WelcOme AboArd BAKER ACCEPTED TO LSU VET SCHOOL Deanna Baker, a senior biology major, has been accepted to the Louisiana State University School ® of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge. Baker completed an internship Deanna Baker through the George Washington April 20, 2007 Vol. 3 Edition 7 Carver Project at the University of begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature Joann Martin Keith Scott Arkansas last summer. Her primary focus was on cattle. autographed sports memorabilia, art, Founder’sA former Tennessee congressman, Week moderated by2007 former Laurel mayor Lab Manager Asst. Football Coach She presented her fi ndings at the Mississippi Academy jewelry and other items. Natural Sciences Athletics the current Mississippi Senate Debra Mabry, also a Valley graduate. of Sciences as well as the annual Biomedial Research During the gala, MVSU President and Environmental Appropriations Committee chairman, The MVSU Symphonic-Wind Band Conference for Minority Students in Anaheim, Calif. Valley’s own Concert Choir and a Concert will be presented at 8 p.m. in Lester C. Newman will recognize Health outstanding university supporters In addition, Baker has won numerous academic awards, bevy of MVSU alumni who currently the H.G. Carpenter with Preeminence Awards. The event including last year’s MVSU Outstanding Junior Biology serve as mayors of Mississippi cities Auditorium. will highlight the annual Founder’s gets under way at 7 p.m. Tickets for Major. On Thursday, Week celebration at MVSU during the black-tie affair are $75. 2007 Football Schedule Announced former Tennessee April 23-28. Sept. 1 Arkansas-Pine Bluff A native of Kentucky, Baker is a former member of the c o n g r e s s m a n For ticket information, please contact Sept. 8 Southern* MVSU Delta Devilettes softball team. The Honorable Harold Ford Jr., the University Cashier at (662) 254- Sept. 15 at Alabama A&M Carl Jackson “Jack” now vice chairman 3313, or for information, contact the Sept. 22 Jackson State# VALLEY, ITTA BENA COLLABORATE FOR KIDS Gordon Jr. will be the of Merrill Lynch, Harold Ford, Jr. Offi ce of Public Relations at (662) Sept. 29 open Mississippi Valley State featured speaker at the will speak at the 254-3578. Oct. 6 at Grambling University’s Athletics Founder’s Breakfast Founder’s Day Honored guests Oct. 13 North Dakota State Department, in conjuc- on Monday. Convocation beginning at 10 a.m. in include actress Oct. 20 Texas Southern ^ tion with International On Tuesday, mayors H.G. Carpenter. In addition, MVSU Loretta Devine will honor longtime employees, Oct. 27 at Prairie View Programs and the City Jack Gordon of Itta Bena, Canton and television Lawrence and Lee Ester Horn, now Nov. 3 at Alcorn State of Itta Bena, announced and Yazoo City, e x e c u t i v e the establishment of the retired. J o h n a t h a n Nov. 10 Alabama State Thelma Collins, Fred Esco and Itta Bena Soccer League Rodgers. Nov. 17 at Savannah State McArthur Straughter, respectively, It will be a night of soulful ballads when Wednesday at the Bra- will discuss “Had It Not Been the 8th annual James Herbert White A Texas native, Loretta Devine sil Center in Itta Bena. For Valley…” during the second Preeminence Awards and Scholarship Devine is best * MVSU may move the Southern game to Chicago. Dean Joseph, women’s # Valley is planning to move the JSU game to Louisville, Ky annual alumni forum to be held in Gala takes place on Friday. known for her soccer head coach, is pic- the Business Education Building for the Louisville Football Classic. The evening event, held in the R.W. role as teacher ^ Homecoming tured addressing those in attendance. Also pictured is Dr. Kathie auditorium. The forum will be Marla Hendricks on the Fox drama Stromile-Golden, director of International Programs. Harrison Health, Physical Education and Recreation Complex, “Boston Public.” Currently, she has will feature vocalist a recurring role as Adele Webber Glenn Jones and on the ABC medical drama “Grey’s e Communiqué is published for faculty, staff , alumni and supporters of Mississippi Valley State University by the Offi ce of Public one of rhythm Anatomy.” Devine graduated from Relations. It is published twice a month during the fall and spring semesters and monthly during the summer. Editorial material and blues most the University of Houston in 1971 should be sent to Charles M. Brown, Box 7233, or via e-mail to [email protected]. For more information, call 662.254.3578. popular vocal with a BA in Speech and Drama and groups, The Brandeis University in 1976 with a Mississippi Valley State University MFA in Theater. Lester C. Newman, President Whispers. Tonjanita Johnson, Executive Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff The men Devine fi rst captured attention in will take the “Dreamgirls,” a Broadway musical Offi ce of Public Relations loosely based on the history of the Debbie Montgomery, Director stage during Charles M. Brown, Communications Specialist; D’Artagan Winford, Senior Graphic Designer; MVSU’s biggest Supremes. It premiered on December Jessica Kyle, Graphic Designer; Jennifer Neal, Administrative Secretary f u n d r a i s i n g 20, 1981, and ran for over 1,500 event of the performances; it eventually won six Mississippi Valley State University complies with all applicable laws regarding affi rmative action and equal opportunity Tony awards. Minor roles for Devine in all its activities and programs and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, year. A silent sexual orientation or group affi liation, age, disability, handicap, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran. auction will followed in fi lms such as “Little Nikita” and “Stanley and Iris.” She Continued on page 2 FOUNDER’S WEEK, Continued from page 1 57th Founder’s Week Observance at that time, Jones quietly released, “It’s “ e Quest for Preeminence” has a cameo performance in the fi lm Time.” With a nice mix of solid upbeat StAff NoTes version of “Dreamgirls.” material (such as the great cut “24/7”) and Monday, April 23 Founder’s Breakfast In 1995, she landed a high-profi le role as ballads, Jones sounded more confi dent FREE FINE WEEK ENDS SATURDAY The Honorable Jack Gordon Jr. Gloria Peaches in “Waiting to Exhale.” and distinctive than ever. But it was the Saturday, April 21 is the last Free Fine Day at James The role earned her a NAACP Image bluesy, soulful ballad “Baby Come Home” Senate Appropriations Chairman Herbert White Library for students, faculty and staff to from that album that was a seminal career Mississippi Legislature Award for best supporting actress, as did return books. moment for Jones, touted by many as his H. M. Ivy Cafeteria, Dining Hall IV her next movie, “The Preacher’s Wife.” fi nest soul vocal performance ever. 7:30 a.m. Devine won three more Image Awards $10 per person In addition, seniors may clear existing fi nes by bringing for her work in “Boston Public.” She also After 15 years of solo recordings, Glenn in a 12-oz. or taller canned good for each item that is Jones had developed into a great vocalist MVSU appeared in the 2005 Academy Awards Tuesday, April 24 '07 overdue and fi nes will be waived. Best Picture winning fi lm “Crash.” She who had met the promise hinted at with Alumni Forum also plays Rochelle’s mother, Maxine, his early gospel success. In 2002, Jones “A Mayor’s Perspective: Had It Not V whose always picking on her, on the hit signed with Russ Freeman’s Peak Records Been For Valley…” * Canned goods that are bent and have old sitcom, “Everybody Hates Chris.” and released “Feels Good” with moderate Business Education Building expiration dates are not acceptable. success. And in 2006, he returned on * United States Government food subsidy canned Devine has been cast in “Eli Stone,” a Auditorium Shanachie Records with Forever: Timeless 10 a.m. goods or other non-perishable items are not projected ABC television series for the R&B Classics. 2007-2008 season. Open to the public acceptable. One of R&B music’s most beloved and Johnathan Rodgers Wednesday, April 25 consistently popular vocal groups, The MVSU Symphonic-Wind Band April 28, 2007 Photographer Ralph Jones Exhibits In is president and Whispers, began their legendary and CEO of TV Spring Concert Front Lawn Johnston Gallery timeless career in 1963. They are one of Itta Bena Campus One, the new H.G. Carpenter Auditorium Today is your last chance to see the Ralph D. Jones only a few “old school” groups that can 7:30 p.m. 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. e n t e r t a i n m e n t Food, Fun and Entertainment Photograph Exhibit in the Johnston Gallery. The gallery boast of having more than 40 years in Open to the public � and lifestyle cable the industry with a worldwide fan base, is open 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. television network maintaining their vocal dominance and Thursday, April 26 See you there! targeting adult Founder’s Day Convocation Johnathan Rodgers original members. Afridan-American Mr. Harold Ford Jr. For More Information, Contact The Offi ce of Admissions At 254.3347 viewers that was The Whispers waited almost a decade Former U.S. Congressman PeOple To KnOw launched in January 2004 by Radio One, to produce a new CD in 2006. This H.G. Carpenter Auditorium the largest radio broadcaster primarily independent product, the fi rst venture of 10 a.m. Gloria Conley targeting African-American and urban their newly formed company “Satin Tie Open to the public listeners, and Comcast Corporation, the Productions,” is a masterpiece titled, “For EvEnt CaLenDar nation’s largest cable operator. Your Ears Only.” Friday, April 27 Position: Enrollment Eighth Annual James Herbert White April 20 Management Secretary Before joining TV One, he was president Preeminence Awards and Scholarship International Banquet/Talent Revue, 7-9 p.m., Charles of Discovery Networks, U.S. for six years. Attention MVSU Gala Travel In that position, Rodgers was responsible Silent Auction, 5:30 p.m. R. Lackey Recreation Center Responsibilities: for all aspects of the domestic television Employees: vouchers, ordering supplies, Founder’s Week tickets are still Preeminence Awards and Scholarship April 21 division including programming, affi liate Gala 7 p.m. fi ling, answering phone, available through payroll deduction. Spring Open House & Transfer Day sales, advertising sales, marketing, Robert W. Harrison HPER Complex directing calls, helping research, business development and Tickets are $10 for the April 23 Founder’s Black-tie optional, $75 per person students, etc. communications. Breakfast, and $75 for the April 27 Honored guests: Loretta Devine, The MVSU Choir will perform at “River to Rails” Rodgers received his undergraduate Awards and Scholarship Gala. actress on Howard Street in downtown Greenwood, Noon, Hometown: Itta Bena degree in journalistic studies from the Johnathan Rodgers, president and followed by MVSU students Parkisha Davis and Iesha Nine and 10-month employees: University of California at Berkeley, and CEO of TV One Johnson at 12:20 p.m. Admission is free. two payments from April and May Hobbies: Basketball games, listening to music and his masters in communications from Evening entertainers: The Whispers helping others Stanford University. paychecks. and Glenn Jones April 23 – 28 Founder’s Week (see p. 1 for details) For Glenn Jones, 1998 was a resurgence 12-month and pro-rated employees: Saturday, April 28 Philosophy: What God has for me is for me. of “old school” singers such as Barry three payments from April, May and Valley Fest, an afternoon of fun, food April 25 White, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, June paychecks. and games Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon, 11 a.m., Quote: “We look into the mirrors, but we only see the James Ingram and a number of other Front Lawn Deduction forms are available at the Lackey Recreation Center. Tickets are $10; corsages are effects of our times on us, not our affects on others.” solo artists. Though forgotten by many, Noon to 4 p.m. cashier’s window in Fiscal Affairs. $5.50. Tickets can be purchased at the Cashier’s Offi ce. – Pearl Bailey