Dallas, Texas, September 21, 2009
The school year just kicked off but the competition nationwide among historically black college and university (HBCU) campuses is about to get fierce. AT&T* announced today the launch of the “Spirit of UNCF” voting sweepstakes and HBCU rivalries will start heating up. The sweepstakes gives HBCU students, alumni and supporters a new way to show their school spirit by voting online or via text for their favorite HBCU. The battle begins Monday, Sept. 21, 2009 and ends midnight on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009.
“The sweepstakes are more than a contest, the program promotes school spirit and taps into the existing camaraderie among HBCU students and alumni,” said Jennifer L. Jones, vice president Diverse Markets, AT&T Operations Inc. "Our goal is to highlight UNCF's long-standing history as a national advocate for minority education through a fun and relevant program that engages parents, students and the academic community."
The HBCU with the most votes at the end of the competition wins the right to reign as the Spirit of UNCF. At stake are two incredible on-campus experiences: a campus-to-community technology education fair powered by AT&T Technology and an exclusive Hollywood-styled red carpet campus viewing party, complete with a celebrity host from the 2010 UNCF An Evening of Stars® Tribute to Lionel Richie presented by Target. One lucky voter will also win a complete AT&T Technology makeover and VIP trip for two to the live taping of An Evening of Stars® for next year.
Are you battle ready? Cast your vote for your favorite HBCU online at www.att.com/spirit or by texting VOTE to 65579. The Spirit of UNCF interactive Web site is the premier meeting space for you to read about contest details, view and submit alumni success stories and go head-to-head with rival HBCUs. Once there, you can sign up to receive mobile alerts and take advantage of exclusive AT&T offers.
"We are excited about the buzz the Spirit of UNCF sweepstakes will generate for An Evening of Stars® and UNCF," said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. "But more importantly, we are thankful for the contributions of AT&T and music legends like Lionel Richie, who are helping to make sure that all Americans have the opportunity to get the college degrees that they need and that the country needs them to have."
The winning HBCU will be announced on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 with the individual sweepstakes winner announcement to follow. The on-campus rewards will occur on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, to coincide with the national televised airing of AEOS on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and CW affiliates and nationally on BET Networks and WGN.
Any person 18 years or older residing in the continental U.S. is eligible to vote in support of their school and win. Each vote serves as one sweepstakes entry. Voting is limited to two votes per day, per person using any combination of voting methods. For more information please visit www.att.com/spirit.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About An Evening of Stars® An Evening of Stars® (AEOS), formerly the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars®, first aired in 1979, and since that time has become one of the longest running and most successful televised events in U.S. history. Lou Rawls, a spokesperson for UNCF and champion for AEOS for more than 25 years, is credited with helping raise more than $200 million to help UNCF scholarship recipients and member institutions and their students pay the cost of higher education. In recent years, AEOS has featured a Who’s Who of recognizable talent, including Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Chaka Khan, Ne-Yo, Nancy Wilson, Beyonce, Anita Baker, Jill Scott, Whoopi Goldberg, Fantasia, Joss Stone, Jennifer Hudson, Michael Bolton, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Hall and Oates, Ziggy Marley, Maroon 5, and scores of others. An Evening of Stars® received an Image Award for its 2006 tribute to Stevie Wonder and the 2008 tribute to Smokey Robinson. Learn more about AEOS at www.uncf.org/aeos.
About UNCF UNCF—the United Negro College Fund—is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 39 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at www.UNCF.org.
About AT&T AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T | DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.
© 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services.
Oakwood University President, Delbert W. Baker, Ph.D., will be running in the 40th ING New York City Marathon Sunday, November 1, to raise funds for student scholarships. If you would like to become a sponsor, send your Running for Scholarships donation to the address below, or go to our website at www.oakwood.edu and give online.
You can help students by becoming a marathon sponsor. Mail your donation, or give through our website at www.oakwood.edu. For more information about the Running for Scholarships program, contact the Oakwood University Office of Advancement and Development at 256.726.7584. *ING Marathon Spectator GuideIf you want to be a spectator at the ING New York City Marathon 2009, you'll have plenty of company: On November 1, more than two million people are expected to fill the sidewalks throughout the five boroughs. Watching more than 40,000 runners snake through the city is a fun way to spend the day. You can create the experience you want. You can visit sponsored stations and zones with product giveaways and giant television screens showing the race, neighborhoods where crowds gather spontaneously, or cheering zones for runners raising money for charity groups. You can roam the city to catch the race from many locations, enjoy the passing parade from a restaurant seat, or even watch the entire event on your television or computer at home. Here are the resources you need to create your own day of ING New York City Marathon viewing. Watch it on television: Race coverage starts at 9:00 a.m. EST on WNBC Channel 4 in the New York viewing area, and continues until 2:00 p.m. Nationally, the race will be broadcast on NBC from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. EST. Viewers can also watch online live at 9:00 a.m. on www.universalsports.com. [Broadcast Details] Choose a spot for brunch or lunch: Choose one of the 26 restaurants recommended by Zagat's. Get around the course: First, look at the official course map; there are some course changes this year, so print this out even if you are a veteran marathon spectator. You'll want a MetroCard (consider an unlimited day pass if you plan on visiting many locations along the course); buy one using cash or a credit card at a station or from mta.info/metrocard; check the MTA maps page for a special marathon day subway map as well. Also, look at the weather forecast, dress appropriately, and carry beverages and snacks. Comfortable shoes are key; the medical tents on the course are for the blisters of marathon participants, not spectators. The same goes for the thousands of portable toilets on the course. There are also more than 100 bands are performing on the course are present to motivate the runners, but they are a boon to spectators as well. Choose a borough or neighborhood: Staten Island: This is the staging area for the start. On marathon day, it is difficult to get to and leave. There are few, if any, opportunities to see the race. If you're curious about the start, it's better to watch it on television. Brooklyn: Ten miles of the race go through this borough. Take your pick of interesting neighborhoods and special event zones. For example: Park Slope has a mix of residents and architecture: old and new, hip and conservative. At Fourth Avenue and 7th Street, Time Warner Cable will have video screens and access to the Race Day Tracker; enter your runner's official bib number and get an idea of where he or she is. The Brooklyn Academy of Music at Fourth Avenue and Lafayette Avenue is a popular place to view the marathon -- there's an ING Cheering Zone here. This is where the three different streams of runners merge and the lead pack often begins to break up. Lafayette Avenue is lined with trees and traditional brownstones; lots of marathon-day stoop parties go on here. Between Miles 10 and 11 on Bedford Avenue, the course goes through the Satmar Hassidic community before heading into hip and happening Williamsburg. Consider McCarren Park as a viewing spot: It's tree-lined and attracts a lot of spectators. The last neighborhood in Brooklyn, Greenpoint, is predominantly Polish with store signs and foods to match. Queens: There will be a neighborhood cheering zone at 44th Drive near Court Square and an ING Cheering Zone on 44th Drive between 11th and 21st where there will be poms-poms, sunglasses, and other giveaways. Manhattan, East Side, First Avenue: First Avenue might be the craziest, most crowded place to watch the race -- the sidewalks can be packed more than eight people deep. The runners are 16 miles into their race at this point and appreciate the roar of the crowd as they come off the Queensboro Bridge. At First Avenue and 59th Street, Food Emporium will be sampling food and beverages from Emerald Nuts, New York Apple, and Poland Spring, while Clear Channel Radio will have a DJ playing tunes. There's a cheering zone for runners raising funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital at 67th Street and a Time Warner Cable Cheer Zone at 83rd. Farther up First Avenue, at 96th Street, you can be part of the T-Mobile Thumbathon and race against other "thumbs" to see who texts the fastest for a chance to win a Blackberry. At 119th Street and First Avenue, BP will set up an Invigorate Station with giveaways and photo opportunities.Watch the elite runners make a move here; some great runners have pulled away -- or been dropped -- on First Avenue. The East Side is one of the best places to see runners twice: You can see them run up First Avenue, then walk west and see the runners on Central Park South or, if you're farther north, on Fifth Avenue above 90th Street. Bronx: At Mile 20 of the marathon, runners often struggle to find energy and the residents here are famous for supporting participants with signs and cheers. A new neighborhood zone at the triangle made by 148th, Third, and Morris Avenues will be the focus this year. At 135th and Alexander Avenue, join the block party sponsored by the philanthropic Robin Hood Foundation, complete with music and a huge video screen. Harlem: On race day, the sidewalks on Fifth Avenue between 135th Street and 110th Street are filled with people coming from church, going to brunch, and cheering for runners. Some gospel bands play live on the course (look at 135th, 125, and 117 streets). Marcus Garvey Park, between 120th and 124th Streets, is a leafy respite with bleachers set up for spectators. Plus, use the Discover Harlem coupon for discounts at merchants all over Harlem. Manhattan, East Side, Fifth Avenue: Just north of 90th Street you'll find the cheering zone for Fred's Team, the charity that raises money for cancer research in honor of Fred Lebow, founder of the New York City Marathon. Emerald Nuts is marking Mile 21.2 with their Final Five sampling and interactive photo opportunity for spectators. The runners stay on Fifth Avenue and run along Central Park until 90th Street, where they turn in. Central Park: An ideal place to watch the race, just be aware that moving around the park can be difficult on race day. Good spots include: East Park Drive between 90th and 86th Streets; Park Drive below 72nd is often more crowded. You can cross the park on either the 85th Street or 65th Street transverse roads. You cannot cross Park Drive, but you can go under it: Try the arches at 80th Street, 73rd Street, 67th Street, and 62nd Street. Central Park South: This part of the course can be crowded; spectators might find it easier to access the south side of the street than the north side. Look for Continental Airline's entertainment zone at Columbus Circle, where the course turns into the park for the final time. Street teams will also be handing out Emerald Nuts on Central Park South. Finish line: There are bleachers for the last few hundred meters of the race; tickets for the bleachers are sold here. Or, enjoy the finish line banquet.
Kemba Smith spoke for our "Open Your Mind Lecture Series" October 19, 2009 at 7:00pm in Moran Hall.
Growing up as the only child in Richmond, Virginia suburb, Kemba Smith led an advantaged and sheltered childhood. After graduating from high school in 1989, Kemba left the security of her family to continue her education at prestigious Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. What happened to Kemba in her new campus environment was a nightmare. Away from the protective watch of her mother and father and in an attempt to “fit in”, Kemba fell in with the wrong crowd and became involved with a drug dealer. He was a major figure in a crack cocaine ring, and drew Kemba right in the middle of his life with physical, mental and emotional abuse disguised as “love”.
Eventually, after enduring this turbulent four-year relationship in 1994, Ms. Smith was sentenced to 24.5 years and served 6.5 years in federal prison. Fortunately, Ms. Smith regained her freedom after President Clinton granted her clemency in December 2000. Her case drew support from across the nation and the world in a crusade to reverse a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences for first time non-violent offenders. Her story has been featured on CNN, Nightline, Court TV, The Early Morning Show, Donahue, Judge Hatchett and a host of other television programs, along with several publications such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, Glamour, People, JET, Emerge and Essence Magazines.
As a newlywed, mother, advocate, consultant and public speaker, Ms. Smith has received numerous awards and recognitions for her courage and determination to educate the public about the devastating social, economic and political consequences of current drug policies. She has been corporately sponsored to speak at a variety of high schools and college venues by Proctor & Gamble’s Pantene “Totally You Tour”, Bank One Academy, Shell Corporation, Traveler’s Foundation, Verizon, and BET’s “Rap It Up Tour”. Ms. Smith’s traumatic real life experience, forces today’s students to listen in hopes that they will recognize that there are consequences to their life choices.
In May 2002, Ms. Smith graduated from Virginia Union University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and was later awarded a two year Soros Justice Postgraduate Fellowship for advocates in 2003. Ms. Smith has completed her first year of law school at Howard University and is continuing to develop her 501 (c) (3) foundation, the Kemba Smith Foundation. Also, Rainforest Films, which produced the critically acclaimed films Stomp the Yard and This Christmas, has acquired the rights to produce Ms. Smith’s life story into a film. Ultimately, it is Kemba Smith’s hope to uplift youth and inspire them to become educated about certain injustices within the criminal justice system while continuing the legacy of women leaders in the struggle for the betterment of our communities. Whether it is through grassroots organizing or lobbying on Capitol Hill to promote action, this, she believes, is her mission.
Also read the Huntsville Times about this event...
Open Your Mind Lecture Series website
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Oakwood University's Open Your Mind Lecture Series presents Cornel West. The program will begin 9:50AM Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at the Oakwood University Church.
Currently the Class of 1943 Professor at Princeton University, Dr. West burst onto the national scene in 1993 with his bestselling book, Race Matters, a searing analysis of racism in American democracy. Race Matters has become a contemporary classic, selling more than half a million copies to date. In West’s long awaited life story, BROTHER WEST: Living and Loving Out Loud, he offers a compelling exploration of his heart behind the human mind. Themes include Faith, Family, Philosophy, Love and Service. Cornel West has published 19 other books and has edited 13 texts. West also offers commentary weekly on The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI (Public Radio International).
West was an influential force in developing the storyline for the popular Matrix movie trilogy and has served as its official spokesperson, as well as playing a recurring role in the final two films.
Dr. West graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and has a Ph.D. from Princeton.
-http://www.cornelwest.com
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On Sunday, November 15, Oakwood University and the North Alabama United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Joint Campaign Committee hosted an inaugural First Ladies Tea, in keeping with the 24th National Philanthropy Day. This is a special day set aside each year to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy—and those active in the philanthropic community—have made to our lives, our communities, and our world.
A special invitation was extended to all the First Ladies of Huntsville’s area churches to the celebrate the spirit of giving to the worthy cause of higher education by supporting the UNCF Joint Campaign of North Alabama. The event took place at The Ledges Country Club, located at 32 Castle Down Drive in Huntsville. This venue offered the ambiance of an elegant English Tudor-style clubhouse that graces the mountainside of one of Huntsville’s most attractive settings.
The high tea honored the pastors’ wives of our community who work tirelessly throughout the year to support their husbands’ ministries. The North Alabama UNCF Joint Campaign Committee wanted to say “thank you” for investing your time and energies in community-based ministries that touch our lives in one way or another and help to make our Huntsville community one of the nationally-rated best places in which to live and raise a family.
As always, the annual UNCF Gala will highlight this UNCF campaign drive, which will be held April 1, 2010 at the Von Braun Center. NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr., will be the keynote speaker. We invite you to partner with us in supporting higher education by participating in this year’s UNCF Campaign. For more information, contact campaign manager Cheri Wilson at Oakwood University, 726-7584, or email her at cwilson@oakwood.edu .
Fundraising drive kicks off with stories of success
Mayor Tommy Battle was impressed enough to put his prepared remarks on hold.
"Jeremy, thank you for what you do for this community," he said to the young man who preceded him at the podium Monday night.
"Ten years volunteering for Toys for Tots?" Battle said. "You are an asset to our community. Jeremy, you are part of our future."
Battle spoke to Jeremy Jordan, 18, who had just thanked supporters of the United Negro College Fund at the 2010 campaign kickoff. See the full story on the
Web at: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/1257848128103180.xml&coll=1
On November 12, the Oakwood University Social Work Department hosted a follow-up meeting, to continue “closing the gap” in the key areas identified at the “Better Together” Conference on Race, held in September, 2009. Attendees worked on strategies to improve conditions in the areas of 1) mental health; 2) crime and race; 3) housing; 4) health care; 5) children and family; and 6) the educational system here in Huntsville.
At the “Better Together” Conference on Race in September 10-11, 2009, representatives from local government, major businesses, and institutions of higher education (Oakwood, UAH, A & M) engaged for the first time in an open dialog on race relations in the South in general, and specifically in Huntsville.
The renewed focus on racism in the U.S. in recent years has been triggered by a number of events, which continue to propel the work of advocacy groups to dismantle racism and the structures that perpetuate it at the community level. Reduction of racial hatred shown to Blacks was the focus of the “Better Together” Conference, although racial hatred is not limited to the Black American applications. Attendees at the “Better Together” Conference sought ways to methodically attempt to eliminate its root stock in the Deep South, starting in our own community of Huntsville, Alabama.
The Conference reviewed some of the racial inequalities that still exist in Huntsville. Statistics provided at the conference clearly indicate that Blacks and Latinos still lag far behind Whites in terms of income, educational attainment, access to affordable housing, life expectancy, and mental health issues. High incarceration rates among Blacks also continue to have a devastating effect on the Black family. The “Better Together” Conference created a spark for ongoing methods to address these issues. Discussion groups continued on November 12, hosted by the OU Department of Social Work.
Please help us spread the word about this opportunity to help Oakwood receive a grant from The Home Depot. Oakwood’s application outlines the need to improve the stage and attic areas of the Moran Hall auditorium, and to improve the usability of the football and softball fields. One vote per day per e-mail
The Home Depot wants to show its gratitude by giving something back to America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL program is making $150,000 in grants available to a number of these valued institutions, to support them in preserving, improving and upgrading their campuses. Oakwood University is one of 62 institutions that have applied for funding through this program; 11 winning institutions will be announced in June.Vote for Oakwood University to receive an improvement grant from The Home Depot. Whether you’re an alumnus, a family member, or just a fan of “the Oaks,” this funding can help create a better environment in which our students can learn, compete, and flourish. We’ll keep you posted on the results. Thanks for your interest in, and support of, Oakwood University.
One vote per day per e-mail through May 15.
Oakwood University’s Open Your Mind Lecture Series will continue on Monday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m., welcoming Nia Long, one of the country’s most talented actresses. The presentation will take place in Ashby Auditorium on the Oakwood University campus, located at 7000 Adventist Boulevard. After Long’s parents divorced when she was a toddler, her mother worked at various low-paying jobs—despite having two master's degrees—which resulted in financial straits for the mother and daughter. Long’s motivation to be successful was driven by her desire to help ease her mother's financial burden. Long received training from acting coach Betty Bridges (mother of former child star Todd Bridges), and has developed into a charismatic actress who possesses equal parts beauty and talent. Building a reputation as an actress of exceptional range, Long has delivered outstanding work on box office hits, independent features and television, making her film debut in Director John Singleton’s acclaimed Boyz ‘N the Hood. She has established herself as a strong presence in romantic dramas and comedies, carving out a niche in such films as Soul Food, Love Jones and The Best Man. She has also ventured into a number of other genres, as demonstrated by her roles in Stigmata, The Boiler Room and In Too Deep. Long has also expanded her range to directing.Long’s success has afforded her the opportunity to give back to the communities that have long appreciated her work. In tandem with her evolving career which spans genre and audience, she also serves her community. Most recently, Long was honored by the HerShe Group, a non-profit organization devoted to the development of young women in foster care, where Long serves as a member of the board. The group’s event was held in Long’s honor for making a difference in the lives of many young girls in the Los Angeles community.
Dr. Michael Lomax, president and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), recently participated in a higher education national debate series which was sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia in partnership with MacNeil/Lehrer Productions at the National Press Club. He and Margaret Spellings, former U.S. Secretary of Education, argued in favor of the US needing more college graduates while Richard Vedder, Economics Professor of Ohio University and George Leef, Research Director for the John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy argued against the resolution.
Attached the media advisory and below is the link posted on the Miller Center's website which will enable you to view the debate. Also, the debate will air on PBS stations across the country. Copy and paste links below to view local listings, the debate online and media coverage of the event.
"Does the US Really Need More College Graduates?" MacNeil/Lehrer DEBATE featuring Dr. Lomax
List of PBS stations and airtimes for the debate (updated regularly)
NEWS COVERAGE:
DIVERSE
"Debaters Find Common Ground on Need for College Accountability"
INSIDE HIGHER ED
"Debate on need for Graduates Bashes Colleges"
PBS
"Paul Solman Moderates Debate on Higher Education and the Economy"
Joye Griffin, Press Secretary UNCF 8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive Fairfax, Virginia 22031-8044 Tel: (703) 205-3480 | Fax: (703) 205-3597 c/o Oakwood University Public Relations Office
The Student Services Division is currently drawing up plans that will move the Student Activity Center from its current location in Ford Hall to a newly-renovated Oakwood University Skating Rink. The purpose of the Student Activity Center has always been to meet the needs of the students, but the current location in Ford Hall has very limited space in which to do so. The exciting plans for the skating rink include resurfacing the floor, adding new carpet, painting, constructing game and lounge areas, and housing the ice cream parlor. Students have been voicing their opinions to have more skating hours during the week, and the renovation will make this a reality. Oakwood’s Physical Plant Department is happy to support the renovation process. The new and improved skating rink will provide more space to serve the recreational needs of Oakwood University students.
An updated design of the Oakwood University license plate is currently in process, and will soon be available from the Alabama Motor Vehicle License Department. Purchasing an OU collegiate tag in Alabama is a sure way for OU alumni to show school spirit while supporting academic excellence. At the regular time your Alabama plates are to be renewed, replace your regular tag with one identifying you as an OU supporter. You can even personalize it (with 5 digits/letters of your choice) by requesting a “prestige” tag. The cost is approximately $52, in addition to your regular license Assessment. Proceeds from these tags help provide OU scholarships for students from Alabama. Contact the Motor Vehicle License Department in your respective Alabama county for more information.
Pine Forge, PA – The Pine Forge Academy (PFA) Board of Trustees has voted former Math Department Chair, Delmas F. Campbell, M.Ed., as the new Principal of the historic boarding school.
Campbell returns to PFA from Bermuda Institute (BI) in Southampton, Bermuda where he has been a Department Chair and Math instructor since 2008. Prior to his employment at BI, Campbell spent 11 years at PFA in the Math Department as an instructor and Chair.
He has Professional Certification in Secondary Education and is a four year recipient of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Campbell’s duties were not limited to the class room at PFA ? he also served as Chairman of the National Honor Society, Sponsor for the Student Government Association and developed the syllabus for the Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics course.
Campbell is clear on his vision for PFA and its students, “The education of students must, of necessity, involve the partnership of the teacher, the student, and the parents. Commitment on the part of these three entities is critical to the successful completion of the final product: a well rounded student, whose academic, social and spiritual development prepares them for the God?ordained role for which they were created. My prayer and goal is to build upon the lasting foundation of Pine Forge Academy and to propel this prestigious institution to an even higher level of distinction.”
Charles Cheatham, President of the Allegheny East Conference Corporation of Seventh?day Adventists and Chairman of the PFA Board of Trustees said of Campbell’s appointment, “The Board lends its full support to Principal Campbell. We are confident that under his leadership, Pine Forge Academy’s legacy of excellence will flourish.”
Marcia Hamilton, Executive Vice President of the PFA Parent Teacher Association said, “Delmas
Campbell lives and breathes ‘academic excellence', and he believes all his students have the potential for excellence. I had the privilege of working with him as a parent while my son was at Pine Forge Academy. He propelled the chapter of the NHS at PFA to a new level, increasing the number of male inductees significantly, encouraged public speaking and the academic challenge through the oratorical competition. I am thrilled that he will be the Principal leading PFA to the next level.”
News of Campbell’s appointment brought excitement on Facebook from his former students. C. Spencer Anderson (class of 2000) wrote, ‘He’s always been a forward thinker. I like it, and he’s passionate.’ Kristen Danielle (class of 2005) wrote, ‘I love this IDEA.’ Kelan Fielder (class of 2003) wrote, ‘Wow!!! He’s back!!!’
Shawn Fordham, President of the PFA Alumni Association and Board Member said, “Professor Campbell is the right person for the task of leading our Academy in preparing our students to be Christian scholars. He’ll have the full support of the Alumni Association.”
Campbell’s transition from Bermuda Institute to Pine Forge Academy will be immediate. Student registration begins on Sunday, August 15. Student orientation begins Monday, August 16 followed by the first day of classes on Wednesday, August 18, 2010.
Principal Campbell replaces Cynthia Poole?Gibson (PFI ’63) who accepted the offer to serve as Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh?day Adventists.
Pine Forge Academy is a co?educational Seventh?day Adventist school that serves grades 9 through 12. The campus is located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, on 575 acres of rolling hills and dales, intercepted by the winding, picturesque Manatawny Creek. Pine Forge Academy is caretaker of historically significant land, which goes back to Colonial America in the early 1700s, when William Penn deeded it as a gift to abolitionist Thomas Rutter.
Oakwood University graduating senior, Julian Waddell, was one of the three students chosen from local universities to receive the Huntsville Association of Small Business in Advancing Technology Scholarship. Click here to see pictures from the Presentation of 3rd Annual Small Business Advocate Award and Scholarships. Congratulations, Mr. Waddell!
Mr. Ben Cotton, DCSI, HASBAT Programs Committee; Mr. Julian Waddell, Oakwood University scholarship recipient; Ms. Sharon Myers, HASBAT President
More about this event can me found at the following link:HASBAT Scholarship Award
Firsthand Reports from Dr. Marlo Hodnett and the NAPS team in Leogane, Haiti
God sent us to Leogane, which was the epicenter of the earthquake. More than 90% of the buildings are flat. There is no aid here because the media is focused in Port-au-Prince, so that is where aid goes. We came upon a different place (Leogane) because they welcomed us. So, we just continued to follow God's lead, collected more supplies and returned to the field. We continued to care for the people. They were so grateful.
There is a large group of people living outside in a stadium under the mercy of the weather. They have made makeshift homes of sticks, cloth, or whatever they can find to cover themselves at night. The people welcomed us and we were swamped with injured people who needed medical care.
Many kids have lost their parents and many parents have lost their children. As I am writing this testimony, we are on the streets trying to buy petrol so we can move to other areas.
A Mother’s Agony—Diquini, Haiti
When we entered the Diquini hospital, it was chaotic. There were thousands of injured people and the doctors were overwhelmed. There was one lady by the name of Paula. She was directing physicians and staff on their duties. You could tell she had been up all night trying to organize things. Then she stopped and said, "I lost everything, my house is completely flat. I only have one child and when the house collapsed, he was yelling my name but there was nothing I could do. Then the bulldozers came to clear the street and pushed the debris and my son was no longer talking. He was dead. They had pushed more debris on him. I lost my son, my nieces, and nephews. But I have to keep working. I cannot stop.” All we could do was pray for her. Our sacrifice was small in comparison to hers. She lost everything, yet and still she is working day and night at the hospital. Three days later we were leaving the hospital grounds and she ran to us pleading, "Pray, please pray. They heard a child crying out this morning from under my house. The French and Columbian teams with the UN are going there now with search and rescue dogs. So we joined the team. We prayed and prayed. The search went on for an hour and a half, until the search team said they had to leave because it was getting dark and it is dangerous to be out in the streets at night. So they left. But Paula said, “I will get my own team together and we will remove the stones with our bare hands, Jezu, Jezu, Jezu!!!”
Previous articles on NAPS Haiti Relief 2010:
-Haitian Students Depart to Provide Relief to Earthquake Victims http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-390416
-Student Relief Worker Travels Into Haiti in Search of Father http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-390177
-NAPS Students Enter Haiti
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-392665
Find out how you can help at napsoc.org
Stay tuned for updates from the NAPS team on the ground in Haiti:
http://twitter.com/NAPS_Oakwood
http://www.flickr.com/photos/naps_oakwood/
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/83810
The chapel service on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, focused on making students aware of the prevalence of gangs in the city of Huntsville. Officer Carl McDuffie of the Huntsville Police Department, a trained expert in gang awareness who has helped train Oakwood Public Safety Officers, spoke to the student body. He shared prevention measures, and emphasized that students can help prevent gang activity on campus by being honest and speaking up when they know valuable information. Students were taught what to look for in regard to potential gang-related initiations, symbols, colors, and clothing. Overall, the Gang Awareness Chapel served as a way to ensure that students stay aware of gangs and the gang mentality. By being both aware and informed, every individual can help keep Oakwood’s campus safe.
~ Ashley Batiste, Student Writer in the Public Relations Office
The tragic results of the shooting that took place on Friday, February 12 on the campus of UAHuntsville remind us once again of Paul’s admonition in 1 Corinthians 12:25-26: "...but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in and care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; ..."The UAHuntsville All-Campus Memorial Service to honor the lives of Dr. Maria Davis, Dr. Adriel Johnson, and Dr. Gopi Podila will take place on Friday, February 19 at 7:00 pm in Spragins Hall on the UAHuntsville campus. All members of the UAHuntsville community and friends are invited.Additionally, the following funeral arrangements are scheduled:Dr. Gopi PodilaVisitation – Thursday, February 18 – 10:00 a.m. – noon. Berryhill Funeral Home, 2305 Memorial Parkway NW, Huntsville 35810. A private ceremony for family and close friends will immediately follow the visitation. Berryhill phone: 256-536-9197.Dr. Adriel JohnsonVisitation – Thursday, February 18 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 315 Winchester Road, Huntsville 35811. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 19 at 11:00 am at the same location. Church phone: 256-852-1150.Dr. Maria DavisVisitation – Saturday, February 20 – 11:00 a.m.; funeral service immediately following – at the Progressive Union Missionary Church, 1919 Brandon Town Road NW, Huntsville, 35816. Church phone: 256-539-1070.Please keep their families in your prayers during this time of bereavement.Public Relations OfficeOakwood University7000 Adventist Blvd. ~ Huntsville, AL 35896 ~ (256) 726-7202 ~ pr@oakwood.eduEducation | Excellence | Eternity
Two of the people who received life-saving organs this weekend from 14-year-old shooting victim Todd Brown are ministers who are also on the faculty of Oakwood University, where the Seventh-day Adventist Church will be the site of Todd's funeral on Friday at noon. Follow the al.com link for the complete story at http://blog.al.com/breaking/2010/02/post_204.html.
You won't want to miss the opportunity to meet and hear speaker extraordinaire, Samuel "Billy" Kyles, who will be our guest presenter at student chapel on February 23, at the Oakwood University Church. He is the only living person who actually spent the final hour of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life with him that fateful night of his assassination. Kyles has pastored the Monumental Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, since 1959 and has maintained his involvement with civil rights work since the 1960s. Read his biographical sketch online by going to: http://www.thehistorymakers.com and selecting ReligionMakers as the biography category.
The Tom Joyner Foundation has partnered with the Ford Motor Company for the benefit of HBCUs across the country. Be sure to indicate Oakwood University as the HBCU to benefit from your test drive.
Now, more than ever, America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities need our support. That's why Ford has pledged a donation of up to $250,000 to help our schools. Just go to www.drive4hbcu.com to register for a test-drive at your local Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer. Now when you experience the most innovative cars on the road with a simple test-drive, you and Ford will be helping your favorite school get its share of $250,000 on behalf of the Tom Joyner Foundation. Why not support tomorrow's students today? It's easy.
The “Open Your Mind" Lecture Series is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2009, in the C.T. Richards Chapel in the Moseley Complex, on the campus of Oakwood University. The guest speaker will be Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President of Philander Smith College. His topic will be the Plight of Black Males in College. The target audience for this lecture series is the male population on our campus, and all are welcome to attend.
As the first college president from the hip-hop generation, Dr. Walter Kimbrough is one of the youngest college presidents in the nation. Prior to becoming president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas (a UNCF member institution), he served in administrative capacities at Albany State University, Old Dominion University, Georgia State University and Emory University.
After graduating from the Benjamin E. Mays High School and Academy of Math and Science in Atlanta as the Salutatorian and Student Body President, Dr. Kimbrough earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree in biology from the University of Georgia. He continued his education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, completing a Master of Science Degree in College Student Personnel Services, and he earned the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Higher Education from Georgia State University.
Based on a strong fraternity experience, Dr. Kimbrough has forged a national reputation as an expert on historically Black fraternities and sororities. He has conducted interviews with The Washington Post and The Chronicle of Higher Education, and has been a guest on the National Public Radio show, “Talk of the Nation.” His book, “Black Greek 101: The Culture, Customs and Challenges of Black Fraternities and Sororities,” is in its eleventh printing. Dr. Kimbrough was named by Powerplay Magazine in 2006 as one of the 25 most influential African Americans in Arkansas.
Remembering that Huntsville belongs to all of us, and that it's up to all of us to Keep Huntsville beautiful, Oakwood Administrators suspended classes on Thursday, September 17, to enable over 400 students, staff, faculty and administrators to participate in AGAPE Huntsville 2009, a bi-annual event devoted to community service. Oakwood volunteers took the time from their busy office and classroom schedules to lend a helping hand at Huntsville’s Burritt Museum, Huntsville Depot, Early Works Museum, Huntsville Library, the Hays Nature Preserve, University Place and Ridgecrest Elementary Schools, Ditto Landing, and an Adult Handicap Home to repair, clean up, paint, rake leaves, weed, dust, and plant flowers and provide other necessary services.
To make Agape Day possible, Oakwood partnered with Operation Green Team, an organization which endeavors to make Huntsville a role model for Alabama and the Nation in terms of landscape beauty, cleanliness, and environmental consciousness. The goals and objectives of this city-funded organization are education, beautification efforts, maintaining a sustained litter reduction, and improving waste handling practices in the community. Operation Green Team is affiliated with Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Leigh Carter, a freshman from Atlanta, GA, thought that Agape Day was part of a class assignment, but as she got involved her mindset changed. She saw that barriers [to communication] can be broken through participation. Oakwood senior Laurie Pierre, of Paris, France, wanted to participate in Agape Day and give back to the community before she leaves college. Sophomore James Kelly, from Bronx, NY, believes that doing these projects in the community reminds people that the school cares, and [our involvement] can be used as a witnessing tool.
Dr. Susan Baker, Oakwood’s First Lady and faculty member in Allied Health, helped Oakwood students do housework at a local adult group home. She stated, “It has got to be the cleanest house in Huntsville!” She enjoyed the spirit of the students wanting to get involved and showing the community that Oakwood cares about them.
Fifty women, including the mayor’s wife, Eula Battle, attended an elegant UNCF First Ladies Tea on National Philanthropy Day, November 15, atop the beautiful Ledges of Huntsville. The women—and some men—representing churches from all over the city including St. Johns AME, Trinity United Methodist, First Missionary Baptist, Oakwood University Church, and others were greeted with corsages and escorted into the ball room amidst the melodic sounds of harpist, Shushanna Smith. The menu included clotted cream, cucumber tea sandwiches, and roasted chicken salad tarts.
The Huntsville/Madison County pastors’ wives had a chance to sit and enjoy one another’s company and as they sipped Russian spice tea. The ladies were asked to bring their favorite family teacup and don their favorite hat for the occasion, which made for an interesting exchange of stories. First Ladies Tea Chair Rosa Kilpatrick, UNCF Area Director Walvid King, Community Foundation Executive Director Lynne Berry, and UNCF scholarship recipient, Jeremy Jordan, shared their remarks. Each guest left with a UNCF fan as a memento.
Verizon Wireless sponsored the event, and Emma’s Tea Room donated chocolate truffles designed especially for the occasion. Gift Basket Expressions and Albert’s Flowers donated door prizes. Other surprises included a phone from Verizon Wireless and a gift certificate for Emma’s Tea Room for four new faith friends.
In keeping with the "Building Bridges to Opportunity” theme for the North Alabama UNCF campaign, the event was an effort to cultivate a partnership with the Faith Community to create opportunities for more people to earn a college degree. The Tea was a chance to honor and appreciate our local pastors’ wives for their philanthropic service to the community, encourage relationships, increase the faith community’s awareness about the UNCF, and inspire the women to build a coalition for the purpose of improving the lives of others through education.
Article submitted by Cheri Wilson, associate director for Advancement and Development at Oakwood University.
“Operation Safe Travel, Safe Return” 2009 at Oakwood University is scheduled for Thursday, November 19. The event is co-sponsored by the OU Department of Public Safety and Transportation, Express Oil Change and NAPA Auto Parts, to provide vehicle safety inspections and fluid top-offs, primarily for the students of Oakwood University. Employees are welcome to attend as well. Participants are appreciative of the services offered prior to Thanksgiving travel.
OU Public Safety Chief Lewis Eakins says that Oakwood’s concern is “not only with the safety of our students on campus, but off campus as well as they travel over the holiday season.”
Oakwood President Reaches Fundraising Goal at Top of WorldBy Paul Gattis, The Huntsville Times May 10, 2010HUNTSVILLE, AL -- In the eternal challenge of raising money, Oakwood University President Delbert Baker has finished a unique fundraising campaign.Baker has raised more than $500,000 for scholarships at Oakwood by running to the ends of the Earth.Last month, he ran a marathon at the North Pole - putting him over the goal of $500,000 and completing the marathon Grand Slam. Baker, 57, has completed marathons on all seven continents and the North Pole."It's phenomenal," Baker said of the money that has been raised. Read the full story at:
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2010/05/oakwood_president_reaches_fund.html
Oakwood University is celebrating Health & Wellness Week for faculty, staff, and students this Monday through Thursday, March 22-25. The idea is to promote wellness, improve school morale, enhance relationships, and develop and strengthen friendships.A special Health and Wellness student chapel service took place Tuesday, March 23, beginning at 9:50 a.m., at the Oakwood University Church. This was a time for students to focus on what it means to be mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially fit. A schedule of the week’s events, highlighting each day’s activities, is available at the end of this article. The daily themes are built around spiritual physical, mental, emotional, and social health. The week’s events are sponsored by the United Student Movement, Student Services, Student Activities, and various Oakwood student clubs, including the Peer Advocate and Wellness group, also known as PAWS.PAWS is a group of students who are sponsored by Dr. George Ashley, Social Work Department chair at OU. These students are social work, psychology, nursing or physical therapy majors. Working with Dr. Ashley, they were successful in getting a grant to promote health and wellness on campus. The objective is to prevent suicide and depression among their peers and promote wellness for the mind, body and spirit.In addition to promoting health and wellness, PAWS wanted to show appreciation to OU staff members whom they felt were underappreciated. As part of Staff Appreciation day, the following staff members were honored at the chapel service were: Mr. Ron Acklin, staff member at Oakwood’s Physical Plant; Mrs. Carole Booth, supervisor of the OU’s Student Accounts Student Information Center; Mrs. Cartwright, cashier for the Oakwood University Dining Hall; Chief Lewis Eakins, director of Public Safety and Transportation; and Mr. Ron Pittman, custodial staff member at Holland Hall. Each individual has shown his or her light to the students on campus, and PAWS felt they needed to “feel love.” Mrs. Cartwright commented, “I am so happy to be loved by the students; they are my angels.”
OU Health & Wellness Week Schedule
Oakwood University congratulates Delbert W. Baker, Ph. D., on his appointment to serve as a general vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Baker, who has served as president of Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, for the past 14 years, was nominated by the World Church’s 246-member Nominating Committee and confirmed by the General Conference Session delegation to his new post on Sunday, June 27, 2010. The appointment took place at the church's 59th General Conference Session, being held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. Baker will remain president of Oakwood University until July 31, after which he will assume his new position at the General Conference headquarters, located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Baker, will fill one of the general vice president positions vacated by Ted N. C. Wilson, who was appointed president of the General Conference last Friday, June 25, during this GC Session. Wilson served as a general vice president since 2000 and replaces Jan Paulsen, who served as president of the General Conference since 1999.
The search for a new Oakwood University president begins as Baker goes on to serve the 16.3-million member global church. Under his administration as Oakwood’s 10th president, Baker facilitated progress in various areas, including peak enrollment, maintaining a strong financial base for the institution, completing numerous major facilities on campus, and leading out in record fundraising. During his administration, Oakwood achieved university status and began offering graduate degrees in 2008. Baker credits success to providence, his wife, an excellent administration, faculty and staff team, the Board of Trustees and the gracious support of alumni and friends.Dr. Susan Baker, a licensed physical therapist and an associate professor and director of the Allied Health Program in the Chemistry Department at Oakwood University since 2002, will also be leaving the community. A formal announcement will be made in the near future regarding the Bakers’ departure from Huntsville, along with details concerning congratulatory celebrations planned in their honor.
by Kay Campbell, The Huntsville Times
HUNTSVILLE, AL -- Dr. Delbert Baker, 57, president of Oakwood University in Huntsville for more than 14 years, has been named one of nine vice presidents of the 16-million member Seventh-day Adventist Church.His new position begins Aug. 1.Baker's call, as members of the church term a job offer, came Friday evening after the more than 2,400 delegates confirmed the nomination of Dr. Ted N.C. Wilson, who had been a general vice president, as the new president. His selection by Dr. Wilson was confirmed by the delegates on Sunday.To read the complete article, go online to:http://blog.al.com/breaking/2010/06/oakwood_university_president_b.html.
President Delbert W. Baker recently completed another 26.2 mile marathon in the “Running for Scholarships” program. Baker completed the Swan Lake Marathon in Viborg, South Dakota (approximately 43 miles Southwest of Sioux Falls), on a course that was approximately 2/3 gravel and 1/3 pavement.
This makes the 35th state in Baker’s goal to run a marathon in each of the 50 states. Additionally, Oakwood First Lady Dr. Susan L. Baker, completed the Swan Lake Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in the same race. The Marathon raised $5,000 for student scholarships.
The Bakers returned to Huntsville joining in with others in working on the many summer projects on campus and preparing for the fall semester. The Bakers thank the Oakwood community for its support and prayers.
The music video entitled “One Nation a Time” – that pays tribute to the survivors of the massive earthquake in Haiti -- was entered into the SonScreen Film Festival at the recent General Conference Session in Atlanta. Director Daryl Anderson, Jr., senior communication major, reports that “One Nation a Time” has won Second Place in the “best illustration of God’s grace” category.
One of the writers Dany St. Luc was inspired by Anderson suggestion to write a song as a tribute to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. “It really hit home for me since I am of Haitian descent,” St. Luc said. The instrumentals took less than 30 minutes to compose; St. Luc, Jason Jenkins and Donte Carr wrote the lyrics. With Anderson directing, a group of 51 OU students recorded the video at OU’s radio station Praise 90.1 FM WJOU during Spring Break 2010. The video includes footage from one of NAPS’ relief mission trips to Haiti.
“One Nation a Time” was highlighted on the local NBC affiliate (WAFF TV 48), has been posted on YouTube, and has been featured on Oakwood’s 2010 USM CD “Our Season, in His Time.”
For more details about the Sonscreen competition, visit http://www.sonscreen.com/
On January 15, Dr. Delbert Baker, president of Oakwood University (OU), visited the students of Oakwood Adventist Academy (OAA) during their weekly chapel program. Accompanied by Dr. Timothy McDonald, VP for Development, and Mrs. Sabrina Cotton, VP of Finance, Dr. Baker came to make a presentation of 12 new Dell computers for the science laboratory.
Dr. Baker, an alumnus of OAA, has always taken a special interest in his alma mater. During an earlier visit to the academy, Dr. Baker had learned that the computer lab and the graphic design classroom had just been equipped with new computers, but that plans to equip the science lab were on hold for financial reasons. In response, Dr. Baker immediately made the commitment, on behalf of the university, to assist the academy in obtaining computers for