fisk focus - volume 1, issue 3
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Fisk Focus - Volume 1, Issue 3TRANSCRIPT
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Each new semester reminds us to sharpen the focus to serve Fisk’s students who demonstrate the poten-
tial and desire to be scholars and leaders with a global perspective. Thanks to your support, Fisk continues
its legacy of deepening students’ intellectual capability and empowering each to hone unique talents to
meet the needs of society. Students such as Melinda Aguilera, Preston Harris, Jr. and Timothy Walker re-
turned earlier this month from the Salzburg Global Seminar in Salzburg, Austria. Our students report that
their seminar experience helped broaden their global perspectives as they analyzed and discussed interna-
tional issues with other attendees whom they would likely not have met. This is an example of opportuni-ties open to students who pursue the liberal arts education that Fisk provides.
During this month’s Faculty Assembly meeting, I witnessed the sharpened focus in an excellent mini-
workshop conducted by Dr. Sheila Peters, Fisk’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Director. Implementing
the QEP is a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission of Colleges (SACSCOC) accredi-
tation requirement, which must be met in 2014. Fisk selected Critical Thinking Across The Curriculum as
its QEP. Our goal for our students is that they develop the discipline of intellectual inquiry when confront-
ed with new experiences. This will enable each student to test theses presented and determine the validity
of them. The benefit to our students will be an enhanced capacity to examine the content of a point of
view or assertion of truth and reach independent conclusions. This is not a new approach for the Fisk
learning community. In driving critical thinking throughout the curriculum, our goal is to ensure more so-
phisticated analyses at each level of academic achievement. The faculty is training to approach each level of
coursework as facilitators, challenging our students to craft solutions for problems not previously encoun-
tered. As a participant in this mini-workshop, I witnessed the faculty’s approach to challenging our stu-
dents, not as the final authority, but rather as colleagues capable of examining varied points of view.
Finally, I invite you to support Fisk with a donation. Please consider joining the more than 400 generous
alumni and friends who made gifts in December to support our students. Thank you, in advance, for making
a contribution today toward our March 2011 goal to raise $3.1 million. We must meet this goal to demon-
strate to SACSCOC that Fisk is making significant fundraising progress this fiscal year. If you have not sent
a gift, I urge you to do so now. In addition, Fisk needs donors who make consistent gifts. Please consider
making monthly or quarterly deductions from your bank account or credit card to benefit Fisk. I am confi-
dent that with your assistance Fisk will continue to produce empowered graduates able to solve the great
challenges of our time. Thank you for your support and advocacy of Fisk University where we are cultivat-
ing scholars and leaders, one by one.
From President Hazel Reid O’Leary ’59
FISK Focus
Inside this issue:
From the 1
President
STUDENT
ENGAGEMENT Martin Luther King Jr. 2
Convocation
Planning Grant 3
Advances Recruitment
ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE Fisk Facts 4
New Members of the 5
Fisk Family
Bass, Berry & Sims 6
Annual Luncheon
Corporate Spotlight 7
ALUMNI
RELATIONS Local Highlights 8
G.A.A.F.U. Far West 10
Regional Conference
President to Speak 11
in VA on February 20
G..A.A.F.U. Board 11
Reunion 2011 Schedule 12
Alumni Achievement 13
Award Criteria
Most Powerful Women 13
ADVANCEMENT &
FUND RAISING From the Vice President 14
Annual Fund Monthly 15
Cumulative Report
Coming Events 16
An Electronic Publication for Alumni and Friends
Volume I, Issue 3 January 2011
Cleveland Fisk Club Officers with
Fisk President Hazel O’Leary ’59
during her December Visit (L. to
R.): Treasurer, Dr. Roderick Adams
’72; Corresponding Secretary, Nina
Dailey ’52; President O’Leary;
Cleveland Fisk Club President, Dr.
James Hovell ’61; Recording Secre-
tary, Melonee Adalikwu ’82; and
Vice President, Robert K. Wiley ’86
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Civil Rights Activist and Author, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Delivers
Keynote Address for Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation
Photo Credits: Sam Latham
Page 2 STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Civil Rights Activist, Author and Former Chair of
the NAACP, Mrs. Myrlie Evers-Williams, at the
Podium in the Fisk Memorial Chapel
Civil rights activist, author and former NAACP chair Myrlie Evers-Williams
delivered the convocation address at the University’s commemoration of
the legacy and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Thursday,
January 13th at 10 a.m. in the Fisk Memorial Chapel.
Evers-Williams encouraged the audience of students, alumni and guests to
continue the fight against racism. She recalled several events of the civil
rights movement and compared the recent Tucson, Arizona shooting to
those racially motivated occurrences. “I saw, as they described everything
that happened that Saturday in Tucson, what happened to my family and
myself that night that Medgar drove home and the shot rang out," Evers-
Williams said. "The memories are still there, my friends." She went on to
state that the assassinations of civil rights activists spurred public opinion
against segregation. Evers-Williams indicated that the Tucson shooting
might serve the same purpose for the nation's current political climate
and dialogue, which she described as “angry and filled with hatred.”
In 1970 and 1971, Evers-Williams ran for Congress and helped to establish
the National Women’s Political Caucus. In 1995, Evers-Williams became
the first woman elected as chair of the Board of the NAACP. As the
NAACP’s top official, Evers-Williams led efforts to restore the organization’s
fiscal stability. Rather than seeking a second term, she founded the Medgar
Evers Institute in Jackson, Mississippi to impact and train youth in effecting
positive change through civic engagement. In 1996, Evers-Williams served as
consultant for the film, “Ghosts of Mississippi” and in 1999, she wrote her
autobiography, “Watch Me Fly.” She is also the author of “For Us, The Liv-
ing,” which recounts her courtship and marriage to Medgar Evers and the
couple’s role as central figures of the Civil Rights Movement.
Audience Sings the Fisk Alma Mater Fisk Professor Emeritus Matthew Kennedy Leads
the Singing of the Alma Mater
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Under the leadership of Vice President Jason Meriwether,
Office of Student Engagement, Fisk is advancing its
enrollment management operations. With the support of
a $100,000 planning grant from The Andrew W. Mellon
Foundation, Dean Keith Chandler, in his capacity as
project director, is implementing new elements of
enrollment management’s strategic plan to build enroll-
ment to 800 students by Fall 2012.
The grant enables the University to use technology and
streamline the recruitment and admission processes using
Hobson’s constituent management system and Virtual Ad-
visor component, to design and develop a University-wide
integrated marketing communications plan, and to formal-
ize procedures and practices that assist admitted students
with the identification and award of scholarship support.
These strategies will also impact the University’s retention
efforts. The Hobsons’ system will enable staff to provide
prospective students immediate feedback to their queries,
and to send them customized e-brochures.
Alumni will play a vital role through more involvement in the recruitment of new students. To equip alumni to recruit the
21st century student, training sessions will be offered on campus, at local Fisk club meetings, and at the General Alumni As-
sociation’s regional conferences and biennial convention. Training will include teaching alumni how to facilitate financial aid
workshops where actual forms and applications are completed and how to implement appropriate follow-up with the pro-
spective students. This area was identified as a crucial one for new students, especially first-generation college students who
lack familiarity with the processes of budgeting and securing financial aid. It has been found that both prospective students
and their parents often require extensive financial
aid education and assistance, which trained alumni
would be able to provide.
During the planning grant, Fisk will name a task
force of faculty, staff, alumni and students to:
(1) define or identify the financial aid problem
areas, with an emphasis on the first-generation
college student and his/her parents, (2) identify
appropriate procedures and practices to eradi-
cate the problem areas, (3) distinguish resources
necessary to ensure that the formal procedures
and practices are executed and make the process
more user friendly, and (4) formulate strategies
to generate new Fisk scholarship resources.
At the end of the planning grant, several out-
comes will have been attained. These include
the implementation of a significantly enhanced,
streamlined customer-centered recruitment and
admission processing system, including the ability
to interface and manage prospective students
from point of inquiry to enrollment; development of a comprehensive University-wide integrated marketing and communica-
tions plan; and execution of a website that is engaging, easy to navigate and provides prospective students with the most
desired information. Most importantly, enrollment goals for new and continuing students will be attained.
PLANNING GRANT ADVANCES STUDENT RECRUITMENT
Page 3 STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Second Generation Fiskite, Matthew Owens, Studies in the Library
Engaged Students in Seminar Taught by Dr. Reavis Mitchell
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
FISK FACTS
Page 4 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 list of the “Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities” ranks Fisk #122 in the elite Tier 1
group of 246 institutions, one of only three Historically Black Colleges and Universities included. U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 rankings list Fisk among the top 40 national liberal arts institutions that offer the best value
for the cost and quality of their academic programs. The U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 list of the “Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities” ranks Fisk #7.
For the 19th consecutive year, the Princeton Review included Fisk on its 2011 list of “The Best 373 Colleges” in the nation and
on its list of “The Best Southeastern Colleges”. In the latest Washington Monthly rankings on research, Fisk ranks #4 among the 252 liberal arts institutions in the nation that
were ranked, #1 among ranked liberal arts institutions in the South, and #1 among the ranked liberal arts institutions in Tennessee. The latest Washington Monthly ranks Fisk in the 93rd percentile among liberal arts colleges in the nation.
For the past twelve years, Money Magazine has included Fisk on its list of “100 Best College Buys.” The most recent National Science Foundation study reveals that Fisk alumni earned more doctorate degrees in the natural
sciences than African-American graduates from any other college or university in the nation.1
Fisk ranks in the 77th percentile of all institutions in the United States receiving federal science and engineering research funds.2
Fisk is the number one producer of African Americans who obtain their master’s degrees in physics.3
Fisk ranks among the top 50 U.S. institutions whose graduates earn Ph.D. degrees in science and engineering.4
The maximum numbers of allowable students of Fisk’s 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 graduating classes were inducted into
The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society.
Fisk is ranked first among moderately selective colleges in graduating low-income students.
Fisk has an annual economic impact of $42 million on the Metropolitan Nashville community.5
Approximately 40 percent of Fisk’s graduates enroll directly in graduate or professional schools following attainment of their
baccalaureate degrees. _______________________ 1 National Science Foundation, Fisk Institutional Profile, 2007 2 National Science Foundation, Fisk Institutional Profile, 2007 3 National Science Foundation, 2007 4 National Science Foundation, 2007 5 United Negro College Fund, 2008
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Dr. Michael J. Self, Vice President for Institutional Assessment and
Research, Joins Fisk Family
Page 5 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Fisk family welcomes Dr. Michael J. Self who is the vice president for institu-
tional assessment and research. Previously, he served as director of institutional
effectiveness and planning at Baton Rouge Community College where he directed
and oversaw implementation of the college’s master, strategic and institutional ef-
fectiveness plans. He also coordinated program reviews for academic and non-
academic departments, and designed and implemented research and evaluation
studies for SACS and professional program accreditations.
Recommended for appointment by a search committee comprised of faculty and
administrative personnel, Dr. Self’s selection has already proved to be a wise
choice. His extensive expertise with Banner software enabled him to diagnose
some of Fisk’s most pressing issues and to resolve them.
Dr. Self’s academic experiences include teaching mathematics and statistics at Baton Rouge Community College,
Southern University and A & M College, and Louisiana State University. Prior to entering higher education in 2001, he
taught mathematics and coached athletics at the secondary level for five years in Baton Rouge.
Dr. Self earned his B.S. in pure mathematics from Louisiana State University, and his M.S. in pure mathematics and
Ph.D. in mathematics education from Southern University and A & M College. He also completed master’s level
coursework in applied statistics at Louisiana State University.
Head Coaches Named
Sarah Grams has been named head volleyball coach. A graduate of Ashford University
where she earned her baccalaureate degree in education, Coach Grams brings thirteen
years of coaching experience to Fisk. She has established a reputation for taking pro-
grams in their infancy and building them into state
contenders.
Most recently, Coach Grams developed Brentwood, Tennessee’s Ravenwood
High School’s team into one of the top four programs in the state’s toughest
district. In 2007, she was named “District Coach of the Year” and also received the
Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association’s “Top Coach” award. In addition, Coach
Grams has served as a Special Olympics coordinator and coach, and
taught special education at the high school level.
Fiskite Derek S. Watkins is the head basketball coach. For the past twelve years, he
has coached at area public and private high schools and for four years, served as
assistant basketball coach at Fisk. Since 2000, Coach Watkins has operated Music
City Pro-Am, the only college/pro summer league in Middle Tennessee.
A businessman by education and profession, Coach Watkins has served as a
licensed assistant branch manager for AmSouth Bank and SunTrust Bank. Also,
he has taught business, computer, and career management classes for Metropolitan
Nashville Public Schools. Coach Watkins earned his B.S. in business administration from Fisk in 1994.
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Bass, Berry & Sims Hosts Annual
“Salute to African American Executives and Emerging Leaders” Luncheon
Photo Credits: Bass, Berry & Sims and Liban Ahmed ’11
Page 6 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
On January 13th, during the firm’s annual “Salute to African American Executives
and Emerging Leaders” luncheon, Bass, Berry & Sims announced that Fiskite Wen-
dy M. Warren ’99, had made partner. Attorney Warren is a member of the firm’s
Diversity and Professional Development Committees. Her practice focuses on
the areas of bankruptcy and securities and commercial litigation.
Attorney Warren has experience conducting internal investigations and regulatory
audits for the New York Stock Exchange, litigating complex fraudulent conveyance
actions, representing healthcare entities in billing disputes, and representing broker
-dealers in FINRA arbitration. In addition, she has extensive experience conduct-
ing foreclosure sales for bank clients.
Prior to joining the firm, Attorney Warren clerked for the Honorable C. Ray Mul-
lins, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. She is
licensed to practice law in Tennessee and Georgia, and is a Rule 31 Listed General
Civil Mediator. She is active in the community via her work with Big Brother Big
Sister of Middle Tennessee and service on the Steering Committee of YMCA Black Achievers. Attorney Warren earned
her J.D. degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
The Bass, Berry & Sims Scholars at Fisk University exemplify the corporate relationship that the firm has with the Universi-
ty and demonstrate the firm’s tangible support of Fisk students. Since establishment of the program in 2008, two students
who aspire to become attorneys are provided $2,500 scholarships in their junior and/or senior years. Internships are also
provided to the Scholars. The 2009-2011 Scholars were featured prominently during the luncheon. They are Liban Ah-
med, senior, 2009-2010 Scholar; Carta Robinson, senior, 2009-2011 Scholar; and Timothy Walker, junior, 2010-2011
Scholar.
(L. to R.) John Lewis, Senior Managing Litigation Counsel, Coca-Cola Company & Keynote Speaker; Karen Neal of Bass, Berry & Sims;
and Timothy Walker ’12, 2010-2011 Scholar
(L. to R.) Liban Ahmed, senior, 2009-2010 Scholar; Carta Robinson, senior, 2009-2011 Scholar; and Timothy Walker, junior, 2010-2011 Scholar
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Nashville Fisk Club president Antonio Meeks ’__and
Stephenie Smith ’01 catch their breaths after running.
Corporate Partner Spotlight: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
Page 7 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The successful cultivation of long-term, engaged, and mutually benefi-
cial relationships with the corporate community is a critical compo-
nent of the Office of Institutional Advancement’s strategic plan.
Corporate partnerships are often comprehensive, involving multiple
departments, focus areas, academic disciplines and strategic objec-
tives. Quite as varied are the initiating factors by which these rela-
tionships begin. Regardless of the origin, the results of an engaged
partnership and corporate investment are evidenced in the academic
achievements, leadership and global impact of Fisk students, and the
attainment of corporate objectives by the partner.
One of Fisk’s loyal corporate partners is Cracker Barrel Old Country
Store, Inc. Just as Cracker Barrel remains a consistent comfort to
many hungry travelers, they also provide comfort to Fisk students
through sustainable financial support.
Cracker Barrel’s engagement begins at the top with Michael Wood-
house, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cracker Barrel Old
Country Store, Inc., who has served on the Fisk University Board of Trustees since 2006. Though his company supported
the University prior to him becoming a Trustee, it has significantly grown during his tenure. Trustee Woodhouse’s in-
volvement in the governance of Fisk ranges from his active participation in the visionary leadership to the strategic deci-
sion making process. He supplements these with his advocacy, financial commitment and participation in many events and
activities that benefit Fisk and our students.
Taking the lead from Trustee Woodhouse, Norm Hill, President of the Cracker Barrel Foundation and Paul Seal, Director
of Diversity and Outreach continue the collaborative effort through the provision of their guidance, leadership and in-
volvement. Cracker Barrel’s investment in Fisk has transformed from early support for student scholarships to include a
multi-faceted engagement centered around community outreach and significant scholarship support. The Cracker Barrel
Scholars program began in 2006, when the first freshmen students were selected for tuition support. Today, three first-
time freshman students are supported with full tuition scholarships funded solely by Cracker Barrel. Recipients may apply
for two additional years of support. In addition to financial assistance, the students are provided with opportunities to
meet with Cracker Barrel management at corporate headquarters and to participate in joint civic engagement projects
with company employees. This year’s Cracker Barrel Scholars are Megan Nelson, Shayla Nolen and Clarissa
Stark.
Cracker Barrel works with Fisk’s Office of Career Services to provide meaningful internship models for both the stu-
dents and the company. Through the partnership, Cracker Barrel exposes Fisk students to the corporate values, culture
and standards of a hospitality industry leader, and perhaps get a jump on recruiting the best and brightest. Over the
years, the company has allocated a portion of their annual financial support for the Cracker Barrel Global and Community
Engagement Lecture Series at Fisk University. The series give the Fisk Family and Greater Nashville community the op-
portunity to learn from, and interact with, national and regional leaders who are at the forefront of global and community
issues. With Cracker Barrel’s support, Fisk is able to offer opportunities outside the classroom that engage and stretch
students’ critical thinking skills, enhance their understanding of national and international affairs, promote their apprecia-
tion for the arts, and equip them to be ethical leaders in today’s global society. Such experiences are indispensable to a
Fisk education. Corporate partners like Cracker Barrel help to facilitate our goal of cultivating scholars and leaders, one by
one.
Fisk’s ability to thrive is increased with each and every corporate partner. Cracker Barrel manifests corporate engage-
ment through their comprehensive involvement and financial support. If your corporation would like to engage with Fisk
or if you can connect us with a potential corporate partner, please contact Marcus Stamps, Director of Major Gifts and
Planned Giving, by phone at 615-329-8852 or by email to [email protected].
2010-2011 Cracker Barrel Scholars (L. to R.) Shayla Nolen, Clarissa Stark,
and Megan Nelson
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
Page 8
Tri-State Friends’ Class of 1961 Hosts Fund Raiser Photo Credits: Tri-State Friends’ Class of 1961
On November 4, 2010, the Tri-State Friends’ Class of 1961 hosted “A Conversation with Mayor Cory Booker” to
benefit Fisk University. Held in White Plains, New York, the event allowed guests to interact with the Newark, New
Jersey mayor. The emphasis was on how individuals and groups can bring about positive change in their communities.
Carolyn Jordan Booker ’61, a former IBM executive, Fisk alumna, and mother of the mayor, also took part in the con-
versation focusing on the role of corporations to effect community change. Mayor Booker is the nephew of Limuary
A. Jordan, Jr. ’67 and Shirley Jordan Booker, D.D.S. ’58.
Cleveland Fisk Club Welcomes President Hazel R. O’Leary ’59 Photo Credits: Cleveland Fisk Club and Nina Dailey ’52
The Fisk Cleveland Club welcomed President Hazel Reid O’Leary ’59 on December 12, 2010. The event was held at
the East View Church of Christ in Shaker Heights, Ohio, which is pastored by Rev. Dr. Valentino Lassitor ’74. The
club hosted a reception prior to its meeting at which President O’Leary presented the “State of the University” to
those assembled. President O’Leary met with Case Western Reserve University officials about the partnership be-
tween Fisk and Case Western Reserve University.
ALUMNI RELATIONS
(L. to R.) Yolanda Wright Gross ’61, Toni Cox-Burns ’61, Mayor Cory Booker, Angeline Butler ’61, Carolyn Jordan
Booker ’61, and Barbara Anderson Edwards ’61
(L.to R.) Louetta Farr ’64, Mayor Cory Booker, Angeline Butler ’61, Carolyn Jordan Booker ’61
President O’Leary Presents to Cleveland Fiskites and Guests
Case Western Reserve University’s Knight Professor Emeritus of Humanities, Dr. Kathryn Karipides & Deputy Provost and
Vice President for Academic Programs, Dr. Lynn Singer
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued from page 8)
Page 9
ALUMNI RELATIONS
Clubs Elect New Officers
Los Angeles Fisk Club St. Louis Fisk Club
President - Adrianne Dent Johnson ’87 President - Clayton L. McCants ’86
Vice President - Jefferson Cox ’07 Vice President - Jade D. James ’84
Secretary - Cornelia Haddox Edwards ’52 Corresponding Secretary - Karen L. Douglas ’70
Treasurer - Elroy Bond ’57 Recording Secretary - Lisa Hollingsworth ’78
Financial Secretary - Denis Crosby Peeples ’81
Treasurer - Jeremy Braggs ’00
The new president of the Memphis Fisk Club is George Tillman, Jr. ’78.
Houston Fisk University Alumni Association Hosts MLK Jazz Brunch Photos Credits: Sherryll Howe ’78 and The Houston Defender
The Houston Fisk University Alumni Association (HFUAA) hosted the MLK Jazz Brunch in celebration of Dr. Martin Lu-
ther King, Jr.’s holiday. The fund raiser featured Joe Carmouche at Café 4212, which is owned by Fisk alumnus, Attorney
Walter Strickland ’72. The fundraising committee that spearheaded the event was comprised of Sherryll Howe ’78, Alj
Sparrow, M.D. ’79, and Teana Watson, J.D. ’86. Harold B. Crawford, Ed.D. ’65 is the association’s president. The organi-
zation is planning several events including the regional G.A.A.F.U. Conference on March 11-13. During the conference, a
March 11th reception will be held and on March 12th, the Jubilee Singers® will appear in concert at Wheeler Avenue
Baptist Church.
Fiskites at the Houston Fisk Alumni Association’s MLK Jazz Brunch. (L. to R.)
Front Row: Tonya Johnson-Smallwood ’91, Linda Brown Coleman, Ph.D. ’70, Fisk Professor Emeritus Gladys Forde,
Ph.D.; Second Row: Marissa Battle Morgan ’80, Renata Nero, Ph.D. ’80, Joi Beasley ’91, Carole Strong-Thompson
’80, Toni Simmons ’73, Toni Stroud ’78, Linda Bass ’70, Tashuna Davis ’02; Third Row: Frank Simmons ’73, Byron
Cobbin ’69, Jack Morgan, D.D.S. ’77, Walter Strickland, J.D. ’72
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Far West Regional Conference A Success Photo Credits: Adrienne Taylor Latham ’68 and the General Alumni Association of Fisk University, Inc.
Page 10 ALUMNI RELATIONS
(L.. To R.) Adrianne Dent Johnson ’87, Dr. Linda Brown Coleman ’70 Cornelia Haddox Edwards ’52 (left) and
and Eleanor Searcy ’68 Royeta Peyton Rogers ’54
Ngwebifor Fobi-Walker ’98 and Rod Bickerstaff ’79
The Los Angeles Fisk Club hosted the General Alumni Association’s Far West Regional Conference on December 16-
17, 2010. A dedicated group of Fiskites converged on the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles for Fisk fellowship and busi-
ness. The highlight of the weekend was the Goldens’ Brunch. Goldens attending the brunch were Ernest Dean ’55,
Cornelia Haddox Edwards ’52, Royeta Peyton Rogers ’54, Valeria McCray ’43, Marcus Tucker ’56, Marion
Lott Nicholas ’45, Donald Stewart ’58, and Elroy Bond ’57. The regional officers elected at the meeting were
Chair: Adrianne Dent Johnson ’87 of Los Angeles, CA and Co-Vice Chairs: Elizabeth Watkins Goodman ’82 of San
Diego, CA and Emily Harper Allison ’67 of San Pedro, CA.
Elroy Bond ’57 (left) and Ernest Dash ’55
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Engaged Students Listen Attentively to Global and Community
Lecture Series Speaker, Dr. Bradley Sheares ’78
Page 11 ALUMNI RELATIONS
(L. to R.) Emily Harper Allison ’67 and Elroy Bond ’57 at business
meeting of Farwest Regional Conference
G.A.A.F.U. Board of Directors (Effective January 2, 2011)
Linda Brown Coleman, Ph.D. ’70 – Chair Faye Weaver ’67 – Vice Chair Vincent H. Leal ’77 - Treasurer P. Gregory Johnson ’69 – Secretary Gina L. Davis, J.D. ’82 – Parliamentarian Allegra Montgomery Walker, J.D. ’93 – Legal Counsel P. Andrew Patterson ’65 – Alumni Trustee Mathew E. Knowles ’75 – Alumni Trustee * William E. Settle ’77 – Southern Region Chair Edwina Harris Hamby, Ph.D. ’69 – Southern Region Vice Chair Gina L. Davis, J.D. ’82 - Midwest Region Chair * John Carruthers ’73 – Midwest Region Co-Vice Chair * Kris Smith ’75 – Midwest Region Co-Vice Chair * April M. Walls ’07 – Midwest Region Co-Vice Chair * Tonya Johnson Smallwood ’91 – Southwest Region Chair Frank Simmons ’73 – Southwest Region Vice Chair Karen A. Maynard ’82 – Eastern Region Chair * Karriem A. Dean ’92 – Eastern Region Co-Vice Chair * Stephanie V. Williams ’72 – Eastern Region Co-Vice Chair * Adrianne Dent Johnson ’87 – Farwest Region Chair * Emily Harper Allison ’67 – Farwest Co-Vice Chair * Elizabeth Watkins Goodman ’82 – Farwest Co-Vice Chair * Keith J. Gaddie, Ph.D. ’03 – Young Alumni Division Chair Demetrius Short ’99 – Young Alumni Division Vice Chair * term begins January 2, 2011
PRESIDENT HAZEL O’LEARY TO SPEAK
AT HBCU COLLEGE FESTIVAL IN
ALEXANDRIA, VA ON FEBRUARY 20TH
President Hazel R. O'Leary will deliver the closing keynote ad-dress at the 9th Annual HBCU College Festival on February 20th during the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services at the Alfred Street Baptist Church at 301 South Alfred Street in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. The festival begins on February 19th at T.C. Williams High School located at 3330 King Street in Alexandria, Va. Representatives from more than 50 historically black colleges and universities including Fisk will meet with students and their parents. Prospective students should bring copies of their transcripts, ACT or SAT Scores, completed college applications and letters of rec-ommendations.
The Fundraising Committee
of the Houston Fisk
University Alumni
Association (L. to R.)
Teana Watson, J.D. ’86,
Alj Sparrow, M.D. ’79 and
Sherryll Howe ’78
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Page 12 ALUMNI RELATIONS
REUNION 2011 SCHEDULE
APRIL 30 – MAY 2, 2011
It is your reunion year – 1931, 1936 (Platinum), 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961 (Goldens), 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986
(Silvers), 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006!
Any contribution given to Fisk during your reunion year (7/1/10-6/30/11) counts toward your class goal!
The Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, 2100 West End Avenue, is the Official Headquarters Hotel for the 2011 Fisk Alumni Class
Reunion. The block of rooms has been reserved for Fisk Alumni. The special group rate is $185 (Single and Double);
$205 (Triple); $225 (Quad) and will be effective until April 1, 2011. The availability of rooms is on first come, first serve
basis. Remember to identify yourself as a Fisk alumna/us. To make reservations, call (615) 320-1700 or 1-800-336-3335.
The following is a brief outline of the schedule.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Registration, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., The Richardson House
Alumni & Friends Authors’ Panel, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., John Hope & Aurelia Elizabeth Franklin Library –
Special Collections
G.A.A.F.U. Annual Meeting, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Fisk Memorial Chapel
Midnight Cruise, 11:45 p.m. - 2:00 a.m., General Jackson Showboat (Casual Attire)
Saturday, April 30, 2011 Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Adam K. Spence Hall
Art Gallery Tours, 10:00 a.m., Carl Van Vechten Art Gallery
Silver Sons & Daughters Luncheon, 12:00 noon, Adam K. Spence Hall (Class of 1986 & Guests)
Golden Class Meetings & Photos (Class of 1941, Class of 1946, Class of 1951, Class of 1956)
Jubilee Hall – 1:30 p.m.
Golden Class of 1961 Class Meeting – 2:30 p.m. – The Little Theatre
Class Photos 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Steps in front of John Hope and Aurelia Elizabeth Franklin Library
(All Classes except Goldens) 1966 at 2:00 p.m., 1971 at 2:10 p.m.; 1976 at 2:20 p.m.; 1981 at 2:30 p.m.; 1986
at 2:40 p.m.; 1991 at 2:55 p.m.; 1996 at 3:10 p.m.; 2001 at 3:20 p.m.; and 2006 at 3:30 p.m.
Golden Class of 1961 Group Photo – 3:45 p.m. – Steps on the west side of Cravath Hall (Meharry side, between
Talley-Brady Hall and The Little Theatre)
Class Meetings, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.. (all classes except Goldens)
Pre-Gala Social, 7:30 p.m., Loews Vanderbilt (Cocktail Attire)
Gala Banquet, 8:30 p.m., Loews Vanderbilt (Cocktail Attire)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Adam K. Spence Hall
Baccalaureate Service, 10:00 a.m., Fisk Memorial Chapel (Special seating for Class of ’86 and All Goldens)
President’s Reception, The Campus Grove, Immediately Following the Baccalaureate Service
Golden Sons and Daughters Luncheon, 12:00 Noon, Appleton Room - Jubilee Hall
Class of 1961 Memorial Service, 2:00 p.m., Fisk Memorial Chapel
Class Photo Pick-up, 4:00 - 7:30 p.m., The Richardson House
Fisk Jubilee Singers® in Concert, 7:30 p.m., Fisk Memorial Chapel
Monday, May 2, 2011
Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Adam K. Spence Hall
Commencement, 10:00 a.m. (Special seating for Class of ’86 and All Goldens)
OFFICEOF ALUMNI AFFAIRS
www.fisk.edu [email protected] 800-443-ALUM (2586) fax: 615-329-8633
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Engaged Students Listen Attentively to Global and Community
Lecture Series Speaker, Dr. Bradley Sheares ’78
Page 13
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD CRITERIA
All Fisk graduates are invited to nominate alumni for the 2011 Alumni Achievement Awards. The following criteria
shall govern the selection made by the Alumni Achievement Award Committee.
The recipient should be one who has excelled in his/her profession or endeavors and who has made a significant contribution by his/her work to his/her profession or to his/her community. The recipient should be one whose
overall stature reflects the Fisk ideals and is a member of the General Alumni Association of Fisk University, Inc.
Awards will be considered in three (3) main categories:
Professional achievement
Service to the nation or to one’s community Service to Fisk University.
The nomination is to be accompanied by the following and submitted no later than February 15,
2011:
A brief letter of introduction from the person making the nomination A brief statement (no more than five typed pages) outlining the accomplishments or contributions of the
nominee
Contact information on the nominee (mailing address, phone number, etc.)
A photograph (5”x7” or electronic file as a tiff or jpg).
Materials may be electronically transmitted to: [email protected] OR mailed to:
Alumni Achievement Award Committee
Office of Alumni Affairs Fisk University
1000 Seventeenth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208-3051
Recipients must be present to receive the award at the Alumni Gala Banquet on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza, Nashville, TN. For more information, contact the Office of
Alumni Affairs, 1-800-443-ALUM (2586).
ALUMNI RELATIONS
THE TENNESSEAN NAMES PRESIDENT HAZEL R. O’LEARY ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL
WOMEN IN TENNESSEE The Tennessean selected Fisk President Hazel Reid O'Leary ’59 as one of “Tennessee’s Most Powerful Women". In addition to President O'Leary, honorees included on this year's list include Martha Ingram, Andrea Conte, Jane Eskind, Tipper Gore, Thelma Harper and Pat Summit.
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Page 14
FROM The Vice President of
Institutional Advancement
Dear Alumni and Friends, Thank you for your support of Fisk University and the impressive leaders and scholars who have entrusted the shaping of their futures to Fisk. We are excited about the diverse opportunities that are presenting themselves
as we begin this new calendar year. Regarding our current fundraising efforts, I bring you both positive news and
negative news. Allow me to share the positive news with you first. Fisk’s current fundraising total of $1,992,969 received as of January 31 is 21.16% more than the $1,644,881 raised at this time last year. We have received 64.29% of the $3.1 million needed to meet the March 31 goal. The cumulative chart on the next page depicts these data. There are some notable giving trends from the end-of-year appeal including a 4.11% increase in the total number of donors, with 1,144 this year compared to 1,097 for the same period last year and a 40% boost in the average amount per alumni gift, which increased from $653 in FY 10 to $911 in FY 11. Year to date, we are delighted that we have 299 first time donors who have collectively given $66,480. Alumni response to the G.A.A.F.U. challenge to participate in electronic funds transfer and to make sustained monthly or quarterly gifts has exceeded the projected monthly revenue goal of $7,000. Eighty-three (83) alumni currently contribute to Fisk monthly through recurring electronic transfer of funds. This is a 24% in-crease over last year and Fisk is receiving $7,243 monthly in gifts as a result of this effort. We hope that the number of alumni using this sustained giving mechanism will continue to increase. Now, let me share the negative news. While alumni’s giving is up in terms of dollars, the number of alumni making gifts is down by 20 percent. We have 43 days to raise $1,107,031 to demonstrate to SACSCOC that we are making significant progress. High participation rates from our alumni, trustees, friends and corporate supporters will send a strong message to SACSCOC that the students at Fisk matter to them. Reunion Classes, please send your gifts now. Now is the time for all alumni who value their Fisk diplomas to step up to the plate and send contributions. Now is the time for Fisk friends who want Fisk University to thrive to send gifts. The Year 2011 marks the 145th Anniversary of Fisk’s founding. I am pleased to report that as Fisk begins the countdown to its 150th Anniversary, we are in the planning phase of the $60 Million for $30 Million Compre-hensive Campaign. With the financial assistance of the Fisk Board of Trustees and G.A.A.F.U. Board mem-bers, a Tennessee based firm, Saad and Shaw, has been selected as our campaign counsel to train and guide the board, faculty, staff and volunteers in fundraising strategies while they develop and support Fisk’s implementation of a successful campaign. Thank you, in advance, for your continued support and for all you have done and will do for Fisk University.
Sincerely, Shirley Q. Range
ADVANCEMENT & FUND RAISING
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
The graph below depicts Fisk’s fund raising progress on a month-by-month basis and
compares it to each of the previous three fiscal years. It shows progress toward the FY 11
goal of $8.4 million as compared to the same point in time in FYs 08, 09 and 10. As of
January 31, 2011, 23.73% of the overall FY 11 goal has been reached. We have reached the
64.29% mark toward attainment of the March 31 goal of $3,100,000.
Notable giving trends from the end-of-year donations include the receipt of 125 gifts greater
than or equal to $1,000, 26 gifts greater than or equal to $5,000 and 10 individual gifts ranging
from $18,000 to $50,000. Major gifts from corporate and foundation donors include: Alvin
and Sally Beaman Foundation ($50,000); Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation ($39,000 ); United
Church of Christ ($32,412); and Highmark, Inc. ($28,854).
ADVANCEMENT & FUND RAISING Page 15
Source: Office of Institutional Advancement, January 31, 2011
Have you sent a gift today? Give online at www.fisk.edu OR phone (615) 329-8710 OR email [email protected].
Office of Institutional
Advancement
1000 17th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37208
COMING EVENTS Nashville, TN. Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Fisk Women’s Basketball vs. Selma College @ 6 p.m. Fisk Men’s Basketball vs. Crichton (Victory University) @ 8 p.m. Henderson A. Johnson Gymnasium.** Marietta, GA. Thursday, February 3, 2011. Fisk vs. Southern Polytechnic College. Women’s Basketball @ 5 p.m. and Men’s Basketball @ 7 p.m. St. Charles, GA. Monday, February 7, 2011. Fisk Women’s Basketball vs. Lindenwood College @ 6:30 p.m. Nashville, TN. Tuesday, February 8, 2011. Fisk Jubilee Singers® @ TPAC’s Jackson Hall, 10:30 a.m. Contact: 615-782-4084, Sherri Leathers, [email protected]. Nashville, TN. Thursday, February 10, 2011. Fisk vs. Concordia. Senior Night. Men’s Basketball @ 8 p.m. Henderson A. Johnson Gymnasium ** Clinton, SC. Thursday, February 10, 2011. Fisk Jubilee Singers® @ Presbyterian College, Belk Auditorium, 11 a.m. Free Event/No Tickets. Contact: 864-833-8015, Alan Rudell, [email protected]. Denmark, SC. Saturday, February 12, 2011. Fisk vs. Voorhees College. Women’s Basketball @ 1 p.m. and Men’s Basketball @ 3 p.m. Columbia, TN. Saturday, February 12, 2011. Fisk Jubilee Singers® @ Columbia State Commu-nity College. Tickets/ Contact: 931-540-2873, Emily Gaskill, [email protected].
Columbia, SC. Sunday, February 13, 2011. Fisk vs. Allen University. Women’s Basketball @ 2 p.m. and Men’s Basketball @ 4 p.m. Holly Springs, MS. Saturday, February 19, 2011. Fisk vs. Rust College. Women’s Basketball @ 5:30 p.m. and Men’s Basketball @ 7:30 p.m. Alexandria, VA. Sunday, February 20, 2011. President Hazel O’Leary, Keynote Speaker, 9th Annual HBCU College Festival. 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services at the Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 South Alfred Street in Old Town. Morristown, TN. Sunday, February 20, 2011. Fisk Jubilee Singers® @ First Presbyterian Church, 3 p.m. Free Event/No Tickets. Contact: 423-586-4281, Marcy Lay, [email protected].
Selma, AL. Wednesday, February 23, 2011. Fisk Women’s Basketball vs. Selma College @ 5 p.m. Selma, AL. Thursday, February 24, 2011. Fisk Men’s Basketball vs. Concordia College @ 8 p.m. Memphis, TN. Saturday, February 26, 2011. Premier of “The Last Championship Teams” high-lighting the 1973 and 1975 Fisk football teams. National Civil Rights Museum @ 6 p.m. Memphis, TN. Saturday, February 26, 2011. Fisk Jubilee Singers® @ Evergreen Presbyterian Church. Tickets/ Contact: 901-834-3414, Carole Blankenship, [email protected] OR John Bass, [email protected]. **Catch live stream of Fisk Women’s and Men’s Basketball Games at www.ihigh.com
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Cultivating Scholars & Leaders One by One
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