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