Report, a Magazine Launched in 2007 to Celebrate the Impressive Contributions of African Americans to the Lafayette College Community and Beyond

Winter 2011 McDonogh R eport

Youngs ’07 Helps Manage Big Apple Budget

Mentoring Is Heart of the Matter for Bailey ’95

Brotherhood Unity Overturned National Racist Policy David Kearny McDonogh, M.D. Aug. 10, 1821, New Orleans, La.—Jan. 15, 1893, Newark, N.J. ◆ Class of 1844

The McDonogh Network, which provides networking opportunities for African American and other black alumni and students, is named for David McDonogh, M.D., and is associated with the McDonogh Report, a magazine launched in 2007 to celebrate the impressive contributions of African Americans to the Lafayette College community and beyond. The magazine is not only about past and present achievements, but also about aspirations—the hopes and dreams of all. In addition, the Presidential Lecture Series on Diversity, launched in 2000 to encourage intellectual discourse on diversity, was renamed in honor of McDonogh in 2009. It is now known as the President’s McDonogh Lecture Series. When David Kearny McDonogh came to Lafayette College in 1838, he was a slave. His owner, John McDonogh, a Louisiana rice planter, sent him to become educated in order to join a group of missionaries to go to Liberia. But McDonogh wanted to become a physician. When he graduated in 1844 as the College’s first black graduate, he went on to earn a medical degree at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He became a member of the staff of the New York Hospital and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. After his death, McDonogh Memorial Hospital was named in his honor and opened as New York City’s first hospital to admit physicians and patients without discrimination by race. He is buried in the historic Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. The sculpture, Transcendence (shown above), which stands adjacent to the David Bishop Skillman Library, was created by Melvin Edwards to honor McDonogh. Dedicated in September 2008, it is made of stainless steel and stands 16 feet tall. The massive upward-reaching form represents struggle, tension, and achievement. Edwards was artist in residence at the College’s Experimental Printmaking Institute in 2004-05, supported by the David L. Temple Sr. and Helen J. Temple Visiting Artist Fund. ◆ McDonogh Report Winter 2011

PressIng Forward...... 3 Kenya Allen ’02 is a rising star with the Social Security Administration. By Kate Helm Departments PresIdent’s Message 2

ManagIng the BIg Apple Budget ...... 4 Campus BrIefs 17 In work and volunteer activities, Vanessa Youngs ’07 • Nigerian artist is a public service leader. Ibiyinka Alao visits By Robert Bruce Slater • Ellis ’12 focuses on economics

• New African-Caribbean A Story of Two Brothers...... 6 interest floor The action of a Lafayette fraternity led to the removal of the national organization’s racist policy. • Black History Month: By Edwin Washington ’59 and James Vorosmarti ’57 Beats, Rhymes, & Life

• Internship is key for Lightfoot ’11 KeepIng Watch...... 11 Jacquelyn Wilkins ’77 oversees environmental standards • McKnight named director of for Massachusetts Port Authority. intercultural development By Matt Sinclair ’90 • 2009 graduates at top law schools

Personal Focus, PublIc VoIce...... 12 • Celebrated cellist Patrice With a powerful but gentle touch, Harrison Bailey ’95 Jackson performs changes the world one student at a time. By Stevie O. Daniels • Paige ’83 advises students

• Showell ’51 and Brown ’49 memorabilia in Tuskegee ExplorIng TherapeutIc Drugs...... 15 Airmen archive As a post-doctoral fellow, Jacobi Cunningham ’03 researches the effectiveness of long-acting medicines. • Campus Climate Study results discussed

• Poet Julia Alvarez works Spark IgnItIon PIoneer...... 16 with students Elbert Hendricks ’63 developed the engine control system used throughout the automobile industry. By Robert Bruce Slater

Diversity and Inclusiveness Statement Lafayette College is committed to creating a diverse community: one that is inclusive and responsive, and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. The College seeks to promote diversity in its many manifestations. These include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and place of origin. The College recognizes that we live in an increasingly interconnected, globalized world, and that students benefit from learning in educational and social contexts in which there are participants from all manner of backgrounds. The goal is to encourage students to consider diverse experiences and perspectives throughout their lives. All members of the College community share a responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. It is a mission of the College to advance diversity as defined above. The College will continue to assess its progress in a timely manner in order to ensure that its diversity initiatives are effective. Adopted 2009 PresIdent’s Message McDonogh Report Celebrating the contributions of African Americans to the Lafayette community

Editor Stevie O. Daniels

Contributors Mike Litzenberger, Robert Bruce Slater, Kate Helm, Matt Sinclair ’90, Elena Gambino

Designer Dale Mack

McDonogh Network Steering Committee Leroy D. Nunery II ’77, Nkrumah K. Pierre ’06, Photo by Chuck Zovko co-chairs; Terence L. Byrd ’74, Frank Campbell Jr. ’74, Simmone D. Chaddan ’04, Vivienne R. Felix ’03, Denise Transforming Moments Galarza Sepulveda, Joseph R. Godwin Jr.’ 81, Kyara Gray ’11, Rawle G. Howard ’96, During this academic year, we have been celebrating two significant Lembhard G. Howell ’58, Frank E. Hyson IV ’81, milestones in the College’s history—the 40th anniversary of Chawne M. Kimber, Gregory H. Laborde ’86, Ernest C. Levister Jr. ’58, Britney J. McCoy ’05, coeducation and the 80th anniversary of the dedication of Kirby John McKnight, Alfonzo B. Owens III ’75, Hall of Civil Rights. On Oct. 20, hundreds attended the rededication Dr. Cynthia Y. Paige ’83, Jeffrey D. Robinson ’80, ceremony, which marked the history of the building and the new Alma R. Scott-Buczak ’74, Jarrett T. Shine ’96, exhibits in the lobby illustrating the progress of civil rights over the Carlton J. St. Bernard Jr. ’86, Renee Becton past eight decades at Lafayette and across the nation. Strickland ’82, Natasha D. Strother ’96, Riley K. Temple ’71, Winston E. Thompson ’86, The new displays were developed by a working group of students, Paul Eugene Thurston ’60, George S. Weaver ’72, faculty, and staff. The group was formed after student leaders expressed Daniel Jerry Wooten ’60, Cornell N. Wright ’74 questions and raised concerns about the context and meaning of the The McDonogh Network is an active and engaged building’s dedicatory plaque, inscriptions on the building’s exterior, and networking organization consisting of multiple other features relating to the themes of civil rights and diversity. generations of Lafayette College black alumni. The The way in which Americans view civil rights has changed dramatically network enriches and informs its constituents since 1930. Concerns about external threats to constitutional freedoms through communications, events, and activities have been extended to include concerns about internal justices affecting that promote their interests on campus and in the community at large. The organization supports the rights of members of our own communities, including women, African and mentors the current black student body by Americans, immigrants, and others. Our students, in particular, were eager encouraging their academic and social progress to see the building reflect more recent developments and new ideas. and promotes diversity among the student body. In this issue you’ll read about another instance when student concern Committees include events, communication, led to dramatic change, in this case the overturning of racist policies in professional development and networking, resource development and fund-raising, ad fraternity membership rules (see “A Story of Two Brothers,” page 6). hoc governance, and recruitment, retention, Kirby Hall will continue to nurture the broadening, deepening, and and reclamation. To get involved, contact strengthening of the ideal of civil rights in years to come. But at its Kimberly K. Spang, Associate Vice President, core, it remains what it has always been, a place where dedicated faculty Development and Advancement Services, inspire bright and eager young people. We are reminded this year, in (610) 330-5037; [email protected]. particular, of our dedication to the core mission it supports—the trans- formation of young lives. And, in turn, to being open to the transforma- McDonogh Report is published annually for African tions that the students themselves may bring to the College. American and black alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of Lafayette College by the Communications Division, Feather House, 17 Cattell St., Easton, PA 18042; 610 330-5120; fax 610 330-5217; [email protected].

Daniel H. Weiss For more, visit sites.lafayette.edu/mcdonogh/ PressIng Forward Kenya Allen ’02 is a rising star with the Social Security Administration. By Kate Helm

Early in his career with the furloughing federally funded Social Security Administration disability services without SSA (SSA), Kenya Allen ’02 made a authorization. difference in people’s lives but “In almost every course I took, wanted more. As a lead program whether it was biology, government analyst at SSA’s headquarters in and law, or psychology, there was Baltimore, Md., Allen now impacts an expectation for students to programs that affect millions of clearly and effectively organize Americans. and express their thoughts,” he “I do not have to go far to see the says. “I write for diverse audiences value of my work,” says Allen, who daily, including agency executives, began working for SSA as social Congress, and the public. Much insurance specialist after graduating of the advice and feedback from with a degree in psychology. “I have my professors still resonates, and family, friends, and neighbors who rely on Social Security I regularly employ what I learned about writing.” disability benefits to help fulfill their basic living needs.” More than academics molded Allen into the leader One of 50 employees selected from 2,100 applicants he is today. A starter at defensive back for two and a for the SSA’s National Leadership Program, he half years on Lafayette’s Division I football team, he rotated through a variety of challenging leadership and was a recipient of the James F. Bryant ‘40 Award for developmental assignments over 18 months. He obtained Excellence and earned Patriot League Rookie of the his current position after a four-month shift with the Year honors. On the football field, he learned how to Office of Disability Determinations. react to life’s curveballs after suffering a career-ending Allen monitors and forecasts the impact of state fur- head injury his junior year. loughs and hiring freezes on disability claims processing. “I learned about resiliency and not quitting in the Fully funded by SSA, including staff salaries and benefits, face of adversity; I served as a student coach my senior state disability agencies process medical determinations season,” says Allen, who also was president of Brothers for eligibility. Despite being federally funded, some of Lafayette and director of marketing activities for the agencies are subjected to statewide furloughs, delaying Aaron O. Hoff Memorial Project. “A large part of the millions of dollars in disability payments to Americans Lafayette experience is about growing and experiencing in need. new things. As a student-athlete, I built lifelong con- Allen works hard to convince government officials of nections with talented and dedicated individuals who the devastating impact these state furloughs have on were willing to press forward even when things were people who rely on disability benefits. The advice of not going well. We continued to work hard and strived Lafayette professors often echoes in his head when he drafts to get better one play at a time. Because of that spirit of testimony, letters, and other high-level correspondence to resiliency, many of us have moved on to do wonderful support SSA’s proposed legislation to prohibit states from things since Lafayette.” ◆

Winter 2011 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ 3 ManagIng the BIg Apple Budget Photos by Michael Geramita

Vanessa Youngs ’07 is a public service leader through her work, her education, and her volunteer activities in New York City. By Robert Bruce Slater

s a budget analyst for the City of New York, In the future Youngs wants to play an even larger role Vanessa E. Youngs ’07 has the opportunity to in public service. This May she will complete a master’s A participate in policy decisions that can better the degree in urban policy at the New School for Management lives of city residents. “The most meaningful part of my and Urban Policy. She has been nominated for a 2011 work,” reports Youngs, “is the opportunity to participate Presidential Management Fellowship and would like the in issues that have an actual impact in the neighborhoods opportunity to work for the U.S. Department of Justice. where I live, work, study, and play.” One day she plans to run for political office because as an

4 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 “I participate in issues that have an actual impact

elected official “I can most effectively in the neighborhoods maintains the College’s third best all- serve the community.” time performance in the 200-meter Youngs is part of the Miscellaneous where I live, work, dash. Her fastest time in the 100- Revenues Unit of the city’s budget meter dash was only three-tenths of office. This division tracks and fore- study, and play.” a second off the College record. casts city revenues from all sources At Lafayette, the Mount Vernon, other than taxes, including parking N.Y., native “fell in love” with sociology tickets, license fees, and permits. She has responsibility for while taking her first introductory class. She majored in the budget of city agencies such as the Taxi and Limousine sociology and added a minor in economics and business. Commission, Department of Buildings, and Department “Lafayette professors are passionate about their subjects, of Housing Preservation and Development. and they made them relevant for me.” Working with members of the City Council and their When Youngs began her job search, she took a two- aides, Youngs also reviews pending legislation to see pronged approach. One resume was geared toward her how it will impact the city’s budget and analyzes how goal to find a research position at a public policy think- new technology can reduce costs and increase produc tank. But she prepared a second one that emphasized tivity. “For example,” she says, “when the Department of her minor in economics and business. During a career Buildings wants to upgrade its inspection system, it’s my fair at Columbia University, she left the second one with job to establish new inspection fees and to make sure the a representative of the New York City mayor’s office. department has the resources to implement the program.” Shortly after, she was hired by the Office of Management Each time she rides in a New York City taxi, Youngs and Budget where her first role was the development of takes pride in the automated passenger information budgets for the offices of city clerk, district attorney, and screens and credit card payment devices, both projects public advocate. that she helped develop and implement. Youngs credits the strong liberal arts curriculum at Youngs’ current graduate work gets her even more Lafayette with fine-tuning her interpersonal skills that involved in social policy projects that hold a special place enable her to communicate effectively in a business set- in her heart. One assignment was to design an outreach ting. Her supervisor in the city’s budget department said program for the NYC Department of Homeless Services one of the reasons she was hired was that during her job that seeks to reduce mortgage foreclosures. A pilot interview she conveyed a strong ability to relate to others. program based on the graduate school project is currently “I had a good time at Lafayette in and out of the class- being tested in some neighborhoods of the city. Also, as room,” says Youngs. “But most importantly, I realize now part of her master’s thesis program, she is developing that the college prepared me for the road ahead.” ◆ a community-based organization of legislators, clergy, nonprofit agencies, and local law enforcement that has the goal of reducing gun-related crime in Harlem. “These programs are great way for me to find work able solutions for some of the city’s most pressing challenges,” Youngs states. “They feed my passion for social justice and the government’s ability to implement strong policy solutions.” Youngs is also involved in the Girl Scouts of America, Young Professionals for Change, and the National Action Network. In addition, she donates her time to New York Cares, the city’s largest volunteer organization. In her commitment to public service, Youngs is continuing to follow a path that began on College Hill. At Lafayette she was a member of Students for Social Justice and served as secretary for Nia, a women’s support group. Youngs also was a standout sprinter for the Lafayette Vanessa Youngs ’07 (left) works with Katherine Alagar, budget analyst, track team. A four-year varsity letter winner, she on city revenue forecasting.

4 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 Winter 2011 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ 5 A Story of Two Brothers Fraternity’s courage leads to removal of national organization’s racist policy.

By Ed Washington ’59

Ed Washington ’59 (left) and Jim Vorosmarti Jr. ’57 reflect on their early days at Lafayette during a recent reunion in Washington, D.C. hat I experienced when I arrived on the campus of WLafayette College in Easton, Pa., in 1955 can only be explained as culture shock. I graduated from Joel Spingarn High School in the District of Columbia on the heels of the Supreme Court decision that struck down segregation in the public schools of America. While Spingarn was a segregated, all-black school, I was one of only a handful of African Americans sprinkled among 1,500 all-male students at Lafayette. Faces, clothing styles, slang expressions, and music were different.

At the start of my second semester, another black freshman, Victor Partridge of Atlanta, and I were approached separately by members of Lafayette’s chapter of Phi Kappa Tau (Alpha Omicron), with offers to join their ranks. . . . At the time, Phi Kappa Tau had 71 chapters on college campuses but no “negro” members. As I remember, we were told a gentlemen’s agreement existed in the National Constitution that restricted such membership, but our chapter brothers had already begun efforts to have the discriminatory language removed. Vic and I . . . accepted the offers to pledge. When we returned from summer vacation in September, the issue was still unresolved. The Oct. 12, 1956 issue of The Lafayette reported that “the chapter [Alpha Omicron] was in disagreement with certain of the fraternity’s policies, particularly membership policies.” [Two weeks later the fraternity broke from the national and formed a local group named Delta Sigma. Each brother voluntarily resigned from the national.]

(continued on next page)

◆ ◆ Photos by Jeffrey MacMillan Winter 2011 McDonogh report 7 After more than five decades, Ed Washington ’59 (left) and Jim Vorosmarti Jr. ’57 catch up on each other’s lives in a very different world from those early years in the 1950s at Lafayette.

A few of the upperclassmen brothers continued to Atlanta phone directory and called him. . . . I learned that pursue their ultimate goal of striking the discriminatory Phi Kappa Tau had modified its membership policy, had clause from the fraternity’s constitution. In the meantime, re-established its relationship with the original Alpha Vic and I were initiated into Delta Sigma. . . . we both Omicron chapter, and initiated the active brothers into were heartened because we knew the brothers had voted the fraternity. It was then that I first thought to seek individually, secretly, and unanimously. initiation “one of these days.” Occasionally, our brothers were harassed by students On Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, more than 50 years after who disagreed with their efforts to establish open my college days, my pastor, Dr. Wallace Charles Smith, membership in Phi Kappa Tau and set an example for delivered a sermon to frame the start of African American all college fraternities. History Month within its spiritual context. He referred We both grew up in the segregated South. . . . We to the struggle for civil rights in America. Not all the understood what was happening within Phi Kappa Tau, advances were made by the handful of men and women but not its total significance. To us, life at Lafayette was whose names immediately come to mind. Much progress such a great step forward. was made by people who took small steps, people whose I left Lafayette that year, and only returned once. names and accomplishments never appeared in headlines. Nearly 30 years later, I found Vic’s phone number in an I realized that I was one of those people, and that what

1824 Lafayette be denied admittance 1838 Two slaves, 1843 John Bemo, 1869 Lafayette College founded and or opportunity to serve David and Washington Seminole Indian and awards honorary degree named for the Marquis as president, trustee, McDonogh, are sent nephew of Chief Osceola, to Edward Blyden, noted de Lafayette, anti-slavery or faculty member on from Louisiana to study enrolled and in residence Liberian scholar and advocate, supporter account of religious at Lafayette. They for four years. College diplomat. of rights for French preferences. are freed when they expected to admit 10 After a Protestants, promoter of arrive in the North, but Choctaw Indians, who 1870 Lafayette contingent of female democratic revolutions. 1832 are subject to much never matriculated. opens with a local black students from Vassar Civil Rights discrimination. 1826 Pennsylvania student, Aaron Hoff, in 1844 David College visits, the idea at Lafayette legislature grants the first class. 1842 Washington McDonogh is first black of admitting women Lafayette College a Additional black McDonogh leaves student to graduate. is promoted in the 1800-2010 charter but requires 1836 Lafayette and sails for Easton and Lafayette students admitted to be Last black addition of Article VIII, Liberia with other freed 1846 newspapers. trained for the ministry students in residence which guaranteeing slaves from Louisiana. 8 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 in Liberia. for the next 100 years. that no persons shall Fraternity Won Encounter with Racism in 1950s

When I entered Lafayette in 1953, there brothers. The chapter unanimously wanted to have as brothers people was little student concern about civil voted not to do so. with whom we wanted to associate. rights. By 1955, things began to change. We presented our case to the We also never realized how far- Phi Kappa Tau, the fraternity to National Convention in June 1956. reaching this would be for the College which I belonged, decided to pledge Unfortunately, we were voted down, itself. I am still very proud of my two black freshmen, Edwin Washington 46 to 36. In fall 1956, the chapter fraternity brothers at the time, the ’59 and Victor Partridge ’59, because voted unanimously to resign from alumni who supported us, and the we liked them and wanted them to Phi Kappa Tau and set up a local College faculty and administration. be brothers. We were unaware of any fraternity called Delta Sigma. —James Vorosmarti Jr. ’57 clause in the national constitution We did not stand alone. In April discriminating against any specific 1956, the Academic Council published Editor’s Note: This essay is a shortened group of people. We soon heard from a resolution to abolish all social version of the original, published on the our national office; they cited a “gentle- organizations that had local or Lafayette College web site in July 2007. man’s agreement,” which stated that national constitutions restricting race, After earning his M.D. in 1961, James no chapter should pledge anyone who religion, or color. The Lafayette Vorosmarti Jr. ’57 served 26 years in might cause embarrassment to any Inter-fraternity Council voted to back the U.S. Navy including tours as senior other chapter or brother. We also heard any fraternity that adjusted accord- medical officer at the Submarine Base, vociferously from one chapter alumnus ingly. Also, on Oct. 23, the faculty Pearl Harbor, and with the Navy Deep who appeared at the house one day in published a recommendation that Submergence Project. a rage about what we had done and “no social fraternity should have As an exchange officer with the threatened to have the chapter alumni continued recognition by Lafayette Royal Navy, he directed the deep diving council take all the furnishings out College whose local chapter is not free research program at the Institute of of the house if we went ahead. Luckily, to elect to membership any individual Naval Medicine and Royal Naval other alumni members were very on the basis of his merit as a person.” Physiological Laboratory. He later served supportive, encouraging us and Within a few years, Phi Kappa Tau as commanding officer of the Naval ignoring him. and other national fraternities made Medical Research Institute. Since retiring, Visits by various officials of the appropriate constitutional Vorosmarti has been a consultant in the national office, including the changes, and Delta Sigma again environmental and occupational medicine president, were made to convince became a chapter of Phi Kappa Tau. for such clients as the Office of Naval us to keep Washington and Partridge I do not think that any of us thought Research and Smithsonian Institute. as social members and not full we were civil rights activists—we just

Vic, the Phi Kappa Tau brothers, and I did was a small that “waiting upon the Lord” is not passive; it requires victory in that struggle. Again, I thought that I would positive action. seek initiation “one of these days” and in so doing, finally That evening, I sent an email message to the Phi show my appreciation and respect to the Phi Tau brothers Kappa Tau headquarters . . . I asked if I was still eligible for for their efforts and sacrifices. The following Sunday, our initiation. The response came quickly from Tim Hudson, assistant pastor, the Rev. Gcorge E. Mensah Sr., preached director of chapter services, who had heard of the events

1883 Susan B. 1947 Lafayette admits College turns down the 1954 Clay Ketcham, clause prohibiting 1965 Ronald Brooks Anthony lectures on two Tuskegee Airmen, bid, an action that helps a member of the blacks from becoming ’65 is first black student women’s suffrage in Roland Brown ‘49 and lead to the integration of Education Department, members. to win the George the Sun Bowl in 1952. Pardee Hall. David Showell ’51, is first woman hired Unwritten Wharton Pepper Prize, members of the first permanently for the 1958 awarded by vote of F.M. Kirby Lafayette quotas in admissions are 1920 black aviators unit in the 1950s Lafayette faculty. students and faculty to establishes the begins to admit small discontinued. U.S. military. numbers of black the student who most Fred Morgan Kirby Faculty adopts Board of students. The College 1956 1962 closely represents the Professorship of Civil Lafayette’s a resolution prohibiting Trustees requests 1948 continues to have Lafayette ideal. Rights. football team receives discriminatory clauses in fraternities to divest unwritten quotas for the bid to Sun Bowl in El fraternity constitutions. themselves of all Kirby Hall of admission of black and 1930 Paso, Texas, played in a Phi Kappa Tau pledges discriminatory clauses Civil Rights dedicated. non-Protestant students. segregated stadium. The two black students; all and practices as soon as College is told it cannot members resign from the is reasonably possible. bring its black halfback, national fraternity, which 8 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 ◆ ◆ David Showell. The had a constitutional Winter 2011 McDonogh report 9 Sun Bowl Declined of 1956-58: YES! I was eligible to become a Phi Tau Due to Racism brother. The fraternity’s annual Capital Conference was set for Feb. 20-21, 2009, less than two weeks away, on the In November 1949 Lafayette’s football team was in- University of Maryland campus, which was less than 20 vited to play in the Sun Bowl football classic in El Paso, miles from my home. Here was further confirmation that Texas. According to an article by Charles H. Martin, the “one of these days” had arrived. faculty voted not to send the team. More than 1,000 I found items around the house that I had saved students marched to the home of President Ralph C. for more than five decades. The Phi Tau brothers had Hutchinson to find out why. provided me with some of the most joyous and gratifying When Hutchinson explained that the game organizers experiences of my life, and I never wanted to forget them. would have barred halfback David Showell ’51, a black On Friday, Feb. 20, I attended a reception and as I Tuskegee Airman veteran from playing, the students talked with the men and explained why I was there and urged the President to inform Sun Bowl officials that why 50 years late, I began to relax. Each brother greeted the College still wished to participate but only if Showell me with a smile, a friendly handshake, and an interested could play. and understanding ear. Martin’s article, “Integrating New Year’s Day: The Finally, Saturday came. The initiation ritual was a Racial Politics of College Bowl Games in the American solemn ceremony that I can only say was spiritually South, (Journal of Sport History, fall 1997), says that fulfilling. The most gratifying moment was being initia- Hutchinson reversed the faculty’s decision and called ted into the Alpha Omicron chapter. Although inactive the Sun Bowl selection committee. He was told that on the Lafayette campus for 35 years, it is the chapter that Showell could not play and that another team had I pledged and the chapter with which I will be associated already been contacted. for the rest of my life. . . . The students marched to downtown Easton and held A steady stream of brothers who witnessed the an orderly protest. They telegraphed President Harry S. ceremony came forward to welcome me to the fraternity. Truman, denouncing the Sun Bowl’s action and adopted After more than half a century, I had finally shown my resolutions condemning intolerance in American gratitude to the men who embraced me during those society. The controversy exposed the exclusion of years at Lafayette. Their efforts and sacrifices were not African Americans in football and became a historic only important to me personally, they played a role in cause célèbre for integrating sports in America. striking down discriminatory membership restrictions in other college fraternities.

Editor’s Note: This essay, written for the Afro-American Boeing Company from 1972 until retirement in 2000. Historical and Genealogical Society and reprinted in the summer He is a certified system engineer and network administrator. 2009 The Laurel, publication of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation, Washington is former vice president and current webmaster and is excerpted and published with permission. Ed Washington’59 board member of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical majored in mechanical engineering at Lafayette and worked for the Society. He lectures regularly on genealogical research. U.S. State Department and the District of Columbia Department Partridge died July 30, 1986, in Atlanta. After graduating of Highways and Traffic before launching his career in information from Lafayette in 1959 and being honorably discharged from the technology in 1967. He worked as a computer programmer with U.S. Navy in 1964, he taught in the Fulton County [Georgia] the U.S. Navy Department, Bureau of Personnel, and then for the School system until his death. ◆

1968 “Statement 1969 Board of studies program, a house is first black professor the most homophobic 2006 More than on Student Rights and Trustees confirms to serve as a black cultural on the Lafayette schools in the country. 300 students participate center, and an end to racial faculty with a full-time Responsibilities” is that no discriminatory Same-sex in the “Gay? Fine by discrimination on campus. appointment. 1998 adopted by the College, clauses remain in the partner benefits provided Me” rally on campus, which affirms that constitutions of national 1970 Women are 1977 Catherine to Lafayette College sponsored by QUEST students have the same fraternities at the College admitted to the College. Patterson ’77 is the first employees. (Questioning Established rights as any other and that members are woman student to win Sexual Taboos). citizen. The College to be chosen regardless Kenneth Rich ’67 is Hispanic Society of the Pepper Prize. College would no longer act in of “race, color, creed, or first black and Jeanette Lafayette founded. 2008 Reibman is first woman Friends of dedicates the sculpture loco parentis, restricting nationality.” 1993 Students to serve on Board of Lesbians and Gays 2002 Transcendence in students’ freedoms, and dedicate grave marker Lafayette’s Association of Trustees. (FLAG) has its first memory of David conversely, protecting for Aaron Hoff, Black Collegians issues a meeting in response to McDonogh, Class of those who violate the law. Earl G. Peace Lafayette’s first black “Black Manifesto,” calling 1971 the Princeton Review’s 1844, the former slave ’66, a member of the student, in the Easton 10 ◆ McDonogh reportfor more ◆ black Winter students, 2011 naming Lafayette one of who became a physician more black faculty, a black Chemistry Department, Cemetery. in New York City. KeepIng Watch Jacquelyn Wilkins ’77 oversees environmental standards for the Massachusetts Port Authority. By Matt Sinclair ’90

People may have different we go through an exercise to deter- opinions on what size a city mine those that are applicable and government should be, but implement as many as possible.” everyone wants things to run Wilkins works closely with smoothly. And when it comes engineers and architects to ensure to environmental standards for that environmental standards are Boston’s Massport, that’s just what factored into every project. As if Jacquelyn Wilkins ’77 ensures. her job wasn’t challenging by its As sustainability program very nature, she took over the manager for Massachusetts Port sustainability program in the midst Authority—better known as of the nation’s worst economic Massport—she ensures that situation in generations. programs throughout the quasi- “Implementing the sustainability government authority meet and guidelines at a time when money is maintain certain environmental standards—local, tight and people are overworked, takes a lot of relationship federal, and sometimes international. She leads the building,” she says. “I totally get it. I too am overworked. effort to keep Massport’s environmental initiatives But this is about changing the paradigm of how to design above the national average. projects and considering more completely the impact of Massport operates three airports, including Logan the choices we make.” International, as well as several seaport and maritime What Wilkins enjoys most is pushing the envelope facilities. By itself, Logan handles more than 25 million and coming up with innovative ways that can create passengers annually, so the pressures on all of Massport’s significant positive change. One special area of interest is environmental programs are intense. alternative fuel vehicles and sustainable fuel. Outside of In 2009, Massport adopted new design guidelines that work, she serves in leadership roles on several nonprofits require capital projects to meet expanded sustainable focused on sustainable mobility. design standards. A new or major rehab of a 20,000- This past summer, Massport received the first plug-in square-foot building or larger, for instance, must be hybrid Prius (a car that will be on the market in 2012) that LEED certified. That certification requires that a Toyota loaned in the Northeast. third party verify that the building was designed and “My intent was to get as many people to drive it as constructed using strategies that improve performance possible,” Wilkins says. “That particular vehicle plugs in energy savings, CO2 emissions reduction, and into a standard 110 outlet, but there are other electric stewardship of resources. All other capital projects are vehicles that will need a special charging infrastructure. subject to Massport’s own sustainable design guidelines. I’m looking for ways to prepare our public garages for the “For every project we consider various aspects, such as pending shift in the automotive fleet to include EVs.” recycled content of materials used and energy efficiency,” Wilkins says the big challenge is “to try to get people to Wilkins says. “We also consider where things are change their behavior. Getting folks to think differently manufactured and purchased. Can we buy locally? Not about how what we do today impacts the condition of the all guidelines apply to all projects, but for each project, planet that we will leave our children and theirs.” ◆

10 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 Winter 2011 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ 11 Photos by Chuck Zovko Getting to know students like Josh Warrell (right) is one of the most meaningful parts of being a principal for Harrison Bailey III ’95. Personal Focus, PublIc VoIce With a powerful but gentle touch, Harrison Bailey ’95 ıs changing the world one student at a time. By Stevie O. Daniels

ike Mentor, whom Odysseus placed in charge of safety, graduation, hall monitors, and teacher duties. his son Telemachus when he left for the Trojan While keeping an eye on their discipline and attendance is L War, Harrison Bailey III watches over more than fundamental, he is also part of the advisory team assigned 800 students. to each of them that includes a guidance counselor. As an assistant principal at Parkland High School, “The most meaningful aspect of what I do,” says Allentown, Pa., Harrison Bailey III ’95 also oversees Bailey, in a rich, oratory voice, “is interacting with the

12 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 students. I have the opportunity from area high schools to hold to mentor them and help them a conference on leadership and work out plans to further their mentoring and will soon begin interest in a particular area or work on his doctorate with to move toward the career that plans to write a thesis on the they envision for themselves.” role mentoring plays in students’ In addition, he started a outcomes. Cultural Awareness Club a few “A lot of great people years ago and continues as the helped me get where I am today,” adviser. The club, which has says Bailey, who grew up in about 75 members, includes “I was helped to Lakewood, N.J., “my high school students from diverse back coach, my babysitter from age grounds and ethnicities. achieve, and I am 2 to 13 since both my parents The school has 3,200 students, worked in New York City, and and Bailey says that although devoted to helping the many topnotch teachers he may not work with each one that I have had. I was helped to directly, he does get to know others in the same way.” achieve, and I am devoted to them all by face. Establishing helping others in the same way.” that one-to-one connection is Bailey, who is wearing his an important foundation not Patriot League championship only for building rapport between administration and ring, says his experience at Lafayette as co-chair of students but also for spotting signs that could indicate a the Brothers of Lafayette and captain of the track problem or a strength that needs a little nurturing. and football teams made him comfortable with being a leader. “That experience fortified my adminis- A Path That Fıts trative skills,” he says. In addition, attending Lafayette And it was experiencing just that kind of nurturing that prepared him for what he is going through now—being led Bailey to his current role. While he describes being the only African American professional in the school an assistant principal as a blessing and knows now that district until a year ago. “Getting through the culture it is something he was “meant to do,” the route to this shock of being a minority at Lafayette has helped me destination was indirect. handle it here. It doesn’t hold me back at all, but it “In my senior year at Lafayette I was talking with does have an effect.” Fluney [Gladstone Hutchinson, associate professor of economics and business] about my future, and said Champıon Athlete I wanted to go into public speaking,” recalls Bailey. Bailey sets high expectations for himself academi- “He said ‘why would anyone want to ask you to speak? cally and professionally and inspires students to do the First, you need to get your master’s.’” same. He also excels in the world of athletics. Current Then, as Bailey neared completion of his master’s in U.S. Champion of the Highland Games, in which he education at Lehigh University, he received a second has competed in for 10 years as a professional, he holds similar message. The professor for his last class suggested the Lafayette record in football for career quarterback that he could be an educational administrator and still sacks and in track and field for discus. do public speaking. So, Bailey conducted an internship The first and only African American who participates while obtaining his principalship certification. He found in the Highland Games, Bailey was introduced to the the interaction with students to be the most interesting sport by Paul Ferency, his discus coach at Lafayette and a part of his work. In 2000, he applied for an opening at former World Record holder. “Paul agreed to coach me,” Parkland High School to gain experience in interviewing. says Bailey, “and I started training in 1997.” After playing To his surprise, he was hired, and the unfoldment began. amateur for several years, he turned pro in 1999. The importance of mentoring in Bailey’s life and the The Highland Games began centuries ago in Scotland difference he has seen it make in his own students’ lives, as competitions of strength, speed, agility, and skill. The is pivotal to him. He is currently working with colleagues events, which have changed little over time, include

12 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 Winter 2011 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ 13 lifting a heavy stone, throwing the hammer, and tossing The circuit of competitions runs from April through the caber. And participants still wear kilts. Although not November with the U.S. National Highland Athletic Scottish, one of Bailey’s great-grandfathers was Irish so Championship held at the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, sometimes he wears the Bailey tartan but also wears the Pa., in September. Bailey also placed first in the World Cairn one as well. Championship in 2006 and 2008; he is the three-time World Record holder for weight over the bar (WOB) at 20 feet. This past season, Bailey participated in 18 competitions. From November to April, he does drills and lifting to stay in shape and begins throwing outside in March, increasing frequency to three or four days a week in April. “Keeping such a rigorous schedule would not be possible without the support of my wife, Kimberly,” says Bailey. “We met when we were getting our master’s degrees, and she’s a teacher, too.” They have three c hildren and live in Williams Township, Pa. Bailey, who has remained close to his fellow teammates, has gatherings at his home. “The brotherhood I experienced at Lafayette was very important to me,” says Bailey. “The men I got to know are still my closest friends.” He adds that the brotherhood aspect of the Highland Games is part of what attracted him to them. And what of the dream to be a public speaker? Bailey has given several commencement addresses and looks forward to developing more opportunities in the future. Bailey recognizes that he could have gone into a different profession and earned twice the salary, but “I chose to be in a situation in which I could mentor young students forward to achieve their highest.” The words carved into the lintel at the high school’s Harrison Bailey begins toss of the 19-foot, 175-pound caber. The object is entrance are: “educating for success, inspiring excellence.” for it to fall directly away from the thrower with top end farthest away. I n No more apt description for the leadership of Harrison ancient times it was practice for placing logs across chasms to cross them. Bailey III could be found. ◆

14 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 ExplorIng TherapeutIc Drugs As a post-doctoral fellow, Jacobi Cunningham ’03 researches the effectiveness of long-acting medicines.

Although the path at “Both drugs leverage upon known Lafayette was circuitous for Jacobi pharmacology and are designed Cunningham ’03, it led him to to maximize patient compliance just the spot where he wanted to and limit the number of thera- be. After completing his Ph.D. in peutic dosing required,” explains pharmacology at Boston University Cunningham. School of Medicine, he recently Cunningham became fascinated became a post-doctoral fellow by drug interactions and their with the life sciences department influence on disease and illness of Alkermes, a pharmaceutical when he switched his major company in Waltham, Mass. His from biology to neuroscience at work there involves long-acting Lafayette. In a summer internship therapeutic drugs. at Harvard Medical School, he was “I work in a neuroscience labora- exposed to diagnosing and digitally tory where my typical day includes in vivo neurochem imaging the effects of neurodegenerative diseases. That istry to test the effects of novel and known compounds experience and research he did with Elaine Reynolds, in the central nervous system,” says Cunningham. “The associate professor of biology, helped propel him toward work that I do extends the pharmacological profile of graduate work in pharmacology. known compounds and also supports new development Cunningham’s doctoral program at Boston and formulation.” In addition, he is also part of project University included two years of research and study at teams to discuss new drug formulations and targets for a the University of Toledo where Bryan Yamamoto, his wide range of chronic disorders, including addiction and doctoral thesis adviser, had taken a new post at the central nervous system disorders. College of Medicine. Cunningham returned to the “I rely heavily on my scientific backbone and framework Boston area in spring 2010 to defend his dissertation, that I learned at Lafayette,” says Cunningham. “I think which involved chronic stress and MDMA, the drug the most important aspect of my education there was the commonly known as ecstasy. “I studied the interaction introduction to and preparation for using applied research between drug abuse and chronic unpredictable stress as techniques and approaches.” an animal model of daily stress in humans,” he explains. Alkermes specializes in long-acting injectable “The two combined resulted in learning deficits and therapeutic drugs, which promote patient compliance. brain damage not otherwise seen with MDMA or Two examples are Risperdal®Consta® and Vivitrol®. stress alone. It suggests that stress therapy would be an Risperdal®Consta® is a schizophrenia and bipolar important component in drug abuse therapy and that disorder treatment that uses Alkermes’ proprietary stress is an important component of drug research.” Medisorb® technology to maintain therapeutic “The take-home for me is to expect the unexpected,” medication levels in the body through one injection says Cunningham. He describes his experience as every two weeks.Vivitrol® is an extended release once- fascinating and challenging with no time for “sitting a-month injectable drug to treat opiate and alcohol down and relaxing. You have to be prepared to change addiction. and to deal with obstacles.” ◆

14 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 Winter 2011 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ 15 Spark IgnItIon PIoneer Elbert Hendricks ’63 developed the engine control system used throughout the automobile industry. By Robert Bruce Slater

In the mId-1980s, laboratory at DTU. He was the research that Elbert attracted to Denmark Hendricks ’63 had been because Copenhagen is conducting on engine spark the home of the world- ignition systems caught the renowned Bohr Institute eye of engineers at Ford of the University of Motor Company. He received Copenhagen. Although a multi-year research grant founder and Nobel prize win- to develop what he coined ner Neils Bohr died in 1962, as the Mean Value Engine the Institute and the city are Model (MVEM). a mecca for physics research. “MVEM is now a recog Hendricks took a nized buzzword in the engine laboratory position at the industry,” says Hendricks, University of Copenhagen associate professor of electri- in 1967. After years of focus cal engineering at Technical ing solely on research, he University of Denmark refocused on an engineering (DTU), Lyngby. This system, Elbert Hendricks ’63 (right) with Myoungho Sunwoo, professor of discipline and pursued an now used by all automotive automotive engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea. advanced degree. companies, controls internal After earning his combustion engines more exactly than previous ones, master’s degree in control theory and applied mathe- resulting in greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions. matics from DTU in 1980, Hendricks stayed on at the Hendricks, who teaches advanced linear control university to conduct laboratory work on helicopter systems at DTU and advises master’s and doctoral students, control systems. In 1984 he participated in a joint has led several industry/university development projects industry/university cooperative research project with with automobile companies and engine manufacturers a company now known as Man Diesel, to develop large across the globe. He is the author of Linear Systems Control: turbocharged diesel engines for ocean-going ships. Deterministic and Stochastic Methods (Springer Verlag, 2008) Hendricks, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, chose with Ole Jannerup and Paul Haase Sørensen, as well as Lafayette as a result of advice from his guidance counse- many papers that have been published in journals or pre- lor about the engineering program. “At the time, I was sented at conferences around the world. He has lectured in interested in aircraft engineering,” he says. When he many countries including Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, found the engineering courses to have large enrollments the United States, and Korea. and to be highly specialized, he switched to physics. Hendricks’ research for the Ford project was the foun- “The physicists were making things and building dation for his Ph.D. at DTU, which he received in 1992. equipment,” Hendricks says. As one of the few African He then joined the electrical engineering faculty there. American students on the campus at that time, he says, As an expert on automobile engines, Hendricks’ view “The professors and my fellow students made me feel of their future is interesting. He sees today’s hybrids as welcome. Faculty members were extremely helpful in being only a passing fad. “They are too complex,” he says. providing recommendations for me for graduate work.” “A better bet is highly turbocharged diesel engines. They With firm roots in Denmark, Hendricks has no plans are simple and very efficient. Many years from now, auto- to return to the United States, despite a multitude mobiles will run exclusively on electricity, but only after of employment offers from both corporations and much more efficient batteries become available.” universities. His wife, a medical doctor, is Danish, and After receiving his degree in physics from Lafayette, their son, Vincent, is a highly regarded professor of Hendricks became a research assistant in the physics formal philosophy at the University of Copenhagen. ◆

16 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 Campus BrIefs

Artist in Residence: Nigerian Ibiyinka Alao From May to July, Nigerian painter Ibiyinka Alao taught students at Lafayette and area schools about the art of Nigeria and his art-making process. A Lafayette visiting artist and the honorary Art Ambassador of Nigeria, he worked hands-on with students through a series of workshops. The exhibit One Night of Grace, held on June 24 at the Williams Visual Arts Building, featured his work as well as the work of students from his workshops. The evening included a lecture by Alao and a public reception with food from different regions of Africa. Alao Photo by Chuck Zovko describes his colorful work as a Ibiyika Alao (right) discusses his work at Williams Visual Arts Building exhibit reception. celebration of diversity. Alao won global recognition Ambassador of Nigeria. Since that Business School, Indianapolis in 2001 when his painting, “The time he has visited schools, libraries, Art Center, Martin Luther King Perversity of Life (Girls and a Greener and learning centers around the world Art Center, and the Empire State Environment),” took first place in the discussing contemporary African life Building. United Nation’s International Art and how it is expressed in his artwork. Alao’s residency was sponsored Competition. Entries were submitted More than 400 of his paintings by the College’s art department from 61 countries. His home country have been in exhibits or are in and Community-Based Teaching awarded him the honorary title of Art permanent collections at Harvard Program.

Economics Has Broad Appeal Getting involved in a broad range apartheid, and I was struck by how of activities at Lafayette has been it still lingers in present day South important to Brandon Ellis ’12, of Africa in the clear divide between Jeffersonville, Pa. how whites, blacks, and coloreds Outstanding performance as live and the opportunities that are cornerback on Lafayette’s football available for each group.” team as well as in his academic Over the summer, Ellis worked as endeavors led to Ellis being named to an intern with Johnson & Johnson. the ESPN Academic All-District II After Lafayette, he plans to pursue Football Team in November. a career in the sports industry. He Ellis, an economics major, says that is a Gateway ambassador for Career what he likes most about the field is Services and a peer mentor in the that he has “learned a lot of skills and College’s Academic Tutoring and knowledge that can be transferred Photo by Chuck Zovko Training Information Center. and applied to a career but also to my “I enjoy helping younger student- personal life, such as interest rates, country’s history, culture, language, athletes make the transition from investment strategies, and mortgages.” and economic system. high school to college as smooth During January interim session, “I visited Robben Island, where as possible,” says Ellis, who is also Ellis traveled to South Africa for the Nelson Mandela spent 17 years of a member of the Association of course “Voices of South Africa: The his imprisonment,” says Ellis. Black Collegians and Fellowship of Rainbow Nation,” to learn about the “We learned about the history of Christian Athletes.

16 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 Winter 2011 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ 17 Campus BrIefs

New African-Caribbean Interest Floor Internship Affirms The new African-Caribbean D.C.. “Our goal is to create a space Interest Floor (ACIF) in Keefe Hall where African and Caribbean Career Path includes 10 residents—five men and cultures are celebrated, because With a strong interest in justice five women—representing a variety many people still seem to hold the and law, Laquan Lightfoot ’11, of cultures, including Pakistani, perception that these cultures are a government and law major from Bangladeshi, Trinidadian, Jamaican, basic, or uncivilized.” Washington, D.C., landed the Ethiopian, and African American. “We hope to promote the perfect job as an intern this past “We are eager to learn of, and cultures of Africa and the summer for the Homicide Unit, teach others about, the won- Caribbean not only to the floor Trial Division, Philadelphia District ders of African and Pan-African but also to the campus at large,” Attorney’s Office. The division pros- (Caribbean) cultures,” says floor says Faisal Sohail ’11, of Muscat, ecutes most adult crimes, ranging president Kameisha Hodge ’11, an Oman, resident adviser and from summary offenses to homicide. English major from Washington, founder. Lightfoot helped with trial preparation and jury selection, created a presentation that was used in a closing argument, drafted witness subpoenas, helped investigate a defendant in a death penalty case, and assisted in victim and witness services. Lightfoot’s plans to go to law school and become a prosecutor in a district attorney’s office were affirmed by this experience. The internship was made possible through the Intern Scholars program, funded by a gift from George (Sunny) Whelen P’10. A Posse Scholar, Lightfoot

Photo by Chuck Zovko received an All-Region Attorney Students prepare a meal of jerk chicken and discuss how the use of spices and other culinary Award during the preliminary practices vary from culture to culture. round of last year’s American Mock Trial Association Tournament. She is also a member of Association of Black Collegians and Precision Step Black History Month: Beats, Rhymes, & Life Team, and was co-chair of the Class Lafayette is celebrating Black Performances at the Williams of 2014 Orientation Committee. History Month throughout February Center will include Lar Lubovitch with poetry, food, music, discussions, Dance Company, Saxophone performances, and a fashion show. Summit performing music of John The month’s events explore the Coltrane, and Ethos Percussion past, present, and future of black Group. Transportation was provi- artistry. The keynote performance ded to Lehigh University to see Step on Feb. 11 was by Brooklyn-based Afrika! dance troupe. poet and spoken word artist Brook An “All That Jazz” Listening Yung. Party was held at Portlock Black The month’s events are coordi- Cultural Center with Skip Wilkins, nated by the Office of Intercultural associate professor of music, as the Development and are sponsored discussion leader. by the Africana studies program, An African Market was featured Association of Black Collegians, in Farinon College Center with a Office of Religious Life, and Fashion Show planned as the conc-

Williams Center for the Arts. luding event. Photo by Chuck Zovko

18 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 McKnight Is Named Associate Dean of Students and Director of Intercultural Development In January, John McKnight, Ind., and is pursuing an Ed.D. in associate dean of the College and class administration and leadership studies dean for first-year and second-year at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. students, took on a new position. He McKnight will report to the vice is now associate dean of students and president for campus life and senior director of intercultural development. diversity officer, a newly created McKnight says that one of his position for which a national search goals is to offer programming that is under way. will inspire deep self-reflection, The vice president will collabor critical inquiry, and committed ate with other senior administrators, activism. “In addition to continuing oversee all areas of student life, the tradition of outstanding cultural provide leadership as the chief programming, I would very much like student affairs officer, develop and

to challenge our campus community Photo by Chuck Zovko supervise initiatives to promote to see cultural awareness as an John McKnight peruses the new exhibitry pluralism and dialogue on matters essential aspect of a liberal education,” in Kirby Hall of Civil Rights at the rededication of diversity for the Lafayette he says. “I believe we must all under ceremony. community, and ensure that access stand ourselves as individuals and as and diversity are at the center of members of various social identity McKnight came to Lafayette in campus life considerations. groups and to recognize the power May 2009 from Lehigh University, The College’s first chief diversity and privileges we have as group where he was director of multicultural officer, Shirley Ramirez, served as members. I want our campus to be affairs from 2008-09, following a vice president for institutional alive with intellectual conversations year as associate director of multi planning and community engage- on social justice that will equip us for cultural affairs. He holds an M.S. in ment from January 2009 through productive citizenship in our local higher education administration from March 2010. and global communities.” Indiana University, Bloomington,

Three Graduates from Class of 2009 Flourish at Top Law Schools Matriculation at New York Meanwhile, two of Gibbon’s says the experience increased his University’s Law School—one of the Lafayette classmates are thriving at interest in business mergers. most prestigious in the country—is one of the country’s other leading law “Now, I’m considering focusing no easy task. For Matthew Gibbons schools—Columbia. Sasha Graham on litigation arising out of mergers ’09, however, it is the culmination of ’09 and Sue Izevbigie ’09, both and acquisitions or specializing literally a lifetime of hard work. in their second year, are interested in the legal aspects of structuring “I’ve wanted to become a lawyer in pursuing careers in areas related mergers,” he says. since I was four,” says Gibbons. to public interest. Graham was Gibbons says the most reward “Since my father was a solo awarded Lafayette’s Africana Studies ing part of law school is learning practitioner, the law was what I Scholastic Award for her potential for how to think like a lawyer. “The grew up around and what I knew. future leadership in American society. challenge of law school itself is Even when it was time to choose a Izevbigie, who received the James F. exciting and daunting at the same major in college, I always had law B r y a n t ’40 Excellence Award for high time,” he says. “The first year it was school in mind.” academic and athletic achievement difficult to acclimate myself to the Gibbons, now in his second year at (track and field), completed a law pedagogical style of law school NYU, is working on a specialization fellowship at the Center for Media and to the language of the law, but in mergers and acquisitions, a field and Democracy over the summer. those are the things that become which focuses primarily on helping Gibbons, who spent a summer the most rewarding when you begin businesses grow by buying, selling, or working at New York City’s corpor to embrace it all.” combining entities. ate firm Gibson, Dunn, and Crutcher,

18 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 Winter 2011 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ 19 Campus BrIefs

Celebrated Cellist Leads Master Classes Showell ’51 and During a residency as the Temple Visiting Artist Nov. 17-18, award- Brown ’49 Memorabilia winning cellist Patrice Jackson performed, lectured, and conducted a Donated to Tuskegee string master class with students. Jackson held a string master class Airmen Archive for students with Jorge Torres, In November, Dr. Ernest C. associate professor of music, and also Levister Jr. ’58, physician presented a lecture-performance, and chemical engineer of San “Women & Classical Music,” with Bernardino, Calif., presented Jennifer Kelly, assistant professor of memorabilia on two Lafayette music. alumni who were members of the A brilliant and gifted young cellist, famous Tuskegee Airmen during Jackson is carving a name for herself World War II, to the archive at as a talented and charismatic soloist. Patrice Jackson performs during residency University of California-Riverside. A native of St. Louis, she made her in November. Levister presented a color poster debut at age 13 with the Belleville made from the feature article in the Philharmonic Orchestra, performing country and received numerous awards. September 1998 Lafayette Alumni Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto. In A graduate of the Juilliard School and News about David Showell ’51 and 2002, Jackson was awarded first Yale School of Music, she has studied Roland Brown ’49. place in the Senior Laureate Division with world-renowned Brazilian cellist The archive is a collection of of the nationally renowned Sphinx Aldo Parisot and Claude Frank and the personal letters, photographs, Competition and received the Yale Tokyo String Quartet. petitions, posters, diaries, oral University Aldo Parisot Prize, The David L. Sr. and Helen J. histories, awards, art and other awarded to a gifted cellist who shows Temple Visiting Artist Fund, estab- historical resources from the promise for a concert career. lished in 2000 by Trustee Emeritus Tuskegee Airmen and Airwomen. She made her international Riley K. Temple ’71 in honor of his The Tuskegee Airmen were orchestral and recital debuts in South parents, is committed to the support recruited into an Army Air Corps Africa in 2002, and, since then, has and encouragement of the work of program that trained blacks to performed with symphonies across the artist, curators, and art historians. fly and maintain combat aircraft. President Franklin D. Roosevelt overruled his top generals in order ing that the program be created. Paige ’83 Advises on Med School Applications Nearly 1,000 fighter pilots trained In September, Dr. Cynthia Paige ’83, be aware of the importance of the as a segregated unit at an air base assistant professor of family medicine, interview.” in Tuskegee, Ala. Not allowed to University of Medicine & Dentistry Paige, who also has her own practice or fight with their white of New Jersey, came to campus to practice as a family physician in counterparts, the Airmen distin meet with students and give them Montclair, N.J., has been featured on guished themselves from the rest by an insider’s view of the changing the Black Experience television pro painting the tails of their airplanes face of medical school education gram, The Tavis Smiley radio show, red, which led to them becoming and how medical schools review and has received numerous awards known as the “Red Tails.” Hundreds applications. for her commitment to educational saw combat throughout Europe, the “What I found most valuable was excellence and community service. Mediterranean, and North Africa. Dr. Paige’s honest insight into the She teaches future doctors how to An article about the 70th way that applications are perceived identify with patient needs and cope anniversary event, written by by admissions officers,” says Tania with the stresses of complex, often Dr. Levister’s wife, Chris Levister, Torres ’12, a philosophy major, impersonal health care systems. She appeared in the online edition of who was among the 30 students at incorporates alternative therapies The Washington Informer, an African the session. “Two of her points have into her practice to better serve the American, woman-owned news guided me since the meeting: start physical, emotional, and spiritual paper founded in 1964 by the late the process as soon as you can and needs of her patients. Dr. Calvin W. Rolark.

20 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 Campus Climate Study Results Renowned Novelist Discussed In Town Meetings and Poet Julia Alvarez A series of town meetings held on results can be generalized to the campus Dec. 2 and 3 provided an whole campus population. The execu Works with Students opportunity for all faculty, staff, tive summary noted the strengths In March, award-winning novelist and students to hear a presentation revealed by the survey, which include and poet Julia Alvarez gave a by Sue Rankin, principal, Rankin that a majority of employees are satis- reading and met with students & Associates Consulting, who fied with their jobs, a large majority from classes in English, Spanish, holds a Ph.D. in higher education of students are satisfied with their and women’s studies to discuss administration, on the results of the academic experiences, a majority her work. Campus Climate Survey conducted reported that they are comfortable The event was part of the last spring. with the climate, and a majority of President’s McDonogh Lecture The survey was designed to assess faculty and students are comfortable Series. the level of success that Lafayette with the classroom climate. Alvarez, writer in residence at has as a community in creating a The summary also identified some Middlebury College in Vermont, welcoming and inclusive climate challenges, which include that some is the author How the Garcia Girls grounded in mutual respect, nur respondents perceived experiences Lost Their Accents (1991), which won tured by dialogue, and evidenced by of inequity or harassment based on a PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles a pattern of civil interaction. The their racial identity, their gender, Literary Award for excellence in survey was created by the Campus or their sexual orientation. Rankin multicultural literature, and In the Climate Working Group (CCWG) noted that similar challenges are Time of Butterflies (1995). working with Rankin & Associates. found in higher education institu The President’s McDonogh It was designed for respondents to tions across the country. Lecture Series, formerly the provide information about their Rankin’s presentation as well as Presidential Speaker Series on personal experiences with regard to the full report and an executive Diversity, was founded in 2000 climate issues and their perceptions summary are available on the web, to encourage intellectual of institutional actions including http://campusclimate.lafayette.edu. A discourse on diversity. It is named policies related to climate issues and Lafayette network ID and password for David Kearney McDonogh concerns on campus. are required to view the documents. 1844, Lafayette’s first African “A positive climate for all A hard copy of the full report is on American graduate. students, faculty, staff, and reserve in Skillman Library. administrators—regardless of In December, Provost Wendy individual identities or positions at Hill informed the campus of the the College—encourages individual next steps. “We learned about many growth and discourages expressions positive aspects of our community,” of discrimination and harassment,” she said. “Yet, as a community, said President Daniel H. Weiss in there is important work to be done the Nov. 16 announcement to the in a number of areas.” She asked campus about the scheduled town members of the community to meetings. “The survey was designed provide suggestions for actions to provide baseline information that would make Lafayette a more about where we are most successful inclusive and welcoming climate in building a positive climate as well either by responding to an as where we have important work anonymous survey or by partici- to do. The results will be used to pating in one of the small group inform our ongoing discussions discussions that the CCWG has about initiatives to create positive scheduled for Feb. 3, 4, and 7. change at the College.” By May 1 the group will provide The participation rate was 37%, Weiss with three tiers of initiatives:

which Rankin described as a “great actions to begin by fall 2011, those to Photo by Ken White/Zovko Photographic LLC response.” She said the unusually begin during 2011-12, and those to be Author Julia Alvarez (left) describes the writing strong response rate means that the done in the next three to five years. process with students in an English class.

20 ◆ McDonogh report ◆ Winter 2011 307 Markle Hall Lafayette College Easton, PA 18042

Why Lafayette? One of America’s oldest colleges, Lafayette has roughly 2,400 students and more than 200 full-time faculty. With 47 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, 250 student organizations, and an amazing campus, rich in academic, residential, and recreational facilities, Lafayette offers all the benefits of larger schools with the student-centered approach of a small, undergraduate college.

Collaborative, Committed Teachers Extraordinary Campus Involved, Focused, High-Impact Learning and Scholars and Facilities Active Students Together, students and Through intense personal With a beautiful campus From diverse backgrounds faculty collaborate mentoring in the classroom, in a great location near one here and abroad, they are beyond traditional field, laboratory, and beyond, of the world’s top cultural drivers, not passengers; academic boundaries faculty members inspire centers, the College has doers, not spectators. to tackle intellectual their students to lead excellent facilities including They are engaged in and challenges and solve lifetimes of learning and new enhancements for the out of the classroom and real-world problems. leading. arts and athletics. are highly successful in pursuing advanced study and securing top careers.