INSIDE: >>> ‘A Good Job’ or College … page 5 >>> Jackie Robinson’s Impact on the World … page 9 >>> President’s MASKED Ball … page 22 >>> J.L. Dickey Legacy Revived … page 27

LEARN MORE. SUMMER / FALL 2007

The Ram Magazine is published by the Huston-Tillotson University Office of Institutional Advancement, 900 Chicon Street, Inside: Austin, TX 78702, 512.505.3073. From the President...... 4 Unsolicited articles and pictures may be submitted to [email protected]. Alumni news >>>FEATURE ARTICLES and milestones should be ‘A Good Job’ or College: Real Choices for Two HT Students ...... 5 addressed to the Director of Alumni Affairs, [email protected]. Anniversary Celebrated with the Grand Opening of an Historic Building ...... 6 Jackie Robinson’s Lasting Impact on the World and HT...... 9 Editor Thunder™ Rolls On the Campus Landscape...... 12 Linda Y. Jackson Huston-Tillotson University Receives Its Largest Collection of African Art ...... 14 Alumni Section Editor La Juana R. Napier J.L. Dickey Legacy Revived in 2007 ...... 27 Magazine Design Alumnus Among Capital Hill’s High Profile Players ...... 32 Bella Graphic Design, Inc Printing >>>EVENTS Horizon Printing Commencement 2007...... 8 Photography credits: Austin Black History Month Celebration ...... 10 American-Statesman, David Adam, Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph Performs to Sold Out Audience ...... 11 Jonathan Evans, Jose L. Garcia, Rodney W. Jackson, General G. Najee Makes his Saxophone Sing at Fourth Annual President’s MASKED Ball ...... 22 Marshall, Damien Spencer, and Williamson County Historical >>>DEPARTMENTS AND MORE Museum Contributions and Grants ...... 13 Arts and Culture ...... 15 On the cover: The Melissa and Faculty and Staff New Hires ...... 16 Kevin Katz Board of Trustees News...... 17 Collection Community ...... 20 of African artifacts. Student News ...... 24 Sports ...... 28 Alumni News ...... 31

MISSION STATEMENT Huston-Tillotson University is an historically black University affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The mission of the University is to provide its increasingly diverse student body with an exemplary education that is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, balanced with professional development, and directed to public service and leadership. The University prepares students with the integrity and civility to thrive in a diverse society, fosters spiritual development, preserves and promotes interest in the accomplishments and experiences of the University’s historic constituents and evolving population, and creates and sustains supportive relationships which advance the Huston-Tillotson University community.

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 3 ] >>>from the PRESIDENT

The Impact of a Quality Education on First Generation Students at Huston-Tillotson University

or more than a century, hundreds of students structured access to academic and educational experience we offer to our students have arrived at Huston- social support throughout the year. Under students. We continually seek opportunities F Tillotson University to begin their the guidance of faculty, peer mentors, and to develop this supportive role through journey toward the goal and rewards of a staff, PASSAGES students receive academic mentoring programs, academic enrichment, college education. Many, but fewer than in advising, personal and career counseling, speakers, social scholarship, and performing earlier days, are first-generation college intellectual opportunities, and skill-building. arts events. The PASS program allows the students. For more than 132 years, dedicated University to live up to its promise. professors have challenged eager HT Huston-Tillotson provides diverse students students to see in themselves the talent and a proven environment for academic success. potential for success. Since 1875, the sons In the fall of 2007, the ethnicity of the and daughters of HT have made a dramatic student body was 73% African American, difference in the quality of life for the 13% Hispanic, 7% Asian/Pacific Islander, communities and people they touch. 4% White, and 3% Other. The University provides access to an affordable higher First generation students are often faced education. Ninety-four percent of HT’s with academic challenges. Having met little undergraduate students receive some success in their academic careers, these form of financial aid. students are often easily intimated and overwhelmed when faced with new True to its roots, Huston-Tillotson embraces academic demands. the responsibility of intellectually challenging well-prepared students while Huston-Tillotson implemented the Pathways offering the less prepared an opportunity to Academic Success and Socialization to reach their full potential. This sweeping (PASS) in August 2004. PASS is an commitment leads us to recruit across the intervention system that helps students spectrum of ability. If that young person has assimilate into the academic and social life of the aptitude to succeed, we want to be the University. A cohort of 50 first generation a vehicle for their success. students was included in the initial program. The PASS program is supported by the The composition of the University’s PASSAGES learning experience – designed academic disciplines and the quality of as a continuation of the PASS program-offers our faculty are the cornerstones of the

[ 4 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. FEATURE<<<

‘A Good Job’or College: Real Choices for Two HT Students By Linda Y. Jackson

what seemed like insurmountable odds. representative in the international call Born into a hard-working blue collar center. The excitement around the new family in one of the nation’s largest cities, international long-distance product, the a child of divorced parents, with a mother team, concept, and job assignments made who got caught up in drugs, and it the dream job. She also found herself in educated in a state with the nation’s worst a fight with her conscience after enrolling high school graduation rate, Orr had to at Texas A&M University in College make some choices. Work or college? Station upon graduating from high Between Orr’s mother, father, and school in 1976 and dropping out. She stepparents, there are ten children. Orr is later enrolled at St. Phillip’s College in the youngest and one of only two children San Antonio to ease the gnawing of her enrolled in college. She hears a familiar conscience. Miss Alpha Phi Alpha Sweetheart, Maxine Harris refrain when she looks back to her family (center), shared many college stories with her of firemen, medical assistants, database The number of Napier family members daughter, La Juana. operators, and domestic workers, “Get a who graduated from Samuel Huston, hen the choice is between taking good job!” However, one family matriarch Tillotson College, Huston-Tillotson is a “good paying job” or enrolling told a story repeatedly that stuck with her. extensive and impressive. Napier’s W in college at a rate of more than Her grandmother was serving dinner at a choices made her one of the first in her $280 per credit hour, the decision is easy. gathering in the home in which she family not to finish college. “Cousins, first Or is it? worked as a domestic and was called a cousins...they all have degrees,” said derogatory name in front of the guests. Napier. Her Aunt Helen, graduated  La Juana Napier found herself in a place The word hurt and stuck. “My CONTINUED…See Real Choices, page 38 that many small town Seguin high school grandmother told me to be better. Don’t students find themselves. Located in be like my mom or dad. Get an education, South Central Texas, Seguin, with its because no one can take it away from 22,000 population, is close to Austin, San you.” Orr listened. She also had the Antonio, and Houston, but it’s still small images of television’s “Different World”– town Seguin. When Napier looked to the which depicted a fictitious historically future upon graduating from high school black college campus and college life – nearly 30 years ago, it looked fun and etched in her mind. exciting. However, when she looked behind her, she saw generations of family Napier moved to Las Vegas into a new members with numerous success stories position before settling down for and she heard one message. “Enroll in marriage, and family. Along the way, she college.” also landed a job as a flight attendant with an upcoming airline. The fact that the Just a few years ago, in Houston, Texas, uniform was hot pants added to the Pictured are La Juana R. Napier (left) and Korbi Orr Korbi Orr was awaiting graduation from allure. She later moved to San Antonio to who journeyed to Huston-Tillotson by different Ross S. Sterling High School and facing start a career with AT&T as an account paths but share common interests.

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 5 ] >>>FEATURE

Huston-Tillotson University Celebrates Anniversary with the Grand Opening of an Historic Building

Washington, junior, Houston, Texas; business administration, Dawn Andrea Cassanova, senior, Kingston, Jamaica, and Natashia Cooper, senior, Dallas, Texas; chemistry, Alexander F. Rancier, senior, Austin, Texas, and Richard Northcote, junior, League City, Texas; computer science, Edwin Baezotero, senior, Austin, Texas; criminal justice, Albert Perez, senior, Austin, Texas; English, Misty M. Davis, senior, Austin, Texas; history, Matthew Morris, junior, San Antonio, Texas; interdisciplinary studies, Alysia Chatman; senior, Houston, Texas; kinesiology, Sydney Haisler, senior, Caldwell, Texas; mathematics, W. Twelvis Matthews, senior, Austin, Texas; music, Jonathan D. Hamilton, senior, Austin, Texas; political science, India Renee Jones, senior, Austin, Texas; psychology, Soleil Hernandez, junior, Fort Worth, Texas; and uston-Tillotson University the full-house gathered in King-Seabrook sociology, Holland E. Moore-LaCour, celebrated its 131st anniversary in Chapel “to protect the legacy” of Huston- junior, San Fernando, California. “I Hgrand style, with the renaming and Tillotson University. “It’s not about challenge you to do your best and be the rededication of an historic building. The coming back today, reminiscing, living in best.” Dortch, who was valedictorian of Anthony and Louise Viaer-Alumni Hall the past, and talking about the good old his class, said. “Invest your time, because was the structural focus of the three-day days,” Dortch said. “It’s about saluting the talents that you have will help make celebration, but prospective students who the past and securing the future of this a difference.” traveled from the far corners of the state great institution.” Dortch asked the and beyond for the annual Senior Week- various groups in the audience – alumni, end were the reason for the celebration. students, corporate, and faith leaders – to stand as he challenged them and Charter Day Convocation speaker reminded them of their responsibilities. Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., chairman emeritus of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and Dortch told the students present to chairman and chief executive officer of “strive for academic excellence.” The top TWD, Inc., a consulting firm with an ranking students honored as follows emphasis on business development, were: biology, Alexandra E. Aponte, Top ranking students in each major were honored public relations, and fundraising, asked senior, San Antonio, Texas, and Chenadra during the Charter Day celebration.

[ 6 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. FEATURE<<<

Aponte, Cooper, Rancier, Northcote, Tillotson University Houston Alumni Morris, Hernandez, Matthews, and Chapter; and ProArts Collective. “I Hamilton are also HT W.E.B. Dubois commend you for your investment in this Honor Scholars. The DuBois Honors institution,” Dortch said. “Give all you Program offers students a unique can, invest all you can…help improve this opportunity to enrich their education institution!” through specialized curricula, internships, workshops, and cultural events. The Pre-Charter Day Symposium, “And Tillotson College and Samuel Huston Still We Rise: The African-American College were founded in 1875 and 1876, Family: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” respectively, to educate “freedmen,” the addressed the challenges that many descendants of slavery. Charter families are facing when Day represents the official seeking to raise children to HT board members (left front) Bertha Sadler Means, Invest your Wilhelmina Delco, (back row) Rambie Briggs, Rick designated celebration of the become college bound. Burciaga, and Wanda Evaige cut the ribbon during signing of the Charter of “time, because Featured speakers Debra the grand opening celebration. Also pictured (front Incorporation that established Murphy, HT’s associate center and above) alumnus Anthony E. Viaer, Larry L. Earvin (right). Vern Wattinger, Robert Stanton, Huston-Tillotson College on the talents professor of psychology, Patricia Shorter, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, and October 24, 1952. The institution addressing “Reclaiming Our Kennie Wattinger (back, third from left). changed to University status in that you have Role as Activist Leaders: February 2005. Dortch, who Themes of Resilience;” Marci established the National Black will help make Littlefield, assistant professor of College Alumni Hall of Fame sociology, Indiana University/ a difference. Foundation, Inc. as a vehicle to Purdue University in continuously highlight the major “” Indianapolis, addressing contributions of historically black “What’s Love Got To Do With It: Black colleges and universities (HBCU) and Women and the Changing Faces of their graduates, stated that although Marriage and Family;” and Mary Thomas, “we’re losing them (HBCU), it’s coordinator, State and Federal important for us to work just as hard Accountability for the Austin to ensure their future.” Independent School District, discussing “Raising the Standard While Eliminating Chairman Emeritus of 100 Black Men of America, Top donors were also honored and the Gap,” left the audience with a few Inc. and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of presented the President’s Club Award points of interest. Just as Dortch reflected TWD, Inc., Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. matched donations to HT during an appeal made while by HT President Larry L. Earvin for upon the African heritage of a connection rendering the Charter Day Convocation address. donations ranging from $350,000 to to kings and queens, the symposium $10,000 during the past year as follows: speakers spoke the praises of African Anthony E. Viaer; Dell Inc.; Venera R. or American females and their role in James D. Foy Trust; Zan Wesley Holmes, keeping families together in spite of Jr.; Wachovia Bank; Hatton W. Sumners economic factors, drugs, poverty, and now Foundation; AT&T Texas; Texas Methodist HIV/AIDS. Foundation; James E. Strong; Ruth Ella Robinson; Johnson Controls, Inc.; JP Recalling an earlier generation’s commit- Morgan Chase Bank; The Welch ment to education, self-help, and em- Foundation; Tarrytown United Methodist powerment of African American people, Students, like India Renee Jones, were the most Church; State Farm Mutual Automobile eyes focused on the grand opening of excited during the grand opening about the new Dell Insurance Company; Wells Fargo Bank; Anthony and Louise Viaer-Alumni Hall. laptops housed in the Dell Computer Laboratory. Hughes & Luce, LLP; George “I never thought when I left in 1958 that I Brackenridge Foundation; Sembradores would come back to see my name on a Read the full Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. speech  de Amistad de Austin; Murray A. building,” said Viaer. “I thank God.” by visitingSee page the Public ?? for Relations’excerpts page Goldman; Margaret S. Goldman; Huston- offrom the Tommywww.htu.edu Dortch’s Web speech site. CONTINUED…See Charter Day, page 39

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 7 ] >>>COMMENCEMENT CONVOCATION 2007

First DuBois Scholars Receive Diplomas The Honorable Wilhemina R. Delco Brings Words of Encouragement

he first William Edward Burghardt the responsibility of encouraging and DuBois Honors Program scholars, supporting others. T the largest graduating class in five years, and the largest group of criminal The DuBois scholars, named for the D. Hamilton, music; Christopher L. justice majors highlighted Huston- African American sociologist, historian, Tolbert, political science; and Holland Tillotson University’s 2007 Commence- writer, civil rights advocate, and Moore-LaCour, sociology graduated ment Convocation. intellectual of the twentieth century, are magna cum laude (3.50-3.74 GPA) . academically gifted students who entered Finally, Cardale Johnson and Ahmad Nearly 2,000 guests witnessed the the newly created program during the Shakil, criminal justice; Jackie R. Moore, conferring of degrees for the 91 graduates, 2003-04 academic year. The nine who English; Shuntavia D. Wimby, representing China, India, Jamaica, graduated from the inaugural class, their interdisciplinary studies; Ashley. C. Watts, Nigeria, Mexico, Pakistan, Senegal, majors, and hometowns are as follows: kinesiology; Bree D. Simmons, sociology; Turkey, and the United States during the Alexandra E. Aponte, biology, San and W. Twelvis T. Matthews, biology and early morning ceremony on the campus Antonio; Natashia L. Cooper, business mathematics received cum laude (3.30 – under the hot Texas sun. Education administration, Dallas; Jonathan D. 3.49 GPA) honors. proponent, advocate, former school Hamilton, music, Austin; Christine R. board member and Texas legislator – Henderson, business administration, Honors Convocation also highlighted the The Honorable Wilhelmina R. Delco – Austin; Michael K. Lewis, business weekend of activities. Huston-Tillotson rendered the keynote address. She administration, Houston; W. Twelvis alumna and board member Wanda Evaige painted a picture of known, ack- Matthews, biology and mathematics, provided the keynote address during nowledged, and unknown pressures the Killeen; Andre Price, biology, Austin; Honors Convocation. The program graduates faced that were different from Alexander Rancier, biology and chemistry, spotlighted students on the Dean’s List those faced by their peers not on the Austin; and Shuntavia D. Wimby, and Honor Roll. Top ranking scholars in bachelor’s degree path. “You are not interdisciplinary studies, Killeen. each major were as follows: Alexandra E. alone,” Delco said. “You are walking in Aponte and Chenadra Washington, the footsteps of those who preceded you.” In addition to the DuBois scholars, the biology; Dawn Cassanova and Natashia Delco’s words of encouragement were following students graduated with Cooper, business administration; Richard rooted in the words of the Huston- highest honors – summa cum laude (3.75- P. Northcote, chemistry; Alexander Tillotson alma mater. “Founded on the 4.0 GPA) – Albert J. Perez, criminal justice; Rancier, chemistry and biology; Edwin rock eternal, looking ever toward the Armaan Babai-Pirouz, English; Elizabeth Baezotero and Christopher Norris, light, wise in mind and great in spirit, J. Torok, kinesiology; India R. Jones, computer science; Papa Diallo and Albert holding fast her vision bright.” She music; La Juana R. Napier and Divina M. Perez, criminal justice; Armaan Babai- touched on the pride of the moment and Ormbsy, psychology; Alexander F. Pirouz, and Misty Davis, English; Rancier, biology and chemistry; Akkaya Matthew Morris, history; Kraven Rowry Buket, Dawn A. Cassanova, Natashia L. and Greg Selden, interdisciplinary studies; Cooper, Christina R. Henderson, Shelia D. Trent Reynolds and Elizabeth Torok, Overton, and Jiaoshu S. Zhang, business kinesiology, Corey D. Jahn, mathematics; administration; and Edwin Baezotero and Jonathan Hamilton, music; India R. Jones, Christopher A. Norris, computer science. political science; Soleil Hernandez and La Alexandra E. Aponte, biology; Michael L. Juana R. Napier, psychology; and Yasmin Lewis, business administration; Fernando Turk and Erica Ojeda, sociology. Martinez, computer science; Mary G. DuBois scholars (left to right): Christine R. Henderson, Barrera, Alysia R. Chatman, and Terry J. “Don’t stop here,” Evaige said. “Make Alexander Rancier, Shuntavia D. Wimby, Natashia L. Cooper, Andre Price, Alexandra E. Aponte, Jonathan Freeman, interdisciplinary studies; your dreams come true.” D. Hamilton, Michael K. Lewis Sydney D. Haisler, kinesology; Jonathan

[ 8 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. FEATURE<<<

Jackie Robinson’s Lasting Impact on the World and HT By Linda Y. Jackson

hose unfamiliar with Huston- honor caught the eye of college scouts Tillotson’s history are skeptical when who lined up scholarships. The T they discover that baseball great University of California at Los Angeles Jackie Robinson was so closely connected (UCLA) was Robinson’s choice, and, to the institution. The fact that he was again his comfort with four sports employed as the basketball coach is even gained him letters in each and more perplexing. attention. He played professional football for the Los Angeles Bulldogs, The love for baseball in 1945 among was an athletic director for a local boys and men, whether played in a youth program, and taught Sunday neighborhood backyard with one shared School where the Reverend Karl bat and baseball among families, or in a Downs had served as pastor. hot, dusty stadium made the sport Karl Downs (left) president of Samuel Huston America’s game and America’s shame. Robinson served his time in the military, College, 1943-1948, was the officiant at the Jackie was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and Robinson wedding to Rachel. The Robinson’s had one son, David, who currently lives in Tanzania, Thanks to players like Andrew “Rube” was honorable discharged in 1944 after Africa. Foster (another Huston-Tillotson refusing to move to the back of a military unknown) who started the Negro bus. Austin became Robinson’s home those road stretches, Robinson noticed a National League, African American away from home with Downs, who was letter in his pile of mail from the Kansas president of Samuel Huston College, and baseball players had a place to live out City Monarchs. He couldn’t turn down his wife ensuring their dreams even if the opportunity to play for the most that home cooked there was no formal successful baseball team in the Negro meals and spiritual contract or league. His stay at Samuel Huston and in guidance awaited guaranteed salary. the soldier. Downs Austin was over. In 1945 he integrated needed a men’s major league baseball-broke the color Robinson, born in basketball coach, line-when he signed with the Brooklyn Cairo, Georgia, but and Robinson was Dodgers by way of their farm team, the raised in Pasadena, sitting across the Montreal Royals. He endured racial California, excelled dinner table. Little comments, bigotry, death threats, and in football, did Downs know physical harm while earning Rookie of basketball, baseball, that the invitation the Year honors in 1947 for the national and track at Muir Jackie Robinson played his entire baseball career with would be short league, major league records, and Technical High the Brooklyn Dodgers. He hit 137 homeruns during his nine year career. lived and historic. capturing six World Series titles. Most School. No one importantly, he paved the way for other noticed his talents and no scholarships to Samuel Huston’s basketball team under African American players in the minors college were offered. He enrolled at Robinson was undefeated while playing and majors.  Pasadena Junior College where his long, tough road schedules as part of the quarterback abilities and his most Southwestern Athletic Conference CONTINUED…See Robinson, page 39 valuable junior college baseball player (SWAC). Upon returning from one of

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 9 ] >>>BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month was Celebrated with a Visit from the Commission of Education, University Day, and a Host of Other Events

niversity Day, an African American four (EC-4) and Felysia is majoring in Heritage Festival, a visit by former kinesiology. Neeley was responsible for UTexas Education more than 1,037 Texas school Commission Shirley Neeley, Good, better, districts and 200 charter schools. and a “13 Black Classicists” Alysia was recently accepted into the traveling exhibit and lecture “ best – never. the University of Texas, Austin, University of were scheduled for the month graduate school. Never let it rest Illinois at Urbana- of February on the historic Champaign spoke during the annual Huston-Tillotson University CHOIR IN DEMAND until good is W.E.B. DuBois Lecture on the topic, “The campus in celebration of Black The Huston-Tillotson University Sojourners of Truth and Justice: Radical History Month. Concert Choir, under the better and Black Feminism and Human Rights. direction of Gloria Quinlan, During the Cold War.” He praised the Former Texas Education partnered with the Austin better is best. University for its creation of the DuBois Agency Commissioner Shirley Chamber Music Center for the scholars’ program before beginning his Neeley visited with members —Reuben S. Lovinggood fifth annual concert celebrating ” lecture on how black women organized of the HT Education Club at works by African-American and protested for their rights. A little their February meeting at the invitation of composers . Quinlan and trombonist known lost history fact. former students Alysia and Felysia Nathaniel Brickens, leaders in Austin’s Chatman. The Chatmans, co-chairs of the musical scene, joined ACMC musicians to ‘13 BLACK CLASSICISTS’ EXHIBIT Education Club, attended North Shore perform thought-provoking, edgy, and University officials opened the Bertha High School when Neeley was fun works by both popular and up-and- Sadler Means African American Heritage superintendent of the Galena Park coming contemporary composers. The Resource Center for the “13 Black Independent School District. “I can’t tell concert choir performed at churches and Classicists” traveling exhibit in the you how proud I am of you (Chatmans).” programs in Austin, Houston, San Anthony and Louise Viaer-Alumni Hall. Neeley said. “I’m on a mission in Texas. “I Antonio, and Dallas during February. Author and creator of the exhibit, Michele want to return pride to the (teaching) Ronnick enthusiastically discussed the profession.” Alysia’s major is BLACK WOMEN ORGANIZED controversy involved in the movement interdisciplinary studies with a Erik S. McDuffie, professor of African to bring classical interpretation into certification in early childhood through American studies and gender studies at

The “13 Black Classicists” traveling exhibit transformed the Bertha Sadler Means African American Heritage Guest lecturer Erik S. McDuffie enlightened Resource Center into an historical journey. students about role of black women during the Feminist Movement.

[ 10 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. classroom instruction 100 years ago, Representative Dawnna Dukes. The and more. AT&T presented a $160,000 toured the exhibit, and signed books. event, held for the past few years in donation to Dukes and District 46 Reuben S. Lovinggood who was president conjunction with University Day, featured community groups and organizations. A of Samuel Huston College from 1900 to performances by youth groups, scholarship was awarded to one of the 1916 was a leading advocate of the merchant vendors, mobile health services, incoming HT freshmen for the second movement. Ronnick stated that the face painters, jugglers, balloon twisters, year in a row. classics flourished at black universities and colleges. Latin, Greek, Homer’s Illiad and Odessy, the New Testament, and Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph Performed Her more were required for students. She One-Woman Show to Sold Out Audience found William S. Scarborough’s unfinished autography during her difficulties women face. The chronicles of research and also discovered a 13th women from diverse backgrounds and pioneer. Scarborough “helped formalize cultures were experienced as Ralph the intellectual tradition of the black breathed life into their stories while scholar.” Ronnick finished the book and exploring through word, movement, and secured a forward from Henry Louis song just how each woman coped with her Gates, Jr. The exhibit was renamed the new HIV/AIDS reality. “13 Black Classicists” although the original “12 Black Classicists” had already “The play was for men, too, because become noted. women are inextricably connected to men as their wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters,” said Debra Murphy, HT’s REUBEN SHANNON LOVINGGOOD Tony Award nominee for her role in professor of psychology. “It addressed the Lovinggood was born in Walhalla, SC, in Broadway’s “Dreamgirls,” Sheryl Lee continued stigmatization and ostracism of 1864 amid great hardship. He graduated Ralph (above), actress, writer, producer, and people living with HIV/AIDS, which must with honors from Clark University in 1890. creator of “Sometimes I Cry,” performed stop, as this continues to be a major barrier In 1895 he was called to Wiley College in her one-woman to a sold-out crowd in in rallying our communities to combat this Marshall, Texas, to build up the classics King-Seabrook Chapel. epidemic, as does the lack of funding that program. He later served as president of is getting to the communities in need.” Samuel Huston College in Austin, Texas, and Ralph’s performance, sponsored by the Austin Community Sheryl Lee Ralph opened a classics program in 1910. Ralph starred in numerous movies and World AIDS Day Committee, empowers television shows, including “Sister Act II,” To read the full profiles on the “12 Black and educates women, especially women of “The Flintstones,” the George Foreman Classicists,” please visit the following Web color about the Human Immunodeficiency series “George,” “The Mighty Quinn” with site: http://12blackclassicists.com/ Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno- Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy’s deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In addition, “Distinguished Gentleman,” the hit she gives a voice to the social and health comedies “Designing Women,” “Moesha,” UNIVERSITY DAY A HIT issues connected to HIV and AIDS, defines and her own series, “New Attitude.” She Prospective students from around the and prioritizes a course of action to help can be seen on episodes of “ER.” country were invited to University Day in create a cultural shift whereby women are February. Students spent a day on the able to better protect themselves, and seeks Ralph also appeared at a “meet and greet” campus talking to administrators and treatment for families, including the reception for various health and HIV/AIDS faculty about academic majors, the children impacted by the disease. organizations in Austin who rallied to admission process, financial aid, and secure her appearance. Her visit was also student life. A campus tour, step show, “Sometimes I Cry,” written and conceived made possible by a grant from the Office of and other activities were planned during by Ralph, was inspired by real life stories of Minority Health and National Library of the event that was free to all. Students and women who were infected and affected by Medicine. their families also attended the annual HIV and AIDS. The show also offered an African American Community Heritage engaging window into the unique Festival, sponsored by Texas State

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 11 ] >>>FEATURE

By Janice B. Smith and Linda Y. Jackson

Thunder™ Rolls On the Campus Landscape

cademic collaboration at Huston- curve required by professors for adoption Tillotson University is more is extremely low, because Thunder™ Aexciting, engaging, and immersive incorporates several familiar technologies due to implementation of a revolutionary into one integrated system. The system new technological tool. Unlike many allows users to work in their style instead instructional technologies that focus on of adapting their style to accommodate the ability to incorporate one or two types new technologies or applications. of media, this integrated tool capitalizes Imagine, a professor’s or student’s on displaying, sharing, and manipulating handwritten notes projected directly from multiple types of media in real time. the flipchart to multiple screens and a that becomes a part of the class session. In laptop, or diagrams and reports saved addition to enhancing and expanding the Thunder™ Virtual Flipchart™ System is by each student at the click of a button. distance learning offerings, opportunities the brain child of Polyvision Corporation, The collaboration and interaction with to collaborate with current and future a Steelcase Company, considered the displayed content are the beauty of partners is easily accomplished. Colla- world leader in visual communication Thunder™. Unlike typical borative partnerships between the pre- products. Through a grant from videoconferencing configurations, service students at the University of Polyvision ($48,850) and a $500,000 Thunder™ is not dependent on a single Nottingham, the University of Toronto, appropriation facilitated by Texas Senator audio video transmission. Instead, the and HT are in progress. Royce West through the Texas Higher content displayed on the flip chart pages Education Coordinating Board (THECB) becomes the visual focus, and audio According to Janice Smith (pictured in funds, the five Texas Association of connections (phone) provide the avenue photo), HT’s assistant professor of Developing Colleges (TADC) acquired for oral collaboration – much like a instructional technology, Thunder™ the Thunder™ Enterprise Collaboration conference call. Digital and text files as supports the University’s strategic plan System primarily to expand the schools’ well as individual desktops are shared objectives by expanding distance-learning Centers for Teacher Education distance and manipulated easily by all participants opportunities to meet the needs of learning offerings. Thunder™ was through the Thunder™ easel and students desiring alternative modes of originally designed for the global computer client application. All delivery; developing and promoting the communication needs of corporate clients. information presented during a session, use of technology in teaching; expanding However, the TADC institutions quickly whether face-to-face or at a distance, can student-focused learning center/ realized the benefits for instruction. HT be saved, re-opened, printed, and mailed computer facilities; and increasing student and the TADC institutions are the only electronically, if desired. accessibility to support instruction, higher education institutions in Texas, to research, and development. Smith date, that have adopted Thunder™ as an The technology is definitely new provides technology training and academic technology. generation for virtual group interaction. instructional design support for the HT Classes enhanced with Thunder™ at HT faculty and the TADC consortium. Interest in Thunder™ as an alternative will be attractive to students intrigued distance learning platform for courses by technology that addresses various The Thunder™ product with its electronic offered through the Centers for Teacher learning styles and the opportunity to room scheduling keypad is housed in Education began in 2005. The learning actively and collaboratively create content HT’s Dickey-Lawless Science Building.

[ 12 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. CONTRIBUTIONS<<<

Applied Materials Presents $20,000 HT Receives $600,000 Capacity to HT for Summer Math and Building Grant from the Science Program United Negro College Fund

Applied Materials Manufacturing Project Manager Bill Kempf Designed to accelerate growth, build sustainability, and provide presented a $20,000 check to Huston-Tillotson University the foundation for a capital campaign, Huston-Tillotson to support the Austin Pre-Freshman Engineering Program University was awarded a $600,000 grant from the United Negro (AusPrEP) summer program. The summer series, managed by College Fund’s (UNCF) Institute for Capacity Building’s (ICB) Huston-Tillotson’s Professor of Chemistry Muchere Russ, is Institutional Advancement Program. targeted toward minority students interested in opportunities in the fields of math, science, engineering, and technology. “We are positioning Huston-Tillotson for its first multi-million dollar capital campaign designed to complete the campus The nationally recognized program, designed to identify high expansion project and double the endowment,” said Larry L. achieving middle and high school students with the potential Earvin, president. and interest in becoming scientists and engineers, began on the Huston-Tillotson campus in 1990. Applied Materials has provided Huston-Tillotson received its first $200,000 from UNCF, which funding for AusPrEP for the past four consecutive years. was targeted to assist advancement and development operations during the minimum three year and maximum five year periods according to Vicki Minor, vice president for institutional IHCA Donates $10,000 for Study advancement. Minor, who joined the University in 2003, manages alumni affairs, development, public relations, and Abroad Program grants and proposals. The International Hospitality Council of Austin (IHCA) donated $10,000 to Huston-Tillotson to establish an endowed scholarship. The grant supported a software upgrade for fund-raising and The gift will allow students to supplement the cost of studying donor tracking in addition to specialized personnel, expert abroad. UNCF consultation, and new development strategies to support the University’s ten-year strategic plan for growth.

The ICB exists to support the ongoing advancement efforts of UNCF’s 39 member institutions in the areas of fund-raising, enrollment, academic programming and faculty development, financial management, historic preservation, executive leadership, and governance.

Huston-Tillotson, Bennett College, Talladega College, and Virginia Union University were among the first institutions selected to receive the grant.

CONTINUED…See Contributions, page 30

Pictured left to right are: Steven Edmond, dean, School of Business and Technology, Larry L. Earvin, president; and Joseph Frisz, president of the board of directors of the International Hospitality Council of Austin.

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 13 ] >>>ARTS & CULTURE

Huston-Tillotson University Receives Its Largest Collection of African Art By Linda Y. Jackson

he 52 pieces of mixed art from a the University of Houston and settled in number of African countries, Haiti, the Gulf Coast. He and his wife, also an Tand the Dominican Republic optometrist, own NASA Vision Center floated through the hall of the historic in Clear Lake. Anthony and Louise Viaer-Alumni Hall like a parade. The constant The Katz’s, who have donated art pieces movement on the hardwood floors to Texas Southern University and Prairie echoed throughout the three stories and View A&M University, were looking for alerted the occupants that something others who could benefit from the rich spectacular was moving about. history of the collection. “He came to me and asked me about other UNCF schools The spirits from African ancestors and that would also appreciate a collection,” descendants of slaves mingled for said Shabazz. Longtime friend Dorca awhile when both found themselves Medina, HT’s director of development, at the place called Huston-Tillotson had shared the school’s background on University in a building constructed many occasions. “I mentioned Huston- by the labor and sweat of students like Tillotson but he had never heard of it.” many of the art pieces that were Katz completed his online research about arriving. Huston-Tillotson University and decided it was the right choice. Actually, it was Omar Shabazz and company delivering an assortment of The mixed collection of ceremonial masks, sculptures, and ceremonial pieces from different countries and pieces from his good friend Kevin Katz. tribes is hundreds of years old. The fact Shabazz, owner of The Goldstein that many items were used for their Collection, located in Houston, Texas, intended purposes only a few years and Katz met in Houston in 1979. Both ago makes the collection even more are world travelers, passionate about remarkable. For example, the grain silo Africa, and interested in educating ladder that looks a lot like a huge sling others about African’s art and resources. shot is valued at $10,000 and was used to reach corn and grain that were stored The Melissa and Kevin Katz Collection off the ground and out of reach of pests donated to Huston-Tillotson is valued and varmints. Shabazz mentioned at $400,000 and includes pieces from that while traveling to African to Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, collect gems and cultural minerals, he carver or his apprentice cuts a tree for Mozambique, Tanzania as well as Haiti witnessed many ceremonies such as a sculpture, the spirits or juju of the and the Dominican Republican. Kevin, pubic and funeral rites of passage. The tree are appeased, fed by watering, an optometrist practicing in Galveston, photos of events and the instruments nurtured, and blessed. The belief is that was born and raised in South Africa. He and icons that they used are etched in all living things have a soul or spirit and journeyed to the United States in 1976 his memory instead of on paper out of the tree and the carver must become where he attended Pacific University respect for the tribes and ceremonies. one. The same type of expression is in Forest Grove, Oregon, to complete found in the carvings that show the his master’s in clinical optometry. He Shabazz explained the deeper meaning breast of a woman and with a child.  received his doctor of optometry from of many of the pieces. Before a master CONTINUED…next page

[ 14 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. ARTS & CULTURE<<<

Art (continued) The many carvings of the Black HT Featured in Calendar International Week Madonna portray fertility not only for human existence but fertility for the Huston-Tillotson University is featured in HT celebrated International Education soil and the crops, which are vital to the 2007 Limited Collector’s Edition Week by hosting a “Forum on African survival. The bare breasted pieces Historically Black College and University Affairs.” Special guests, including a seen as sexual in America convey the Calendar created by the Danielle Ashley number of leading journalists from the sustention of life from a mother to Foundation. African American African continent, discussed various a child. achievements and historical facts are topics including refugee and immigrant throughout the calendar. The HBCU 13- issues, connection between religion and One of the more valued pieces in the month calendar is the second edition of its politics, and the United States’ policy collection is a six foot carving of the kind and can be purchased on line at toward Africa. The joint initiative with the sacred and endangered hornbilled bird www.hbcucalendar.net or at select U.S. Department of State and the U.S. (pictured on previous page) from the Walgreen stores for $7.99. A portion of the Department of Education is designed to Senufo people off the Ivory Coast. The proceeds benefit Huston-Tillotson increase knowledge and awareness of the bird’s valued ivory beak makes it a University. world’s cultures among students in the target for poachers United States. interested in creating treasures such as ivory Panelist were: Eric Wesceslas Balayssac, snuff bottles. The bird’s Library Award assistant lecturer, Department of ability to procreate Pharmacology, Université de Cocody, represents the cycle of life The Downs-Jones Library won the Cote d’Ivoire; Alphonse Kassonge, HIV and makes the carved William R. Powell Achievement Award national manager, Family Health representation the central for Library Services for Programs of Association, Democratic Republic of icon for many villages. Excellence that was awarded at the Texas Congo; Nurbibi Sher Mohamed, Association of Developing Colleges HIV/AIDS counselor, Muslim The miscellany of works (TADC) development conference banquet community, Kenya; Andrimbazotiana is filled with intrigue and in May. The library was recognized for Rakotomanana, HIV/AIDS program history. University officials operating the best program marketing officer, health and nutrition unit, plan to complete the research and promotion campaigns among the Madgascar; Ibrahim Saad Yousof Idana, on each piece and open a libraries at the five TADC institutions. hospital director, Kamuzu Central special exhibit during the Hospital, Maliwai; Ronke Olawale, upcoming academic year. features correspondent, Guardian Newspapers, Ltd., and Clara Toyosar, head, International Center for Gender and Social Research, Nigeria; Dudi Simelane, deputy director, Family Association of Swaziland, Swaziland; and Emma Msuya, Tanzania.

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 15 ] >>>FACULTY / STAFF / BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Faculty News

LORRAINE GLORIA QUINLAN, SAMUELS, an Huston-Tillotson’s emerging authority professor of music on areas related to and conductor of juvenile justice, joined the concert choir, the faculty as an was part of the assistant professor. planning committee Samuels made history responsible for Lady by becoming Prairie Bird Johnson’s public View A&M University’s third doctoral memorial service. Former First Lady Lady and other selections during two rehearsals graduate as well as the first female with a Bird Johnson, age 94, passed away that totaled about two hours. In addition, doctoral degree in juvenile justice in the Wednesday, July 11, 2007. The service, Stephen Burnaman, University Organist, country. She received her doctor of held at the Riverbend Church in Austin, on his way out of town to a performance, philosophy in juvenile justice from Prairie Texas, attracted more than 1,800 accompanied the choir. “I had to have View A&M University’s College of mourners, included former Presidents people who could read music.” It also Juvenile Justice and Psychology. Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, first lady helped that her students were familiar Furthermore, she holds a bachelor’s Laura Bush, former first ladies Nancy with the rendition of “America the degree and two master’s degrees from Reagan, Barbara Bush, and Rosalynn Beautiful” because it was one of the PVA&M. Her dissertation entitled, “The Carter, United States Senator Hillary practice selections during the semester. Legal and Criminological Impact of Clinton, and a host of other elected “I shook the hand of the presidents and Deportation: Perspectives and Policy,” officials and dignitaries. they got to hear the choir,” Quinlan is a groundbreaking analysis on immi- concluded. gration and deportation issues facing the “I will forever remember this experience,” United States. said Quinlan. “It was unbelievable!” The preeminence of the faculty is Quinlan was responsible for assembling a evident in the array of published XUEFENG (SAM) BAI brass ensemble and concert choir during works and prestigious projects. A few joined the faculty through the summer months when most students of their published accomplishments the Scholar-in-Residence were not on campus and the largest brass are as follows: Program (SIR) from the festival in the country was in session in Fulbright Scholar Program California. She called members of the MICHELE to provide instruction to Huston-Tillotson University Concert AYNESWORTH is students studying the Choir, members from the Ebenezer Baptist credited for “Borges, Chinese language. He Church, Wesley United Methodist the Tango, and the earned his bachelor of arts degree in Church, and St. James Episcopal Church Argentine English in 1997 from Northwest Normal choirs to practice “America the Beautiful” Imagination.” University and a master of arts in English Philological Papers, and from Xiamen University, Xiamen, China. “Woodstock,” in the 2007 issue of Words He will complete his doctoral degree in Without Borders. STEPHEN international relations from Xiamen BURNAMAN recorded two compact University in 2008. The Fulbright Scholar diskettes (CDs) with tenor Adam Paul program, named after former Senator J. Williams, and solo piano with Bachman William Fulbright and established by productions.  Congress in 1946, is the largest and one of the most prestigious international faculty exchange programs. CONTINUED…next page

[ 16 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. FACULTY / STAFF / BOARD OF TRUSTEES<<<

KATHERINE effective writing. The journal is registered Hill was employed DURHAM with the Library of Congress in with the University of OLDMIXON received Washington, D.C. He also published Texas for the past 13 honorable mention “Religious Disagreement, Externalism, years and recently for the Dos Gatos and the Epistemology of Disagreement: retired as vice Press’ 2008 Texas Listening to our Grandmothers.” president for Poetry Calendar community and Awards for her work school relations. A entitled, “El Árbol New Members Named native Austinite, Hill Milagroso.” Oldmixon will be featured in received his bachelor’s degree from readings and the piece will be published to Board of Trustees Huston-Tillotson, and his master’s  in the calendar, scheduled for release this and doctorate degrees from UT. He also summer. For more information on the t the annual meeting on April 27, taught, was a counselor, and band week-by-week calendar, upcoming 2007, the Huston-Tillotson director with the Abilene Independent readings, and places that sell it, please AUniversity Board of Trustees School District. check the Dos Gatos Press Web site at elected new members to fill vacant www.dosgatospress.org. HORACIO positions. TERRANCE GRANT- Williams, president of PEÑA was invited to MALONE, JAMES HILL, and DONNIE Austin’s Sovereign read his poems at the WILLIAMS were added to the Bank, served as International Poetry 28-member board and all will serve a general chair of Festival in Granada, three-year term. CAROLE KEETON Huston-Tillotson’s Nicaragua. He also STRAYHORN was also elected to the most successful participated in a board. She subsequently launched a President’s Mankind literary round table new nonprofit initiative, which meant Assisting Students and was interviewed she had to resign her board position. In Kindle Educational by the media about addition, DONALD J. FLEMING and Dreams (MASKED) Ball. He was the literary and political situation in LATRELL S. JOHNSON were elected previously president of Colonial Bank in Nicaragua. as alumni representatives. Austin before opening the first Sovereign JANICE SUMLER- branch in the area in 2004. EDMOND signed a Grant-Malone, the contract with youngest board RAMBIE BRIGGS, M.D., MELVIN University of member at age 28, R. DILLARD, R. JAMES GEORGE, Arkansas Press to is a 2001 Huston- ESQ., and THALIA MATHERSON publish her book- Tillotson graduate. completed their terms as members length manuscript After obtaining his of the Board of Trustees and were “The Secret Trust of bachelor of arts recognized for their years of service Aspasia Mirault, a Free Woman of Color degree in English, he acquired a master during the 2007 commencement in Antebellum, Georgia.” JAMES of arts from Aspen Christian College convocation. KRAFT continues to work with students and Theological Seminary in Denver, to produce the second edition of Logos, Colorado, and recently completed his Matherson and Briggs served for 17 2006-2007. A journal of student essays, doctorate in Christian education. He is years each. Matherson is a retired Dallas Logos represents a model for the highest pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Independent School District middle level of undergraduate work and Church, Houston, Texas. school principal and retired laywoman achievement in critical thinking and CONTINUED…next page

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 17 ] >>>FACULTY / STAFF / BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Board of Trustees Mrs. Frances Holliday Alford Mr. William P. Bobo, Jr. Dr. Don W. Brown Board News (continued) Mr. Rick Burciaga Mrs. Wilhelmina R. Delco with the North Texas Conference of The Board member FRANCIS ALFORD was Ms. Delphia A. York Duckens, Esq. United Methodist Church. Briggs is a featured in the April/May 2007 issue of Dr. Larry L. Earvin retired medical doctor who served as an Quilting Arts magazine. The publication, Mr. Derrick Evans internal medicine specialist with North for the contemporary quilter, features Mr. Donald Fleming, Esq. Austin Medical Center. He also served how-to-articles and profiles artists from Dr. Terrence Grant-Malone with Scott and White Hospital. Dillard around the country. Dr. James L. Hill was recognized for 18 years of service. He Mr. Tommy Hodinh is a 1963 graduate of Huston-Tillotson and The Alford Mrs. Latrell S. Johnson an independent insurance broker. George feature began his term in 1987 and served as chair Mr. Milton B. Lee, II highlighted of the board from 1998 to 2001. He her life’s Bishop Joel N. Martinez graduated from the University of Texas adventures Mrs. Bertha S. Means with high honors in 1966, was a law clerk and a quilt that Dr. C. Mark Melliar-Smith for The Honorable Thurgood Marshall, captured the Dr. Frank L. Morris Associate Justice of the United Supreme joys, sorrow, Dr. Mackie H. Norris Court from 1970-71, was admitted to the travels, and Mr. David A. Talbot, Jr., Esq. bar in 1969, and continues to practice friendships. One Mr. Evan K. Taniguchi today within his firm of George and square was created each week to chronicle Dr. Stephen P. Wende Brothers, LLP. and create “My 57th Year.” Alford noted Mr. Donnie J. Williams in the article that the project enhanced her Board member Thurmond Woodard died creativity, taught her discipline, and Executive after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. allowed her to make herself a priority. Cabinet The chair of the board position passed To read and see more, visit Dr. Larry L. Earvin from Wilhelmina R. Delco to David A. www.franceshollidayalford.com or President and CEO Talbot, Jr., Esq. Delco will continue to www.quiltingarts.com. serve as a member. Dr. Steven Edmond Article reproduced with permission from Quilting Arts magazine. Dean, School of Business and Technology As the keynote speaker, WANDA Dr. Joseph Jones, Jr. New Hires Dean, College of Arts and Sciences EVAIGE offered words of inspiration VALERIE HILL, was Dr. Judith G. Loredo and praise to the Dean, Academic Support Programs named Vice President students recognized for Administration Ms. Valerie Hill during Honors and Finance. Hill Vice President for Administration and Finance Convocation. Evaige comes to HT with 13 completed her term years of experience in Ms. Vicki Minor as president of the public service with Vice President for Institutional Advancement International Alumni the Texas State Auditor’s Office. She Association and as the alumni completed her undergraduate studies at Mrs. Yvonne Ortiz-Prince representative to the Board of Trustees. Dean, Student Affairs the University of Texas, Austin, before She was featured in “Oklahoma’s obtaining a master of business Mr. Terry S. Smith Uncrowned Queens: Women of Color.” administration from Texas State Executive Assistant to the President

CONTINUED…next page

[ 18 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. FACULTY / STAFF / BOARD OF TRUSTEES<<<

New Hires (continued)

University. As a state auditor, she was Federation, served on the Board of completed her undergraduate studies assigned to evaluate policies and Directors for the National First Tee (bachelor of arts/sociology/ethnic procedures of state colleges and Program-Austin Chapter and the East studies) from the University of North universities, particularly in the areas of Austin Junior Golf Academy. He is also Texas, Denton, Texas. intellectual property, revenue, facilities the owner/operator of Total Quality Golf, management, and environmental safety. a golf instruction and fitting company as ELIZABETH GUILLORY MEDINA, Hill manages HT’s Business Office, well as a director of an America’s Favorite named Director of Campus Life and First Campus Safety, Human Resources, Golf Schools franchise in Austin. Year Experience, earned her doctor of Information Technology departments, and philosophy in sociology from the auxiliary enterprises. LA JUANA R. University of California, Los Angeles NAPIER has been (UCLA). She completed her CARLA D. WYNN named Huston- undergraduate degree at Southwestern assumed the role as Tillotson University’s University, Georgetown, Texas, in Human Resources Director of Alumni psychology and sociology where she also Director. She has Affairs. Napier, who taught several courses. Medina’s position more than eight years completed her falls under Student Affairs, which also experience in training bachelor of arts includes Athletics, Campus Life, Campus and human resources degree in psychology from Huston- Ministry, Campus Support Programs, management. Tillotson University this past December, First Year Experience, Health Services, Previously, she was the senior training will be responsible for coordinating a Residence Life, Graduate and Career and education coordinator for the Travis wide range of initiatives associated with Development, and the Office of Disability County Juvenile Court, and was the the more than 5,000+ alumni and 18 Services. human resources trainer/generalist for alumni chapters around the country. Prior the Office of the Attorney General. Wynn to enrolling at Huston-Tillotson, Napier MELVIN REESE was hired as Director of acquired her master’s in human attended Texas A&M University and was Facilities Management, Sodexho. He is services/human resource management also employed for 12 years at AT&T. responsible for managing buildings, from St. Edward’s University. Napier, originally from Seguin, Texas, is a grounds, and janitorial services. third-generation Huston-Tillotson BETH RUMANCIK University graduate, an honors scholar, THEREISA COLEMAN was hired as a was hired as HT’s and Hatton W. Sumners scholarship Research Associate in the Office of Business Manager, recipient. Institutional Research and Assessment. responsible for a Coleman just completed her doctoral variety of HT TENEA J. LOWERY degree in Higher Education accounting and audit was hired as the Administration from Texas Tech functions, contracts, Coordinator of First University. She previously worked at HT business practices, Year Experience. She as the Assistant Director of the W.E.B. and policies. She has works closely with DuBois Honors Program. a bachelor’s in business administration incoming students from UT and is working on a master’s throughout the year LAMONT A. SLATER manages both degree in accounting. and coordinators programs such as the the men’s and women’s resident halls as Pathway to Academic Success and Director. He is a graduate of Morris JOHN LINTON was hired as head golf Socialization (PASS) program. Lowery Brown College and is currently pursuing coach. Linton, a certified golf teacher earned her master of arts in sociology a master’s degree. with the United States Golf Teaching from Clark Atlanta University. She

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 19 ] >>>COMMUNITY

Governor for a Day HT Brand Shown on Parade Network Morning Show

Miss and Mr. Huston-Tillotson KORBI E. The Huston-Tillotson brand appeared on ORR and MATTHEW L. MORRIS national television when The CBS Early represented the University at the Show brought the “Great American Governor for a Day parade held in Vacation” and weatherman Dave Price November 2006 on Congress Avenue. (below) to Austin for a live broadcast last Orr, majoring in interdisciplinary studies summer. Student LaVita Gill (right and with an interest in information tech- below center) with KEYE television nology, was crowned Miss HT for the morning show anchors Fred Cantú and 2006-2007 academic year. Morris, major- Elizabeth Dannheim displayed the HT ing in history, was crowned Mr. HT. brand during the local and national Texas high school, college, and university segments between 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. The marching bands, drill teams, and Early Show averages 2.7 million viewers. community groups traveled to Austin, Texas, for the festivities in honor of Sen. Royce West, president pro tempore of the Texas Senate.

Sen. West, second in line to the governor’s seat, assumes the role of governor when both Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst are out of the state.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s latest traffic figures (2005), 204,220 cars travel past and see the Huston-Tillotson University sign daily.

[ 20 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. COMMUNITY<<<

The anniversary of hurricane Katrina was a day to reflect on lives lost, to celebrate the resiliency of all Katrina evacuees who survived the tragedy, and to welcome now friends into the community. Huston-Tillotson hosted Celebration Restoring Our Citizens of Katrina (R.O.C.K) that featured live jazz and gospel music, New Orleans cooking, a job and health fair, candlelight vigil, prizes, food, and fun. The event was sponsored by the Austin Area Urban League.

 Students from Blackshear Elementary School visited the campus to hear more about Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). Dr. Horacio Peña. Professor of Spanish, invited the students, who attend school across the street, to campus for a teaching moment, refreshments, and the opportunity to see the altar of photos and favorite mementos of loved ones who had passed.

 Austin, Texas, was one of the stops for the C-SPAN bus sponsored by Time Warner Cable as part of a nationwide tour. The C-SPAN Bus Program was launched in November 1993 to demonstrate cable’s commitment to education. The 45-foot bus is a mobile multi-media demonstration center and TV production unit that brings the world of public affairs to local communities. The mobile unit is also used as a studio or a production vehicle during live programs from remote locations.

Pictured are Tom Greer, senior public affairs specialist, Time Warner Cable, with students Limmissia Collins, Klerianne Falls, Chacole Senegal, Genevieve Williams, Tanisha Coppage, and Korey Timmons. Also shown are HT President Larry L. Earvin (third from left) and alumna Jeffrey Archer (second from right).

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 21 ] >>>FEATURE

Najee Makes his Saxophone Sing at Fourth Annual President’s MASKED Ball

ajee, an award-winning instru- Warner Cable, attracted the largest crowd Episcopal School, Texas Home & Living mentalist, amazed the guests ever and raised a record amount that Magazine, Texas Methodist Foundation, N gathered for Huston-Tillotson helped move the event to almost $900,000 VRW Construction Inc., White Constru- University’s Fourth Annual President’s raised since its inception. President Larry ction Company, and Wormley Mitchell & Mankind Assisting Students Kindle L. Earvin presented Dukes and Williams Associates, Inc. Silent auction vendors Educational Dreams (MASKED) Ball and past chairs Rick Burciaga, Will Wynn, included: Austin Ice Bats, Austin Toros, with his saxophone vigor and flute Kirk Watson, and Wilhelmina Delco with Austin Wranglers, Ball Peoples Employee intensity. He garnered the guests to the a framed authentic African mask from Benefits Financial Strategies, Ballet Austin, dance floor with favorites such as the Cape Town, South Africa. Huston- Evergreen Studios Photography, Indoff Grammy nominated “Najee’s Theme” Tillotson students, featured during a Inc., Round Rock Express Baseball Club, while introducing the latest releases special spotlight, presented the more than Round Rock Travel & Tours, and from his new “My Point of View” 650 guests with a symbolic HT flashlight Knockout Sports Promotions. compact diskette. for their support and encouragement. Platinum sponsors were: Frances Holliday Friend-raising and fund-raising have been the two The black-tie dinner and dance Alford, AT&T, Citibank, Dell Inc., George components of the President’s MASKED Ball for showcased HT students and featured & Brothers, L.L.P., Sodexho Campus Vicki Minor,Vice President for Institutional a silent auction and Parade of Masks Services, Sovereign Bank, University Advancement. The honorary and general chairs competition won by Barbara Williams- Federal Credit Union, and Wells Fargo have been successful since the inception of the Huggins. Williams-Huggins beat more Bank. The Gold sponsor was A Glimmer event in bringing both to the institution. President than 60 contestants who were of Hope Foundation. The Silver sponsors Earvin presented each event chair with a framed promenaded around the room by were: Accenture, Endeavor Real Estate African mask from Cape Town, South Africa. celebrity Emmanuel Lewis from the Group, Greater Texas Federal Credit television show “Webster.” “Divorce Union, H-E-B, Heritage Title Company of Honorary Chair 2006-2007 Court’s” popular Mablean Ephriam Austin, Inc., HPI, Samsung Austin The Honorable Dawnna Dukes completed the judging, and KXAN’s Semiconductor, State Farm Insurance, and General Chair Temple Inland. Bronze sponsors were: Sonta Henderson as mistress of Donnie Williams ceremonies added a blend of spice and American Bank of Commerce, Austin Cab Sovereign Bank humor that kept the competition lively. Company, Bank of America, Bury + Austin’s popular Rayvon Foster and his Partners, Inc., Centex Beverage, Colonial Honorary Chair 2005-2006 band closed the evening with their wide Savings, Compass Bank, Fish & The Honorable Kirk Watson Richardson, P.C., Frost Bank, Grande selection of R&B and jazz with a mixture Honorary Chair 2004-2005 of hip hop. Communications, Guaranty Financial Rick Burciaga Services, Humana Health Plans of Texas, This year Honorary Chair Dawnna Inc., Huston-Tillotson University Honorary Chair 2003-2004 Dukes, Texas State House of International Alumni Association, Inman The Honorable Will Wynn City of Austin Mayor Representatives, and General Chair Foundation, Lady Bird and Luci: The Donnie Williams, president, Sovereign Johnson Family, Lower Colorado River Co-Chair 2004-2007 Bank, along with event underwriter Time Authority, Maxwell Locke & Ritter, L.L.P., The Honorable Wilhelmina Delco Alexander T. Salone, St. Andrew’s

[ 22 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. MASKED BALL OVERVIEW

Attendance Amount

2004 437 $146,000 2005 603 $175,000 2006 539 $257,000 2007 625 $300,000

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 23 ] >>>STUDENT NEWS

Brittany Thomas Limmissia D. Collins and Trevor L. Named HT’s Miss UNCF

McLean LIMMISSIA will be Crowned DANIELÉ COLLINS from Miss and Mr. Waco, Texas, has Huston-Tillotson been named Huston-Tillotson University University’s 2007 Miss United Negro for 2007-2008 College Fund BRITTANY THOMAS, a Huston-Tillotson University junior, was crowned Miss HT for (UNCF). Collins the 2007-2008 academic year. TREVOR L. MCLEAN, senior, was crowned Mr. HT. Both repre-sented the are honor students, majoring in business administration. University at the national pageant in Nashville, Tennessee. Thomas, age 20, attended the Booker T. Washington High School of Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas, while McLean graduated from the Michael E. DeBakey She is a junior, majoring in criminal High School for Health Professions in Houston, Texas. justice, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Upsilon Alpha Chapter, The official crowning and coronation will be held in October 2007. and God’s Anointed People (GAP). She graduated from Waco’s University High School. Collins is the daughter of JAMILIAH PASCHAL, DAWN teaching of the science of self government, Reverend Limmie and Chrisella Collins. SHANNON, BRITTANY THOMAS, to the development of leaders with a and YASMIN TURK are the new sense of community responsibility, and to Huston-Tillotson University Hatton W. the maintenance of the American Sumners Scholarship recipients. The constitutional principles and the quality of Hatton W. Sumners Foundation was life afforded under those principles. established in 1949 in honor of Sumners Students who meet the academic, who was a preeminent congressman and campus, and civic requirements must constitutional scholar on Capital Hill. He complete an interview with the served as chairman of the powerful Foundation’s trustees to be selected for House Committee on the Judiciary from the renewable, full-tuition scholarship, up 1931 until he returned to Texas. The to $8,000, for one year. Foundation is dedicated to the study and

Jamiliah Paschal Dawn Shannon Brittany Thomas Yasmin Turk

[ 24 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. STUDENT NEWS<<<

TADC Conference

Huston-Tillotson University students Leadership” caught my attention. I figured walked away with all honors at the that I may learn something valuable, and inaugural Ethical Student Leadership being an opportunist, I take advantage of Conference sponsored by the Texas occasions where I can visit new places. Association of Developing Colleges (TADC). Brittany Thomas won the After an arduous road trip, the first day of Presidential Award, Damien Spencer lectures was somewhat difficult. We were all captured the Emerging Leader Award, very exhausted but our energies were and Huston-Tillotson University won the overwhelmingly replenished by the interesting Haywood L. Strickland Award. The three and informative lectures from brilliant awards were based upon the frequency of speakers, whose excellent, well organized student engagement in the plenary presentations kept us engrossed in the lessons New Students Receive a sessions, the quality of their questions being preached. The second day was even more and/or comments, the respect captivating than the first. The sessions were Welcome from the Mayor demonstrated for the viewpoint of others, more animated and involved more interaction. City of Austin Mayor Will Wynn and, in terms of the institutional award, Each person was given the opportunity to extended a warm welcome and greetings the same criteria were used but the award display his/her leadership qualities and to the more than 200 students, parents, was based upon the active involvement of participate in group activity. These exercises faculty and staff who attended HT’s the whole group. truly fostered team work and cooperation. I Matriculation Ceremony that signified the believe that the conference surpassed all our start of the fall semester. DAMIAN expectations. SPENCER The ceremony featured a symbolic When I was first I was very proud at the closing banquet where campus walk in the likeness of the one invited to the TADC we, the students, and Huston-Tillotson taken by all graduating seniors and the Ethical Leadership University, were recognized for our congratulatory handshake by President Conference, I had no contributions to the workshop. Not only were Larry L. Earvin, Joseph Jones, Steven idea what to expect. we awarded, we made a clean sweep of all the Edmond, and Judith Loredo, Deans of the The title of the awards. We truly did represent, and we made College of Arts and Sciences, School of conference, “Ethical HT proud! Business and Technology, and Academic Support Programs, respectively.

Sigma Pi Phi Presents $5,000 Doris Price, Dean of Enrollment Management, greeted the incoming class Scholarship to Huston-Tillotson of students to HT while Will Wynn, Student Mayor, City of Austin, welcomed them to the city. Wynn reminded the students that Members of Sigma Pi Phi presented a $5,000 scholarship from they are among the more than 90,000 the Gamma Gamma Boulé to TERRENCE BROOKS, a junior, students in the city who add to the from Covina, California, studying to obtain a degree in business richness and growth of the area. He administration. encouraged them all to make their careers and homes here after graduation. 2006.

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 25 ] >>>STUDENT NEWS

Guest Lecturers

Visiting lecturers offer students the Blue Ribbon Scholars opportunity to dialogue with executives while learning subject content. They hear Named first hand about company expectations, Trenton T. Anthony, Manor; Jerel A. Allen, challenges, and industry trends. Students Pearland; Quincy S. Bland, Bastrop; heard from Comptroller General of the Russell L. Bouyer, Mesquite; and Shara P. United States (Director of the General Stone, Richmond were named Citibank Accounting Office) DAVID M. Blue Ribbon Scholars and awarded $1,000 Pictured left to right are: Dawn Hewitt, Citibank; WALKER. Walker, considered the scholarships through the Tom Joyner Bland; Stone; former Dallas Mayor, The Honorable nation’s chief accountability officer as Ron Kirk; Anthony; and Bouyer. The syndicated Foundation School of the Month Program. Tom Joyner Morning Show originates from Dallas, head of the United States Government Huston-Tillotson joined the program in Texas. Accountability Office (GAO), spoke to 2004 and has been awarded more than business students during his trip to $200,000 in scholarships. Austin. Walker was recently featured on the CBS Show “60 Minutes.” Constitution Day New On Campus Huston-Tillotson University observed Bookstore Open for Constitution Day by creating an exhibit and distributing red, white, and blue Business ribbons. Colleges and universities that receive federal funds are required by the Education Department to hold “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day” on or near September 17, the day the document was adopted in 1787.

Visit the bookstore for your HT paraphernalia, and, of course, textbooks. The new enterprise, located in the Davage-Durden Student Union, is managed and operated by Follett. Follett Many authors visited HT during the past year. Pictured is author and guest lecturer Nina Foxx, is a $2 billion company, offering a wide who stopped by at the invitation of Dr. Janice range of educational tools and services on Pictured is student Simone White showing the Sumler-Edmond. Plan to hear, see, and pick up a Constitution Day exhibit. a number of university campuses. The book from poet, activist, and educator Nikki company was founded in 1873 and Giovanni who will visit HT on October 25 during the Charter Day celebration. employs nearly 10,000 associates in the United States and Canada. Also, shop online by clicking the bookstore link from the www.htu.edu home page.

[ 26 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. FEATURE<<<

J.L. Dickey Legacy Revived in 2007 By Wilhelmina E. Perry

ative and long-time honored in the concerns about community health in black Central conservative central Taylor extended to problems of NTexans who recall Texas town. community development and segregation the past tell stories about of blacks in the area. There were honors close communities and Also, the Lone Star for not only his medical expertise but also families in not only East Medical, Dental and his distinguished community Austin neighborhoods, but Pharmaceutical involvements. surrounding cities. They Association honored reminisce about the local Dickey as general Dickey was born in 1893 near Waco, businesses, churches, practitioner of 1953. In where he attended the segregated public markets, and tell stories addition, the alumni of schools. In 1916, he graduated from about the institution that Huston-Tillotson College Tillotson College in Austin. A brief sat on what was once cited him in the same teaching assignment followed in Marlin, considered Austin’s second highest hill. year “for the application of his alma Texas. In 1921, he graduated from Whether a student was attending mater’s highest ideals in the promotion of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tillotson College or Samuel Huston human welfare.” Tennessee. Dickey was the eldest of nine College, studying to become a teacher, children. When his father died in an minister, doctor, or musician, expectations Of course, Dickey’s 1953 acknowledg- accident, leaving a wife with eight other were high, because education was key to ments were highly deserved. Before that children, Dickey did not follow his a better life. Physician, humanitarian, and time, he had received recognitions (albeit previous intention to move to the  civil rights advocate, James Lee Dickey less sensational ones) because his CONTINUED…See Dickey Legacy, page 38 impacted the lives of many. Those who step on the Huston-Tillotson University campus hear Dickey’s name daily, but they don’t know his story.

For Dickey, the year 1953 was a remarkable year. In January of that year, the Taylor Texas Chamber of Commerce named him the most outstanding citizen in the small cotton and railroad town of 9,000 residents. There was national publicity when the February 9th issue of Time magazine included a note about the honor; the October 24th issue of the now defunct but then well-known Saturday Evening Post featured Dickey in a rather The James Lee Dickey historical marker was unveiled and dedicated on June 16, 2007, Juneteenth, lengthy, five-page story. The landmark at the future site of the Dickey Museum, 500 Burkett, Taylor, Texas. A celebration at the Fannie Robinson event was a first time a black had been so Park followed the ceremony.

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 27 ] >>>SPORTS

HT Athletic Recognition

During the James W. Wilson 2006-07 Athletics Awards Banquet HT held in April, athletes were recognized for their academic accomplishments and athletic performances as follows: TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:

BASEBALL SOCCER Most Valuable Player: Donald Enos Most Valuable Player: Herbert Montesinos Most Improved Player: Charles Morton Most Improved Player: Abraham Bernal Coach’s Award: Ramon Ocumarez Coach’s Award: Frank Toscano Highest Grade Point Average: Charles Morton, Highest Grade Point Average: Diego Flores Chad Simpson MEN’S TRACK MEN’S BASKETBALL Most Valuable Player: Dontrell Nurse Most Valuable Player: K.C. Asomugha Most Improved Player: Edward Kozel Most Improved Player: Titus Butler Coach’s Award: Edward Kozel Coach’s Award: Titus Butler Highest Grade Point Average: Edward Kozel, Highest Grade Point Average: Doug Krause Matthew Bet

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WOMEN’S TRACK/CROSS COUNTRY Most Valuable Player: Ashley Taylor Most Valuable Player: Mary Russell Most Improved Player: Ashley Wright Most Improved Player: Brittany Crowder Coach’s Award: Noel Warren Coach’s Award: Mary Russell Highest Grade Point Average: Melinda Eden Highest Grade Point Average: Nicole Cochrane

GOLF VOLLEYBALL Most Valuable Player: Doug Krause, Ben Bradley Most Valuable Player: Adrienne Ringer Most Improved Player: Cory Myers, Trent Gibson Most Improved Player: Dominique Green Heart and Hustle: Chris Norris, Ray Rodriguez Coach’s Award: Danielle Tisdale Coach’s Award: Men’s golf team Highest Grade Point Average: Adrienne Ringer Highest Grade Point Average: Chris Norris

TEAM HIGH GPA AWARD DIRECTOR’S AWARD Golf: 3.224 Women: Danielle Tisdale, Volleyball Overall athletics highest grade point average: 2.83 Men: Frank Toscano, Soccer Teams with cumulative grade point averages of 3.0 or higher: CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER AWARD Golf: 3.224 Women: Danielle Tisdale Baseball: 3.136 Men: Ramon Ocumarez Men’s Outdoor Track: 3.002

[ 28 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. SPORTS<<<

Sports News and Awards Congratulations to members of the women’s basketball team for The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics named Huston-Tillotson University’s Trent Reynolds the recipient of the achieving Red River Athletic Conference 2007 Region VI NAIA Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of All-Conference honors Character Award. The prestigious program promotes character in response to the growing deteriorating standards of integrity in Ashley Taylor – 1st Team sports and society. This award is deserving of Ram pride,” said President Larry L. Earvin. Faviela Parrila – 2nd Team Noel Warren – Honorable Mention The award was a first for Huston-Tillotson University and Ashley Wright – Honorable Mention ironically culminates a year of sports firsts. The men’s soccer team finished the season as Red River Athletic Conference Monique Perry – Honorable Mention (RRAC) tournament champions with first-year Coach Arick Lassiter named RRAC Coach of the Year. The basketball team upset NAIA conference champions Texas Wesleyan University during conference tournament play, and the baseball team Scholarship Winner defeated Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champions Congratulations to Adrienne Ringer, sophomore English major and Division I Prairie View A&M University. and volleyball player. Ringer was selected as the 2007 recipient of the Greater Texas Federal Credit Union Student-Athlete Athletes elevated their individual and team performances Scholarship. during the 2006-07 academic year as follows: The award recognizes student-athletes’ academic and athletic • The women’s basketball team defeated powerhouse performance as well as their future goals in those areas, and Houston Baptist University career ambitions. • Ashley Taylor, basketball, received All-American honors

• Adrienne Ringer was named volleyball’s All-Region player

• The HT volleyball team was ranked tenth in Region VI under Coach Ronnie Kaase’s leadership

• The baseball team was ranked fourth nationally in the National Black College Pre-Season Poll

• Chris Tuttle pitched the University’s first no-hitter in five years

• The golf team resumed play for the first time in 25 years when they entered the Mary Hardin Baylor University Invitational

• The men’s track team was honored as an NAIA Scholar Team

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 29 ] >>>CONTRIBUTIONS

AT&T Donates $35,000 More Donations to Enhance HT’s Technology Infrastructure

T&T President Jim Epperson Apresented a check for $35,000 to President Larry L. Earvin during the past Board Member Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Festival Representatives from the Farm Credit Bank of Texas established a scholarship of the same name for Memorial held on the campus. The funds will be business students who maintain a 3.0 or better grade Huston-Tillotson board member used to strengthen the University’s point average and demonstrate leadership as well as and friend Thurmond Woodard, wireless access network, expand the community involvement. The $10,000 check donated who fought pancreatic cancer number of personal computers available this year represented an increase in their commitment to HT. to publicly accessed areas, and implement during the past few years, died of keyless entry for designated computer a massive stroke on April 4. Family labs. This is the second year in a row that and friends gathered in the Lilly AT&T has given $35,000 to HT, and and Frank Polk Grand Hall of the Epperson pledged “more to come in the Davage-Durden Student Union for future.” Huston-Tillotson, which earned dinner and fellowship after the the reputation as the “most wired HBCU service, which was held at David in Texas,” provides more than 300 Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in computers for students, students, and Austin. Woodard was vice president faculty, supports distance learning and of global diversity and chief ethics videoconferencing capabilities, manages officer for Dell Inc. and instru- an integrated computer telephony system, mental in securing technology and supports the wireless Internet system. funds for HT as well as two campus computer laboratories. Thank You Henna Chevrolet

Huston-Tillotson received a $125,000 contribution from the Venera Richards Foy and James D. Foy Trust in memory of the Rev. Allen Richards, Foy’s father. Pictured with President Larry L. Earvin are Crystal Yolanda Reeves Harris (left) and niece Henna Chevrolet (Austin) donated two new Siblois Reeves. The gift expresses a life-long passenger vans to Huston-Tillotson valued at more commitment to the church and education. than $60,000. They also paid for the custom paint and logos on the 12- and 15-passenger vehicles.

Thurmond Woodard (left) during the opening the Dell computer laboratory.

[ 30 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. ALUMNI<<<

Effective July 1, 2007, Latrell Smith Johnson began her term Greetings from the Alumni Affairs Director as President of the International Alumni participation in the United Negro College Association. Fund’s National Pre-Alumni Council. Johnson pledges that the Association will We are constantly striving to increase continue the alumni spirit of excitement capital, so that we can continue to provide about supporting quality education at an a quality education that equips our interdenominational institution with a rich graduates with the tools of excellence. history. In addition, she resolves especially to Events such as the President’s MASKED advance during her two-year presidency both Ball, United Negro College Fund’s the living and learning environment at HT. Evening of Stars®, and all of the annual alumni chapter activities, to name a few, When Johnson graduated from HT in 1953, Cultivating and Reconnecting assist in supporting the operation of this she was employed immediately by the Bureau vital task. However, the events alone do of Indian Affairs to teach on reservations in am extremely honored and excited to not sustain us. The traditional hard work Iowa and then South Dakota. Her commit- have the opportunity to serve our alma of the faculty, staff, friends, and most ment to the alumni association began in Imater. As a third generation graduate importantly, the alumni of this University, 1963 when she and her husband moved of HT, I can personally speak of the proud keeps us buoyant. to San Antonio, where HT loyalist Dorothy tradition that resonates in my family and McClinton ‘47, invited the couple to join the in the atmosphere on this University’s Our goal is to reconnect with graduates local chapter. campus. The seeds of commitment, and former students of Huston-Tillotson fortitude, integrity, and goodwill have University who have been absent from Johnson’s husband, Edgar ‘51, soon served a been planted and cultivated, creating an the fold, so that we may strengthen our three-year term as chapter president. During environment where people can come and numbers. Therefore, as we move into the the subsequent decades Latrell served most be lifted to higher academic levels. As a future together, our hope is to enhance the notably in the chapter office of treasurer and result, our community of students, faculty, HT support network in a way that will on the program committee as a successful staff, and loyal supporters has, uphold our legacy. In our effort to organizer of the Green Tea annual fund- individually and collectively, increase our numbers, we will be raising event. contributed an incessant flow of gifts soliciting you for information about your that have given birth to local, national, families and friends. Thank you for your For 20 years, she has been attending the HT and world change in all areas of our assistance and cooperation in advance. annual alumni reunions and serving on society. For that, we are proud. Together we can. various national committees. In the 1980s, she was recipient of the HT Alumni Academic The Office of Alumni Affairs is striving to LA JUANA R. NAPIER Achievement Award. In June 2007, she foster communication with past Class of 2007 completed two years as the Association’s graduates. With the help of the Huston- 512.505.3074 p president elect. Chapter members offered Tillotson International Alumni Association 512.505.3196 f special thanks for her role as the Association’s and alumni chapters across the nation, [email protected] executive liaison to the Legacy Book Project our intent is to develop a network of the Team. She expresses that alumni are living University’s constituents that will create a messengers of the HT mission, and her review broader financial and volunteer support of the Legacy Book is that “the publication is base for today’s students. We also seek to a comprehensive, informative document, engage undergraduate students in which makes effective use of pictures.” establishing a life-long relationship with the University through active Congratulations to Latrell Smith Johnson!

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 31 ] >>>ALUMNI PROFILE

Alumnus Among Capital Hill’s High Profile Players

he quick, William Clay, George Collins, John the most prestigious leadership forums deep Conyers, Ronald Dellums, Charles Diggs, for state legislators in the country. In Tinhale Augustus Hawkins, Ralph Metcalfe, addition, he has taught as an adjunct heard over Parren Mitchell, Robert Nix, Charles professor at Bowie State University and the tele-phone Rangel, Louis Stokes, and Washington, Howard University. during an D.C. delegate Walter Fauntroy formed early evening what is now known as the CBC. In December of 2000, Leonard began call was an working as the Washington, D.C. Bureau indication Speaking and advocating for human and Chief and Public Policy Director of the that Joe civil rights for all citizens, and, in Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. In September Leonard was particular, African Americans have been 2001, he was a Black Leadership Forum settled for the Leonard’s passion since his days in (BLF) delegate to the International moment and Austin, Texas, as a LBJ High School and Conference on Racism in Durban, South pleased. The telephone calls, face-to-face Huston-Tillotson graduate. “I expressed Africa and in 2002 he was a member of meetings, and overall advocacy had paid an opinion, because I wasn’t sure it was the Pilgrimage for Peace delegation to the off. The State Children’s Health Insurance being said,” remembers Leonard. Former Middle East led by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Program (SCHIP) reauthorization bill, Huston-Tillotson government instructor In July 2003, Leonard was recognized as which would provide health coverage for Stan Murphy helped “fan the flames” of a an emerging civil rights leader by the 11 million children passed in the U.S. love for history and advocacy. “I’ve never editors of Black Enterprise magazine. House of Representatives by a vote of 225 forgotten his lessons.” Leonard graduated Recently, he was featured on Fox News as to 204 and the Senate 68 to 31. with a bachelor of arts in history but was a “Washington Power Player of the Week. not sure how to apply his education He added in his Leonard-like demeanor beyond teaching. He moved to Baton In September of 2003, he received the that most people will never realize the Rouge and taught in Louisiana public Congressional Black Caucus Chairman’s prodding of the Congressional Black schools for seven years. He also enrolled award, the second most prestigious award Caucus (CBC) on colleagues and the at Southern University and earned his granted by the Congressional Black president in order to ensure the success of master of arts degree in history while Caucus. Leonard has served on two that legislation and others. Billions for teaching. commissions: the Washington, D.C. Hurricane Katrina victims, millions for Commission on Human Rights and  African American farmers through “I always wanted to know everything outstanding claims as a result of the about history, and when someone said Pigford vs. Veneman case, and more with the doctorate you would know, I support for low income families are a few knew I wanted a doctorate.” Leonard of the programs backed by the CBC. moved to Washington, D.C. to enroll at Howard University. He completed his Leonard was named to head the CBC doctor of philosophy in history in 2004 earlier this year. His responsibilities in his before age 40. newly created position include managing the day-to-day activities of the caucus of Leonard worked for three years for the 42 African Americans who serve in the Center for Policy Alternatives, a Joe Leonard participated on a panel during HT’s House and Senate under the leadership of progressive public policy “think tank” Charter Day 2004 celebration that examined the Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D- where he served as a coordinator in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. Mich.). The power of the collective Southeast Policy Leaders Forum and as He returned the following year as the Charter Day speaker. African American voice and vote was Director of the Arthur Fleming Fellows realized in 1969 when Shirley Chisholm, Institute. The Fleming Institute is one of CONTINUED…See Leonard page 39

[ 32 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. ALUMNI<<<

Class Notes

[1952] GLORIA social work from Our Lady of the Lake your time and help now and when I was ALEXANDER WILLIS, College in San Antonio, Texas. in your organic chemistry class.” a retired teacher, also retired from the Kansas [1963] ROBERT KEVIN JAMES BRAY, II, a computer City Kansas Public STANTON received an science major, employed as an infor- District’s Board of honorary doctorate from mation technology systems consultant for Education. She taught in Texas A&M University Evergreen Systems (Washington, D.C.), the district for 41 years and joined the during their summer married the former Stephanie Alexandra board in 1995. graduation ceremony. Eason during a July ceremony at the Stanton, former director of British Colonial Hilton in Nassau [1953] JAMES the National Park Service, and his wife Bahamas. WILSON, former athletic were honored by the university’s director, coach, and retired Department of Recreation, Park and ALTA Y. MOTÉN was hired by Freescale faculty, was honored by Tourism Sciences during a reception. Semiconductor, Inc., Austin, Texas, as a the Prairie View Stanton, retired, is also a member of the Creative Service Projects Manager. Motén Interscholastic League Texas A&M faculty. will work in the corporate communi- Coaches Association (PVILCA) during cations division. Motén was previously their 28th annual banquet in Fort Worth. [1989] CANDACE WICKS was named the Special Projects and Communications He graduated cum laude with a the 2007-2008 Dallas Independent School Manager for the Austin Area Urban bachelor’s in physical education before District Teacher of the Year. Wicks is a League (AAUL). enrolling in Prairie View to earn has kindergarten teacher at Erasmo Seguin master’s degree. Community Learning Center in Oak Cliff. ASHLEY WILLIAMS is The superintendent presented her with an currently employed as [1954] BRANNEN engraved award. In addition, she received recruiting/ advising “TEMP” TEMPLE was a $5,000 cash award and represented the specialist with Austin also honored by the district in the regional Teacher of the Year Community College. Prairie View competition. She is currently working on Interscholastic League a doctorate in education from Texas Coaches Association Woman’s University. She received her [2007] ALYSIA (PVILCA). He was recognized for this master’s from TWU in 1999. CHATMAN, a magna basketball, baseball, and track cum laude graduate who performances during his years at Huston- [2003] SHAVON THORNTON was majored in inter- Tillotson. Temple is also a member of the promoted to branch manager of the disciplinary studies, has Huston-Tillotson Sports Hall of Fame. Greater Texas Federal Credit Union been accepted into the Austin Airport location. She previously University of Texas at [1955] MAYME K. ARDIS-GREER worked in marketing, lending, and Austin graduate school. was honored by the Association of Black accounting. Social Workers of Texas, Inc. during a AUSTIN DIGGS was luncheon in Houston, Texas, earlier this [2005] EDAN hired as a safety officer year. The theme of the program, “In the BENAVIDES has been with the Texas Department Spirit of Harambee: Facing the Chal- accepted to the University of Transportation (TxDOT). lenges,” supported her commitment to of Southern California He is the first African the association and the African and Boston University American safety officer in American community. Ardis-Greer graduate schools. “I am Central Texas and will received a bachelor’s degree in leaning toward USC,” oversee the agency’s safety program. sociology from HT and a master’s in Benavides said. “Thank you (Dr. Russ) for

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 33 ] >>>ALUMNI

Class Notes (continued)

JONATHAN HAMILTON, W.E.B. DuBois Pam Hunter’s father, WILLIAM P. after his retirement from the Los Angeles Honors Scholars and music major, HYTCHE, died after a long illness on July Unified Public School District. He also graduated magna cum laude and was 15, 2007. Pam worked at Huston-Tillotson served in the United States Army during accepted into graduate school at Texas as an instructor and counselor in the the Korean War. State University to study music theory. 1980s. She is the wife of 1981 graduate Jimmy Hunter. Hytche retired in January ARTHUR L. SIMMS, Anderson High DAWN CASSANOVA ‘07; LI-WAN 1997 as president of the University of School Class of 1961, passed on February, CHIEN ‘06; CHRISTINE HENDERSON Maryland Eastern Shore. 27, 2007. ‘07; KIA LEFFALL ‘06; and JIAOSHU ZHANG ‘07 received scholarships to Frederick Johnson’s ‘96, wife, OLIVIA C. AUGUST “GUS” SWAIN, Jr. ‘51, pursue the master of accountancy JOHNSON, who was undergoing passed suddenly in May 2006. An avid degree at Alabama State University in treatment at the MDAnderson Cancer supporter of Huston-Tillotson University Montgomery, Alabama. Each student Center in Houston, departed on May 24, where he was awarded an honorary will receive the full cost of tuition and 2007. degree, Swain supported the W.E.B. fees as well as a stipend of $12,000 for a DuBois Honors Program and donated 12-month tenure at the University. Services for CURTIS MCDONALD ‘55, golf carts for campus and alumni use. He were held April 12, 2007. was the first African American to earn a master’s degree in social work from the The funeral for University of Texas at Austin. He worked MRS. EVA MARIE for the Family Service Center in Houston Memorials MOSBY ‘36 (April as a family practitioner and the National MAMIE BARNES ‘43, died on July 3, 2007), was held at Institute of Mental Health in Washington, 2007. Austin’s Holy Cross D.C. before returning to Austin to the Catholic Church. Family Agency and the University of Funeral services for MAUD CALDWELL Mosby retired as a Texas School of Social Work as a teacher. ‘53, were held on July 21, 2007. research scientist from the University Students ANDREA TAYLOR, age 20, and CLARA WARE EARVIN, mother of of Texas and lived a CHRISTOPHER HILL, age 26, passed in Huston-Tillotson University President few blocks from the HT campus in November 2006 and April 2007, Larry L. Earvin, passed away on Friday, retirement. She gave a public donation of respectively. Taylor played bass with the June 8, 2007. She was a member of Saints $25,000 to the University during the 2001 jazz ensemble and Hill sang in the concert Peter and Paul Catholic Church, in commencement. choir. Funeral services for both, originally Chattanooga, Tennessee, an active from Austin, were held in King-Seabrook member of the Women’s Guild, and a MARY ELIZABETH “SCOTTY” Chapel. Chattanooga/Hamilton County Human SCOTT ‘53, died at age 80 in August 2006. Services commodities distribution Scott had a love for photography and The family of HASKELL H. ROYAL, volunteer. Mrs. Earvin was 85 years old. regularly attended events in order to JR. ‘55, acknowledges with grateful capture pictures to send to program appreciation your kind expression of Services for EUNICE NELL participants and guests. She willed more sympathy. HENDERSON HOUSTON were held than $15,000 to the University, which was February 15, 2007. used to purchase new camera equipment and building furnishings. ROY LEE HUNT, 54, died February 9, 2007. JAMES H. SHACKLES, Jr. ‘58, passed in August 2006. He returned to Austin

[ 34 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. ALUMNI<<<

2007 Legacy Book Now Available

Purchase your 2007 hardback edition of Colleges in the mid-1870s. Limited copies For more information, contact Anita the Huston-Tillotson legacy book available now for sale. Swain (512.282.4458), Billie Nell Chambers prepared by W.E. Perry (Class of 1944) (512.674.3427), or the HT Alumni Affairs and A.N. Swain (Class of 1951) for the The cost is $35 each plus $6 for postage Office (512.505.3074). International Alumni Association. This and handling. Make all checks or money keepsake is 350 pages of narratives, orders payable to the Huston-Tillotson focused reports, commentaries and University Alumni Association-Austin pictures to enlighten readers about the and mail to: persons, events, and values that have HT Legacy Book Sales defined the distinctive identity of an c/o Lyndia Harris institution whose history goes back to the 11700 Arbor Downs Road founding of Samuel Huston and Tillotson Austin, TX 78748

International Alumni Association Officers 2007-09 Latrell Johnson, President Judy Taylor Bevelia Curley 2415 Tyle Drive Assistant Recording Secretary Sergeant-at-Arms San Antonio, TX 78222 7131 Chasewood Drive 7537 Madeira Drive 210.648.0450 Missouri City, TX 77489 Fort Worth, TX 76112 [email protected] [email protected] 817.451.2482 [email protected] Mary Ashford, President-Elect Angela Fazorra 11401 Madrid Drive Corresponding Secretary Donald J. Fleming Austin, TX 78759 905 Parkway Street Trustee Representative 512.345.1075 White Hall, AR 71602 2525 Lansing Circle [email protected] 870.247.4696 h Houston, TX 77584 870.575.7223 w 713.436.3002 Stephanie Edwards-Hunt [email protected] [email protected] Vice President 5301 North Sam Houston Pkwy. A.L. Mackey East #3801 Treasurer Houston, TX 77032 6701 Willamette Lane [email protected] Austin, TX 78723 512.926.1206 h Katherine Gardner Williams-Hunter 512.223.3324 w Recording Secretary [email protected] 2957 Midbury Drive Lancaster, TX 75134-4922 [email protected]

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 35 ] WHAT’S NEW??

Moved lately? Changed jobs? Been promoted? Received an award? JustWhat’s got maried? New? Help keep us and other alumni up to date on your accomplishments. Please fill out the form below, clip the page, and mail to: Office of Alumni Affairs • 900 Chicon Street • Austin, Texas 78702. Or send an e-mail to [email protected] or fax to: 512.505.3196

Name Class Year Degree Graduate Degree Graduate of: Samuel Huston College Tillotson College Huston-Tillotson University Home Address

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Spouse’s Name (Please include maiden name) Is your spouse an HT graduate? Class Year Degree Spouse’s Job Title Employer

How would you like to be listed in our database? News/Comments Making a Gift to the University

As a non-profit organization, Huston-Tillotson University depends on contributions and other gifts to supplement tuition revenue. Income received by the University is applied to the academic program, co-curricular activities that enrich our students’ education, scholarships and other forms of financial aid, general operating expenses, and the maintenance of campus facilities.

You can support Huston-Tillotson University through outright contributions, planned giving, or pledges. Please use the form below to indicate your giving preferences or to request additional information. Gifts and correspondence about giving options should be addressed to the Office of Institutional Advancement, Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon Street, Austin, TX 78702-2795. You may also telephone 512.505.3073, send a fax to 512.505.3196, or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

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OUTRIGHT GIFTS Enclosed is a gift of: $25 $50 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 other $

Please apply my gift to: The general scholarship fund An endowed scholarshi[ fund. Name of endowes scholarship: A naming opportunity. Contact Vicki Minor at 512.505.3074. The Ram Athletic Club The United Negro College Fund campaign In memory of In honor of General college operating budget

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PLEDGES Please contact me about making a pledge for ongoing support of the college. I wish to be invoiced in two (2) equal installments of $ to fulfill my pledge. I wish to be invoiced in four (4) equal installments of $ to fulfill my pledge. All pledges obligations must be fulfilled within 12 months of pledge date. My employer will match my gift.

Huston-Tillotson University is recognized under Section 501 (c ) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a nonprofit organization. Appropriate information for your tax purposes is available from HT.

Huston-Tillotson University thanks you for your contribution. REAL CHOICES continued DICKEY LEGACY continued from the first merged Huston-Tillotson Government Association Sophomore North to practice. He brought his new College class with a bachelor of science Class President, started the Rowdy bride from Nashville to Taylor. degree in 1953 and married James Rams spirit group, served as a Early in his career, he distinguished Andrew Harris. Harris entered Samuel University Ambassador, and was himself by curbing a raging typhoid fever Huston as a music major before changing selected Miss Huston-Tillotson outbreak through a vigorous vaccination to chemistry. He was the first black University, all while maintaining a 3.0 program and by cleaning up an open scientist to participate in major programs grade point average. She was the first sewer that was typhoid breeding. Also, he to identify new periodic table elements. student accepted into graduate school gained local notice by conducting health His laboratory team identified elements internship program as a result of a campaigns and establishing a prenatal 104 rutherfordium and 105 dubnium. She partnership between HT and the clinic and a venereal disease clinic. Later, currently serves as president of Huston- University of Arkansas. through Dickey’s effort, there was erection Tillotson University’s Bay Area alumni of a bridge over a stagnant stream, to chapter. Napier’s mother Maxine Harris “My whole experience is enhanced by expedite, during high waters, black graduated from Huston-Tillotson in 1955 my families’ previous experiences at HT children reaching the school. and retired from the Seguin Independent and their relationship to people.” Napier School district after teaching for 20 years. recalled. “The stories they share have Moreover, his attainments in the civic She also served on the Seguin City given me a great appreciation of HT.” arena were noteworthy. Because he Council, was mayor pro tempore, and Napier recalls that her mother told her to discovered that violence, as well as was a businessowner. Napier’s father, enroll in college right after high school, disease, was a major cause of deaths in Virgil Williams, who met Maxine at HT, but that’s not what she wanted to do. the black population, he developed, along completed his education through the Situations have a way of moving with others, a community center and military route. Napier’s college support individuals from a selfish to a selfless recreational facilities for youth. He pushed model housing, and he and his system was multi-layered. state. Napier had to face life’s challenges. cohorts got streets graveled, streetlights Her number was called during an AT&T erected and hydrants added in the black “They don’t understand what’s corporate downsizing. That “good job” area, as well as science courses introduced involved with college,” Orr expressed. was gone and the marriage was over. in the curriculum in the black high school. The application and financial aid Napier was at a crossroads and Thus, those who honored Dickey sensed processes require parental information reconnected with her faith from her that he was a good man, in addition to an accompanied by tax information and upbringing. She enrolled at Huston- excellent physician. forms. “My family members make $14 Tillotson where she excelled in her or $13 an hour and they think I’m academic goals. She was awarded the In 1951, he joined the Tillotson College wasting my time.” Orr has been selected competitive Hatton W. Sumners Board of Trustees. When Samuel Huston several times to reverify the information Scholarship with its $8,000 a year prize, and Tillotson Colleges merged in 1952, he on her federal financial aid forms, as was a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu, continued to serve on the “joined” board required by law, which makes the education, Beta Kappa Chi, scientific, until his death on May 18, 1959. Dickey’s process even more cumbersome. She’s and Pi Gamma Mu, social sciences, son, James, Jr., is an ex-Huston-Tillotson in Austin, Texas, without her family honor societies, which helped her gain student (because Dickey wanted to members, but has found new families summa cum laude status. She is now establish going there as a tradition). The and friends. Orr is an education major looking at law school as a career choice. younger Dickey, who is currently residing with aspirations of a career in in Austin, remembers that his father was instructional technology. She received Napier completed her degree in very proud but also very surprised that the some experience in the area when she December 2006 with a bachelor of arts in first building constructed on the campus worked as Huston-Tillotson’s help desk psychology, and has completed the after the merger was a science building operator in the information technology examination to enroll in law school. named for Dickey and Theodore Lawless, department. In that position she was a Right now she’s concentrating on her a Chicago dermatologist, who also served troubleshooter for various campus-wide duties as Huston-Tillotson University’s on the Huston-Tillotson board. James, Jr. computer problems and issues. She was Director of Alumni Affairs. “I ended up portrays his father as someone who was “a a member of the golf team, Miss in the place where my mother wanted very busy professional but also a very Freshman, Miss Sophomore, Student me to begin,” she concluded. humble person.”

[ 38 ] Ram Magazine Summer / Fall 2007 Huston-Tillotson University www.htu.edu LEARN MORE. ROBINSON continued CHARTER DAY continued Robinson was inducted into the Baseball The Old Administration Building, once Wright and typical of the urban Hall of Fame. He died on October 24, described as “statuesque but dilapidated,” Southwest during the early 20th century. 1972. “abandoned but not forgotten,” and one The interior of the building displays the of three buildings remaining from pressed tin ceilings, hardwood floors, Major League Baseball declared April 15, Tillotson College, reopened with a new prominent wooden staircases, and door 2007, Jackie Robinson Day in name and purpose. Constructed between trims reflecting the past. commemoration of the 60th anniversary 1913-1914, Tillotson College students in of Robinson’s Brooklyn Dodgers debut. the Industrial Arts program made the “We thank God for all of you and for this His wife Rachel Robinson, was presented cinder blocks from which the structure day,” Earvin concluded before cutting the the Commissioner’s Historical was built. These students also assisted ribbon, allowing everyone to enter the Achievement Award for the Jackie with the construction of the building. building. Robinson Foundation. Robert G. Stanton, Class of 1963, and References and Photo Credits: immediate past director of the National • “Jackie Robinson Breaks Baseball’s Color Barrier, Park Service, United States Department of 1945,” EyeWitness to History, the Interior, who facilitated a $525,000 www.eyewitnesstohistory.com (2005) restoration matching grant that jump • “A Legacy Remembered” by Eric Enders, Austin LEONARD continued started the $3.1 million campaign, shared American-Statesman, April 15, 1997. with the crowd on a picture perfect day the Brown vs. Board of Education Equity • Huston-Tillotson University Downs-Jones Library Commission. He participated on a panel Archives. that the eyes of Washington, D.C. were upon Huston-Tillotson University. “These during Charter Day 2004 at Huston- funds don’t come easy, and you Tillotson that examined the landmark performed!” Stanton said. Brown v. Board of Education case. He returned the following year as the Charter Once the center of campus activities with Day speaker. its administrative offices, library, and classrooms, the building sat vacant from Although the jobs in the nation’s capital 1969 to August 2004 when the have been different the “pace has been Institutional Advancement offices very similar and very quick.” His days are occupied the edifice. During the grand long but Leonard gives his full attention opening the Wachovia Business Resource and devotion to the person or issue before and Training Center, Bertha Sadler Means him when he stops. His start at Huston- African American Heritage Resource Tillotson and “my knowledge of history Center, Dell Computer Laboratory, Austin prepared me for the work of the CBC,” Community Foundation Conference he concluded. Room, Coe-Robinson Alumni Conference Center, and a Heritage Wall of Investors were showcased.

Baseball teams throughout the league celebrated the The 93-year old, three-story structure is 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the listed in the National Register of Historic color barrier on April 15, 1947, by wearing No. 42 Places and designated with a Texas on their uniforms. Historical Marker as a Texas Historical Site. The exterior contains its initial subtle, but majestic splendor depicting the distinctive “Modified Prairie” school of architecture developed by Frank Lloyd

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 39 ] Make your mark on the HT campus with a personalized brick on Union Plaza and Walkway.

THREE EASY WAYS TO ORDER: 1) Complete this order form and mail it with your payment to: Union Plaza and Walkway Brick Program 900 Chicon Street Austin, TX 78702 2) Fax your order with credit card information to 512.505.3196. (Please call 512.505.3074 to confirm fax orders.) 3) Telephone your order to 512.505.3074.

PAYMENT METHOD: Check or money order payable to Huston-Tillotson University American Express Discover Master card Visa A STANDARD SIZE brick (4"x8", $150) provides a Credit Card Number maximum of three lines, with up to 16 characters per line. Use this section to print your inscription (one Expiration Date character per block) as you would like it to appear.

Signature

Purchaser’s Name

Street Address

City

State Zip

Country (if other than United States)

Home Phone ( ) A MULTIPLE SIZE brick (12"x12", $500) provides a maximum of ten lines, with up to 20 characters per line. Use this section to print your Business Phone ( ) inscription (one character per block) as you would like it to appear.

A JUMBO SIZE brick (12"x24", $1,000) provides a maximum of ten lines, with up to 30 characters per line. Use this section to print your inscription (one character per block) as you would like it to appear. Viaer-Alumni Hall Naming Opportunities THE NAMING OF THE BUILDING It’s a rare opportunity to see your name go down in *“Must the work rest again? How long? Kind friends will history. As the second oldest building on campus, several bring again, we trust, their generous assistance.” The naming naming opportunities exist for individuals, corporations, and of the building was the most significant feature and has been foundations. Choose from the list below. For gifts of $5,000 named for Anthony and Louise Viaer and HT Alumni who leave or $10,000 contact the Office of Institutional Advancement. a significant legacy. Noteworthy is the fact that the Old Admini- stration Building was the only building on campus that had not been named. BUILDING INVESTMENT Naming of the Building $ 500,000 Sold THE FIRST FLOOR Naming of the Building $ 500,000 Sold *“The undertaking, great as it was and calling for the utmost Total Naming of the Building $ 1,000,000 effort of the College, they believed practical…At last it is finished.” The first floor houses the Wachovia Business Resource FIRST FLOOR and Training Center, a technology training center for new and emerging businesses, and the Bertha Sadler Means African 1st Floor $ 250,000 American Heritage Center that highlights the accomplishments Business Resource and Training Center $ 100,000 Sold of African Americans in Texas, the Southwest, and the nation as Director’s Office $ 100,000 well as providing access for the mobility impaired. Heritage Center $ 100,000 Sold Director’s Office $ 50,000 THE SECOND FLOOR Administrative Assistant’s Office $ 50,000 *“The fund has been renewed, the walls have risen and the Left Break Out Area $ 25,000 work is pressing forward.” The second floor is home to the Middle Break Out Area $ 25,000 Institutional Advancement Office. Civic and corporate leaders of Right Break Out Area $ 25,000 the community are regular callers on business here, making this area a particularly appropriate one for a corporate sponsor. The Floor Ramp $ 25,000 Austin Community Foundation Conference Room and the Coe- Total First Floor $ 750,000 Robinson Alumni Conference Center are also located here. SECOND FLOOR THE THIRD FLOOR 2nd Floor $ 250,000 *“believing with faith in God and the friends of the work that Alumni Suite $ 100,000 funds will be forthcoming to complete the building within a Grants and Development Suite $ 100,000 reasonable length of time…” The third floor houses the Presi- Alumni Affairs’ Office $ 50,000 dent’s suites, Institutional Research and Assessment, and the Executive Board Room and breakout area where we gather to- Alumni Association Office $ 50,000 Sold gether to support the President’s vision, “Redeeming the Promise.” Development Office $ 50,000 Data Analyst and Writer’s Office $ 50,000 LARGE ROOM ON EACH FLOOR IA Vice President’s Office $ 50,000 These striking rooms have been preserved and restored to the Conference Room $ 25,000 Sold elegance they once knew. Database Manager $ 25,000 Office Manager’s Office $ 25,000 MEDIUM ROOM ON EACH FLOOR Public Relations’ Office $ 25,000 These rooms will house directors and staff in support of our Office Space $ 25,000 tag line LEARN MORE. Work Room $ 25,000 SMALL ROOM ON EACH FLOOR Reception Area $ 25,000 The noteworthy features remain intact, including freestanding Total Second Floor $ 875,000 cast-iron columns and much pressed decorative ceilings. The naming opportunities will link the honoree with an attractive THIRD FLOOR and efficient setting. 3rd Floor $ 250,000 Board Room $ 150,000 OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Executive Suite 1 $ 100,000 Several naming opportunities of other features and programs are available below $25,000. Consider a gift of $5,000 and $10,000 to Executive Suite 2 $ 100,000 name a fixture in this eloquent historical facility. Executive Suite 3 $ 100,000 Conference Room $ 25,000 HERITAGE WALL OF INVESTORS Administrative Assistant $ 25,000 All contributions of $1,000 or more received for the support of the Total Third Floor $ 750,000 Building Endowment Fund will be acknowledged on the Heritage Wall of Investors. See the list in the right column. GRAND TOTAL: $ 3,375,000

* Quotes are taken from the 1913 Tillotson College Bulletin. The Case for Supporting the Viaer-Alumni Hall

There is ample justification for supporting this prominent old structure because of its historic importance and its symbolism for African Americans.

Furthermore, the maintenance of the Viaer-Alumni Hall will serve as the Archimedean lever to create cooperative academic ventures, launch a major development campaign, and strengthen the University’s ability to educate the seventh generation of the descendants of American slavery.

You are invited to consider the case for supporting the maintenance of the Viaer-Alumni Hall at Huston-Tillotson University. Funds raised will be used to provide operating revenue and establish an endowed maintenance fund.

VIAER-ALUMNI HALL NAMING OPPORTUNITY Pledge Form

Please print clearly. Dr. Mr. Miss Mrs. Ms. Name:

If HT graduate, please provide maiden name, if applicable, and year of graduation:

Mailing address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Email address: Telephone: ( )

Name as it should appear on the Wall of Investors (All contributions of $1,000 or more will be recognized):

I do hereby: pledge donate to the Viaer-Alumni Hall Naming Opportunity Campaign the amount of $

I wish to be invoiced in 2 equal installments of $ to fulfill my pledge.

I wish to be invoiced in 4 equal installments of $ to fulfill my pledge. Please note that all pledge obligations must be fulfilled within 12 months of pledge date.

Please charge $ to my American Express Discover Mastercard Visa

Name as it appears on the card:

Card number: Expiration date:

Enclosed is my check or money order for $ payble to Huston-Tillotson University.

Pleasae return this form to Ms. Vicki Minor, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon Street, Austin, TX 78702-2795. Forms may be faxed to 512.505.3196. CAMPUS/STUDENT NEWS<<<

Calendar of Events Students Head to Florida for the See the www.htu.edu Web site under the Public Relations Honda All-Star Challenge section for details on the events listed below. Huston-Tillotson University was among the contenders when August 25-29, 2007 ...... New Student Orientation Open to all newly enrolled students the 18th Annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), “Evolution of a Champion,” kicked off earlier this year in August 26 ...... New Student Matriculation Ceremony Open to all students and families Orlando, Florida. Sixty-four historically black colleges and universities were represented at the country’s only African September 7 ...... Opening Convocation American academic challenge. The all female team of Natashia September 17...... Constitution Day Cooper (captain), Arriel M. Goodman, Danica McKinney, September 26 ...... Fall Career Expo and Spring Internship Fair Jamiliah Paschal, and Trina Walker pushed HT closer to one day November 5-22 ...... E-Fair in partnership with Monster.com becoming the national champion. Teams and players compete for Open to all HT alumni job seekers not only intellectual bragging rights but a giant trophy and October 10 ...... Graduate School and Professional School Fair prizes ranging from T-shirts to a share of a $300,000 prize. October 10 ...... Poetry on the Patio Locally, students are encouraged to join a team in order to October 20 ...... Alumni Volleyball Reunion participate in mock “Jeopardy” type competitions. A final HT October 24...... College Day at Wesley United Methodist Church, Austin team is selected that begins weeks of study under the guidance October 25 ...... Fall Symposium with Nikki Giovanni of a faculty advisor and participates in regional practices. Dr. October 26 ...... Charter Day Observance Elizabeth Guillory Medina, Director of Campus Life and First A celebration of the University’s history. Open to all. Year Experience, served as the advisor. October 27-28...... HT Senior Weekend Open to all high school seniors Tennessee State University captured their first-ever championship during the 2007 competition. November 30 – December 2 ...... Family Parent Weekend Open to all HT parents February 2008 ...... Homecoming February 6...... Summer/Fall 2008 Internship and Fellowship Fair February 17 ...... Austin Alumni Chapter Blues and Jazz Concert Open to the public February 23...... University Day, and African American Heritage Festival Open to the community and all prospective students March 8...... President’s MASKED Ball A black-tie affair and celebration of HT March 17-20...... Spring Break March 24 ...... Community Easter Egg Hunt Open to the community April 9...... Spring Career Fair April 9 ...... Poetry on the Patio May 8-9 ...... Reunion Weekend 2008 Open to all who attended or graduated from Samuel Huston, Tillotson College, and Huston-Tillotson May 9 ...... 20th Annual HT Select Shot Golf Tournament Open to the public May 9 ...... Honors Convocation Members of the Honda All-Star team pictured left to right are: Trina Walker, Open to the public Danica McKinney, Natashia Cooper (front row), Jamiliah Paschal, Arriel M. Goodman, and President Larry L. Earvin. May 10...... Commencement Convocation

LEARN MORE. www.htu.edu Huston-Tillotson University Summer / Fall 2007 Ram Magazine [ 43 ] Many of the presidents from the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) 39 member institutions attended the national Evening of Stars® taping at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California. The 2007 show was a tribute to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Pictured with Franklin are left to right: UNCF President and CEO Michael L Lomax, Franklin’s escort William Wilkerson, HT President Larry L. Earvin, and former Paul Quinn College President John Waddell. Locally, HT alumni and friends scheduled a viewing party in support of UNCF. The upcoming national show, scheduled in January, will feature Smokey Robinson. Check local listings for the show dates and times.

Huston-Tillotson University 900 Chicon Street Austin, TX 78702 512.505.3073

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