ProPhecy FulFilled - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State ...

TODAYPAGE 11North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State UniversityFall 2006DEPARTMENTS2) Inside Aggieland6) Campus Briefs8) Research20) Aggie Sports24) People Behind theScholarships26) Alumni News30) A Student's Perspective32) Mixed BagNorth Carolina Agricultural and TechnicalState University is a learner-centeredcommunity that develops and preservesintellectual capital through interdisciplinarylearning, discovery, engagement, andoperational excellence.ARTICLES10) Former Administrators Fill Interim Cabinet Positions11) Monumental FeatAggies remember fallen soldiers12) Prophecy FulfilledProfessor Celestine Ntuen has been a“teacher” since his childhood in Western Africa14) Making the GradeSoftware is used to evaluate freshman writing16) Divine DesignSGA President Arnita Floyd Moody …18) Fit for a QueenCrystal Renai Williams, Miss A&T 2006-2007,is determined to be successfulPAGE 2explore. discover. become.PAGE 16 PAGE 30A&T TODAYNorth Carolina Agricultural and Technical State UniversityFall 2006A&T TODAY is published quarterly byThe Division of Development and University RelationsNorth Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University1601 East Market Street • Greensboro, N.C. 27411Phone: (336) 334-7582 • FAX: (336) 334-7094Postage Paid at Greensboro, N.C.All editorial correspondence should be directed to Sandra M. Brown,University Relations Office, N.C. A&T State University, The Garrett House,400 Nocho Street, Greensboro, N.C. 27411, or smbrown@ncat.edu.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Office of Alumni Affairs,North Carolina A&T State University, Alumni-Foundation Event Center,Greensboro, N.C. 27411. Phone: (336) 433-5570.Visit us online at www.ncat.eduEditorSandra M. BrownAssociate EditorsNettie Collins Rowland ’72Mable S, Scott ’99 MSContributing WritersLetitia BowlerLeslie BrownS. Marie BrownShena CrittendonDarlene F. East ’04Brian M. Holloway ’97Darlene Norman-NealMillicent RothrockSetaria WatsonCrystal R. WilliamsJoni WorthingtonPhotographersGeorge CurtisJoe DanielsCharles EdgertonBreana GreenleeEric LeGrandCharles E. Watkins ’03Ronnie WrightDesignDonna M. Wojek GibbsPrintingP.N. Thompson/Henry Wurst, Inc.Board of TrusteesJohn J. “Nick” Becton ’79Carole Bruce, Vice ChairD. Hayes ClementEunice M. DudleyMichelle Gethers-ClarkHenry H. IsaacsonAlbert Lineberry Jr.Franklin E. McCain Sr. ’64Velma R. Speight-Buford ’53, ChairMichael L. Suggs ’82Steven C. WatsonArnita Floyd Moody, Student RepresentativeJoseph A. Williams ’72, SecretaryExecutive CabinetChancellor - Lloyd V. Hackley (Interim)Provost/Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs -Janice Brewington ’70 (Interim)Vice Chancellor, Business and Finance -Willie T. “Tommy” Ellis ’77Vice Chancellor, Development and UniversityRelations - Marvin H. Watkins ’58 (Interim)Vice Chancellor, Information Technology andTelecommunications/CIO- Rodney E. HarriganVice Chancellor, Research and EconomicDevelopment - Narayanaswamy “Radha”RadhakrishnanVice Chancellor, Student Affairs - Sullivan A.Welborne Jr. ’61 (Interim)Special Assistant to the Chancellor -George AntonelliSpecial Assistant to the Chancellor -Shirley T. Frye ’53Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Legal Affairs -Camille Kluttz-LeachDeansAgriculture and Environmental Sciences -Alton ThompsonArts and Sciences - Michael PlaterBusiness and Economics - Quiester CraigEducation - Lelia VickersEngineering - Joseph Monroe ’62Graduate Studies - Thomas M. HassellLibrary Services - Waltrene Canada ’70Nursing - Patricia Price LeaStudents - Judy N. Rashid ’74Technology - Ernest L. Walker (Interim)University Studies - Joseph L. Graves Jr.Alumni Association Board of DirectorsPresident - Teresa M. Davis ’89First Vice President - Claudette Bennett ’75Second Vice President - Chuck Burch ’82Treasurer - Gerald Williams ’83Secretary - Carolyn Rinehardt ’64Geographical Area I Director, Seat 1 - T. RobersonEdwards ’73Geographical Area I Director, Seat 2 - EugenePreston ’57Geographical Area II Director, Seat 3 - DelorisChisley ’73Geographical Area II Director, Seat 4 - Sam Eady ’65Geographical Area III Director, Seat 5 - JimBridgett ’53Geographical Area IV Director, Seat 6 - MarvinWalton ’91Geographical Area V Director, Seat 7 - Ulysses J.Cozart Jr. ’77Board of Directors (BOD) Seat 8 (School ofAgricultural and Environmental Sciences) -Elvis Graves ’79BOD Seat 9 (College of Arts and Sciences) -Nita DewberryBOD Seat 10 (School of Business and Economics) -Jerry Thorne ’75BOD Seat 11 (School of Education) - VelmaSpeight-Buford ’53BOD Seat 12 (College of Engineering) - LeotisParrish ’91BOD Seat 13 (School of Nursing) - SchenitaDavis-RandolphNorth Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is a land-grant university that is ranked by theCarnegie Classification System as “high research activity.” N.C. A&T is an AA/EEO employer, and it is an ADAcompliant institution; thus, facilities are designed to provide accessibility to individuals with physical disabilities.40,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $22,942.00 or $0.57 per copy.

INSIDE AGGIELAND continuedBattle Named Chancellor-Elect of North Carolina A&T State UniversityStanley F. Battle, president of Coppin 4,300 students and offers more than 24State University since 2003, has undergraduate majors, 33 minors, and 11been elected chancellor of North Carolina master’s degree programs in high-need areasAgricultural & Technical State University such as education, nursing, counseling, andby the Board of Governors of the 16- criminal justice. The campus also housescampus University of North Carolina. UNC the Coppin Academy, an early college highPresident Erskine Bowles placed Battle’s school supported by the Bill and Melindaname in nomination November 10 during Gates Foundation, which opened inthe board’s regular November meeting. 2005. Located in the northwest section ofBattle, 55, will assume his new duties July Baltimore, the campus has a unique mission,1, 2007, succeeding Lloyd V. Hackley, primarily focusing on the problems, needs,who has served as interim chancellor since and aspirations of the diverse residents inJames C. Renick stepped down in June to the surrounding urban area.accept a senior leadership position with the As Coppin’s president, Battle hasAmerican Council on Education.been credited with strengthening academicIn recommending Battleto the Board of Governors,Bowles said: When I gave thecharge to the Chancellor SearchCommittee at North CarolinaA&T, I made it clear that Iwould settle for no less than thevery best leader for this specialinstitution—and that’s exactlywhat we got. Stanley Battle isabsolutely passionate about thepower of higher education tochange lives for the better, and Iam convinced he has the ability,desire, energy, and vision totake N.C. A&T to the nextlevel. Throughout his career,Dr. Battle has made community UNC President Erskine Bowles, N.C. A&T Board of Trustees Chair Velma Speight-Buford,N.C. A&T Chancellor-Elect Stanley F. Battle, UNC Board of Governors Chair Jim Phillipsinvolvement and collaborationa priority, a tradition he haspledged to continue in Greensboro and the programs and aggressively pursuing adequateTriad region. He also brings a proven track operating and capital support from the staterecord of securing the external gifts and grants legislature. As a result of those efforts, thethat help provide the margin of excellence that campus attained university status in 2004can never come from state funding alone. and state operating support for the campusWe are blessed to gain a leader with this rare rose by more than 50 percent in the 2005-combination of talent and commitment. 06 fiscal year. Under his leadership, externalOne of 13 campuses that comprise the research grants and private giving have alsoUniversity System of Maryland, Coppin increased markedly, collaboration with theState is a historically black liberal arts Baltimore Public Schools has expandedinstitution that enrolls approximately dramatically, and the campus has becomea national leader in the use of informationtechnologies. The first completelywireless campus in the University Systemof Maryland, Coppin received a 2005“Excellence in Network” Award fromEDUCAUSE, a national organizationpromoting the use of informationtechnologies in higher education.“The chance to serve as chancellorof North Carolina A&T is a once-in-alifetimeopportunity,” said Battle. “However,this was a very difficult decision. My wife,Judy, and I love Coppin State Universityvery much. We will continue to support theinstitution both spiritually and financially.I am extremely grateful for thewonderful years I’ve spent atCoppin and would like to thankeveryone for their tremendoussupport during my presidency.”A native of Springfield,Mass., Battle majored insociology at SpringfieldCollege, graduating in 1973.After completing a master’sdegree in social work from theUniversity of Connecticutin 1975, he earned a master’sdegree in public health (1979)and a doctorate in socialwelfare policy (1980) from theUniversity of Pittsburgh. Helater completed the Institutefor Educational Managementat Harvard University and theMillennium Leadership Institute of theAmerican Association of State Colleges andUniversities.Battle began his academic career at theUniversity of Minnesota in 1980, servingas an assistant professor in the School ofSocial Work with an adjunct appointmentin the School of Public Health. Four yearslater, he moved to Boston University,holding joint appointments in the Schoolsof Social Work and Public Health. Hewas named a professor in the University ofConnecticut School of Social Work in 1987,where he was promoted to associate dean forresearch and development in 1991.In 1993, Battle was recruited toEastern Connecticut State University asassociate vice president for academic affairs.Five years later he joined the Universityof Wisconsin-Milwaukee as the Sullivan-Spaights Distinguished Professor in UWM’sSchool of Social Welfare and Education.In that role, he established scholarships,a summer research institute focused onissues pertaining to adolescent fathers,and a mentoring institute for adolescentAfrican American males. In 2000, he waspromoted to vice chancellor of student andmulticultural affairs at UMW, a post he helduntil being named president of Coppin Statein 2003.An accomplished teacher, researcher,and speaker, Battle is also the author or coauthorof 11 books and more than 60 articlesand book chapters, primarily focusing onsocial issues involving the African Americancommunity. His numerous awards andhonors include the Legacy Laureate AlumniAward from the University of Pittsburgh,the African American Heritage Award fromthe University of Wisconsin-Whitewater,the Martin Luther King, Jr., CommunityService Award from Eastern ConnecticutState, the Connecticut State Department ofChildren and Families Recognition Award,and the First Community Research Awardfrom the Institute for Community Researchin Hartford, Conn. In addition, a scholarshipfund was endowed at Eastern ConnecticutState in honor of Battle and his wife.Battle and his wife, Judith Lynn Rozie-Battle, an attorney, have one daughter,Ashley Lynn, a graduate of Mount HolyokeCollege who is now pursuing a master’sdegree from the Columbia School ofJournalism.A&T Alumni-Foundation Event Center’sMain Lobby NamedN.C. A&T Alumni-Foundation Event Center’smain lobby was officially named in honor ofAggie Alum Extraordinaire, Velma R. Speight.Chancellor Lloyd V. Hackley and Foundationpresident, Obrie Smith unveiled a 23x27-inchportrait plaque of Speight that offsets theentrance of the Event Center lobby and anotherplaque displayed in the hallway entitled “DestinedGranddaughter Lindsay Bowen ‘05 anddaughter Chineta Davis accompany momto Lead.” Shirley T. Frye, special assistant to the(Speight) at dedication.chancellor, presented Speight with a bouquetof yellow roses. Speight has received manyrecognitions for her giving spirit from national, state, and local organizations. Her ongoingcommitment to A&T is widely known among Aggies. She is the only alum who was electedpresident of A&T’s National Alumni Association on two separate occasions. She was employedby A&T as its director of alumni affairs.Speight was recognized by the Kresge Foundation in 2003 for her generous gifts to A&Tfor she has donated over $150,000 in cash, several acres of property and a planned gift of onemillion dollars. Widely known for encouraging alumni to give back, A&T’s National AlumniAssociation’s Young Alumni Award is named for her. She is the first alumna to chair A&T’s Boardof Trustees and more recently chaired the search committee for A&T’s new chancellor.She is married to William M. Buford, has one daughter and two granddaughters.Frye Honored with Distinguished Professorshipin Political Science and Criminal JusticeJustice Henry E. Frye was keynote speaker for North CarolinaAgricultural and Technical State University’s 2006 Convocation onOct. 19 in Richard B. Harrison Auditorium.Frye, who was appointed by Gov. Jim Hunt in 1999 to serve as thefirst African American chief justice of the Supreme Court, was honoredat the convocation with The Justice Henry E. Frye DistinguishedProfessorship in Political Science and Criminal Justice. A&T receiveda $250,000 gift from the Weaver Foundation to establish an endowedprofessorship in the political science and criminal justice department. This initial funding wasmatched by federal and state programs to create a nearly $1 million endowment to support thechair. Frye, whose name the professorship was established, is the first recipient.Frye has over 24 years in the private practice of law, 14 years in the North CarolinaGeneral Assembly, 10 years as a law school professor and more than 17 years on the SupremeCourt of North Carolina. He served as a munitions officer with the United States Air Force inJapan and Korea and later served as a judge advocate general area representative with the AirForce Reserve.In 1968, Frye became the first African American to be elected to the North Carolina Houseof Representatives in the twentieth century. He served in the State House for 12 years and wasthen elected to a two-year term in the North Carolina Senate.In 1983, Frye became the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of NorthCarolina and went on to be appointed chief justice. He retired from the court in 2001 andbecame counsel to Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP.4 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 5

CAMPUS BRIEFSFaculty & StaffChi Anyansi-Archibong, a professorin the school of business and economicsand coordinator for the university’s globalstudies certificate program, visited SiemReap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, andSaigon, Vietnam, this summer. The themefor this travel under the Council onInternational Education Exchange (CIEE)was “Reconciliation and Post War Development in Cambodiaand Vietnam.” Her activities included cultural visits to temples,the killing fields and local universities, and presentations onCambodia’s economic development challenges and foreigninvestment incentives and opportunities.Anyansi-Archibong is currently discussing possibilitiesfor student and faculty exchanges with the Vietnam NationalUniversity, Ho Chi Minh City, the University of Social Sciencesand Humanities, the International University of Vietnam, and theInternational Institute of Cambodia.This was Anyansi-Archibong’s fifth international facultydevelopment program with CIEE. Past travels included India, CzechRepublic, Hungary, South Africa and Senegal. These trips allowher to bring her syllabi up to date especially in her Global StudiesSeminar and International Management Courses.Claude W. Barnes Jr., an associateprofessor in the department of politicalscience and criminal justice, has receivedan instructional development award fromthe 2005 SPACE (Spatial Perspectives onAnalysis for Curriculum Enhancement)workshop to conduct a workshop on hisexperience integrating spatial analysis in theundergraduate curriculum at the 13 th Annual National HBCUFaculty Development Symposium, Oct. 19-21 in Houston, Texas.The award was highlighted recently in the Spatial Perspectives onAnalysis for Curriculum Enhancement newsletter.Keyes Callahan BullockAlvin L. Keyes, an associate professor in the department ofpsychology, has been re-elected president of the North CarolinaA&T State University Faculty Senate for 2006-2007. LindaFlorence Callahan, a professor in the department of journalismand mass communication, and Ednita W. Bullock, collectionmanagement librarian, were re-elected as vice president andsecretary, respectively.Judy Rashid, adjunct professor and dean ofstudents, recently participated in the Programon Negotiation for Senior Executives atHarvard Law School. The program helpsparticipants prepare for negotiations moreeffectively, focus on problems and not onpersonalities, avoid typical win-lose situations,and build long-term relationships.Terry Westry, a computing consultant inthe Division of Information Technologyand Telecommunications, was elected toserve a second three-year term on the StateEmployees Association of North Carolina(SEANC) Scholarship Foundation Boardof Directors during the organization’s 23 rdannual convention held at the KouryConvention Center in Greensboro, Sept. 7-9. The foundationadministers and awards $45,000 worth of scholarships annuallyto SEANC members, their spouses and dependents throughoutthe state.StudentsBrandon Fennell, a junior business management major,and Justin Hayden, a senior electrical engineering major,participated in a summer institute for future global leadersthat was held at the University of the Virgin Islands, StThomas, U.S.V.I, in May. Chi Anyansi-Archibong, aprofessor in the school of business and economics andcoordinator for the global studies certificate program atA&T, served as an instructor.MarshMeekinsJoey Marsh, a junior accounting major, and RickyMeekins, a sophomore architectural engineering major,participated in a 12-week leadership developmentinternship program at the North Carolina Departmentof Insurance (NCDOI) called INROADS, the world’spremier organization for the leadership developmentand professional training of outstanding ethnicallydiverse students. Upon graduation, INROADS alumniare competitive professionals ready to assume leadershippositions in numerous sectors of corporate America as wellas in non-profit and health care fields.Michele A. Matthews, a seniorjournalism and mass communicationsmajor with a concentration in printjournalism, has been elected editorin-chiefof the A&T Register, thecampus newspaper. Matthews hasbeen active with the A&T Registerfor two years, serving as a volunteerand contributing writer. As editor-in-chief she is managinga staff of eight editors: Joshua Capers, copy desk chief;Michael McCray, photographer and co-sports editor;Darrick Ignasiak, co-sports editor; Jameya Porter,online editor; Ashley Withers, arts and life editor; AlexisMason, wires editor, and Jeuron Dove, news editor.Courtney Owens of Henderson,N.C., has spent his life as a citizen ofone of the world’s richest countries,but soon he will be a resident of one ofthe world’s poorest when he becomes aPeace Corps volunteer in the small WestAfrican nation of Burkina Faso.An agriscience education major atNorth Carolina A&T, Owens left the U.S.A. on Sept. 24 andwill not return until late 2008. After three months of Frenchlanguage training, Owens will reside in a village where hewill advise residents in small enterprise development. Otherswho have traveled to Africa have told him to expect cultureshock, but Owens feels up to the challenge, and he is eagerfor a new experience.“I feel it is time for a change in my life,” said Owens, 23.“I’ve become too used to this environment.”Owens is the first to enter the Peace Corps throughA&T’s new Master’s International program, a three-yeardegree that includes one year of graduate coursework,followed by two years of Peace Corps service that appliesclassroom learning to the real world. It is administeredthrough the School of Agriculture and EnvironmentalSciences and is available to master’s level students majoringin agricultural economics or agriscience education.His family and friends had to overcome some initialskepticism, but are now supportive of his plans.“At first, they didn’t know what I was talking about.I think they thought it was going to be a summer retreat,”he said.However, Peace Corps service is no vacation. Volunteersare usually assigned to government or non-profit developmentagencies, and they are expected to solve real-world problemswhile living side by side with people living in poverty.Peace Corps volunteers are not volunteers in everysense of the word. They actually get paid enough for livingexpenses as well as receive free medical care for the durationof their assignments.Upon completing his assignment, Owens plans to returnto the United States and pursue a career in environmentallaw. He is grateful for the international experiences thatA&T has to offer, both through Master’s International andthe Office of International Programs.“International experience is important in this dayand age,” he says.6 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006 SPRING FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 7

RESEARCHWhat the Doctor OrderedProfessor Phoebe Butler-Ajibade has a prescription for conquering the “Freshman 15”By Setaria J. WatsonLast year, Aggies across the campus supported PedometerPower, a program designed to reduce the traditionalweight gain by freshmen students known as the“Freshman 15.” This phenomenon is common among AfricanAmerican students who may gain more than 20 pounds duringtheir first year of college.Pedometer Power provided walking groups for studentsand encouraged them to meet the Surgeon General’srecommendation of being active for at least 30 minutes on mostdays of the week. Students met at Corbett Gym and walked 30-45 minutes, four days a week for six weeks.Pre-post measurements were obtained to measure theimpact of the program. Sixty students participated in theprogram and lost an average of five pounds. None of theparticipants gained weight.With funding from Be Active North Carolina, theparticipants received the pedometers to record the number ofsteps taken daily in their travels around campus. Several studiesof daily steps taken using pedometers indicated that collegestudents underestimate how many stepsthey actually take. The studies suggestthat students walked an average of 5,000to 7,000 steps daily versus the desired10,000-12,000 steps daily.“The use of pedometers motivatedparticipants to increase their physicalactivity,” said Phoebe Butler-Ajibade,Butler-Ajibadean assistant professor in the departmentof human performance and leisure studies and principalinvestigator of the grant that funded the program.“Weight loss and reductions in abdominal size alsooccurred among these participants. One-third of theparticipants reported that their physicians were able to reducetheir medications as a result of participation in this program.(Overall) I think the program was very successful.”The grant ended June 30, but Butler-Ajibade said that shewants to continue the program this school year with freshmen,faculty and staff, and a church group.NOAA Funds $12.5M Interdisciplinary Center at A&TBy Setaria L. WatsonResearchers at North CarolinaAgricultural and Technical StateUniversity have received a $12.5million grant from the National Oceanic &Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to fundan Interdisciplinary ScientificEnvironmental Technology (ISET)Cooperative Research andEducation Center on the campus.According to SolomonBililign, chair of the department ofphysics and principal investigatoron the grant, “The ISET Centerwill cooperate with NOAA’s Earth BililignScience Research Laboratory inBoulder, Colo., and is aligned with NOAA’smission to provide the data needed to addressspecific climate and weather related concerns,such as hurricanes, droughts, tornadoes,global warming, and ecosystem degradation.As a NOAA Educational Partnership ProgramCooperative Science Center, the ISET Centerwill provide opportunities for underrepresentedstudents to study in NOAA-related sciences.”The center will perform research in areasincluding sensor science and sensor technologyfor oceanic and atmosphericapplications, analysis of globalobserving systems that includesnumerical and physical researchand analysis of hurricanes, andinformation technology tools for datafusion, data mining, and geospatialmodeling and analysis.N. Radhakrishnan, vicechancellor for research and economicdevelopment, said, “We are very excited aboutthis grant, which gives us the opportunity topartner with NOAA. A&T has internationallyknown researchers whose work is capable ofimpacting the world. This grant is evidence ofthat fact.”Bililign’s team includes a diverse networkof scientists, engineers and students from A&T,North Carolina State University, Universityof Minnesota, University of North Carolinaat Pembroke, City University of New York,University of Alaska Southeast, California StateUniversity-Fresno and Fisk University as well asindustrial, state and federal government partners.Cooperating units at North Carolina Agriculturaland Technical State University include the Collegeof Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineeringand the School of Graduate Studies.In addition to research activities, the centerwill establish a B.S. degree program in earthsystem sciences and it will develop an earthsystem teaching/research laboratory.Additional information on the ISETCooperative Science Center will soon beavailable at the ISET (http://iset.ncat.edu) andNOAA Educational Partnership Program (http://epp.noaa.gov) web sites.GRANTSTyrette Carter, Anthony Graham,Stephen McCary-Henderson andEreka Williams, assistant professorsin the department of curriculum andinstruction, and Kimberly Erwin, MATcoordinator, have been awarded a $2.7million grant from the U.S. Departmentof Education. The Transition to Teachinggrant will create a partnership betweenthe public schools in Bertie, Lenoirand Greene counties to assist with theCarter Graham McCary-Henderson Williams Kanipesrecruitment, preparation and retention ofsecondary mathematics, science and specialeducation teachers. The award is a five-yearcollaborative commitment.Margaret I. Kanipes, an associateprofessor in the department of chemistry,has received a National Institutes of HealthAcademic Research Enhancement Award(AREA) in the amount of $210,000. Theproject involves the examination ofCampylobacter coli, an importantemerging human pathogen that currentlyis understudied. Kanipes presented herresearch at the 106 th general meeting forthe American Society for Microbiology inOrlando, Fla. Her presentation was titled“Characterization of a Campylobacter jejuni81-176 Two Domain GlycosyltransferaseMutant Involved in LipooligosaccharideBiosynthesis.”Professor Receives Award from the American Cancer SocietyPhoebe Butler-Ajibade, assistant professor in thedepartment of human performance and leisure studies,recently received an award from the American Cancer Societyto establish a Colleges against Cancer (CAC) chapter on theN.C. A&T campus. The chapter will work to bring together thecampus community to address cancer disparities.Funds from the grant will be used to train students inleadership for health disparity program planning and advocacy.The students conducted a Great American Smokeout campaignin November, will organize a team for the annual cancerwalk “Relay for Life,” and participate in the regional tobaccoconference for HBCUs in March 2007.“This program will provide us with an opportunity toprepare our human performance and leisure studies majors forleadership in conducting wellness campaigns,” said Butler-Ajibade. “Students will play a leadership role in producingcreative campaigns to reduce tobacco use and exposure tosecond-hand smoke. I think that it will be helpful for ourcampus to address health disparities regarding cancer.“Cancer is very scary in the African American community.Many cancers – including most lung cancers, cervical cancerand colon cancers – are preventable through healthy lifestyles,”she added.The CAC program allows college students, faculty and staffto work together to bring American Cancer Society programsand services to college communities nationwide. The A&Tchapter will become part of a network of more than 175 othercolleges and universities.8 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 9

Former AdministratorsFill Interim Cabinet PositionsAlumni Marvin H. Watkins ’58 and Sullivan A. Welborne Jr. ’61 return to assist alma materChancellor Lloyd V. Hackley has appointed Marvin H. Watkins as interim vice chancellor fordevelopment and university relations and Sullivan A. Welborne Jr. as interim vice chancellor for studentaffairs while national searches are conducted to fill the two positions. By Mable S. Scott ’99 MSWatkins’ appointment waseffective Aug. 16. He replaces DavidHoard, who resigned in August.A retired administrator, Watkinshas over 25 years of experience insponsored programs administrationand research management. Hisbackground is expansive with federaland state agencies, foundations andcorporations.While serving as assistant to thepresident for development at BennettCollege, Watkins spearheadedthe organizing and conducting ofa successful multi-million dollarnational capital campaign. He alsowas director of the Office of Researchand Sponsored Programs at NorthCarolina Central University. Inaddition, he served as vice chairmanof the system-wide University Councilon Research for the ConsolidatedUniversity of North Carolina Systemof Higher EducationWatkins is co-founder and formerpresident, vice president and nationalprogram chairman of the NationalSponsored Programs Administrators Alliance ofHistorically Black Colleges and Universities Inc.A Greensboro, N.C., native, Watkins wasemployed at A&T for more than 20 years in variouscapacities in the Division of Research includingassociate vice chancellor, director, acting directorand assistant director. He also served as a consultantWatkinsWelborneand special assistant to the vicechancellor for research and economicdevelopment.Watkins graduated from James B.Dudley High School and received hisB.S. in history and M.S. in supervisionand administration from NorthCarolina A&T State University.Sullivan A. Welborne Jr. hasbeen appointed interim vice chancellorfor student affairs while a nationalsearch is conducted to fill the positionleft vacant by Roselle L. Wilson,effective Sept. 8.“Welborne had a successful 30-year career on this campus wherehe positively influenced the lives ofthousands of Aggies,” said Hackley.Welborne served as vicechancellor for student affairs at N.C.A&T from 1990 until his retirementin 2000. He also served as acting vicechancellor, assistant vice chancellor,and assistant professor, and he taughtundergraduate and graduate courses inchemistry for 23 years.Currently, Welborne is teaching chemistry andwill continue to teach the course while serving asinterim vice chancellor.The Lexington, N.C. native received B.S. andM.S. degrees from A&T, M.S. from North DakotaState University, and Ed.D. from UNCG. He has doneadditional coursework at Wake Forest University.Monumental FeatThe 1,300 pairs of boots that linedthe walls of The Depot in downtownGreensboro, N.C., were a vivid reminder ofthe fallen soldiers of the Iraqi War.The bell that rang after the name andhometown of each soldier was read at thememorial ceremony.N.C. A&T shares in the loss of thedeceased soldiers. Isaac Barnett, alongwith the class of 1947, picked up thecharge to commemorate Aggies who madethe ultimate sacrifice for their country.The class of 1947 formed acommittee to celebrate its 50 th classreunion and throughout the planningstages discussed ways to give back to theuniversity. After much discussion, the classdecided to create a monument on campusto commemorate classmates who werekilled during World War II and the Koreanand Vietnam wars.“Many of our classmates servedduring the Korean War and even in WorldWar II; we heard so much about them whenwe were students on campus we felt likeclassmates,” said Barnett, who led themonument committee.After much fundraising, the monumentwas unveiled following the 1997homecoming game.Aggies remember fallen soldiers“One thing we wanted to do was notonly honor our classmates and fellowAggies who paid the supreme price ofgiving their lives, but we also wanted toleave a reminder for other students andencourage them to be more peace loving,”said Barnett.With three new fallen Aggies, theclass of ’47 has responded again. Theclass has raised money and securedfunds from the university to add granitepanels with the names of Aggies who werekilled recently in Iraq and the Afghanistanconflict. The new panels displaying thenames of Spec. Mark Anthony Bibby,Spec. Lunsford Brown II and Staff Sgt.Gary Bowen were completed in September2006.Bibby was a sophomore transportationmajor from Williard, N.C. He was killed July21, 2003, in Iraq and was part of the ArmyReserves 422 nd Civil Affairs Battalion inGreensboro. Bibby died when a roadsidebomb exploded as the humvee he was inpassed by.Brown, of Henderson, N.C., was thesecond A&T student claimed by the war inIraq. A 27-year-old senior studying politicalscience, Brown was killed in September2003 in Abu Gareeb, Iraq. A resolutionBy Crystal R. Williamswas established by the Transylvania CountyBoard in his honor.Bowen, a junior political sciencemajor from Spring Lake, N.C., began hisArmy career in 1990 and was assigned toA&T in April 2002. He was a member ofROTC and the 302 nd Military IntelligenceBattalion based in Germany. Under hiscoaching and leadership of the Aggie DrillTeam and Pershing Rifles, participation andperformance increased.Plans are underway to conduct aceremony in honor of these three Aggiesthis fall.10 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006 FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 11

ProphecyFulfilledProfessor Celestine Ntuen has been a“teacher” since his childhood in Western AfricaBy Leslie BrownEver since he was a youngster, CelestineNtuen has been called “professor.”Friends and classmates back in Nigeria gave Ntuen thenickname because he spent countless hours tutoring themin algebra and chemistry. Whether before class, after class,or even during class, Ntuen was always helping a strugglingstudent figure out a problem. Perhaps it is no wonder that hedecided to spend his life educating others.“I guess (my friends) were prophetic,” he says with alaugh while sitting at his office desk in McNair Hall. “Now,whenever I go home and see them they all say, ‘See, we toldyou you were a professor.’”Ntuen, now in his 22 nd year at North Carolina A&T, isa distinquished professor in the department of industrial andsystems engineering specializing in cognitive modeling andsimulation. For the past year, he has been conducting extensiveresearch on sensemaking, a complex organizational theory thatexamines the way people make decisions, negotiate meaningand compartmentalize complicated information.Since 1972, cognitive scientists, psychologists andcomputer scientists have studied this theoretical framework forinquiry. Ntuen chose the research area because of his longtimeinterest in cognitive processing. He is working on the projectin collaboration with the department of psychology as wellas Bennett College for Women, Fayetteville State University,Evidence Based Research Inc. in Vienna, Va., and VirginiaTech University.“These are the kinds of things that excite me,” he says.“We are fitting puzzles. We are taking isolated information andputting it together to make sense.”Last year, the U.S.Department of Defenseawarded a $2.3million grant tofund the five-yearmulti-institutional study. With the funding, Ntuen and otherresearchers will explore how military personnel make decisionsin combat. The goal is to develop decision-aiding modelsthat will help the military improve its training and leadershipdevelopment. They are in the preliminary research stage.“We are looking at things from the global perspective.(The question is) how do we adapt and how do we respond toa stressful situation in a short time?”In addition, Ntuen says that the research project willalso examine ways to enhance emergency response to naturaldisasters and other potentially dangerous events.The recent hurricanes – Katrina, which flooded NewOrleans and Southern Mississippi, and Wilma, whichdamaged parts of South Florida – have provided additionalopportunities for researchers to develop preparation modelsfor the military.Ntuen believes this project helps the university fulfill itsongoing commitment to research and scholarly activities.“This will help us amplify our area of research. It’simportant because it impacts education. It shows what A&T iscapable of producing,” he says.His varied research interests can be seen in the booksthat line the walls of several overflowing bookcases. The booksrun the gamut from engineering texts to psychology manuals.There are even a few Tom Clancy books mixed in the stacks.“He is one of my favorites,” Ntuen says of Clancy. “I readhim so I can learn about the military.”When discussing research, Ntuen talks with passion, oftensmiling, constantly gesturing with his hands to give emphasisto his words. He wants to pass along that same passion andinterest for research to students.“I see this as my life’s calling,” he says. “I want to engagestudents and give them the practical experience that researchprovides. I want them to be (inquisitive) and always asking‘what if?’ and ‘what’s next?’”12 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006 FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 13

Making the GradeA&T uses Web-based application to evaluate freshman writing By Darlene F. East ’04At the beginning of every school year, collegefreshmen throughout the United States havethree things in common: becoming victims of theso called “Freshman 15,” the unknown roommateand the dreaded placement testing – specifically,writing an essay for English placement.Writing proficiency is one of the essentialelements for a successful college career and becausethere is variability in high school grades fromschool to school, North Carolina A&T requires thetest in order to evaluate the student’s readiness forcollege work.A&T is on target with its peers in providinginteractive ways to encourage freshmen to eathealthy and has changing room assignments downto a breeze. However, the university is way ahead ofthem in English placement testing.Early in 2002, university administrators werelooking for a way to improve the English placementprocess during freshmen orientation. After severaldiscussions with Educational Testing Service’s(ETS) president, the chancellor’s office agreed toview a demonstration of their Criterion computerprogram.Criterion is a 30-minute Web-basedapplication that provides colleges and institutionswith reliable evaluations of student writing skills.Like other analytical writing assessments, it looksfor the overall evidence of four qualities in essays:1. Critique of the argument or analysisof the issue,2. Ideas developed in a rational,persuasive manner, with relevantexamples supporting them,3. Organization and development, and4. Proper grammar and syntax.Under the watchful eye of Robert Ussery,assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs,A&T piloted the program during summersession 2002.The pilot was necessary in order toinvestigate its viability as a learning toolto promote opportunities for freshmenplacement testing, as a tutorial to enhancestudent writing proficiency, a good mixwith other online learning programsand to determine if Criterion met theinterdisciplinary objectives of the universityfor writing across the curriculum.The results were pleasing.It was apparent to the chancellor’soffice and academic affairs that professors,students and administrators would benefitfrom the program.Freshmen entering the fall 2002semester were tested for English placementwith the program and they caught on quick.Within seconds after their essay wascompleted, the students knew their scoreon a six-point scale and were providedimmediate annotated diagnostic feedback.“It was a good use of technology,” saidUssery. “Because the students are the point,click generation, it was kind of like playinga video game, even though it is writingessays.”Ussery said that the students wereexcited over the immediate feedback andkept writing their essays over and over againuntil they reached an acceptable level ofproficiency that made them proud.“Now any way you cut that, this is anenhancement of their writing skills,” he said.“They couldn’t do it very well, and now theycan. It defies many people’s understanding ofthe learning process, but to me and I thinkmost other scholars and academics, that isthe outcome.”Administrators saw its values too. Itsspeed and accuracy quickly helped themidentify students for English 100, 101 andthose who might be in need of remedialsupport. Class scheduling also improved.Students scoring a six are placed inEnglish 101 and earn three credit hours.Those with a 3-5 score are enrolled inEnglish 100. Students with lower scores areplaced in English classes where they areguaranteed to receive additional support inthe fundamentals of grammar and writing.Benefits to instructors are numerous.Instructors can administer classassignments, grade essays, annotate studentwork and review student writing portfoliosonline. It also frees them to explore anddevelop other areas of the curriculum withtheir students.Undergraduate, graduate and doctoralcandidates are using the 24/7 annotatedonline writing tool in many ways. Someuse it to write essays for competitions andscholarships, others to prepare for thewriting portion of the GRE, GMAT, and thePRAXIS Series. Doctoral candidates use theprogram to develop their theses.A&T’s extensive use of Criterion placesit in a unique position in several ways.North Carolina A&T is the firstuniversity in the United States to subscribe100 percent of its students in the programand use the program in ways that ETSnever envisioned. And because A&T isinterdisciplinary in its approach, Criterionadds additional evidence to their palpabledistinction.Realizing that A&T’s commitment wasprofitable to their program, ETS contactedTim Whitmire of the Associated Pressbureau in Charlotte, N.C., to interviewUssery and take the test.On June 21, 2006, Whitmire visited thecampus, wrote an essay about shifting genderroles in American society and scored a five!“I stared at the computer screen,aghast,” wrote Whitmire in his AP article,“Can a Computer Program Teach Writing?”It was hard for him to comprehend that ajournalist with 13 years of experience couldnot score a six on a program designed tograde freshmen essays.A close look at the feedback revealedhe had a couple of lazy passive constructionsand several spelling choices, but the mainproblem was organization and development.Imagine that, a professional writersentenced to English 100.(left) Whitmire(right) Ussery14 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006 FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 15

By Nettie Collins Rowland ’72Divine designSGA President Arnita Floyd Moody …Poll students at North Carolina A&T StateUniversity as to why they chose to attendthe institution and you get a variety of reasons:academic programs, family tradition, friendlyenvironment, band, sports, and Aggie Pride.For Arnita Floyd Moody, the new StudentGovernment Association (SGA) president for 2006-2007, it was none of these.“It was divine order that placed me on A&T’scampus,” she said. “I knew I wanted toattend an HBCU. I had a scholarship to acollege close to home but I didn’t wantto go there, so I prayed to God that myacceptance letter would come on mybirthday making it clear to me where Ishould attend college.”Her confirmation arrived on thatspecial day.A native of Philadelphia, Pa.,Moody attended Central High School,the second oldest public high schoolin the nation. Bill Cosby is an alumnusamong other notables.In high school, unbeknownst toMoody, she was grooming herself forthe top student position at A&T whileserving as a representative for theSGA and president of the gospel choir.Leading the choir proved to be quitechallenging for Moody, who is majoring in businessmanagement at A&T.“We faced quite a bit of controversy,” sheexplained. “There was always the issue of theseparation of church and state.”For this reason the choir was not allowed torehearse on the school premises and had to practiceon another campus.With Moody at the helm, the organizationmade great strides, singing throughout the city andcutting a CD.However, Moody experienced burnout from thedemands of the choir, and by the time she arrived atAggieland she was seeking a new direction.“I didn’t want to sing anymore,” the 20-year-oldsaid. “Back home I sang for the choir and at church. Iwanted a different role at A&T.”Moody’s charge manifested itself her freshmanyear when she crossed paths with Paulette Foster,the SGA’s speaker of the house.Foster inspired Moody so much that shejoined the organization becoming a member ofthe 36th Legislative Assembly and the Food ServiceCommittee.The confident and bubbly Moody jokes aboutbeing part of the student governing body.“I love the SGA because it’s the onlyorganization on campus that you don’t have to payto be a part of (because) it’s already included in yourfees.”As Moody worked with student leaders, theyrecognized her leadership proficiencies and calledon her to do more things, leaving little time foranything else. By her sophomore year, Moody waschairing the 37th Legislative Assembly FinanceCommittee and coordinating the marketing andpublicity aspects of the Historically Black Collegesand Universities Think Tank Conference (whichattracted more than 400 student leaders from acrossthe country to A&T.The next year, she ran for vice president ofinternal affairs and won. It was after that election theidea entered her mind about running for president.“Everyone was telling me to run,” she said.A lot of encouragement came from former SGApresidents Terrence Jenkins and Justin Ramey.Moody was interested in the position, but hesitantto make the decision.“I knew I had to pray. I told God what I wanted todo, but I wanted it to be in his will.”After praying, she remembers experiencing apeacefulness sensation. “I felt like God spoke to me andwanted me to do it,” she said.Moody made the decision to seek the presidencywithout the sanction of her parents, Jennifer Moodyand James Floyd. The family was going through a lot atthe time, including an aunt who had been in and out ofthe hospital.Business teacher Rose L. Bailey wasn’t surprised tolearn that Moody was seeking the presidency.“Moody is a good student with an inquisitive mindwho appears quite interested in the legal and politicalenvironment,” Bailey said. “Therefore, I was not surprisedto learn that she was running for the SGA presidentposition.”“Her leadership skills are natural,” said Chris Cobb,a senior who has known Moody since high school. Shehas a quality that draws people to her and people areaffected positively by her.”Moody conducted a grass roots campaign,knocking on doors to tell students about her “ErasingComplacency – Students to Begin Proactive VersusReactive” platform.“Some people said I spent too much time talkingwith people, but I wanted to engage with the studentsand make them feel like I was there for them.”The assertive leader didn’t ask her peers to vote forher but to attend the student debate and then maketheir decision.Along with Moody two male opponents soughtoffice, but the student body chose her.Moody enjoyed the positive response she receivedfrom her parents and other role models in her life.With very little free time, Moody participates inthe History Club and Youth Taking Charge, a Bible studygroup.“The Bible is my strength. I read it to keep myfocus,” she said.Her goals this year are to build a bridge betweenupper and underclassmen; to be more involved withlocal, city and state government, and to revitalizeAggie Pride through stronger programming andcollaborative efforts. She is also hoping that she can getorganizations on campus to work together more, whichshe says will be one of her greatest challenges.Moody’s definition of a great leader is someonewho listens and knows how to follow; someone whocan look at a person and see their potential andmaximize it. It is also someone who always leads byexample and doesn’t have people doing things theywouldn’t do.When asked if she possessed these characteristics,she responded, “Of course!”2006-2007 N.C. A&T Student Government Association officers16 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006 FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 17

Fit for a QueenCrystal Renai Williams, Miss A&T 2006-2007, is adetermined individual who turns challenges into successesBy Nettie Collins Rowland ’72Intelligent, dedicated,compassionate, ambitious andpoised: mold these qualities togetherand you have Crystal Renai Williams, thereigning Miss North Carolina Agriculturaland Technical State University.The senior journalism and masscommunication (concentration in electronicmedia) major discovered her niche early inlife, getting her first taste of the business atJoseph R. Keene Elementary School in herhometown of Washington, D.C., as host andwriter for the school’s morning televisionshow.Keene communications teacherZyangquelyn Poe stays in contact withWilliams and describes her as a drivenperson who always has a goal to accomplish.“Crystal was a very happy, involvedstudent,” Poe said. “She welcomed allchallenges and always gave more than whatwas required.”Poe isn’t surprised of the career pathher star pupil is taking. She predicted it.A speaker for the Million Family Marchin Washington, Williams began honingher leadership skills in elementary schoolwhere she was elected student governmentpresident and later secretary of the studentgovernment in junior high school.The ambitious scholar has always gonebeyond what was expected of her in schooland in the community.“If Crystal had a project, she wouldalways do something extra,” her motherTilwanda Williams-Law explains. “She washeavily involved with the American HeartAssociation and the American CancerSociety.”Mentor and friend, Pamela Johnson,president of the Washington, D.C. AlumniChapter, characterizes Williams as “a verydetermined, smart, compassionate, gracefuland committed young lady.”These are among the many attributesthat contributed to the 15-year-old beingelected youth mayor of the District ofColumbia by the Mayor Youth LeadershipInstitute, while a sophomore at WoodrowWilson Senior High School in northwestWashington.During Williams’ term, The WashingtonPost described the city’s youngest politicianas one of its hardest-working teenagers. Herduties as “mayor” included being the leadingvoice and representative for the youth ofthe District, appearing on radio, composingspeeches, attending events, organizing andleading meetings and representing MayorAnthony A. Williams (no relations) atvarious functions.One of her greatest accomplishmentsduring her tenure was helping to coordinatea summit for more than 2,000 youth in 2001at a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrationwhere Williams paid tribute to Kingalong with former President Bill Clinton.The highlight of the event was when thepresident made reference to Williams beingfeatured in The Washington Post.“It was amazing,” she said.As her term approached an end (youthmayors are elected to a one-year term),she realized that she needed more time toimplement her ideas. The confident Williamsdecided to run again and succeeded,becoming the first youth mayor to serve twoconsecutive terms.While rubbing shoulders withpoliticians, key leaders, celebrities andothers, Williams was gaining an importantlesson in networking. A skill she would needat A&T and throughout her career.One visit to A&T and she was sold onattending the university.“I went on several college tours to get afeel of the different campuses and to see whatthey had to offer,” the aspiring reporter said.“But, there was something different aboutA&T. I felt so welcome and everyone mademe feel like I was part of the family.”Making the decision to run for MissA&T is something Williams’ mother said shementioned early on. Williams doesn’t recall.During her first year Williams soughtthe position of Miss Freshman and lost byone vote, humbly accepting the defeat.It gave her more time to become betteracclimated with her new environment andthe transition from high school to college.In high school she won Miss Freshman, MissSophomore and Miss Junior but lost the“Miss Wilson” title her senior year.The Campus Life Mentor didn’t becomediscouraged. She ran for Miss Sophomoreand won. She also implemented the FromPrincess to Class Queens program, which shecontinued after her reign.Deciding to run for Miss Junior wasdifficult.“When I lost, I said God had somethingbetter for me.”That year proved to be very productive.Williams, along with other journalismstudents, founded the student chapter of theNational Association of Black Journalistsand she was elected Miss Media Network.She continued to be active with the SGAand made the decision to seek the title ofMiss A&T.Williams’ decision was no surprise toher family and peers. An organizer, Williamsmapped out the summer to work on hercampaign. However, her plans were changedwhen she received the dreadful news thather grandfather had cancer. Her focusimmediately shifted from her campaign totaking care of him. He died that summer.After her grandfather’s death, hermother and father, Tony Law, along withother family members and friends helpedWilliams with her campaign.The Washington D.C. Alumni Chapterwas very supportive of their scholarshiprecipient. Chapter member Angela Brice is abig fan of Williams.“(Crystal) is a very energetic and caringperson,” the 1950 graduate said. “She knowshow to handle older people.”Williams won the title but not withouta run-off. Her platform was “Empowering,Impacting and Elevating the AggieExperience,” and it had three components:empowering the university, impacting thecommunity and elevating and continuing theAggie Legacy.”Classmate Maurice Brown workeddiligently on the campaign and is readyto help implement Williams’ goals. He isconfident that she will do a great job.“I think her biggest challenge will begetting students to participate in activities,”he said.James Ashe believes in Williams’ abilityas well.“I personally believe that Crystal has aseed of greatness within her and as long asshe remains humble, her seed will grow,” saidAshe.Crystal’s mother says, “It isamazing to see how much mydaughter has accomplishedin such a short lengthof time.”18 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 19

AGGIE SPORTS ByBrian M. Holloway ’97Victory Club Raises Visibility ofAggie AthleticsThe Victory Club, akey athletic fundraising organizationfor A&T, is increasingawareness of AggieAthletics through AggiePreview, a marketing and promotional tool toshowcase the athletics programs.Aggie Preview is an editorial-richnewspaper insert that highlighted the footballteam in the first issue and will highlight thebasketball teams in the second edition.The first issue showcased head footballcoach Lee Fobbs Jr. with an in-depth articleabout his sports and coaching backgroundas well as a Q&A with the coach. It alsoincluded a background article on runningback coach George Ragsdale, a former Aggierunning back and journeyman coach whohas returned to his alma mater.In addition were a position groupanalysis, a MEAC fall preview, a sectionon the Blue & Gold Marching Machine,information about the assistant footballcoaches, bios of the top featured playerson the football team, and schedules forvolleyball, bowling, men’s basketball andwomen’s basketball teams.The football edition of the Previewboasted a circulation of 117,000 copies:87,000 were distributed as an insert in theNews and Record daily newspaper, 25,000were mailed to A&T alumni and donors,and 5,000 were distributed at the first homefootball game against Winston-Salem State.Phillip McAlpin, executive directorof the Victory Club, says, “The responseto Aggie Preview has been great due to itsstrong writing and clean layout. Readersfound it to be very informative; not onlyabout the coaches and football team butabout the MEAC as well. It represents areal marketing plus for promoting AggieAthletics. Its reach surpasses any singleathletics publication in the history of A&Tathletics.”“The first Aggie Preview was anexcellent piece that served to bring a lotof attention to A&T athletics,” statedDeLores Todd, athletics director.The second edition was published inNovember and focused on the men’s andwomen’s basketball season. It containedfeature articles on the coaches for bothteams, highlights of the top players, a lookat the future of basketball at HBCUs, andinformation about the spring and wintersports.Aggie Preview is produced by theVictory Club. Carter Cheves, a freelancepublisher and writer with extensiveexperience in college sports writing,worked with Brian Holloway, A&T’ssports information director, and Tyler Ball,media assistant, to create the publication.Lut Williams, editor of Black CollegeSports Page, a regular contributor to AOLBlack Voices, Street and Smiths and otherpublications, submitted a story previewingthe upcoming MEAC football season. Lookfor more from Lut in the next issue.For further information about the AggiePreview or the Victory Club, contact PhillipMcAlpin at phillip.mcalpin@ncat.edu or(336) 334-7600.Men’s Tennis Program EndsThe N.C. A&T Aggie Club presents a $151,000check for athletic scholarships as part of its annualcontribution toward a $1 million gift. In addition,members of the Aggie Club provide in-kind gifts toNorth Carolina A&T State University through yearroundvolunteer support of the athletics program.Pictured (l-r): Marvin H. Watkins ’58, interim vicechancellor for development and university relations;Delores S. “Dee” Todd, athletics director; LloydV. Hackley, chancellor; and Jim Pender, nationalpresident of the Aggie Club.North Carolina A&T State Universitydiscontinued its men’s tennis intercollegiate athleticsprogram in July.All current men’s tennis scholarships are beinghonored for the 2006-2007 school year. Players will not usea year of eligibility, allowing transfers to play immediately.In light of the challenges facing our athletics budgets,it was felt that the discontinuation of men’s tennis wouldassist us in realizing a more competitive budget for othersports. Without men’s tennis, A&T has 15 varsity sports.The NCAA requires 14 for Division I status.“This was an extremely difficult decision; no athleticsdirector enjoys eliminating a sport,” said Dee Todd,director of athletics. “The department will investigate thepossibility of adding men’s golf in the future.”20 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006 FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 21

AGGIE SPORTS continuedSmith is Women’s Tennis CoachJones Chooses Aggies over MLBAAthletics director Dee Toddhas hired Andy Smith asthe new women’s tennis coach. Heis the first full-time tennis coachat A&T.Smith brings 11 years ofcoaching experience. Prior totaking off a year from coaching,he coached at Georgia StateUniversity from 2002-05. In 2005,he led the Panthers to a 16-6record and a spot in the AtlanticSun Tournament semifinals. In 2003, hehelped Anne Breiholtz to Atlantic Freshmanof the Year honors as the Panthers finishedthe season ranked No. 75 in the country.ggie baseball star Jeremy Jones, who was drafted in the25 th round of the June 2006 Major League Baseballdraft by the Colorado Rockies, decided to return to NorthCarolina A&T for the 2006-2007 school year and play the2007 baseball season in an Aggies uniform.Jones was selected in the 2006 MLB draft despite sittingout nearly all of the 2006 season with a broken hand. Jonessaid he and his parents made the tough decision to return tocollege after spending the last two months weighing all of theiroptions.The two major factors in his decision were finishing hisundergraduate degree in fitness and wellness and ending hiscollegiate career in a more positive manner.“I felt like I owed the team another year,” said Jones. “Itdidn’t feel right leaving A&T now, it didn’t feel right leavingA&T after coming off of an injury. Coming back for anotheryear gives me an opportunity to work with (head baseballcoach Keith) Shumate on various aspects of my game.”Jones will enter the 2007 season as a junior on thebaseball diamond a senior in the classroom because he willSmith’s first head coaching job was atGardner-Webb University before it becamea Division I institution. He coached men’sand women’s teams from 1995-02. In his thirdseason there, he led the Lady Bulldogs to theDivision II Eastern Regional Final. Over thenext two seasons, Smith’s Lady Bulldogs wonthe Eastern Regional and qualified to play forthe national championship.In 2001, Smith led the men’s team tothe National Christian College AthleticAssociation championship, won theNCCAA Coach of the Year award and ledthe Lady Bulldogs to the NCCAA Women’sInvitational Tournament championship.likely be awarded a medical red shirt for the 2006 season. Jonescan re-enter the MLB draft in 2007 and will be available toany franchise.Before the start of the 2006 season, Jones was added tothe Brooks Wallace National Player of the Year watch list. TheNational College Baseball Writers Association and CollegiateBaseball named Jones a pre-season third-team All-American.But Jones had only two official at-bats in 2006 after injuringhis wrist while taking batting practice.He was trying to follow up a 2005 season in which heearned Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Yearhonors, batted .402, broke at the time the school recordfor hits in a season (82), led the Aggies to the MEACChampionship and helped the school earn its first-ever bid tothe NCAA Baseball Tournament.Jones has career batting average of .368, a .528 sluggingpercentage, with 73 RBI, nine home runs, 28 doubles in 104games played.Lovelace Is First MEAC Woman of the YearRenecia Lovelace, a four-year outfielder forA&T’s softball team, was named the firstrecipient of the MEAC Woman of the Year.Lovelace received the award during the 2006MEAC Woman of the Year Luncheon held inVirginia Beach, Va.The award was created to highlight theacademic, athletic and service and leadershipaccomplishments of female athletes. The awardwas the vision of the senior woman administratorsin the conference. Administrators could not votefor their own athletes.Lovelace will represent the MEAC in theNCAA Woman of the Year contests.“It makes me extremely proud to knowRenecia is the first MEAC Woman of the Year,’’said Deborah Callaway, A&T’s senior womanadministrator. “Any time North Carolina A&Tis the first, it’s important. Renecia’s work in thecommunity and the statement she submitted tothe committee was so impressive. She really madeherself standout.Lovelace graduated in May with a 3.78 GPAin fashion merchandising and design. She wasinvolved in the Study Buddy volunteer program,Student Athlete Mentor and Youth TakingCharge Christian Organization. She also servedas president of the Student Athletic AdvisoryCouncil in 2004-05. She is a two-time NationalFastpitch Coaches Association All-Academicteam.She made the Dean’s List all four yearsand was a member of the All-MEAC Academicteam for three years. In addition, she has beenrecognized four times by the N.C. A&T AthleticsDepartment for academic excellence.Over the past two seasons, Lovelaceaccumulated the highest GPA on the Aggiesoftball team. Lovelace currently attendsSavannah College for Arts in Atlanta.On the field, Lovelace was third on theteam in on-base percentage with a .333 averagein 2006. She surpassed her career highs in gamesplayed (55), games started (55), hits (29), at-bats(122) and batting average this season.“When I look at this award it will remind methat I could have quit, but because I kept going Iwas able to accomplish my goals,” said Lovelace.In her statement to the committee shestated: “I was not recruited as an athlete incollege. I was a freshman thatwalked on the team. Atfirst, I was not treatedlike everyone else.But I think whenone works hard toperfect a skill, inthe end one willreap the benefits.”www.ncataggies.com22 A&T TODAY • SUMMER 2006 FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 23

People Behind theScholarshipsBrothers’ KeepersThe memory of Danny ’76 and Fred Davis ’58 is kept alive through family scholarship. By Millicent RothrockTerry Davis thinks a battle with a childhoodillness helped shape his younger brother,Danny Davis, into the man he became.In 1958, four-year-old Danny came down withrheumatic fever. Persistent headaches, muscle pain,swollen joints and fever kept the youngster insidefor nearly a year. When it was over, Danny hadto learn to walk again. But once he took that firststep, he never let anything stop him: he lived andplayed full-tilt.“I think he had a greater appreciation forthings we take for granted, like walking and beingable to play,” Terry Davis says. “Danny loved lifeand he loved it with a passion. He lived a shortlife, but he lived a very full life. He worked hard,he played hard. He tried to live every minute.”Danny and Fred come from a family of six siblings – all college graduateswith rewarding careers. Five of the siblings graduated from A&T: inaddition to Danny and Fred, there is Jennifer Davis Watson ’71,Mike Davis ’74 and Vernon Davis ’75, all active A&T alumni. A fifthbrother, Terry Davis, graduated from East Carolina University.An avid runner, Danny was trim and athletic hisentire life. That’s why his sudden death shocked hisfamily and friends.One sunny, Sunday morning in the spring of1998, a massive heart attack felled him as he wasout running by the golf course near his New Jerseyhome. He died less than one-tenth of a mile fromhis front door. Golfers, along with firemen froma nearby firehouse, came running to help, but itwas already too late. A priest who happened to beplaying golf administered his last rites.“I heard the sirens and could see all of thecommotion, and just knew something was wrong,”remembers Danny’s widow, Rhonda MontgomeryDavis. Danny and his wife had two daughters –Allison, 12, and Carla, 9 – at the time of his death.“Danny was genuinely a good guy,” Rhondasays. “He was always there to help anyone whoneeded help. He had a big heart that reached outto help everybody and people wanted to help himbecause they saw that he was sincere and hadintegrity that you don’t see in a lot of people. Hewanted to be thought of as an upstanding person.”Devastated by her loss, Rhonda had abrief moment of clarity in the days followingher husband’s death. She decided to establisha scholarship at N.C. A&T, where Danny hadgraduated in 1976. He had worked tirelessly for thealumni association, serving as president of the NewJersey Alumni Chapter for five years and constantlyencouraging young people to attend his alma mater.“Even though I wasn’t thinking clearly, I knewthat flowers were just a waste of money,” Rhondasays. “I knew Danny would appreciate it more ifsomething was established in his name.”Danny’s co-workers at R.R. Donnelley &Sons Company, an international provider of printand related services, responded generously, alongwith family members and friends. Danny spent themajority of his career at R.R. Donnelley and hadrisen to the rank of senior vice president.Knowing how difficult the coming years wouldbe for both her and her daughters, Rhonda realizedthat she could not oversee the scholarship herself.So, she turned to the one person she trusted withher husband’s memory: his older brother Fred,A&T class of 1958.Nobody was better than Fred at organizingand supervising such a project. Seventeen yearsDanny’s senior, Fred was ready to enter A&T whenDanny was born.A Vietnam veteran, Fred was smart and hardworking,just like his younger brother. The twobrothers had become close while Dannywas attending A&T and spent two summerswith Fred and his wife, Leola Dickens Davis,class of 1960. Fred, who was working his wayup the ladder at Eastman Kodak, suggestedthat Danny apply for a position with thecompany, and Danny got the job.“Fred was a very low-keyed and seriousmindedindividual,” says Leola. “People oftenteased him because of his seriousness. He wasa perfectionist; when he did something, ithad to be done just right. Everybody alwaysteased him because he watched his money,he didn’t throw his money away. However,he liked to travel and enjoy life.“Fred helped people with variousprojects and did many things for his church,where he served as a trustee, althoughrecognition for these efforts was notsomething he cared about,” Leola says.And just as with everything else he did,Fred took his brother’s scholarship seriously,always encouraging family and friends todonate.A faithful alumnus, Fred earned theN.C. A&T State University Award forAlumni Excellence and held various officeswith the alumni association. He served onthe national annual fundraising committee,serving as the treasurer for a few years,and he was a key player in the universitysurpassing the $1 million mark in alumnigiving.Fred retired from Kodak in 1991 andlater moved to Raleigh, N.C. He and Leolawere married 44 years and had one son, Jon(wife Melissa), and three grandchildren(Alexis, Meagan and Jonathan), whom Fredloved and cherished.On Oct. 7, 2005, Fred died frommultiple myeloma. Leola asked family andfriends to donate to the scholarship insteadof sending flowers. Thanks to the combinedefforts of family and friends, Fred and Dannyleft a scholarship worth more than $100,000.Knowing they are helping young peopleget an education would mean a lot to bothbrothers family members say. After all,both men came from a family that pushededucation as the pathway to a brighter future– and it worked.Danny and Fred come from a familyof six siblings – all college graduates withrewarding careers. Five of the siblingsgraduated from A&T: in addition to Dannyand Fred, there is Jennifer Davis Watson’71, Mike Davis ’74 and Vernon Davis ’75,all active A&T alumni. A fifth brother,Terry Davis, graduated from East CarolinaUniversity.The Davis children credit their parentsfor instilling in them an appreciation foreducation. Hosea and Adell Davis neverBrothers Danny (left)and Fred Davisgraduated from high school but weredetermined that their children would have abetter life.“First of all, I attribute their goodfortune to the good Lord answering prayers,”says their 86-year-old mother, Adell. “Wejust did what all parents are supposed to do:our best with our children.”The family grew up on a 76-acre farmin Tillery, N.C., north of Rocky Mount.Many of their farming neighbors took theirchildren out of school from time to time towork the farm, but not the Davis family.“Their father wouldn’t let them leaveschool because he believed in education,”Adell remembers. “We wanted them to havea better lifestyle than we had. We wantedthem to feel like they could do what anyoneelse could do. We taught them not to letanything stand in their way.”In addition to enforcing strict rules andfarm chores, Adell made sure her childrenread and kept up with current events.“They were not allowed to get currentevents from the television,” she says.“We subscribed to the News & Observernewspaper and Life magazine, and I madethem read that. Some nights, I made themread an etiquette book I bought. I told them,‘I don’t know all of the rules of etiquette, butyou can read this and you’ll know how to actand present yourself anywhere in life.’”The Davis children reaped the rewardsof their parents’ wisdom. And althoughDanny and Fred are no longer with them,the family continues to support the Davisscholarship, often in creative ways. Lastfall, Adell Davis made a quilt and organizedfamily and friends to sell raffle tickets. Thequilt generated $1,700 for the scholarshipfund.“A&T has played a big part in thesuccess of my family,” Terry Davis says. “Thescholarship is a way for us to express ourgratitude. It’s also a way for us to share withothers the opportunities that A&T offers.“When you lose siblings, you can nolonger do the things that you once didtogether that expressed the love that youshared. But that love lives on. One of theways that our family continues to express ourlove is through the Danny Davis Scholarshipat A&T State University.”24 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006 FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 25

ALUMNI NEWSAGGIES ON THE MOVECandice P. Baldwin has been named directorof multicultural affairs at Mount Ida College inNewton, Mass. Baldwin has a master’s degreefrom the College of William and Mary, whereshe is completing a doctorate.1960s_____________________________________Charles P. Ervin Jr., Ph.D.’65 was recognized as aTeacher of the Year (2005-06)at Florida A&M Universityin Tallahassee. He wascited for his outstanding,innovative, interactive teaching techniquesand community service as an assistant professorin the department of secondary education andfoundations at FAMU. Ervin, who hails fromMorganton, N.C., is the former state coordinatorfor the education of homeless children and youthfor the Florida Department of Education. Ervinretired from the United States Army with therank of lieutenant colonel.James R. Lanier, Ph.D. ’69 has been chosen asthe 2006 Distinguished Psychologist of the Yearby The Association of Black Psychologists, Inc.MemoriamHe was formally recognized for this achievementin July at the organization’s convention inCleveland, Ohio.In MemoriamAlumniWilliam H. Amos, July 7Robert “High Pockets” Bryant ’63, Sept. 28Keith L. Degraffinreid ’90, July 31Lucille R. Dunn, Aug. 4Mary Elizabeth Peay Gladden, July 16Richard C. Lanier Jr., June 29William H. Thompson Sr. ’49, Sept. 151970s_____________________________________Merl F. Code, Esq. ’70has been elected to servea three-year term on theFurman University Board ofTrustees. An attorney withthe Greenville, S.C., office ofOgletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.(Ogletree Deakins), Code is also a member ofthe board of directors for The South CarolinaIndependent Colleges and University, UniversityCenter of Greenville and Clemson AdvisoryBoard.1980s____________________________________Reginald L. Goodwin ’84 has written a booktitled Unemployed – A Memoir. The book ispublished by InnerCircle Publishing.Claude Hines Jr. ’85, an ROTC graduateand colonel, is supportive of United Statesmilitary servicemen who are at war. As theformer manager of the MC4 program, he wasresponsible for providing all of the Army medicalinformation systems equipment to the fightersin Iraq. Hines currently is the program managerof the theater medical information program. Inthis capacity, he manages the developmentOthersElias Abu-Saba, retired professor, June 29Dominique O. Gray, student, Aug. 15Dorothy M. Hinnant, July 2Elmore M. Kennedy Jr., Tuskegee Airman andformer professor and chairman of thedepartment of air studies, July 22of a family of systems that is capable of electronicallyrecording patient encounters, by the provider, at alllevels of care in a war environment. This system is usedby the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.Sheila Cash ’87 is the visionary behind ExpressoooMassageworx, a company that provides upper bodymassages and sells personal care products that includesthe GiGi Stone line of candles and skin care productscreated by Cash and Lisa Porter ’87. ExpressoooMassageworx’s newest location is in Piedmont TriadAirport (Greensboro, N.C.) on the north concourse.1990s_____________________________________Hope Jackson ’94 has been nameddirector for student support servicesfor the College of Arts and Sciencesat North Carolina Agricultural andTechnical State University. Sheoversees the University Writing Centerand the Math and Science Learning Resource Center.Sonya Terry ’94 has had her first children’s book, “L” Isfor Library, published by Upstart Books.Paul M. Spencer ’95 has earned the M.S. degree incomputer science from Governors State University inUniversity Park, Ill.2000s_____________________________________Diane R. Brown ’00 has been namedinterim director of alumni developmentfor the College of Engineering at NorthCarolina Agricultural and TechnicalState University. Her prior experiencesinclude senior relationship manager forAccenture, systems analyst for Northside Hospital andbusiness analyst for American Management Systems Inc.Brown earned her M.B.A. at Clark Atlanta University.Phoebe Bruce ’03 has joined Trone– an advertising, direct marketingand public relations firm in HighPoint, N.C. – as an assistant accountexecutive. Bruce is a magna cum laudegraduate of North Carolina A&Twith a degree in journalism and masscommunication. Most recently, she worked for DanvilleCommunity College as a public relations assistant.Aaron N. Taylor ’97 has been appointedassistant dean for admissions of the WilliamH. Bowen School of Law at the University ofArkansas at Little Rock. In this capacity, Taylorwill manage all aspects of admissions into theschool’s academic programs. Taylor will continueto serve as executive director of Recruit For LawSchool, Inc., a not-for-profit organization thatseeks to guide prospective law students throughthe admissions process.26 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 27

TheGreatest Homecoming on Earth 2006Good news!The IRA Charitable Rollover Is HereCongress has provided a means fordonors to make charitable gifts fromtheir Individual Retirement Accounts(IRAs). The Pension Protection Actof 2006 affords donors the chance totransfer distributions directly from theirIRAs to charities and avoid payingincome tax on it.Donors ages 70 ½ or older cantransfer funds from their IRAs directlyto a charity tax free.These charitable distributionscount toward minimum distributionrequirements.The distribution generates neithertaxable income nor a tax deduction, soeven those who do not itemize their taxreturns receive the benefit.The new rules are effective fortransfers made during 2006 and 2007.The new rules apply to traditionalIRAs and Roth IRAs only.For more informationabout Gift Annuities orIRA Distributions contact:Michael MagoonAssociate Vice Chancellor,Development and UniversityRelationsNorth Carolina A&T StateUniversityPhone: (336) 334-7600Fax: (336) 334-7094Email: mmagoon@ncat.edu28 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006 FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 29

A STUDENT'SPERSPECTIVEISOJOURNThe journey from Senegal to SouthAfrica has altered the way I perceivesituations, how I view the worldoutside of the USA, and the desireto learn more about my history as anAfrican American woman.By Letitia Bowlernever thought that I would ever have a chance to travelabroad, not to mention Africa!My family is not sitting on a gold mine, I pay out-ofstatetuition, and I never have any money. But guess what?I did.Last spring, the United Negro College Fund SpecialPrograms selected 10 students from six Historically BlackColleges and Universities (Elizabeth City State University,Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, FloridaMemorial University, Fort Valley State University, HowardUniversity and North Carolina A&T State University)to participate in a study abroad program in Senegal andSouth Africa. Some of the objectives of the program were to“increase overall understanding of policy issues, to strengthenstudents’ capacity to become professionals in internationalaffairs and development and encourage them to enter intothe field, to provide the opportunity to apply for positions inareas of specialization, and to introduce students to languageinstruction and cultural awareness.”With three professors accompanying us from FloridaMemorial University and Fort Valley State University, wehad class instruction from Dakar to Cape Town. Two weeksBowler on Table Mountain, which she describes as the best view of Cape Town, South Africa.into Johannesburg, South Africa, we were serving our finaldays of class and our internship placements soon began.My experience abroad was indescribable.In Senegal, we had an on-sight liaison, Dr. IbrahimaSeck, who taught at the University Cheikh Anta Diop,named after a Senegalese historian who proved many truthsin history, one being that ancient Egypt had been a BlackAfrican culture.The 13 of us venturing into another culture becamea part of Dr. Seck’s family. His wife cooked breakfast anddinner for us everyday. Breakfast always consisted of porridge,omelets and bagels. Porridge is very similar to oatmeal butsweeter and thinner. For dinner we would have fish, lamb,chicken and yassa (a Senegalese dish) along with chips(fries), salad and a vegetable.Besides the food and the love that we received fromDr. Seck, his family and the community, stopping in Senegalfirst was very instrumental in transforming my mind andknowledge of the world outside of where I live.The transformation began when we visited mediaorganizations in Dakar. We were challenged to compare themedia systems of Dakar to the United States. Before I saw formyself, I assumed that the radio and television stations in Dakar werenot high quality and that the newspapers would be equivalent to thesmaller newspapers in Greensboro.Boy, were we wrong!Dakar alone has seven different mediums of press, a televisionnetwork and six radio stations that broadcast in different languages.Senegalese professionals know their craft and perfect it every day.They are also very passionate about what they do.These professionals were excited to meet African Americanstudents from the United States, and they delighted in the fact that Iam a journalism and mass communication major.Learning the politics of the media systems abroad inspired me toexplore possibilities of working abroad after graduation or somehowbeing connected to the international arena. That was the thoughtthat lingered with me my whole journey: What can I do? How can Ifit in? Where do I start?My second awakening occurred on the beautiful and peacefulGoree Island, a place with the heartbreaking reminder of being thecenter of the West African slave trade. We visited the slave quarterswhere children, men and women were held and abused. I stood in aroom where babies were kept away from their mothers and anotherroom where young girls were raped. I was speechless. The famous“Door of No Return” located in the back of the house signifies thelast time the hundreds and thousands of slaves would ever step footon African soil.I had a blast in South Africa.Cape Town is beautiful. We visitedTable Mountain and Robben Islandwhere anti-apartheid groups wereimprisoned. But Johannesburg waswhere I had the most fun learning,understanding and having fun.We discussed the apartheid erain class, discussing how races wereseparated and made to hate anddespise each other. We also discussedthe conditions of the community andall the pain families felt when theirchildren died in riots and boycotts,such as Hector Peterson, a young boykilled in 1976 by the apartheid policeduring a boycott from class.I began to understand thementality of the different races (Coloreds, Blacks and Afrikaans)when I was placed in different environments. Although times aredifferent and South Africans are moving past the apartheid era,if you listen carefully you can tell who thinks they are superior,who sees themselves as an equal and who thinks they are beneatheveryone else.I worked with two youth organizations, Conquest for Life andTeboho Trust. With Conquest for Life, I had an opportunity to attenda retreat for youth – ages 9 to 24 – who were either on a narrow pathtrying to walk a straight one or they were already walking straightbut needed encouragement. One young man confided in me to shareThe last day of camp! Facilitators, some students and Bowler posedbefore they left the campsite in Magliesburg, South Africa. Studentshad been at the camp for two weeks. Chris Ewers (Elizabeth City StateUniversity) and Bowler (N.C. A&T) joined them their final weekend.his personal struggle with himself and his family. I felt honored thathe trusted this stranger enough to open his heart and wanting to hearwhat I had to say.The children participating in both organizations were beautiful.No matter what situation they faced at home – no food, no money,sick parents, drug abuse – they were full of smiles and songs.Their energy and enthusiasm touched my heart because we(Americans) tend to take things for granted. We walk aroundcomplaining all the time about material things that do not matter.We are one dollar richer than we were yesterday, but we complainabout that one dollar not being $20.We whine about school and teachers. At least our K-12education is free. Some African children who want to attend schoolcannot because they cannot afford it. Even the poorest among ushave better lives, but we fail to recognize it.In Johannesburg, I had a three-week internship with the SouthAfrican Broadcast Corporation (SABC), the broadcasting voice ofSouth Africa. I worked in the on-air department, producing promosfor talk shows and movies.I produced a promo for the movie “Frida” and for “The Womenof Talk.” The “Women of Talk” promo was important becauseSABC3 aired Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks and a local talk show, “3Talk with Noeleen.” They wanted something that would put all threeon the same level making them equally interesting.Before leaving SABC I wrote anarticle about my experiences with thecorporation for the October issue ofits magazine, Intercom. I am a singer,so I also had the opportunity to meetmusicians and record songs in thestudio, as well as sit in on a talk showon Metro FM.South Africa is a great placeto be, learn, grow and explore. Iabsolutely loved it there. I enjoyedchurch service just about every Sundayand made some lifelong friends andcontacts.I think it is imperative that everyAfrican American travels to Africa.It is where we began, and I intend tolearn specifically where I came from.I also have a desire to know thingsabout my culture that I should have been taught or tried to seek outmyself.When the opportunity to go to Africa was presented to me, thefirst thing I asked was, “Where in Africa?” Now I know that my firstquestion should have been, “When do I leave?”I am glad that I had this great opportunity, and I thank God forallowing me to attain this knowledge so I could share it with you.Letitia “Boogie” Bowler is a journalism and mass communications major atN.C. A&T and an announcer on WNAA 90.1 FM.30 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006 FALL 2006 • A&T TODAY 31

MIXED BAGPurposeful FunBy S. Marie BrownFew things are more relaxing than reclining onthe bow of a ship, surrounded by an endlessexpanse of blue sky and ocean and a continuous warmCaribbean breeze kissing your skin. I was fortunate toexperience this bliss last July as a participant in the Institutefor Advanced Journalism Studies (IAFJS) at North CarolinaA&T State University’s first golf tournament and cruise.My 10-day adventure began at Eagle Creek Golf Clubin Orlando, Fla., where more than 70 golfers from as far awayas California gathered for an opportunity to contribute toa worthwhile cause while engaging in a round of fun, fiercecompetition.In addition to playing a championship course, there wereprizes galore giving everyone an opportunity to be victorious.Door prizes, a silent auction and raffles provided chances forwinning some pretty neat stuff that ran the gamut from golfclubs to NFL, NBA and MLB game tickets to three-night staysat three of the country’s premiere golf resorts, roundtrip airlinetickets included!At the end of the tournament everyone left Eagle Creeka little exhausted, but smiling – including nine members of theNABJ chapter at A&T served as tournament hostesses: RekelDarden, Kia Goosby, Kristin Martin, Megan Rowls, DeyontaThacker, Addie Whisenant (chapter president) and CrystalWilliams (Miss A&T 2006-07).Part two of the adventure was a seven-day cruise on RoyalCaribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. Iliken it to Mount Rainier (huge)and Vegas (so much to do, solittle time). What a way to kickoff IAFJS’s first cruise to benefitthe program at North CarolinaA&T!As the ship left the Port of Miami, I was alittle skeptical of being able to experience everything the cruiseship offers, visit Mexico, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Haiti,and have some quiet time. With more than 4,300 other peopleonboard (21 traveling with the IAFJS), the latter seemed like apipe dream.I’m happy to report that Freedom of the Seas hadsomething for everyone, including those like myself who relishquiet time. The ship’s daily itinerary included shopping, movies,ice skating, yoga, water aerobics, fitness seminars, dancing, rockwall climbing, surfing, scrapbook workshops, jewelry shows, winetasting, ping pong, karaoke, jazz, basketball, volleyball, cardgames, variety shows, games with cash jackpots, shopping ashorepreviews, art auctions, night clubs, and much more.Overall, my favorite activities were walking the track eachmorning, attending seminars and watching the “youngsters”– and some not so young Boomers – test their skills (or lack ofskill) on the FlowRider, a surf simulator that is as challenging asany ocean. Okay, I’ll admit that I saw a couple of movies, readthree books and spent a great deal of time watching the waves(between naps). BIG SIGH.So, if you’re a pretty decent golfer, or if you just want to getsome R&R before the winter holiday season, consider joining theInstitute for Advanced Journalism Studies next October for thesecond annual golf tournament or cruise or both.Play a round of golf at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.,Oct. 5, 2007. Then, join IAFJS aboard Royal Caribbean’s Marinerof the Seas, Oct. 7-14, 2007. The ship leaves Port Canaveral, Fla.,and sails to Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico beforereturning to Port Canaveral.DeWayne Wickham brought his Institute for AdvancedJournalism Studies to North Carolina A&T State Universityin January 2005 when he joined the faculty as distinguishedprofessor of journalism and mass communication. Wickham, whois an author, editor, columnist for USA Today and a foundingmember and former president of the National Association ofBlack Journalists, created the institute to stem the loss of blackjournalists to the profession by offering opportunities to enhanceskills and involvements with reporting not normally available innewsrooms.The profits from the golf tournament and cruise benefitA&T’s student chapter of NABJ and the IAFJS, respectively,making both activities charitable and enjoyable getaways. Forcomplete details about the golf tournament and the cruise, call theInstitute for Advanced Journalism Studies at (336) 256-2261.S. Marie Brown works in the University Relations Office atN.C. A&T.32 A&T TODAY • FALL 2006

REMEMBERINGTHE PASTThose Who ServeTrooper Donald Lindsay ’83(center), president of the9 th and 10 th (Horse) CavalryAssociation of the BuffaloSoldiers Greater NorthCarolina Chapter, awardedtwo North Carolina A&TState University militaryveterans scholarships andBuffalo Soldier paraphernaliafor their participation withthe Buffalo Soldiers’ 140 thAnniversary Reunion, held July25-29. The students, ErnestHooker, a history major andPurvis Eichelberger, a sportsmedicine major, were honoredat the university’s Veteran DayProgram on November 10. Theevent was sponsored by N.C.A&T Veteran and DisabilitySupport Services Office.North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University1601 East Market StreetGreensboro, NC 27411www.ncat.edu____________________Non-Profit Organization____________________US Postage PAID____________________Greensboro, NC____________________Permit Number 47____________________