MORGANMORGANM A G A Z I N E VOLUME I 2020

A Life of Service Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, 1951–2019

MORGAN MAGAZINE 1 VOLUME I 2020 MagazineVOLUME I 2020 1 2 (Cover Story) 6 8 MORGAN President’s Celebrating a Life of Success, Diversity Alumni Profile Magazine Letter Service Took Center Stage Morgan graduate at Morgan’s 143rd Morgan Magazine is published Continuing the legacy Congressman Elijah Calvin B. Ball III made by the Division of Institutional of MSU legends Cummings’ work for Commencement Maryland history with Advancement of MSU for alumni, social justice was led More than 925 degree his election as Howard parents, faculty, students, by values gained in candidates heard an County executive prospective students and friends. Morgan Magazine is designed Baltimore urgent call to action and edited by the Office of Public Relations and Strategic Communications. 10 12 14 16 Opinions expressed in Morgan Magazine are those Leadership Spotlight Research Spotlight Donor Profile Building LEGACY of the individual authors and Experience and Morgan biology County Engineers Through Business are not necessarily those of achievement professor leads Association of Ownership the University. distinguish Morgan’s pancreatic cancer Maryland supports Morgan’s Send correspondence directly to: Morgan Magazine newest administrative research as well as MSU engineering Entrepreneurial Office of Public Relations and heads science diversity efforts Development and Strategic Communications Assistance Center 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane helps growing and McMechen Hall, Suite 635 Baltimore, MD 21251 aspiring entrepreneurs (443) 885-3022 office main [email protected]

20 22 24 26 Morgan Magazine Staff Vice President, In the Community Student Morgan’s Marching Honoring the Legacy Institutional Advancement The MSU School of Achievement Band Lights Up of a Legend Donna J. Howard, CFRE Social Work has a long President David Macy’s Thanksgiving Morgan renames Assistant Vice President, Day Parade Public Relations and Strategic history of work with Wilson’s “The a Convocation Communications addiction, including Morgan Way” More than 25 million to recognize Larry Jones the opioid crisis initiative promotes the viewers watched groundbreaking Director, Public Relations and University’s core values the Magnificent historian Rosalyn Strategic Communications Marching Machine Terborg-Penn Dell Jackson lead this year’s Assistant Director, Web Communications holiday excitement in Henry McEachnie Manhattan Publications Manager Ferdinand Mehlinger Editor Morgan Magazine, Volume 1 2018 Eric Addison 2019 APEX Award of Excellence Art Director & Layout and Design 2019 Communicator Awards, Award of David E. Ricardo Distinction Photographer P.A. Greene 2019 Hermes Creative Gold Award Contributing Writers Cindy Atoji Morgan Magazine, Volume 1 2019 Burnie J. Hollis, Ph.D. Finalist, 2019 FOLIO: Eddie Award Carla R. Jackson, Ed.D. Edwin T. Johnson, Ph.D. Finalist, 2019 FOLIO: Ozzie Award Frank McCoy 2019 Hermes Creative Gold Award Donna M. Owens Tory N. Parrish Frieda Wiley

MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 President’sLetter

GROWING THE FUTURE LEADING THE WORLD

Alumni and Friends,

Although a graduate of Howard University, in Washington, D.C., Ejijah Cummings was a pillar of Baltimore City and Morgan State University. His loss is still keenly felt, as is the absence of pioneering scholar and former Morgan State University Professor of History Rosalyn Terborg-Penn, Ph.D. But having read of Dr. Terborg-Penn’s tremendous contributions to her field and having experienced firsthand Congressman Cummings’ outstanding commitment to his hometown and MSU, I know that the greatest tribute we can pay them is to continue our work of growing the future and leading the world. The stories in this issue provide clear examples of that work and “The Morgan Way.” Long before his groundbreaking election as Howard County executive, Calvin Ball, Ed.D., profiled in these pages, experienced the transformational power of a Morgan education, first through his father then for himself as a doctoral student here early in his political career. Our article about Morgan’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center tells how EDAC and its longtime director, MSU graduate Omar Muhammad, have cultivated success, often against the odds, by promoting business ownership. Morgan’s School of Social Work has long benefited communities in Baltimore and beyond with its research and treatment to address addiction, including the opioid crisis. The article in this issue spotlights that work as well as its importance to MSU students and faculty. Morgan’s outsize impact on humanity through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) also continues, as exemplified by the cutting- edge pancreatic cancer research of Simon Nyaga, Ph.D., and his team in Morgan’s School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences. Our scholarship and research require financial supporters, and the County Engineers Association of Maryland, featured in this issue’s “Donor Profile,” is one of our strongest. Our work needs good direction as well, such as that provided by the four new MSU administrators — all women — profiled in our “Leadership Spotlight.” With the holidays now past, but with the memories of the first-ever performance of Morgan’s Magnificent Marching at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade still fresh, I am delighted to present this publication to you and yours. I look forward to seeing and working with you in 2020!

Sincerely,

David Wilson President

MORGAN MAGAZINE 1 VOLUME I 2020 Despite his long bout with a rare form of cancer, Elijah E. Cummings, Mary- land congressman and Morgan State University (MSU) regent, left many shocked and saddened by his passing on Oct. 17, 2019, at age 68. MSU Presi- dent David Wilson, Ed.D., was among CELEBRATING A his countless colleagues and constit- uents for whom Cummings was like family. The two had spoken by phone LIFE OF SERVICE regularly and exchanged text messages Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, 1951–2019 frequently. “He reminded me of my third oldest brother, Charlie,” Dr. Wilson recalled. “They had a lot of similar characteris- tics. They were very passionate about the things that they believed in. They cared deeply about others. They were

By Eric Addison

2 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 deeply rooted in their community. And Kweisi Mfume, a 1976 MSU graduate separate and apart that pretty much re- then, my family and I grew up on a share- and chair of Morgan’s Board of Regents lied on the same basic things, and those cropper’s plantation in rural Alabama. since 2012, likewise describes a broth- things were values,” Mfume said. “Both (Cummings’ parents had also been erly relationship with Cummings. The Elijah and I were taught separately in our sharecroppers.) So I think it was no great two young men met in 1978, when both homes to fight hard for what you believe surprise that Elijah and I had this very were just becoming politically active in in, play by the rules, don’t cheat, love special connection, because we under- west Baltimore. Mfume was the first to your country, cherish your faith, respect stood what it meant to grow up in an run for and win elected office — Fourth your (elders), and believe in yourself. environment like that. District councilman in Baltimore City — And it’s kind of hard getting away from and Cummings followed four years later, basic values like that…. When we talked, “…I never really had to guess where he making a successful run for the Maryland we realized almost immediately that stood on issues,” Dr. Wilson continued. House of Delegates with the support of we’d been raised in different homes, but “I never had to guess whether he had an one of his mentors, Delegate Lena K. Lee. the same lessons were there…. As we agenda other than the success of things U.S. Rep. Parren J. Mitchell of Maryland, got older, Elijah and I would always talk that we had undertaken at Morgan and also a Morgan graduate, later mentored about what those basic values mean in how he could support me to ensure that Cummings and was a role model for him a home and how it can change the life of the University continued to improve in during Cummings’ time in Congress. young people.” quality and expand its programs and its opportunities for our students.” “We were brought up in two households

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, a member of Morgan’s Board of Regents, was Morgan’s Spring Commencement Speaker on May 18, 2019.

“Life flourishes most at the crossroads where two diverse ecosystems meet.” — U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings

MORGAN MAGAZINE 3 VOLUME I 2020 Nurtured by Challenge During his 23 years as Maryland’s con- Dr. Wilson readily recounted a few of Born in Baltimore City in 1951, Elijah gressman from the Seventh District, what he said were many instances of Cummings was the third of seven chil- Congressman Cummings became world Regent Cummings’ assistance to Morgan. renowned as a warrior for social justice, dren of Robert and Ruth Cummings, who “He was very instrumental in our getting working continuously to ensure that the came to the city from South Carolina, a National Transportation Center in our next generation had access to quality where they had worked as sharecroppers. School of Engineering — one of the few healthcare and education, clean air and Elijah grew up in a religious household National Transportation Centers at an water and a strong economy defined by during the de jure segregation of the (Historically Black College or University) fiscal responsibility. At the time of his 1950s and ’60s, as his mother followed — and was also very instrumental in our passing, he was chair of the House Com- her calling from domestic work to estab- continuing to be a part of the National mittee on Oversight and Reform and a lish a church. Transportation Center legislation and senior member of the House Committee funding,” Dr. Wilson said. In the public schools in the underserved on Transportation and Infrastructure. But neighborhoods where he lived, Elijah was his national and international following “He put us in touch with several major relegated to “the third group” of students, never diminished Cummings’ obvious corporate partners when he saw oppor- what is now called special education. But love for his hometown of Baltimore City tunities for our students. As a result, defying expectations, he became a stellar or his beneficial impact on Morgan. we were able to put in place numerous academic achiever, eventually earning internship programs at Morgan, and we a bachelor’s degree in political science Advocate for Morgan have students who are now serving in from Howard University — where he Cummings was appointed to the MSU those internships,” Dr. Wilson reported. served as student government president Board of Regents in 1999 and served on “We have a thriving partnership with and graduated Phi Beta Kappa — and the body for 19 years. Mfume said the Wells Fargo, where we have eight to 10 a J.D. from the University of Maryland congressman was very thoughtful but Morgan students now engaged in fellow- School of Law. often slow to speak in the position, rarely ships or internships.” revealing to the public what Mfume said He was elected to the Maryland House of “He also was a big proponent of extend- Delegates in 1982, beginning his career was one of Cummings’ defining charac- teristics: his great sense of humor. ing the Pell Grant to year-round, during of public service, and served there for 14 the first term of the Obama administra- years, becoming the first African Amer- “He was very, very deliberative on every tion, to enable more low-income stu- ican elected as the body’s speaker pro issue. And Elijah would listen,” Mfume dents to be able to finish college within tempore. In 1996, he was elected to the said. “He wouldn’t always have a lot to four years,” Dr. Wilson added. “And, U.S. House of Representatives, taking say as issues were coming before us or indeed, we went to a year-round Pell for a the seat that had been held by Kweisi being presented in board meetings. But couple of years, and Morgan saw tremen- Mfume before Mfume resigned to lead when he did have something to say, he dous benefits from that. But then that the NAACP. was right on the money with it.” stopped (during the current president’s

4 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 administration), and (Cummings) was really working with us to try and get Thousands Paid Tribute to Congressman that back on track.” Cummings at MSU Services “And the first big win I was able to U.S. Rep. became a religious leaders, personal friends, and achieve when I came to Morgan came Elijah Cummings global icon in Washington, D.C., but he individuals who had collaborated with as a result of his intervention,” Dr. wanted the world to know he was a son of him in serving the community. Wilson recalled. “That was in 2011, Baltimore City. On Oct. 23, 2019, thou- when we were able to sign a coopera- “He would investigate, legislate and sands of Baltimoreans took advantage tive agreement with NASA, in a part- agitate, but when he agitated it was never of the opportunity he had given them nership with the Universities Space for himself. It was always for others,” to say their goodbyes. Following the ar- Research Association, USRA, valued said retired U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, range-ments the congressman had made at about $96 million, of which Mor- who served with Cummings for 17 years with his family during his long battle with gan’s share would be $28.5 million. in the Maryland congressional delega- cancer, Cummings’ body lay in repose for Elijah had met Fred Tarantino, the tion. “…He did not ask people to give up more than 12 hours at the Carl J. Murphy president of USRA, and basically said their anger. He talked to them in justice, Fine Arts Center, on MSU’s campus, for a to him, ‘I think you should sit down discrimination, redlined, sidelined. What public viewing, followed by special pre- and have a conversation with my he did was to take all of that anger and sentations from fraternal organizations good friend David Wilson at Morgan.’ passion and to channel it into bringing and a tribute service for the public. Then he called me and said I should about change.” expect a call from Fred. And I did, The diversity of the crowd on hand to pay “He was so genuine. He was so authentic. shortly thereafter.” their respects during the viewing in the He was so real. He didn’t get caught up in Fine Arts Center’s Gilliam Concert Hall In the end, Morgan’s proposal — in all the trappings, all the accoutrements reflected Cummings’ true humanity and collaboration with USRA, Ball Aero- of the position. He was a person who led dedication to social justice and equal space & Technologies, I.M. Systems with his heart. And I connected to him opportunity. Group, The Johns Hopkins University on that level,” said MSU President David and The Institute for Global Envi- “Elijah is a figure in this community un- Wilson. Later, Dr. Wilson said, during the ronmental Strategies — won the bid like any other,” said Baltimore business- unrest in Baltimore City in 2015, “I was for the laboratory agreement, “but man Wally D. Pinkard Jr. “In my lifetime, so deeply moved as I would turn on the we would not have even been in the the only other I can think of (like him) television each night, and I would see competition had Elijah not put us is Pete Rawlings: men who transcend- Congressman Cummings in the street, together with USRA,” Dr. Wilson said. ed race, who had incredible values and fighting every single night…. I will forever “We’ve been in this now for over five who stood up for principles.” He and remember the tears that were welled in years, and NASA and USRA have Cummings worked together on numer- his eyes as he was fighting with all of his decided to extend it for another five ous projects in the community, said heart and all of his soul to restore peace years, which will bring to nearly $40 Pinkard, who holds a number of leader- to our great city of Baltimore.” million the total amount that Morgan ship positions including president of the Congressman Cummings’ funeral was will receive from this collaborative France-Merrick Foundation. “He had so held on Friday, Oct. 25, in Baltimore City, agreement over a 10-year period.” much energy. It’s amazing what he did in at New Psalmist Baptist Church, where the last months of his life.” “I can think of so many other things he was an active member. He is survived that Elijah has helped us to do,” Dr. “The reason I came out today is to pay by his widow, Maya Rockeymoore Wilson said, “but these are the ones my respects to a man who made constant Cummings, Ph.D., and daughters, Jennifer that loom large.” efforts to change Baltimore City, and he J. Cummings and Adia Cummings. did a really good job during his time in “We have lost a tremendous soul,” Dr. politics,” said Morgan student Jeremiah Wilson said. “We’ve lost a little bit of Taylor, a sophomore civil engineering the heart of Baltimore, the heart of major from Baltimore City. His parents Maryland, the heart of Morgan, the also liked and respected Cummings, heart of the nation. And he would Taylor added, and his peers benefited want us to be committed to growing from the congressman’s initiatives such back tenfold that which we think we as the Elijah Cummings Youth Program’s have lost. As president of Morgan, I’m Israel Experience. certainly committed to growing the institution in greater service to Balti- ‘Always for Others’ more and to Maryland and certainly During the tribute service, 27 speakers keeping in mind the great expecta- paid homage to the late congressman tions that he would have of us as we and regent, including elected officials, move Morgan forward.” o

MORGAN MAGAZINE 5 VOLUME I 2020 Success, Diversity Took Center Stage at Morgan’s 143rd Commencement

Congressman Elijah Cummings Called MSU Graduates to Action

More than 925 bachelor’s, master’s Alexis Samuels is a self-described “mili- Withelma T. Ortiz Walker Pettigrew, and doctoral candidates received their tary kid” and former “nerd,” who was born a.k.a. T. Ortiz, received her Bachelor of degrees at Morgan State University’s in Germany and grew up in Texas, Ten- Science in strategic communication, with jubilant 143rd Spring Commencement nessee and in Frederick, Maryland, where honors, and joined the Baltimore Child Exercises, which included a ceremony she attended a predominantly white high Abuse Center as the anti-trafficking and for undergraduates on May 18, 2019 and school before following her mother’s and anti-exploitation coordinator. Her 11-year a School of Graduate Studies ceremony sister’s example to attend an Historical- journey through higher education came on May 16. U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, ly Black Institution. A Travelers EDGE after she suffered years of childhood sex- a member of Morgan’s Board of Regents, scholarship paid her tuition and fees ual, physical and verbal abuse and had was the guest speaker for the Undergrad- and provided internships with Travelers become a nationally recognized advocate uate Ceremony, held in Hughes Memorial during her four-year Bachelor of Science for children. A native of Oakland, Califor- Stadium. Retired New York Times sports program in actuarial science. She ac- nia, she came to Baltimore homeless in columnist, journalist and author William cepted a full-time position as a software 2014, the same year she was recognized C. Rhoden of Morgan’s Class of 1973 engineer with JPMorgan Chase. as one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influ- received an honorary Doctor of Humane ential People.” Letters during the ceremony. More than Lucas Krusinski, a native of France, ar- 100 members of Morgan’s Class of 1969 rived at Morgan unable to speak English Dominic Dingle received a Master of led the procession into the stadium and but determined to play for the men’s Science in sociology during the School of were honored as representatives of the tennis team, which is the 2019 MEAC Graduate Studies Commencement and 50th anniversary class, a day after Mor- champion. Now fluent in English, and was commissioned with eight other MSU gan’s Alumni Day luncheon, where the a Class of 2019 valedictorian, he has an students as a U.S. Army second lieu- class announced its $1.4 million in giving MSU bachelor’s degree in nutritional tenant, during a Morgan Bear Battalion to the University in 2018. science and is pursuing a doctorate in ROTC ceremony the next day. Morgan’s Morgan’s Class of 2019 was rich with food science on a fully funded fellowship first graduate student to receive an ROTC success stories reflecting the institution’s at Michigan State University. commission, and the son of U.S. Army diversity. Maj. Gen. R. Scott Dingle of Morgan’s

“You, each and every one of you, are better and more valuable to our country because of the obstacles that you have faced and overcome.” — U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings William C. Rhoden Alexis Samuels (left) and Robyn Demetrius

6 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 Class of 1988, Dominic is now at his first he realized he was a rare Congressional Kristina Kincaid (B.S., social work), Lucas duty station, Fort Carson, Colorado, with expert in special education, and he was Krusinski (B.S., nutritional science), his wife, Deliana, beginning his military able to advance legislation to support Eduardo Lopez (B.S., industrial engineer- career as a member of the sports staff for special ed. ing), Pierce Perkins (B.S., chemistry) and the 10th Special Forces Group. Ethan Simms (B.S., social work). Averi “You, each and every one of you, are Maxine Turner (B.S., business adminis- • • • better and more valuable to our country tration) received the President’s Second “Life flourishes most at the crossroads because of the obstacles that you have Mile Award for outstanding leadership where two diverse ecosystems meet,” faced and overcome,” Cummings told and participation in student affairs, said Congressman Cummings in his the audience. “….Your life experiences and Kayla Griffin (B.S., psychology) was address. Drawing on his own childhood and your educational achievements are presented with the President’s Award for experience, Cummings spoke of the essential elements of our potential to Exceptional Creative Achievement. power of diversity to lead the U.S. past lead our nation during a very difficult and what he called a “critical crossroads” for challenging time.” In her salute to the graduates at the the nation. Undergraduate Exercises, Senior Class “…Appreciate the value of our President Emani Majors (B.S., construc- Growing up in an underserved area democratic republic in its hour of peril,” tion management) called upon Morgan’s of Baltimore City, Cummings said, he Cummings said. “…Call upon the newest alumni to disregard titles and attended a poor school and was as- challenge and education that you have instead search for their mission, their signed to “the third group” of students, received at this great institution, and “why.” Master’s degree candidate Stanley what is now known as special education. stand up for our democracy in your own Jenkins (M.A., African American studies) He recalled wondering how the words communities.” and doctoral candidate Valerie Riggs “liberty and justice for all” in the Pledge Six undergraduate candidates with per- (Ed.D., urban educational leadership) of Allegiance applied to him, and he re- fect 4.0 cumulative grade point averages inspired the audience with their salute to membered being disparaged by a school shared the title of class valedictorian: the graduates at the School of Graduate counselor for aspiring to be a lawyer. Jamielle Davis (B.S., accounting), Studies Commencement. Later, when he had become a lawyer,

Lucas Krusinski Withelma T. Ortiz Walker Pettigrew Dominic and Deliana Dingle

MORGAN MAGAZINE 7 VOLUME I 2020 In November 2018, Dr. Ball was elected as county executive of Howard County, Maryland, becoming the first African American to hold the position.

Morgan Graduate’s Howard Election Makes Howard Maryland History When Calvin Ball was deciding what university to County attend for his doctoral studies more than a decade County ago, he looked to the past — his family’s past. Ball’s father had attended Morgan State College on the GI Bill, and his graduation in 1973 greatly expand- ExecutiveExecutive ed the opportunities for the family, said Ball, now 43. As a child, Ball, encouraged by his father, would listen to storyteller and educator Mary Carter Smith (“The Griot”) on Morgan State University’s radio station, CalvinCalvin B.B. WEAA-FM. “…I grew up with such an affinity for Morgan, and so it was a dream come true to be able to go there,” Ball said. BallBall IIIIII His own time at Morgan, where he graduated with By Tory N. Parrish a Doctor of Education in higher education/higher education administration in 2008, helped prepare him for a career that would make history, break barriers and put him on a path to effect change for hundreds of thousands of people. In November 2018, Dr. Ball was elected as county executive of Howard County, Maryland, becoming the first African-American person to hold the position, in a jurisdiction whose population of about 330,000 peo- ple is 56 percent white and about 20 percent black. “As the first county executive of color and definitely the first black county executive (in Howard County), it is such an honor to serve a community that I think believes in not just diversity but inclusion and oppor- tunity,” said Dr. Ball, a Columbia, Maryland, resident.

8 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 AlumniProfile

Calvin B. Ball III, County Executive of Howard County, Maryland Calvin B. Ball III, MSU Class of 2008

Transforming Lives Promoting Upward Mobility in a decade. He has also successfully Attending an historically black university Dr. Ball’s four year-term as county exec- pushed economic development initia- enabled him to take in academic perspec- utive began in December 2018. But his tives, such as signing a memorandum of tives that he hadn’t encountered before. work on behalf of Howard County didn’t understanding for an Innovation Center, Many classroom conversations were start with his current job. He is a former holding the county’s first Local Business centered on empowerment that “kindles Howard County firefighter and emer- Initiative Workshop and partnering with a flame of hope” — i.e., uplifting black gency medical technician who served business accelerator Born2Global. people in challenging situations — and three terms as a county councilmember. But Dr. Ball has much more on his plate the participants in those discussions In 2006, he became the county’s young- for Howard County. were people of color who had personally est-ever council chairman. experienced those cultural and socioeco- The suburb, located about 43 miles from nomic challenges, he said. Washington, D.C., and 24 miles from “…I grew up with such an Baltimore, is known for its affluence and “It was great. Being around so many affinity for Morgan, and so good public schools, said the married professionals, people who were not only it was a dream come true father of two daughters. The county’s able to talk about the literature and the poverty rate is 5.9 percent, compared scholarship but also meld that with the to be able to go there.” with 9.3 percent for Maryland and 12.3 experiences and social justice lens about percent for the United States, according how we, for the better, transform people’s Dr. Ball has a Bachelor of Arts in phi- to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The lives was exactly along the lines of what losophy and religion from Towson State county’s median household income from I feel my life’s goals and purpose are,” he University and a Master of Arts in legal 2013 to 2017 was $115,576, compared said. and ethical studies from the University of with $78,916 for Maryland and $57,652 Baltimore. He’s also a member of Alpha Ball also served as a faculty member at for the U.S. In June, Howard County had Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Morgan from 2010 to 2014, when he was the lowest unemployment rate among tasked with serving as an academic advis- As Howard County executive, he is proud all 24 counties and county-equivalents er to graduate students, supervising clin- of his administration’s accomplishments in Maryland, 3.1 percent, which was ical internships at community colleges, during his first 13 months in office, lower than the state rate of 3.9 percent, and other duties. including enhancing public transporta- according to non-seasonally adjusted tion by expanding bus service routes and data from the Maryland Department of Llatetra Brown Esters, dean of students connections provided by the Regional Labor. at the University of Baltimore, received Transportation Agency of Central Mary- academic guidance from Ball when he But being an area known for having land; launching the Youth Suicide Pre- was a faculty member and she was a doc- plenty “makes it easy for people to fall vention Plan; and announcing a strategy toral student at Morgan. through the cracks,” he said. to address opioid addiction that includes “I always felt that he was knowledgeable. committing $3 million over four years to His plans include working to alleviate He was helpful. He was truly concerned a new residential treatment center to be chronic homelessness, expanding the about ensuring that people had a voice formed in partnership with Delphi Behav- middle class and helping small, minority- and that issues were addressed as best ioral Health Group. and women-owned businesses grow. as possible,” said Esters, who earned her Dr. Ball secured the largest funding “Economic mobility is something that is Doctor of Education in 2014. increase for Howard County schools important to me,” Dr. Ball said. n

MORGAN MAGAZINE 9 VOLUME I 2020 Donna J. Howard, CFRE

Glenda M. Prime, Ph.D.

Patricia Williams Lessane, Ph.D.

Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, Ph.D. Experience and Achievement Distinguish Morgan’s Newest

Administrative Heads By Donna M. Owens

10 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 LeadershipSpotlight

Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, Dr. Lessane arrived at ry research interests that revolve around Ph.D., is an engineer, pro- Morgan last spring, after African-American students in urban fessor, researcher, author, serving as associate dean science classrooms. A secondary research coach and entrepreneur. of Strategic Planning and area involves the doctoral preparation of She is eager to use her Community Engagement at science education researchers. She has talents in service to Morgan State Univer- the College of Charleston, in South Caro- penned numerous journal articles and sity, as the new provost and senior vice lina. She also held dual roles as executive recently edited and coauthored a book ti- president for Academic Affairs. director of the Avery Research Center for tled, “Centering Race in the STEM Educa- African American History and Culture and tion of African American K–12 Learners,” “I was the first in my family to attend as a tenured faculty member. with Morgan faculty as co-contributors. college, so I’m passionate about ensuring the success of students,” said “Morgan has a legacy of black scholarship Having presented her work in several Dr. Crumpton-Young, who earned her and scholastic excellence,” she said. “I’ve countries, she proudly notes Morgan’s doctorate in industrial engineering from followed Dr. (David) Wilson’s career as international reputation: “We draw stu- Texas A&M University and was the first president. I thought, ‘I need to go work dents from all over the world.” African-American woman to do so. “I for them.’ ” Howard joined the Uni- want to be an advocate for both the Dr. Lessane holds a Ph.D. in anthropolo- versity in December 2011 faculty and students.” gy from the University of Illinois at Chi- as director of the Office of She is among the scholars and cago and served as a Fulbright specialist Development. She is now administrators who’ve joined the at the University of Málaga, in Spain. An applying her skills to a University’s leadership ranks this year or author, researcher, documentary producer broader purview as head of the Division have been elevated from previous posts and social anthropologist, she frequently of Institutional Advancement, which is at Morgan. The cohort also includes: writes about the intersection of race, gen- Morgan’s external communications arm Patricia Williams Lessane, Ph.D., der and class in black life in the U.S. and includes fundraising, public relations associate vice president for Academic and alumni relations. Her responsibili- Higher education, however, is her Affairs; Glenda M. Prime, Ph.D., dean ties range from forging partnerships with passion. of the School of Education and Urban corporate and civic organizations, to Studies; and Donna J. Howard, CFRE, vice “I have wide experience with all types public engagement and building ties with president for Institutional Advancement of students, (including) international, alumni and friends of the University. and executive director of Morgan State first-generation (and) nontraditional “I manage the scope and direction of University Foundation, Inc. The four students,” said Dr. Lessane, who has also our work to inform, engage and partner women each bring impressive credentials been appointed an associate professor with a diverse spectrum of audiences,” and a wealth of experience to their roles. in Morgan’s Department of Sociology said Howard, who received her B.A. in and Anthropology. “I’m hoping that During her 25-year career in academia, nonprofit marketing from the Universi- insight will inform what I bring to the Dr. Crumpton-Young has held positions ty of Massachusetts at Amherst. “We’re experience.” at Tennessee State University, the the smallest unit of the University with University of Central Florida, Texas A&M Dr. Prime, a native of Trin- the largest impact — reaching some 60 University, Mississippi State University idad and Tobago, came to million individuals annually through and the National Science Foundation. Morgan in 1999, after a de- direct reach and exposure to the Morgan Widely known for her accomplishments cade of teaching at the Uni- brand. A big part of the work is building in her field, she has published more versity of the West Indies, relationships.” than 150 scholarly articles and has where she received a Ph.D. in education. Her vision has brought high achievement received numerous national honors, Before being appointed dean at Morgan, in her work, including her previous posi- including the U.S. Presidential Award for she chaired the University’s Department tions with the United Negro College Fund Excellence in Science, Mathematics and of Advanced Studies, Leadership and and the University of Maryland School Engineering Mentoring under the Obama Policy, which houses graduate programs of Social Work as well as with Morgan, administration. in education. Under her leadership, that where she was instrumental in the recent department became the leading producer “I’ll work closely with (Dr. Wilson and success of the Anniversary Campaign, of doctorates at Morgan. his leadership team) to ensure we have which raised more than $254 million. transformative academic programs,” said “I was able to grow enrollment in the “There’s been a long line of caring people Dr. Crumpton-Young, who is also serving mathematics and science education who’ve sustained Morgan since our as a full professor in Morgan’s Depart- doctoral programs, and, later, I developed founding,” Howard said. “At 150-plus ment of Industrial and Systems Engineer- Master of Science programs in both of years, we are still going strong and posi- ing. “It’s my job to ensure that we offer those areas,” said Dr. Prime. tively impacting people. I love being part students promotable skill sets that will With two-and-a-half decades of experi- of the lineage that has helped carry this provide professional marketability and ence as an educator, Dr. Prime has prima- institution forward.” n career vitality.”

MORGAN MAGAZINE 11 VOLUME I 2020 Leading Cancer Research and Science Diversity

Simon Nyaga, Ph.D., an associate professor of biology at Morgan, is developing a test that identifies faulty genes and could help By Frieda Wiley doctors stop pancreatic cancer before it develops.

Simon Nyaga, Ph.D.

12 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 ResearchSpotlight When U.S. Rep. John Lewis announced service, the multilingual scientist began his struggle with pancreatic cancer this exploring new prospects. past December, he joined a growing list An American laboratory colleague sug- of high-profile individuals diagnosed gested that Nyaga consider universities with the disease: Alex Trebek, Aretha in the U.S. He was admitted to several Franklin, Steve Jobs, Sharon Jones, Dizzy but eventually settled on Texas Southern, Gillespie and Supreme Court Justice Ruth an Historically Black Institution. Bader Ginsburg, among others. But the condition is not exclusive to celebrities, After earning his bachelor’s degree in of course. Nearly 57,000 people in the biology with honors in 1992, Nyaga pur- United States are expected to receive sued his Ph.D. in biochemistry and mo- the diagnosis this year, according to the lecular biology at the University of Texas American Cancer Society. Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He graduated in 1998 and went on to pursue One researcher at Morgan State these bases, Dr. Nyaga said, one named postdoctoral research at the National In- University is striving to lower pancreatic guanine is more damage-prone than the stitutes of Health (NIH), where he stayed cancer’s death rate. Simon Nyaga, Ph.D., rest. Oxidative stress alters guanine’s on as a staff scientist. an associate professor of biology, is structure, converting it to an abnormal developing a test that identifies faulty version of the nucleic acid, called Although the focus of his research at the genes and could help doctors stop 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHG). Normal National Institute of Aging was studying pancreatic cancer before it develops. guanine partners with the cytosine base, DNA repair in breast, prostate, skin and but 8-OHG partners inappropriately with pancreatic cancer, Dr. Nyaga was not “We know that cancer cells divide much adenine base. The faulty pairing alters oblivious to his surroundings. Recogniz- faster than normal, healthy cells,” Dr. the DNA’s instructions that tell cells how ing the lack of diversity, he approached Nyaga said. “They’re able to outsmart to make certain proteins. Among the his adviser about recruiting a more some of the biological processes that are corrupted proteins are those that either diverse group of scientists. The response there naturally to get rid of them.” repair DNA damage or suppress the surprised him. At present, advanced-stage pancreatic growth of cancer cells. The unfortunate “My supervisor welcomed the idea,” Dr. cancer has no cure. Patients diagnosed result is uncontrolled cell growth or Nyaga said. “He said they wanted to with stage 4 pancreatic cancer typical- cancer. improve diversity but weren’t sure exactly ly live only three to six more months, Following his hunches that oxidative how.” although some may live longer. Because damage of DNA triggers the development the condition is so deadly, early diag- With his boss’ blessing, Dr. Nyaga began of pancreatic cancer, Dr. Nyaga and his nosis is critical to prolonging one’s life. recruiting students of color to the NIH’s team are developing a test that detects However, pancreatic cancer is tough to summer research program, often at His- abnormally expressed genes and pro- pinpoint. In most cases, the disease is torically Black Colleges and Universities. teins. His aim is to develop a test that so far advanced when initially diagnosed Since then, several of his student recruits not only detects pancreatic cancer early that treatment proves too little, too late. have earned advanced degrees and land- but is also affordable. ed professional or faculty positions at Early and Affordable “There is a breast cancer test in the various institutions. Proud of his impact, Scientists still aren’t sure of the cause of market based on the Breast and Ovarian Dr. Nyaga believes his tenacity and desire pancreatic cancer, but Dr. Nyaga suspects Cancer Susceptibility gene (BRCA 1) in to promote diversity at the NIH more cell trauma triggers the onset. In particu- breast cancer, but it is so expensive that than 20 years ago have made a difference. lar, he notes, exposure to oxidative stress very few people can afford to get test- Since joining Morgan, Dr. Nyaga has — the same process that causes rusting ed,” Dr. Nyaga said. “I want my test to be mentored many students in his labora- of metals — makes healthy, functioning available to everybody.” cells behave abnormally. Dr. Nyaga be- tory and has continued mentoring them lieves that faulty genes play a major role Recruiting Students of Color even after they have left his charge. Two of his past trainees recently graduated in the onset and/or progression of the A native of Kenya, Dr. Nyaga was moved with Ph.D.s and are pursuing postdoc- disease. To date, his team has identified by fate, and some luck, in his journey toral research — one at a prominent more than 100 abnormal genes in pancre- to the U.S. Earning the top score on a university and the other with the Nation- atic cells that may be associated with national biology test landed him a spot al Academy of Sciences. Another recent carcinogenesis, the production of cancer. in Kenya’s International Laboratory for trainee is a Ph.D. candidate at Brown Animal Diseases. He agreed to work there Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is made University, and yet other is pursuing a for a year in exchange for the institution’s up of three basic building blocks: ribose master’s degree in biotechnology at The full funding of his bachelor’s degree at a (a sugar), phosphate and nitrogen- Johns Hopkins University. university in the United Kingdom. How- containing bases. DNA is shaped like a ever, when the promised matriculation winding ladder with four bases that unite Clearly, Dr. Nyaga leaves a legacy wherev- failed to materialize after three years of in pairs to form the ladder-like rungs. Of er he goes.

MORGAN MAGAZINE 13 VOLUME I 2020 CEA County Engineers M Association of Maryland Supports MSU Engineering

By Cindy Atoji Photo Courtesy of CEAM

CEAM officers at the association’s 2019 Conference in Ocean City, Maryland, in Cierra Carter, MSU Class of 2019, May: (left to right) Erv Beckert, CEAM Past President; Greg Africa, CEAM Trea- earned her Bachelor of Science in surer; Danielle Conrow, CEAM President; Ron Rye, Treasurer, CEAM Scholarship civil engineering with assistance Committee; and James D. Wilson, Chairman, CEAM Scholarship Committee from CEAM

Increasing the racial, ethnic and gender graduate Cierra Carter, who earned her But civil engineers have always made diversity in the engineering profession bachelor’s degree this past May with a difference, and not only by building remains a challenge in the United States, assistance from the County Engineers bridges, repairing roads and upgrading and civil engineering is no exception. Association of Maryland (CEAM). Now a levees and dams, said James D. Wilson of According to U.S. Census Bureau statis- project manager for The Whiting-Turner CEAM. tics compiled by the website Data USA, Contracting Company, she tackled “There’s a lot of infrastructure we take for more than 85 percent of the nation’s challenging technology and engineering granted, but it’s a civil engineer who put civil engineers are male, and more than tasks as an undergraduate intern in that in place,” Wilson said. 80 percent are white. However, Morgan Prince George’s County, Maryland’s State University’s Clarence M. Mitchell Department of Public Works and Scholarship Partner Jr. School of Engineering has long been Transportation (DPW&T). Her work there CEAM is a coalition that includes county, a powerful force in the right direction, included reviewing and recalculating state, municipal and consulting engi- ranking among the nation’s leaders, and complex roadway sections to ensure that neers as well as public works personnel, at the top in the state of Maryland, in drainage and curb sections were properly contractors and suppliers in the state. producing African-American civil engi- designed. The association aims to raise the tech- neering bachelor’s degree recipients. Carter represents the next generation of nical standards of public service by Among the Morgan alumni changing civil engineers, defying stereotypes and exchanging ideas and discussing shared the face of civil engineering is recent pushing the boundaries of possibility. problems in the civil engineering field,

14 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 DonorProfile supporting legislation that promotes the Good Investment profession and aiding future civil engi- CEAM is also among the “$100,000-Plus” neers. CEAM was established more than supporters on the list of donors to Mor- 60 years ago and has grown exponentially gan’s recently completed $250-million to become a 600-member advocate for Sesquicentennial Anniversary Campaign. U.S. Civil civil engineering and public works in The Anniversary Campaign set out to Maryland. raise funds from private and public sourc- Engineers: CEAM established the Roger Willard es to sustain and increase MSU’s afford- Scholarship Foundation almost four ability and accessibility, which appeals to > 85% male decades ago. Named in honor of the first James Wilson, who is chair of the CEAM president of the organization, its goal Scholarship Program. Wilson works with > 80% white is to attract more students to the field. KCI Technologies Inc., a local engineer- The foundation first provided scholar- ing firm that actively recruits and hires Source: U.S. Census Bureau ships to civil engineering students at the Morgan graduates in civil engineering University of Maryland, College Park and and other positions. Morgan alumni at later added Morgan State University to KCI range from entry-level engineers to its list of endowments. The Foundation, senior managers. Morgan Making with the support of CEAM, entered into “Resources go a long way at Morgan, as an agreement with Morgan to provide a students get more value than (at) other a Difference scholarship endowment of $100,000 over schools for the same amount of invest- several years and continues to provide a ment,” said Wilson. one-semester scholarship to one student Nationwide annually. Last year, the $100,000 goal was CEAM also appreciates Morgan’s mul- reached. tiethnic and multiracial student body, believing that the broader the diversity “The Foundation looks for a strong civil of the science, technology, engineering MSU 7th engineering program and encourages and mathematics (STEM) workforce, the Civil Engineers students to intern and ultimately seek more society is likely to support the work employment with local and county public that civil engineers perform, whether works agencies in Maryland as well as the it be providing clean, plentiful water, consulting engineering firms that work power generation and distribution, waste Morgan ranks 7th nationally for those agencies,” said Ronald W. Rye, disposal or an equitable transportation in producing African-American the Foundation’s treasurer. Scholarship system. recipients are invited to the annual fall civil engineering bachelor’s CEAM conference in Ocean City, Mary- “The civil engineering profession isn’t degree recipients. land, and typically have internships with just engineers but also technicians, member agencies or companies. Rye inspectors, surveyors, planners, construc- State-Level works at a consulting firm, The Wilson T. tion managers, contractors, developers Ballard Company, which is a member of and much more,” said Wilson. CEAM and coordinates with the asso- What does the future hold for the ciation’s county departments of public CEAM-Morgan affiliation? Erv Beckert, MSU 1st works. outgoing president of CEAM and chief Civil Engineers MSU graduate Daniel Savage (Class of of the Engineering and Design Division 2012) works in Ballard’s water and sewer for Prince George’s County’s DPW&T, for one, has always been a great believer in design section and continually impresses Morgan ranks 1st in Maryland colleagues with his knowledge, work ethic Morgan talent. He says civil engineers in producing African-American and ability to work as part of a team: just from MSU and elsewhere will continue another example of a top-notch Morgan to transform the future, with the help of civil engineering bachelor’s engineer. CEAM’s contribution. degree recipients.

Source: IPEDS Completions: Awards/ Degrees Conferred 2017–2018 by Program Survey

CEAM fulfilled its $100,000 Top-Notch Morgan scholarship endowment with Morgan this year. Civil Engineers

MORGAN MAGAZINE 15 VOLUME I 2020 Building LEGACY Through Business Ownership Morgan’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center By Eric Addison EDAC

Omar Muhammad

A unit of Morgan’s Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management, EDAC provides activities geared toward “anyone who’s looking for resources to start operating or grow their business.”

As director of Morgan State University’s of Maryland, College Park, in 2015, arrived at Morgan as a student, he was a Entrepreneurial Development and Muhammad said. full-fledged entrepreneur: “I had a T-shirt Assistance Center for the past 15 years, company. I had a mobile car wash. I “My parents got me started with this Omar Muhammad has embraced a picked up cars from Giant (Food Store’s) when I was a kid,” he recalled. “I have two parking lot, took them to my parents’ mission dear to his heart: “Connecting brothers and two sisters, and my parents house, cleaned them and returned them.” budding and existing entrepreneurs to said, ‘There’s too many of you to give an resources for venture management and allowance. Start a business.’ So we had a Maryland Congressman Parren J. growth.” Leading the center, which is candy store in our basement.” Mitchell, a Morgan graduate and a strong better known by its abbreviation, EDAC, advocate for economic development Role models such as Baltimorean is work for which he was well-prepared, in African-American communities, Reginald F. Lewis, the first African long before he earned his bachelor’s continued Muhammad’s guidance down American to own a business with more degree in accounting from Morgan in the business path by mentoring him than $1 billion in sales, boosted the 1993 or his master’s degree in technology and a number of other promising black motivation Muhammad’s parents had entrepreneurship from the University entrepreneurs. instilled in him, and by the time he

16 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 Tiffany Thompson

Small Staff, Big Impact financial well-being of the people who to family members. His wife, Natasha, A unit of Morgan’s Earl G. Graves School need it most.” is a 2006 graduate of Morgan and owns several businesses, including a not-for- of Business and Management, EDAC EDAC has a small staff: Muhammad, profit company that helps youth aged 10 provides entrepreneurship classes, director, and Yvette Racks, administra- to 18 develop an entrepreneurial mindset workshops, pitch competitions, confer- tive assistant. But it continues to make a and start businesses. His four daughters ences and other activities geared toward large, beneficial impact on Morgan and — aged 12 to 34 — have all been entre- “anyone who’s looking for resources to the broader community. Muhammad preneurs also. start operating or grow their business,” would like to see that impact be even Muhammad said. The center, established larger. Muhammad said his ultimate goal for in 1992, has focused on children, teens EDAC clients is what he calls LEGACY, “Morgan students, staff, alumni and preteens as well as adults over the his acronym for “legacy building,” and faculty are interested in years, presenting programs such as “economic opportunities,” “global entrepreneurship, and they’re starting “BizTech Kids,” for budding businesspeo- competitiveness,” “asset building,” businesses. But we could start many ple aged 10 to 14, and a program named “community building” and “your personal more. My role is to help make that “Make It Happen,” funded by music development.” mogul Kevin Liles, a Morgan alumnus, happen over the next couple of years,” for 11th graders. Recent EDAC events he said. “Also, I’ve noticed that many of “LEGACY is why entrepreneurship is included a W.O.M.E.N. (Women-Owned our entrepreneurs have service-based important,” Muhammad said. “It’s why we and Managed Enterprise Network) con- companies, and I’d like to see more of continue to do what we do at EDAC.” ference, a Maryland Military and Veter- them be product-based.” an Women Business Conference with Muhammad sits on the board of the SunTrust Foundation supported Morgan graduate Andrea Garris Jackson Maryland Technology Development EDAC’s “Side Hustle” program with and a “MNDSET Conference” on entrepre- Corporation (TEDCO) and is a member a $75,000 grant and recognized the neurship for millennials. Planned events of the Morgan Entrepreneurship Alum- center’s work with a Lighting the include a conference for black fathers ni Chapter, a group whose mission is Way Award, in August. who are entrepreneurs and a “Side Hustle to maintain a network of MSU alumni Summit” virtual conference entrepreneurs to promote busi- for current or prospective ness opportunities and serve as a business owners who are resource for entrepreneurial devel- also full-time employees. opment for students, the Univer- SunTrust Foundation sity and the surrounding com- supported EDAC’s “Side Hustle” program munity. For 20 years, he was host with a $75,000 grant and recognized the of a radio show about entrepreneurship center’s work with a Lighting the Way on Morgan’s WEAA Radio, and he now Award, in August. Presenting the award, produces several podcasts on the topic Stan Little, president of the SunTrust and writes a column in the Baltimore Foundation, called EDAC one of its Business Journal. Like many successful local, nonprofit partners “that empower advocates, Muhammad sees his work as and strengthen the communities they a lifestyle, and he works intentionally serve. EDAC is making a meaningful to influence everyone close to him with impact with its programs to improve the his mission, from business associates Continued on page 18

MORGAN MAGAZINE 17 VOLUME I 2020 Continued from page 17

Entrepreneurial Development and Assisted by EDAC Assistance Center

Andrea Garris Jackson Brandon Davenport Principal Co-founder DPN Group, LLC Baobab Clothing Inc. Andrea Garris Jackson sought out EDAC’s services As an undergraduate in finance in Morgan’s Earl G. Graves in the late 2000s. The Hampton, Virginia, native School of Business and Management, Brandon Davenport and U.S. Army veteran had been downsized from spent many hours at EDAC, working as a student intern and her job auditing developers for their compliance participating in the center’s classes, the Entrepreneurship with rules regarding inclusion of minorities, women Society, the business plan competitions and other activities. and local residents as contractors and employees So by the time he graduated from MSU in 2006, he felt pre- in their projects. A Morgan graduate in political pared for business ownership. The Baltimore native started science (B.S., 1993), Jackson was very familiar his first business, a mobile-device advertising technology with the center by then and knew Omar Muham- company named Vesta Mobile Solutions, in 2007, with a mad as a classmate. Encouraged by her former friend, Hampton University graduate Marcellus Alexander employer, Jackson decided to launch a third-party III, and sold the company in 2010. The two launched their compliance monitoring company to continue her current company, Baobab Clothing, a maker and distributor previous work. EDAC, she said, gave her “the basic of high-quality, high-tech polo shirts, in 2018. Davenport foundation and education to start my business, and Alexander are now seeking venture capital to grow Bao- understand how to operate it and keep it running bab, a search that led them to a national TV appearance on successfully.” Today, she reports that “I have made ABC’s Shark Tank this past October. my first million” as head of DPN Group, LLC, a company that has served as third-party compliance Brandon Davenport (left) and Marcellus Alexander III on ABC’s monitor for the Johns Hopkins Science and Tech- Shark Tank (Oct. 13, 2019) nology Park for the past 10 years and has numerous other high-profile clients. Jackson is also chair of the board of Stadium Place, in Baltimore City.

18 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 EDAC

Likia Hawkins Tiffany Lymon Sam Henry President and CEO Owner Managing Director Steel Point Solutions, LLC Tiffany Ignites HD Multifamily Likia Hawkins’ Morgan education has Tiffany Lymon, from the Bronx, New Sam Henry’s interest in entrepreneurship brought multiple career benefits, in- York, has two academic degrees from dates back to his middle school years, cluding her involvement with EDAC. The Morgan: a B.S. in international finance when “Tycoon” PC games enabled him Maryland native leveraged her B.S. in (1999) and an M.B.A. with a concentra- to simulate running businesses. Henry information science and systems to be- tion in management information systems majored in industrial and systems engi- come a government contractor in her pro- (2002). But one experience outside the neering at Morgan but became an infor- fession. Six years ago, she launched Steel classroom, working for EDAC for two mation technology entrepreneur before Point Solutions, LLC, an information years during her time as an undergrad- he received his bachelor’s degree in 2010: technology solutions services company uate, turned out to be very important to he taught himself to program computers supporting the U.S. intelligence commu- her current work. Lymon launched her and develop software, and explored ways nity and Department of Defense (DoD). In second business, Tiffany Ignites, in 2013. to monetize the websites he developed. 2015, the company applied for the DoD’s The seven-employee enterprise includes His first job after graduation was as a Mentor-Protégé Program, to enhance a fitness studio in Harford County, Mary- technology consultant for Accenture, Steel Point’s ability to pursue larger land, and also trains and coaches clients and he has continued in the software federal contracts. In this initiative, her in personal wellness and professional industry since then. Henry worked closely Morgan ties benefited her again, as did development. EDAC provided her with with Omar Muhammad and EDAC on a the network she had established at IBM marketing ideas and financing options to series of annual “hackathons” — soft- while employed there for nearly eight get the businesses off the ground. ware development competitions — for years. Hawkins learned that IBM provides Morgan students. He said the center was “Omar and Yvette were always able to training to its protégés through EDAC. instrumental in handling the logistics help me, either directly or by pointing me Through this program and the work of her and promotion of the events, which were toward someone who was able to help employees, partners and clients, Steel also recruitment venues for Baltimore me,” Lymon said. “EDAC is definitely a Point, based in Calverton, Maryland, has area tech employers. A search for passive very good resource for individuals who grown to 40 employees in eight states income for himself led him to launch a are either starting a business or are in and is on track to increase its 2019 annu- real estate investment firm, HD Multifam- business.” al revenue by 80 percent. Hawkins reports ily, in 2011. Henry praises EDAC’s work that the company is well positioned for and its mission. further growth. “I think it’s a rare asset that Morgan has,” he said, “a place where you can come with no knowledge of business and find all of the resources and coaching you may need to go from A to Z, and do it outside of the normal classroom setting.”

MORGAN MAGAZINE 19 VOLUME I 2020 Addressing the iStock.com/Moussa81 Opioid Crisis in Urban America By Carla R. Jackson, Ed.D.

The tremendous increase in addiction African-American communities, and pharmacology and social work ethics and deaths caused by opiates over the the lack of research and limited fund- focused on working with people with past few years has changed the name and ing to address the problem there, have addictions or addictive behaviors. public face of the problem in the United long challenged professionals serving “Our students have to be well-trained and States. The suffering of white, suburban the needs of these communities. These deeply immersed in our ethics as social Americans now figures prominently in practitioners often fill the gap left by poli- workers to approach these problems and the narrative of what is now known as cies and public health campaigns that do these populations in a nonjudgmental “the opioid crisis,” however, the African- not fully consider the areas’ cultural and space, in order to provide the services American, urban community has also historical nuances. and the linkages, and the engagement experienced a significant increase in Since its founding, Morgan’s School of and assessment,” said Dr. Van Sluytman. opioid deaths. Moreover, as with most Social Work has been fully vested in “It is difficult for people to sit sometimes societal ills in this country, the current its institutional mission to serve urban with someone who has an open abscess, epidemic of opioid addiction has made communities through a wide variety right?” a deeper impact on the marginalized, of social, economic and social justice the poor and those whom mainstream initiatives. And under the direction of its Moving the Needle society judges most harshly. dean, Anna McPhatter, Ph.D., the school On any given day, at least 250 MSU social “Addiction intersects with homelessness, has a long history of work with addiction. work students are serving as interns in poverty, mental illness and high-risk Of the more than 500 social work degree agencies in Baltimore City, providing behaviors outside of substance abuse. programs across the nation, the MSU un- approximately 300,000 hours of free ser- There is survival sex and other types of dergraduate program is one of only four vice annually, valued at about $7 million. behaviors that are in the service of the that require students to take a course in Dr. Van Sluytman noted that although addiction,” said Laurens Van Sluytman, chemical dependence. That requirement the goal of the internships is to educate Ph.D., LCSW, assistant dean and associ- has been a part of the curriculum for students, their work must also inform the ate professor in Morgan State University’s more than 25 years. Faculty have built field. (MSU’s) School of Social Work. on that foundation in recent years by “We have to be sure that our students creating a concentration in addiction, The lack of access to treatment and are driven by data,” he explained. “What including required courses in treatment, rehabilitation for those affected in urban, works? How long does it take to work?

20 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 in theCommunity

“The epidemic (of opioid addiction)

iStock.com/Kenishirotie in our community is very different from what is being televised. Our students know our community, and they know the history of our community. That is what urban social work is about.” — Laurens Van Sluytman, Ph.D., LCSW, Morgan State University School of Social Work

What are the most effective interventions Co-principal Investigators Anthony To meet the goals of these initiatives, for this community?” Estreet, Ph.D., and Taqi Tirmazi, Ph.D., Dr. Estreet is conducting research that associate professors in the School addresses treatment outcomes in the Many Morgan social work graduates of Social Work, recently received a minority population. return to the communities from which $1.3-million grant from the Health they hail, trained to advocate for and “We have created the Health and Addic- Resources and Services Administration understand the cultural dynamics of the tion Research Training Lab, which allows (HRSA) to develop an initiative titled neighborhoods they serve. us to partner with M.S.W. and Ph.D. Graduate Interns Future Trends (G.I.F.T.). students to conduct research and to doc- “The epidemic (of opioid addiction) in G.I.F.T. provides specialized training in ument the efforts that we are engaging our community is very different from mental health and substance abuse to 90 in around the issues that are specifically what is being televised. Our students Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) students related to addiction.” know our community, and they know the to prepare them to address the addiction history of our community,” said Dr. Van epidemic facing the city of Baltimore and Reflecting on the work that still needs to Sluytman. “That is what urban social work other urban areas. Students received be done in this field, Dr. McPhatter raised is about.” $10,000 stipends to complete the Morgan’s obligation and responsibility to Baltimore. Dr. McPhatter echoed Dr. Van Sluytman’s training, and the School of Social Work thought that cultural awareness and developed extensive collaborations with “We’ve got to be the people at the table,” sensitivity are pivotal in urban environ- community-based agencies to enhance she said. “We have to develop the mod- ments: “In general, the focus we’ve given their training. In addition, Dr. Estreet’s els, the plans and the interventions to to drugs, drug use and drug violence in expertise in substance use disorders move the needle on these challenges. As our curriculum absolutely makes our has evolved into a partnership with the an urban research institution and an an- students…more efficient at calming a sit- federal Substance Abuse and Mental chor university in this city, we must play uation down to get the information they Health Administration (SAMHSA) and its a significant role in altering the narrative need to assess and refer, without calling Region 3 Addiction Technology Transfer and trajectory of the critical issues facing Center, to provide ongoing training to the police.” our city.” n community agencies and students.

Anthony Estreet, Ph.D. (right) MORGAN MAGAZINE 21 VOLUME I 2020 More Than a Motto, ‘The Morgan Way’ By Frank McCoy During his first months on campus, in 2010, said Morgan State University President David Wilson, “I challenged the norm and challenged Morgan to Ed.D., he confronted attitudes that he “could not accept.” embrace a different paradigm (of what constitutes One incident, in particular, stands ‘The Morgan Way. ’)” out in his mind. He saw campus thoroughfares littered with music — MSU President David Wilson event flyers, and as he picked up the refuse, a student asked him, “Why are you doing that? That’s the Morgan way parties are promoted.” Not anymore, the president re- plied, “(The promoters) are soiling our university.” Dr. Wilson also recalls MSU meetings in which he asked the assembled staff why his and others’ emails were not responded to promptly and was told, “That’s just how we do it.” The outraged president vowed to instill a new outlook. “I challenged the norm and chal- lenged Morgan to embrace a differ- (left) MSU President David Wilson ent paradigm (of what constitutes ‘The Morgan Way’),” he said. The president found a number of allies in his initiative, including Morgan’s athletic director, Edward Scott, Ph.D., who joined the University in 2016. Scott grasped the concept immediately and told his senior staff to make the phrase “The Morgan Way” a positive rather than negative com- ment in their conversations with Bear athletes. He believed that if athletes, as admired individuals on campus, bought into the campaign and began using the phrase, its value would spread, said Dr. Scott. His belief was correct. Since then, varsity and non-varsity players as well as students outside of athlet- ics have begun to embrace various MSU Athletic Director Edward Scott iterations of The Morgan Way

22 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 StudentAchievement Ian-Spencer McBorrough

MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Kevin Banks concept. President Wilson also defines Kevin Banks, Ed.D., visit all Morgan well on exams and display exemplary be- the phrase for hundreds of students and residence halls holding fireside chats havior at campus functions is the norm. parents at student orientations and other with students to explain Morgan’s history, “You won’t see a Morgan State student- events. promise and purpose and telling them to athlete who isn’t striving to the shining hold that knowledge high. The Morgan Way exemplifies the example of The Morgan Way,” said Young, University’s six core values, Dr. Wilson Says Dr. Wilson, “We stress fixed core who is now a project engineer for Barton explained: values at every opportunity we have.” Malow Company. Damali Young, a May 2019 Morgan Business administration major • Excellence – Excel in all you do. graduate, is a believer. The Bears softball Ian-Spencer McBorrough, 20, a senior • Integrity – Be honest, ethical and team’s former right fielder earned her on MSU’s football team, has a ready accountable in word and deed. Bachelor of Science in construction man- response when asked how The Morgan • Respect – Respect everyone in the agement with a 3.59 cumulative grade Way slogan impacts him. community. point average. She was also the 2019 “The Morgan Way means that you always • Diversity – Welcome and support a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) have to get your work done in an efficient broad range of people and ideas. Player of the Year; MEAC’s 2019 Wom- manner,” said the starting linebacker and • Innovation – Work to make things an of the Year, the first Morgan player team captain. “Even though you have better than when you found them. to earn that honor; and the 2019 HBCU practice, meetings and traveling, our first • Leadership – Develop leadership skills Division I Player of the Year, with program priority as student-athletes is to get a to compete on the world stage. records in hits, career runs scored and degree. Therefore, the phrase emphasizes eight other categories. To spread the idea further, Dr. Wilson and doing the right things in all aspects of MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Young knows that showing teammates to college.” hustle on the field, study hard, perform

Damali Young

MORGAN MAGAZINE 23 VOLUME I 2020 Morgan’s Marching Band Lights Up Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Eric Addison

24 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 Rising early to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade drumline’s performance for President Obama in 2016 and, most on television is an annual holiday tradition in the Fabiyi-King recently, the band’s joint performance with Baltimore’s March- household, in Hyattsville, Maryland. But last fall, the family ing Ravens band on the field of M&T Bank Stadium before had a special motivation to see the event, up close and live. nearly 71,000 football fans. This past Nov. 28, Justin Fabiyi-King, an information systems As a fourth-year member of the band, Fabiyi-King, an alto saxo- major in his junior year at Morgan State University, led the MSU phonist, is likewise inured to big performances. But he admit- Marching Band — a.k.a., the Magnificent Marching Machine ted before the parade that, as a first-year drum major, he might — on a 2.7-mile course through Manhattan, in New York, for the feel some nervousness at the start of the event. In the end, hard 93rd iteration of the parade. The occasion marked the band’s work and daily rehearsals prevailed, as the Magnificent March- first-ever appearance in the event and was only the fifth time in ing Machine “killed it,” as they say, in New York City. Morgan’s the parade’s history that an Historically Black College or Univer- band held the distinct honor of leading the parade participants sity (HBCU) was featured. The band’s high-energy performance along the route and was the first marching band performance was witnessed by an estimated 3.5 million spectators in New on the famed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade star. York and 22.1 million television viewers nationwide. “…When you do something like the Macy’s parade…and you MSU President David Wilson was the impetus for the historic get those mentions on television, it advertises the University march, said Melvin N. Miles Jr., director of University Bands at across the board,” Miles said. “It drives alumni, who are givers, Morgan since 1985. The president suggested that Miles apply and it may drive some students who may be attracted to Mor- for the marching band to perform in the world-famous event. gan and enroll. So it has its purpose.” “I felt that if we applied, we’d be accepted. I felt rather confident Morgan’s Marching “But for me, personally, what I’m always excited about is the in that,” said Miles, who ranks the band’s appearance in the opportunity that students have,” Miles added. “If I can be a part Macy’s parade high on a long list of prestigious MSU musical of something that gives the students a significant memory, a performances he has directed over the years. That list includes different kind of opportunity, then that, for me, is an extremely the marching band’s annual participation in the Harlem Day important personal gain.” Band Lights Up Macy’s Parade for nearly 30 years, the Magnificent Marching Machine Thanksgiving Day Parade

Melvin N. Miles Jr., Director of University Bands

MORGAN MAGAZINE 25 VOLUME I 2020 Honoring the Legacy Renaming of Convocation of a Legend Recognizes the Lifework of Historian Rosalyn Terborg-Penn

By Burney J. Hollis, Ph.D., and Edwin T. Johnson, Ph.D.

Morgan State University’s Women’s Jacques Sr. was a jazz musician and sky- History Month Convocation is part of cap who was originally from Paramaribo, the yearlong convocation series that Suriname. Jeanne had roots in Indianapo- began celebrating African-American lis, Indiana. She worked as a homemaker history at Morgan in 1989. The annual then, later, as an administrative assistant. assembly honors the achievements of A strong interest in her family history and African-American women in the history of identity was the foundation of Rosalyn’s the nation and the world. On March 14, lifework. 2019, Morgan State University President The Terborgs moved from Brooklyn to David Wilson issued a proclamation Queens, New York, in 1952, and it was renaming the event as The Rosalyn there that Rosalyn received her edu- Terborg-Penn Women’s History Month cation, attending John Q. Adams High Convocation. MSU professor of history School and Queens College, City Uni- emerita since 2009, Terborg-Penn was versity of New York, where she earned a one of the nation’s leading authorities on bachelor’s degree in history in 1963. She African-American women’s history. She often remarked that her first interest was passed away unexpectedly on Christmas architecture but that she was discour- Day 2018. aged from that pursuit by counselors Rosalyn Marian Terborg was born in who cautioned it was not an appropriate Dr. Rosalyn Terborg-Penn Brooklyn, New York, in 1941, the daughter career for women. This was one of many of Jeanne Knox Van Horn and Jacques early instances that would shape her fem- Arnold Terborg Sr. Two years later, her inist philosophy. brother Jacques Arnold Terborg Jr. joined the family.

26 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 Rosalyn Terborg- Penn: Student Activist Renaming of Convocation Wife Recognizes the Lifework of Mother Researcher Historian Rosalyn Terborg-Penn Writer Teacher and Organizer

Student, Activist, Wife and During her early years at Morgan, Mother Terborg-Penn entered the doctoral Meeting First Lady Claudia (“Lady Bird”) Johnson Influenced by her father and events un- program in history at Howard University. folding in the country, Terborg-Penn was and Charles Bailey, had relocated to the While a student there, she was influenced drawn to activism. She found her place in area. While attending GW, Terborg-Penn by historians Rayford Logan, Ph.D., the civil rights movement, beginning with worked at Friendship House, a settlement and Merze Tate, Ph.D., the first black a boycott of Woolworth’s on 5th Avenue house in D.C. that provided educational woman appointed to Howard’s History in New York in solidarity with the stu- and social support to the city’s under- Department, among many others. At dents in Greensboro, South Carolina. She served families. In addition to meeting Howard, she also met and collaborated also led a protest when Queens College First Lady Claudia (“Lady Bird”) Johnson, with a group of dynamic women who refused to allow Malcolm X to speak on it was there that she met her husband- lamented the lack of scholarship in black campus. In 1963, Terborg-Penn attended to-be, William Thomas Penn. The couple women’s history and endeavored to the historic March on Washington with married in 1968, and shortly afterwards change that reality. her father and brother. they moved to Columbia, Maryland. In Researcher, Writer, Teacher and During her time at Queens College, in 1969, Terborg-Penn began her teaching Organizer career at Morgan State College, joining a 1961, Terborg-Penn was initiated into As a graduate student at Howard, faculty that included notable historians Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Terborg-Penn won an award for her essay, Benjamin A. Quarles, Ph.D., and Roland sorority served as both a source of life- “Discrimination Against Afro-American C. McConnell. Terborg-Penn chose to long friendships and another avenue for Women in the Women’s Movement.” She spend her entire academic career help- activism. In her later work, she often ac- and Sharon Harley, a fellow graduate ing to build a thriving history program at knowledged the invaluable role of black student, published a book, “The Afro- Morgan while teaching countless genera- women’s clubs and societies in organiz- American Woman: Struggles and Images.” tions of Morgan students. ing efforts around women’s suffrage and During this same period, Terborg-Penn civil rights. The Penns welcomed their daughter completed her dissertation, titled, “Afro- After graduating from Queens College, Jeanna Carolyn Penn into their family Americans in the Struggle for Woman Terborg-Penn moved to Washington, D.C., in 1972, but their marriage ended in Suffrage.” The dissertation became the to pursue a master’s degree in history at divorce in 1979. Despite the challenges of blueprint for a groundbreaking book two George Washington University. She chose furthering her career as a single mother, decades later. Terborg-Penn earned her the city in part because many other mem- Terborg-Penn made parenthood her Ph.D. in history from Howard in 1977. highest priority, dedicating herself to bers of her extended family, including her Among Dr. Terborg-Penn’s pioneering providing an enriched life for Jeanna. aunt and namesake Rosalyn Coleman contributions to the field of history, and her cousins James Fletcher Robinson three stand out as the brightest exam- ples of her genius and unique position among her peers. In 1979, she, along with colleagues Eleanor Smith and Eliza- beth Parker, founded the Association of Black Women Historians (ABWH). Dr. Terborg-Penn and her sister-founders set forth important goals for the fledg- ling organization, including work to promote black women in the profession and to enlarge the field of black women’s

MORGAN MAGAZINE 27 VOLUME I 2020 history through research, publications her work, as the centennial anniversary of and teaching. Four decades after its the passage and ratification of the 19th founding, ABWH has a robust member- Amendment is commemorated. ship whose accomplishments mirror Dr. Morgan was the beneficiary of the third of Terborg-Penn’s international reputation Dr. Terborg-Penn’s most significant con- for outstanding historical research and tributions: she played a leading role on analysis. the committee that drafted the proposal Another significant contribution was the for Morgan’s doctoral program in histo- 1998 publication of Dr. Terborg-Penn’s ry. The proposal was approved in 1995, Morgan State University and the history seminal book, “African American Women leading to the creation of Morgan’s first profession. She was the portrait of a in the Struggle for the Vote, 1850–1920.” Ph.D. program. Donna Tyler Hollie was modern black woman who balanced her Her research broke new ground by the first candidate to earn the degree, family, activism, exceptional teaching, documenting that, contrary to previous at Morgan’s May 2000 Commencement scholarly research and organizational reports, black women actively participat- Exercises. Since that time, 34 Ph.D.s in enhancement of her field. Dr. Wilson’s ed in the women’s suffrage movement. history have been conferred at Morgan. leadership in renaming the Women’s Dr. Terborg-Penn chronicled that at every Dr. Terborg-Penn coordinated MSU’s History Month Convocation in her stage of the long-fought struggle for the Graduate Program in History from 1986 honor ensures that her contributions vote, black women organized on behalf of until she retired in 2006. She continued will never be forgotten on Morgan’s the suffrage movement, argued Constitu- teaching Dissertation Guidance at the sacred campus. tional doctrine and staged protests to se- University until 2009. cure the franchise for all women. Through A consummate professional and her research, Terborg-Penn positioned scholar in life, Dr. Terborg-Penn has black women in their rightful places left a rich legacy for her family, her within the suffrage struggle. This year, former students, her former colleagues, scholars across the country are revisiting

Contributions to the Rosalyn Terborg-Penn Endowed Scholarship Fund can be made by calling Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. at (443) 885-3040. Donations to the fund are tax-deductible and will support African-American female graduate and undergraduate students pursuing degrees in history at Morgan State University.

28 MORGAN MAGAZINE MORGAN.EDU VOLUME I 2020 Endowment Tax iStock.com/AndreyPopov Credit for Donors!

New Maryland legislation rewards donors who make The credit is 25% of the value of a proposed donation contributions to qualified permanent endowment to a qualified permanent endowment fund. The donor funds held at eligible Historically Black Colleges and must apply to the Comptroller of Maryland for a Universities, like Morgan. certification of the donation. There are limited credits available, so act now to get the best possible value for This new legislation provides an incentive for your donation. Marylanders and non-residents to give back to Maryland HBCUs in a meaningful and lasting way that will generate many times the initial value of the gift! 25% Here’s How It Works How to make a $1,000 donation cost only $750*:

$1,000 $250 $750 You Donate Your State Taxes Are Net Cost $1,000 to – Reduced by a $250 = to MSUF Tax Credit You

*This is a sample; consult your tax adviser for information pertaining to your specific circumstance.

How to Apply Donors seeking the tax credit must apply to the Comptroller for a tax credit certificate in the calendar year that the donation is made. For the 2019 tax year, simply download and complete the HBCU Tax Credit Application, which can be found online at https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/forms/ MHBCU_Application.pdf. Donors are required to submit documentation Morgan State University, from the institution showing proof of donation within 30 days before a final Office of Development (443) 885-3362 tax credit certificate is issued. Contact Henri B. Banks, Applications are accepted by email only and should be sent to: Director of Development [email protected]. www.givetomorgan.org

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