustee Charles Kennedy ’59 and his<br />

wife, Willie, were honored by the United<br />

Negro College Fund with its President’s<br />

Award at a banquet in New York.<br />

The couple has helped raise more than<br />

$2 million over the past 11 years for<br />

the college fund.<br />

Sheila Council recently received the<br />

Columbia Leadership Award during<br />

Commencement at Columbia Theological<br />

Seminary, where she received the Master<br />

of Divinity degree. The award is given<br />

to a student who demonstrates unusual<br />

leadership qualities as well as spiritual<br />

depth and integrity.<br />

Necrology<br />

Name Class Date<br />

*Dr. James B. Costen 1953 4/11/<strong>2003</strong><br />

*Willie T. <strong>Smith</strong> 1948 12/17/2002<br />

*James A. Clarke 1949 11/5/2002<br />

Shani Baraka 1994 8/13/<strong>2003</strong><br />

Richard J. Jackson 1968 7/<strong>2003</strong><br />

James E. Reese, Jr. 1999 7/6/<strong>2003</strong><br />

Brooks D. Thomas 1949 6/8/<strong>2003</strong><br />

*Depicts a correction from Spring <strong>2003</strong> Newsletter.


<strong>2003</strong> Spring<br />

Sports<br />

Highlights<br />

Determination, hard work and<br />

motivation were the ingredients that<br />

built shining athletes for this year’s<br />

spring sports. Tennis, golf, track and<br />

field and softball reflected the true<br />

talents of athletes.<br />

Men’s Tennis -<br />

Five Time CIAA<br />

Champions<br />

The men’s tennis team won<br />

the Central Intercollegiate Athletic<br />

Association (CIAA) Championship for<br />

the fifth consecutive year by shutting<br />

<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s <strong>2003</strong> Championship Men’s Tennis Team<br />

out Shaw <strong>University</strong>. Tim Hunter<br />

was named Rookie of the Year while<br />

Christopher Lee was named Most<br />

Valuable Player. Michael White, Tim<br />

Hunter, Larry Holmes Jr., Christopher<br />

Lee and Maurice Rahman were selected<br />

for the All CIAA Team. The women’s<br />

tennis team finished fourth, and<br />

Ronata Strong was selected to the<br />

All CIAA Team.<br />

Track<br />

JCSU held its first dual meet in the<br />

Irwin Belk Complex with cross-town<br />

rivals Livingstone College and Barber<br />

Scotia College. This event turned out<br />

to be a success. Terry Edwards, also a<br />

guard for the women’s basketball team,<br />

won second place in the high jump at<br />

the CIAA Championships. Jihad<br />

Muhammad provided great strength to<br />

this year’s team as an outstanding<br />

distance runner, competing in the 800<br />

and 1500-meter races.<br />

Golf<br />

The golf team captured a secure<br />

second place in the CIAA Championships,<br />

just a few points behind<br />

Fayetteville State <strong>University</strong>. Junior<br />

Chris Parker was named to the All<br />

CIAA team.<br />

Softball<br />

This season was a rebuilding year<br />

for the softball team. They lost ten key<br />

players. Jessica Belin, a freshman from<br />

Las Vegas, Nevada was the team’s<br />

pitcher and a key asset. The team<br />

looks forward to a promising season<br />

next year.<br />

Join us for Homecoming <strong>2003</strong>!<br />

Join your friends and classmates for<br />

Homecoming <strong>2003</strong> at <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

<strong>University</strong> the weekend of <strong>October</strong> 10-11.<br />

Your Homecoming brochure should be in<br />

your mailbox soon. We’re looking forward to<br />

seeing you in <strong>October</strong>!<br />

If you have any questions about the regis-<br />

<strong>2003</strong> Volleyball Schedule<br />

Date Opponent Location Time<br />

Aug. 29-30 Voorhees Tourney Denmark, SC 6:00 PM<br />

Sept. 9 N.C. Central Durham, NC 6:00 PM<br />

SEPT. 15 ST. AUGUSTINE’S BRAYBOY GYMNASIUM 6:00 PM<br />

SEPT. 16 BARBER-SCOTIA BRAYBOY GYMNASIUM 6:00 PM<br />

Sept. 19-20 CIAA Round-Up Fayetteville, NC 6:00 PM<br />

Sept. 24 Fayetteville State Fayetteville, NC 6:00 PM<br />

SEPT . 25 BELMONT-ABBEY BRAYBOY GYMNASIUM 6:00 PM<br />

SEPT . 30 LIVINGSTONE BRAYBOY GYMNASIUM 6:00 PM<br />

Oct. 3 Spelman Atlanta, GA 6:00 PM<br />

OCT. 7 WINSTON-SALEM STATE BRAYBOY GYMNASIUM 6:00 PM<br />

Oct. 10 Belmont-Abbey Belmont, NC 6:00 PM<br />

OCT . 14 N.C. CENTRAL BRAYBOY GYMNASIUM 6:00PM<br />

OCT . 17 *FAYETTEVILLE STATE BRAYBOY GYMNASIUM 6:00 PM<br />

Oct. 21 Barber- Scotia Concord, NC 6:00 PM<br />

Oct. 23 Livingstone Salisbury, NC 6:00 PM<br />

Oct. 29 St. Augustine’s Raleigh, NC 6:00 PM<br />

Nov. 10 Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, NC 6:00 PM<br />

NOV. 12 VIRGINIA STATE BRAYBOY GYMNASIUM 6:00 PM<br />

* Tentative Fayetteville State (Away)<br />

tration process or homecoming events, contact<br />

the Office of Alumni Affairs at (704) 378-1026.<br />

Football Game<br />

JCSU vs. Livingstone College<br />

Saturday, <strong>October</strong> 12, <strong>2003</strong><br />

1:00 p.m.<br />

Memorial Stadium<br />

Hotel Accommodations<br />

Adam’s Mark Hotel<br />

555 South McDowell Street<br />

Charlotte, North Carolina 28204<br />

(704) 372-4100<br />

10


Headline<br />

<strong>2003</strong> Football Schedule<br />

Date Opponent Location Time<br />

SEPT. 6 SHAW UNIVERSITY IRWIN BELK COMPLEX 6:00 p.m.<br />

Sep. 13 Western Carolina Cullowhee, NC 6:00 p.m.<br />

Sep. 20 <strong>University</strong> of Charleston, WV Charleston, WV 1:00 p.m.<br />

SEPT. 27 MOREHOUSE IRWIN BELK COMPLEX 6:00 p.m.<br />

OCT. 4 BOWIE STATE IRWIN BELK COMPLEX 6:00 p.m.<br />

OCT. 11 *LIVINGSTONE Memorial Stadium 1:00 p.m.<br />

Oct. 18 St. Augustine’s Raleigh, NC 1:30 p.m.<br />

Oct. 25 Fayetteville State Fayetteville, NC 1:30 p.m.<br />

Nov. 1 Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, NC 2:00 p.m.<br />

NOV. 8 N.C. CENTRAL IRWIN BELK COMPLEX 1:30 p.m.<br />

* Homecoming<br />

Sports News 1<br />

11<br />

Two JCSU<br />

Coaches<br />

Earn Special<br />

Recognition<br />

James Cuthbertson, Jr. and James<br />

Saunders, <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />

head coaches of tennis and golf<br />

respectively, have been named <strong>2003</strong><br />

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association<br />

(CIAA) Coaches of the Year for their<br />

respective sports.<br />

Saunders’ team finished runners-up<br />

behind Fayetteville State <strong>University</strong> for<br />

the <strong>2003</strong> Golf Championship. “It is a good<br />

feeling to know that your peers recognize<br />

you and your program, even without a<br />

championship,” says Saunders. “Our goal<br />

is to move this program in such a way that<br />

next year we hope to become the CIAA<br />

Golf Champions.”<br />

Cuthbertson, who in only his eighth<br />

season at the helm of the men’s and<br />

women’s tennis programs, has taken them<br />

to unprecedented levels. His men’s tennis<br />

team had an impressive conference record<br />

of 14-0 this year, winning five of the last<br />

eight CIAA men’s tennis championships.<br />

This is Cuthbertson’s third consecutive<br />

Coach of the Year honor and fourth overall.<br />

“I am overwhelmed that my comrades<br />

regard me and our program at JCSU with<br />

such high esteem,” says Cuthbertson. “We<br />

always try to do things the right way at<br />

JCSU. We feel this is the best way to achieve<br />

success in all of our future endeavors.”<br />

Caldwell<br />

Appointed as<br />

Interim A.D.<br />

Helen Caldwell, former senior woman’s<br />

athletic administrator, has been named<br />

<strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>University</strong> interim athletic<br />

director. Caldwell’s appointment was<br />

effective August 25, <strong>2003</strong>.<br />

Caldwell has a solid background in<br />

academics and athletics and has served<br />

JCSU in several capacities for more than<br />

10 years. She is currently an associate professor<br />

of Social Work. She was appointed<br />

senior woman’s athletic administrator in<br />

2001 to monitor gender equity issues and<br />

female athletes’ conduct at JCSU.<br />

“My experience with student athletes<br />

here has been phenomenal. We have strong<br />

coaches and students who are willing to<br />

work hard, and I am certainly proud to be<br />

part of this team,” says Caldwell.<br />

Caldwell has served as advisor of the<br />

Student Athletes Advisory Council and participated<br />

in Central Intercollegiate Athletic<br />

Association (CIAA) Regional Leadership<br />

Training. She played a key role in the policy<br />

development for the CIAA during the first<br />

championship of women’s tennis.<br />

Caldwell says she is confident in her<br />

abilities to do the job because of the mentorship<br />

of Dr. Catherine Wright, who was<br />

the first female athletic director at JCSU.<br />

In her new position, Caldwell will be<br />

responsible for planning, managing and<br />

supervising the total athletic program at<br />

JCSU. She will supervise 13 sports, and<br />

her duties will include overseeing budgets,<br />

scheduling, fundraising, promotions and<br />

keeping abreast of NCAA rules and regulations.<br />

Caldwell believes in her vision to<br />

strengthen every component of the athletic<br />

program.


100 Beatties Ford Road<br />

Charlotte,NC 28216<br />

<strong>October</strong> <strong>2003</strong><br />

O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 V O L U M E O N E I S S U E O N E<br />

Published by the Office of Public Relations,<br />

in collaboration with the Office of Alumni<br />

Affairs,for alumni and friends of JCSU.Please<br />

address letters,photos,ideas,and concerns to:<br />

JCSU News<br />

Office of Public Relations<br />

100 Beatties Ford Road<br />

Charlotte, NC 28216<br />

Editor ....................Stacey Gibbs<br />

Dorothy Cowser Yancy, Ph.D.<br />

President<br />

Class of<br />

<strong>2003</strong> is<br />

away.<br />

Address Change / Alumni News Update<br />

Send your Address Change, Alumni News and/or Alumni Questionnaire to the Office of Alumni Affairs today or call<br />

(704) 378-1026. When changing an address, always provide the old address. We would appreciate any news about<br />

what you’re doing so that we may share it with fellow alumni.<br />

Old Address: New Address:<br />

Name:............................................................................................ Name: ..................................................................................<br />

Address: ........................................................................................ Address:................................................................................<br />

City: .............................................................................................. City: ......................................................................................<br />

State / Zip: .................................................................................... State / Zip: ..........................................................................<br />

News: ................................................................................................................................................................................................<br />

............................................................................................................................................................................................................<br />

7 Upward Bound<br />

8 Class Notes<br />

8 Distinguished<br />

Alumni<br />

10 Sports<br />

5 ThinkPad U Goes<br />

Wireless<br />

6 Training Programs<br />

at JCSU<br />

6 Construction<br />

Updates<br />

4 JCSU Choir<br />

Performs in<br />

Bahamas<br />

4 JCSU Band Gets<br />

Down at Arena<br />

Groundbreaking<br />

Inside:<br />

1 <strong>Johnson</strong> C. <strong>Smith</strong><br />

<strong>University</strong><br />

Commencement<br />

2 A Family Affair<br />

Non-Profit<br />

Organization<br />

U.S. Postage PAID<br />

Charlotte, NC<br />

Permit No. 3307

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