World Class - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State ...

TODAYNorth Carolina Agricultural and Technical State UniversityFall/Winter 2008PAGE 12DEPARTMENTS2) Inside Aggieland6) Campus Briefs10) Research21) Aggie Sports25) Aggies on the Move26) In Memoriam32) Mixed BagFEATURE ARTICLES12) “Share” CropperAlumnus shares his bounty14) World ClassStudy abroad leads students around the world16) Forever ChangedTravel experiences leave students with lastingimpressions18) Dream WeaverRetired professor still walks, talks and breatheseducationNorth Carolina Agricultural and TechnicalState University is a learner-centeredcommunity that develops and preservesintellectual capital through interdisciplinarylearning, discovery, engagement, andoperational excellence.PAGE 10PAGE 14PAGE 18GETTING IT RIGHT!The photo caption on page31 of the Spring/Summer2008 issue incorrectlyidentifies the individual onthe left, Sonja Matthews-Mooney ‘91, as the lateCarla Macon Granville ‘88.A&T TODAYNorth Carolina Agricultural and Technical State UniversityFall/Winter 2008A&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 Development Operations,North Carolina A&T State University, Dowdy Building, Suite 400,1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, N.C. 27411.Phone: (336) 334-7600.Visit us online at www.ncat.eduEditorSandra M. BrownEditorial AssistantsSamantha V. HargroveNettie Collins Rowland ‘72Contributing WritersLiz Barber, PhDJoan T. Fletcher ’78Brittany HaneyBrian M. Holloway ’97Pamela L. Johnson ’91Wayne Kimball Jr.Millicent RothrockNettie Collins Rowland ’72University PhotographerCharles E. Watkins ’03DesignDonna M. Wojek GibbsNorth Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is a land-grant university that is ranked by the Carnegie Classification System as “high research activity.”N.C. A&T is an AA/EEO employer, and it is an ADA compliant institution; thus, facilities are designed to provide accessibility to individuals with physical disabilities.PrintingProgress PrintingBoard of TrusteesFranklin E. McCain Sr. ’64, ChairmanPamela McCorkle Buncum ’81,Vice ChairSpence H. Broadhurst, SecretaryD. Hayes ClementKaren J. Collins ’84Charles C. CornelioWillie A. Deese ’77Albert S. Lineberry Jr.Patricia Miller Zollar ’84Velma R. Speight-Buford ’53Marcus R. Bass,Student RepresentativeJoseph A. Williams ’72Executive CabinetChancellor - Stanley F. BattleProvost/Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs - Alton Thompson (Interim)Vice Chancellor, Business and Finance - Robert Pompey Jr. ’87Vice Chancellor, Development and University Relations - Mark KielVice Chancellor, Human Resources - Linda R. McAbeeVice Chancellor, Information Technology and Telecommunications/CIO - Vijay K. VermaVice Chancellor, Research and Economic Development - Narayanaswamy RadhakrishnanVice Chancellor, Student Affairs - Sullivan A. Welborne Jr. ’61Special Assistant to the Chancellor - Deborah J. CallawayGeneral Counsel/Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer - Valerie L. GreenAssociate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs/Enrollment Management - Yvette Underdue MurphDirector, Athletics - Wheeler Brown ’79Director, Internal Auditing - Larry R. KreiserDeansAgriculture and EnvironmentalSciences - Donald R. McDowell (Interim)Arts and Sciences - Michael PlaterBusiness and Economics - Quiester CraigEducation - Ceola Ross BaberEngineering - Joseph Monroe ’62Graduate Studies - William J. Craft (Interim)Library Services - Doris Mitchell (Interim)Nursing - Patricia A. Chamings (Interim)Technology - Benjamin O. UwakwehUniversity Studies - Joseph L. Graves Jr.42,750 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $26,476.00 or $0.61 per copyAlumni Association Board of DirectorsPresident - Pamela L. Johnson ’91First Vice President - Marvin L. Walton ’91Second Vice President - “Chuck” Burch Jr. ’82Treasurer - Gerald Williams ’83Assistant Treasurer - Kristen R. Rutledge ’89Recording Secretary - Charvetta Ford-McGriff ’85Parliamentarian - Randall E. Dunn ’91Immediate Past President - Teresa M. Davis ’89Executive Director - Deloris C. Chisley ‘73 (Interim)Geographical Area I Director, Seat 1 - T. Roberson Edwards ’73Geographical Area I Director, Seat 2 - Eugene H. Preston Jr. ’57Geographical Area II Director, Seat 3 - Deloris C. Chisley ’73Geographical Area II Director, Seat 4 - Malinda N. Carmon ’73Geographical Area III Director, Seat 5 - James E. Bridgett Jr. ’53Geographical Area IV Director, Seat 6 - Irvin Moore ’72Geographical Area V Director, Seat 7 - Ulysses J. Cozart Jr. ’77Board of Directors (BOD) Seat 8 (School of Agriculture andEnvironmental Sciences) - Arthur Purcell ’67BOD Seat 9 (College of Arts and Sciences) - James J. Gooch ’67BOD Seat 10 (School of Business and Economics) - Anthony C. Wright ’92BOD Seat 11 (School of Education) - Velma Speight-Buford ’53BOD Seat 12 (College of Engineering) - Anthony “TJ” Jackson ’81BOD Seat 13 (School of Nursing) - Linda R. Wilson ’75BOD Seat 14 (School of Technology) - Tony E. Graham ’78

INSIDE AGGIELANDHomecoming 2008Members of the Blue and Gold Marching Machinesurround actors Kerry Washington and Hill Harper.Above: Tailgating is a Homecomingtradition.Female vocalists EnVogue(center) pose with Chancellorand Mrs. Stanley F. Battle(center, 2nd row) andmembers of the N.C. A&TUniversity Foundation staffprior to the Alumni Concert.Left: Who said that Homecomingis just for alumni? Some of theyoungest Aggies rally with WFMYNews 2 personality Tracey McCain.Charlie Wilsonsings his old andnew hits at theAlumni Concert.Gate City Alumni Chapter No-TapBowling Tournament2 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 3

RESEARCHStudents and Faculty Conduct LeadershipAND Service Learning Research in MalawiBy Liz Barber, PhDThis past summer, N.C. A&T graduate students Brian Moseleyand Tenika “Nikki” Walker traveled with leadership studiesprofessor Liz Barber and collaborators from Virginia Tech and RadfordUniversity to Domasi Province in the southern region of Malawi,Africa. They engaged in sustainable change projects in a countrywhere life expectancy is 37 years and more than 10 percent of childrenages birth through 14 test positive for HIV/AIDS.Malawi, arguably one of the poorest countries in the world,instituted a universal public education initiative in 1994. Sincesummer 2007, A&T students and faculty have joined with others fromVirginia Tech and Radford to conduct leadership and service researchprojects that support the country’s education initiative.Their work has been focused in three primary schools(Standards/grades 1-8) located within walking distance of eachother: Domasi Demonstration Primary, Government Primary andMalemia Village School. The research projects include co-teachingwith Malawian teachers in classrooms of 125+ children, developmentand maintenance of libraries in all three schools, conducting repairsand painting blackboards, and assisting teachers in using PhotoVoiceparticipatory action research to create culturally comprehensibleHIV/AIDS instructional materials.Moseley, who is pursuing a master’s degree in instructionaltechnology, took with him videotaped introductions by GuilfordCounty sixth graders and a book they had researched and authored onAfrican countries. The materials would be used to start a transnationalpen pal initiative that connects local and Malawian youth for thepurpose of kid knowledge exchange and the development of writtenEnglish skills for both groups.Malawian children come to school with as many as 17 differenthome languages, yet instruction takes place only in ChiChewa inStandards 1-4, with English taught as a second language. In Standards5-8, all instruction and testing are done in English. The ability to readand write in English serves as the “gatekeeper” for students who scorehigh enough on the Standard 8 exams to be selected for a good, freegovernment residential secondary school.Walker received a Master of Science in Human Resources(Rehabilitation Counseling) degree in December 2008. Her researchinvolved collecting life histories of Malawian adults and students. Herwork aimed to capture the day-to-day circumstances of life in a thirdworld country. Such stories are rarely told, and even less rarely shared inthe developed West.During her summer experience, Walker successfully intervieweda highly talented 50-year veteran teacher who had taught a formermember of Malawian Parliament countless other adults and students.Her project stands as a model of social justice research that hands theknowledge-making and theorizing over to those most deeply affected bysocietal conditions.Barber’s research focused on developing the technology of “bigbooks” – giant poster-sized children’s trade literature commonly used inthe United States and United Kingdom in early literacy instruction, andequally useful in classrooms with 125+ children – to teach English at thesame time as teaching content area subject matter such as science, socialstudies and mathematics.In Malawi, English is taught during English class but rarelythrough bilingual instruction in the content areas. Research in the U.S.demonstrates more efficient second language acquisition when childrenare immersed in bilingual instruction throughout the school day.Every summer the teams return to the same three schools to “seed”sustainable change innovations with Malawian colleagues who welcomeand inform their projects throughout the year via the Internet and postalmail.Study abroad experiences prepare students to work successfully incollaborative interdisciplinary teams in globalized settings. The plan forsummer 2009 is to take an interdisciplinary team to Malawi to begintackling issues in public health, sustainable farming, sustainable business,engineering, social work, the arts and beyond. Interested parties shouldcontact Liz Barber through the Leadership Studies Office, (336) 256-2342, or the Zikomo Leadership Society, a university service organizationformed in fall 2007 to support research, service,grant-seeking and fund-raising for projects inMalawi. The Zikoma contact is Jacqueline C.Greenlee, president, at JCGreenlee@gtcc.edu.Elizabeth A. “Liz” Barber, PhD, is an assistantprofessor in the School of Education.Graduate students Brian Moseley (front center) andTenika Walker (3rd row, 2nd left), along with professor Liz Barber(2nd row, far right) take a break from their research to pose withthe Malinka Church choir and dancers.Tenika Walker substitute teaches in a Standard 4 classusing a book authored by Brian Moseley’s sixth graders inGuilford County (N.C.). The regular teacher died inJune from complications in childbirth.Brian Moseley with Standard 7-8 students. The bookbags weredonated by the National Council for the Social Studies.A 50+ years veteran teacher instructs Standard 7 studentsin a roofless classroom on a rainy day.10 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008 FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 11

Prudent country boy’s journey takes him from farm and back, sharing his bounty along the way. By Nettie Collins Rowland ’72“Share”Cropper“Take me through the door, andI can make it,” Jesse Abel Francis’ legallyblind A&T classmate Cash uttered as heassisted him through the revolving door duringregistration.“I have never forgotten those words,”Francis said. “They have remained with methroughout my life.”Francis recently opened the door for manyA&T students by giving a $50,000 gift to hisalma mater. The 89-year-old eagerly talks abouthis days at the institution.“I came to A&T with $95 in scholarships.Forty-five was from the 4-H club and the restacademic,” he said.“A&T gave me my first glimpse of success.The college enabled me to exercise my talentand develop it, and when I left God gave methe opportunity.”Today Francis lives a couple of milesfrom his family farm in rural Halifax County,N.C., where he was reared with eight brothersand four sisters. He still refers to himself asa country boy, one who enjoys being aroundordinary people.In 1939, the Eastman High Schoolvaledictorian arrived on A&T’s campus aweek early with the hopes of finding a job tosupplement his scholarship monies. He knewhis parents’ budget was tight for they werealready assisting with the education of a sisterenrolled in the L. Richardson Hospital nursingprogram, a brother at North Carolina CentralUniversity and another at A&T. Francis isproud of the fact that he only asked his parentsfor $15 throughout his college days.His first day on campus he encounteredDean Warmoth Gibbs (who would laterbecome president of the college). The deanwas surprised to see Francis and immediatelyinformed him of the opening date for school.The confident student explained his situationto Gibbs and shared with him that he was abarber by trade, a skill that all of the Francisboys possessed.“After hearing my explanation, Dr. Gibbsbegan rubbing his head and his secretarylaughed, as he asked if I could cut his hair,”Francis said. “I said, ‘Yes sir.’ He then askedme if I was good and I replied, ‘Very good.’”Gibbs was pleased and gave the youngfreshman a room. He became the campusbarber, cutting his classmates hair, and alsoacquired a job as a campus agent for a localpawn shop.“A&T enabled me to help myself,”Francis expounds. “I think of the days when Iwas a barber. They didn’t charge me rent. Theytolerated my late hours at night cutting hair. Ialso had a little business loaning money.”Francis’ jobs didn’t deter him fromexcelling in and out of the classroom. Theyoung entrepreneur became president ofhis class, and he participated in a variety ofacademic, social, religious and other extracurricularactivities.In 1943, after three years and a quarter(A&T was on the quarter system during thattime) Francis had completed all requirementsfor his degree but he wasn’t ready to graduate.World War II was taking place and he knewthat once he was out of college he would bedrafted into the army. He tried prolonging hiseducation by taking a chemistry course, butUncle Sam soon discovered his status and hewas called to serve his country.Francis graduated from A&T with a 3.6average, a major in vocational education andbiological science and a minor in businessadministration.After a short training period, Franciswas sent over seas and served three-plus yearsin two separate theaters of operation. Hisdegree and ROTC training would provehelpful to him as he and four other blackcollege graduates convinced their general tosend them to the Infantry Officers CandidateSchool. After graduating from OCS andserving in a number of other assignments,Francis was assigned to the administrativestaff of the Second Manor Port in Manila,the capital of the Philippines, as a personnelofficer - first lieutenant, infantry.Four of Francis’ brothers also weredrafted.“It had to have been Mama’s prayers andthe mercy of God that all of us returned fromthe war without major injuries,” he said.Francis came home in 1943 and taughtbiological science and chemistry at his formerhigh school for a year. Wanting to helpveterans, he accepted a job with the NorthCarolina State Department of VocationalEducation and was sent to Brunswick County,N.C., to establish, supervise and administera new occupational training program for 75newly discharged veterans of World War II.The program was housed at the BrunswickCounty Training School, which later becamethe high school.When Francis arrived at the school, helearned that there wasn’t a facility to trainthe veterans. That didn’t daunt him. He hadresearched the county and was aware of itspoverty. He also knew that the governor washaving Camp Davis, a military facility locatedabout 40 miles from the school, torn down.Soft spoken Francis approached theperson in charge of destroying the facility. Hediscussed his vision of building a shop for theveterans, and as fate would have it, the manwas a veteran.With materials from the camp, Francisand his students built one of the finest shopsin the state. As a result of his innovativeprograms at the school, he was appointed bythe Brunswick County Commissioners toserve on the Brunswick County ResourcesDevelopment Commission, which allowedhim the opportunity to travel all over thecountry to help attract corporation toBrunswick. DuPont and Pfizer were amongthe companies. He served on this commissionfor 23 years, and he was also appointed toserve on the county’s Industrial DevelopmentCommission.While working at the high school,Francis met his wife, Annie Inez Givens, aformer Miss A&T. They were married for 42years and the parents of two children. His wifepassed in 1990.Francis later became principal ofSouthport Middle School, where he initiatedvocational education for middle schoolchildren. The job wasn’t easy. He recallsbeing threatened by the Ku Klux Klan. Theincident occurred when a white femalestudent slapped her white teacher. Membersof the organization confronted him when hesuspended the student. But, the Aggie stoodhis ground and gained a higher respect fromthe community.Francis was devoted to his professionand served two terms as president of theBrunswick County Teachers Association. Onthe state level, he was elected and served twoterms as president of the North CarolinaAssociation of Vocational Teachers Inc.With encouragement from his wife,Francis fulfilled his dream of establishingand operating a low-income housing rentalbusiness. The business consisted of 11 unitsthat were designed for the handicapped, theelderly, newlywed couples and other familieswho did not have permanent homes. Heoperated the facility for 42 years.Although Francis was quite busy hefound the time to earn a master’s degree invocational education at A&T and a graduatecertification in school administration at EastCarolina University. He was also active in hischurch, where he served as an adult SundaySchool Teacher, chairman of the trustee boardand treasurer.Francis says he will always be appreciativeof A&T for helping him become the personhe is today.12 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008 FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 13

World ClassWalt Disney was right: it’s a small world after all. So small, as a matter of fact, that in this ageof the Internet and cell phones, information travels around the globe in mere seconds.With the world at their fingertips, A&T graduates must be more prepared than ever toface the demands of a complicated, fast-paced world. And what better way to learn about By Millicent Rothrockthis great big world than to travel it?A&T students interested in foreignstudy have a wide variety of options.Aggies can choose from 60 countries andstay anywhere from several weeks to ayear. Along the way, educators say theylearn lessons that last a lifetime.“I think they get a deeper appreciationfor what it means to be an American,”said Michael Plater, dean of the Collegeof Arts and Sciences. “We are really tiedinto the rest of the world, and if you canunderstand the rest of the world, it helpsyou understand your world a little better.“And from an academic standpoint,you begin to ask more questions,” Dr.Plater continued. “When you travelinternationally, you see people with thesame resources and in the same situationsyou are in, and they are coming up withvery different conclusions.“It raises questions. Students begin toask questions and that makes them bettercitizens – better informed citizens – andbetter able to have an impact on their town,their state, their country and the world.”One of the main reasons Platerenjoys leading trips abroad is openingstudents’ eyes and minds so that theyask questions. This past spring he led agroup of honors students on a study tour ofThailand that served as a follow-up to A&T’s“Introduction to Global Studies” course.Traveling abroad affords studentsopportunities to apply what they learn inthe classroom to real life situations. Forexample, Plater’s group was able to discussvictims of genocide under Pot Pot’s regimewhen they visited Cambodia.“We talked with people who livedthrough it, which is a very differentexperience than reading about it,” Plateradded.Sandrea T. Williamson, a historyinstructor and assistant director of theUniversity Honors Program, agrees thattravel and study abroad are great ways tobroaden the students’ cultural awareness,provide experiences with foreign traveland connect class work with real worldexperiences. She chaperoned 12 honorsstudents on a study tour of Ghana duringspring break 2008.“Ghana was one of the richestmarkets for slave traders during the peakin the slave trade. Seeing sites such asElminda Castle, formerly known as theSlave Castle, and the Nnonkonsuo, or theSlave River where captives took their lastbaths before being sold to traders, makeshistory real,” said Williamson.The honors students also had anopportunity to spend a day helping girlsand boys with their computer skills at theNsaba Science Foundation for Girl ChildEducation, which was established by KojoFosu, a Fulbright Scholar from Ghana whoonce taught at N.C. A&T. They also braveda series of rope bridges that straddled thetreetops, something that the natives diddaily without a second thought.Students in a graduate level humanresources course in the School of Businessand Economics initiated a trip to China sothat they could better understand globalmarket places.Business administration professorsAngela K. Miles and Alice C. Stewartaccompanied 10 students to fourbusinesses including a beer factory, a soapmanufacturer and a steel mill. The studentsquickly learned that most Chinese areunaware of job turnover because they donot leave their jobs.Another lesson learned was that Chinais a more collective society, while Americais more individualistic.“We saw Beijing prepare for theOlympics – the Bird’s Nest (stadium) andother interesting architecture and Olympicvenues,” said Stewart. “Seventeen millionpeople live in Beijing, and they performeddrills for maneuvering the streets during theOlympics. There were calendar days whenonly vehicles with odd numbered licenseplates were allowed on the streets. Ourstudents didn’t think we could pull that offon campus, much less in a metropolis. Butin a ‘collective’ culture, people are prone tobe more cooperative.”Future Engineers Visit Italy and GreeceThirteen students from North CarolinaA&T’s architectural and landscape programsparticipated in a study abroad educationaltour of Italy and Greece (summer2008) where they studied architecture,transportation and energy conservation.Pictured in Vatican City, Italy, are WalterSmith, Erin Watts, Nicole Williams, DaneKendall, Ashanti Hepburn, ChonteauJackson-Johnson, Richard James, JeremyYoung, Ursula Richardson, Phillip Moten,Eric Jordan, Lashanda Jones and LinleyLove. Ronnie S. Bailey, associate professorin the architectural engineering program,sponsored the tour.International Studies at N.C. A&TUniversity Studies Students CollectBooks for Ghanaian ChildrenStudents enrolled in UNST 120Contemporary World collected over 1,200children’s books and other educationalmaterials for two organizations thateducate street children in Ghana, wheresome of them traveled to personally deliverthe items last summer. The GhanaianChild Literacy Project was coordinated byAgya Boakye-Boaten, assistant professor.Pictured are Akimi Sinclair, Travis Jackson,Wayne Kimball Jr., Crista Greenlee,Boakye-Boaten and Sargent Nelson.Over 200 North Carolina A&T students have studied abroad since 2000, gainingacademic credit toward their degrees. Some of these students even applied theirexperience to earning the nationally recognized Global Studies Certificate.The Global Studies Certificate Program is an interdisciplinary program designedto provide students the opportunity to better prepare themselves to live and work ina global society. At A&T, all students are required to take one global studies course tocomplete their core requirements.Students who study abroad and take additional global studies courses can earn a GlobalStudies Certificate. The certificate can be earned while fulfilling the academic requirements for adegree in every discipline.For more information about studying abroad, including internships and service learning,visit the website for the Office of International Programs: www.ncat.edu/~oip.Physics Researchers Collaborate in EthiopiaSamuel Danagoulian, professor of physics inthe College of Arts and Sciences, traveled toEthiopia with three A&T students, Addisu M.Woldetsadik, Michael Williams and Alishia M.Williams last summer, as part of the NationalScience Foundation’s IRES: InternationalResearch Experience in Earth, Atmosphericand Space Sciences for Students in Ethiopiaprogram (Solomon Bililign, PI; Danagoulian,Co-PI). The team conducted research at theUniversity of Addis Ababa, in collaborationwith the faculty of the departments ofphysics of Addis Ababa University, Bahir DarUniversity and Awasa University.Doctoral Candidate Interns withLiberian PresidentMonica Kerr (5th from left), a doctoral studentin the leadership studies program, was amongthe 17 graduate students (from schoolssuch as Harvard, Princeton and Georgetown)selected for an internship with President EllenJohnson-Sirleaf of Liberia (4th from left) thispast summer. Kerr worked in the Ministry ofEducation developing assessment plans for acommunity college, evaluating the curriculum,and assisting Minister Kotchi with severalresearch projects. She also was affordedthe opportunity to work for the University ofLiberia where she was offered permanentemployment.14 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008 FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 15

Forever ChangedNorth Carolina A&T State University students seize opportunities to study abroad and spread the University’strophies far beyond Dare and Cherokee. Let’s take a moment to look into the journey of four students —Jonathan McCoy, Aasiya Townsell, Stephen Wynn and Talore Harrison (pictured above, left to right) —as they reminisce on the experiences abroad that forever changed their lives. — By Brittany HaneyBonjour: Aasiya in FranceFashion became a significant part of AasiyaTownsell’s life at an early age. A senior journalismand mass communication major, Townsell becameinterested in applying fashion to her journalismstudies, however, such courses were not offered at A&T.She decided that studying fashion overseas would bethe perfect way to learn more about her interest whilepursuing her passion for travel.During the summer of 2008, Townsell studied withthe American Intercontinental University program inParis, France: the fashion capital of the world. She alsoattended Fashion Week!“I’ve always had a passion to travel outside of thecountry, although I was a little nervous at first,” saidTownsell.Although she was nervous about leaving the country,the emotion left her as soon as she arrived in Paris.“When I actually walked on Parisian ground, I knew I wasgoing to be okay.”While in Paris, Townsell was exposed to differentcustoms, foods and walks of life from what she wasaccustomed. She went to Paris with an open mind andleft with a lifetime of stories after coming in contact withaspects of life she never knew existed.In any country, the language barrier can pose aproblem. Townsell ran into this dilemma, but took it as anopportunity to learn something new.“I only knew small phrases in French, so I decidedto buy a book to help learn the basics of getting aroundand communicating with others. When I talked to Frenchpeople in their language, they were very appreciative thatI took time to learn it. It was a sign of respect. They werealso more willing to help me, and to teach me French.”In her journey, Townsell noticed extreme trends indifferent lifestyles.“It was very interesting to see the extremities inthe way people lived,” she said. “For example, thereare men who go to work in suits in the morning, andcome home to a tent at night. On the other hand,people lived in beautiful, extravagant penthouses andwent to work in casual clothes. I remember being onthe subway one day, and I noticed a homeless man withno shoes. Sitting next to him was a man in a pair ofexpensive Prada shoes.”After her experience in France, Townsell walkedaway with an open mind and a better appreciation forher home in America. “This whole trip impacted my lifein so many ways,” she said.“I came to the conclusion that America is not as badas Americans say it is. Our country is more accepting ofother cultures and caters to cultural needs. In France, Ihad to adjust to their culture. People were not willing toadjust to mine. Back at home, a black girl can get her hairdone, and that’s no joke.”Sa-wat dee, Sues-day:Jonathan in Thailand and CambodiaTwice each year, the university’s Honors Programtakes students on trips. Students can travel to Ghanaduring spring break, and Thailand/Cambodia shortly afterthe spring semester ends. Jonathan McCoy, a senior mechanicalengineering major, took this as the perfect opportunity to go to ararely visited Southeast Asia.“My studies abroad are in places people do not usuallyventure to explore,” he said. “People are initially attracted toplaces in Europe and South America, but I wanted to go to aplace that I did not hear people talk about that often. When theopportunity came up I was eager to go.”McCoy says he was not nervous about what awaited him inThailand and Cambodia.“I went overseas with a completely open mind. I was all theway on the other side of the world, so there was no turning back.I did not allow myself to get nervous about being in a completelyforeign place because I was too excited.”Though McCoy was ready to experience all of the marvelsThailand and Cambodia had to offer, he ran into a little difficulty.A day before his trip, he sprained his foot and had to use crutchesduring the entire trip. Walking with two wooden sticks aroundplains and hills was a challenge; he did not let it ruin his trip.“Being a walking tourist and navigating the terrain ofCambodia on crutches was difficult,” he said. “The crutches werenot exactly built for my frame -- they were my mother’s.“I was engaging in daily walking tours and scaling Cambodiantemple ruins and monuments with a painful injury. However, Itreated it as a challenge and was determined not to let that keepme from fully enjoying the trip.”After starting his summer vacation in Southeast Asia, McCoyreturns home with a keener understanding of Thailand andCambodia.“I think about the role of the American government in thedevelopment of other nations. Thailand has a unique point ofdevelopment because it is free of American influence, which is ledmore by economic interest. Cambodia has not been so fortunate.This trip gave me a greater thirst for knowledge.”Oy: Talore Harrison and Stephen Wynn in BrazilInstead of studying abroad alone, some have chosento share the experience with close friends. TaloreHarrison and Stephen Wynn are among them.The two industrial engineering majors set out forBrazil together after a year-long friendship.While in Brazil, Harrison and Wynn attended the FederalUniversity in the world-class city of Rio de Janiero.“What shocked me most about Brazil was the beautifulscenery,” said Wynn. “In North Carolina, we are surroundedby trees. But, the landscape here can never compare to thesplendor of Brazil.”“Once I got off the plane and into a taxi, I was also amazedby the scenery,” said Harrison. “I am from a small town in thesuburbs, and I have never experienced being in such a big city.”Before their trip, the two engaged in a six-week longlanguage intensive Portuguese program.“Though we had previous knowledge of the language,” saidWynn, “it was hard to understand at times. It was not so muchabout comprehending the language, but keeping up with thedifferent dialects.”The most interesting concept of Brazil for Harrison andWynn was the soccer craze.“My most memorable experience was going to a soccergame,” said Harrison. “I remember watching celebrations aftera win. The football fans in America cannot compare to thesoccer fans in Brazil.”Wynn agrees. “I’m a huge sports fan, and I was amazed howmuch soccer played an important role to the Brazilian culture.”Harrison and Wynn encourage everyone to step outside oftheir comfort zone and travel abroad.“I challenge all students to go abroad,” said Harrison. “It isa great opportunity for them to cherish their freedom at homeand discover their own sense of independence abroad.”Brittany Haney is a senior majoring in journalism and masscommunication with a concentration in public relations. She hasstudied in China.One’s destination is never a place, buta new way of seeing things. — Henry Miller16 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008 FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 17

Dream WeaverRetired A&T associate professorand supporter walks, talks andbreathes education. To her, it isthe golden passport for bridgingone’s lifestyle and service to others.By Nettie Collins Rowland ’72Gladys Hope Franklin White grew up surrounded by educators. White’s aunt andmother were teachers, and her grandmother, who read to her often, was a strong advocate forknowledge. Her husband, the late Frank Hollowell White – historian, founder and chair of NorthCarolina A&T’s history department – was second dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.“I believe that giving back provides a way for students to pursue their dreams,” saidDr. (Gladys) White, who served as the first director of A&T’s Reading Center and developedthe university’s reading specialist certification program.During her tenure at A&T, White also served as a technical reading consultant for theUSA Office of Education National Right to Read Program, a national reading program toenhance reading instruction in the nation’s elementary schools. She also received an NDEAreading grant to train and retool elementary teachers to improve their reading instructionwith creativity and innovation.Throughout White’s career and now, she makes students’ dreams ripen intorealities. The Elizabeth City native has a legacy for establishing scholarships andrecently created a $25,000 endowed scholarship for A&T’s College of Arts andSciences.White continues to support many monetary causes at A&T and at her alma mater,Hampton University, where she has a residence hall named in her honor. Hampton’spresident, William R. Harvey, has coined White as a “fund-raiser extraordinaire.”Upon retiring from teaching at A&T in 1982, White founded Project CARE(Coaching Accelerates Rich Excellence), an enrichment testing program for high schooland graduate students. A member of A&T’s Friends of Education, White is proud of heraccomplishments as she strives to help others achieve theirs.“I taught students how to excel and build confidence and esteem to gain highperformance on their college and graduate school admission tests for careers inmedicine, law, dentistry, humanities and other areas,” said White. “I also coachedteaching and nursing majors to pass their licensure exams.Affectionately called “Mother Dear,” many students owe their successful careersto this faithful, caring guru.Take Fatima Kasiah, a participant in the project. After completing it, she obtaineda full A&T scholarship and is now a second year medical student at Ross UniversitySchool of Medicine.“Dr. Gladys White is one of the most selfless, genuine people that I have metto date. Her no-nonsense approach to education and steadfast desire to see peoplebecome the best that they can be has helped me to become the person that I amtoday, as well as reach many of the goals that I set for myself.”Kasiah’s younger sister Fanta also received the same test prep and was anoutstanding A&T scholarship recipient. Today, she is in her third year of medicalstudies at Ross’s and concurs with her sister regarding White.“She has personally helped sculpture my career path, beginning with SATpreparation, continuing onward to provide guidance for the U.S. Medical Licensingexams,” said Fanta. “Over the years, I have seen her devote countless hours towardsenriching lives, both young and old.”White has taught and mentored hundreds of students and often keeps in contactwith them. She recalls the invitation and letter she received from Sonya Thomas whenshe obtained her college degree. The Dudley High School track star excelled in White’sprogram and received a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.Now completing her Ph.D., Thomas wrote, “I wanted to send you an invitation tomy college graduation because without you I would not be graduating.”Vernell Stallings, a retired A&T employee and graduate, describes White as anoutstanding mentoring teacher.“Two of my children were participants in Project CARE, and when they completedthe program they were fully prepared to go to any college in the country with SATscores 1400 and above.”White’s commitment continues to be embedded in Project CARE, which has beenlocated at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer for 26 years. Prior to the project, sheorganized and directed the Saturday Academy for K-6 graders.“Many professional people today owe their success in their chosen professionsto Dr. White,” said the Rev. Father Carlton O. Morales, a chaplain at Moses H. ConeMemorial Hospital and former rector of the church. “As an educator, Dr. White hasdedicated her life to serving humanity in preparing young people and adults to drinkfreely at the Fountain of Education to make the world a better place. She is committedto upholding the dignity of all people, irrespective of race, color or creed.”In reaching out to others to be successful, White values serving her church. As amember of Church of the Redeemer, she has served in the choir, on the Vestry and iscurrently president of the Episcopal ChurchWomen. But directing Project CARE is hermost prized service to the community.Lennie B. Foster, a 1947 A&T graduateand church parishioner, quotes D.H.Lawrence to describe White: The greatestvirtue in life is real courage that knows howto face facts and live beyond them.“Dr. Gladys White’s greatest virtue is realcourage,” Foster said. “She is always willingto accept unknown challenges and createssuccessful adventures.”White devotes efforts to communitycauses that include the directorship ofProject Cherish, a restoration, beautificationand preservation initiative of the oldestAfrican American cemetery in Greensboro,Union Cemetery. White conducted extensioncourses, workshops and seminars for teachersand principals. She holds memberships incountless community, civic and educationalorganizations and has life membership inthe International Reading Association andLady Sertoma.Because she contributes so willingly ofher time, mind, talent and monetary gifts tohelping mankind, White’s name resonates afuller means of giving.“One of the things that impressed meabout Dr. White is her continuing effortsto improve the reading skills of childrenboth in the classroom at A&T and her SATcourses at the church,” said retired universityprofessor and small business owner SandraAlexander, who is one of her former studentsand colleagues. “She seems tireless - always,giving, giving, giving, and reaching back tohelp others.”It is evident that White has touchedso many lives and left a viable imprint.As she says, “When you give back toothers, you internalize your own rewards.However, throughout my life, my belief andpattern has been in the words of the lateEdwin Markham’s poetic line, ‘... all that yousend into the lives of others comes back intoour own.’”White also says, “I always aim to let mylife do the singing.”18 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008 FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 19

By Jeff MillsGREENSBORO — On a winter day 48 years ago, a young mannamed Franklin McCain made history when he and three N.C.A&T classmates took seats at the whites-only lunch counter atWoolworth’s in downtown Greensboro.The civil rights pioneer took another important seat last week,when McCain was elected chairmanof A&T’s board of trustees.He’s the first board chairman inschool history to already have a statueof himself (with the GreensboroFour) on the campus lawn.“The truth is, I rarely think aboutthat statue,” McCain said Thursday.“It’s probably more humbling thananything else. When someone doesmention it, it makes me do a littlemore self-introspection … I tellmyself, ‘Make sure you continue todeserve the things that have happenedto you.’ I’d work just as hard if therewasn’t a statue there.”But it is there, on a patch ofgrass in front of the stately DudleyBuilding. And the man cast inbronze, second from the left, isnow first among his alma mater’s12 trustees.McCain takes over the postfrom Velma Speight-Buford. Heserved as her vice chairman.“It was time,” said Speight-Buford, who still holds a seat on theboard. “I really had an extra year,you know. They waived the bylawsin order for me to be the chair for an extra year. It’s supposed tobe you can serve a maximum of two years, but because we weregoing through such a transition, I had three years as the chair.”McCain said Speight-Buford’s leadership helped A&Tget through turbulent times. On her watch, trustees dealt withthe fallout from a massive audit that led to a State Bureau ofInvestigation probe into school finances. Chancellor JamesRenick left for another job, and Speight-Buford led the searchthat found a new chancellor, Stanley Battle, in 2007.BOARD OF TRUSTEESA Hand in A&T’s History, FutureFranklin McCain Sr. ’64 is the new chairman of theNorth Carolina A&T State University Board of Trustees.McCain was one of the original four A&T studentswho sat at Woolworth’s segregated lunch counter indowntown Greensboro on Feb. 1, 1960.“(Speight-Buford) shared everything with me, and sheinvited me to participate in everything,” McCain said. “She wasa great mentor in that regard. We’re hoping (the transition) isgoing to be seamless.“We’ve got different styles, and my No. 1 priority might beher No. 3, but I don’t think we varymuch in what we deem significant,”he said.So what is significant? In theirown ways, both said steering A&Ton a proactive course — rather thanreacting to trouble — will help theschool flourish.Speight-Buford hopes she putdown a solid foundation with reforms,including an updated faculty handbook,a performance evaluation plan fortrustees, a new committee structuretailored to best use trustees’ individualtalents and revised bylaws that hadn’tbeen updated since the 1970s.McCain, the board’s new chairman,said he hopes to put a higher priorityon nursing, teacher education andengineering. He wants to increaseenrollment in graduate programs andfind more money for scholarships. Hewants students to feel safer and newfaculty members to feel at home.“I hope we can concentrate nowon those kinds of things,” McCainsaid. “You don’t like dealing withthose other kinds of (negative) thingsto be your No. 1 priority.“We had some challenges in the past take time away fromgrowth and development. We’re past that, and I don’t have anyreservations about the things I’m responsible for now.”Contact Jeff Mills at 373-7024 or jeff.mills@news-record.comCopyright © 2008 News & RecordReprinted with permission of the News & Record.— Note: This article was published Sept. 26, 2008.McCain was elected chairman Sept. 17, 2008.AGGIE SPORTS2009-2010 Women’s BasketballRecruits AnnouncedAggies sign one of the best players in the state of North CarolinaNorth Carolina A&T women’s basketball coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs has announced the signing of three players to NationalLetters of Intent. The class is ranked among the top third in the nationby the All-Star Girls Report.Guard Amber Calvin, center/power forward Nikia Gorham andswing player Jaquayla Berry are expected to be in uniform for theAggies during the 2009-10 season.“We want to continually put teams on the floor that can competewith any other team in the country,” said Bibbs. “I believe these threeyoung ladies will go a long way in helping us do just that. I’m verypleased with what we were able to do during this period.”Calvin is a 5-foot-7 point guard from Fayetteville. She averaged18.4 points, 8.1 assists, 3.8 steals and 2.5 rebounds per game as asophomore for Southview High School. She is widely considered oneof the best players in North Carolina. As a sophomore, Calvin led theTigers to the Class 4A state championship.That same year, she was named second-team All-State by theAssociated Press. Calvin was the youngest player in school historyto reach 1,000 points in a career. She plans to major in humanperformance and leisure studies.Gorham stands at 6’2” and hails from Springdale, Md. Sheaveraged 15.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per gamefor Flowers High School last season. Gorham rebounds aggressivelyon both ends, and the pressure defense she ran in high school willhelp her adapt to Bibbs’ pressing style. She plans to major in graphiccommunication systems and technology.Berry rounds out Bibbs’ impressive class. At 5-10, the Douglas,Ga., native will play on the wing at either the shooting guard or smallforward positions. Berry averaged 16.0 points, 10.0rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game lastseason for Coffee High School. A year ago, Berrywas the only underclassman to earn first-teamAll-Region honors. She is also an all-conferenceperformer, who plans to major in humanperformance and leisure studies.By Brian M. Holloway ’97Cage-Bibbs EntersGrambling Hall of FameNorth Carolina A&T headwomen’s basketball coachPatricia Cage-Bibbs wasinducted into the GramblingState University AlumniHall of Fame in September.A reception, banquet andinduction ceremony wereheld Oct. 17 at the university.Cage-Bibbs was among five inductees whoentered the GSU Hall under the category of athletics.“It is always a great honor to be recognizedby your alma mater,” she said. “I have so manyfond memories of Grambling. It is where I met myhusband, it is where I was educated and it is where Igot my start in college coaching.”Cage-Bibbs attended Grambling from 1968 until1972 and received a degree in health and physicaleducation. She returned to the school to earn amaster’s degree in sports administration, and shereturned again in 1983 to serve as the director ofwomen’s athletics where she started and coachedthe Tigers softball program.Dr. Joseph Benjamin Johnson named her headwomen’s basketball coach of a fledging Gramblingprogram. She eventually turned the program into aSWAC power, winning six championships and 238games over a 13-year span. She also led the Tigersto their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1994.Last season, Cage-Bibbs earned her 400thcoaching victory, led the Aggies to a record-breaking25-8 season, won MEAC Coach of the Year honorsand led the Aggies to the WNIT. She ranks 33rdamong active women’s basketball coaches with 422career wins.20 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008 FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 21

AGGIE SPORTSA&T Sports Hall of Fame Inducts Eight, Five are HonoraryThe North Carolina A&T Sports Hall of Famehas inducted three new members for theiraccomplishments for N.C. A&T athletics, andfive more members were inducted for theirmany contributions to athletics.Former A&T head football coach William“Bill” Hayes, men’s basketball standoutJames Jackson, and football and track andfield participant Edward Gladden Favorswere inducted for their athletic and coachingaccomplishments.Velma Speight-Buford, John DavidHaynes, Melvin Swann, Gladys Shipmanand Isaac Barnett were inducted as honorarymembers.Hayes, the current Florida A&Mathletics director, coached football at A&Tfrom 1988 until 2002. He won three MEACchampionships, made two Division I FCS(then I-AA) playoff appearances and wasawarded MEAC Coach of the Year twice.In 1999, Hayes led the Aggies to theBlack College National Championship, aschool-record 11 wins and the school’s firstever NCAA playoff victory. He finished his15-year coaching stint with the Aggies asthe school’s all-time leaderin wins with 106.Jackson played men’s basketball for theAggies, 1961-64. He led the Aggies to theSouth Central Regional Tournament twice. Hewas an honorable mention All-American as asenior and a two-time All-CIAA member.Jackson still shares the single-gameA&T scoring record he set in 1964 with 41points against St. Augustine’s College.Favors participated in track and fieldand football, 1953-56. As a football player,he was a two-way starter as a safety andrunning back. In 1956, Favors receivedthe Jack Gibson Memorial Trophy as theoutstanding graduating senior member of thefootball team.Speight-Buford highlights the honoraryinductees. She was elected to the N.C. A&TBoard of Trustees in 1998, and she servedas board chair September 2005-September2008. She also served as director of alumniaffairs at the university.Over the years, Speight-Buford hasgiven significant financial and in-kindcontributions to nearly every program andcause sponsored by A&T to ensure studentsremained in school.Haynes is a veteran and a retiredrevenue field auditor with the NorthCarolina Department of Revenue. In 1974,he was a member of the planning committeeand a team captain that sold Gold Helmet,Blue Helmet and Century Club seats for theconstruction of Aggie Stadium.In 1978, Haynes was a member ofthe steering committee that brought alllocal chapters of the Aggie Club under oneumbrella. He also assisted in the writing thebooster club’s constitution. Later, he servedas president and vice president of the AggieClub. Haynes is also a charter member of theVictory Club and has an endowed scholarshipof $1,500 through the organization.Swann has spent more than 35 yearsbroadcasting Aggie football games onSaturday afternoons. But he has done muchmore than broadcast football games for theuniversity. A 1958 graduate of Hampton,Swann is a member of the Greensborochapter Aggie Club, where he has served aspresident and vice president.Swann also has been a contributorto Aggie athletics and the Greensborocommunity. He spent more than 36 years inthe public school system of Greensboro andGuilford County, including earning a positionas deputy superintendent of GuilfordCounty Schools.Shipman has personally financed N.C.A&T Sports Hall of Fame activities. She is thepresident and CEO of Shipman Family HomeCare, Inc., a family operated minority home careprovider, which is the largest company of itskind in North Carolina. For more than 23 years,the company has employed several thousandpeople, and serves the elderly and disabledcommunity in the state.Shipman currently sits on the Civil RightsMuseum Board of Directors, where sheonce worked as a cook when it was calledWoolworth’s Department Store.Barnett was instrumental in organizing theN.C. A&T Sports Hall of Fame group. He hasmade sizeable financial contributions towardmany of the projects and needs of the athleticsprograms at A&T.Barnett is a nationally recognized pioneer inthe fields of safety and driver education at A&T,where he dedicated 43 years of his life. To showhis continued support for the occupational safetyand health program, he recently established a$25,000 endowed scholarship.Three Aggies Recognized by NFCAAlsobrookHodgesLarsonThe National Fastpitch Coaches Association(NFCA) announced its annual academichonors with some familiar North Carolina A&Tsoftball players on the list.Senior Britney Hodges earned the NFCAhonor for the third straight season. She is joinedby junior Bianca Alsobrook, who is makingher second straight appearance, and first-timerecipient Jessie Larson.NFCA is the professional growthorganization for fastpitch softball coaches fromall competitive levels of play. In order to beconsidered a NFCA scholar athlete, a playermust hold at least a 3.5 GPA for the previousacademic year.Hodges is a social work major. She has beenrecognized as an A&T scholar athlete sinceher arrival. She has also made the MEAC allacademicteam and the Dean’s lists. The Raleighnative played 26 games for the Aggies last seasonwith 11 starts.Alsobrook is a political science major fromRobbins, N.C. After a promising freshmanseason, Alsobrook made 39 starts in 40 gamesplayed and batted .272 with six doubles and 29RBIs. In the field, she posted an impressive .980fielding percentage.Larson is an animal science major fromMorrison, Colo. The junior slugger has been avaluable offensive weapon for Jones over the lasttwo seasons. Larson is a career .317 hitter with10 career home runs and 91 career RBIs. Shealso has 23 career doubles. A year ago, she batted.290 with two homers and 35 RBIs.Mamie Jones is the head coach for softballat N.C. A&T.The 2008 North Carolina A&T State University Sports Hall of Fameinductees are (l-r) members William “Bill” Hayes, Melvin Swann,Velma Speight-Buford, Isaac Barnett, Edward Gladden Favors,J.D. Haynes and James Jackson. Not pictured: Gladys Shipman.22 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008 FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 23

ALUMNI NEWSAggies on the MoveThe National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)has inducted Nagatha Tonkins ’80 into its 2008 Hallof Fame class as the Journalism Educator of the Year.The NABJ Hall of Fame Awards recognize blackjournalists who have made outstanding contributionsto the journalism profession. Past inductees includeIda B. Wells, W.E.B. Du Bois, John H. Johnson andCharlayne Hunter Gault. Last year’s class consistedof Xernona Clayton-Brady, Mary Aubespin, John L.Dotson Jr., and Jim Vance.Tonkins is an assistant professor and director ofinternships at Elon University. She previously servedas assistant professor/internship director in thedepartment of journalism and mass communicationat N.C. A&T State University where she was projectdirector of the NABJ Short Course for 16 years.n 1940sIn September, the Senate and the House of Representativesof Pennsylvania acknowledged Julia Shivers Brooks ’44for service to her community and her achievements. Thecitations were presented at the second annual NorthwestCommunity Appreciation Awards Dinner where Brookswas honored as an outstanding committee person.n 1970sMarlow Hinton ’74 was the morningkeynote speaker at the NationalSociety of Black Engineers Region 2Professional Development Conferenceheld in Norfolk, Va., Oct. 31-Nov. 2. His topic was “Ethics forthe Information Age.” Over 700engineering students and professionalsattended the conference. Region 2 extends fromPennsylvania to South Carolina.Delores Mitchell-Tulloss ’74, a former Miss A&T, haswritten a children’s book, ABC’s of Character for PeopleAround the World. Mitchell-Tulloss says the book isdesigned to teach children, teens and adults to havepositive behavior, kindness, respect, compassion, honestyand more.n 1980sMichele Cameron ’82 is the author of three novels: NeverSay Never (Jan. 2008), Moments of Clarity (Oct. 2008) andWhen Lightning Strikes (Aug. 2009). She recently had abook signing at Barnes and Noble in Greensboro.In July, Derrick O. Lennon ’88, administrator of wholesalecredits and collections for Verizon Customer FinancialServices, traveled to Austria and Germany in July to studyinternational business. Lennon has a B.S. in businessadministration from N.C. A&T and an M.B.A. inmanagement from Pfeiffer University.n 1990sGarla A. Glover-Smith ’93 was featured in Women’s Edgemagazine, where she and her business partner MichelleYanik were the magazine’s June 2008 cover story on homebased businesses. Glover-Smith is co-owner of SmartMoms, a company that helps businesses fill part-time andcontract positions with a workforce of skilled stay at homemoms. Glover-Smith received her B.S. and M.S. degrees inmechanical engineering from N.C. A&T.Lenard D. Moore ’97, assistantprofessor of language and literatureat Mount Olive College, was one offive individuals and one organizationselected to receive the 24th AnnualRaleigh Medal of Arts given by the Cityof Raleigh Arts Commission in October.The medal is awarded for lifetimeextraordinary achievement in the practice or supportof local arts. Originally based on the National Medal ofArts program, the Raleigh Medal of Arts program wasinaugurated in 1984. Over the past 24 years, 122 medalshave been awarded.Moore is a Raleigh, N.C., resident and native ofJacksonville, N.C. He earned his master’s degree inEnglish/African American Literature from N.C. A&T andhis bachelor’s degree with honors from Shaw University.In 2008, Moore became the first Southerner and the firstAfrican American to be elected president of the HaikuSociety of America. He recently won the Sam Ragan FineArts Award for his contribution to the fine arts of NorthCarolina. Additionally, he is executive chairman of theNorth Carolina Haiku Society; Haiku editor of the onlinemagazine Simply Haiku, and cofounder of the WashingtonStreet Writers Group.In August, Moore was featured on “The State ofThings” on North Carolina Public Radio, WUNC. Hetalked about his latest book of poems, A Temple Looming(WordTech Communications/2008), which was inspired byold black and white photographs of African Americans.continued on page 2824 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 25

ALUMNI NEWScontinued from page 27Tonya N. Saddler ’97 has earned a Ph.D.in educational leadership and policystudies (higher education program) fromVirginia Polytechnic Institute and StateUniversity. Saddler’s research interestsinclude faculty work-life issues, includingtenure, promotion and effective strategiesfor recruiting and retaining facultymembers of color. Her special research interests include thesocialization of doctoral students to faculty careers. Saddler’sdissertation explored the socialization of education andengineering doctoral students to the research role of facultycareers.Saddler is a postdoctoral research fellow at NorthwesternUniversity in Evanston, Ill. She is working with a team offaculty members on an NSF project titled Prototyping theEngineer of 2020: A 360-degree Study of Effective Education,examining programs that have exemplary characteristics ofpreparing undergraduate engineering students effectively forthe future.La Toya Stevens-Agbai ’99 began her own line of handbags,Miss Pretty Perfect, in 2007. Stevens-Agbai has a B.S. degree infashion design and merchandising from N.C. A&T. She also hasa degree in fashion design from Parsons School of Design in NewYork City.n 2000sMemoriamNikkita Lanee Mitchell ’01 is an assistant district attorney intheRockingham County (N.C.) District Attorney’s Office.Mitchell has worked as a prosecutor in New Hanover andPender counties, and most recently at a private practice inReidsville, N.C. She was SGA president during her senioryear at N.C. A&T, 2000-01, and she received her law degreefrom Tulane University in 2005.Jackie Powers ’05 is manager of collegemarketing (urban, pop, country) for SonyBMG Music Entertainment, Inc. Powersmanages a team of 25 college marketingrepresentatives across the country. The SonyBMG roster includes artists such as Beyonce,John Legend, Terrence Howard, Mary Mary,Donnie McClurkin, Usher and more.In August 2008, Leonora C. Bryant ’99 was appointed director of alumni affairsin the Division of Development and University Relations after serving in aninterim capacity for one year.The director of alumni affairs serves as the chief liaison with the AlumniAssociation as well as serves to strengthen the bonds of loyalty and enthusiasmbetween the University and its alumni. Her vision is to perfect past programsand activities (things we do annually) and introduce and promote new events/activities that create opportunities for more alumni involvement.Bryant has a B.S. degree in management and an M.S.M. in informationsystems. She has worked at the University for over 25 years.AlumniTeddy Campbell Sr. ’69Ellease Randall Browning Colston, Nov. 11Eugene “Pete” Copeland Jr. ’53Frank Perry Cuthbertson ’42, Oct. 19Roosevelt “Blick” Davis Jr., Oct. 26Lewis E. Dunlap Jr. ’54, Sept. 6Preston Lee Fleming ’68, June 29William “Bill” Gray Jr. ’50, May 9George Thomas Halsey Jr., Sept. 2Roland Jeffreys Hanes Sr., Sept. 15Charles Augustus Hargett, Sept. 7Lillian Dillard Harris ’53, June 16Patricia Jane Harris, Oct. 18Josephine Young Hayes, Oct. 8Annie Beatrice Herbin ’47, June 25Emily W. Ireland ’62, Oct. 5Eunice Jones, Nov. 11Musa (Moses) Kamara, June 15Armond R. Kane ’73, Aug. 9Alfonza “Al” Kinsey, Nov. 25Willie Earl Knight, June 25Josephine Elizabeth Currye Luck ’57, Aug. 20Thurman Edward Marley, Oct. 20James Robert McNair, Oct. 12James Thomas Trouble Norris, Sept. 7Ladison David “L.D.” Robinson, Sept. 25Carlton E. Scales Sr., Sept. 13Novarro Andrew Smith, Oct. 26Linda Faye Gant Thompson ’70, Sept. 24Hardy James Williams, Sept. 27John L. Williams Sr., Nov. 25OthersEdward Douglas Cheeks, electrician, July 13Evelyn Lourene Gadsden Jones, former research professor, Sept. 25Sarah Virgo Jones Kirk, retired professor and department chair, July 4Willie Knight, retired physical plant mechanic, June 25Jesse Edward Marshall Jr., PhD, retired vice chancellor for student affairs, Dec. 2Isaac H. Miller Jr., PhD, former professor, Nov. 1Ronnie Pinchback, parking services officer, June 29Winnie Thomas Robinson, former dean of women, June 9Lloyd Russell Sr., former employee, Nov. 16George Kevyn Washington, freshman biology major, Oct. 926 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008 FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 27

ALUMNI NEWSDear Alumni:The North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association, Inc. is gearing up foran enjoyable weekend designed with you in mind. We are excited about providing anatmosphere centered on celebration. This reunion weekend affords you the opportunity torekindle your commitment, renew old acquaintances, delight in new relationships, and helpyour alma mater provide a world-class learning environment for students.Alumni Weekend 2009 will convene in Greensboro, N.C., May 8-10. Reunionheadquarters will be held at the Greensboro Marriott Downtown. Special recognition will begiven to the classes of 1959 and 1984, which will celebrate their 50th and 25th anniversaries,respectively. Other classes in reunion are 1934, 1939, 1944, 1949, 1954, 1964, 1969, 1974,1979, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004.Here is an update on Alumni Weekend so that you can plan your weekend accordingly.The official hotel for Alumni Weekendis the Greensboro Marriott Downtown,304 N. Greene Street, Greensboro,NC 27401. Reservations must be madeon or before April 14, 2009. The rateis $95 plus 12.75% tax per night. Ifyou and your classmates would like tomake a reservation, call (336) 379-8000 or (800) 228-9290 and ask for the2009 N.C. A&T Class Reunion andCommencement room block. Also, youmay opt to register online: www.marriott.com/gsodt, Group Code: ATTATTA.The hotel will handle all requestsfor hospitality suites. There are a limitednumber of hospitality suites availableand they will be reserved on a first-come,first-served basis. Contact ChristenStiles, Sales Manager at the GreensboroMarriott at (336) 379-8000 or (800) 228-9290. Please note that your class will beresponsible for the cost of the suite.Registration check-in for AlumniWeekend will occur Friday, May 8, 2009,from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday, 9a.m. until noon, in the main lobby of theDowntown Greensboro Marriott. Theregistration fee is $85 for all alumni and$40 for guests ($20 for children under12). The fee includes the picnic andadmission to the Class Reunion/AwardsBanquet. Pre-registered alumni willreceive a souvenir gift.The pre-registration postmarkeddeadline is April 30, 2009. On May 1,the late registration fee becomes $100,$45 and $25. We can only guarantee asouvenir and banquet space for thosewho register by the deadline. Makecheck/money order payable to NC A&TSU Alumni Association, Inc. and send toP.O. Box 20966, Greensboro, NC 27420.Please include your class year in thememo section of the check. Credit cardpayments are acceptable.2009 Class Reunion Committee:Helen Butler-Duncan, Irvin Moore,Gladys Outlaw-Gallop, Vickie McNeill,Joe Bloomfield, Hugene Fields, WesleyBoykin, Eugene Preston (Advisor)and Deloris Chisley, Interim ExecutiveDirector (Ex-officio)Society of Golden Aggies Luncheon/Induction (50+ Years), sponsored by theOffice of Development, will be held Friday,May 8, at 1 p.m. on campus in the Alumni-Foundation Event Center, 200 BenbowRoad. There is no fee for this event. Formore information and the reservationdeadline, contact Leonora Bryant at theOffice of Alumni Affairs, (336) 433-5573,and/or the 1959 class coordinator.The Annual Alumni Corporate Meeting willbegin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2009, atthe Greensboro Marriott Downtown, TriadBallroom.Commencement will begin at 8:30 a.m.Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the GreensboroColiseum. The Golden and Silver Classeswill have reserved seating.Alumni Picnic will be held Saturday, May9, 2009, from noon until 2:30 p.m. at theOaks Parade Grounds (old Chancellor’sResidence) on campus.Reunion Classes Portraits are scheduled tobegin at 5 p.m. at the hotel.The Annual Alumni Awards/Class ReunionBanquet will be held Saturday, May 9, 2009,at the Greensboro Marriott Downtown,Governor’s Room. Doors will open at 6:30p.m. The banquet will begin at 7 p.m.All monetary donations for AnnualGiving should be made payable to N.C.A&T Foundation. The classes in reunionshall mail to the North Carolina A&TAlumni Association, P. O. Box 20966,Greensboro, NC 27420. Classes not inreunion should send donations to theOffice of Development and UniversityRelations, 1601 E. Market Street,Greensboro, NC 27411.If you have questions, contact JoanFletcher, Chair of the Alumni Weekend/Class Reunion Committee, at classreunion@ncatalumni.org, or by calling (336) 852-8959.Visit www.ncat.edu/alumni for latestdevelopments and updates.Aggie Pride!Joan FletcherChair, 2009 Class ReunionClass Reunion Coordinators/Co-coordinators - Classes ending in 4 and 9 will be in reunion1934 and 1939Joan Fletcher, Chair4645 Pennoak Rd.Greensboro, NC 27407(336) 852-8959Fletcher.Joan1@gmail.com1944Julia Brooks417 E. Gorgas LanePhiladelphia, PA 19119-1319(215) 248-46531949John C. Kelly Sr.4231 Flower Valley Dr.Rockville, MD 20853-1809(301) 929-1424jkellysr@starpower.net1954Lonnie G. Barnes Jr.485 Webster Ave., Unit B-7New Rochelle, NY 10801-2430(914) 633-3988BRC102@yahoo.com1959Herbert S. Rodwell5734 Wynnefield Ave.Philadelphia, PA 19131(215) 878-8315Velma K. Foster1527 Walter Grissom Rd.Kittrell, NC 27544-9084(252) 438-7883vel@vance.net1964Willie Mooring4801 Tumblewood Dr.Greensboro, NC 27407(336) 454-3248Tate Williams4117 Stirrup Dr.Greensboro, NC 27407(336) 292-65461969Phyllis B. Fulton1801 Lisburn Ct.Garner, NC 27529(919) 772-2617pmbpfef@aol.comClarence Fisher Jr.1612 Heatherloch Dr.Gastonia, NC 28054(704) 868-4333cfisher@thesalesinstitute.com1974Class Coordinator(s) Needed1979Barbara A. Redden6418 Gwinnett Dr.Bowie, MD 20720(301) 860-0602Baredden529@yahoo.comWesley Boykin3701 Eton Dr.Upper Marlboro, MD 20772(301) 627-8656(202) 390-8928wesboy@att.net1984Rita Joyner2 Ashwood SquareDurham, NC 27713(919) 215-6558rita_joyner@msn.com1989Kelvin M. Edwards Sr.4567 Big Johns Store,Pleasant Hill, NC 27866(252) 589-1874edwardsk@Northampton.k12.nc.usTeresa Davis8700 Woodhill Ct.Charlotte, NC 28215(704) 535-9301Tdavis107@carolina.rr.com1994Katriel Holloway1203 Oak Crest Dr.P.O. Box 1107Knightdale, NC 27545(919) 413-1547kt_solutions@hotmail.comAnissa Bledsoe1104 Perkins St.Greensboro, NC 27401(336) 379-1492anissabledsoe@msn.com1999Akilah White Darde3033 Ashburton Ave.Herndon, VA 20171wakilah@hotmail.com28 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 29

It’s Time to Rekindle Relationships2009 Class Reunion – May 8-10, 2009Celebrating classes ending in 4 and 9The last goodbye, hug and smile are what you remember most ofyour dear friend. You are able to envision so much about the lasttime you laughed and shared secrets on North Carolina A&T StateUniversity’s campus. Your memories are precious, and so often youwish you could reverse the time so you could see your friend again.Well, stop wondering about what you should have done and justdo it in May 2009!Set your calendar NOW to attend the 2009 Class Reunion of the4’s and 9’s, and plan to spend May 8-10, 2009 – Alumni Weekend – inGreensboro, N.C., with your friend – not as a distant memory, but as aface-to-face reality.Make the Class Reunion the place where you rekindle thatheartfelt friendship. Fellowship with classmates to make newfriendships, see the University’s evolutionover time and revitalize your commitment tothe students!Right now, the North CarolinaAgricultural and Technical State UniversityAlumni Association, Inc. is requesting yourpresence for this most auspicious time. TheAssociation will do all it can to equip youwith the proper tools to make this weekendan event to REMEMBER. We look forwardto honoring the alumni in reunion and ALLalumni are invited and welcome to attend.We want everyone to be connected. If you are in reunionthis year and would love to serve as a class coordinator under thesubcommittee’s leadership of Joan Fletcher, please send an emailto classreunion@ncatalumni.org. Although the Association willcontinuously provide information about the 2009 Class Reunion/Alumni Weekend via the many modes of communication, pleasedo not hesitate to send an email or call (336) 433-5576 for moreinformation.Bring your old memories and the spirit to make new ones. Givethe Association the privilege to thank you for making this time apriority in your busy lives. Believing in our alumni is what we do best.Supporting our students is our greatest accomplishment. Time is soprecious and friends are so dear. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoythe birth of your connection to so many of life’s experiences!Believing in Aggie Pride always,Pamela L. Johnson ’91National PresidentAlumni Weekend at a GlanceMay 8-10, 2009Registration Deadline: April 30, 2009Headquarters HotelGreensboro Marriott Downtown(336) 379-8000 or (800) 228-9290Special Group Rate:$95.00 + 12.75% tax / nightReservation Deadline: Tuesday, April 14Ask for 2009 NCA&T Class Reunion andCommencement BlockRegister online: www.marriott.com/gsodtGroup Code ATTATTACheck-in/RegistrationFriday, May 8: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.Saturday, May 9: 9 a.m. – noonRegistration Fees: $85.00 (All Alumni)Guests (non-alumni) - $40.00Children - $20.00Greensboro Marriott DowntownRegistration Fees after deadline: $100 - $45 - $25IF SPACE IS AVAILABLEFriDay, May 8Society of Golden Aggies Luncheon/Induction(50 Plus Years)By Invitation Only (free event)1 p.m., Alumni-Foundation Event CenterAlumni Association Annual Meeting6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Greensboro Marriott DowntownSatUrday, May 9Commencement9 a.m., Greensboro ColiseumSpecial Seating for Golden and Silver ClassAlumni Association PicnicNoon – 2:30 p.m.The Oaks Parade GroundsFront of Dudley Building and the February One MonumentAlumni Association Awards/Class Reunion Banquet5 p.m. – Portraits will be scheduled by Class7 p.m. – Banquet (doors will open at 6:30 p.m.)Greensboro Marriott DowntownAlumni Weekend RegistrationThe deadline to pre-register by FAX or postmarked mail is Friday, April 30, 2009.Please pre-register so your registration packet and name badge(s) will be ready when you arrive. (Late registration fees will apply after deadline)._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________NameClass of_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Mailing Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________E-mail address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name as you would like it to appear on your badgeOther attendees you would like to pre-register:_________________________________________________Name_________________________________________________NameRegistration Fees:______________________________________________________________________Name_________________________________________________Name@ $85.00* = ___________ All Alumni Registration (Souvenir gift, Alumni Picnic, Awards/Class Reunion Banquet)* $100.00 after April 30, 2009@ $40.00* = ___________ Guest Registration (Picnic and Awards/Class Reunion Banquet)* $45.00 after April 30, 2009@ $20.00* = ___________ Child 12 and under Registration (Picnic and Awards/Class Reunion Banquet)* $25.00 after April 30, 2009$ ___________ GRAND TOTAL_______ Please indicate the number of those registered above who plan to attend the Alumni Picnic.Method of Payment: (Make check or money order payable to NC A&T SU Alumni Association, Inc.)q Check q Money Order q Discover q Visa q MasterCardCharge my credit card the “Grand Total” amount of $ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Card Account NumberExpiration Date: (mm-yyyy)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________(Print) Name as it appears on the cardCardholder’s SignatureMail this completed form with payment to: Or FAX (credit card payment only) to:NC A&T SU Alumni Association, Inc. (336) 334-7165Executive DirectorP.O. Box 20966, Greensboro, NC 27420Annual Fund contributions must be submitted in a separate transaction30 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008 FALL/WINTER 2008 • A&T TODAY 31

MIXED BAGA Step Out of My Mother’s KitchenBy Wayne Kimball Jr.Life is a journey and within it youdiscover that there are enumerable tripsthat are worthwhile and beneficial to thedevelopment of all humans. This summer Ihad the grand opportunity to embark uponone of those life altering excursions that Iconsider to be the journey of a lifetime: a tripto the motherland.In July (2008), I – along with four otherN.C. A&T students and two professors– traveled to Ghana, West Africa, asambassadors for the University on behalf ofChancellor Stanley F. Battle, who selectedthe students and funded the trip. We wentto render services and donate supplies tostreet children as part of the Ghana StreetChildren Literacy Project that my classmatesand I initiated.Every part of this gratifying trip wastruly awesome: from the lavish inner cityhustle and bustle in Accra and the breathtaking emotional slave castles in Cape Coastand Elmina, to the picturesque beaches, rainforests and high spirited Asante people inKumasi. My heart truly hurt when I saw theextreme desperation of the street hustlersand children who did whatever it took tofind food or get money just to buy scraps.Words can not express how I felt when I sawtoddlers playing in dirty waters and fieldsinfested by flies and mosquitoes.While at the two schools where wevolunteered, mentored and donated thebooks and supplies, I was humbled in moreways than one. It is truly dishearteningto see American children take qualityeducation for granted, going to school dailyto misbehave and eventually drop out, whenAfrican children have to walk miles to go toa one-room school with temporary dividersthat create smaller classroom areas. Themind blowing reality of children in schoolwith no books, supplies or food is one thatwill forever keep me grounded in utmostappreciation for the outstanding educationalopportunities I am blessed to have.The day we went to the first school– Accra Street Academy – we walked downdusty dirt roads through shanty townsthat housed the children who attend theAcademy. At the school we took pictures,presented the books and supplies, taughtclasses, mentored students and displayedimmense Aggie Pride in many ways.The most rewarding part of the visit waswitnessing the gratefulness of the studentsand teachers as well as their performance ofa rousing cultural dance to authentic Africandrumming. Our visit to Catholic ActionSchool the following day was just as amazing.Although the children at both schoolswere alike in many ways, they had majordifferences. The children of Accra StreetAcademy were children “of” the streets andthe children at the Catholic Action Schoolwere children “on” the street. As similar as itmay sound, they are both very different.Children “of” the street areimpoverished children who live in slumsand villages and who struggle to find food;however, at the end of the day they havea family to go to and a place to call home.Contrarily, children “on” the street havenothing but themselves. The street is theironly family and what they call home. Dueto the unfortunate daily living conditionsand harsh situations, they fall prey toprostitution, child labor, violence and crime.Upon our arrival at the Catholic ActionSchool, we instantly noticed the differencein students. They were much harder anduncooperative … until they found comfortin us and allowed us to enter their lives.The initial feeling was a bit uneasy, but afterbeginning the tour of the school and seeingthe various classrooms and creations bystudents, we began to feel right at home.The students began to lead the tour andshowed immense pride in their works of art.The books we donated to the schooloutnumbered the books they currently hadin their library. The children and adultswere happy and appreciative to receive thebooks and A&T goodies, but I wanted tohelp more.As we prepared to leave, emotions anddeepest sympathy/empathy began to conquermy entire being. The bond that we formedwith the students in just the short time wewere there was enough to change lives. Thechildren continued to thank us with utmostsincerity followed by begging for food andasking for money.Before stepping onto the bus, we weregrabbed by the hands of children who pulledus with uncompromising force, begging usnot to leave. Tears rushed from my eyes anddown my face like a waterfall and continuedto flow 15 minutes later.Although the flow of the tears hasstopped, my zeal and passion to help thosein need and bring change to the worldnever will.This journey to the motherland was eyeopening, mind boggling, heart throbbing,tear shedding, and life changing. I encourageall to travel abroad, for as the Africanproverb says, “You can never say that yourmother’s soup is the best, until you stepoutside of your mother’s kitchen.”Wayne Kimball Jr. is currently president of thesophomore class at N.C. A&T. He is picturedin the large photograph on page 32 in the backrow on the right.32 A&T TODAY • FALL/WINTER 2008

REMEMBERINGTHE PASTMiss A&T 2008-09, Tanisha Fordham (center), is flanked by her predecessors (l-r): Brooke Myatt, Miss A&T 2002-03;Latiera Streeter, 2004-05; Candace Johnson, 2007-08; Delores Mitchell Tulluss, 1973-74; Sharron Jenkins, 1990-91;Anisa Rasheed, 2005-06; Arlene Bell-Price, 1972-73; Crystal Williams, 2006-07, and Greta Shaw-Jumper, 1980-81.Former queens return to campus every year to participate in Coronation and Homecoming activities.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____________________