alumni life 2012

John Merritt Classic

Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx

Homecoming

AlumnilifeTennessee sTaTe UniversiTy alUmni and Their achievemenTs

Vol. 11, no. 1

100 YEARS AND COUNTINGTSU’s story of excellence, resilience and unity

IVANETTA DAVISA revered first lady

GLOBAL LEADERSHIPIBM executive takes TSU experience global

100 Years and Counting…

Salutes

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University Alumni Life MagazineVolume 11, Number 1

________________University PresidentPortia H. Shields, Ph.D.

Office of University PublicationsDirector

K. Dawn Rutledge

Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Director

Cassandra Griggs

PhotographerJohn S. CrossSam Jordan

Intern Contributing WritersTamika Harvey

Ajaia Spicer

Design/LayoutAll Girl Press, LLC

Cover ArtNathaniel Perry

________________The Tennessee State University

Alumni Life Magazine is produced by the Office of University Publications. The magazine is

published annually for alumni, friends and family of Tennessee State University.

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and Annual GivingTSU Box 9534

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.Nashville, TN 37209

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________________Tennessee State University is a

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The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Ms. Tiffany Baker-Cox, director of Equity, Diversity and Compliance, 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard,

Nashville, TN 37209, (615) 963-7435.

Publication No: TSU-12-0149(B)-12c-30400

Page 8

TSU WORLD VIEWDamyon Thompson takes TSU lessons global

Page 10

SHE’S RIZENGospel songstress

Adriann Lewis proud to be TSU alumna

Page 22

A SOUND FOUNDATIONDarlene Harris-Vasser stays true blue

Page 27

CENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS

100 Years and Counting!A story of excellence,

resilience and unity

Page 46

BIG BLUE LOVEFour Generations committed to TSU

Inside the Centennial issue...

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition�

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition �

Dear Alumni:

Wow! Has a whole year passed this quickly? So many wonderful things are happening at your alma mater, one right after another, measuring them in time is almost impossible. Of course, you know that we are now a fully accredited Carnegie One Research University, and Carnegie Community Engagement institution, thanks to many loyal faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.

Our reaffirmation, without restrictions, is good until 2020. The university family worked tirelessly assessing, planning and evaluating all facets of the institution’s quest to achieve its mission using the mantra “excellence, resilience and unity.”

With such a unified collaboration, challenges were met and all inhibiting obstacles to excellence overcome. All of our programs are on sound academic footing and I am proud of what was achieved through the collective diligence of this powerful TSU family.

Allow me to list some of our other major accomplishments:

• Faculty garnered grants totaled almost $43 million in external funding. • Alumni giving has increased by 16 percent, and the alumni Vintagers gave almost $191,000 this year alone. One of our

alumni and Foundation board members, Amos Otis, was elected to the Federal Reserve Board for the Ohio region. • 1972 alumnus, Dr. Jesse Russell, was recognized for inventing the chip that allows us to communicate anytime and

anywhere on our cell phones. And, • Dr. T B Boyd, two-time graduate of TSU, generously provided the resources necessary for our university to publish

its first refereed journal, The Journal of Tennessee State University, Centennial Issue. Subsequent publications of our journal will arrive online.

When you come onto campus at noon and at 6 p.m., you will hear the Alma Mater chime in welcome. Thanks to our grounds’ staff, you will find the campus wonderfully appointed with flowers and shrubs. Most important, you will see our students from 45 states and 33 countries walking proudly together. We enjoy each other’s company in conversation and salsa, the electric slide and the wobble. Thanks to your support, we enrolled almost 10,000 students, the largest in the university’s history and graduated over 800 of them this May.

On to our Centennial Celebration! From April 14 – 21, we greeted 100 years of service with an unmatched spirit of wonder and love. If you missed the events, shame, shame, shame. Our programs included presentations from heroes like former Presidents Humphries, Fancher, Hefner and Johnson, and “she-roes” like Rita Geier and the TSU Freedom Riders. Their stories were powerfully important to the history and significance of TSU before and after the Civil Rights movement and continue to serve as inspiration to our stu-dents.

Then, we strolled through our 100-year history in story, song, dance and fashion. These events turned out so well, we plan to perform some of them for you during Homecoming Week. Speaking of Homecoming, don’t miss the Centennial Homecoming Celebration and plan to be amazed by the floats and marching bands. Mrs. Ivanetta Davis, the wife of our second president, is Homecoming Grand Marshal. Mrs. Davis will be 100 years old in July and she looked so beautiful when I saw her at many of the Centennial events.

Finally, my friends, TSU is an outstanding institution. Please continue your pride in her and loyalty to her. You supported us in challenging times and we are grateful. Make a pledge to return for Homecoming. You will be amazed by our progress and accomplishments.

Sincerely,

Portia H. ShieldsPresident

Letter from the President


By Tamika Harvey, OUP Intern

Two alumni share their perspective on the gift of giving

At the tender age of 16, Audrey Stradford entered the doors of then-Tennessee A&I State University as a young native from Jacksonville, Fla. From 1962-66, Stratford would call TSU home only to return back to the place that helped open her eyes to new possibilities and shaped her future.

Today, Stradford is a financial aid clerk in the Office of Admissions and is a driving force in finding financial resources for students facing difficulties or hardships in the form of scholarship so they are able to stay in school.

Having no strong desire to pursue higher learning in her native Florida, Stradford’s late mother encouraged her to come to Nashville to find an educated mate at A&I. But what she found instead was love for a university that loved her as well. Each day she gleams at the campus’ evolution while recalling vivid memories of meeting notables such as

Mohammed Ali, joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and indulging in the cafeteria’s tasty grilled cheese sandwiches. She even has her $1.25 meal ticket as a memento of her time as an A&I student.

“I’ve always wanted to come back to TSU,” Stratford said. “It was my dream to work at TSU and it’s been a blessing. I have met so many wonderful students from all over the country.”

Stratford retired from the Michigan School Systems as a school social worker after 27 years of service. Since returning to Tennessee, she has been an active member of the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association and is currently editor of its Alumni Outreach magazine. Further,

she is regional vice president of the Mid-South Alumni and Affinity Chapters. She has also volunteered in the TSU Collections and Financial Aid departments.

Audrey Stradford, pictured with two TSU students, understands the importance of financial aid.

“How can you expect greatness

for something if you don’t contribute?”

Audrey StradfordTSU alumna


“How can you expect greatness for something if you don’t contribute?” Stratford asked. “Anyone who walked through these doors needs to give back to TSU,” said Stratford, who supports the university with her talents and treasures, even contributing money from her Christmas Club fund.

Like Stratford, fiscal accounts manager Ben Northington (’94) said most students are relying on federal funding for support, which often doesn’t cover the total cost of an education.

“Alumni must contribute more than in the first 100 years in order for us to move forward and to get more students to come here,” said Northington, who works in the university’s Foundation Office. “We have to increase private giving to offset the cost of the ‘big blue’ tradition.”

As a student, Northington saw the struggles other students were facing and gives back because he recognizes that many students have the talent, but not the financial resources to obtain a higher education.

A native of Clarksville, Tenn., he was childhood friends with alumna Wilma Rudolph’s children. It was during this time he began hearing the great stories of TSU from the famed Olympic gold medalist.

“By giving, other students have the opportunity to achieve the goal of a higher education,” said Northington, who also mentors freshmen males to help get them acclimated to the TSU culture – another way he continues to give back.

“If you have an affinity for a student to be successful, monetarily support that student,” he added. “Be inspired by their aspirations to be good citizens within their community as they graduate from TSU.”

Congratulations on 100 Years of “Think.Work.Serve”

Ben Northington, fiscal accounts manager


Damyon Thompson (’03) has been fortunate to visit different countries in his role as client support manager with IBM, and the culture shock he experienced when first making his way to Tennessee State University may well be what prepared him for international travels with the multinational technology and consulting firm.

After completing high school in California, the San Jose native admits “TSU was the farthest thing from my mind.” He had his sights set on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and was planning to attend in the fall of 1999.

“Coming to TSU turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made,” Thompson said, adding that former TSU president, Dr. James A. Hefner, offered him a scholarship and

encouraged him to visit the university. “I was definitely headed to UCLA, but after my tour at TSU and meeting with some of the administrators, I decided to give it (TSU) a chance.”

Thompson’s change of heart led him to the South for the first-time as well as to a black college campus. With no family connection to Tennessee or TSU, Thompson adapted to a new area and a new culture, much like his corporate travels have dictated over his seven-year stint with IBM.

Thompson majored in Computer Science with an emphasis in Business Information Systems (BIS). While at TSU, he took every advantage to be

an active member of student life serving as Student Government Association president. In this role, he successfully lobbied for

increased funding to support SGA-sponsored activities and organized open forums with

administrators and students. Along the way, he joined Alpha

Phi Alpha Fraternity and maintained affiliation in

the Honors program, Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key

and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Societies.

In addition to his undergraduate degree, he also completed his graduate work at the oldest technical university in the country

- Rensselaer Polytechnic

Institute in New York. His advice

to current TSU students is to meet opportunity with preparation.

“Always be prepared and open-minded,” he said. “It’s really about luck and timing – basically being in the right place at the right time.”

Today, Thompson is part of an IBM team that focuses on technology enhancements in emerging global markets. He recently completed a two-year international assignment with IBM India, where he launched the first Dynamic Infrastructure (DI) Lab for IBM in the Asia Pacific region. In his lab’s first two years of existence, it interfaced with more than 75 customers while also influencing more than $1.5 million .

During his time in India, Thompson was located primarily in Pune and Bangalore and became the first Project Management Professional (PMP) certified team member on the India Software Lab Operations team.

He takes seriously his role in resolving problems and communicating effectively, and credits many of those skills being developed while a student at TSU.

“I love being able to see clients and customers, especially in global markets,” Thompson said, who has traveled to Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

“In many ways, TSU opened up my perspective in terms of growing outside of the classroom,” he continued. “I learned how to be more proactive, develop my leadership skills and communication capabilities.”

IBM executive takes TSU lessons global

By K. Dawn Rutledge

�

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition10

In the midst of a hectic travel schedule due to her music career, demands at home and obligations at church, there were days Adriann Lewis (‘11) wasn’t sure how she would make it through. But like most believers, through prayer, unbreakable faith — and a few Tennessee State University professors who offered a whole lot of support — the gospel music aficionado was able to achieve the one thing missing in her list of accolades — a college degree.

In December 2011, Lewis joined thousands of others individuals from across the country who hold a degree from Tennessee State University. It is an accomplishment Lewis looks to fondly as one of the most important things she’s done in her life.

“I had three years of college experience under my belt, and I made a promise to myself, and to my son, that I would go back to school,” Lewis said. “It was very challenging with traveling, work, school, home and church but it was something that I started and something that I wanted to finish.”

Lewis, a Detroit native and one-half of the powerhouse gospel group RiZen, said she is “very excited to call Tennessee State University my alma mater.” Currently, the minister of music since 2008 at Friendship Baptist Church, where through her musical prowess she has grown the choir from eight members to nearly 40, said attending TSU really didn’t seem like an option.

“When I first got to my church, I think I had no other choice but to attend TSU. Ninety percent of the congregation’s blood runs blue.” And now so does Lewis’, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, and is the first out of her immediate family to earn a college degree.

“I remember getting a call to travel to Germany and Korea for performances with our group. I talked with my professors at TSU about my situation and they were willing to work with me. They allowed me to e-mail work while I was on the road. It was simply overwhelming how they supported me,” she said.

As a nontraditional student, Lewis said it doesn’t matter what age a person

Gospel music artist

Adriann Lewis adds TSU degree to her accolades

By K. Dawn Rutledge

“…it was something that I started and something that I wanted to finish.”

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition 11

is when they decide to go back to school. Lewis said she is even considering pursuing a Master in Education, possibly online, and would eventually like to teach. She said her experience at TSU has been tremendous and she will remain involved, including mentoring students.

The powerful songstress has already given of her time and talents singing the national anthem at the Celebrity Basketball game held on campus to raise scholarship funds, participating in the Centennial Gospel Celebration with the renowned Nashville Super Choir and has spoken to several classes. Additionally, she has been engaged with the university’s Community Service Day.

“If I had that when I was a freshman, I would have done so many things differently,” she said of the program focused on giving back.

Lewis fell in love with music at an early age. She sang her first solo at age three in her father’s Saginaw, Mich.-based New Galilee Baptist Church. The performance from the little girl with the big voice was the beginning of what would become a career in music and ministry.

Along with her sister Aundrea, with support from her younger brother Ay’Ron, Lewis’ family makes up a strong family of singers, musicians and entertainers. RiZen, which now includes Lewis and her sister, debuted in 2003

as quartet of singers mixing traditional and contemporary gospel influences. Among the group’s initial hits, included “View the City,” “Lift Up Jesus” and “It Will Come to Pass.” The CD, simply titled “RiZen,” picked up a Stellar Award for “Best New Artist” in 2004.

The group’s follow-up release, RiZen2, was met with further fanfare also earning accolades and snagging a 2006 Stellar Award for “Best Traditional Group/Duo.” The group’s third release in 2009 was titled “Free.”

Lewis said she plans to continue traveling and working on music. A new project is in the works with a new single expected to hit in the fall.

“We’re going to take our fans and supporters to the beginning,” she said. “They can expect a flavorful mixture of traditional gospel, contemporary and praise and worship.”



steps up to the plate

Tennessee State University softball first took the field in 1994. In just its eighth season (2001), the Tigers qualified for the Ohio Valley Conference Championship under Head Coach Cindy Connelley.

Six years later, Head Coach Joyce Maudie and her squad accomplished its best season by finishing with an impressive 35-23 record. Connelley and Maudie were both named as “OVC Coach of the Year” during their respective seasons.

Over the 18 years of the program, a total of 18 Tigers have been honored as part of the OVC All-Conference teams. Kyone Arnwine was the first in 1995 as she was voted “Honorable Mention.” In 2001, Antionette Armstrong and Cassandra Jo Sharp were the first Tigers to claim a position on the “First Team” list.

In the 2012 season, TSU looks to pick up its 200th win in program history.

Editor’s Note: This information provided by the TSU Department of Athletics, Media Relations.

TSU Women’s Softball



steps up to the plate

TSU Women’s Softball

Tennessee State University first sponsored volleyball as in intercol-legiate sport in the fall of 1987. The Tigers would finish in the bottom half of the Ohio Valley Conference standings for the first 18 seasons of existence.

In 2005, second-year Head Coach Kathy Rhoulac produced the first winning season in program history.

In 2007, the Tigers won the OVC tournament and qualified for their first-ever NCAA tournament.

In 1988, Dee Dee Malone was the first Tiger to be recognized as a member of the OVC All-Conference team. Malone was named to the “All-Freshman/Newcomer” team and has been followed by seven other Tigers over the years. A total of 14 players

have been named All-Conference with Meesha Jackson becoming the first player to reach the honor of “First Team” in 2006.

Coach Rouhlac was given the top honor by her peers in 2005 as she was named “OVC Coach of the Year.” And, in 2011, Shaquita Williams became the only Tiger in the 25-year history to be named “OVC Player of the Year.”

Women’s Volleyball Nets Success

Editor’s Note: This information provided by the TSU Department of Athletics, Media Relations.

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition1�

Save the Date!Friday, September 28, 2012

8:00 a.m. • Kean Hall

Ticket Cost: $15 in advance$20 after 08.06.2012*(*Tickets will not be sold at door.)

____________________________

Plus...Don’t forget these Homecoming Events!

Week of September 23-29, 2012

Alumni Whiteout PartyThursday, September 27 • 9 p.m.

Gaylord Opryland HotelCost: $10 per person • Attire: All White

Homecoming ParadeSaturday, September 29 • 9 a.m.

Tennessee State University Tigers vs.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions

LP Field • 5 p.m. Kick off


ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition 1�

When the United States Olympic Committee announced the Class of 2012 to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame recently, a Tennessee State University coaching legend was included as a member of the prestigious group.

Coach Ed Temple (‘50) will join six Olympians, one Paralympian, one team, as well as a veteran and a special contributor when they are formally introduced and honored July 12 during an awards ceremony at the Harris Theater in Chicago.

Along with Temple, the list of inductees includes Gail Devers (track & field), Jean Driscoll (Paralympic track & field), Gary Hall Jr. (swimming), Lisa Fernandez (softball), Kristine Lilly (soccer), Dan O’Brien (track & field), Jenny Thompson (swimming), the 2004 U.S. Olympic Women’s Softball Team, James Connolly (veteran – track & field) and Ted Stevens (special contributor).

The Class of 2012 was determined by a voting process that includes Olympians, Paralympians, members of the Olympic Family and a public voting element. The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame is one of the only national sports halls of fame that includes fan voting as part of its selection process. This year, more than 100,000 votes were cast at TeamUSA.org.

The Class of 2012 is the 15th class to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and will bring the total

membership to 96 Olympians, five Paralympians, 10 teams, four coaches, 10 veterans, 16 contributors and two Olive Branch award inductees.

“The Class of 2012 inductees have provided fans of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams with countless inspiring moments, and it’s an honor to welcome them to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, where both their achievements and impact will be celebrated,” said Scott Blackmun, USOC chief executive officer.

TSU Coaching Legend Selected for Olympic Hall of FameCoach Ed Temple joins Class of 2012 for induction

Photo courtesy Nashville Scene, Eric England, photographer.


A 1950 graduate of Tennessee State University, Edward Stanley Temple served as head women’s track coach at Tennessee State University from 1953 to 1994 and became one of the greatest coaches in Olympic history. He helped establish the U.S. as a women’s sprinting powerhouse and served as head coach of two U.S. Olympic teams (1960 and 1964), during which time his athletes brought home 23 Olympic medals (13 gold, six silver and four bronze).

His teams also won 34 national team titles and 30 Pan-American Games medals. As the women’s coach, Temple laid a foundation for growth in women’s athletics, a boom that continues to this day.

Temple’s 44-year coaching tenure at Tennessee State University saw him coach and mentor some of the greatest athletes in Olympic history, including Wyomia Tyus, Wilma Rudolph and Willie White. Rudolph was the first American woman of any race to win three track & field gold medals at a single Olympic Games, while Tyus was the first woman to successfully defend an Olympic 100-meter gold medal.

For Temple’s athletes, a gold medal was only the start. The impact Temple had on his young female athletes stretched far beyond the

track. Among the 40 Olympians he coached (35 of whom represented the U.S.), 28 of them have master’s degrees and 14 of them have either an M.D. or Ph.D.

In addition to his 24 national titles, Temple has numerous other accolades, and is a member of the National Track & Field Hall of Fame, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Helms Hall of Fame, Tennessee State University Hall of Fame, Harrisburg Central Area Chapter Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame, Black Athletes Hall of Fame

and Communiplex National Sports Hall of Fame.

“I am excited to hear that Coach Temple has been inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame,” said former TSU Tigerbelle and current Track & Field Director Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice. “He deserves it. We have put so many athletes into the Olympic games thanks to his hard work and dedication.”

The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2012 will be formally introduced and honored on July 12 during an awards ceremony at the Harris Theater in Chicago. The ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Roberts and Alex Flanagan, will air in a nationally-televised broadcast on NBC Sports Network on August 24 at 7 p.m. Central Time.

Edward Stanley Temple served as head women’s track coach at Tennessee State University from 1953 to 1994 and became one of the greatest coaches in Olympic history.

Photo Courtesy Nashville Banner Archives


MARSALIS INDUCTED INTO TENNESSEE SPORTS HALL OF FAMETennessee State University’s James ‘Jim’ Marsalis (’69) was inducted into the 2012 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame May 19 in Nashville. Marsalis can be described as one of the most prolific defensive players in Tennessee State University football history.

Marsalis was a defensive back who hailed from Pascagoula, Miss. In 1968, Marsalis earned “All-American” honors from The Sporting News and Times Magazine.

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Marsalis as the top draft choice in 1969. He is widely known as a defensive innovator that would consistently push, grab and pop the receiver to disrupt his motion, creating the “bump and run” which would become a standard defensive tactic among corners and safeties everywhere for years. The bump-and-run would become so successful that it would eventually be outlawed.

During his rookie campaign, Marsalis helped the Chiefs to the Super Bowl, intercepting two passes against the N.Y. Jets in the

divisional playoff game and one against the Raiders in the AFL Championship. Kansas City would later rout the Minnesota Vikings, 23-7, to capture the Super Bowl IV Championship.

His sensational rookie season concluded with selection to the AFL All-Star team and being named the “AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year” by Pro Football Weekly and the NFL Players Association. Marsalis would go on to play six more seasons for the Chiefs, recording 14 interceptions during his tenure. He was a Pro Bowl

selection in 1970 and 1971. He also played two seasons for the New Orleans Saints in 1977 and 1978. After his NFL career, Marsalis was the secondary coach at Middle Georgia College.

TSU’s legacyTennessee Sports Hall of Fame inductees

Lucinda Williams Adams (2001)Dr. Dick “Skull” Barnett (2005)Darwin Bond (2005)Ralph Boston (1970)Chandra Cheeseborough (2002)Charles E. Davis (1998)Dr. Walter Davis (1992)Richard Dent (1987, 2006)Edith McQuire Duvall (1975)Larry Finch (1993)Alonzo Smith “Jake” Gaither (1971)Howard Gentry, Sr. (1988)Junior Gilliam (1995)Joe Gilliam, Sr. (2007)Joshua “Josh” Grider (1978)William J. Gupton, Sr. (1979)Dennis Harrison (1999)Condredge Holloway (1993)Claude Humphrey (1974, 1988)Ed “Too Tall” Jones (1986, 1994)Jerry C. JonesSadie Galloway Johnson (1981)Henry Allen Kimbro (2004)Bernard King (2007)Ronald “Scat” Lawson, Sr. (2008)Edward Martin (1994)John “Big John” Ayers Merritt (1989)John B. McLendon, Jr. (1993)Stanley Morgan (2000)Theodore “Hound” McClain (1997)Madeline Manning Mims (2008)Lloyd Neal (2004)Betty Booker-Parks (2005)Cornelius Ridley (2007)Leonard “Truck” Robinson (1998)Jerry Reese (2008)Wilma Rudolph (1967)Verties Sails, Jr. (2005)Mae Faggs Starr (1999)Wyomia Tyus Simburg (1973)Edward Temple (1972)H. B. “Bus” Thompson (1990)Perry Wallace, Jr. (2003)Reggie White (2004)Margaret Mathews Wilburn (1998)

1�ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition


He Ain’t Heavy, the found footage hazing film conceived, written and directed by jeff obafemi carr (‘90), made a huge splash with its world premiere at the recent Nashville Film Festival, packing houses and walking away with the Ground Zero “Tennessee Spirit Award” for Best Feature Film. Already a well-known actor on film and stage, carr now adds “award-winning filmmaker” to his resume, which includes founding Amun Ra Theatre in Nashville and being recognized nationally as an award-winning playwright.

He Ain’t Heavy, one of approximately 200 films selected out of nearly 3,000 entries from all over the world, proved itself to be a historymaker selling out its premiere screening three days before the festival’s start date, joining only two other films with that distinction. Festival officials announced an encore presentation a week later, which also sold out promptly. The “Tennessee

Spirit Award” was a crowning jewel for the Nashville native and Tennessee State University alumnus.

“I can’t even express what this means to me as an artist,” said carr, whose film—by most accounts—is the first film of its genre with an African-American cast and theme. “I worked on this movie, mostly underground, for over nine years. Just over a year ago we got it started and finished principal photography last summer. By that time, you’re pressing on, but still wondering at times if you’re still relevant. Seeing the audience response at the festival and winning the Tennessee Spirit Award was a huge affirmation for the vision we had with this project.”

Hazing has been on the national landscape with the death of Florida A&M University Marching 100 band drum major Robert Champion, and several other cases dominating the news as of late.

HE AIN’T HEAVY rocks the Nashvil le Fi lm Festival

jeff obafemi carr’s feature film directorial debut He Ain’t Heavy wins “Tennessee Spirit Award”


“The Champion death happened four months after we finished our film,” carr said. “I don’t think it’s an accident that we put together this project when we did. It will definitely keep people on the edge of their seats and they will talk about what they see on the big screen for years to come.”

He Ain’t Heavy follows five young college students, Charles Starnes, Hannibal Barca Davis, Robert Johnson, Bodine Gabriel and Horace Theelder, as they begin the pledge process for a prestigious African-American fraternity. A graduate film student and fraternity member, Thomas Hayes, captures their journey on video. Weeks into the process, an early-morning 9-1-1 call leads police to a high school football field, where they discover the body of one of the pledges. Told with Prosumer cameras, cell

phone videos, flip cams and security cameras and news footage, He Ain’t Heavy totally restructures traditional filmmaking with its fly-on-the-wall perspective.

He Ain’t Heavy is now working on securing national theatrical distribution, in hopes of being in theaters in the fall of 2012. The trailer and other information can be found at www.heaintheavymovie.com.

TSU CONNECTIONSHe Ain’t Heavy is stocked full of TSU Tigers, including alums: Producer/Director jeff obafemi carr, Producer Mark D. Jackson, and cast members Terrence “TK” Kendrick, Don Daniels, Jr., Tevon Plunkett, Jeffery Lipscomb, Aaron McGee, and Zachary Joyner. Current TSU student Joel Diggs rounds out the stellar cast.

Robert Fitzgerald, II, Terrance ‘TK’ Kendrick, Joel Diggs, James Rudolph, and Bralyn Stokes, the cast of He Ain’t Heavy

HE AIN’T HEAVY rocks the Nashvil le Fi lm Festival


Alumninews BriefsAMOS L. OTIS APPOINTED AS FEDERAL RESERVE BANk DIRECTOR

Amos L. Otis (‘65), founder, president and CEO of Dayton, Ohio-based SoBran, Inc. was appointed a director of the Cincinnati Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, effective January 1, 2012.Otis has deep roots in the Cincinnati region. SoBran, the company he founded more than 20 years ago, received its first large contract from the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. It set the foundation for what is now a growing $61 million revenue business employing approximately 900 people in seven states. SoBran provides services and exper-tise for biomedical research and for engineering and logistics programs to government and commercial clients. The company has been both an Inc. 5000 “Fastest Growing Company” and Black Enterprise “Top 100 Minority-Owned Business” for several years running.Otis has been appointed a director of The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, one of 12 regional Reserve Banks that, along with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., comprise the Federal Reserve System. Each Reserve Bank’s main office has a nine-member board of

directors. Directors’ responsibilities include making recommendations to the Board of Governors regarding the Federal Reserve’s discount rate on primary credit; providing information about regional business conditions to their Reserve Bank president; and overseeing the bank’s budget and finances.

• • • • • •ENGINEERING AWARDS OUTSTANDING ALUMNIThe 3rd annual Tennessee State Uni-versity College of Engineering (CoE) Recognition and Awards Banquet held April 27 welcomed Milton J. Woods (’69), independent consul-tant for the Overseas Petrochemical Industry, as keynote speaker. Recognition and awards were given to outstanding TSU CoE students, faculty and alumni. The two alumni categories, nominated by their peers, were the “Think. Work. Serve.” Award presented to Rhonda D. Mundy (’86). The award celebrates the excellence of a former TSU CoE student in their current place of employment in service to the university. Mundy is currently employed at Department of Water Resources of the state of Ohio. The “Altan Williams Infinite Value Award,” which recognizes TSU CoE alumni who uplift others through community service and values all aspects of life, was presented to Joseph R. Cleveland (’68). Cleveland is a retired vice president and general manager of Martin Marietta Corporation. Additionally, General Motors received the “Corporate Supporter of the Year” award for its ongoing support of the college in providing scholarships and student research opportunities. The company also sponsored the college’s visit to the Chevrolet Volt Production facility in Michigan organized by TSU alumna and GM employee Devon Blue (’00).

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTSDanny Glover has been named chairman of the Bibb County (Georgia) Democratic Party.

Artis Twyman has been promoted to senior director of communications of the St. Louis (Missouri) Rams.

Dr. Rita J. Neal has been named interim vice president of academic affairs at South Carolina State University.

Kina Cleveland was inducted into the 2011 inaugural class for the St. Celicia Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame in Nashville.

The Rev. Dr. Hickman Johnson, senior pastor of Farish Street Baptist Church, has been honored by the The Fannie Lou Hamer National Institute on Citizenship and Democracy at Jackson State University with the “2012 Hamer Humanitarian Award” recognizing his more than 40-years of community activism and leadership.

Brenda Alford was recently selected as an “Employee of the Year” by the National

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition


Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Research (NOAA Research) within the U.S Department of Commerce.

Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville.

Dr. Ricardo A. Boyce was inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, an honorary organization for the recognition of outstanding and meritorious service to the profession and community.

Harris Odell, Jr. has been named chairman of the Chatham County Board of Health in Savannah, Ga.

John Moon was selected as the head coach of the USA men’s track and field team at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey held in March. Currently, Moon is the head cross country coach at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.

Eldridge Dickey and Claude Humphrey have been inducted into the 2012 “Black College Football Hall of Fame.”

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ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition


If there is any doubt about what dedication looks like, just walk in-side the Tennessee State Univer-sity Foundation Office. In it, one will likely find Dr. Darlene Harris-Vassar working long after the doors have closed, the lights are off and others have scattered home. Yes, in TSU’s Foundation Office is where dedica-tion resides through the committed work of Harris-Vassar.

When arriving to TSU in 1976, the proud graduate recalls her initial “culture shock,” as the young Har-ris found TSU to be a potpourri of people from all over the world. She described it as “amazing,” recalling the commitment to excellence and family atmosphere that swarmed the campus.

In 1980, Harris-Vasser earned her Bach-elor of Science in Business beginning her journey to becoming a three-time graduate of the institution she loves — earning a Master of Education in Administration in 1995 and a Doctor

of Education in Administration and Supervision in 2003.

“I love TSU — the good, the bad, the ugly,” Harris-Vassar said, who spends 85 percent of her time at the university.

A devoted employee with nearly 30 years of service, Harris-Vasser is an avid supporter and “self-declared ambassador” focused on preaching all the good things happening at TSU. She has been a pivotal member of the TSU family working in various departments, including as an office supervisor, assistant director of athletics, manager in the foundation, graduate department worker, serving the College of Engineering, TITLE III Office, Office of Alumni Relations and the Center for Service Learning.

In her new position as donor relations manager, Harris-Vassar is responsible for encouraging more donor involvement and ensuring donor reports are accurate and provided to departments. She is the university’s scholarship coordinator working

with the scholarship committee, training others on the use of the STARS online scholarship software, maintaining donor scholarship files and making sure each scholarship recipient writes personalized “thank-you” letters to their supporters. She says it’s important for everyone to give back.

“We must change the alumni’s perception of giving back.” Harris-Vassar said. “We must start while we are in school and have pre-alumni programs so that students can be trained and knowledgeable about the importance of continuing to support the institution once they graduate.”

She continued, “Keeping alumni informed, sponsoring non-paid activities and meet-and-greet events with students are also better ways to steward our people. The future of TSU is promising, but stewardship must be better, and we [as alumni] must ‘support our own cause.’”

“Sustaining a Sound foundation”By Tamika Harvey, OUP Intern

Darlene Harris-Vassar (left), pictured with alumni Charles Flack (‘��) and Joni McReynolds (‘��)


Valerie R. Taylor, the daughter of Ernest Taylor of Jackson and Beverly Taylor of Nashville, has accomplished a feat that few African-American women in the military have achieved –the rank of colonel. Promoted in the spring of 2009, Taylor is currently stationed at the Scott Air Force Base Illinois Headquarters Air Mobility Command.

While African-American women have played significant roles in U.S. war efforts throughout the years, they have often failed to be recognized and rewarded for their important service contributions. Taylor is among the distinct club of

military women of color who has successfully broken barriers and

opened doors of opportunity for other women.It was in 1977 that Taylor made the decision to enlist in the United States Air Force in the 118th Combat Support Squadron, Tennessee National Guard. During her enlistment, she made certain that education remained a top priority and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1978,

followed three years later with a Master of Public Administration from Tennessee State University. She received a direct commission as second lieutenant in September 1982. While serving as director of operations, 118th Aeromedicial Evacuation (AE), Taylor attended the Health Service Administration School in 1983 and 1987, and was selected to attend postgraduate Public Administration studies at Auburn University in Montgomery, Ala. During her tenure in the Tennessee National Guard, she also served as officer-in-charge, Aeromedicial Evacuation Control, Rhein Mein, Germany, and

duty officer for AS Control Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In 1988, Taylor was assigned as readiness chief at MacDill AFB, Fla. During this assignment, she deployed as deputy commander at Seeb Airbase, Oman, supervising more than 200 personnel in seven countries. Taylor also performed duties as chief of protocol for USCENTCOM Commander, General Tommy Franks, coordinating visits from dignitaries around the world, including presidents and royal families. Again, she deployed in 2004, as commander where she directed AS operations in two simultaneous theaters of war, responsible for the safe and expeditious evacuation of patients from combat zones.

Taylor was assigned to Headquarters Air Mobility Command as Chief AE Contingency and Mission Support in 2005, where she provided command and control guidance for all Department of Defense AE patient movement for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, including national emergency declarations such as Hurricane Katrina and the California wildfires. A combat veteran, Taylor has accumulated more than 1,000 hours in the C-130, C-141 and C-9 aircraft as an AE crewmember.

Alumna Col. Valerie R. Taylorbravely and proudly serves


private and commercial pilot license with the ultimate goal of becoming a commercial pilot. Currently, Page is working towards her pilot’s license at the Scott Air Force Base Aero Club. But she also has plans to increase the number of women prepared for careers as pilots.“I want to open a flight school to encourage young girls, especially young minority girls to fly,” she said. “I would like to teach them that becoming a pilot is as good of a career choice as becoming a nurse and that they should be encouraged to look

as I could go, and I decided the only way to do that was to touch the sky with the tip of an airplane’s nose,” she added.

Page has charted a career course that women have had difficulty navigating, primarily because so few opportunities are afforded them. According to a 2011 news report from CNN, of the 53,000 members of the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents pilots at major and regional carriers in the United States and Canada, only about 5 percent are women. According to

“When I got here I knew that TSU was the school for me because it just felt right in my spirit, I knew that I had a purpose to fulfill here,” Page said. “Although I was offered many scholarships from other universities I choose TSU because as soon as I stepped on the campus and got a ray of that ‘golden sunshine’ I knew this was the place for me.”

Now in her sophomore year, Page selected the program in preparation to live out the goals she has set with the encouragement of her mother.

“My mother told me that I could do anything I put my mind to, and I thought why not shoot for the stars,” Page said. “I wanted to go as high

Ivana Page, the only female at Tennessee State University majoring in aeronautical and industrial technology, has decided to go where few women have had the opportunity to go – in search of a career in the cockpit of a major airliner.

Page, who grew up in Belleville, Ill., a small suburban town outside of St. Louis, Mo., found her way to TSU in September 2010 after visiting for the first time as part of an HBCU tour group sponsored by Illinois state senator James F. Clayborne, Jr. (D-57).

the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, only about 450 women worldwide are airline captains — pilots in command who supervise all the other crewmembers on a flight.

However, Page is optimistic about her future and the future enrollment of female students in the aeronautical programs at TSU.

“If we continue to encourage and recruit females to try careers in this area I believe the numbers will increase,” Page said. “But it will not be done without a lot of hard work, inspiration and reassurance from the college.”

Page’s long-term plans include graduate school, and earning a

into the aeronautical and industrial technology sector when choosing a career.”

She has applied for scholarships, internships and fellowships with NASA and believes her career choice is the best. “You learn so much about the world around you when pursuing this career, it’s engineering in every form and you get bits of every discipline in mechanical, computer, electrical, and even metrology,” she said. “It’s the best of all the STEM disciplines and you get the knowledge that prepares you for something after graduation that will be larger-than-life.”

TSU student looks to the BIG BLUE SkIES to fulfill her

By John S. Cross flight dreams


BIG ECoNomIC ImpACT University contributes $610 million annually

A comprehensive economic impact study recently conducted by The Office of Business and Economic Research, a department of the College of Business at the university, demonstrates that Tennessee State University contributes approximately $610 million each year to the state’s financial picture. The study illustrates TSU’s direct and indirect impact on the economic vitality and quality of life for the residents of the state through research, teaching, public service and a broad range of programs, sponsored events and other initiatives.

Big Blue’$

Highlights from the study include:

4 In Nashville, TSU is a leader in public sector employment

— ranked in the top 25 employers according to the

Nashville Chamber of Commerce — and in construction

and renovation activities.

4 In 2010-11, TSU employed an average of 3,700 full-

time, part-time and temporary employees (including

faculty and students), totaling $190 million in labor

income, and generating a total impact of $394

million.

4 Tennessee State University directly injects

approximately $330 million into the state’s economy.

4 Indirect and induced impacts total another $280 million.

4 Every dollar directly expended induces additional

spending of approximately .84 cents.

4 TSU students’ spending of $104 million injects $181

million into the local economy.

4 The university attracted more than 250,000 visitor days

to the Greater Nashville area.

4 Visitors’ direct spending of close to $20 million

generated an estimated $35 million in economic impact.

4 In fiscal year 2011, TSU received more than $45 million

in sponsored research grants and awards.


Centennial Celebration WeekHighlights

2�

April 14-21, 2012


Freedom Riders Panel

Ralph Boston Track TourneyHighlights

Ag D

ay Ribbon Cutting

Celebration of Gospel Concert

APRIL 14-21, 2012

Celebration of Gospel Concert

Centennial Celebration Week




Highlights


Geier Panel

Legends Football Game HighlightsCentennial Celebration Week

Legends Football Gam

e

Freedom

Riders Panel

Geier Panel



Brazile stirs passion with talks on politics, rights, jobsIf the Tennessee State University Centennial Celebration was looking for fireworks and an issue-oriented discussion, it got plenty of it and more at the Viewpoint Lecture Series on campus. National political strategist Donna Brazile discussed issues from politics, poverty and jobs to women’s rights, the environment and voting rights.Brazile, the first African-American woman to manage a major presidential campaign for the 2000 Al Gore campaign, called on students to do everything they could to ensure roadblocks are eliminated by the close of TSU’s next 100 years. Citing 14 percent unemployment among blacks, 25 percent of African-American children living in poverty,

and the loss of 1.5 billion summer jobs, Brazile said poverty is eating at the core of black America. She said young people must fight to eliminate poverty and put people back to work. “Do it until everyone has a chance to earn enough to feed their families, send their children to school and be able to live in a decent home,” she said, adding, “Economic opportunity is what we should claim by the next 100 years.”Congratulating TSU on its centennial, Brazile recounted some of the institution’s accomplishments over the century, including the production of 17 Olympic gold medalists, several members of Congress, people in high government and private positions including Dr. Levi Watkins Jr., who gained international recognition for performing the world’s first human implantation of the automatic defibrillator; and talk show host and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey.

Centennial Celebration Week Highlights

Panel traces evolution of TSU library

The Brown-Daniel Library at Tennes-see State University kicked off its 100th year birthday celebration with a panel discussion that included a historian, a former library director and the current dean of the library. The event focused on the history of the library, growing from a one-room facility to its current 82,000-square foot building.

On display at the event were three original collections from the early days of the library. The weeklong library commemoration was part of TSU’s centennial celebration. The program was moderated by local

CBS affiliate WTVF-TV NewsChan-nel5 metereologist Lelan Statom. Panelists included Dr. Bobby Lovett, retired TSU professor and historian;

Dr. Evelyn P. Fancher, former first lady and library director from 1976-1991; and Dr. Yildiz Binkley, TSU’s current dean of libraries.



Highlighting Tennessee State University’s history and its role as a land-grant institution, Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, acting director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, said TSU researchers have made substantial contributions to the prevention of childhood obesity, food safety and security, sustainable bioenergy and climate adaptation.

Calling these the five challenge areas of the NIFA, TSU is playing an important role in educating the next

generation of scientists who will be needed if the United States is to successfully face these challenges.

In her keynote speech during Agriculture Week in the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences in collaboration with TSU’s centennial celebration, Jacobs-Young congratulated the university on its centennial celebration and called for continuation of the USDA’s capac-ity funding program for TSU. She said the program ensures a consistent stream of funding that researchers can count on.

TSU holds Centennial Scholarship Gala April 21Tennessee State University culmi-nated its week-long schedule of spe-cial 100th anniversary celebration activities with its Centennial Scholar-ship Gala on Saturday, April 21, at The Mansion at Fontanel, former home of Barbara Mandrell, located in Whites Creek, Tenn.

Each spring the TSU Foundation holds a scholarship gala to raise funds to enable more students to gain the benefits of a TSU education. This year’s event was also an important celebration of the university’s 100th anniversary.

Master of Ceremony for the event was producing artistic director for The American Negro Playwright Theatre, Barry Scott. The evening also featured a Motown Revue by the Julius Fisher Band. During the event, guests took part in a celebration of the accomplishments of TSU, recognition of outstanding donors and special presentations by Regions Bank, the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, Pepsi Co., Follett Higher Education Group and ARAmark in support of the Centennial Scholarship Fund Campaign.

Later in the evening at the mansion, guests were treated to a strolling supper and wonderful night of entertainment by the B.B. King Blues Club All-star Band, donated by owner, Tommy Peters.

Government scientist impressed with TSU research



The best way to celebrate 100 years of history…bring together the living legends who have personal experiences from nearly 50 of those years.

Four former presidents met on the campus to tell their “TSU stories” and discuss their visions and challenges while president and their individual accomplishments.

The four former presidents: Dr. Charles B. Fancher (1974-1975); Dr. Frederick S. Humphries (1975-1985); Dr. James A. Hefner (1991-2005); and Dr. Melvin N. Johnson (2005-2010) met on a panel moderated by current president, Dr. Portia H. Shields.

Earlier, Hefner, Humphries and Johnson joined a panel in the Avon Williams Campus Auditorium in downtown Nashville to discuss the challenges and achievements of the landmark desegregation decision in Geier and The United States vs. Tennessee that led to the merger of Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee in Nashville (UTN).

That panel, also part of the TSU centennial celebration, was organized by the College of Public Service & Urban Affairs, as part of the third annual Public Policy Lecture Series of the Geier Symposium.

Former TSU presidents join centennial celebration

On the panel were TSU and UTN administrators, faculty, students and staff who were part of the 1974 TSU lawsuit that made Tennessee State University the only comprehensive public university. Others on the panel and their position at the time of the case included: Sterlin N. Adams, a TSU faculty member; George Barrett, a lawyer; Dr. Greg Carr, a TSU student; Rita Sanders Geier, TSU faculty; Carlos Gonzalez, a lawyer; Dr. Coleman McGinnis, a UTN faculty; John Norris, a lawyer; Dr. Ray Richardson, advisor to TSU president; Wendy Thompson, lawyer and former member of the Tennessee Board of Regents; Yvonne Wood, administrative assistant to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission; and Dr. Bobby Lovett, TSU faculty. Dr. Bruce Rogers, UTN faculty, was the moderator.

From left: Dr. Charles B. Fancher, Dr. James A. Hefner, Deborah Schnydra (granddaughter of Dr. William Jasper Hale, TSU’s first president), Dr. Portia H. Shields, Dr. Melvin N. Johnson and Dr. Frederick S. Humphries



Live on the Lawn combined scholarship and fellowship as the university community and alumni came together to celebrate 100 years in a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere. The event was held in the university’s new athletics’ practice facility giving alumni and others a peek at this wonderful new addition to campus facilities. A tasting of delicious foods and festive music also set the mood for this event with a number of restaurants providing samples of their tastiest dishes to attendees. Musical entertainment covering jazz, blues and R&B was featured from the TSU Commercial Music Ensemble and the Nashville State Community College Band.

Live on the Lawn



Thomas ‘Huey’ Hughes brought his prior aquatic experience to the university as a former United States Coast Guard and left his legacy upon his students who later became head coach for the Tennessee State University Tiger Sharks.

Assistant professor of Human Performance and Sport Science, James Bass started his matriculation as a student and was involved in the aquatic program. Bass’ passion and enjoyment for the sport led him to later become head coach of the swim team during a great portion of the time the team was active. Shortly after Bass, Dr. Catana Starks, recently retired head of TSU’s Department of Human Performance and Sports Science, and former student of Hughes, was the final coach for the Tiger Sharks.

The swim team began in the late 1940’s with Hughes as the first biracial coach for the aquatic program. Hughes, who was a former coast guard, brought his training and development skills to segregated Tennessee after completing his military service. At the start of the aquatic program, sports were separate from the other races. Hughes introduced the program to the school because it was not offered for African-Americans.

Hughes developed the team to be known as the fastest and most well equipped swim team, by having much training to improve on swimming skills and prior experience as the only former coast guard in HBCU history. He remained coach of the team for 22 years and was followed by Bass in the late 1960s.

“Huey developed a great team in which, the students that would stay over the summer would assist the prospective swimmers learn how to understand all the different techniques involved with swimming. It was a true honor to have them willing to help us,” Bass said.

Bass left his doctoral program in Higher Education Administration at the Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University Peabody College, to become the diver and swimming coach. He also became responsible for media relations, fundraising and handling maintenance of the pool. As coach he also helped some students obtain swimming scholarships. For the few students who received scholarships, Bass said, “They were lucky and gifted swimmers and I saw potential in their swimming abilities.”

Most swimmers, at that time, came from the North because African-Americans in the South did not have

the opportunity to swim on any team anywhere due to the challenges of racial discrimination in the 1940s and 1950s.

Some of the Tiger Sharks’ HBCU competitors were Tuskegee Univer-sity, Morehouse College, Howard and Hampton Universities. Conse-quently, under Bass’ leadership, in the early 1980s, the Tiger Sharks won National HBCU Swimming and Diving Championships. A few key divers were students Jeff Mitchell and Jeff McMillian, and some of the outstanding swimmers noted by Bass were Charles Surratt, Donald Moody, Reginald Terry, Larry Taylor, Arthur Martin and Russell Robert.

Some of the athletes would stay throughout the summer to help with the pool, in which they took the opportunity to teach other students interested in the aquatic programs. The swim team would practice in the “A-Building,” now known as the Walter S. Davis Humanities Building, on campus underneath the stage which is now a computer lab for students. Although the swimmers practiced in the building, swim meets were held at Vanderbilt University to accommodate the fans and other universities.

“For some of the players that stayed over the summer, they were able to

Tiger Sharks build aquatic legacy during its 40 years

By Ajaia Spicer, OUP Intern


get a job through some company’s independently wanting to help,” said Bass. Around the time of the time of the opportunity there was a partnership between companies that is still relatively new,” said Bass. In conjunction with The Metropolitan Nashville Parks and the help of the administration, had outreach programs with YMCA and the Director of Parks and Recreation in Williamson County assisted with some of the players gaining employment and developed more programs.

Swim meets returned to the campus in 1983 when the Howard C. Gentry Complex opened creating more attraction for recruitment and visibility. But even though were noticing the team, limited funds impacted the number of swimmers on the team who could be part of the team.

“Although, we are just a minor sport we were always in the top three of every competition we entered, Bass

said. “The only difference between TSU and the other universities was having the funds to train the swimmers and having a functional facility to help the swimmers be prepared for the featured meets. Having more money would have given us a better chance for more competition.”

“Personally, I wanted to make sure the swim team would be able to survive as long as possible. Funding is needed

to keep any sport active. It costs to bring swimmers from other areas, and provide them with scholarships,” he said. Approaching the ending years of Bass’ coaching the Tiger Sharks, he personally donated $15,000 to aid with scholarships for the remaining members of the team.

Once Bass left in 1983, Dr. Catana Starks, a former lifeguard student of Hughes’,

began her journey as head coach for the Tiger Sharks. After the financial struggles Bass had with the team, Starks found a more stable funding situation. In order to meet the required 14 swimmers, according to NCAA, Starks added two women swimmers. Since there was no female swim team on campus, this move helped to bring in government funding to help support the swim team.

“Mr. Bass did a really good job with the swimmers, I just added more athletes from the northern states to the team,” Starks said.

During the last few years of the swim team, the Tiger Sharks continued to attend meets at universities across Tennessee and in surrounding states. The team won 14 first place titles, including in the areas of challenge in

the 400-meter, swimming, diving and the 200-freestyle relay, and others.

The TSU Tiger Sharks officially disbanded in the late 1980’s. The aquatic program lasted for nearly 40 years producing star athletes who even entered the Olympics. Although the university no longer has a swim team, the pool is still being used today by area high schools for their aquatic activities.


Mrs. Ivanetta Hughes DavisThere are not many who can say they are blessed to see nearly 100 years, but Mrs. Ivanetta Hughes Davis, TSU’s oldest living first lady, will share that designation with her beloved alma mater July 19 when she also reaches this milestone.

Mrs. Davis is a living legend—a first lady of class, elegance, intellect, kindness and generosity—one who set the tone for those who came behind her. Tennessee State University is forever grateful to her for the sacrifice, contributions and love she has shown to this historic institution.

For 32 years, TSU was the place Mrs. Davis fondly called home being first introduced to the campus in June

1936, enrolling as an elementary education major, at then-Tennessee A&I State College. While a student,

she met and fell in love with Walter Strother

Davis, a faculty member and head

football coach at the time. Within in the first few years

of the couple’s marriage, Mrs.

Davis completed her undergraduate

degree at A&I while her husband took a

leave of absence and they both attended

Cornell University to work toward graduate

degrees.

In 1941, Mr. Davis became Dr. Davis earning a Ph.D.,

while Mrs. Davis

received her master’s degree. In 1943, Dr. Davis was named the second president of Tennessee State, and Mrs. Davis became the university’s distinguished first lady, together beginning a 25-year legacy of excellence.

After being appointed president, the Davis family made its home at Goodwill Manor, which lived up to its name as a center of hospitality, where they entertained out-of-town guests and celebrities such as Marian Anderson, Nat King Cole, Lois Towles, Dorothea Towles, Johnny Mathis, Wilma Rudolph, Ralph Boston, Richard Barnett, Woody Hayes, Marva Woods and Mohammed Ali, then known as “Cassius Clay.” Mrs. Davis was a gracious hostess.

The Davises always openly welcomed students at Goodwill Manor. They frequently came for visits and social events. Football season was especially busy at the house. The family saw and entertained many friends, family members, students, alumni and their families. Thanksgiving was perhaps the busiest day on their calendar. For many years, the Homecoming Game was held on Thanksgiving Day and there was an influx of people on the campus. People came by Goodwill Manor before the parade, after the parade and after the game. Thanksgiving dinner was provided to anyone who came by, and there were many who came.

A Revered First Lady

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A Revered First Lady In 1943, Dr. Walter S. Davis was named the second president of Tennessee State, and Mrs. Davis became the university’s distinguished first lady, together beginning a 25-year legacy of excellence.

The Davis family in 1955

Dr. Davis led Tennessee State University through an era of tremendous growth — in multi-faceted areas, such as academics, facilities and worldwide recognition. Under his tenure, Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College achieved university status in 1951, and the Tennessee Board of Education elevated the university to a full-fledged land-grant university in 1957. In addition, Dr. Davis led the university’s campus expansion overseeing the constructing of 24 new buildings.

While her husband ran a university, Mrs. Davis led a proud and successful career of her own. As an elementary school principal, she impacted the lives of young people even at their earliest years; many of whom went on to college and, even, Tennessee State. As first lady, she remembers fondly the Commencement ceremonies, concerts, lectures, galas, athletic events, rallies and other activities at the university, including when the institution officially became Tennessee State University in 1951. While serving as TSU’s first lady, Mrs. Davis witnessed the university’s storied athletics legacy manifest receiving national and worldwide attention by winning national championships in football, basketball and swimming, along with Olympic medals in track and field and national performances of the Aristocrat of Bands.


Back in 1962, when Tennessee State University celebrated its 50th anniversary, along with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of land-grant institutions of higher education in the country, the idea of the Vintagers Club of Tennessee State was born. Dr. Granville Sawyer, an alumnus of the university, who was then coordinator of Alumni Affairs, came up with the name Vintagers.

The Club is an association whose sole criterion for membership is that “one has been a holder of a degree from the institution for 40 years of more.” Since its inception in 1971, The Vintagers Club has represented a time for alumni to return to campus, reminisce about their collegiate years and rekindle friendships of yesteryear.

Over its more than 40 years, the Vintagers Club has inducted over 5,000 graduates. Since 2006, when the concept of class agents were introduced as a way for Vintagers to

give back to their alma mater, more than $1 million has been raised to benefit the university.

In May, the tradition of the Vintager continued with a total of 220 TSU graduates returning to their esteemed alma mater to do just that.

Among those celebrating this special time were 37 members of the class of 1962, who joined to recognize 50 years. They were saluted by the university during its spring Commencement ceremony on May 5, 2012 as distinguished “Golden Vintagers,” an honor designated by the donning of gold robes and the opportunity to walk across the stage once again and be presented with a certificate and handshake from the president.

Another class recognized was the class of 1972, who welcomed 36 members back to campus. As newly inducted Vintagers holding degrees for 40 years, these ‘new kids on the

block’ took the honor seriously by more than doubling their original goal of $15,000 to an actual contri-bution of $40,394 to Tennessee State University.

Dorothy Greer Smith, class of 1942, celebrated her 70th anniversary as a graduate. She was introduced at the Vintagers luncheon.

This year, a total of $191,000 was raised among the five classes cel-ebrating anniversaries: 1952, 1957 ($51,337), 1962, 1967 ($56,600), 1972. These classes collectively set a record for class giving since the class agent program began in 2006.

There have been five presidents of the Vintagers Club. They are Edith Foster Otey (’62), who served in 1973; Bessie Walton (’29); Modestine Smith (’38), who served from 1979 to 1987); Lettie S. Galloway (’37), who served from 1987-1999; and current Vintager president, Barbara Murrell (’60), who began her tenure in 2000.

The Vintagers Club just gets better with time


About the

Charter Members Of the eight members of the first class graduating with a baccalaureate degree – the class of 1924 – five were made charter members of the Vintagers Club during a special ceremony held Saturday, August 21, 1971. They were: Dr. Reginald C. Neblett (Owensboro, Ky.), Thurman Ramsey (Chicago, IL), Aeolian E. Lockert, Sr. (Nashville, Tenn.), William Lowe (Memphis, Tenn.), and Walter Van Potter (Nashville, Tenn.). Three members were deceased at the time of induction: Dr. Walter D. Denney, Mrs. Lora Myers and Attorney Christopher Purdy.

Aeolian Lockert, Sr. (deceased) — Remembered as “Lock,” he married the former Miss Ophelia E. Pitt, who also attended Tennessee State. They had five children: Edward, Estelle, Morris, Maxine and Arnell, all of whom attended Tennessee State. Lockert, a retired teacher, remembered most vividly the chapel or auditorium programs at the university as well as football games, entertaining legislative groups, the many good instructors and the first president, Dr. William Jasper Hale.

William McKinley Lowe, Sr. (deceased) — Lowe married the former Miss Aline Baine. They had three children: William, Jr. and Jeseus, who attended Tennessee State, and George Anthony. A former chemistry teacher, Lowe’s most vivid memories of the university was the president and faculty was very sympathetic.

Reginald C. Neblett (deceased) — “Reggie” as he is remembered, married the former Miss Hattie L. Ross, who also attended Tennessee State. A former physician (general practice), he was an active staff member of the Owensville (Ky.) Davies Country and Our Lady of Mercy Hospitals and formerly served the Owensboro Education Commission. He said his most memorable time at Tennessee State was “when I met my sweetheart, who subsequently became my wife and when I represented Tennessee State at the World’s Student Volunteer Movement in December 1923 at Indianapolis, Ind.

Walter Van Potter (deceased) — Remembered by his friends as “Pot,” while in college he was director of the chapel music, a member of the YMCA and sang in the chorus and quartet. A retired public school teacher, he remembered most vividly the “wise” counsel and judgment of President Hale and dedicated teachers, academically and personally.

Thurman Ramsey (deceased) — Retired U.S. employee, who resided in Chicago, Ill.

Dorothy Greer Smith (‘42)

Edith Otey, first Vintager president

Barbara Murrell, current Vintager president

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The Vintagers Club just gets better with time

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition�0

Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State Normal College for Negroes, now Tennessee State University, was founded in the summer of 1912 on June 19th. For 100 years, Tennessee State has been preparing students to “Think. Work. Serve.”

When the doors first opened only two-year teacher certifications were handed out, but the university’s first president, Dr. William Jasper Hale, was determined to provide so much more to A&I students despite their limited options at the time.

In 1922, he accomplished the goal of elevating the school to a four-year degree granting teachers’ college. With this achievement began an educational legacy with just eight students - seven men and one woman – receiving four-year baccalaureate degrees. The 1924 graduating class also held the distinction of being the only class to receive this degree from A&I for 20 years.

Tennessee A&I officially held the historic Commencement Week, May 24-27, 1924. The minister of Clark Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church delivered the baccalaureate sermon on Sunday, 3:30 p.m. Graduation was held Tuesday, May 27, 10 a.m. The first baccalaureate class included all Tennessee residents and one Alabama native: Walter Daniel Denney of Lebanon; Aeolian O. Lockert, Sr. of Clarksville; William McKinley Lowe of Mobile, Ala.; Lora A. Myers of Nashville; Reginald C. Neblett of Clarksville; Walter V. Potter of Smithville; Christopher C. Purdy of Tiptonville; and Thudman A. Ramsey of Nashville.

“The early 1900s was hard for all African-Americans to do anything around that time, which makes the first graduating class so unique because of how great this

opportunity was for the students and their families,” said Dr. Bobby Lovett, retired TSU professor, author and historian. “Even today, some of the students who attend the university are the first in their families to pursue an education at the college level.”

With the help of Hale, some of the graduates were given the opportunity to walk off stage and into a job. Many of the students went off to become teachers and principals of different schools around the south.

Lockert became the Smith-Hughes agricultural agent for Tennessee A&I.

Lowe became a chemistry teacher. Potter also became a teacher.

Meyers became a home demonstration agent in Robertson County.

Purdy attended law school and became a teacher.

Denny, Neblett and Ramsey all attended Meharry Medical College after graduation and became physicians.

In 1924, the school’s name was changed to the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal College. The word “Normal” was deleted from the college’s name in 1927. During the university’s beginning years, the main focus of the curriculum was for teachers and giving African-Americans the opportunity to pursue an education, learn skills to assist them with being productive and successful after leaving the institution.

_____________________

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Dr. Bobby Lovett for contributing information to this report.

The First Graduating Class Who were they and what did they become?1924 graduates began legacy of excellence

By Ajaia Spicer, OUP Intern

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition �1

TSU’s next century2012 graduates weigh-in

on university’s next 100 years

Tennessee State University has arrived at a unique crossroads, finding itself celebrating its 100th birthday, which will come to a close after 2012. However, a group of centennial graduates say the university’s next century of excellence, resilience and unity is just beginning.

Pestered by negative images magnified through biased media reports, revolving door administrative changes and constant funding challenges, the university has had its share of ups and downs. Nonetheless, the resilience of its students, alumni, faculty and staff have been an unbreakable force in keeping the “land of golden sunshine” shining brightly.

Several graduating seniors have embraced the legacy mapped out for them 100 years ago when the doors of then-Tennessee State A&I State Normal School opened on June 19, 1912 to 250 students, and continues today educating tomorrow’s leaders. These students share their perspectives on what TSU hopes to achieve in its next 100 years.

Maximilian A. Cole, 2011-2012 president of the Student Government Association (SGA), is a political science major from Calumet, Ill., who exercises his passion for service in the SGA.

“TSU has reclaimed [its status] and is making a new transformation, more engagement with students and now we have more of an outside perspective on how to educate tomorrow’s leaders today,” Cole said.

Ashleigh Taylor, 2011-2012 Miss TSU, reflects on the importance of student activities and

“TSU has reclaimed [its status] and is making a new transformation,…”

Maximillian A. Cole

“The students need to feel empowered and that they have a voice.”

Ashleigh Taylor

By Tamika Harvey, OUP Intern


the important role it has played in university life and will continue to do so in the future.

“The students need to feel empowered and that they have a voice,” said Taylor, a mass communications major from Memphis.

Taylor, who also served as the 2011-2012 Miss National HBCU Hall of Fame, said she recognizes TSU as a well-rounded institution — a place where students mature, learn responsibility and accountability.

“TSU has done an excellent job of nurturing students in a way that you just can’t experience anywhere else except at an HBCU,” Taylor said.

Thomas Lavallais, a senior molecular and cellular biology graduate from Dallas, and the 2011-2012 Mr. TSU, credits his high school principal, a TSU alumnus who positively influenced him to consider TSU.

“When I spoke about my aspirations and goals, TSU was a perfect match,” Lavallais said. “I am academically, socially and politically sound. I am at an advantage economically because of the scholarship support. If you can make it at TSU there’s nothing you can’t overcome.”

As for the future of TSU, Jasmin Garmon, 2011-2012 president of the Pre-Alumni Council, said the institution will only remain as strong as its alumni.

“Alumni giving must increase,” said Garmon, a recent political science graduate from Gary, Ind., who plans to return for graduate school in the fall. “We can only make it if we understand the importance of giving back.”

While new administrators and students will come and go, these recent graduates say remembering the university’s legacy and upholding

traditions, yet being innovative and versatile enough to embrace progress, will ensure the university experiences a promising next century.

“With progress comes change. There are going to be new technologies and new processes, but the ultimate test will be the ability and willingness of alumni to step up and increase our giving to preserve our university in its next 100 years and beyond,” Garmon said.

“…the ultimate test will be the ability and willingness of alumni to step up and increase our giving to preserve our university in its next 100 years and beyond.”

Jasmin Garmon

“When I spoke about my aspirations and goals, TSU was a perfect match.”

Thomas Lavallais

From left: Deborah Schnydra (granddaughter of Dr. William Jasper Hale, TSU’s first president), Jasmin Garmon and Ola Hudson (‘�1)


TSU Generational Family GRADUATES

FAMILY NAME GENERATION FIRST NAME LAST NAME DEGREE YEAR ALExANDER --- Rhobelia F. Alexander Williams --- 1932

Alexander --- Dr. Ernestine Williams M. Pickens Glass BS 1958Alexander --- Floretta I. Williams Askins Lewis BS 1960Alexander --- Robert Edward Williams BS 1960Alexander --- Claudia B. Williams Adair BS, MS 1965, 2004Alexander --- Marva L. Williams Bryant BS 1967Alexander --- Gwendolyn E. Williams Price-Jones --- 1968Alexander --- Mary E. Williams Churchwell BS, MS (Miss TSU 1971) 1971, 1976 Alexander --- Karen A. Lewis Dobbins-Smith BS 1984Alexander --- Dr. Candace B. Adair BS 2001Alexander --- Jonathan B. Adair MS 2010Alexander --- William Ross Churchwell BS 2009Alexander --- Norma J. Alexander Taylor --- 1961Alexander --- Iva Alexander BS 1982Alexander --- Deborah G. Alexander Fisher BS 1979Alexander --- Jethro, Jr. Alexander --- 1969Alexander --- Victor, Sr. Alexander BS 1977Alexander --- Jerrold, Sr. Alexander BS 1982Alexander --- Victor, Jr. Alexander BS 2008Alexander --- Vincent Alexander BS 2009Alexander --- Lana Alexander --- 1979Alexander --- Jasmine Alexander BS 2012

BARTON --- Leola Barton --- 1930Barton --- Brandon H. Barton --- 1946Barton --- Hattie Barton --- 1949Barton --- Mildred Barton Collins --- 1951Barton --- Mosel Bradenberg --- 1948Barton --- Sherman C. Barton --- 1959Barton --- Collins Ann --- 1961Barton --- Merlton L. Bradenberg --- 1965Barton --- Brandon Harris --- 1999Barton --- Brandon H., III Barton --- 2008

BOND FIRST Clyde, Sr. Bond Agriculture 1957Bond SECOND Reginald Bond Health Care Administration 1978Bond SECOND Clyde, Jr. Bond Business Administration 1987Bond SECOND Renae McDonald English 1983Bond SECOND Ronald Bond Electrical Engineering 1981Bond SECOND Peggy Martin --- ---

BOYD FIRST Gayla Thomas BS, MPA 1974, 1979Boyd FIRST Damitia McKinney BS Accounting 1976Boyd FIRST Raymie Boyd BS 1986

BROOKS FIRST Yvette Thomas Health Care Administration 2002Brooks FIRST Ivan, Jr. Brooks Political Science 2005Brooks FIRST Brittany Brooks Biological Sciences 2011

BUNTIN FIRST Dalton Buntin --- ---Buntin FIRST Louise Oliver --- 1947Buntin SECOND Jean Moody --- 1955Buntin SECOND Joyce Buntin --- ---Buntin SECOND Michael Buntin --- --- Buntin SECOND Ernestine Speller Nursing 1957Buntin THIRD Kenneth Speller EE 1981Buntin THIRD Jeffrey Speller EE 1993Buntin THIRD Anthony Speller EE 1987Buntin THIRD Leslie Speller-Henderson --- 1985Buntin THIRD Lori Speller --- 1985Buntin THIRD Jonathan Speller --- 1987Buntin THIRD Gina Speller-Jones --- 1987Buntin THIRD Robert Speller --- 1990

CARTER FIRST Lucille Seibert BA English, MA English/Secondary Ed. 1961, 1966Carter FIRST Geraldine Pitts BS Elementary Education 1963Carter FIRST Alline Greer BA Modem Foreign Languages 1966Carter FIRST Rose Ballard BS Business Education 1969

Tennessee State University’s dynamic history includes a legacy of families who have lifted the values, traditions and excellence of the university over several generations. Thanks to those family members who submitted information for publication in the Alumni Life magazine during the university’s 100th anniversary.

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition��

Carter FIRST Dennis Carter BS Biology 1977Carter FIRST Cleo Carter BS Biology 1979Carter FIRST Kenneth Carter BS Biology 1983Carter FIRST Jannie Gray MS Public Administration 1993Carter SECOND Anthony Pitts BS Chemistry 1982Carter SECOND Michael Seibert BS Biology 1986Carter SECOND Ronald Seibert BS Business Administration 1988Carter SECOND Angela Harrison BS Psychology 1990Carter SECOND Carolyn Graham BA English, MS Public Administration 1999, 2003Carter THIRD Jessika Seibert BS Psychology 2011

CHEESEBOROUGH --- Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice HPER K-12 1981Cheeseborough --- Lasean Johnson Health Care Administration 2011Cheeseborough --- Martinique Guice Family & Consumer Science Child Development 2011

CLAYTON FIRST Terry Clayton BS Criminal Justice, BS Political Science 1980Clayton FIRST Edward Clayton BS Criminal Justice 1980Clayton FIRST LaShun Clayton BS Business Administration 1981

CLEMONS FIRST Ora Clemons MS --- Clemons SECOND Cass, Sr. Teague BS, Business Administration, MS Business Administration 1949. 1951Clemons THIRD Cass, Jr. Teague BA Psy., MS General Psy., EDD Counseling Psy. 1975, 1978, 2003Clemons/Tole FOURTH Kristopher Teague BS Biology 2009

DAVIS FIRST Anna Reeves MA Education 1970Davis SECOND Vernessa Tharpe BS Biology 1981Davis SECOND George Davis BS Electrical Engineering 1981

GARNER FIRST Kedra Garner BSCS 1999Garner FIRST George, IV Garner BSECE 2002Garner FIRST Justin Garner BSBA 2004

GENTRY FIRST Carrie Gentry MS 1956Gentry SECOND --- --- Business Administration --- Gentry THIRD Joshua Jones --- 2002

HARRIS FIRST Steven Harris Electrical Engineering 1972Harris FIRST Patricia Luckett Clothing and Textiles 1975Harris FIRST Rosiland Thomas Business Administration 1975Harris FIRST Crystal Harris --- 1988Harris FIRST Clarence Harris --- 1994Harris FIRST Christopher Harris --- 1994

HARVELL FIRST Sandra Harvell-Kimble Home Economics 1976Harvell FIRST Janette Harvell Sociology/History 1977Harvell FIRST Fortress Baker Business Administration 2006

HAYES FIRST Malvin Hayes --- 1972Hayes FIRST Billy Hayes --- 1976Hayes FIRST Bobby Hayes --- 1978Hayes FIRST Perry Hayes --- 1980Hayes FIRST Janice Hayes --- 1981Hayes FIRST Dennis Hayes --- 1983Hayes FIRST Mona L. Garabito --- 1985Hayes FIRST Susan Hayes --- 1987Hayes SECOND Brandalyn Hayes --- 2005Hayes SECOND Sara Hayes --- 2007Hayes SECOND Tashauna Hayes --- 2007

HOLMES FIRST Louis Holmes --- 1926Holmes FIRST Joseph Holmes --- 1926Holmes FIRST Ferdinand Holmes Agriculture 1946Holmes SECOND Ella Holmes BS Chemistry, MS Chemistry 1949, 1950Holmes SECOND Edna Keel --- 1959

HOLT FIRST Deidera Holt BBA Marketing 1984Holt FIRST Anthony Holt BBA Accounting 1988Holt FIRST Reginald Holt BBA Marketing 1991

HUDSON FIRST Robert Hudson BA 1946Hudson FIRST Rae Watkins BS 1949Hudson FIRST Mabel Tipton BS 1951Hudson FIRST Ola Hudson BS Home Economics, MS Education 1951, 1953Hudson FIRST Charles Hudson BS 1956Hudson SECOND Phillip McEwen BS 1973Hudson SECOND Robert Tipton BS 1981Hudson SECOND Lisa Jones BS 1979Hudson SECOND Ronald Hudson BS Speech, BS Drama 1983Hudson THIRD Kenny McEwen BS Accounting, MS Business 2003Hudson THIRD James Drake BS 2006

JOHNSON FIRST Mitzy H. Johnson --- 2008Johnson SECOND Marcus “Chris” Johnson --- 2008Johnson SECOND Melza “C.J.” Johnson --- 2004

JONES --- Eugene E. Jones BS Math 1956Jones --- Gloria E. Jones Master of Education 1968Jones --- Artelia Jones Reese BA History 1961

FAMILY NAME GENERATION FIRST NAME LAST NAME DEGREE YEAR

---

ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition ��

Jones --- Madwena Lee Hall BS Sociology 1972Jones --- Regina Reese Tate BS Mechanical Engineering 1988

JONES --- James Jones BS 1932Jones --- Henry Jones BS 1960Jones --- Susie Jones BS 1962Jones --- Mary Smith BS 1993

PATTERSON --- John Patterson BS, MS 1939, 1959Patterson --- Gydean Patterson Fisher BS 1962Patterson --- Seanne Patterson Wilson BS 2009

PEPPER FIRST Annie Frierson BS Music 1934Pepper FIRST Elizabeth Bowman BS Elementary Education 1948Pepper FOURTH Gary Pepper BS Engineering 2008Pepper SECOND Bettye Campbell BS Elementary Education 1958Pepper SECOND Maurice Pepper BS Political Science 1973Pepper SECOND James Pepper BS Psy., MS Agriculture 1965Pepper THIRD DeAngela Dixon BS Criminal Justice 1982

PHILLIPS FIRST Ethel Phillips BS Business Education, MA Education 1961Phillips SECOND Darlynn Jordan BS Chemistry 1976Phillips THIRD Tracee Jordan BS Civil Engineering 2008

RHODES FIRST Evalena Rhodes --- 1934Rhodes FOURTH Sherri Tucker BS 1987Rhodes SECOND Mary Rhodes BS, MS 1934, 1956Rhodes SECOND Franklin Rhodes BS, MS 1934, 1955Rhodes THIRD Algeleon Rhodes BS, MS 1965, 1972

SHAW FIRST Albert Shaw BS Biology 1965Shaw FIRST Barbara Akins BS Political Science 1967Shaw FIRST Morris Shaw BS Political Science 1974

SHIELDS FIRST George Shields Education --- Shields FIRST Reginald Shields Education --- Shields SECOND Pamela Shields Criminal Justice 1981Shields THIRD Stephanie Carter Biology 2004

SHUTE FIRST Bessie Hawkins --- 1945Shute FIRST John, Jr. Shute --- 1947Shute FIRST Juanita Covington --- 1949Shute FIRST Della Shute --- 1950Shute FIRST Lureada Gardner --- 1957Shute FIRST Elizabeth Shute --- 1959Shute SECOND Marcus W. Shute --- 1984Shute THIRD Marcus W., Jr. Shute --- 2007

TOLE FIRST Novella Tole MS --- Tole SECOND Robert Fisher BS, MS ---

WHITE FIRST Clarence, Jr. White BS Mathematics 1969White SECOND Clarence, III White BA Mass Communications 1993White SECOND Christopher White BS Mathematics 2010White SECOND Candice White BS Chemistry 2000

WINROW FIRST Hershey Winrow Industrial Arts 1957Winrow FIRST Shirley Winrow BS Elementary Education, MS 1971, 1974Winrow SECOND Walter Winrow Political Science 1984Winrow SECOND Grant Winrow Mass Communication 1989Winrow SECOND Peyton Neugent Physical Education 1997Winrow SECOND William Winrow --- ---Winrow SECOND James Winrow --- ---Winrow SECOND Michael Winrow --- ---Winrow SECOND Kevin Winrow --- 1980

WINTON FIRST Alvin Winton Engineering 1962Winton SECOND Anthony Winton Business Administration 1992Winton THIRD Deyona Winton Health Services 2009

WRIGHT FIRST Elease Jolley BS, Agricultural Sciences; MS 1970, 1975Wright FIRST Donald Wright BS, Electrical Engineering 1975Wright SECOND Everett D. Jolley BS, Interdisciplinary Studies 2001Wright SECOND Khalisha E. Jolley BS, Criminal Justice 2002Wright SECOND Cornelius V. Jolley BS, Agricultural Sciences; MS 2004, 2006Wright SECOND xandelyn B. Wright BS, Interdisciplinary Studies 2008Wright SECOND William R. White BS, Agricultural Sciences 1993Wright SECOND Deborah E. Wright BS, Social Welfare 1978Wright SECOND David Wright BS, Government and Public Affairs 1980Wright SECOND Albert C. Wright BS, Mechanical Engineering 1984Wright SECOND Betty L. Wright BS, Agricultural Sciences 1984Wright SECOND Travis Wright BS, Political Science 1990

YOUNG FIRST Cresa Young --- ---Young SECOND Theodore, Jr. Lenox --- 1950Young SECOND Anne Lenox --- ---Young THIRD Michelle Lenox --- 1979

FAMILY NAME GENERATION FIRST NAME LAST NAME DEGREE YEAR


Since 1913, Tennessee State University has graduated 14 members of the Love family in 14 different areas. But what makes TSU so loveable to the Love family?

The Rev. Harold Moses Love Jr., a member of the third generation, said “TSU provided a sense of belonging, acceptance and a family outside of my immediate one, not to mention a quality education.”

Over the past nine decades, members of the Love family have shared the great legacy of attending Tennessee State University for secondary and higher education. The legacy reaches as far back as great-grandparents who graduated from Tennessee State A&I Normal School to great-grandchildren who 90 years later are now attending TSU.

The entire Love family has supported Tennessee State University over the years by implementing several programs beneficial to the university, including founding a chapter of the TSU National Alumni Association in Washington D.C. and making annual gifts to the TSU Foundation. But one Love, in particular, has made landmark contributions to the university’s success.

An alumnus of the class of 1939, Harold Moses Love, Sr. generated millions of dollars for the university while serving as a charter member of the Metro Council and as a 24-

year state representative for the 54th District of Tennessee. He also served as president of the TSU National Alumni Association for six consecutive years – the individual to serve longest in TSU alumni history. Today, the Learn-ing Resource Center, one of the old-est buildings on TSU’s campus, set in the historic corridor and designated by the Tennessee Historic Society, is named in his honor.

Harold Love’s wife, Mary Love, a 1952 graduate of the university, is currently the director of Trio Programs at TSU, and has worked at the university for 55 years. The program prepares students for academic success by providing tutorial services, the Talent Search program and Upward Bound. Mrs. Love also served as a math professor at TSU teaching from 1956 to 1973.

Harold Moses Love, Jr. earned a bache-lor’s degree in economics and finance in 1994 and is now working toward a Ph.D. in public administration.

“My future plans include serving the TSU community in any capacity that will help foster a positive image for the university,” he said. Currently, Love Jr. also serves as pastor at Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Nashville.

Although the majority of graduates from the Love family do not currently reside in Nashville, they have taken their love for the university with them. Joseph Alvin Love, younger brother of Harold Love, Sr. and one

of the five children from the second generation who attended TSU, said, “The desire, drive and dedication that the engineering department at TSU showed me still lives on and is well remembered and admired by me each day of my life.”

Joseph Alvin Love and his wife, Lucy Love, also a graduate of TSU, currently reside in Brandy-Wine, Md., a city outside Washington, D.C. Joseph and Lucy were both founders of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the TSU National Alumni Association.

The Love family has certainly em-braced the university. Christiane Buggs, daughter of Chrystal Cunning-ham and the first from the Love’s fourth generation to attend TSU said, “I have always heard good things about TSU. My mom always talks about the fam-ily that TSU provided for her and her four siblings who attended.” Buggs is a 2007 graduate with a degree in phys-ics at TSU.

The TSU graduates from the Love family are: Lillian Adams Love (1916), and her children, Harold (Mary), Arnold, Joseph Alvin (Lucy), Lillian and Modestine Love; Harold and Mary Love’s children: Chrystal Love Cunningham, Candyce A. Love, Cheryl Love Harris, Carolyn A. Love and Harold M. Love, Jr.; and now Chrystal’s daughter, Christiane L. Buggs. Cheryl’s son, W. Kendall Butler, is now a junior at TSU.

*Special submission to Alumni Life magazine

A Generational


*Copyright, EBONY.com, March 6, 2012. All rights reserved. The following article and photo is a reprint from EBONY.com, March 6, 2012.

When Dr. Theophilus B. Boyd III and his wife, Yvette, speak about their family, images of the Huxtables come to mind.

“When our kids were growing up it was a lot of fun. It was a very busy, very active household,” Dr. Boyd recalls. “Let’s see, it would be me, my wife, three kids, often their friends, 16 goldfish, one rabbit, and something like a rat…whatever it was, I made my son keep it in a cage in his room!” Today the Boyds have four adult children: Theophilus B. IV, 41, works in finance; LaDonna, 27, named “Miss Black Tennessee” in 2010, received her M.B.A. from Tennessee State University; Shalae, 24, is a senior at Tennessee State University and Justin, 21, is a junior there.

Few African American families can relish in their history like the Boyds. For them, fertile ground was laid, and the dream and the hope of the slave was planted. The family owns R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation in Nashville, Tennessee, the largest publishing center in the Southeast. Their lineage is one of desire, common sense, hard-work, self-determination and, as a result, four generations of prosperity. The Boyd dynasty is a rich story, from “way back.” They have been in

business for 116 years! Richard Henry Boyd, for whom the company is now named, was born a slave. He could not read. He could not write. Yet this did not stop him from seeing the light of opportunity when there was one. After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and he “won” his freedom, he fearlessly pursued the sides of himself that were not allowed to exist in the mind of a slave. “My great grandfather wanted to explore life beyond his preset boundaries,” says Dr. Boyd. After moving to Texas he worked as a cowboy, a foreman at sawmills, and he learned to read and write. Dr. Boyd continues, “When he became a preacher, he found that in his readings there was nothing that reflected his [Black American] religious experience.”

Richard Henry respected the impor-tance of being able to see one’s self reflected in the imagery of the word. He reacted as any good publishing mind would: he responded to a need. “He gathered all the people he could

find who were edu-cated and had biblical

knowledge, and they be-gan to write religious texts

for African Americans.” Dr. Boyd continues, “This is how many Blacks learned to read.”

The sweet smell of success has followed the Boyd family through four generations of higher education and effective organizing. It has not been without hard work that this legacy has maintained. “I didn’t grow up with this sort of privilege. My family was what I would call, ‘comfortable,’” says Mrs. Boyd. “Being in the Boyd family has afforded me better things in life, but I always remain humble. You can go to the doctor one day and everything could change.” Mrs. Boyd ensured her children understood this. “I always kept my kids grounded,” she says. “They grew up in a White neighborhood, but they led a Black lifestyle. I made sure that they knew they were blessed, and they were not to take these blessings for granted.”

The Boyds look forward to their children’s succession. “You want the legacy to continue, but you have to give your children some rope and let them figure it out”, Mrs. Boyd says. “In life, you have to love what you do.”

TheCoolest Black Family in America, No. 3*

MEET THE BOYDS OF NASHVILLE, TENNESSEEBY JOICELYN DINGLEEBONY.com Contributing Writer


ALUMNIEmanuel J. Abston, 1962Eric J. Abston, 2002Michele L. Adcock, 1992Cornelia R. Adkins, 1952Barbara Ann S. Akins, 1966William R. Akins, 1973Nathaniel Albritton, 1975Raymond Albritton, 1972Larry W. Alderson, 1999Sandra Aldridge, 1964Georgia Y. Alexander, 1971Robert A. Alexander, 1973Velma G. Alexander, 1951Mildred H. Alford, 1951Lenora Allen, 1969Lytle E. Allen, III, 1962Michelle L. Allen, 1998Kimberly D. Alston, 2000George L. Altman, 1955Wanda W. Amos, 1999Ann M. Anderson, 1985Charlotte A. Anderson, 1986Vivian L. Andoh, 1964Anonymous, 1950Anonymous, 1972Anonymous, 1958Joseph L. Anthony, 1954Marjorie J. Anthony, 1955Beverly C. Armstead, 1959Jo Ann Armstrong, 1959Jonica N. Armstrong, 2003Mary L. Armstrong, 1957Regina F. Armstrong, 1988Catherine K. Armwood, 2007Gloria Arrington, 1951Jane P. Asamani, 1993Karen J. W. AshleyMichelle R. Ashley, 2008Ronald L. Ashley, 1980Henry A. Atwater, II, 1972Ronda R. Atwater, 1992Dwan D. Austin, 1990Sonya Y. Avery, 1993Dorothy J. Backey, 1971

Frances N. Bailey, 1955Louise M. Baker, 1973Peggy N. Baker, 1982Debora R. Baldwin, 1987Franklin L. Ballard, Jr., 1985Juanita S. Ballard, 1961Lia Banks, 2001Sharon S. Banks, 1973Esther R. Baptiste, 2003Shirley Barbee, 1982Christopher J. Barber, 2011John J. Barfield, IV, 1999Pamela A. Barfield, 1991Trena L. Barksdale, 2009Loran G. Barnes, 1975Beverly B. Barton, 1965Patience M. Barton, 2004Mary D. Basil, 1992Estelle Baskerville Diehl, 1969Eleanor S. Bass, 1975Freeman BassJames I. Bass, 1962Charmin A. Bates, 2009Brandon O. Bather, 2011Henry E. Beach, 1959Cassandra E. Beal, 1981Antoine M. Bean, 2001Dwight L. Beard, 1974Phillip Beene, 1977Dwayne L. BellEdward D. Bell, 1962Jennifer Bell, 2005John L. BellSharita E. Bell, 1992Thomas A. Bell, 1971Woodrow Bell, 1967Kenneth Benion, 1981Arthur Benjamin, Jr., 1959Pamela J. Bennett, 1982Lawrence H. Benning, 1959Crishonda BerkleyDennis A. Berry, 1982Isaac H. Berry Joy E. Berry, 2009Joseph P. Bertrand, 1991

William H. Bigham, 1980Marjorie A. Billups, 1961Jayna M. Binion, 2003Yildiz B. Binkley, 1994Mark A. Bishop, 1971Dorothy F. V. Black, 1958Melvin C. Black, 1960Reece A. Black Dallas Blackman, 1965Edward S. Blackman Olivia P. Blackman, 1965Annette R. Bland, 1976Jahnita L. Blanton, 1981Deirtra B. Bledsoe, 1980Arnett H. Bodenhamer, 1997Sabrina M. Boges-Krull, 1995James O. Bolden, 1979Kasi L. BoldenClyde W. Bolds, 1959Corhonda D. Bolton, 1996Carol G. Bompart, 1984Andrew Bond, 1948Bonetta J. Bond, 1976Clyde Bond, 1987Clyde L. Bond, Jr., 1987Gladys S. Bond, 1957Lia N. Bond, 1999Mattie L. Bond Sam Bone, Jr., 1958Krystal T. Bonner Marvin L. Boomer, Jr., 2007Rosa N. Boone, 2004Ralph H. Boston, 1962Samuel E. Boswell, 1970Gwendolyn L. Bowen, 1962Gaynell R. Bowman, 1993Lillie D. Bowman, 1945Mary S. Boyd, 1969T B. Boyd, III, 1969William M. Boyd, 1945Yvette J. Boyd, 1973Everett L. Boyer, 1969Shirley M. Boyer, 1969Barbara Bozeman, 1970Robert L. Brack, 1966

Demetrius Braddock, 2008Bruce D. Bradford, 1970Patricia Bradford, 1971Rhonda A. BradleyJoerald D. Branch, 1980Katie P. Brandon, 1957Traci S. Braswell, 2003Dow T. Braziel, 1973Rosie M. Brewster-Crowder, 1966Revlon S. Briggs, 1991Philip D. Briley, 2010Charles H. Brinkley, Sr.Frank D. Brinkley, 1963Linda P. Brinkley, 1965Mamie A. Brinkley, 1974Velma S. Brinkley, 1965Genevieve Brinkley-Johnson, 1993Patricia H. Brock, 1971Debora D. Brockington, 1977Jerome Broner, 1988George E. Brooks, 1968Vivian L. Brooks, 1960Deiadra D. Brown, 2006Elizabeth Brown, 1991Freda D. Brown, 1999Hodari P. Brown, 2008Jean W. Brown, 1968Jerome Brown, 1968Karl R. Brown, 1978Kathy Brown, 1993Monique S. Brown, 1993Orlando V. Brown, II, 1991Patricia A. Brown, 1972Sue J. Brown, 1958Toni R. BrownVictoria W. Brown, 1969Virgenia S. Brown, 1991William R. Brown, 1967Loretta A. H. Browning, 1986Camille L. Brunson, 2011Hattie C. Bryant, 1949Jewel E. Bryant Latoyia G. Bryant, 1998Ottie A. Bryant, 1966Yvonne N. Bryant, 1961

Reva C. Buckley, 1970William R. Buckley, 1960Casandra Y. BuffordSamuel Bufford, 1964Rosalyn E. Buford, 1970Tiyana R. Bullock, 2004Francis L. Burgess, Jr., 1992Anthony E. Burke, 1969Susie H. Burke, 1957Erika R. Burnett, 2007Elana T. Burton, 2006Roderick N. Burton, 1980Sheri L. Burton, 1992Eleanor F. Bush, 1948Franchata A. Bush, 1999Arlena S. Bussey, 1977Cornelia Butler, 1988Genetta C. Butler, 1979Jerry Butler, 1980Tasha Butler, 1989Alfonza Butts, 1951Andrea C. Byrd, 2004John Cade, 1998Jacquelyn B. Caffey, 1959Kathleen S. Caldwell, 1974Terrence G. Caldwell, 2005Thomas E. Caldwell, 1988Carmelia Cammons-Brooks, 1980Ardell E. Campbell, 1974Carla T. Campbell, 1993Charles A. Campbell, 1974Clifton T. Campbell, 1961Jacquelyn Campbell, 1970James D. Campbell, 1975Jessie G. Campbell, 1962Lee G. Campbell, 1996Stanley Campbell, 1980Whitney R. Campbell, 2011Reginald D. Cannon, 1996Roland A. Carey, 1991Michael E. Carn, 1982Rosalyn D. Carpenter, 1988Donnell Carr, 1965Melvin Carr, 1987Stone N. Carr, 1954

TSU Alumni

HoNor roLL of doNorsWe salute the alumni who have so generously provided financial contributions to the Tennessee State University Foundation during the period from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Each gift is greatly appreciated and put to good use providing scholarships, enhancing academic programs and supporting university operations.

*NOTE: Names in bold/italics are President’s Society donors who contributed $1,000.00 or more during this period. If you have any questions, please contact the TSU Foundation at 615.963.5481.



Linda P. Carson, 1976Cleo Carter, 1979Dennis C. Carter, 1977Laura O. Carter, 2010Tracey B. Carter, 2005Warrick L. Carter, 1964Mary Carver-Patrick, 1969Iris V. Catchings, 1955Felicia A. Champion, 2006Sharon L. Chance, 2005Sarah M. Chatman, 1980Brittani D. Chavious, 2009Eryka M. Cheatham, 2004Chandra Cheeseborough, 1982Mary E. B. Churchwell, 1964Robert Churchwell, Jr., 1975Delphine E. Claggion, 1977Clydell Clark, 1972Dorothye B. Clark, 1955Gregory A. Clark, 1987Thomas A. Clark, Jr., 1971Sharon Claxton-Bommer, 1996Gilbert E. Clay, 1986James F. Clayborne, Jr., 1985Lashun Clayton, 1981Patricia Clayton, 1976Terry R. Clayton, 1980Dorothy H. Cleaves, 1979Charles A. Clement, 1984Bennie R. Clements, 1960Evelyn Cleveland, 1969Joseph R. Cleveland, 1968Kina N. Cleveland, 2001Tonya S. Cliff, 2003Shirley C. Clowney, 1960Margaret A. Cobbs, 1961Trehon Cockrell-Coleman, 2010Sophia Coger Atkins, 1960Charles F. Cole, 1960Claude L. Cole, 1952Deborah A. Cole, 1974Eddie R. Cole, 2007Alfred E. Coleman, 1957Delise M. Coleman, 1982Rosa H. Coleman, 1967Vicki A. Coleman, 1992Golaree O. Coles, 1951Brenda Y. Collier, 2003Clifton Collier, 1976Curtis Collier, 1971Andrea E. Collins, 1977Juel P. Collins, 1955Lawrence F. Collins, Jr., 1966Regina F. Collins, 1965Walter Collins, 1960Sammy Comer, 1972Clarence T. Conner, 1970Emmett L. Conner, 1983Ralph D. Cook, Sr., 1964Helen P. Cooke, 1952Longino A. Cooke, Jr., 1951Morris Cooke Elizabeth Walton Cooksey, 1963Wilmer Cooksey, Jr., 1965Mary A. Copeland, 2007

Roshawnda D. Corn, 1995Walter W. Corn, 2001Joe L. Cornelius, 1968Sally K. Cothron, 1972Jewell B. Cousin, 1958ShaShawn C. Covington, 2011Terri L. Covington, 1981Christine L. Craig, 1960Evelyn L. Crain Parker, 1966Julia Ma Crain, 1968Alva J. Crawford, 1961Alvin H. Crawford, 1960James E. Crawford, 1973Jewel Crawford, Sr., 1968Walter Crawford, 1953Kristina M. Crocker, 2011Dominique R. Cromartie, 2009Charles E. Croney, 1967Patricia A. Crook, 1973Jonathan E. Croom, 1983John S. Cross, 1983Nancy S. Cross, 2005Adrena M. Crowder, 1995Fannie Crowder, 1975Latoria L. Crowder, 2005Lavenia T. Crutcher, 1986Carl S. Crutchfield, 2004Carlsie L. Crutchfield, 2003Mary Inez G. Crutchfield, 1947Madelyn M. Culp, 1968Eddie Cummings, 1972Betty B. Cunningham, 1955Eloise B. Cunningham, 1954Morris Cunningham, 1967Murdine Cunningham, 2007Ronald S. Cunningham, 1968Charles A. Curry, 1969Pamela Curry, 1972Brenda S. Cuyler, 1985Segilola A. Da Silva, 2009Carlo R. Dade, 1970Daisy T. Dailey, 1965Steven D. Dailey, 1964Gladys L. Dalton, 2011Tamarak S. Daniels, 1982Timothy L. Daniels, 2011David E. Danner, 1991Hattie C. Dansby, 1943Jesse L. Dansby, Jr., 1964Cathleen Davidson, 1967Billie J. Davis Casandra N. Davis, 2001Cedric D. Davis, 2004David G. Davis, 1971Edgar J. Davis, 1970Erika L. Davis, 2002Ernest A. Davis, Jr., 1968George L. Davis, Jr., 1981Jimmy F. Davis, 1971Jo Ann Davis Leroy Davis, 2001Lynne M. Davis, 1975Mary C. Davis, 1966Nivia D. Davis, 2003Shaundra D. Davis, 1993

Sylvester Davis, 1955Zipporah L. Davis, 1988Sherita G. Dawkins, 1994Keri L. Day, 2002Warren E. Dean, V, 2011Taurus G. Deberry, 1995Marion H. Delk, 1971Raymond L. Delk, 1965Fanniel L. Demarks, 1982Richard A. Dent, 1965Mary F. Derricks, 1971Bianca W. Devones, 1980Rebecca A. Dickerson, 2011Jittaun A. Dill, 1992Billy R. Dillard, Jr., 1990Ivano Dillard, 1973Marilyn W. Dillard, 1991Curtis L. Dillihunt, 1966Edward DixonAngela V. Dobbins, 1984Charles M. Dodd, 1983Howard T. Dodd, 1977John R. Dodds, 1962Tinna Dodson, 1998Kenneth L. Dollar, 1969Jacquelyn M. Donaldson, 2002Virginia S. Donaldson, 1950Larry Dorsey, 1975Amelia J. Dortch, 1965Heyward Dortch, 1966Willey J. Doughty, 1982Lady E. Drake, 1958Arthur Drayton, 1966Darrell A. Drumwright, 1997Brigit M. Dubois, 1996Netera M. Dunia, 1973J C. DunlapJames L. Dunn, 1953Leonard D. Dunn, 1951Rhonda C. Dunn, 1980Steven Dunn, 1984Gerry M. Dupree, 1982Dawnita J. Durrell, 1988Henry H. Durrell, 1951Edith M. Duvall, 1966James R. Ealey, Jr., 1966Peggy A. Earnest, 1973Brittney S. Edwards, 2011Kelvin C. Edwards, 1960Thedda A. Edwards, 1971Clara C. Elam Rodney Elam, 2001Nena F. El-Amin, 2003Patrice C. Elder, 2004Andrea J. Ellingen, 1989Aerial M. Ellis, 2004Gerald L. Ellis, 1958Marcus D. Ellis, 1994Yolanda ElstonWilson E. Ennis, Jr., 1982James M. Epperson, 1955Mary L. Ervin, 1952Carmen D. Euell, 2003Carrie E. Evans, 1950Elise R. Evans, 1967

Marvin S. Evans, Jr., 1983Robert L. Evans, 1973Evelina Ewell, 1975John W. Ewell, 1988Rosa M. Ewing, 1980Larculia V. Exum, 2000William E. Fain, 1962John L. Fair, Sr.Tracey L. Falls, 2009Fabian M. Farr, 1991Lena P. Farrell, 1947Harold F. Farrow, 1959Virginia B. Farrow, 1959Roosevelt Faulkner, 1989Kristal J. Fears, 2006Lashan K. Fells, 1994Keisha M. Felton, 1997Brenda Fennell, 1976Everett C. Fennell, 1974Edrick J. Ferguson, 1988Jameela Ferguson, 1996Aaron G. Fields, 2011Charles W. Fields, 1963Darren D. Fields, 1986Deartrest A. Fields, 1985Fonda Fields, 1999Renee V. Fields, 1978Billy Finch Courtney R. Finch, 2006William Finch, 1975Gilbert M. Fisher, III, 1959Charles K. Flack, 1984Mary J. Fletcher Herman Flora Gwendolyn B. Flowers, 1978Celestine V. Fludd, 1968Brandon E. Foley, 2008Julius K. Foley, 2004Bryant K. Ford, 1991Delphine E. Ford, 1980Nina S. Ford, 2003Tabitha M. Ford, 2011Adrian-Albert D. Foreman, 2004Centras L. Forney, 2003Anthony J. Forte, 2002Dwan D. Foster Eric L. Foster, 2007Ernestine Foster, 1961Myrna F. Foster, 1989Harrison S. Foy, 1971Yvette C. Frank, 1988Hardin C. Franklin, 1975Harry G. Franklin, Jr., 1965Joan E. Franklin, 1978Marian Franklin Penny L. Franklin, 1987Violet L. Franklin, 1951April L. Frazier, 2001Eddie G. Frazier, 1974Lachelle H. Fulford, 1993Catha Fuller, 1971Dellanita Fuqua, 1982Theresa Y. Fuqua, 1996Deshawn Futrell, 1994Alondra C. Gaines, 2001

Barbara E. Gaines Kay K. Gaines, 2003Terrance M. Gaines, 2001Thomas E. Gaiter, 1979George E. Ganaway, 1968April L. Gardner, 2006Maryum H. Gaskin Shakir, 1986Roselle K. Gause, 1973Carrie M. Gentry, 1958Howard C. Gentry, Jr., 1974Iris R. Gibbs, 1980Nathaniel Gibson, 1962Harold W. Gilbert, 1972Richard H. Giles, 1967Shaun R. Giles, 2001Sherpri G. Giles, 2004Eugene Gillen, 1992Evelyn B. Gilliam, 1955Delores S. Ginyard, 1953William S. Gittens, 1991Brian L. Gladney, 1997Luvell L. Glanton, 1980Ernestine P. Glass, 1958Roderick J. Glatt, 1991Gloria J. Glenn, 1958Mildred J. Goines, 1949Erica M. Goings, 2001Judy C. Goldthree, 1976Edward Gooding, III, 1974Eric Goodrich, 1973Calin D. Goolsby, 1996Frankie F. Goolsby, 1998Alfred H. Gordon, 1972Eleanor A. Gordon, 1956Henry R. Gordon, 1956Kristan D. Gordon, 2004Voncile B. Gowdy, 1966Leatrice C. Gradford, 1970Eddie L. Gragg, 1974Andrea A. Graham, 1989Dorothy S. Granberry, 1966Juana L. Granberry, 1978Maurice L. Granger, 1999Edward L. Graves, 1962Veronica Graves, 1999Louis F. Gray, Jr., 1960Patricia S. Greathouse, 1976Augustine C. Green, 1967Christopher L. Green, 1997Gene Green, 1970Marlah D. Green, 1994Melonie J. Green, 2000Pearlette K. Green Richard L. Green, 1963Terrance L. Green, 1989Martin D. Greene Robert Greene, 1975Brenda G. Green-Ellington, 1986Adonna M. Green-Kersey, 1978Delores B. Greer, 1962Jimmy D. Greer, 1972Tiashi R. Greer, 2011Kenitra Greer-Henderson Valeria Greer-Oliver, 1971Dinah Gregory, 1979

��ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition


Arthur J. Griffa, 1957Betty Griffin, 1966Bobby L. Griffin, 1963Janeen R. Griffin, 2008Robert E. Griffin, 1961Cassandra L. Griggs, 1993Pamela J. Grigsby Jerlene GrimesJames Oliver Gross, 1967Arena K. Groves, 1960Rebecca J. Groves, 1982Francis S. Guess, 1972Charles E. Haley, II, 1975Dorothy L. Hall, 1947Dymetrice N. Hall, 2006Rayburn M. Hall, 1998George A. Halliburton, 1949Jeffery Hamer, 1981Lajuana M. Hamer, 1984Alberta D. Hamilton, 1959Charles F. Hamilton, 1959Adrienne J. Hampton, 1993Shenitha S. Hampton, 2000Richard V. Hancock Kimberly M. Hanserd, 1996Jalilah Haqq William E. Harbour, 1964Robert S. Hardin, 1964Betty B. Hardnett, 1963Samuel K. Hargrove, 1985Carletta J. Harlan, 1969Lois J. Harlston, 1971Barbara J. Harper, 2006Thelma C. Harper, 1978Benjamin R. Harrell, 1970Tabitha A. Harris Horton, 1999Angela C. Harris, 1978Bobby Harris, 1946Carol D. Harris, 1980Crystal Harris, 1988Darlene Harris, 1981Erma L. Harris, 1990Gwendolyn K. Harris, 1970Howard E. Harris, 1969Jo Carole Harris, 1961Lakeithrick Harris, 2003Marcos S. Harris, 1998Nathaniel E. Harris, 1974Steven C. Harris, 1971Vincent Harris, 1982Floyd H. Harrison, Jr., 1959Latoya G. Harrison, 1974Darlene G. Harris-Vasser, 1980Roxanne H. Hatter, 1993Lorenzo L. Hayden Anita H. Hayes, 1990Deborah L. HayesSherrae M. Hayes, 2008Veronica Y. Hayes-Johnson, 2002Ann H. Haynes, 1953Jacqueline J. Haynes, 1984James L. Haynes, Sr., 1958La Pearl Haynes, 1955Madeline A. Haynes, 1951William C. Haynes, 1983

Mildred B. Hays, 1946William F. Hayslett, Sr., 1973Patricia F. Heath, 1967William F. Hegger, 1974Mary F. Helm, 1966Lemarcus W. Hemphill, 2004Doris B. Henderson, 1952Franklin J. Henderson, 1960Joyce L. Henderson, 1971Roneiko Henderson-Beasley, 1992Ruby J. Henry, 1961Rafael Hernandez, Jr., 1963Victor E. Herrmann, III, 1990Daniel A. Hibbert, 2009Latessa Hickerson, 1996Ashsha S. Hickey-Hughes, 2004Thelma B. Hicks, 1959Marian A. Higginbotham, 1970Andre R. Hill, 2007Catherine W. Hill, 1965Cheryl M. Hill, 1987Deretha Hill Eleanor R. Hill, 1970Jacqueline E. Hill, 1968Jamela S. Hill, 1994Jayne C. Hill, 1998Lester M. Hill Logan M. Hill, 1966Cheryll E. HincksonBetty H. Hines, 1968ChaVon F. Hines, 2011Clora B. Hixon, 1951Herbert D. Hobson, 1971Tanyel K. Hobson, 2000Anna M. Hodges, 1953Dollie J. Hodges, 1998Fredricka A. Hodges, 1960Kasheena Hollis, 2005Marilyn C. Holloman, 1977Kalandra S. Holloway, 2005Linda D. Holloway, 1971Frank Holmes, III, 1973Laurence H. Holmes, Sr., 1955Michael G. Holmes, 1973Daniel L. Holt, 2005Sandra Holt, 1971Charles E. Hopkins, III, 1981Napoleon Hornbuckle, 1964Walter R. Horton, 1980Harvey E. Hoskins, 1973Carl E. House, 1963Gina V. Houston, 2004Mary Houston, 1968Robert L. Houston, 1970John T. Howard, Jr., 1993Ralph A. Howard, Jr., 1987Cindy Howell-Steele, 1977Dorothy A. Hoyett, 1999Charles R. Hudson, 1956Dericka L. Hudson, 2011Ola G. Hudson, 1951Sandra W. Hudson, 1961Betty A. Huey, 1994Evelyn B. Hughes, 1961George M. Hughes, 1961

Karla Y. Hughes, 1998Mack E. Hughes, 1971Denese Hulbert, 1980George Hull, Jr., 1949Jewell N. Hull, 1954Robert V. Hunt, 1971Sandra D. Hunt, 1971Bertha E. Hunter, 1957Georgia C. Hunter, 1955Joann Hunter, 1977Toiya P. Hunter, 1998Derrick M. Hurst, 2006Pamela J. Hurst, 1988Sharon W. Hurt, 1979Clara L. Hutchings, 1971Erick E. Huth, 2006Ezzard C. Ingram, 1974Luster D. Ingram, 1987Sterling Ingram, 1966Sybil Ingram-Campbell, 1982Brittany C. Irby, 2007Frank S. Irlinger, 1992Russell E. Irvin, 1976Frances Isabel, 1965Jamie D. Isabel, 1989Roy J. Isabel, 1964Ada W. Jackson, 1959Allen M. Jackson, Jr., 1997Cynthia D. Jackson, 2001Elvie Jackson, 2005Eunice R. Jackson, 1969Frederick R. Jackson, 1982Hugh C. Jackson, 1972James C. Jackson, 1965James H. Jackson, Jr., 1973Jeanetta W. Jackson, 1997Juanita L. P. Jackson, 1963Julius L. Jackson Richard E. Jackson, Sr., 2005Tempestt L. Jackson, 2007Thomas A. Jackson, 1951Beverly L. Jacobs, 1971Jaleeca L. Jacobs, 2010Frances Jacox, 1953Jesse C. James, 1973Carolyn D. Jamison, 1983Janet M. Jamison, 1989Andrea E. Jarmon, 1991Lesli M. JarrettAngie K. Jefferson, 1996Keith D. Jefferson, 1996Ivy Y. Jeffries, 1991Lillian T. Jeffries, 1960Adrienne C. Jenkins, 2007Joseph W. Jenkins, Jr., 1963Tiffini R. Jenkins, 2007Rebecca L. Jennings, 1951Christopher C. Jett, 2003Constance M. Jobe, 2005Robert A. Jobe, 2002Cuba S. Johnson, Jr., 1965Delores I. Johnson, 1987Doretha M. Johnson, 1976Dwight Johnson, 1989Edward B. Johnson, Jr., 1984

Felicia D. Johnson, 1983Gearldean Johnson, 1967Gloria C. Johnson, 1970Harvey Johnson, Jr., 1968Jerry D. Johnson, II, 2008Karen D. JohnsonKenneth L. Johnson, 1987Lasean Johnson, 2011Rossie Johnson, III, 1962Shelia Johnson Shirley G. Johnson, 1965Tamara M. Johnson, 1996William I. Johnson, 1965Alisha C. Jones, 2011Carolyn C. Jones, 1990Chinita F. Jones, 2008Elana R. Jones, 1984Elmer D. Jones, 1965Evelyn G. Jones, 1973Floyd J. Jones, 1953Fred Jones, 1963Fred Jones, Jr., 1996George Jones, 1965Gladys A. Jones, 2007Ladale Jones, 1964Lewis Jones Louise C. Jones, 1950Mia A. Jones, 1991Ricky L. Jones, 1982Sandra P. Jones, 1965Shana L. Jones, 2002Timothy Jones, 1991Tosha R. Jones, 2004William Jones, Jr.Audwin S. Jordan Catherine S. Jordan, 1954Cornelious Jordan, 1979Lewis Jordan, Jr., 1967Linda C. Jordan, 2011Susan A. Jordan, 1974Valencia L. Jordan, 1997Vanessa C. Jordan, 1981Carolyn J. Joy, 1988Willa Joyce, 1995William M. Joyce, Jr., 1984Denandrea R. Joyner, 2009John W. Joyner, 1960Kenneth Judge, 1981Rosa Judge, 1983Prem S. Kahlon, 1979Beatrice Keel, 1959Henderson S. Kelly, 1991Marlo D. Kemp, 1989Monica A. Kemp, 1997Nicole M. Kendall, 2005Titilayo T. Kendrick, 2003Murle E. Kenerson, 1997Lynn E. Kennedy, 1977Fakhre A. Khan, 2003Gary M. Kiev, 1984Jenifer J. Kimbel, 2011Blondell S. Kimbrough, 1964Charles E. Kimbrough, 1956Edith W. Kimbrough, 1959Emmett N. Kimbrough, 1965

Anthony E. King, 1959Barbara G. King, 1968Bethany King, 1998Bettye G. King, 1985George A. King Michele K. King, 1980Reginia M. King, 2001Arthur H. Kinnard, Jr., 1955Connie W. Kinnard, 1994Matthew A. Kinnard, 1957Ervin L. Kinsey, 1967Annie R. Kinzer, 1992Evell Knight, 1955Anthony B. Knowles, 1951Deidre C. Lackey, 1985Lafayette Lacy, 1954Lawrence Lacy, 1996Cletonya K. Lagrand, 1995Latangela D. Laing, 2000Johnnie Lake Eddie L. Lambert, 1970Julie K. Lammel, 1973Cornell D. Lane, 1962Mary B. Lanier, 1958Helen G. Lathan, 1958Linda A. Latter, 2006Archilene T. Lauderdale, 1987Teresa Lawrence-Phillips, 1999Caron M. Lay, 1998Belinda T. Lee, 2003Burrell L. Lee, Jr., 1959Wilson Lee, 2007Robynn P. LemonMinnie L. Lemons, 1957Mable H. Leung, 1993Angela D. Lewis, 1978Delorse Lewis, 1966Floretta W. Lewis, 1960Frank J. Lewis, Sr., 1950Victoria R. LewisElva M. Lewis-Simpson, 1988Hayat A. Liban, 2011Frederick J. Liggin, 1989Megan E. Lightford, 2006Leo K. Lillard, 1961Thomas R. Lipscomb, 1985Patricia A. Livingston, 1988Rian Livisay, 1997Nan M. Lloyd, 1957William R. Locke, Sr., 1965Aeolian E. Lockert, Jr., 1949Sylvia J. Locklayer, 1978Angela S. Lockridge, 1994Dorothy D. Lockridge, 1968Leandrea C. Lockridge, 1999Malcolm A. Lockridge, 1990William B. Lockridge, 1967Marguerite I. Lofstrom, 2004Ollie R. Lofton, 1961Tareon J. Lofton, 2007Hillard London, 1962Deborah B. Long, 1984Eva P. Long, 1993Sherreese G. Long-Dones, 2004Kenny J. Looney, 1995



Clevetta Lott-Evans, 1966Caralyn A. Love, 1989Dominique A. Love, 2011Edward E. Love Harold M. Love, Jr., 1994Janice E. Lovell, 1995Derek J. Lovett, 2007Nathan Lovett, Jr., 1980Patricia L. Luckett, 1975David Lunsford, 2004Fredia E. Lusk, 1969Roosevelt Luster, III, 1997Paul E. Luter, 1982Tony R. Lyons, 1980Wilbrena V. Lyons-Thomas, 1989Valerie D. Mabon, 1984Altovise C. MacGruder, 1997Anthony Mack, 1965Rita B. Mack, 1966Felicia A. Mackey, 1982Frederick A. Magby, 1997Helen S. Magee, 1951Victoria S. Magee, 1979Sascha N. Mallicott, 2010Teresa M. Malone, 1979Eloise D. Manning, 1977Jerrilyn R. Manning, 1979Robynne Manning, 1996Tommie C. Manning, 1952Tamerah L. Marable, 2011Alvin W. Marley, 1968Jennifer A. Marsh, 2005Espinola S. Marshall, 1971Frank T. Martin, 1973Ida K. Martin, 1951Iona B. Martin, 1982Kenneth F. Martin, 1989Peggy J. Martin, 1972Travis L. Martin, 1998Tiffani G. Martin-Talley, 2002Loretta L. Mason, 1980Norma Mason, 1997Shawn D. Massey, 2002George E. Matthews, 1976Mal M. Matthews, 1991Boncille MattoxTheodis Maxey, 1976Joseph S. May, 1966Patricia E. May, 1973Barbara Mayberry, 1963Lenaye B. Mayfield, 1963Brenda S. McAdory, 1988Reney M. McAtee, 2005Lauvern S. McBee, 1955Tracey McBride-Lusk, 1994James M. McCarroll, 1999Willie McCladdie, III, 1972Rosalind R. McCleary, 1989Stacey L. McCleary, 1992Victor A. McCleary, 1992Jeanna L. McClure Betty B. McCollum, 1966Shenita A. McConis, 2004Alicia McCord-Estes, 1974Edward M. McCree, Jr., 1981

Frederick D. McCuiston, Jr., 1961Marian R. McDonald, 1965Evanda A. McDowell, 1981Tiffany M. McEvans, 2000Nicola D. McGee, 2005Winston McGill, 1982J W. McGuire, 1978Hattie L. McKay, 1952Kenneth M. McKay, 1951Tonya K. McKennley, 1994Charles E. McKenzie, 1960Doris L. McKinley, 1952Christopher L. McKinnie, 1979Gloria H. McKissack Thomas E. McKissack, 1982Eunice M. McKnight, 1971Tara McKnight, 2003Mia McNeil, 2001Judith O. McPherson, 1972Jerrold E. McRae, Sr., 1978Joni McReynolds, 1979Lorene McReynolds, 1949Charles L. McTorry, 1973Paul E. Meacham, 1957Cheryl R. Meadows, 1970Luis Melecio, 1983Norely Melecio, 1988Norman L. Merrifield, 1998Helena H. Merritt, 1955Jamye M. Merritt, 1985Jacqueline F. Merritt, 1987Vera P. Merritt, 1956Edward D. Merriweather, 1957Janet M. Merriwether, 1978Fred Metcalf, 1960Marshun Middleton, 1994Tamara Y. Miles, 1987Terry W. Miles, 1987Sharon Miller Mary E. Mills, 1950Walter A. Milton, 1992Patrena F. Minter, 1990Cicely F. Mitchell, 2000Gregory A. MitchellLashelle J. Mitchell, 2011Logan T. Mitchell, 1957Mattie Mitchell, 1955Kelli T. Molette, 1987Darius R. Montgomery, Jr., 2008Eleanor I. Montgomery, 1969Johnny E. Moon, Jr., 1961Alfred Moore, Jr., 1997Clara S. Moore, 1958Frankie Moore Gwendolyn W. Moore, 1960Joan F. Moore, 1962Juanita G. Moore, 1951Marshall Moore, 1966Martez D. Moore, 2001Navery C. Moore, Sr., 1966Nellie F. Moore, 1964Rhonda P. Moore, 1977Sandra L. Moore, 1976Willie A. Moore, Jr., 1956Horace E. Moorman, 1968

Lawrence A. Moorman, 1958Wanda B. Morant, 1969Donna M. Moreland, 1984Keith E. Morgan, 2004Kelly D. MorganMarsha T. Morgan, 2001Tangy C. Morgan, 1981Barbara Morrow, 1964Gwendolyn L. Morrow, 1950Regina C. Morrow, 1976Darryl D. Morton, 1998Erika N. Morton, 2005Christopher B. Mosby, 1997Dorothy D. Moseley, 1970Alfred L. Motlow, Sr., 1957Sebrina Moultrie-Wilson, 1981Edward Muirhead, 1966Barbara S. Mullins, 2005Levia A. Mullins, 2001Taunisha P. Murph, 2001Delphia D. Murphy, 2006Joyce J. Murphy, 1994Paula B. Murphy, 2011Valerie A. Murray, 1996Barbara C. Murrell, 1960Daphne W. Myers, 1994Dollene M. Myles, 1972Ronald F. Myles, 1981Jimmy Nalls, 1976Joseph T. Nash, 1970John L. Nathan, 1960Joyce E. Neal, 1990Harold Nero Jannie D. Nero, 1973Charles Nettles Dorthy Nettles Evelyn E. Nettles, 1972Dennis F. Newbern, 1979Ernest B. Newsom, 1960Nolia B. Newsom, 1961Donald W. Newton, 1971Lloyd W. Newton, 1966Donna R. Nichols, 1999Chlora P. Nicholson, 1960Anne T. Nixon, 1988Agatha L. Nolen, 2011Thelma H. Northern, 1956Ashley D. Northington, 2005Ben D. Northington, 1994Alexis D. Nunley, 1983Tracien C. Oates, 1945Gwendolyn Oatis-Neal, 1969James D. O’dneal, 1987Peter C. Odom, 1984Brittney N. Officer, 2008Erskine Oglesby, Jr., 1978Johnny O. Ojeshina, 1987Bobby L. Olive, 1968Clara C. Osborne, 1955William C. Osborne, 1995Amos L. Otis, 1965Christean B. Outlaw, 1960Kenneth B. Outlaw, 1987Chantilla L. Owens Novella M. Page, 1961

Clarence Palmer, 1972Mary A. Pangle Hortense Parham, 1962Ronald Parham, 1972Dewayne L. Parker, 2010George H. Parker, Jr., 1983Jaylyn R. H. Parker, 1994Sharon Parker Anita J. Parks, 1987David L. Parks, 1979Willie F. Parks, Jr., 1992Ronald G. Parr, 1972Nikki L. Parram, 1996Burrus ParrishJoyce Paschall, 1978Bharatkumar B. Patel, 1985Alfonza J. Patrick, 1966Gwendolyn F. Patrick, 1969Jo E. Patterson, 1975Larketta R. Patterson, 1987Dewitt C. Patton, 1963Martha L. Patton, 1963Trilby D. Patton, 1960Velma T. Patton, 1963James A. Paxman, 1993Dorothy Jean K. Payne, 1962Marvin T. Peebles, 1978Linda Pegues Wanda Pendergrass, 1973Charles L. Perincheif, Jr. Hazel F. Perry, 1960Henry T. Perry, 1974Joseph L. Perry, 1974Nathaniel Perry, Sr., 1955Willie D. Perry, 1976Thelma H. Person, 1975Sharon D. Peters, 2008Carlton H. Petway, Jr., 1988Patsy C. Petway, 1963Zandra R. Petway, 1989James E. Phillips, 1968Linda M. Phillips Ronald G. Pillow, 1999Barbara Jean A. Pinson, 1960Fredrica M. Piphus, 2008Jill E. Pitts, 1981Sharon Platt, 1978Sandra D. Pleas, 1975Cupid R. Poe, 1960Diana P. PoeJames B. Polite, 1991Andrea R. Polk, 2003Charlie W. Pope, Jr., 1963Jeff B. Pope, 1991Cassandra A. Porter, 1995Eddie L. Porter, Jr., 2011Marguerita L. Porter, 1993Mildred S. Porter, 1941Verdell Porter, 1973Aaron A. Powell, Sr., 1958Wallace B. Powers, 1957Felicia A. Pratt, 1987Martha M. Pratt, 1942Judith A. Presley, 1969Oliver W. Presley, 1970

Charlaine F. Price, 1970Nathan B. Pride, 1978Kelly J. Primus, 1990Robert Prince, 1960Dorothy Pritchett, 1963Karen L. Pritchett, 1988Carlton Pugh, 1993William Pugh Faye D. Pulse, 1992Jerome Puryear, Sr., 1959Samuel G. Puryear, Jr., 1992Charles E. Rachel, Jr., 1978Dave E. Ragland, 2000James E. Ragland, 1967Isa Rahman, 2003Mamie A. Rallins, 1976Leon Ramsey, 1972Nadine Ramsey Gregory Randolph, 1986Daryl M. Ransom, 2002Wayman A. RansomRaquel Ratchford, 1999Brittney T. Ray, 2010Melvin L. Ray, 2004Muriel D. Ray-Taylor, 1984Billy C. Reaves, 1974Richard L. Redmon, 1972FaTassia L. Reed, 2010Francesca S. Reed, 1996Jean G. Reed Roderick F. Reed, 1990Elaine D. Reese, 1970James L. Reese, Jr., 1969Allen D. Reynolds Kim A. Rheinheimer, 2011Algeleon P. Rhodes, 1965Wanda J. Rice, 2011William C. Rice, Jr., 1964Samuel E. Richardson, 1965Ariel S. Richmond, 2007Phyllis W. Richmond, 1980Lesia G. Riddick, 1997Jasmine N. Riley, 2011Emile D. Risby, 1978Thomas H. Riss, 2006Michelle C. Roach, 1991Iva J. Roberson, 1954Barbara L. Roberts, 1963Evelyn C. Robertson, Jr., 1962Hugholene E. Robertson, 1958Margaret R. Robertson, 1967Darlene D. Robinson, 1992Jacklene H. Robinson, 2006James M. Robinson, Sr., 1948Ricky Robinson, 1980Sally M. Robinson, 1964Stephanie D. Robinson, 2000Charles Rogers, 1957Kimberly A. Rogers, 1999Melvin D. Rogers, 1967Thelma L. Rogers, 1961Linda S. Roland, 1973Adrian A. Rolfe, 2000Jewell L. Rollen, Jr., 1972Bernice M. Rollins, 1974

�1ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition


Carole B. Rose, 1961Harold M. Rose, 1950Alexis D. Ross, 2011Torino C. Rowan, 1992Tiffany C. Rowe, 2003Sarah P. Rucker, 1958Patrice M. Rudolph, 1985Erica A. Russell, 2005Sylvia R. Russell, 1996Sharon L. Rutherford, 1997Princess Saavedra, 1948Verties Sails, III, 2002Hyrm L. Sain, 1994Yolanda D. Sales, 2007Kalisa R. Sampson, 2011Adrian D. Samuels, 2001Gloria D. Sanders, 1986Martin M. Sanders, 2009David W. Saunders, Sr., 1970Jerome C. Scales, 1969Nadine Scales, 1969Donnie L. Scantling, 1983Carlotta Schaffer, 1968Bernard Scott, Sr., 1971Cherelle M. Scott, 1992Jamil B. Scott, 2000Jonathan A. Scott, 1987Saundra S. Scott India K. Scruggs, 1995Vonda R. Scruggs, 1971Cleophus Scrutchions, Jr., 1959Frank Seales, Jr., 1974Charlie L. Sears, III, 1970Recco M. Seay, 2001Christopher W. Seibel, 2011Lucille Seibert, 1961Michael E. SeibertRoslyn Sensabaugh Jeanette R. Shannon, 1970Gwendolyn J. Sharp, 1959Helen D. Sharp, 2001Alfrances L. Sharpe, 1960James E. Shaw, 1973Naima Shaw, 2003Paul P. Shearer, III, 1985Kandes D. Sheats, 2008Bianca P. Shelby, 1992Abraham Shelton, Jr., 1960Russell C. Shelton, 1972Sarah E. Sherrod, 1976Terry Shields, 1987Marcus W. Shute, Sr., 1984Rickey J. Shyne, 1983Dorcas R. Sibanda, 2011Joseph S. Simmons, 1950Stephanie Y. Simmons, 1989Rozalind T. Simon, 1982E R. Sims, 1967Hazel W. Sims, 1960Jeannette L. Sims, 1961Robert Sims, 1965Harold L. Singleton, 1962

Joseph L. Singleton, 1949Georganna T. Sinkfield, 1978Richard H. Sinkfield, 1968Chester Slaughter, 1965Chelyn E. Sledge, 2000Bobbie G. Smith, 1982Chandra Y. Smith, 1995Daryal Smith, 1970David S. Smith Diane C. Smith, 1987Gregory K. Smith, 1987Gwendolyn A. Smith, 1981James R. Smith, 1983Jay W. Smith, 1987Johnnie C. Smith, 2000Katherine R. Smith, 1971Kenya A. Smith, 1998Landon T. Smith, 1976Lizzie B. Smith, 1963Martha C. Smith, 1965Melvin Smith, 1989Mildred P. Smith, 1961Raynetta J. Smith, 2005Robert E. Smith, 1965Ronald G. Smith, 2001Sharon H. Smith, 1980Sonya D. Smith, 1997Tina L. Smith, 2008Ursula K. Smith, 2004Wilbert H. Smith, 1956Constance Smith-Burwell, 1976Terrence A. Southern, 2003Mary H. Spanish, 1954Ulysses V. Spiva, 1954Christy L. Splunge, 2001Bettye Springfield, 1970Derriell M. Springfield, 2006Kiana J. Springfield, 2006Ida J. Spruill, 1985Catana R. Starks, 1989Dorothy W. Starnes, 1956Daphne L. Steele, 2004David Steele, 2002Toreaser W. Steele, 1974Angela H. Stephens, 1969Leonard Stephens, 1968Ronald Stephens, 1963Sandra L. Stephens, 1963Christella T. Stewart, 1941Faye G. Stewart, 1961James H. Stewart, 1964Rhonda D. Stewart, 2000Takasha L. Stewart, 1996Wilbur G. Stewart, 1964Derell L. Stinson, 1992Jennifer K. Stockdale, 2011A J. Stovall, 1995Audrey Stradford, 1966Martha W. Stratton, 1969Mary J. Strayhorn, 1960Phillip M. Strayhorn, 1964Harold D. Street

Sorena R. Street, 1960Djuana Stroud, 2002Ella Suddeth, 1960Wilbur Suesberry, 1960Carlos E. Suggs, 1982Karla C. Sutherland, 1992Michael Sutherland Olivia Sutherland, 1965Virginia E. Tacker, 1995Lanese R. Tankersley, 1976Linda S. Tapley, 2010Chauncey D. Tarrant, 2005McAnthony Tarway, 2008Ada F. Taylor, 1966Ali M. Taylor, 1969April L. Taylor, 2002Beverly F. Taylor, 1958Carmelia G. Taylor, 1973Carmen S. Taylor, 2000Harry W. Taylor, Jr., 1965Lonetta Taylor Mae G. Taylor Melanie L. Taylor, 1985Teresa A. Taylor, 1988Thelma E. Taylor, 1961Veronica C. Taylor, 1962Vinnie D. Taylor, 1974Will Taylor Edward S. Temple, 1950Toni L. Terrell, 1986Antonio D. Terry, 1999Arthur M. Terry, 1956Angela ThackerApril M. Thomas, 2006Darrell A. Thomas Deborah B. Thomas, 1975Dezoral B. Thomas, 1975Donna E. Thomas, 1994Dorothea C. Thomas, 1991Gregory Thomas, 1972Harold W. Thomas, 1957Harriett G. Thomas, 1992Issac E. Thomas, 2005Juanita Y. Thomas, 2004Rhonda Thomas, 1980Robert R. Thomas, 1960Shirley P. Thomas, 1960Yvette L. ThomasAlicia A. Thompson, 1973Arppie N. Thompson Byron J. Thompson, 1984Evelyn M. Thompson, 1984George H. Thompson, III, 1969Grover C. Thompson, Jr., 1977Hurley L. Thompson, Jr., 2011Marsha L. Thompson, 1973Martha S. Thompson, 1969Noel Thompson, 2006Rena Thompson, 1980Erly J. Thornton, Jr., 1985Erly J. Thornton, III, 1997Angela K. Thorpe-Harris, 1983

John D. Tiller, 2000Leon D. Tillman, Jr., 2009Julia A. Tirres, 2001William C. Tisdale, 1959Vicki L. Todd-Stabbs, 2006Sjar T. Toney, 1998Marian S. Torrence, 1948Jamilla D. Touchstone, 2000Akena E. Toussaint, 2007Gloria P. Towner, 1970Leticia W. Towns, 1986Florence A. Townsend, 1963Gena D. Townsend, 1980Leon Townsend, Jr., 1993Charles A. Traughber, 2003Lonnette R. Tuck, 1978Carmen Y. Tucker, 1980Carolyn B. Tucker, 1969Dwayne H. Tucker, 1980Jesse F. Tucker, 1970Louvern G. Tucker, 1963Lucy Tucker, 1970Nancy L. Tucker, 1977Melvin T. Turner, 1971Kara B. Turrentine, 2005Hattie K. Tyler, 1970Wyomia Tyus, 1968Ethel M. Ulmer, 1942Jarretta L. Utley, 1995Robert Utley, 1970Stephen J. Vance, 1971Phillis W. Varnado Latonyia E. Vaughn, 1993Derrick J. Vaughns, 2007Kendrick L. Vaughns, 1999Shawn Vaughns Dionne F. Veale, 1970Felicia M. Venable-Akinbode, 1993Roberta N. Verble, 1967Thelma S. Vestal, 1969Penny C. Vickers, 1974Michelle M. Viera, 1982Gwendolyn H. Vincent, 1956Walter Vincent, 1959Barbara J. Wade, 1960Charlie B. Wade, Jr., 1993Sonya S. Wade, 1996Treva L. Wade, 2007Jonathan M. Walden, 1988Carol D. Waldo, 1970Constance Walker Dusty R. Walker, Jr., 1994Gary T. Walker, 1985Gwendolyn G. Walker, 1947Joe M. Walker, Jr., 1967Laron A. Walker, 2000Marilyn H. Walker, 1974Mary B. Walker, 1955Anna B. Wallace, 1997Donna C. Wallace, 1989Malcolm L. Wallace, 1970Benetta B. Waller, 1979

Zynthia Waller, 1988Ernest H. Wallick, 1950Kristina D. Walling, 2007Bobbie Walls Robert H. Walls, 1950Albert Walter, 1975Michelle Walton, 2001Phillip G. Walton, 1969Riley WaltonWilliam H. Walton, 1965Rhonda Ward, 1992Mildred N. Wardle, 1972Benny Washington, 1975Brandi L. Washington, 2011Millie E. Washington, 1954Brandee D. Watford, 2005Monte D. Watkins, 1970Quanda R. Watkins, 1992Rae H. Watkins, 1949Gail H. Watson, 1983Helen S. Watson, 1953James L. Watson, 1982L M. Watson, 1950Marquita D. Watson, 1996Shuntae Watson, 2000Tamara L. Watson-Hayes, 1999Errol M. Watts, 1980Adrienne Wayne, 2011Darrick E. Weaver, 1987James A. Weddle, 1969Ludie Weddle, 1969Lynda L. Weedon, 1970Leonard E. Wellington, Jr., 1961Bill Jon Wells, 1967Harold A. Wells, 2004Tony L. Wells, 1992Martha J. West, 1953Gloria T. Westbrook, 1985Cecelia Westley, 1954Beverly Whalen-Schmeller, 2006Maresa L. Whaley, 2002Homer R. Wheaton, 1948Vesta R. Wheaton, 1951Cedric G. Whitaker, 1980Darla G. Whitaker, 1991Cederick C. White, 1980Edith B. White, 1954Genie J. White, 2005Joycelyn T. White, 1967Katie K. White, 1952Kimberly D. White, 1994Leon White, Jr., 1971Sheena A. White, 2007Whitney M. White, 2009Margaret C. Whitfield, 1955Wilbert A. Whitfield, 1984Georgia D. Whiting, 1982Larry D. Whiting, 1978Cecil Whitmon, 1955Edward L. Whitmore, Sr., 1964Raymond E. WhittakerAsia R. Wiggins, 2011


ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition �3�3ALUMNIlife • Centennial Edition

Jesse Wilburn, Jr., 1958Major Wilburn, Jr., 1966Margaret Wilburn, 1959Alfreda S. Wilder, 1960Minnie E. Wiley, 1961Vivian Wilhoite Carolyn Williams Smith, 1974Allen E. Williams, 1974Annie J. Williams, 1963Arlene P. Williams, 1984Brenda J. WilliamsBryan R. Williams, 1978Camille E. Williams, 1998Celeste C. Williams, 1995Darryel S. Williams, 1988Ercell F. Williams, 1952Harry R. Williams James R. Williams, III, 1977Jean W. Williams, 1952Johnie R. Williams, 1956Johnny Williams, 1981Kevin W. Williams, 1983Lillian A. Williams, 1977Marqueze D. Williams, Sr., 2002Mary E. Williams, 1961Pebblin W. Williams, 2001

Samuel W. Williams, 1960Sandra V. Williams, 1971Shirley M. Williams, 1960Tarrah B. Williams, 2002Troy A. Williams, 1990Walter J. Williams, 2002William J. Williams Willie Williams, Jr., 1975Lillie R. Williamson, 1952Rita Williams-Seay, 1994Yvonne C. Willie Carol J. Willis, 1970Mercedes K. Willis, 2004Patrice F. Willis, 2002Patricia A. Willis, 1977Cornelia Wills, 1992Barbara W. Wilson, 1965Calvin R. Wilson, 1996Pamela C. Wilson, 1995Rhonda M. Wilson, 1992Seanne G. Wilson, 2009Samuel V. Winbush, 1953Jewell F. Winn, 1988Michael A. Winrow, 1976Lois J. Winston Walter R. Wise, Jr., 1964

Erica A. Witherspoon, 2008Julius R. Witherspoon, 1979Barbara A. Wofford, 1962Adrienne F. Wood, 1979Amy B. Wood, 1995Troy Woodard Carol L. Wooden, 2002Ethel M. Wooden, 1972Steven Woodle, 1995Latamera K. Woodley, 1999Nadine J. Woodrick, 1956Nathaniel W. Woodrick, Sr., 1956Linda G. Woodruff, 1985Clinton Woods, 1968James A. Woods, 1958Jennifer S. Woods, 1978Martha E. Woods, 1950Michael B. Woods, 1973Mildred S. Woods, 1973Richard A. Woods, 1966Velma D. Woods, 1968Elizabeth Wortham, 1950Roneisha W. Worthy, 2006Annie G. Wright, 1954Jada A. Wright, 1998Melvin Wright, Sr., 1958

William J. Wright, 1963Leticia A. Wright-Dunn, 1987Linda T. Wynn, 1970Rico X, 2000Samella T. Yarbrough, 1957Dora L. Yates, 1982Evelyn R. Yeargin, 1971Judith A. Yeaworth, 1993Cleve Yokley, Jr., 1960Deirdre D. Young, 1990Helen M. Young, 1951Leroy Young, Sr., 1986Robert L. Young, 1970Tiffany D. Young, 2006Victoria M. Young, 1998William M. Young, 1996Rong Yu, 1996

ALUMNI ORGANIZATIONSDelta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Chi ChapterAlpha Theta Network ChapterAtlanta ChapterBeta Omicron Alumni Chapter

Birmingham Alumni ChapterChattanooga ChapterChicago ChapterDelta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Nashville Alumnae ChapterEngineering Alumni ChapterFootball ChapterFounding Fathers of TSU Baseball ChapterGary Northwest Indiana ChapterGreater Gallatin Area ChapterGreater St. Louis ChapterIndianapolis ChapterJackson (TN) ChapterLos Angeles ChapterLouisville ChapterMemphis Shelby County ChapterMidSouth Regional Milwaukee Alumni ChapterNashville ChapterPhi Mu Alpha , Eta Xi Alumni Rho Psi ChapterTSU National Alumni AssociationUniversity Honors Program ChapterZeta Alpha Alumni Chapter

Centennial Platinum Sponsor

Congratulations on Your 100

th Anniversary!


100 Years and Counting…

The Centennial Planning Committeeis proud to Think. Work. Serve. and salutes

TenneSSee STaTe UniverSiTy on 100 years of academic excellence and service.

Ms. Ebony ArnettMr. George Barrett, Esq.Dr. Yildiz BinkleyMs. Cynthia BrooksMr. Ron BrooksMr. John S. CrossMr. Rick DelahayaMs. Felina Freeman

Mr. Howard Gentry, Jr.Ms. Rita Geier, Esq.Dr. Dennis GendronDr. Sandra HoltMs. Ola G. HudsonMs. Betsy JacksonDr. Terry LikesMs. Myah Lipscomb

Ms. Dorothy LockridgeRev. Harold Love, Jr.Dr. Bobby LovettMs. Nanette C. MartinMs. Joni McReynoldsDr. Kathleen McEnerneyDr. Annie Wynn NealMs. Barbara Murrell

Ms. Mary Carver-PatrickDr. Peter NwosuMs. Teresa PhillipsMs. Christina PerkinsDr. A. Dexter SamuelsMs. K. Dawn RutledgeDr. Jewell F. WinnMs. Seanne G. Wilson

Ms. Michelle Viera, Chair

””

Congratulations on a century of lifelong learning and leadership!

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Sat, Sep 29 arkansas-pine Bluff nashville, tenn. tBa

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