From DSU to the planet - Delaware State University

Dr. Kevina Vulinec, left, carries out her Fulbright-funded research with a Brazilian scientist during her trip to the South American country last spring.Working with Brazilian scientists to better understand the fruit bat habitat, Dr.Kevina Vulinec said she has returned to DSU with 200 gigabytes of bat soundsthat she will analyze and then share with those colleagues.“There will be a big surge in theinsect population if the populationof bats is reduced.“Dr. Kevina Vulinec, associate professor of natural resourcescut for cattle pasture, (and was) interested in the impact on the bathabitat,” Vulinec said.However to better understand fruit bat habitat and the foraginghabits of the species, Vulinec spent a lot of her time capturing batsounds that she believes will help scientists there better identify thedifferent fruit bat species.“A catalogue of bat sounds exists for North American species,but very few bat calls had been recorded in Brazil,” Vulinec said.In Brazil, Vulinec and scientists of that country set up nets inthe forest, captured bats and attached leashes to their legs. Once abat calmed down (Vulinec said upon capture, the bats initially werescreeching bloody murder) and began sounding its normal bat calls,the scientist recorded its sound.“The recording device is sensitive and is specifically for highfrequencies that humans can’t hear,” Vulinec said. “Certain specieshave bat calls that are distinct from others.”Vulinec said she has returned to DSU with 200 gigabytes ofbat sounds that she will analyze and then share with the BrazilianDr. Kevina Vulinec and graduate student Megan Wallrichs take data from a red bat in a DSU lab.scientists. With that information, scientiststhere will be able to better understandmore about bats, their migration habits, aswell as the impact of forest destruction onthe species.Challenges in North AmericaWhile working to help Brazilians withtheir bat preservation issues, Vulinec alsohas challenges to the North American batpopulation to be concerned with as well.Because most North American batsare insectivores, these species feast onpesky flying insects, reducing the numberaround to irritate and distress humanpopulations and farm crops. However,that importance is being challenged by adisease — White Nose Syndrome — thatis threatening bat populations.“White Nose Syndrome is a fungusthat gets on the nose of bats while theyare hibernating in caves,” Vulinec said.“The fungus makes the bats wake upprematurely, and then they fly out of thecave and starve to death because there areno insects out there in the wintertime.”In addition to being threatened byWhite Nose, some bats are also beingkilled by the blades of turbine windfarms. “The bats either get whacked upby the blades circulating at 120 mph orthe vacuum that is created causes bats toexplode,” she said.“There will be a big surge in the insectpopulation if the population of bats isreduced,” Vulinec said.Vulinec is in the beginning stages ofa collaboration with researchers fromDelaware Technical & Community Collegeand the University of Delaware to studyWhat is white nose syndrome?• In North America, bat populations arebeing threatened by White Nose Syndrome,a “fungus that gets on the nose of batswhile they are hibernating in caves.The fungus makes the bats wake upprematurely, and then they fly out of thecave and starve to death because thereare no insects out there in the wintertime,”according to Dr. Kevina Vulinec.and gain a better understanding of WhiteNose Syndrome.She is also guiding a student who iscurrently researching golf courses as apossible habitat for bats. “Golf coursewater hazards are good places for aquaticinsects, a source of food for bats,” Vulinecsaid. “Bats really like places with big treesand mower cut grass,” she said.A DSU faculty member in the Collegeof Agriculture and Related Sciencessince 2001, Vulinec focused her Ph.D.dissertation work on primates and dungbeetles. However, upon arriving at DSU,chair Dr. Richard Barczewski directed herto identify a research specialty related toDelaware. That directive moved her intothe bat realm.“Dr. Vulinec has a diverse backgroundin wildlife conservation and biology,”Barczewski said. “She has been able to takeher good mix of experience and make itapplicable to our state and region.”In addition to being an ecologist andscientist, she is also an award-winningartist who actually did scientific drawingsto help support herself while in college.Faculty researchDr. Samuel Besong’sfindings: Plant leaveshelp with cholesterolDr. Samuel A. Besong, chair of theDSU Department of Human Ecology,is making his mark in heart diseaseprevention with his published findingsthat identifypurslane leavesas a means ofsuppressing badcholesterol inadults.The DSUassociateprofessor ofhuman ecology, along with Dr. MichaelO. Ezekwe, associate professor ofagriculture at Alcorn State University,has jointly published findings thatpurslane contains omega 3 fatty acids— essential nutrients that are vitalfor preventing the synthesis of badcholesterol.“Purslane has soluble fiber andgood fat (omega 3); the combination ofthose two nutrients has a good effect oncholesterol,” Besong said. “Lettuce andother plants have good fiber but don’thave the omega 3 fatty acid; that’s whatmakes purslane unique.”Besong, who has been at DSUsince 2005, began his heart diseaseprevention research seven years agowhen he was a faculty member ofAlcorn State, and continued his jointresearch work with Ezekwe after hemoved on to DSU.Their research on the effects offreeze-dried supplements of purslaneon heart disease has been published inthe International Journal of Nutrition andMetabolism.Dr. Samuel A. Besong and a formercolleague at Alcorn State University arenow studying the most effective waysthat purslane can be consumed — suchas a freeze-dried plant or in pill form —to reduce bad cholesterol.12 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011 3

Faculty research“Songbirds risk a lot each time they undertake migration.... To think these birds have an extra migration is really remarkable.Junior natural resources major Syrena M. Taylor“What is a veery?A forest songbird, the Veery(Catharus fuscescens), is 16-18centimeters in length and weighsabout 30 grams.A songbird’sseasonal journeyis uncoveredUsing a new, lightweight tracking technology,Dr. Christopher Heckscher and student Syrena Taylorhave made discoveries in Veery migration patterns• Story by Carlos HolmesWhite Clay Creek State Parknear Newark, Del.June 2009Dr. Christopher Heckscher and student Syrena Taylorcapture a group of Veeries, attach a lightweightgeolocator to each and free them.Brazil,South AmericaLate fall 2009The Veeries had traveledto separate areas southof the Amazon Riverregion in Central Brazil.January-February 2010Tracking data revealed that theVeeries also made second migrationstops during the mid-winterJanuary-February months in otherparts of Brazil (two birds went tosites north of the Amazon and threewent to sites south of the river).The advent of a new trackingtechnology has enabled a DSUassistant professor of naturalresources to make his mark inornithology research.Dr. Christopher Heckscher, with theassistance of junior year natural resourcesmajor Syrena M. Taylor, has taken advantageof the development of new lightweighttracking technology that has allowed themto determine the previously unknownmigration patterns for a forest songbird, theVeery (Catharus fuscescens).Because songbirds are so small,conventional tracking devices used on largerbirds are too heavy for species such as theVeery — which is 16-18 centimeters inlength and weighs about 30 grams. For thatreason, very little was previously knownabout the annual migration habits of theVeery and other similarly sized birds.A few years ago, Heckscher becameaware of a new lightweight “geolocator” usedsuccessfully by York University ornithologistDr. Bridget Stutchbury in her research intracking the migration of the Wood Thrush(Hylocichia mustelina), a medium-sizedNorth American passerine bird.Stutchbury’s success opened up a newarea of ornithological migration research,and Heckscher did not hesitate in seizingthis opportunity.With the knowledge that some Veeriescame annually to nest at White Clay CreekState Park north of Newark, Del., in June2009, Heckscher and Taylor proceededto capture 24 of the species. They thenattached a lightweight geolocator to eachVeery and freed them. By August, those birdshad begun their migration south.“The trick is you have to catch the birda year later in order to download data fromthe tracking device,” Heckscher said. “TheseVeeries made it easier because the sameindividuals return to White Clay Creek Parkevery year to nest.”The following spring, the researchers setup netting in an attempt to capture some ofthe Veeries on which they had attached thetracking device the previous year. Heckschersaid they imitated the Veery mating song,which attracted some male Veeries to comeand investigate what bird was encroachingon their territory.Four male Veeries that had returnedwith the tracking device were lured intothe net. Capturing female Veeries — whichare not attracted by Veery song — with thegeolocator attached was more of a challenge.However, the research duo managed tosecure one female with the device, givingthem a total research group of five Veeries.It took several months to analyzethe latitude and longitude data from thegeolocators on those five birds.Migratory patterns revealedBy October 2010, Heckscher and Taylor’sdata analysis had determined that all fiveVeeries had traveled to separate areas southof the Amazon River region in Central Brazil,South America, by the late fall. In addition,the tracking data revealed that the Veeriesalso made second migration stops duringthe mid-winter January-February months inother parts of Brazil (two birds went to sitesnorth of the Amazon and three went to sitessouth of the huge river system).“Our most spectacular discovery wasDr. ChristopherHeckscherand studentSyrena Taylordetailed theirVeery migrationfindings in apeer-reviewedpaper publishedin the 2011edition of TheAuk by TheAmericanOrnithologists’Union.that our Veeries undertook three migrationsrather than just two in spring and fall,”Heckscher said. “This is the first time aNorth American songbird has been found tohave three different migratory periods.”“Songbirds risk a lot each time theyundertake migration, which can be verydangerous due to unexpected weatherevents, vehicle or building collisions, orpredators,” Taylor added. “To think thesebirds have an extra migration is reallyremarkable.”Representing the first time that thisparticular species’ migration patterns andwintering locations had been tracked,Heckscher and Taylor published theirfindings in a peer-reviewed paper in the2011 edition of The Auk by The AmericanOrnithologists’ Union. The work by Taylorwas funded by the Center for IntegratedBiological and Environmental Research,Department of Agriculture and NaturalResources. The Delaware Division of Parksand Recreation cooperated by providing theteam’s study site.In spring 2010, the DSU researchersfitted another group of birds with thetracking device. In June of this year,Heckscher and some other students wereable to capture seven males and threefemales with the units. That tracking data iscurrently being analyzed.# The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011 Fall 2011 www.desu.edu The Echo 15

Faculty and staff•••New facesHARRY W. DOWNES JR.Chief of University PoliceHarry W. Downes Jr., aretired Delaware State Policemajor, is Delaware StateUniversity’s director of theDepartment of Public Safetyand chief of UniversityPolice.Downes served from1983 to his retirement in 2009 with the StatePolice, beginning as a trooper and culminatingwith his promotion to the rank of major and hisassignment as an administrative officer on theexecutive staff in 2005.In addition to his law enforcement background,Downes also was director of DSU’s SussexCounty satellite site in Georgetown from 2010to summer 2011.Dr. Eric B. KmiecDepartment of Chemistry chairDr. Eric B. Kmiec is a professor and chair of theDepartment of Chemistry.Prior to his arrival, Kmiec was the director ofthe Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Researchat Marshall University from 2009-2011, wherepioneering biotechnology advances were madeunder his leadership. Kmiec is a renowned expertin gene editing — a technique that employssynthetic DNA molecules to repair mutations inhuman chromosomes.His research aims to identify therapiesfor diseases including Huntington’s disease,Muscular Dystrophy and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.A recipient of many research and communityservice awards, Kmiec holds upwards of60 patents.He also established several biotechnologycompanies, including OrphageniX Inc., of whichhe is co-founder. Prior to his arrival to MarshallUniversity in 2009, he was a professor of biologyat the University of Delaware and director of theDelaware Biotechnology Institute.Dr. Horace B. Lamar JR.Department of Music chairDr. Horace B. Lamar Jr.is chair of the Departmentof Music. In that post, heoversees all academicaspects of the departmentand provides leadershipfor faculty development,fundraising, as well asstudent recruitment and retention.Lamar formerly served at Alabama StateUniversity from 1991-2006, where he taughtwoodwinds and for nine of those years was deanof the University’s School of Music (1996-2005).Under his dean leadership, the ASU School ofMusic earned accreditation through the NationalAssociation of Schools of Music. After retiring fromASU, he did consulting work, workshopsand recitals.Dr. Eric B. KmiecDr. Lloyd Benjamin Mallory Jr.Director of choral activitiesDr. Lloyd BenjaminMallory Jr. is an associateprofessor and director ofchoral activities at DSU.Mallory also directs theUniversity’s Concert Choirand choral ensemble.Mallory most recentlyserved as the interim choral director at ClarkAtlanta University and also assisted with specialprojects and performances at the Duke EllingtonSchool for the Arts in Washington, D.C. He was theassociate pastor for worship and music at SligoChurch in Takoma Park, Md., from 2006-2010and an associate professor of music at OakwoodUniversity in Huntsville, Ala., from 1996-2006.••• AccomplishmentsDr. Joe Amoakoauthor, “Ghanaian Pidgin English”Dr. Joe Amoako, an associate professor ofEnglish and Foreign Languages, has authoredGhanaian Pidgin English —Diachronic, Synchronic andSociolinguistic Perspectives,which deals with thebridging of traditional Africanlanguages with English inthe West African country ofGhana.The book studies this particular languagephenomena in the context of social and structuredefinitions of “pidgin,” which deals with both theneed to bridge two or more languages and theresulting reduced linguistic structure that servesas a means to communicate among people whodon’t have a common language.In his book, Amoako — a native of Ghana anda 13-year associate professor at DSU — exploresthe definitions of pidgin and creole and whyGhanaian variation is of the pidgin variety.Dr. Sheridan Quarles KingsberryDelaware Chapter of the NationalAssociation of Social Workers presidentDr. Sheridan QuarlesKingsberry, a DSU facultymember since 2003, hasbeen elected as the presidentof the Delaware Chapter ofthe National Association ofSocial Workers. Kingsberry,who teaches primarily atthe University’s Wilmington site, will lead a statechapter of about 400 members.•••HonorsInspire Excellence Award andVice President Choice AwardsDSU held its annual Employee RecognitionCeremony and Dinner in September. In additionto honoring employees who had reached specificPresident Harry Williams and Henrietta Savagelongevity anniversaries, Vice President ChoiceAwards and the President Inspire ExcellenceAward were presented to the following:Inspire Excellence Award Winner• Henrietta Savage — budget analyst/assistantto the vice president and chief of staff. Savagealso received a Vice President Choice Award in theDivision of Institutional Advancement.Vice President Choice Award WinnersDivision of Academic Affairs• Lisa Dunning — director, College of BusinessAdvisement Center• Candace Moore — director, InternationalAffairs OfficeDivision of Finance and Administration• Debbie Roussell — administrative assistant,Finance and Administration• Corrin Young — data entry technicianDivision of Student Affairs• Jordin Williams — associate director,Department of Wellness and Recreation• Keith Coleman — director, Residence LifeDr. Daniel E. Coons and student Willie GonzalezDivision of Institutional Advancement• Carlos Holmes — director of News ServicesCollege of Math, Natural Sciences & Technology• Vanessa Nesbit — senior management andbudget analyst for the college• Nicholas Quigley — machinist, Department ofChemistryDr. DANIEL E. COONSDelaware Aviation Hall of Fame inducteeThe Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame honoredDr. Daniel E. Coons, the founder of DSU’s AviationProgram, as part of its 2011 induction class.Coons was the founding director of the then-Airway Science Program from 1987 to 1992. Afterleaving DSU to do consultant work, he returned toserve as the special assistant for aviation to theprovost from 1995-2005. Since his 2005 retirement,Coons has continued to volunteer his time with theprogram. Coons’ creative proposals resulted in theUniversity’s acquisition of 10 aircraft, making DSUthe only Historically Black College or University inthe country that owns and maintains its own fleet.In addition, the Hall of Fame also honoredsophomore aviation major Willie Gonzalez with its2011 Youth Achievement Award.From the Experts10 tips to avoid holiday weight gain•••— Marianne Carter, MS, RD, Delaware Center for Health Promotion1 Don’t feel obligatedto accept every holidayinvitation — be selective.2 Stay on a regular mealschedule — skipping mealsusually results in overeatinglater.3 At parties, enjoy thefood in moderation; focus onbeing social away from thebuffet table.4 Arrive at a holiday partywith a ‘guilt-free’ contribution,such as a festive fruit tray —your host will appreciate it!5 Be choosy whenconfronted with an arrayof buffet foods. Limit yourchoices to seasonal favorites.6 If you’re hosting anevent, send the leftovershome with guests to avoida fridge full of temptation.7 Alcoholic beverages arehigh in calories; alternatewith lower-calorie tomatojuice, seltzer and water.8 If you tend to oversamplehomemade cookies,try a different gift such asjam or flavored vinegars.9 Stay active to helprelieve stress. Walk offextra calories and enjoy theneighborhood decorations.10 If you receive toomany food gifts, considerdonating some to a shelter,fire station or nursing home.16 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011 Fall 2011 www.desu.edu The Echo 17

Alumni spotlight• Story by Carlos HolmesFrom landscaper to executive,with a path through DSUKenneth Parker ’90 has spent more thantwo decades climbing a utility’s career ladderKenneth Parker’s story does not follow theconventional DSU alumni path to success.But then again, neither does his life story.After his junior year at then-Delaware StateCollege in the summer of 1984, Parker decided to take alandscaping job for Atlantic Electric in New Jersey duringthe summer break.Against the wishes of probably everyone who was rootingfor him to become the first male in his family to earn acollege degree, Parker sensed an opportunity and decidedto put his degree pursuit on hold and cast his future withAtlantic Electric.Somehow he just knew where hard work would get him.His work ethic and diligence fluidly moved him uphis career ladder — even while the company changedcorporate hands — through a progressive level of posts,and by 2003 he became the regional vice president ofPepco Holdings Inc.’s Atlantic Region. He had gone fromtending to landscapes to managing stockholder relationswith government, community, consumers and nonprofitstakeholders.Sounds like his expertise went exponentially beyond hisadept handling of a weed eater.Oh, yes ... and in the meantime, Parker also returned toDSC during that corporate climb and finished his Bachelorof Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 1990.From that point on, his meteoric rise continued. From2005-2009 he was president of Pepco’s Atlantic City’sElectric Region. He has since moved out into the biggernational realm of the corporation and now occupies anexecutive office in a Washington, D.C. skyscraper, where heserves as Pepco’s vice president of Public Policy.“I have been asked ‘what is the formula to your success?’”Parker said. “I was taught by my sister, whatever job youhave, be blessed that you have it. And if you do it well, thatwill serve you a long way without even looking what thenext move is.”After the deaths ofhis parents, KennethParker and severalof his siblings wereraised by their sister,Patricia Parker, aftershe graduated fromcollege and purchaseda home. “My sister(Patricia) could havesaid ‘they have gottheir placement in afoster home,’ and havewashed her hands ofthe situation and gone on with her life,” Parker said.“But she didn’t do that.”“I was taught by my sister,whatever job you have,be blessed that you haveit. And if you do it well,that will serve you a longway without even lookingwhat the next move is.Kenneth Parker“# The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011 Fall 2011 www.desu.edu The Echo 19

Alumni highlightsFamily lifeParker’s story cannot be told withoutmentioning his sister, Patricia Ann Parker,the oldest of 10 siblings. Without herintervention in his circumstances, his lifemay very well have turned out not to be sosuccessful.By the time Ken was 2, his mother hadpassed away and his father had abandonedthe family and was soon after killed in abarroom brawl in Florida.While a few of Ken’s siblings were alreadyadults and on their own, the rest of theParker children were parceled out to fosterhomes. This was not an acceptable situationfor Patricia, who was attending GlassboroUniversity. Initially, however, there was littleshe could do, except stay connected with heryounger siblings as best as she could.Even after she graduated with a degreein elementary education, New Jerseyguardianship laws would not permit her toreunite the siblings as one family, becauseshe didn’t own a home. But eventually shewas able to purchase a home in WinslowTownship, N.J., where she brought hersiblings under one roof as their guardian andfinished raising them.“My sister (Patricia) could have said ‘theyhave got their placement in a foster home,’and have washed her hands of the situationand gone on with her life,” Parker said. “Butshe didn’t do that.”Raised during the rest of his youth ina home bonded by the love of his bloodfamily,Ken and his siblings finished theirregular schooling in Winslow. Along the way,a fellow who dated Patricia and also workedat Atlantic City Electric told Ken stories thathe heard from friends about Delaware StateCollege.“He had never set foot on Del State’scampus, but he was like a promoter of theschool,” Parker said. “And guess where Iwound up?”Despite the interruption after his junioryear that would send him on to his careerin the utility industry, Parker said he stillcredits Delaware State as being a factor in hissuccess story.“My experience at DSU reinforced andinstilled in me the importance of education,continuous learning and thinking out ofthe box,” Parker said. “The DSU schoolenvironment also helped me build selfconfidenceand enhanced self-esteem.”Kenneth Parker, right, is shown in a family photo with four siblings, from left, Larry, Patricia, Tina and Denise.“My experience at DSU reinforcedand instilled in me the importanceof education, continuous learningand thinking out of the box. TheDSU school environment alsohelped me build self-confidenceand enhanced self-esteem.”Kenneth Parker•••Although he left school to take a job as alandscaper, he soon proved to the companythat his potential went far beyond that firstjob. Parker, 49, said his attitude about hiswork — regardless of the position — hasbeen what has propelled him.He notes that now that he is at theexecutive level, hard work must come withplanning, mentorship and prayer. “And youhave got to have faith, because everyoneplaying at this level is not playing fair.”Patricia Parker, his sister and the realmatriarch of the family, said she wasdisappointed when he left school, but waslater elated when he returned to DelawareState College in 1990 to complete his degree.She added that although his Bachelor ofScience was in Early Childhood Education,that degree has still served him well.“That degree is the foundation for whathe is doing,” said Ms. Parker, a retired 30-year educator. “People have so many reasonsto exclude you, but that degree got himincluded (in the executive promotions hehas experienced).”Giving backShe added that his education degreealso benefited him during the years he wasa member of the Winslow Township (N.J.)Board of Education and later the New JerseyBoard of Education.He has gone on to serve on numerousother state boards and community serviceendeavors, such as stints as chair of theSouthern New Jersey American Heart Walk,co-chair of the N.J. Economic GrowthCouncil, board member of the RonaldMcDonald House of Southern New Jersey,Leadership New Jersey, the N.J. StateChamber of Commerce and many othervolunteer pursuits.He credits his alma mater for teachinghim the importance of giving back.“Delaware State College emphasized theimportance of giving back to the communityindividually and collectively,” Parker said.Along the way there have been manyawards: the AFL-CIO Business Man ofthe Year, the state Chamber of CommerceDistinguished Service Award, the WinslowBoard of Education Outstanding ServiceAward and the National Association ofWomen Business Owner’s CommunityAdvocate Award, among others.Parker resides in Maryland with his wife,Sheri, and their two children, Ken Jr., 16,and Lauren, 12.q&aKelle’(Alston)Avent ’06Where I live:Maryland, Los AngelesDegree from DSU:Mass Communications/Concentration: Radioproduction; Minor: MarketingWhat is yourcurrent job?•••CEO of MaranathaMovement LLC, which offersinspirational clothing, plays,books and films. Aside frombeing the owner alongsideher husband, Avent isalso a designer, writerand producer. MaranathaMovement is currentlyproducing a national stageplay written by Avent.CEO of Sashe’ Crochet,which offers handmadecrocheted clothing andaccessories.What I’ve done since leaving DSU:Radio• WJKS, Kiss FM Afternoon Drive host• WFAI, Faith 1510• Heaven 600, Baltimore, assistant morning showproducer• KIIS, Los Angeles, assistant show producer,Ryan SeacrestTelevisionGuest on the Tyra Banks Show, Greg Behrendt Show andSOB Show hosted by DL Hughley on the BET NetworkStageplaysWriter, director, producer, principal, featured actress forproductions throughout the East and West coasts.Voice• Amp’d Mobile voiceovers• PSA on hypertension awareness syndicatedinternationallyHow did your DSU education help youmeet your goals?Because DSU is such an intimate place of higher learning,it allowed me to experience “hands on” many areaswhich peaked my interest. Therefore, it enhanced mypreparation for the actual world of communications andentertainment.What advice would you have for studentslooking to get into your field?Students who are interested in working in the fieldof entertainment including radio, TV, film and fashionshould foremost establish their niche. You must knowexactly where you fit best; otherwise, you’ll becomeoverwhelmed. ... Secondly, learn to seize the momentregardless of how great or small you deem theopportunity. Doors to your success may not come asexpected; therefore, embracing even the smallest ofopportunities is valuable. Once you have establishedyour niche, research EVERY aspect and become fullyknowledgeable. Never cease your role as a student.Thirdly ... establish relationships and gain mentorshipswith those who are successful in that which you aspire toembrace. Finally, remember any worthy accomplishmentbegan as a trial first; never forsake your small beginnings,pay it forward and REFUSE to give up!You could be featured nextDo you have an interesting career, endeavor or undertaking? Share your story with usat alumni@desu.edu to be considered for a future Q&A profile.Can you tell us a little about your work writing,directing and producing plays?Recently I produced alongside my wonderful husband,Carlos, “The Big Payback” stage play starring CharneleBrown (Kim Reese, “A Different World”), Eunice Wrightand Donald Ashley, national recording artists. This playalso featured DSU alumna Sherrita Merricks and studentsSerenity Edwards and Francis Washington. It is about afamily who believes they’ve stumbled upon the ticketto their financial success; however, family issues ofbitterness, jealousy and unforgiveness are a stumblingblock to this family’s miracle. ... The production debutedin Delaware in October and is planning to tour nationallythroughout 2012.Professional affiliations:Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, NationalAssociation of Black JournalistsHow were you involved on campus as a student?WDSU program director, station manager, resident advisor,DSU Gospel Choir, First Year Response Program, peercounselor, student worker (Admissions/Small BusinessAssociation)What is your favorite DSU memory?Far too many to choose! Let’s just say good, indifferent,they are all my favs, especially those including my sisters/brothers (friends), roommates and sorors!20 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011 Fall 2011 www.desu.edu The Echo 21

Alumni highlightsALUMNUS ADDRESSESCAMPUS COMMUNITYAT CONVOCATIONMelanie Haynes ’06:After mother’sillness, Miss Essence title holder changes focus• • •Paul A. Brathwaite, Esq., ’91, returned to his alma mater to serve as the keynotespeaker at September’s Convocation. With a wealth of experience in Congress and two Cabinetdepartments, Brathwaite provides strategic counsel to clients of Podesta Group in Washington,D.C., on transportation and labor issues. A valued member of the firm’s senior leadership team,he also advises clients on health care, education and financial services policy matters as well asoutreach to Democratic leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus. Brathwaite holds a JurisDoctor and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree fromDelaware State University.Class of 2011 gift drive raises monies for books• • •Under the leadership of class President Tiffany L. Harris, the Class of 2011 contributed$3,457.90 to the DSU Foundation, Inc. The funds benefit scholarships for students classified asseniors. Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must apply online. Awards will bemade in accordance to deadlines established by the University and will be issued until exhausted.The class raised the money through individual contributions and class fundraisers.M a r c h 3 1 , 2 0 1 2For DSU alumna Melanie Haynes,’06, she just had to compete in theMiss Essence Pageant. Her motherwouldn’t have had it any other way.Yet, it was a very hard thing for herto do.Two days before the Oct. 9, 2010,Delaware Miss Essence Pageant, hermother, Frances L. Haynes, lost her fiercefight against breast cancer. Despite thefact that her mother was a driving forcein Haynes’ development as a model and apageant contestant, pressing on in the statecompetition was tough.“I didn’t decide to go ahead and competeuntil the day of the pageant,” Haynes said.“Later during the state pageant interview, Ibroke down; it was one of those moments.”That emotional moment notwithstanding,Haynes not only won the Delaware MissEssence Pageant, but she also went on towin the 2011 Miss North America EssencePageant held in late June in Kansas City, Mo.Although it should not be confused withEssence magazine, the pageant — foundedby Drakeford Productions LLC — wasoriginally planned to be in association withthe magazine’s 2005 Essence Music Festivalin New Orleans, La. However HurricaneKatrina wrecked those plans, forcing thecancellation of the concert. After that,Drakeford and the magazine never renewedits effort to collaborate.Nevertheless, Drakeford Productionspressed on and held its first nationalEssence Pageant in 2007. The EssencePageant prides itself on “Celebrating theEssence of Today’s Modern Woman” anddifferentiates itself from other pageantsby accepting contestants who are singlemothers, divorced or over the age of 27.Haynes, a 29-year-old DSU FashionMerchandising graduate, said both the stateand North American Miss Essence pageantsinvolved the competition categories ofswimwear, evening gown, communityservice and the finalist question.Melanie Haynes and her mother, FrancesCompeting against 22 contestants inthe Delaware Pageant and against 45 statewinners in the North American Pageant,Haynes said that in light of her motherpassing away two days earlier, the finalistquestion in the state contest provided amost poignant moment when she wasasked: What was the toughest thing you hadto endure throughout the year?“My mother and I look just alike, shewas my best friend; I saw her take her lastbreath,” Haynes said. “But I made it throughthe question.”She credits her mother with encouragingher to model and enter pageants as a youth.In her last months, Frances Haynes got tosee her daughter prepare for the pageant.“She saw me in my dresses and she wasso excited,” Haynes said. “So in the end itwas like, you can’t let your mom down; youneed to do this.”She fondly recalls Dr. Jane Funderburk,who was chair of the DSU Departmentof Family and Consumer Science (nowthe Department of Human Ecology) untilshe succumbed to cancer in 2005. “Shetook me under her wing and really wasan inspiration,” she said. “I knew she hadcancer; the symptoms she showed were thesame that my mother had. Dr. Funderburkkept me grounded.”As the 2011 Miss North AmericanEssence, Haynes is now fulfilling herresponsibilities in that capacity, doingappearances for organizations, mentoringyoung people and raising money for worthycauses, especially cancer research. She hasreceived letters from First Lady MichelleObama and Vice President Joe Bidencongratulating her for winning the title andcommending her on the positive things sheis doing as Miss Essence.All that she has gone through withher mother over the last few years hasalso changed her career plans. She hasreturned to school, this time at WilmingtonUniversity, where she is pursing a secondbachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science,and plans to follow that up with graduateschool in that area. She wants to becomea therapist who works with children andadults, as well as counsel families affectedby post-traumatic stress disorder. Her father,Alfred Haynes, a Vietnam veteran, sufferedfrom PTSD.Her message to young people: “Ifyou work hard and dream big, you canaccomplish anything you set your mindto,” Haynes says. “Every day I wakeup, that is another day for me tomake someone’s life better.”• Story byCarlos HolmesAlumnaMelanieHaynes wascrownedDelaware MissEssence in fall2010 and went onto win the 2011 MissNorth America EssencePageant last summer.“Every day I wake up,that is another day forme to make someone’slife better.”Melanie Haynes22 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011

Alumni highlightsPhiladelphia Alumni Chapter CookoutOne Hornet NationFan Tent at Route 1 Rivalry game vs. University of Delaware1 2The Delaware State University Alumni Association Philadelphia Chapter held a cookout in August at FDR Park.1. Alumna Marlene Lawson, center, ’80, spends time with friends at the event.2. From left, Michael Dawson, Walter Macklin ’74 and Deidre Ottley ’90, DSUAA immediate past president, chat at the cookout, where President Harry L. Williams,football Coach Kermit Blount and Athletics Director Derek Carter also made an appearance.DSUAA Alumni Retreat12311. The Delaware State University AlumniAssociation held an Alumni Retreat on campusin August. Returning for the event were sistersMartha and Veronica Hopkins and Janice Williams.2. Alums Mary and Frank Marshallparticipated in the retreat3. Alumna Esthelda Parker-Selby alsotook time out for the event on campus.25 641. Hornet fans came together for fellowship at theFan Tent created by Institutional Advancementbefore September’s football game versus theUniversity of Delaware. Barbara Flowers, Isa Al-Muidand Audrey Chase were among those who took part.2. President Harry W. Williams and Gov. JackMarkell talk before the game.3. Katrina Cook Smith, Connie Hall and MaryMarshall enjoy some pre-game refreshments.4. Drs. Berlin ’67 and Reba ’49 Hollingsworthwere part of the day’s activities.4. DSU Alumni Association President Dr. K. BernardChase shows his spirit.SAVEthedates3“HBCU Old School Cabaret — Philly Style”• Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. atSt. Raymond’s Catholic Church, 1350 E. Vernon Road inPhiladelphia, hosted by the Philadelphia Chapter of theDSU Alumni Association along with alumni of JacksonState and Shaw universities. Tickets are $25 in advance;$30 at the door. Contact Al Outlaw at 215.877.6055.4Alumni Day — DSU vs. Norfolk State basketball games• Saturday, February 4, 2012; women at 5 p.m. and menat 7 p.m. Tickets are $8, a discounted price for alums with avalid 2011-12 DSUAA membership card and applicable to onsitepurchases only. Ticket buyers must present their card atthe ticket windows at the time of purchase. For general ticketor schedule info, visit DSUHornets.com or call 302-857-TIXX.7 85. DSU Facilities staff and a Hornet friend, from left,Molly Brown, Ben Turner, Carol Bynum, Earl Wilsonand Mark Brittingham, a friend of Wilson’s, join inthe fun.6. Calvin Jones and Rose Caison Austin steppedout to support the Hornets.7. Students also gathered with faculty, staff, alumniand friends in the Fan Tent.8. Shakima Yarbray, Terry Coleman and VirginiaCarson showed their DSU pride.26 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011 Fall 2011 www.desu.edu The Echo 27

Homecoming 2011Despite the rain,still a weekendfor ‘Good Times’31 241. Cynthia Alvin ’68 shares a smile with former band director H. WadeJohnson at the Delaware State University Alumni Association AlumniHomecoming Gala.2 and 3. Under rain ponchos, members of the cheerleading team andApproaching Storm Marching Band tried to keep school spirit high duringthe Homecoming football game vs. Morgan State.4. Four former DSU football coaches reunited during Homecomingweekend. From left are Jimmie Strong, a former offensive coach; ArnoldJeter, a former head coach; Rufus Simmons, a defensive coach; andDonald Blakey, a football scout.5. At the President’s Pre-Game Reception, Provost and Vice President forAcademic Affairs Alton Thompson, left, along with 2011-12 Miss and Mr.DSU Erika K. Grant and Justin C. Caesar, show off the former DelawareState College motto that will be revived via a monument on campus.6. Members of the 1956 Hornets football team returned to campus forHomecoming. Seated, from left, are Walter “Rock” Greene and JeromePinkett. Standing, with U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, from left, are William Murray,Emmitt “Frank” Pharr, Frank Liston, Clarence Williams and Howard West.7. BJ Cunningham, left, and Dylan Wiggins attended the gala.8. From left, John Rush Jr. ’68, his wife, Linda Rush Jr., Geraldine Rush-Anderson ’71, and John Henry Anderson ’69, also stepped out for the gala.9. Class of 1965 members, from left, are Maurice Pritchett, Don Wright,J. Cagney France, Basil Gilfillian and Dr. Martin Drew. Seated: JamesHogsten, Evalynn Brunswick, Delores Harris, Carolyn Hebsgaard, TinaStrong and Jimmie Strong. The class held a meeting relative to its 50thAnniversary Reunion gift drive in which it has pledged to raise a minimumof $100,000 by 2015.28 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011586 79

How do you stay in touch with DSU?‘Like’ us: DESUeduVOLUNTEERINGFACEBOOKwww.facebook.com/DESUeduOn our Facebook page, get regular updates on Delaware State University news; faculty, student and alumni accomplishments; campus events; and importantdates and announcements. In our discussion posts, like the one below, join a conversation or share a memory:Delaware State UniversityAlums: When you think back to your days on campus, what do you missmost about DSU? Share your thoughts, and they could be included in anupcoming issue of The Echo!The friends I made there(I wish I was connected tomore of them). And.....myonly responsibility beingclasswork and beingready for football. Beingable to sleep in at leastone day a week during theweek. Of course I did notappreciate that then.TWITTER | @DelStateUnivwww.twitter.com/DelStateUnivLike your DSU updates in shorter bits, or you’re not onFacebook? Check us out on Twitter. If you’re planning toattend an event on campus, use a DSU-related hashtag— look for them on posters, ads and programs — tojoin the conversation with others Tweeting about us.YOU TUBE | DelawareStateUwww.youtube.com/DelawareStateUCatch up on campus videos at our YouTube page.2011-12 Mr. DSU Justin Caesar, left, andMiss DSU Ericka Grant join alumnus WilliamTorian ’77 to help during Move-In Day.Bernard Carr ’77 and Donnell Carr joined alumniand student volunteers to help new students moveonto campus in August.Charles C. PrimasIt’s fun to serve your alma materFirst of all, it was DSC ... but, I miss driving in down the mainstreet, which is covered over with cement now ... we usedto hang out there on a bench and watch people drive throughcampus and head for the circle...Laws Hall!!! Andthe step showsLauren Jones-DeshongI just missed how muchpeople grow up in college.I miss going to class andmy classmates. I still keepin contact with a couple ofcollege friends.Deanna ConquestStephan StocktonI miss the sweating walls in the gym onback to back Friday & Saturday nightsand then walking in the brisk early 2am morning air back to the dorm! Ahhh,those were the days and not to mentionthe self-prepared waffles at the Caf!Dr. Marquea D King ’97I miss the East Coast vibe.Coming all the way fromCali and not knowinganyone and meeting manyinteresting and greatpeople was a wonderfulexperience. Being at DSUwas like having familyaway from my own. I missattending the games andmany other events DSUhad to offer. It’s necessaryfor me to come back toDSU one day for a visit.Terri RobinsonI really enjoyed thecanteen. I would go thereevery Monday, Wednesdayand Friday before myAP class in the oldScience Center.Tracy MatthewsIN THE LOOP & DSUPDATEIf you’re an alum and prefer email, it’s easy to stay“In the Loop” about what’s going on at your alma mater.Our alumni newsletter features updates about campusand Delaware State University Alumni Associationevents, as well as ways to give back to DSU. Sign up forthe news-focused DSUpdate, too, and your “Loop” willbe complete. Visit www.desu.edu/emailme to join ournewsletter email lists.Alumna Waynne Paskins ’69 stands ready toassist at her station at Conwell Hall.CAREER SERVICESBecome a DSU volunteer by joining theAlumni Connection Team (ACT). Serve as hosts/hostesses for events on campus. Represent youralma mater at career fairs. Serve as a speakeror panelist for special programs and events. Yourpresence and participation are needed!Fill out the form found on the AlumniRelations Web page: DESU.edu/act or call302.857.6050. Get in the ACT!Career Services is available to partner with alumni who continue to seek employment, movethrough their careers or go through the process of re-inventing themselves.The department offers a variety of professional development services that include resumereviews, mock interview sessions, career coaching and job search assistance. Many of theseservices can be done through online resources that are available at www.desu.edu/careerservices-online-resources.Alumni who are local can contact the office at 302.857.6120 to schedule a time to come infor an appointment. Others can email a service request to careerplanning@desu.edu for remoteassistance. A full list of what Career Services has to offer can be found at www.desu.edu/student-services.How alumni can helpThe department is always looking to identify alumni who are seeking students for internshipor employment opportunities. Employers are requiring students who graduate to have at leasttwo relevant work experiences through internships prior to graduation, so the more avenuesthat can be offered to DSU students, the better. The department can work with internshipproviders to establish work for credit options if providing paid internships is not an option.The department is always looking for alumni to volunteer to assist with workshoppresentations such as resume reviews, interviewing skills or mock interviews, professionaldress, panels or discussion groups to help prepare collegians for the professional world.30 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011Fall 2011www.desu.eduThe Echo31

Giving to DSU••• Family creates$10,000 W. DeEdwin HurseyScholarship EndowmentThe family of W. DeEdwin Hursey, a former SGApresident from the Class of 1967, has established ascholarship endowment in his memory.Joined by friends from the Class of 1967, thefamily presented DSU President Harry L. Williams a$10,000 check to establish the W. DeEdwin HurseyEndowed Memorial Scholarship.Characterized as a “dedicated and loyal son ofDSU,” Mr. Hursey — known as “De” — providedcreative leadership and impetus for a project calledthe “One Hundred by One Hundred Alumni andFriends Twilight March” in the mid-1990s. Duringan eight-year period, the project raised more than$40,000 to go toward University programs.From left are Lorene Robinson, DSU director of Alumni Relations; Carole Hursey Laster; Theodore F. Laws;DSU President Harry L. Williams; Reginald Laster; Kyra Laster; Dr. J. Scott King, Madison Laster and IrisTaylor-Smith.A proud native of Bridgeton, N.J., Hurseypassed away suddenly in 2004. In his postundergraduateyears, Hursey remained connectedto DSU and his classmates, celebrating the lifetimebonds that he felt could only be achieved at anHBCU. He was also a proud member of the OmegaPsi Phi Fraternity.Carole Hursey Laster, DeEdwin’s sister, wasjoined in the visit by her son, who is also a DSUalumnus, Reginald Laster ’92; her granddaughtersand grandnieces of DeEdwin, Madison and KyraLaster; and his classmates and close friends,Iris Taylor-Smith, Dr. J. Scott King and TheodoreF. Laws Jr.The W. DeEdwin Hursey Endowed MemorialScholarship is for full-time DSU students fromAtlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester andSalem counties in southern New Jersey. Studentsmust possess a GPA of 2.5 or better and beinvolved in at least one extracurricular campusactivity that promotes goodwill and studentexcellence.A $500,000 grant and $500,000 matching gift challenge from the Longwood Foundation is designed to support student scholarships and positively influencethe student retention rate.DSU receives $500,000 Longwood grantand 2-to-1 matching gift challengeDelaware State University hasreceived a $500,000 grant from theLongwood Foundation designed tosupport student scholarships andpositively influence the overall retention rateof the student body.The funds will provide scholarshipsupport for a large number of DSU studentsin their path toward becoming DSUgraduates.The investment by the LongwoodFoundation will be monitored to verifythat a multi-pronged approach, includingfinancial, academic and social supports,can positively impact DSU’s retention andgraduation rates.In addition to the initial $500,000 grant,the Longwood Foundation also awardedDSU a $500,000 matching gift challengegrant to be used for the same project.This matching gift challenge grant isa 2-to-1 match for funds that the DSUFoundation raises through spring 2012.The University will need to raise $1 millionin order to fully benefit from the challengegrant, thus receiving a total of $1 millionaward from the Longwood Foundation.The proposal submitted to theLongwood Foundation by the Office ofDevelopment team in fall 2010 aimedto address challenging issues facingthe University regarding the retentionof promising DSU students who facefinancial difficulties in being able toABOUT THE CHALLENGE• The Longwood Foundation awarded DSUan initial $500,000 grant, and the Universityalso received a $500,000 matching giftchallenge grant that is a 2-to-1 match forfunds that the DSU Foundation raises throughspring 2012. The University will need to raise$1 million in order to fully benefit from thechallenge grant, thus receiving a total of $1million award from the Longwood Foundation.securely complete their education. Whilethe Longwood Foundation typically fundscapital projects, the proposal was receivedwith enthusiasm and awarded in earlyspring 2011.The Rev. Dr. Lonnie Rector, president of the United Baptist Convention of Delaware Inc.and pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church, was the keynote speaker at the first President’sPrayer Breakfast hosted by President Harry L. Williams.President hosts first-ever Prayer BreakfastA sold-out crowd of 330 University andcommunity leaders gathered at Delaware StateUniversity’s Martin Luther King Jr. Student Centerin September for the first President’s PrayerBreakfast — “Stay Connected: It Takes a Village”hosted by President Harry L. Williams.A sense of pride for DSU was echoed bynearly all the guest speakers, and the atmospherereverberated with the same sentiment. Guestsenjoyed live music and were able to mingle anddiscuss the strides that DSU has made under theleadership of President Williams.Michael Leon Miller of United Negro CollegeFund expressed his delight with the event andalso noted, “I look forward to continuing ourdialogue and growing relationship.”The event was created by InstitutionalAdvancement.••• Bancroft Construction Companymakes student scholarship donationThe Bancroft Construction Company recently expressed itssupport for Delaware State University by donating $2,000 to gotoward a scholarship for the 2011-2012 school year.Bancroft’s Greg Sawka, president, and Stephen M. Mockbee,past president, presented the check to Dr. Alton Thompson, DSUprovost and vice president for Academic Affairs, who accepted thefinancial gift on behalf of the University.The gift is the first installment of an annual scholarshipdonation that Bancroft has committed to over the next fiveyears, which Sawka said is a reflection of Bancroft’s mission andcommitment to the community.This year’s recipient of the Bancroft Scholarship is Devon Sivels,a DSU junior aviation major and honor student from Milford, Del.The Bancroft Company is a Wilmington-based full-serviceconstruction management, general contracting, design-build,program management and estimating services firm that serves theMid-Atlantic region. The company — which has been in existencefor 35 years — specializes in a variety of commercial, institutionaland industrial sector projects.From left are Bancroft Scholarship recipient and DSU student DevonSivels, Bancroft Construction President Greg Sawka, DSU ProvostAlton Thompson and Bancroft Past President Stephen Mockbee.32 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011 Fall 2011 www.desu.edu The Echo 33•••A choir composed of DSU faculty,staff and students providedmusical selections for thePresident’s Prayer Breakfast.

Sports previewsMEN’s BASKETBALLHornets look to reverse fortunesThe Delaware State University men’sbasketball team hopes to erase thememory of last season in its quest toreturn to the upper echelon in theMid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The 2010-11Hornets dropped 12 of their final 13 games,including the last eight, to post a 9-21 overallrecord and were tied for eighth in the MEACwith a 5-11 mark in league play.Delaware State head coach Greg Jacksonexpects to return seven letter winners in his 12thseason with the Hornets, including four startersfrom last year’s squad. The returners include,arguably, the MEAC’s top point guard, thereigning league Rookie of the Year and a potentialall-conference power forward.The Hornets will be led this season by pointguard Jay Threatt (senior; 5’11”; Richmond,Va.), who ranks in the Top 10 percent amongnearly 4,500 NCAA Division I men’s basketballplayers expected to compete in the 2011-12season. According to the Sabermatrics reportby Concentricsgrasstops.com, Threatt comes inat No. 372 among 4,472 men’s players likely tocompete at the NCAA’s highest level this season.During the 2010-11 season, Threatt was topsin the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in assists(6.0 pg), steals (3.1 pg) and assist-to-turnoverratio (2.7). Nationally, he was tied for secondamong all Division I players in steals, 15th inassist-to-turnovers and 16th in assists. Threatt,who averaged 9.7 points per game, also set aDSU single season record with 179 assists lastseason.In addition, he is on pace to establish newDelaware State career marks for steals and assists.Emmanual Davis (1988-90) is the Hornets’all-time leader (183) for steals, and Miles Davis(2000-04) tops the school’s career list (390) forassists.The Hornets will also return sharp shooterCasey Walker (sophomore; 6’4”; Broadnax, Va.),the 2010-11 MEAC Rookie of the Year. Walkerled the Hornets in scoring at 13.4 points pergame as a true freshman last season. In addition,he was third in the MEAC and tops amongNCAA Division I freshmen in three-pointersat 2.4 per game (73 total) during the 2010-11Senior Jay Threatt ranks in the top 10 percent amongnearly 4,500 NCAA Division I men’s basketball playersexpected to compete in the 2011-12 season, accordingto a Sabermatrics report by Concentricsgrasstops.com.HOOPS SCHEDULESFor the Hornet men’s and women’s basketballseason schedules — which began Nov. 12and continue through early March — visitwww.dsuhornets.com.campaign. Walker tallied 20 or more points in ateam-high seven contests last season.Power forward Marques Oliver (junior; 6’7”;Durham, N.C.) has emerged as one of theMEAC’s top post players. Oliver led the Hornetsin rebounding (6.4 pg) and was third in scoring(10.4 ppg) last season. He ranked fourth in theMEAC in blocks (2.2 pg; 64 total), eighth in fieldgoal percentage (.481) and 11th in rebounding.Starting center James Marcellus (senior;6’8”; Dorchester, Mass.) also returns. Marcellusaveraged 1.5 points and 1.6 rebounds per game,while shooting .553 from the field (21-for-38)last season.NEW FACES• Athletic shooting guard TahjTate (6’3”/185; Easley, S.C.) wasrecruited by a number of majorcolleges before enrolling in prepschool last year. A former top100 recruit, Tate averaged nearly28 points per game as a seniorat Wheeler (S.C.) High School.• The Hornets also welcomeformer Michigan “Mr.Basketball” runner-up AmereMay (6’3”/180; Covert, Mich.)to the active roster. A 2009-10 McDonald’s All-Americanominee, May was a MichiganAll-State and three-timeall-conference selection. Heaveraged 35.3 points per gameduring his senior season atCovert High School.DSU, which finished 334thout of 335 Division I teams inrebounding margin in 2010-11(-9.7 pg), has also added two6’9” players this season.• Former Brunswick CommunityCollege standout Michael Coger(junior; 6’9”/225; Greensboro,N.C.) averaged 15 points andthree rebounds per game for theDolphins in 2010-11.• Local product Kendall Gray(freshman; 6’9”/220; Dover)averaged double figures inpoints and rebounds as a seniorat Polytech High School.• North Carolina high schoolstandout Abdul Kasim(6’7”/225; Raleigh, N.C.) andformer Delaware prep starTyshawn Bell (sophomore;6’7”/210; Dover) also join theHornets.WOMEN’S BASKETBALLArmed with ‘potential,’squad features young rosterDelaware State University’s 2011-12squad will bear little resemblance tothe team that posted a 9-20 overallrecord and a 10th place finish in theMid-Eastern Athletic Conference (5-11 MEAC)last season.The Lady Hornets return just four players whosaw action during the 2010-11 season, althoughtwo were starters a year ago.Ed Davis, who is in his 12th year as headcoach, faces the challenge of replacing his top twoscorers, leading rebounder and best three-pointshooter from last season. His initial 2011-12 rosterfeatures five freshmen, two sophomores, twojuniors and zero seniors.Davis is hoping his team will make up inquickness and athleticism what it lacks inexperience.“We will have the youngest squad since I’vebeen at Delaware State,” said Davis, who hasled the Lady Hornets to a 171-159 overall recordin his first 11 years with the team. His tenure atDSU has been highlighted by the 2008 MEACTournament championship and four other titlegame appearances.“I’m certain we will have our ups and downsthis season, but I like the potential of this team,”Davis said.ReturnersTopping the list of returning players is pointguard Tasia Bristow (sophomore; 5’5”; Baltimore,Md.), who was third on the Lady Hornets in scoring(8.1 ppg) and second in three-point field goals (38)during the 2010-11 season. Bristow scored a teamseason-high 25 points (10-13 FGs) in a victory overSt. Francis (N.Y.) last season.Versatile Deanna Harmon (sophomore; 5’7”;Owings Mills, Md.) returns for her second season.Last year, Harmon was tops on the Lady Hornets inassists (82) and steals (50), and fourth in scoring(7.3 ppg). She was seventh in the MEAC in assists(2.8 pg) and 11th in steals (1.7 pg) as a freshman.The other returning players are guard CrystalPitt (junior; 5’7”; Fort Washington, Md.) and centerUchechi Ahaiwe (junior; 6’3”; Riverdale, Md.). Pittaveraged 2.5 points in 27 games (12.1 minutes pergame), while Ahaiwe appeared in 21 contests (4.0mpg), averaging 0.8 points.Sophomore Deanna Harmon, left, led the LadyHornets in assists (82) and steals (50) last season.New facesTopping the list of 2011-12 newcomers isforward Tierra Hawkins (freshman, 6’2”; Clinton,Md.), a former standout at Washington, D.C., areapower Riverdale Baptist.Hawkins, who sat out last season, helped leadRiverdale to two conference championships. Sheaveraged 13 points and eight rebounds per gamein her final season at the school. Her sister Tiannaplays for the University of Maryland.The Lady Hornets have bolstered their front linewith the addition of Morgan Woodruff (freshman;6-2; Bloomington, Ind.). Woodruff was a top 10Indiana recruit following a successful career atBloomington North High School.Guard/forward Keyanna Tate (freshman;6’; Beltsville, Md.) was a 2010-11 McDonald’sAll-America nominee at Bowie (Md.) High Schoolbefore signing with the Lady Hornets. Tate is a twotimeAll-District of Columbia Interscholastic AthleticAssociation First Team selection.Baltimore (Md.) standout Chelsea Dukes(freshman; 5’11”) also joins the Lady Hornets.While at Maryland’s St, Francis Academy, Dukeshelped lead the team to a 23-3 record and No. 1state ranking (No. 21 nationally) as a senior. Shewas an All-Baltimore County First Team selectionduring her junior year.Delaware State also welcomes forward AlexisThornton (freshman; 5’9”, El Paso, Texas) to thesquad. Thornton averaged 11 points and nearlythree rebounds per game as a senior at MontwoodHigh School.13 inducted into DSUAthletics Hall of FameDelaware State University’s Athletics Hallof Fame inducted 12 former athletes and oneadministrator into its 2011 class during anOctober ceremony. The inductees were:Football• Jamaal JacksonJackson is in his ninth season with theNFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.• Darnerian McCantsMcCants played six seasons in the NFL,including stints with the Washington Redskins,Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.• Terrance Hoover (posthumous)Hoover is Delaware State’s all-time leaderwith 3,517 rushing yards.• Chuck PoplosPoplos was a three-time All-MEAC punter.• Brian RandallRandall was a two-time All-America andAll-MEAC defensive back who signed with theNFL’s Kansas City Chiefs in 1994.• Lybrant RobinsonRobinson, a defensive lineman, wasa member of the Hornets’ first MEACchampionship team in 1985.• Walter TullisTullis was a standout defensive back and kickreturner for the Hornets in the mid-1970s.Track & Field• Tiffany Barnes• Douglas Lynes-Bell• Jessica Gilbert-WilsonEach competed in the NCAA Track & FieldNational Championships during their recordsettingcareers at Delaware State.Basketball• James RoundtreeRoundtree collected more than 1,000 pointsand nearly 850 rebounds from 1971 to 74.• Mandy ClarkClark was the MEAC Women’s BasketballPlayer of the Year during the 2004 season.Sports Information• Maxine LewisLewis was DSU’s first full-time sportsinformation director.34 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011 Fall 2011 www.desu.edu The Echo 35

History of DSU• Story by Carlos HolmesWilliam C. Jason, 2 nd president:Tenure marked by financial challengesIt is unknown what the Board ofTrustees of the State College for ColoredStudents (SCCS) in Dover told WilliamC. Jason to persuade him to take thejob as the second president of the fledglinginstitution.Whatever led the Methodist ministerto accept the position, it is certain thathe needed every bit of spiritual faith andstrength he had to sustain himself and thecollege through the challenges that wouldhinder growth of the SCCS throughout his1895-1923 tenure.The then-36-year-old native of Trappe,Md., arrived to head the SCCS with theacademic and spiritual wisdom he hadattained in earning a Bachelor of Divinityand a Master of Arts, as well as the frontdiscipline of preaching and ministering topeople at his church assignments in Orange,N.J.; Wilmington, Del.; and Philadelphia.His “can-do” attitude that would servehim well in his presidency appears to havewell-manifested itself during his collegeyears at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary,Allegheny College and Drew TheologicalSeminary, as family history documentsnoted that he worked his way throughschool “on clippers and shears” as a barber.Upon being granted his release fromthe Methodist Church, he became thefirst Negro president of the institution,inheriting an almost 100-acre campus thathad a Main College Building that was usedfor teaching, cooking, eating and sleeping,a trades building, a president’s residenceand a horse stable that had formerly beenslaves quarters. The absence of any typeof school system for Negro youths in thestate of Delaware resulted in hardly anyblacks who were academically preparedto pursue higher education, leading toa predominately out-of-state enrollmentamong the meager student population.In addition, the “separate but equal”legal doctrine of the times really meant“separate and unequal” for the SCCS. The36 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011William C. JasonTenure: 1895-1923Morrill Act of 1890 — the federal legislationthat facilitated the creation of the SCCS —provided Delaware with $25,000 annually,but SCCS received only $8,000 of thatduring the first year to establish the College,and afterwards it would receive relativelylittle of that revenue. The College probablywouldn’t have survived if it weren’t for itsannual federal allocation of $10,000.But throughout his 28-year tenure —still the record for DSU presidents — Jasondid what he could about those initialchallenges and others that would come.While continuing the preparatory schoolon campus begun during the Wesley Webbadministration, the SCCS under Jason’sleadership established a Normal Schoolin 1897 that would be the beginning ofteachers’ education as part of the legacyof the institution and a critical source ofteachers for the state of Delaware.Tackling the issuesEarly in his presidency, Jason tookfinancial matters into his own hands,launching what would be the institution’sfirst known fundraising drive. Towardthat end, he published the following lettercirca 1900:This institution receives from the NationalGovernment $10,000 annually. The law makingthat appropriation is precise in limiting the usesto which this money may be applied. It mustbe devoted wholly to instruction in Agriculture,the Mechanic Arts, Domestic Science and theEnglish Language. Certain subjects necessaryto a common school education are specificallyexcluded, such as History, Geography and Civics.No salaries or executive or administrative officerscan be paid, no land can be bought, no buildingserected or repaired, with such funds.Having no other source of revenues, we havenot been able to live strictly within the law. Noticeis now given that we must do so hereafter, or theappropriation will be withdrawn. With this prospectour Trustees petitioned the present Legislature foran annual appropriation from the state of $3,000.This has been granted and we shall be able tocontinue.Out buildings, however, are utterly inadequatefor the proper performance of the work required.I have secured permission to try to remedy thisdifficulty by bringing the case before any publicspirited citizen who may be disposed to aid us.The most pressing need is a building for theteaching of Domestic Science. With the fundsavailable we could pay a reasonable salary to acompetent teacher; but we have no place for herto work, and no money to provide such a place. Myplan is to raise for this purpose $5,000 FROM THECOLORED PEOPLE THEMSELVES. As an incentive,I am seeking to secure the guarantee of a likeamount from some friend or friends among thewhite people upon the condition that we raiseour half.W.C. Jason, Pres.And with that message he traveledthroughout the state speaking about theneeds of the college. While not reaching the$5,000 goal, he was able to raise $1,100that he used to renovate the horse stable/slave quarters into a chapel. The buildingserved the dual purpose of religiousservice and a place where students couldassemble for other activities. Jason said theconstruction of the chapel was “to makeover a place of misery and horror into aplace of rejoicing.”Year after year he did what had to bedone to keep the SCCS going, but it wasn’teasy. Some education reports critical ofthe College surfaced in the mid-1910s,provoking unfair criticism of Jason, apresident who never enjoyed more thaninadequate limited resources in operatingthe SCCS. He nevertheless continued aspresident until he stepped down in 1923, atwhich time the College’s Board of Trusteesnamed him president emeritus.In light of the inadequate state support,Jason’s perseverance for 28 years cannot beoverstated. However, despite the challengesthe institution not only survived but alsoexperienced modest gains in buildings,enrollment and faculty.After his SCCS presidency, Jason returnedto his Methodist ministry and was assignedto poorer rural churches in Delaware andMaryland. He also served on the DelawareMethodist Conference’s Board of Trustees.THE DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITYFOUNDATION WOULD LIKE TO EXTENDSINCERE APPRECIATION TO OUR SPONSORSwww.desu.edu/presidents-scholarship-ballThe Class of 1913 of the State College for Colored StudentsWilliam C. Jason’s family• William C. Jason’s dedication to the StateCollege for Colored Students was even placedahead of his family early in his presidency. Forreasons unknown, after arriving with Jason to thecampus in 1895, his wife Madora Jason choseto move to Philadelphia while she was pregnantwith their son, Henry. The couple also had threeother children: Mary, William C. Jr. and Madora E.According to Jason family records, twohighlights of his life were receiving anhonorary Doctorate of Divinity from WileyCollege in Texas and serving in 1929 as thekeynote commencement speaker at LincolnUniversity in Jefferson City, Mo.He would later return to the SCCS in1936 to assume the role as college chaplain.He would serve in that capacity until 1941when failing health forced him to resign. Helived out the rest of his life in the house heSaturday, December 10, 2011It is not known when his wife and childrenreunited with him in Dover. But Mr. Jason’sfather, William Jason, a former boyhood slave,moved into a house he built for him. The houseand the president’s house were located off ofwhat is now College Road, which was developedby Jason and others as the College Settlementwhere SCCS-related residences were located.built just beyond the bridge by the College.Following his passing in 1943, theDelaware Conference of the MethodistChurch reprinted in its Official Journal anexcerpt of an 1891 sermon he gave:“Thank God the day is coming when theNegro standing upon the high platform ofintelligent, Christian piety and useful citizenship— not as an individual one here and anotherone there, but as a race — shall stretch out hishands to God and say, “I also am a man.”

1965Carolyn GoldenHebsgaard receivedthe Constance BakerMotley TrailblazerAward, presented at YaleUniversity by the NewHaven NAACP for the firsttime. The award reads,“For Your Leadership,Service and Success Demonstrated ThroughImproved Diversity in the Legal Profession.”Hebsgaard is the executive director of the LawyersCollaborative for Diversity serving the state ofConnecticut and is also executive director of theBoston Lawyers Group.Maurice Pritchett was recognized by the Boardof Education of the Christina School District onMarch 8, 2011. The gymnasium of the BancroftElementary School in Wilmington, Del., where heserved as vice principal and principal for 32 years,now bears the name “The Maurice Pritchett, Sr.Gymnasium” in his honor. A permanent plaque isinstalled at the school to mark the occasion.1970Class notesAnthony “Tony”Henderson was electedto honorary membershipstatus in the Oswego(N.Y.) Rotary Club. Anactive member of theclub until his retirementand relocation to theRochester, N.Y., area,Henderson has continued to support the clubby annually presenting a program to mark Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth. Henderson ledState University of New York — Oswego’scommemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dayfor many years while he served as a dormitorydirector. In July, Henderson was elected chairmanof the Board of Directors of Justime Self-Empowerment Center for Women Inc., a nonprofitagency in Rochester.1973Janet Williams-Coger was installed as presidentof the National Coalition of 100 Black Women,Delaware Chapter, in October. The coalition is anadvocacy group for women and children whosecore initiatives are economic empowerment,education, gender equity, health and public policy.The new president’s immediate goal for theDelaware Chapter is to advocate for women andchildren within the core initiatives. In addition,Williams-Coger has been appointed by DelawareGov. Jack Markell to a one-year term on theboard of the Charitable Gaming Commission. Thefunction of the board is to oversee the policiesand procedures of the commission and to receive,review, approve or deny all applications forcharitable gaming in the state.1974Keep in touchDo you have something excitingto report to your fellow alumni? Haveyou changed careers, been promoted,retired or expanded your family? Letyour classmates and friends know inThe Echo.Email your news (up to 100 words)for Class Notes, along with your highresolutionphoto (300 or more dpi) toalumni@desu.edu. You can also shareyour news online at www.desu.edu/echo-form.Linda V. Tucker-Gooding recently retired after31 years of teaching. She attended and graduatedfrom Fayetteville Technical Community Collegein Funeral Service to become a licensed funeraldirector and is currently employed by Don BrownFuneral Home in Ayden, N.C.1977Isaace Morris retired in July 2009 as a districtmanager in labor relations after 33.5 years with theUnited States Postal Service. Morris graduated fromDSU with a degree in Human Resource TechnologyManagement.1980R. Anthony Kemmerlin Sr., a former StudentGovernment Association president and member ofthe Hornets football team, was recently awardedthe distinguished designation of certified medicalinvestigator IV by the Board of Forensic Medicinethrough the American College of ForensicExaminers International. The independent,scientific and professional association representsforensic examiners worldwide. Kemmerlin, amember of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (ZetaRho Lambda Chapter), is a licensed medicalinvestigator with the Department of State,Division of Professional Regulation. He is also aninternationally recognized use of force instructorwith the International Law Enforcement Educatorsand Trainers Association and founder of theConfrontational Science Research Center.1985Nor Enterprises Inc. President Norman M.Oliver, a former Student Government Associationpresident and former DSU Board of Trusteesmember, held the Wilmington company’s 29thannual Turkey Give-A-Way this Thanksgiving.The event helps thousands of families eachyear. Joining the effort were some of Delaware’sleading elected officials, who give their time andgenerosity to assist in the distribution of turkeysfor the growing list of people in need. DSUPresident Harry L. Williams joined Oliver this year.1989Anthony Walker, a former Student GovernmentAssociation president, has relocated his State FarmInsurance agency to Baltimore, Md.1992Marc Stevens is a theatre arts instructor andteam leader/mass communications team leaderat Randallstown High School in Randallstown,Md., responsible for maintenance of the theaterprogram and for the school’s productions. Stevenswas promoted from junior varsity coach to varsitybaseball head coach at the school. The teamgraduated nine seniors last year, and all arecurrently in college, one of them enrolled at DSU.1996Phillip Holmes, associatedirector of residentialeducation at DSU, andShauntrelle Holmes ’96announce the birth of theirdaughter, Sabrina PhyliciaHolmes, on May 28, 2011.She has been a welcomedaddition to the family. BabySabrina is also the great-granddaughter of DSUalumna Mildred R. Holmes ’47.2004The Rev. John G. Moore Sr. took part in theAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Martin Luther KingJr. National Memorial private dedication on theNational Mall in Washington, D.C., in August,reciting King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Mooreis a member of the fraternity’s Zeta Rho LambdaChapter in Dover.Crystal Jackson Wynn is currently anassistant professor at Virginia State Universityin Petersburg, Va., and is the director of the DieteticInternship Program. She received her Bachelor ofScience degree in Food, Nutrition and Dieteticsfrom DSU, a Master of Public Health in Nutritionfrom University of North Carolina — Chapel Hillin 2006, and is currently working on her Ph.D. inPublic Health from Walden University, expected inDecember 2012.2007/2010Amystique Y. Harris-Church gave apresentation in September at the National CollegeTesting Association Conference in San Diego,Calif., on community testing and quality service.Church is the associate director of operations atthe Office of Testing at Delaware State University.She has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations andMass Communications, a Master of Arts in AdultEducation and Literacy and is currently workingon an Ed.D. at Wilmington University in HigherEducation Leadership.2008Cecelia Dunning,‘94, is congratulatedby President Harry L.Williams and his wife,Dr. Robin Williams, atDunning’s retirementluncheon in late May.Dunning served asa dedicated staffmember in the Officeof the Provost (with 15different supervisorchanges) for 40 years,10 months and 13 days.Carol Stevens was recently promoted tosenior assistant dean for Academic Success anddirector of the Student Transition Program at theUniversity of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg,Va. Stevens received a Doctor of EducationalLeadership degree at DSU.2010In memoriamWe sorrowfully acknowledge the deathsof the following alumni, faculty and staff,and we offer our heartfelt condolences totheir families and friends:AlumniBobby R. McKibbins ’65 Jan. 20Florence F. Fells ’28 Feb. 19Deirdre A. Cook ’98 June 11Susie Wynder-Pelham ’51 June 27Delores Page Norwood Handy ’46 June 30Renee D. Deveney ’07 July 19Joyce Ann Burton-Tucker ’71 Sept. 2Leona M. Rusanowsky ’74 Sept. 6Lloyd Walter Warrington ’80 Sept. 13Rosa M. Coleman Talbert ’49 Oct. 13Everett L. Mills ’52 Oct. 15Marshall Arnell ’62 Oct. 20Faculty and StaffJoseph L. Satchell, Oct. 7, 2010retired facultyLetta G. Cooper, faculty Jan. 8Margaret A. Bingham, retired staff Feb. 21William L. Johnson III, May 26adjunct professorVirginia M. Weigan, staff June 25Rickey L. Crump, retired staff July 21Note: Death notices sent to the AlumniOffice must be accompanied by a creditablepiece of documenta tion such as a newsclipping, death certificate or funeralprogram. Notices received without back-updocumentation will not be made public,nor will unconfirmed, word-of-mouthnotices be entered into record. In lieu ofthe aforementioned documentation, a letterfrom a family member will be accepted asofficial confirmation. A telephone number (ofthe person submitting the information) mustalso be included.Antoine Pettyjohn of Houston, Del., recentlystarted a started a photography business namedA.P. Photography, LLC. Pettyjohn received abachelor’s degree in Studio Arts from DSU.38 The Echo www.desu.edu Fall 2011Fall 2011www.desu.eduThe Echo39

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