THE ALUMNAE MAGAZINE OF SPELMAN COLLEGE VOLUME 125 NUMBER 1 SPRING 2015 SPELMAN Messenger

EDITOR All submissions should be sent to: Jo Moore Stewart Spelman Messenger Office of Alumnae Affairs COPY EDITOR 350 Spelman Lane, S.W., Box 304 Janet M. Barstow Atlanta, GA 30314

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OR Alex Bundrick [email protected] Garon Hart Submission Deadlines: ALUMNAE DATA MANAGER Fall Issue: Submissions January 1 – May 31 Alyson Shumpert Dorsey, C’2002 Spring Issue: Submissions June 1 – December 31 ALUMNAE NOTES EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Eloise A. Alexis, C’86 Alumnae Notes is dedicated to the following: Joyce Davis • Education Tomika DePriest, C’89 • Personal (birth of a child or marriage) Kassandra Kimbriel Jolley • Professional Renita Mathis Please include the date of the event in your Sharon E. Owens, C’76 submission.

TAKE NOTE! WRITERS Adrienne Harris Take Note! is dedicated to the following alumnae Lorraine Robertson achievements: Angela Brown Terrell • Published • Appearing in films, television or on stage PHOTOGRAPHERS • Special awards, recognition and appointments Flip Chalfant Please include the date of the event in your J.D. Scott submission. Spelman Archives Julie Yarbrough, C’91 BOOK NOTES Book Notes is dedicated to alumnae authors. Please submit review copies.

The Spelman Messenger is published twice a year IN MEMORIAM by Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane, S.W., We honor our Spelman sisters. If you receive Atlanta, Georgia 30314-4399, free of charge notice of the death of a Spelman sister, please for alumnae, donors, trustees and friends of contact the Office of Alumnae Affairs at the College. Recipients wishing to change the 404-270-5048 or Sharon Owens, director of address to which the Spelman Messenger is sent alumnae affairs, at [email protected]. should notify the editor, giving both old and new For verification purposes, please include a printed addresses. Third-class postage paid at Atlanta, program, newspaper acknowledgment or electronic Georgia. Publication No. 510240 link with your submission.

CREDO The Spelman Messenger, founded in 1885, is dedicated to participating in the ongoing education of our readers through enlightening articles designed to promote lifelong learning. The Spelman Messenger is the alumnae magazine of Spelman College and is committed to educating, serving and empowering Black women. Contents M esse SPELMAN ng er

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Nothing LessThan B Scholar, Spelman President BeverlyDanielTatumLeaves Conversations Points ofPride Administrator Scholar Change Beverly DanielTatum,Ph.D. Voices Alumnae Notes Book Notes Books &Papers In Spelman PresidentBeverlyDanielTatum,Ph.D. ON THECOVER FEATURE SPRING 2015 VOLUME 125, NUMBER1 y Memoriam A e n n e i r d Agent AdministratorandChangeAgent withaLegacyofExcellenceas S. H ri r a r s Her Best

WORDS BY

I invite all of you here that love Spelman College to join me in making our love visible – collectively working to ensure that the Spelman of the 21st century provides ‘nothing less than the best’ for the next generation of Spelman women.

Voices The theme of our inaugural events has been In Search of Social Justice: Liberal Education for the 21st Century. That seems like such a fitting theme, not only because of my own work as a social justice educator, but because Spelman College has been from its beginning grounded in a vision of social justice.

2 SPELMAN MESSENGER Academic Excellence Leadership Development Improving our Environment Visibility of our Achievements Exemplary Customer Service A – L – I - V – E spells ALIVE Spelman ALIVE – strong, vital, and productive well into the 21st century – that is our goal.

There is a verse from Proverbs (9:1-2) that someone paraphrased and illustrated for me that hangs in my home office in Reynolds Cottage. It says ‘Wisdom has built herself a house and set herself a table.’ And I think of it when I think about Spelman. Beginning with the founders, Sophia Packard and Harriet Giles, and the indispensable Father Frank Quarles, there have been generations of wise women and men that have devoted their time and energy here to build this house of learning, and set a table of academic opportunity for generations of students.

2011 Convocation Speech: Project 2015

SPRING 2015 3 Certainly the election of 2008 changed a fundamental narrative in American culture. Today the story has a new ending. We can no longer predict the winner based on race (and perhaps, soon, not even on gender.) The election of 2008 and the victory of Barack Obama mean that anyone with talent, drive and a great game plan can win. That new possibility makes for a much better story and a much better society. Birthing Pains and the Emergence of a New Social Narrative November 13, 2008

The march through the Alumnae Arch reminds me that no alumna returns to an institution exactly like the one she left. To paraphrase the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, we can never step in the same river twice. Spelman, like a river, is always changing, changed by our presence in it, and by what has happened after we depart, and we ourselves are always changing, never exactly the same as we were when we first stepped in. And that is as it should be, because every healthy organism must grow to maintain its health.When growth ceases, decline begins. Yet even as change is constant, what the March through the Arch also makes visible each May is the enduring tradition of excellence embodied in the lives of Spelman graduates, and the everlasting love of Spelman College in the hearts of the daughters who return home once more. Truly that is something to celebrate!

4 SPELMAN MESSENGER “Anyone who has the drive and the discipline to achieve world-class excellence is likely to have what it takes to be successful at Spelman College.” And that is what you all have in common with Gabby Douglas, the capacity to perform with excellence – to achieve our personal and collective best – to “go for the gold!” And it is exciting to look back and see how together we have improved in many ways over the last ten years! But as good as we are, individually and collectively, we can always be better – and that’s what going for the gold is all about. Continually striving for world-class excellence!

Truly we are caught in a “web of mutuality,” and that means we must look to include, rather than exclude; we must expand opportunity for all, not limit it; we must recognize talent in all communities including low income communities of color, not overlook it; we must set the example, knowing that others will follow. John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation Symposium on the Politics of Reconciliation, June 1, 2012, Tulsa, Oklahoma

SPRING 2015 5 ready for a true, multicultural book’s appendix, she encour- Book Reviews society? Or has the presence of ages the continuation of cross- racism, and the fear it raises, cultural dialogue, and offers a caused us to foolishly hide our plan to follow that includes a heads in the sand? reader’s discussion guide and a Scholar, psychologist, diver- reading list suitable for all age sity specialist and now retiring groups from young children president of Spelman College, through adults. This book is Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum has definitely one to be read by updated her groundbreaking anyone hoping to be around 1999 book on how to have to make positive change in this open discussions about race 21st century. and racial issues in our class- (P.S. If you can answer the rooms and homes. question in the book’s title, When Black and White proceed to the head of the class!) people get together to talk about racial situations, are Why Are All the Black they talking on the same level? Kids Sitting Together Do Black people too often perceive an attitude of pater- in the Cafeteria? – And nalism from White people Other Conversations or feel we have to play the About Race role of a victim? The author Papers by Beverly Daniel Tatum, writes, “In order for there to Ph.D (Basic Books) be meaningful dialogue, fear, whether of anger or isolation, EDITOR’S NOTE: This review must eventually give way to appeared in the winter-spring 2003 risk and trust. A leap of faith presidential inaugural issue of the

& must be made. It is not easy, Spelman Messenger. It is being Can We Talk about Race? repeated at the retiring of President and it requires being willing to Tatum, because, 11 years later, the push past one’s fear.” And Other Conversations message of this book is still relevant. Think about it. The price in an Era of School we pay for unresolved racial Resegregation It always amused me and my issues, for example, is seen in by Beverly Daniel Tatum, colleagues at my former job, today’s ongoing debates about Ph.D. (Beacon Press) that as soon as three of us the continuation of affirma- Black folk got into a conversa- tive action in universities and When this book was published tion, invariably, a White co- employment. in 2007, it provided one of worker would wander over to Dr. Tatum emphasizes that the first open discussions of see what we were discussing, this dialogue goes “Beyond the decline of cross-racial rela- or so it seemed. It happened Black and White.” Our coun- tionships in education since so often, we joked and made try includes a rapidly growing the landmark 1954 Brown v. bets about how long it would population of Latino and Asian Board of Education Supreme take for someone to see if we people, who also face the same Court case that was the begin- were “plotting a revolution.” dilemma of preserving their ning of desegregation of the So it is not surprising to racial or cultural identity vs. nation’s public schools. most Black people that the assimilation. Since then, conservative title of this book has proven Fortunately, Dr. Tatum court challenges to affirmative Books provocative. offers a way in which we can action activities, the return Beyond shock value, how- work toward achieving racial to the neighborhood school ever, the questions remain: harmony in our communi- concept over busing, and the Are we getting our children ties. In her epilogue and in the resegregation of neighbor-

6 SPELMAN MESSENGER hoods, which pools poor racial categorization is that ing longer distances from the and low-income minorities of ‘human.’” homes in which they grew up. together, have collectively Now, in 2015, this vol- Were these families really dealt an ending to the goals ume and the issues raised in able to assimilate into the of an open and equal educa- healing the discordant activi- lifestyles of their new com- tional society. ties about race relations in munities? Were friendships Coupled with the active this country, remain relevant. made with their new neigh- political climate that is mov- The current marches against bors, and did their children ing toward more conserva- discrimination and other civil lose a sense of their Black tive, racist-minded activities, rights activities point to this. heritage by being isolated in and the incidences of school Now, more than ever, dia- mostly all-White classrooms? boards removing facts of logue about the rights of all While there is stress American history involving citizens to equal education, for these families trying slavery and race relations from housing, social justice, health to balance so many issues, their curriculums, the return and job opportunities needs and business people took the underlying fear most to a separate and unequal to be open and ongoing. advantage of changing anti- prevalent is “hidden racism.” educational system seems “If we don’t fully engage segregation housing practices Dr. Tatum writes, “The inevitable. in dialogue about what we and sought better housing detection of racism in the So it would be provident can do differently, and bring conditions and integrated schools is, perhaps, the most to revive the prophetic dia- an understanding of the schools for their families. distressing since in that logue of this volume to keep legacy of race and racism in Some were the first in their setting it is their children alive the importance of open- our society into that conver- families to afford a middle- who have to bear its brunt minded conversations about sation, we will not be suc- class lifestyle and others most directly.” race relations in the United cessful in addressing this and came from the established She continues, “The States. other national challenges,” Black middle class. As new majority of parents inter- Spelman College President Dr. Tatum writes. jobs opened through equal- viewed volunteered anecdotes Beverly Daniel Tatum pres- “We have a wealth of opportunity laws, Black about race-related incidents ents these challenges: “Can we untapped and underutilized families moved further away which have necessitated their talk about race? Do we know talent in communities of color from their hometowns and intervention.” Some parents how? Does the childhood across the country; we need ventured into all-White opt to send their children to segregation of our schools and that talent.‘Can we talk about neighborhoods. private schools where they neighborhoods and the silence race?’” Dr. Tatum looked at the feel they have more control, about race in our culture Listen up, America! differences between the Black but this may add financial inhibit our capacity to have families and their goals and stress to already burdened meaningful dialogue with oth- those of White suburbanites. budgets. Some try to ignore ers, particularly in the context Assimilation Blues: Black For example, because of lower the issue of racial differences of cross-racial relationships? Families in a White salaries offered to Black profes- and racism altogether, and Can we get beyond our fear, Community sionals, a two-parent working try to “just get along.” our sweaty palms, our anxiety By Beverly Daniel Tatum, couple often depended on In the final analysis, it about saying the wrong thing, Ph.D. (Greenwood Press) extended family to help with seems that most Black fami- or using the wrong words, and childcare. Also, there was a lies in White communities have an honest conversation Dr. Tatum, president of Spel- need to make sure their chil- face an added burden of about racial issues? What does man College since 2003, took dren were able to bond with balancing their desire for the it mean in our personal and on the task in 1987 of studying their Black kin so as not to better living conditions as professional lives when we the lives of 10 Black families feel isolated as a minority in afforded to White people, can’t?” who opted to move from tradi- their new communities. In while at the same time, tak- She calls the concept of tional Black neighborhoods to those early years it was found ing a conscious pride in Black race “a faulty one…those dis- predominantly White, some- that families were usually no achievements and history. tinctions are socially mean- times suburban areas, to find more than 30 miles away from An update to this study ingful but not biologically out how they fared. old neighborhoods, and kept would be enlightening. It’s a valid. Biologists tell us that During the 1970s, many close ties to their churches and battle that isn’t going away the only truly meaningful college-educated, professional friends. Today, families are liv- anytime soon.

SPRING 2015 7 Book Notes L o r r a i ne R o b e rt s o n

Cecelia Gartrell Evans, C’55, published a new book, Special Saturday Mornings: The Story of With Pen in Hand Family Writing Program. The book tells the story of how a retired educator fulfilled her dream of creating and implementing a family writing program.

Gloria S. Elder, C’71, published her first book, I Walked a Mile in Her Shoes: A Story of Unconditional Love, (Rathsi Publishing) in 2011. The book, illustrated by Jeremy Hughes, shares one of Elder’s many childhood adventures with her grandmother, MomMa, in Newman, Georgia.

Renee Hutchins, C’90, co-authored, with Ric Simmons, Learning Criminal Procedure (West Academic Publishing, 2015). A part of the Learning Series, the book teaches students the laws of criminal procedure by presenting clear, succinct sets of rules for each topic, summaries of actual cases that illustrate how the rules operate in practice and substantial excerpts from leading Supreme Court cases.

Alexis M. Scott, C’93, contributed to the book The Influential Entrepreneur: Position Yourself for Win-Win Engagement, (Splendor Publishing) compiled by Kimberly Pitts, July 2, 2014. A collective treasure chest of knowledge, this work brings 10 power-packed and successful entrepreneurs together to share their expertise and experience and to provide you with the tools you can use – today, tomorrow and next year – to design engagement strategies and implement key positioning techniques, so you can quickly become an entrepreneur of influence. Scott is credited with chapter four, “Maximum Influence: Three U’s of the Triple Crown.”

Kristen D. Folsom, C’96, wrote and published the novel Marriage Is Over-Rated Anyway, in 2014. In her first novel, Folsom creatively takes on the controversial topic of single Black professional women, the pressure to marry and have children, and the cause and effect between education and marriage.

Krystal A. Batts, C’98, published the book, What’s Done in the Dark A Mona Baker Novel (Mona Baker Novels Book 1), (The Real Ideal, LLC) in August 2014. Batts’s heart-pounding debut has all the makings of a hit thriller including deception and secrets – the kind of secrets that can lead to murderous consequences.

Monica White Ndounou, C’99, released the book, Shaping the Future of African-American Film: Color-Coded Economics and the Story Behind the Numbers, (Rutgers University Press) in May 2014. In a work as revealing about the culture of filmmaking as it is about the distorted economics of African-American film, Ndounou clearly traces the insidious connections between history content and cash in Black films.

Djamilia Milton, C’2004, published the novel Tea Leaf: What Hides Beneath under the pen name Mia Mitns. The book centers around the main character, Cinnia, whose life is about to change. Cinnia has new career as a scientist at Sciecor, where secrets are hidden in the basement, as well as a new, friendly neighbor with a hidden agenda. She does not want to face a change in friendships, but she will realize things are not as they appear. Magic lives outside of fairy tales.

Stephanie Deltor, C’2013, released the book, From Spelmanites to You, (Xulon Press) in December 2013. This book aims to promote motivation to all Spelman women on their path to excellence. As a prospective student, you will get to decide if Spelman is for you. As an incoming student, you will learn more about the Spelman experience and be comforted by your decision in selecting this distinguished institution. As a current student, you can utilize the advice to enhance your time at Spelman. As an alumna, you may rekindle the bonds of our sisterhood once again. Over 200 quotes simply share our story: the mistakes we could have avoided, the sisters we couldn’t live without, the knowledge we hope to pass on and the memories we wish we could live out once again.

8 SPELMAN MESSENGER genres, was a “ground- Holmes writes of instance Book Reviews breaking work that ignited after instance when people a new political movement were the recipients of that within the Black commu- encouragement and support A Joyous Revolt: nity,” Holmes writes and throughout the years. Stu- Toni Cade Bambara, introduced the world to dents, emerging writers and Writer and Activist the thoughts of the Black scholars alike give credence to by Linda Janet Holmes feminist woman and her Bambara’s willingness to give (Praeger) battle with male chau- of her time and spirit. vinism. Bambara’s novel, The Salt Toni Cade Bambara was a A year later, Gorilla Eaters, (1980) mirrors her writer, teacher, filmmaker, My Love, a collection interest and involvement visionary, feminist and cul- of short stories, was with female ancestral healing tural community activist. In published. It gave methods and faith, and of what would have been her insight to life through approaching life in a holistic 75th year, Bambara’s works the eyes of a young manner for survival. Mov- were celebrated in 2014 at Black girl growing ing from short stories and seminars, honorary recogni- up in Harlem, with all the essays to writing a novel, was tions and this biography quickly tuned you out. nuances that were perceived a long, stop-and-go process written by one of her early Linda Janet Holmes by the street-smart young for Bambara, but as she lis- students. combed many resources to Bambara. It was through this tened to her inner voices and Linda Janet Holmes’s offer this incisive study of collection that readers caught knowledge, it was done. To book is part of the Women Bambara, who, outside of a a glimpse of the humor and this day, the novel remains Writers of Color Series select portion of the literary literary strength of this pro- a highly acclaimed accom- published by Praeger, and arts world, still remains lific writer. The stories have plishment, illustrating the which is sharing the many an unsung treasure. Dur- since been published numer- innate and trained skills of its contributions of writers who ing her years in Atlanta, ous times in anthologies and author. are too often overlooked. Bambara was a writer-in- literary magazines. Holmes’s research and dil- Holmes notes that it took residence at Spelman Col- I first met Bambara in igence provides us with many seven years to complete this lege. Holmes had access to Washington, D.C, in the views of this gifted woman. project, told in chronological Bambara’s daughter, Karma, early ’70s when I inter- In her early days in Atlanta, order of Bambara’s life from as well as the Spelman Col- viewed her for a story about she struggled to find paying childhood in Harlem to her lege women’s resource and her being honored by the work while offering work- college years, world travels, research department and the Black Child Development shops at her home and orga- studies, filmmaking, teaching Spelman archives, which hold Institute, not long after the nizing community groups to and to her final projects some of Bambara’s papers. publication of Gorilla. I told build the arts movement in ending with her untimely In addition, Walter Cade III, her how much her stories the budding cultural arena of death in 1995 at age 56. Bambara’s brother, as well as had reminded me of grow- 1970s Atlanta. While mourn- A complex personality several cousins were able to ing up in a Black community ing the lack of jazz venues as witnessed by the many provide valuable insight into in Brooklyn, and how I had and other arts activities she friends Holmes interviewed, Bambara’s early years and laughed aloud unabashedly had enjoyed at home in New Toni Cade Bambara was one development. Her interest while reading the stories dur- York, Toni Cade Bambara who made complex seem and studies of African ances- ing my commute to work. was on the forefront of normal, in fact, inviting. She try and culture, and especially No shame! We had a good building up interest and col- supported writers, especially the influences of the culture laugh at that, and she was laborating with other artists, women (and all people) of of Mali, is what led Toni very encouraging to me in writers, musicians and busi- color, and was willing to Cade to add the name, Bam- my journalism career infancy. ness people to give the city a share her own genius with bara, to hers. I believe she interviewed me semblance of becoming the many. But she had the abil- Bambara’s first published as much as I did her. Later, New York of the South. ity to dismiss phoniness in book in 1970, The Black while living and writing in Holmes notes, “When a nanosecond: she brooked Woman, a collection of writ- Atlanta, I was honored to Bambara moved to Atlanta in nonsense from no one, and if ings, including Bambara’s, be able to learn much more 1974, the writer was attracted you were wrong-minded, she by Black women in several from her. to the cultural work already

SPRING 2015 9 in motion. Bambara, how- ever, made a significant con- tribution in growing a Black arts movement in the South that was much more inclusive of women than the historic 1960s movement had been. Bambara’s teaching, promo- tion of Black publications, and development of writers’ networks such as the Pamoja Writers Guild that met at her home were critical. Bam- bara is singularly significant ers and filmmakers, honoring as a champion of the Neo- the works of other writers, Black Arts Movement in the traveling on city transporta- South.” tion to keep her ear tuned When Bambara left to the people’s voices, and Atlanta in 1985 and moved writing extensively. Through to Philadelphia, she left a it all, she wrote her last book, Firebird void in the hearts of the which was published posthu- By Misty Copeland. Illustrated “you are the sky and people who worked with mously with the assistance of by Christopher Myers (Putnam clouds and air your feet and befriended her. But the her long-time friend and edi- Books) are swift as sunlight” activities that she initiated tor, Toni Morrison, changing still resonate in that city. She the ending many times. That In this beautifully illustrated But the girl answers: was an activist who inspired book, Those Bones Are Not book for young people by others to “do something.” My Child, gave an unusual American Ballet Theatre solo- “me? I’m gray as rain In Philadelphia, Bambara voice to the tragic murders ist Misty Copeland, she tells heavy as naptime, low immersed herself in the art of children in Atlanta during the story of a ballerina who as a storm pressing on of filmmaking. Working the early 1980s. Always con- teaches a little brown girl how rooftops” with director Louis Massiah scious of the women and the to soar into her dreams. at the Scribe Video Center, Black community those kill- Copeland remembers that Then the ballerina builds she narrated and partnered in ings affected, Bambara told when she was young and her confidence and lets the the production of the award- the story in their voice. Her looked at books about ballet, girl know that she, too, was winning film, The Bombing ability to hone into the hearts there were no brown faces to once a little girl, “a dreaming of Osage Avenue, about the and voices of the people most mirror hers. shooting star of a girl with “police bombing and the affected by this tragedy, was The Firebird, a ballet by work and worlds ahead…” fire that ensued, destroy- unique. Igor Stravinsky, is the story She guides the youngster ing a series of homes (51) During her lifetime, of a mythical bird of brilliant by telling her of the sweat in the predominantly Black Toni Cade Bambara never colors that rises above trouble and work she must do to neighborhood in West Phila- veered from generously offer- and flies triumphantly to achieve her dream. delphia, where MOVE, the ing more of herself to her the sky. It is one of the most Then finally, “you will radical black organization… community and art. In this demanding and colorful roles soar, become a swan, a had its base.” The film “pro- volume documenting many for a ballerina, with many beauty, a firebird for sure. vided the first Afrocentric of those accomplishments, dramatic movements and The illustrations by Calde- documentary perspective on Linda Janet Holmes has cap- flying leaps. cott Honoree Christopher the tragedy.” tured an enormous number In the book, the ballerina Myers are brilliant and will Bambara continued at of facts and anecdotes to encourages a young girl, tell- bring joy to any budding breakneck speed in the fol- present an accurate picture of ing her that she, too, can dancer for many years. lowing years, traveling to Bambara’s genius. strive to dance and be the Cuba, attending and con- Gone too soon, but her Firebird. ducting workshops for writ- spirit will never be forgotten.

10 SPELMAN MESSENGER Being separated at times from her much-loved family brought about stress, even though she thrived in being able to focus solely on dance. With candor and insight, Copeland shares all of her doubts, fears and triumphs. A latecomer to dance lessons at 13, Copeland had to over- come her insecurities, which she did by becoming an over- achiever. As Copeland faced the competitiveness of the danc- er’s world, coupled with the Life in Motion: an extra burden of discrimina- Unlikely Ballerina tion, she continued to prac- by Misty Copeland, tice to be the best, putting in (Touchstone Books; Simon & long and painful hours, keep- Schuster) ing her dreams in sight. And it paid off. Whether or not you’ve taken Her goals now include a special interest in ballet, encouraging other young you probably have been dancers of color who may exposed to Misty Copeland the top classical dance compa- as they bounced about and not have the financial means on television, YouTube vid- nies in the world, the Ameri- looked out for one another. to study, by mentoring and eos, and various talk shows. can Ballet Theatre (ABT). Through a chance encoun- teaching. She works with Her taut, athletic body bends In 2007, as only the sec- ter while doing gymnastics the Boys and Girls Clubs of and moves with impossible ond Black ballerina in two at the Boys and Girls Club, America, where she got her grace as she performs in both decades to dance solo with a teacher noticed Copeland’s beginnings, with the ABT’s traditional and nontraditional ABT, Copeland is break- natural skills and directed her Project Plié, which sends variations of dance. ing barriers for other young to take ballet lessons. From dance teachers across the Her name and face and dancers, especially for non- that time on, Misty Cope- country to scout talent. She’s magnificent body are on dis- white aspirants. land knew what she wanted on a mission to help others as play in ads for Under Armour How has she done it? Her to do – to become a ballerina. she was helped. athletic wear and Dr. Pepper, memoir, written with Cha- Then the fun began, as the “This is for the little on television talk shows, at risse Jones, shares with us her saying goes. brown girls,” Copeland red carpet events and more. journey from an unsettled School first, then long muses, as she waits to go Her sultry performance with childhood, as her mother, a hours of daily practice filled onstage in one of her most Prince will be remembered former Kansas City Chiefs her life. Her book tells of the triumphant roles. “Tonight by fans for a long time. cheerleader, shuttled her six several mentors who saw her I will become the first What is so unlikely about children from town to town potential and took extraordi- Black woman to star in Igor Misty Copeland’s success is as she grappled with several nary steps to help her grow, Stravinsky’s iconic role for that through perseverance, marriages that didn’t work including a white family that American Ballet Theatre, one pain and uncertainty, and out. Her mother often had to took her in to live with them of the most prestigious dance sometimes with extraordinary work 14 hours a day to feed and paid for lessons. Others companies in the world. support, she has been able to and keep her family together. would step in and help her “As the Firebird.” beat the odds that are especially Despite what could have been compete and attend summer ANGELA BROWN TERRELL high against an African-Amer- a depressing situation, Cope- workshops given by major is a writer and editor based in ican ballerina, and she has land tells of the warmth and dance companies. All of this Columbia, Maryland. reached solo status with one of closeness the family shared growth was not without pain.

SPRING 2015 11 Conversations with Beverly Daniel Tatum

During her successful tenure, President Beverly SCAN THIS CODE TO ACCESS THE EIGHT Daniel Tatum has engaged, enlightened, and CONVERSATIONS educated the Spelman community by hosting LISTED BELOW a popular series of conversations with alumnae, celebrities, politicians, journalists and corporate executives. We share just a few Spelman samples http://www.spelman.edu/ of Beverly Daniel Tatum’s “Conversations with ...” conversations

» (right) Oprah Winfrey and Beverly Daniel Tatum, May 2012

Ursula Burns Katie Couric Frank Blake Judith Jamison CEO, TV news journalist CEO, Home Depot Pioneering dance icon Xerox Corporation April 2010 October 2010 March 2011 November 2009

12 SPELMAN MESSENGER Stevie Wonder Nancy Pelosi Alia Jones-Harvey, C’95 Misty Copeland Legendary singer, House Democratic Broadway producer American Ballet songwriter and leader October 2014 Theatre soloist humanitarian February 2014 November 2014 April 2011

SPRING 2015 13 Nothing Less Than Her Best BY ADRIENNE S. HARRIS

PRESIDENT BEVERLY DANIEL TATUM LEAVES SPELMAN WITH A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AS A SCHOLAR, ADMINISTRATOR AND CHANGE AGENT

PHOTO: JFLIP CHALFANT

14 SPELMAN MESSENGER appy in her position as reflects her highest hopes for the College. acting president and dean at “My vision for Spelman has always Mount Holyoke College, the been that it will be nothing less than Hprivate women’s institution in South the best,” she said. “That means real- Hadley, Massachusetts, Beverly Daniel izing the dream of the founders beyond Tatum had never given any thought to what they could even imagine – pro- becoming the president of a historically viding a world-class education without Black college, not even the prestigious barriers for a future without limits.” Spelman College in Atlanta. Under Tatum’s leadership, Spel- But when she was approached by a man has made great strides toward that member of the Spelman presidential future. With an enrollment of 2,000 search committee about her possible women from 16 countries, it is among interest in the nation’s leading liberal the most highly selective academic insti- arts college created for African-Ameri- tutions, annually accepting about one in can women, she thought she would at three applicants into its first year class. least consider the idea. Once enrolled, students are immersed in So, Tatum – who always makes an innovative curriculum led by a stellar decisions with her head and her heart “MY VISION FOR faculty whose achievements have earned – went to Spelman unannounced, just national and international recognition. to get a feel for the place. That clan- SPELMAN HAS Most impressive, Spelman’s graduation destine visit was all it took. Walking ALWAYS BEEN rate is 76 percent (average over six years) the campus, soaking up the culture, THAT IT WILL BE – the highest among historically Black experiencing the sisterhood, Tatum NOTHING LESS colleges and universities and higher than knew she was in the right place. that of many top-ranked institutions. THAN THE BEST.” The clincher was a recruitment Spelman is also in an enviable brochure she happened to pick up. financial position – “healthy, but not “It had a strong message for wealthy,” said Tatum – compared to prospective students: This is your other HBCUs that have been harder- heritage and your calling,” said Tatum. hit by the economic downturn. During “But, through that brochure, the still, a 10-year fundraising campaign that small voice was speaking directly to ended June 2014, the College raised me. When I got home, I called the $157.8 million, the most in its history. person who had contacted me and And today, the endowment stands at said, ‘Yes, I’m interested.’” $367 million, due to outstanding fiscal That was 13 years ago. Now, after management and help from campaign a successful tenure as Spelman’s ninth contributions. president, Tatum, who turned 60 in Thanks to academic and financial September, feels the time is right for strengths honed during the Tatum her to step down and for the College administration, Spelman was recognized to welcome new leadership. When she by U.S. News & World Report as one of retires at the end of June, Tatum will the 100 best liberal arts colleges. leave behind an institution poised for “The Spelman community truly the next phase of its growth as well appreciates and highly values the sig- as a legacy of excellence as a scholar, nificant strides made under Beverly’s administrator and change agent that visionary leadership,” said Rosalind

SPRING 2015 15 Gates Brewer, C’84, chair of the Zeto Center for Global Education Board of Trustees. “As she prepares to – the hub for the College’s interna- retire, our charge will not be to rest on tionalization initiatives, which include our laurels, but to continue to develop travel and study abroad and service- Spelman’s strength and innovation as learning opportunities, curricular and a leader in higher education.” co-curricular program enhancements, and increased recruitment of interna- Working on Behalf of Scholars tional students and visiting scholars. A fourth-generation professor, Tatum Another major academic emphasis has devoted her entire career to schol- has been to increase opportunities arship and served the academy as a for students to participate in research researcher, teacher, author, adminis- and career-related internships. trator and race relations expert. With This strategy has had a significant earned degrees in psychology, clinical impact, particularly in the science, psychology and religious studies, she mathematics, engineering and understands firsthand the essential link technology (STEM) disciplines where between education and opportunity. Black women are underrepresented. And since coming to Spelman, Tatum Today, almost a third of students has made it a priority to strengthen earn degrees in STEM fields, making that link for the College’s unique Spelman a major pipeline of Black SPELMAN IS ALSO population of scholars. female engineers, mathematicians and “Spelman offers what no one else can IN AN ENVIABLE health professionals. offer to a young Black woman – an FINANCIAL One of the most innovative curricu- excellent liberal arts experience in an POSITION – lar enhancements is the Social Justice environment designed especially with “HEALTHY, BUT Fellows Program. Launched in 2011, her in mind,” she said. the initiative creates opportunities for NOT WEALTHY.” A key pillar of that experience – rising juniors to develop skills and known as the Spelman MILE (My experience as social justice advocates Integrated Learning Experience), on issues such as education, economic the College’s individualized and personal security, and health and liberal education curriculum – is wellness. Students in the program, academic excellence. During the which is housed in the Laura Spelman Tatum administration, faculty in Rockefeller Residence Hall, receive every discipline from the arts and scholarship support, semester stipends, humanities to the physical and social faculty and alumna mentoring, and sciences to business and economics, social justice advocacy training and undertook a comprehensive review of internships. Ten social justice fellows the curriculum to reshape it for the and 10 social justice associates reside 21st century and raise the bar on the on the first floor of the hall. quality of teaching and learning. “Our aim through all of our A major academic emphasis has academic programs is to provide an been to globalize the curriculum. That extraordinary liberal arts education effort got a huge boost in 2008 when that opens the world of possibilities Spelman received an anonymous $17 to our students,” said Myra Burnett, million gift to endow the Gordon- Ph.D., interim provost and vice

16 SPELMAN MESSENGER president of Academic Affairs. “We are so those unable to meet all of their equipping our students to excel and financial obligations would not have to make a positive impact in whatever leave school before they graduated. And fields they choose to pursue.” through the campaign, the College Along with academic excellence, raised $53 million for new scholarships Tatum wanted Spelman’s tradition and doubled the number of students of leadership development to have an who receive institutional aid. even stronger presence and impact. So in 2003, she established the Center for Balancing Batons While Running Leadership and Civic Engagement or Tatum likes to compare being a LEADS, which stands for leadership, college president to running a relay economic empowerment, advocacy “AT SPELMAN WE race. A new leader receives the baton in the arts, dialogue across differences SAY, `THIS PLACE from her predecessor, runs as fast and and service learning. Since its WAS BUILT FOR far as she can during her tenure, then inception, LEADS has engaged more ME.’ THERE ARE passes the baton to the leader who than 700 students in co-curricular succeeds her. NOT MANY PLACES programs designed to develop their But for a 21st century college skills as authentic, ethical leaders. IN AMERICA A president, there is not just one baton As proud as she is of Spelman’s BLACK WOMAN to worry about. The job calls for the academic and leadership development CAN SAY THAT, BUT leader of an academic institution to have the strength and grace to programs, Tatum believes that offering SPELMAN COLLEGE an outstanding education simply is run while carrying many batons – not enough. The College must also IS ONE OF THEM.” people management, fiscal oversight, help ensure that qualified young community relations, fundraising, women have access to that education academic integrity and professional – something that is increasingly contributions, to name a few – challenging for the vast majority of without letting any of them drop. applicants whose families cannot afford At Mount Holyoke, Tatum the cost of attending college. was lauded as a “natural-born “At Spelman we say, ‘This place was administrator” with “clear-sighted built for me.’ There are not many places energy, courage and caring.” At in America a Black woman can say that, Spelman, she has stayed true to form, but Spelman College is one of them,” earning a reputation and the respect of said Tatum. “So, there is nothing more the community for her transparency, important to our educational enterprise persistence, and optimism in leading than ensuring that young women who the College to achieve its goals. want and deserve to be here have the “She always keeps the big picture resources they need to achieve their of the greater goal before us – our academic goals.” core mission and vision,” said Tatum’s focus on raising money Kassandra Kimbriel Jolley, for scholarships made the difference vice president for Institutional for hundreds of students. In 2008, Advancement. “Because she believes she launched the President’s Safety we can do it, she pushes us as an Net Fund (also known as the Starfish institution to reach greater heights than Initiative) to help fill the funding gap, we may have thought we could.”

SPRING 2015 17 One of Tatum’s most difficult from 50 percent to 70 percent. administrative challenges has been “That is the accomplishment I navigating through the global financial am most proud of,” said Tatum. crisis, which contributed to a decline in “Returning Spelman to its character as student enrollment. To keep the bud- a residential campus – a place where get balanced, she had to cut $5 million women can live and learn together in annual expenses, which meant mak- – was important to me because it is ing the tough choice to eliminate some a defining quality of the Spelman positions and programs. experience.” At the same time, Tatum was “RETURNING gearing up for a $150 million capital SPELMAN TO ITS Championing Institutional Change campaign. Even as philanthropic When Tatum accepted the position CHARACTER AS support for higher education was as president of Spelman, she viewed it declining because of the economy, A RESIDENTIAL not so much as a job, but a calling. To Tatum leveraged her personal courage CAMPUS – A her, the College was a jewel, already and conviction to rally the board, PLACE WHERE precious, that just needed a bit of alumnae, corporations and foundations WOMEN CAN polishing. And she believed she was the to invest in the College. The result: one who could lead the community to Spelman surpassed its fundraising goal LIVE AND LEARN make the changes required to reveal by nearly $8 million. TOGETHER – WAS Spelman’s true brilliance. Most important to Tatum, the IMPORTANT TO ME Some of the most important campaign also surpassed predictions BECAUSE IT IS A of those changes were inspired for alumnae participation, with more by Tatum’s commitment to three DEFINING QUALITY than 12,000 graduates, or 71 percent, underlying principles, what she calls making a gift. “Spelman women love OF THE SPELMAN the ABCs: A – affirming identities for Spelman,” she said. “This kind of EXPERIENCE.” all Spelman students and employees; enthusiasm and support for the College B – building community where is a great foundation on which the next everyone feels included; and C – president can continue to build.” cultivating leadership by preparing Successful fundraising coupled students to engage effectively with with smart capital investments made people different from themselves. possible a number of much-needed “The Spelman motto, ‘Our whole improvements to the campus, includ- school for Christ,’ has continuing ing the renovation of four historic relevance today because at the core of buildings – Packard Hall, Rockefeller Christian teachings is the principle of Hall, Laura Spelman Rockefeller Resi- hospitality,” she said. “At Spelman, our dence Hall and Sisters Chapel – and definition of excellence should include the construction of The Suites, a 300- a pervasive sense of hospitality and bed residential complex. In addition generosity of spirit for each other and to being the first LEED (Leadership everyone who passes through our gates.” in Energy and Environmental Design) To help create a more welcoming certified building at a historically environment, Tatum led the College to Black college, the new residence hall change its employee benefits policy to allowed the College to increase the include coverage for same-sex partners. ratio of students who live on campus She also encouraged scholarship and

18 SPELMAN MESSENGER dialogue among faculty, staff, and an arts building renovation project and students about LGBTQ issues. The always, always raising more money for annual Christmas party became a scholarships – Tatum took the opportu- “Gifts of the Season” celebration for nity during her last Opening Convoca- people of all faiths, and readings from tion address as president to reflect on Muslim, Bahai, and other sacred texts her legacy. were included in Baccalaureate services. “At the end of the day, an As much as Tatum wanted members educator’s most important legacy of the Spelman community to have lies in the lives we touch through the high regard for others, she also wanted ideas we shared,” she said. “How are them to have high regard for – and they transformed and used by others? take better care of – themselves. With Who is inspired by them? Who takes mounting evidence that more and more action because of the experience that students were facing health challenges, has been provided? Who truly makes such as high blood pressure, diabetes a choice to change the world? and obesity, Tatum was moved to take “Women of Spelman, you are the a bold step to change that reality. So, living legacy,” said Tatum. “Not just in 2012, she eliminated intercollegiate for me, but for all of us gathered here athletics and redirected funds to launch to support you in your educational the Wellness Revolution – a program “WOMEN OF journey. Where you go and what that encourages fitness through good you do will be the legacy that we will nutrition, more exercise and proper rest. SPELMAN, YOU point to for years to come.” Today, Spelman offers 30 wellness ARE THE LIVING When she leaves Spelman, where classes that draw 1,300 participants LEGACY.” will Tatum go, what will she do? each week, and the Wellness Revolu- Updating her landmark book, Why Are tion 5K Run attracts more than 700 All the Black Kids Sitting Together in students and faculty each year. By fall the Cafeteria?, which will celebrate the 2015, the $18 million renovation of 20th anniversary of its publication in Read Hall will be open to students. 2017, is one of her top priorities. She The new facility will include a multi- also wants to write about leadership purpose basketball court, a swimming and the lessons she learned at Spelman. pool and a demonstration kitchen “If there is one piece of wisdom for teaching students how to prepare that has been important to me and healthy meals. that I would offer to anyone else, it is “Our goal for the Wellness to listen to the still voice within,” said Revolution is simple,” said Tatum. Tatum. “It was in a quiet moment that “We want Spelman women to take the I felt called to Spelman, and there has lead in their own health, so they can be been a tremendous amount of satisfac- well to take on their leadership roles in tion in answering that call. Listening to the world.” that still, small voice within will always steer you in the right direction.” Listening, Still Listening Although her to-do list is full of things ADRIENNE S. HARRIS is an Atlanta-based strategic she wants to accomplish before she and leadership communications consultant, facilitator, writer and coach. leaves Spelman – for example, launching

SPRING 2015 19 BEVERLY DANIELSc TATUM holar ALIVE • Spelman named one of six institutions to receive $4.2 million grant from the 2002 Introduced Spelman ALIVE National Institutes of Health to eliminate as an acronym for the strategic plan health disparities among racial and ethnic for the College. minority groups (2003)

Academic Excellence Exemplary Customer Service • SIS Program honors oral history • Wireless campus (2003) tradition (2002) • The College honors the campus community Leadership Development with Customer Service Awards. (2004) • Sisters Chapel WISDOM Center (2002)

• The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement (LEADS) is established in partnership with J.P.Morgan executives/ co-founding directors Pamela Carlton and Kimberly B. Davis, C’81. (2003)

Improving Our Environment • The Suites Residence Hall opens as the first HBCU building to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. (2008) Beverly Daniel Tatum @BDTSpelman · Dec 2, 2014 Visibility of Our Achievements Visited Food Chemistry class for the • Spelman College 125th semester-end cook-off. Who knew lipids, Anniversary Celebration (2006) proteins & sugars are so much fun?!

20 2005 SpelBots (Spelman Robotics Team) Break New Ground in Robotics Research

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

“Every one of you here is a leader, a builder – we are building the future one interaction, one classroom discussion, one hiring decision, one university community at a time. It is undeniable – we have the power to create something new.”

– BEVERLY DANIEL TATUM,

FROM ‘THE TRUE MEANING OF RECONCILIATION’

AUGUST 7, 2013, SOUTH AFRICA “I have said that being president of a college is like running a relay race... I think the same analogy applies to being a student at Spelman.

You get the baton from the women who came before you. They pass it to you, and they ask you to run with it – to make your contribution, not just to this community, but to the world. And each of you will, but my message to you today is to “run your own race.”

– BEVERLY DANIEL TATUM,

FROM ‘A LIVING LEGACY’

2014 CONVOCATION, SPELMAN COLLEGE BEVERLY DANIELAdminist TATUM rator 2009 Public Kickoff for The Campaign for Spelman College

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

• In 2013, Dr. Tatum becomes the first Strengthening the Core: Spelman HBCU and Georgia college president College’s Strategic Plan for 2017 to receive the prestigious Carnegie Corporation Leadership Award The Spelman MILE (My Integrated honoring higher education innovators Learning Experience) curriculum

The Campaign for Spelman College GOALS for students: Global engagement in at least one • Alumnae donors broke record with international travel experience 71 percent or 12,348 alumnae making a gift during the campaign Opportunities for undergraduate research and career-related internships • Scholarship support tripled with $53 million generated Alumnae connections to strengthen our sisterly bonds early on • Every Woman…Every Year! slogan embraced by alumnae and resulting Leadership development focused on in 7,060 or 41percent of alumnae individual potential and best practices making gifts in FY’14 Service learning that pairs hands-on • Success obtained as Spelman’s visionary community engagement with coursework leadership yields $157.8 million

Beverly Daniel Tatum @BDTSpelman · Dec 31, 2014 New Year’s Eve & all’s quiet at Spelman EXCEPT for work on new Wellness Center at Read Hall. Administrator Completion date 6/2015! 23 2003 LEADS, officially named Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, was established by President Beverly Daniel Tatum in partnership with J.P.Morgan Chase executives and co-founding directors Pamela Carlton and Kimberly B. Davis, C’81.

2002 2003 2004 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 2008 The Suites Residence Hall is the first HBCU building to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

“Just as Packard and Giles forged a new BEVERLY DANIEL TATUM educational path Change Agent for Black women, Spelman is forging LEADS – Center for Leadership & a new wellness path, Civic Engagement

one that will lead the • The Leadership and Women of Color way to better health Conference starts in 2004 and presents the first Legacy of Leadership Awards. for this generation of • LEADS names its first executive students and for those director, Jane E. Smith, Ed.D., C’68.

whose lives they will Wellness Revolution touch. We think this Eat Better. Move More. Sleep Well.

is a revolution we can • The inaugural Wellness Summit is held Beverly Daniel Tatum on campus in 2013 in partnership with @BDTSpelman · Nov 21, 2014 all participate in, the National Institute for Child Health On bus to starting pt of 3-Day walk. and one that we and Human Development. The conference Still dark outside & a little rainy focused on nutrition, exercise and sleep but I’m ready, wearing my believe will create a health. The annual Wellness Revolution Spelman gear! 5K Run was established at the same time health legacy we can with more than 700 students and faculty all feel good about.” participating in the race each year.

– BEVERLY DANIEL TATUM

25 Take Note!

The Atlanta Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (NAASC) celebrated its 100-year anniversary on October 11, 2014, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta. “House of Payne” actress Cassi Cassi Davis, C’2009, True Blue Award Davis, C’2009, and “For Better or Worse” actor Brad James served as co-hosts for this event. Davis was also a recipient of the True Blue Award. The goals of the “Painting the Town Blue, 100 Years of Spelman Legacy” themed Centennial Celebration and the Endowed Scholarship Campaign are to highlight achievements of Spelman alumnae and establish a $100,000 endowed scholarship for the College’s current students. The chapter has been able to endow the scholarship at $50,000, and is continuing the campaign to reach its goal of $100,000. Contributions are solicited and payable to Spelman College for Atlanta Chapter Endowed Scholarship. Alumnae Notes President Beverly Daniel Tatum helped to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Atlanta Chapter of NAASC.

26 SPELMAN MESSENGER Eloise Abernathy Alexis, C’86, Distinguished Alumna Award

Chasity Evans, C’2017, Scholarship Recipient 2014–2015

Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, C’93, Community Service Award

Jean Foster Scott, C’53, Royal Blue Leadership Award

SPRING 2015 27 1945 Mary Elizabeth Grimes Professional: Appointed by the board of Take Note! Arizona Brown Price directors as the new president of Marian Personal: Celebrated her 100th birthday Middle School in St. Louis in December on August 1, 2014, in Atlanta. 2013.

1963 Sheila Johnson Bettie J. Durrah Professional: Appointed to the Suffolk Professional: Wrote a choreopoem for County Youth Board Coordinating five voices, “Painting the Town Blue Council to represent the 15th Legislative While Celebrating 100 Years of the District in 2014 for a three-year term. Spelman Legacy,” to celebrate the 100th She became the board president of the Annversary of the Atlanta Chapter of Long Island Minority AIDS Coalition in the National Alumnae Association of 2014; and was awarded Unsung Hero at Spelman College. This presentation the Leadership in Law Awards by Long was made during the Annual Scholar- Island Business News. ship Brunch sponsored by the Atlanta Chapter. She also wrote a meditation 1977 in Volume 22, “Circle of Prayer, Who’s Mary Lynne Diggs In and Who’s Out,” published by the Professional: Appointed to the board International Committee of the Fellow- of the South Carolina First Steps School ship of the Least Coin. She is one of two Readiness Commission during the clos- LaTanya Richardson Jackson, C’71, along with husband, Samuel women from the United States whose ing session of the 2014 South Carolina meditations are included in this volume. Legislature. L. Jackson, emceed the 50th anniversary gala of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art on November 7, 2014. The 1964 1978 actress also appeared in the recurring role of Lt. Dee Ann Carver for Edwina Palmer Hunter Cassandra A Jones season five of the CBS television show “Blue Bloods.” Professional: Received the 2014 NAASC Professional: Developed a new degree Hall of Fame Award for her career excel- program for Charlotte Christian Col- Christine King Farris, C’48, received lence as a musician and piano teacher, lege and Theological Seminary which and her leadership at all levels of the has been accepted by the accreditation the inaugural Distinguished Legacy of NAASC. She is an officer on the national agency with no revisions or suggestions. Service Award at The King Center’s executive committee, a past NAASC The degree program is Bachelor of Arts 2015 annual Salute to Greatness din- northeast regional coordinator and a con- in Liberal Arts with four areas of con- sistent fundraiser for Spelman College. ner on January 17, 2015, at the Hyatt centration: Urban Studies, Linguistics, Regency Hotel in Atlanta. Dr. Farris Organizational Leadership, and Health Laura V. Akridge Morgan and Wellness. was honored for her lifelong dedication Professional: Received the 2014 NAASC and commitment to supporting the Merit Award for her career excellence as work and mission of The King Center a science teacher in the Chicago Public 1983 Schools, her service in the NAASC for Lovette Twyman Russell since its inception in 1968. Her portrait over four decades, her leadership as Professional: On September 16, 2014, was hung in King Chapel’s Hall of a member of the NAASC Executive honored by the Girl Scouts of Greater Fame in January 2015. Committee, and her record of sustained Atlanta for her commitment to the Girl giving to Spelman College. Scouts with a private luncheon for the women of the Second Century Circle. Children’s Defense Fund founder 1970 Marian Wright Edelman, C’60, Yvonne R. Jackson 1984 was profiled onFreedom Magazine’s Professional: Named the new chair of Vida L. Avery website in volume 46, issue 3. She was The Association of Governing Boards of Professional: Her book, Philanthropy in also featured in the article “Words Universities and Colleges (2014–2016). Black Higher Education: A Fateful Hour of Spelman College Grad a Beacon Creating the Atlanta University System, 1974 was chosen as the Outstanding Publica- in Ground-Breaking Resolution of tion winner for the 2014 CASE John Detroit’s $18 Billion Bankruptcy,” on Poppy Finley Grenzebach Awards for Outstanding Saportareport.com in November 2014. Married: Earl Jackson, nationally Research in Philanthropy for Educa- The piece highlighted her quote, renowned artist, on December 14, 2014, tional Advancement. in a private ceremony at the residence of “Democracy is not a spectator sport,” Emory and Jo Ann McClinton. Jacqueline Calhoun Marshall being cited by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Professional: Started a new business Steven Rhodes, of the Eastern District 1975 venture in 2014 – JackieTrust,™ which of Michigan, Southern District. Sandra Farragut-Hemphill helps families build generational wealth through financial literacy for children Professional: Appointed the new circuit Educator Naomi Johnson Booker, C’67, was chosen by the judge for the 21st circuit that encom- and parents. passes St. Louis County. Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the 2014 Women of Connie F. Smith-Lindsay Distinction in business. She is retired from the School District of Married: Bryan Keith Lindsey on June Philadelphia and is the CEO of the Global Leadership Academy 1976 21, 2014. The ceremony was held at Loretta Copeland Biggs Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Charter School. Professional: Confirmed on December 16, 2014, as a United States district judge Aubyn Elaine Thomas Spelman College Associate Professor of Vocal Performance, Laura for the Middle District of North Caro- Professional: Named the vice president English-Robinson, C’69, released a Christmas CD, “Christmas lina. She is the first African-American of marketing for Rent-A-Center in July, Chestnuts: a Message and a Gift.” woman to serve as a United States district 2014. judge in the State of North Carolina.

28 SPELMAN MESSENGER 1986 Kathaleena Edward Monds Professional: Presented “Minority Empowerment and Free Enterprise” at The University of North Carolina at Pem- broke September 22, 2014.

Alysa Marie Story Professional: Served as the designer/art director for CNN Design, Domestic Televi- sion. Worked on the on-air, Web and set graphics for the 2014 “CNN Heroes All Star Tribute” which aired December 7, 2014, on CNN. She was also the project art director for “CNN Roots, Our Journeys Home.” Her designs are implemented in the title design, set, on-air graphics, Web design and promos for the project. The The Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter of the On August 20, 2014, the Tom Joyner Founda- two-hour prime-time special aired October 21, 2014. National Alumnae Association of Spelman tion acknowledged the Dobbs family for being College was named the Small Alumni Chapter the largest sibling set to graduate from Spelman T. Renee Willis of the Year at The National Black College College. This 1948 photo featured on the Tom Professional: Named the new superinten- Foundation Inc.’s 2014 Legacy of Leaders Joyner Foundation Facebook page includes Irene dent of the Richmond Heights local school district in Ohio in July 2014. She also was Alumni Awards. The event was held September Dobbs Jackson, C’29; Juliet Dobbs Blackburn, an honoree for the 14th annual 100 Black 26, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. C’31; Millicent Dobbs Jordan, C’33; Josephine Men in Black Ties Awards Gala in Octo- Dobbs Clement, C’37; Mattiwilda Dobbs Jan- ber 2014. zon, C’46; June Dobbs Butts, C’48; and their parents Irene and John Wesley Dobbs. 1987 Joni Johnson Williams Education: Earned her Ph.D. in English/ A collage titled “Precious Memories” literary studies from Georgia State Uni- (1984) by the late artist Varnette P. versity in December 2013 with a specialty Honeywood, C’72, is part of the in ethnic American literatures and post- colonial literature. exhibition “Conversations: African and African American Artists in 1988 Dialogue” at the National Museum of Leticha A. Hawkins African Art as part of the Camille O. Professional: Recognized July 23, 2014, and William H. Cosby collection of for her significant contributions performing African-American art. The exhibit will professional-level administrative work as be on display through early 2016. a human resources specialist. The Ames Honor Awards are peer-submitted, selective awards for employees at NASA Ames The late Taronda E. Spencer, C’80, Research Center. It is the highest level of was honored by Spelman College recognition given by the center. President Emerita Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole at the HBCU Story Carmen Lampkins Hughes Symposium on October 24, 2014. Dr. Cole delivered the Professional: Named executive director keynote address, “A Spelman Story: Taronda Spencer, Spelman GA-HITEC and GA Health Connection College, C’80,” which was also livestreamed. Spencer returned at National Center for Primary Care at to her beloved alma mater as the archivist in 1998 and was Morehouse School of Medicine in August appointed College historian in 2000. 2014. Jennifer Johnson King Celeste D. Briggs, C’81, was profiled on Spelman’s website Professional: Became operations manager for her work with sustainability. On October 17, 2013, at Albany Area Primary Health Care in Filmmaker and novelist, Briggs joined President Beverly Daniel Tatum on Campus 2014. Bridgett M. Davis, C’82, Sustainability Day to announce Spelman’s new partnership with Greta Mitchell Williams participated in Spelman’s General Motors which is designed to build upon the College’s Education: Received her master of science Digital Moving Image Salon’s mission to achieve climate neutrality. As a result of the College’s in educational leadership from Western conversation and film screening sustainability initiatives, Spelman will sell the automaker carbon Governor’s University in June 2014 and an credits, which can net the institution up to $100,000. administrative endorsement from the Illinois of Naked Acts on September 25 State Board of Education in July 2014. and 26, 2014. She was featured in “Patrick’s Picks” in the Roxana L. Walker-Canton, C’91, produced a documentary 1989 October 2014 issue of Essence called “Living Thinkers: An Autobiography of Black Women Monica McCoy Purdy Magazine for her latest book, in the Ivory Tower.” The documentary is being distributed Professional: Honored as one of Dallas’s Into the Go-Slow, published in by Women Make Movies and is included in their 2014 New Top 25 African-American Women at the September 2014. Releases Catalog. Steed Media Group’s Inaugural Dallas Female Success Factor 2014 in Dallas, Texas, on September 9, 2014.

SPRING 2015 29 1991 1997 Take Note! Tess Marie Vismale Jamyla Bennu Professional: Named “Meetings Professional: Her company, Oyin Trendsetter for 2014” in Meeting Focus Handmade, opened its first hair salon in Magazine. Baltimore, Maryland in the fall of 2014. Theodora Rochelle Lee, C’84, Che D. Watkins Amanda W. Chivers was featured in the San Jose Mer- Professional: Named president and Professional: Appointed as director of cury News article, “Wine: Men- CEO of The Center for Working acquisitions and business development at docino ‘Queen’ Producing Rare Families Inc. July 21, 2014. Hospitality Ventures Management Symphony Grape,” in Novem- Group on September 23, 2014. ber 2014, highlighting her vine- 1992 yard, “Theopolis Vineyards. Monica Lawson 1998 Professional: Featured speaker during Stephanie Scott the “Operation Home Front: Honoring Professional: Selected in 2014 to be our Spelhouse Heroes,” November 11, on the board of directors for New York 2014, at Spelman College. Women in Communications, Inc. as the VP of the membership empowerment 1993 grants. Lesha Neal Wallace 1999 Style expert, Tai Beauchamp, Education: Received her Ph.D. in C’2000, was featured in Essence Educational Leadership from the Dionne Cowan University of Dayton in August 2014. Professional: Became associate director magazine’s article, “The Baby of The Principals Center at Georgia Rain Check” in the September 1994 State University on August 4, 2014. 2014 issue. The article discusses the increasing number of women who Jamie Marie Bennett India Phipps Epps Founded Assistance Professional: Birth: Son, Evan James Epps on choose to freeze their eggs, and it for Hire, A Lifestyle Management/ September 7, 2014. highlights Beauchamp’s personal story. Personal Concierge company dedicated to giving busy people “The Gift of Janel A. George Time.” Assistance for Hire opened for Professional: Recently named senior business in April 2013. She also won the education policy counsel for the Business on The Rise Award from the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Unstoppable Women’s Conference in Fund, Inc. Her article was published September of 2014. in the winter issue of the National Bar Association (NBA) Magazine, Jurine H. Owen Undermining Opportunity: Race, Gender Tomika DePriest, C’89, Selected as a 2014-2015 Professional: and Discipline Disparities. Satcher Health Leadership Institute elected Board Chair Emerita and was one of four honorees Health Policy Leadership Postdoctoral Monica White Ndounou Fellow at the Morehouse School of Professional: Granted tenure and at The Black Women Film Medicine. promoted to the rank of associate Network’s The Untold Stories professor in the department of drama Luncheon 2015: Celebrating Yanick Mary Vibert and dance at Tufts University in 2014. Professional: On November 6, 2014, Those Who Tell Our Stories. received the Roosevelt Award for Service Keeana Serene Saxon The event took place on to Humanity at the March of Dimes Married: Marc Henry Germain on June March 6, 2015, at the Marriott Signature Chefs Gala – The Basic 28, 2014, at the historic African Meeting Marquis Hotel in Atlanta Ingredients. House on Beacon Hill in Boston. during the Black Women Film Professional: On December 3, 2014, Summit Weekend. 1995 appointed by Mayor Walsh to serve as Tawakalitu Jogunosimi Mitchell a commissioner on the City of Boston’s Professional: Joined the Digital Media Licensing Board. & Learning team as a program officer for U.S. Programs. 2000 Darienne B. Driver Tiffany Pryor Nelson Dionne C. Griffiths Jan-Néé Sheats-Mathis Professional: Named superintendent Professional: Named director of Professional: Earned a certificate Birth: Daughter, Zoë Simone Mathis on of Milwaukee Public Schools on July admissions and enrollment management of management fundamentals from October 20, 2014. 1, 2014, making her the first woman to for the Rollins School of Public Health Kentucky State government in August Married: Mark Mitchell on October 12, hold the position. at Emory University in August 2014. 2014. She’s a September 2014 Focus 2013, at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Louisville graduate and published the Museum in Chicago. Amika King 2001 article, “Fresh Eyes, Fresh Focus,” Birth: Son, Aiden King Carter, in 2014. for the Leadership Louisville Center. 1996 Professional: Opened a second location JaDawnya Cintelle Butler She also received the 2014 Kentucky Professional: Received the Ronda F. Andrea Ford Wilkerson for her business, Beya Salon Studios, in Employees Charitable Campaign Rookie Williams Professionalism Award from Professional: In August 2014, recog- December 2014, in Atlanta. of the Year award, which was presented the Young Lawyers Division of the nized by P&G and received the AALN by First Lady Jane Beshear; wife of National Bar Association in July 2014. (African-Ancestry Leadership Network). Afiya McLaughlin-Johnson Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. Birth: Son, Darian David Johnson, born on November 13, 2014. Danica Tisdale Fisher Birth: Son, Asa Toure Fisher, on July 16, 2014, in Methuen, Massachusetts.

30 SPELMAN MESSENGER Access Hollywood co-anchor and weekend correspondent Shaun C. Robinson, C’84, received the Diamond in the Raw Action Icon Award on October 10, 2014. She was featured in People Magazine’s spring 2015 “Gorgeous at Any Age” special issue; served on the jury selection panel, for the Pandora Hearts of Today Award in 2014; photos of her in a stunning green dress at the 2015 Golden Globe Awards ran in Attorneys Shana M. Rooks, C’97, and Joy White, C’2002, multiple media outlets. were named in the 2014 40 Under 40 class by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in November 2014. Rooks’ firm, Shana M. Rooks & Associates LLC, specializes in family law and personal injury. White is a partner at McFadden, White, Sprattlin & Davis LLC.

Actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, C’2001, competed on the hit television show, “Celebrity Karin Gist, C’93, co-wrote the script for Drumline: A New Beat Apprentice” which premiered which debuted on VH-1 on October 27, 2014. The movie is a on January 4, 2015. Other cast sequel to the 2002 movie, Drumline, starring actor and producer members included NFL star Nick Cannon. Terrell Owens, talk show host Geraldo Rivera, actress Vivica Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Y. Abrams, C’95, was Designer, Tori Lynn A. Fox, gold medal Olympian named Governing Magazine’s 2014 Public Officials of the Year. Soudan, C’96, launched an Shawn Johnson and Kenya Abrams also received top honors from the TheRoot.com coming upscale, handmade shoe line Moore, former Miss USA and in at #11 on The Root 100 List. She was featured on New York in 2013. The Tori Soudan star of The Real Housewives of Magazine’s website in an article titled, “Georgia’s Battle for the Collection has been featured Atlanta. Pulliam was the first to Ballot Box,” on October 24, 2014. on several media outlets be “fired” from the show and including “Good Morning appeared in several media outlets Brandi C. Brimmer, C’95, began a new appointment as an America,” CNN, and The surrounding the show. assistant professor of history in the department of history and Baltimore Times. geography at Morgan State University in August 2014. In November 2014, her article “Black Women’s Politics, Narratives of Sexual Immorality and Federal Policy in Mary Lee’s North Carolina Carlotta Johnson Berry, C’92, was promoted to assistant to Neighborhood,” appeared in the Journal of Southern History. associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in August 2013. She also State Farm Agent Ashley Deadwyler-Jones, C’98, was featured had her first op ed published in the New York Times on Sunday, in two national State Farm Insurance television commercials, November 2, 2014, titled, “They Call Me Doctor Berry.” along with comedian Rob Schneider, in August 2014. Alva Bell Bullard, C’87, appeared on C-Span, presenting at the Women of Color Empowerment Conference on Spelman College Board of Trustees’ Chair Rosalind Brewer, September 17, 2014. C’84, was named on the Ebony Power 100 List in November 2014. The list celebrates the world’s most inspiring African India Gary-Martin, C’91, was interviewed by Boss Magazine Americans. She was also honored as one of the Atlanta Business about her nail polish line, Only Fingers + Toes, on October Chronicle’s 2014 Outstanding Directors at their awards event on 19, 2014. December 4, 2014 at the Georgia Aquarium.

SPRING 2015 31 Take Note!

Che Smith, C’2005, was a contestant on the television game show Jeopardy on November 6, 2014. She was also featured in the article, “Q&A with Ph.D.-student Kirstie and Kristie Bronner, C’2013, Jeopardy contestant Che Smith,” on were named to the 40 Under 40 list in Je-Shawna C. Wholley, C’2011, was the dailytarheel.com on November 9, the Activists Category by Jet Magazine featured in the November 2014 issue of 2014, highlighting her experience. in October 2014. Essence Magazine in the article “The New Civil Rights Leaders,” for her work with the National Black Justice Coalition. Singer Denise N. White, C’98 is known Alia Jones-Harvey, C’95, award-winning in the music world as Avery Sunshine. producer, was featured in a special Her song, “Call My Name,” hit the top arts and entertainment Homecoming of the Billboard Adult R&B charts for convocation on October 16, 2014, at multiple weeks. The song is her first Spelman College, hosted by President Billboard number-one single, topping Beverly Daniel Tatum. Jones-Harvey is the chart at the end of December 2014 among a small group of Black producers after 28 weeks on the chart. and the only woman of color currently working as a lead producer on Broadway. Brigitte F. Daniel, C’99, was featured She has produced plays such as “Cat on in the article, “Brigitte Daniel’s Got a Hot Tin Roof,” “A Streetcar Named a Plan to Get Young Women of Desire,” “The Trip to Bountiful,” and Color Into Technology,” in the News “Romeo & Juliet” for Broadway. + Option section of Phillymag.com on August 27, 2014. She was also Singer, songwriter Chanda Leigh, C’95, highlighted in the “Mogul Maintenance” released a new music video, “Lollapalooza,” column of the September issue of Marie with her group, 3D The Boss, on December Claire magazine. 9, 2014. Keisha Lynn Bursey Reddick, C’99, Shani Jamila O’Neal, C ‘97, had an was featured in the article, “Docs interview about her current works featured Reddicks’ Dreams Come True,” in the in Parlour Magazine’s Travel the Seven Savannah Now, January 5, 2015 issue. section. Ayana Davis Hernandez, C’97, The article highlights the marriage, North Carolina Central University medical school and careers of Reddick Etiquette consultant Erika L. Ford-Preval, director of public relations, was and her husband, Dr. Bonzo Reddick,. C’98, was featured in the June 2014 issue featured in the September issue of of Modern Luxury/The Atlantan magazine. Time magazine. Statistician Talithia Williams, Ph.D., The article, “Miss Manners,” highlighted C’2000, was featured on the Ted website her company, Charm, and her work with for presentation “Own Your Body’s children’s etiquette. Data” at TEDx Claremont Colleges in February 2014.

32 SPELMAN MESSENGER The marriage announcement of Lauren A. Sprott C’2010, and First Lt. David Theophilus Leapheart was featured in the New York Times. They were married on Sunday August 31, 2014. The ceremony was held at the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart in South Plainfield, New Jersey. Evan R. Seymour, C’2007, wrote the article, “Joan Williams, 1958 Rose Queen Victimized by Racism, Snubbed Again,” guest commentary published by the Pasadena Star News on January 2, 2015.

Nzinga C. Shaw, C’2001, was the recipient of the inaugural “Women Who Mean Business” award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle in October 2014. In December 2014, she was named diversity and inclusion officer for the NBA basketball team, the Atlanta Hawks. Her announcement was covered in several local and national media outlets.

Tara Collier’s, C’2003, article, “Development Should Include Everyone” was published on Forbes Magazine’s website on October 19, 2014. Collier is an impact-investing specialist at GroFin Capital, a pan-African impact investing fund.

Alexandria Lee, C’2004, was featured on the Echoing Green website for her school’s highlight of receiving the 2014 Black Male Achievement Fellowship.

Ashley L. Derby, C’2006, was featured in the Beauty, Brains and Business section of the LA Sentinel in July for her ownership of Chick- fil-a.

The marriage announcement of Alisha Former student, Maci Peterson, (2008–2009) created an app, On Second Nichole McClung, C’2009, and husband Thought, that allows users to recall texts before they are received. She was the Jordan Michael Johnson was featured in first place winner at The Kauffman Foundation and UpGlobal SXSW pitch the Bridal Bliss section of Essence magazine competition in March 2014. She was featured in the article, “New Messaging online in July. The couple were married in App Allows You to Take Back Texts You Regret,” in the independent.ie/ June 2013. Business Web Summit in June 2014; she was a featured startup and exhibitor at The Summit in November 2014. Precious L. Williams, C’2001, was featured in the Essence online article, Lauren A. Anderson, C’2011, was selected as a 2014 Young Memphian. “ESSENCE Network: How Precious L. Each year the Greater Memphis Chamber selects ten outstanding young Williams Found Success in Sexy Curvy Girl professionals to feature in the Young Memphis edition of their Memphis Lingerie;” and the Black Enterprise article, Crossroads magazine. Anderson is an associate of development for Teach for “Where Are They Now: Elevator Pitch America Memphis. Competition Winner, Precious Williams,” in October 2014. Both articles highlighted Mickie L. Jackson, C’2011, Atlanta Falcons cheerleader, was named as one her successful Curvy Girlz Lingerie of Atlanta’s Most Beautiful by Jezebel Magazine in 2014. She was featured company. in the article, “Cheerleaders Make JEZEBEL’s ‘Most Beautiful’ List,” on the Atlanta Falcon’s website on November 7, 2014.

SPRING 2015 33 2002 the State Bar of Georgia Young Law- Leigh Ann Sennette Ryan Rasmus Harris yers’ Division; recognized by Augusta Married: Darren Sheffield, Jr. on Octo- Education: Graduated from Tufts MyLynda J. Moore Magazine and Metro Chamber of Com- ber 4, 2014 to in Dallas, Texas. University School of Medicine on May Professional: Products from her com- merce as a 2014 Top 10 in 10 Young 18, 2014. She began pediatric residency pany, Petunia Essentials, were included Professionals to Watch, and named to 2008 training at Riley Hospital for Children in the gift bags for Michelle Obama’s the 2015 class of Leadership Augusta on in Indianapolis in June 2014. Erin Jones First Lady’s Luncheon 2014. June 6, 2014. Married: Hamilton Harris on Decem- Professional: Accepted the position of ber 28, 2013 in Houston, Texas. employee resources manager with Gen- Jylana L. Sheats Sibo McNally eral Electric on November 17, 2014. Professional: Completed a postdoctoral Professional: Recently joined the Pamela Franklin Stegall research fellowship at the Stanford Federal Communications Commission Education: Graduated with a master of Jasmine Walker Prevention Research Center within the (FCC) as an attorney advisor in the arts degree in arts administration from Began her position as the Stanford (SPRC) School of Medicine in Wireline Competition Bureau, Telecom- Professional: the Savannah College of Art and Design, BRC Coordinator at FPL Foods, LLC, Palo Alto, California, in August 2014. munications Access Policy Division. Atlanta, May 30, 2014. in Augusta, Georgia, on Aug 25, 2014. Accepted a position as a health and Married: Fabian McNally on October Professional: Launched her arts organi- information technology research associ- 5, 2014, at Oxon Hill Manor in Oxon zation, the Pamela D. Franklin Cultural Kisha Marie Woods ate with the Healthy Aging Research & Hill, Maryland. Center for the Performing Arts. Its tag- Selected for a year-long Technology Solutions lab at the SPRC Professional: line, S.O.U.L., stands for “Sharing Our graduate education diversity internship where she conducts research focused on 2006 Unique Lives” and captures the most reducing health disparities and promot- with the American Evaluation Associa- important element of this organization, ing health through the use of innovative, Lauren Sullivan Larke Middlebrooks tion in the Summer of 2014. which is to be a cultural voice in the evidence-based technologies. Professional: Completed her three- community by using artistic expression year residency program in pediatrics at 2009 as a tool to promote mutual respect of 2003 Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital on June cultural differences. 30, 2014. She also began a three-year Tiffany T. Blakemore Tiffaney Draper Casey Professional: Accepted a new position fellowship on July 1, 2014, at Emory Michele L. Wells Birth: Daughter, Trinity Kie Casey, University School of Medicine in in the transaction real estate practice of born May 15, 2014. Ernst & Young. Professional: Her play, “The War at pediatric emergency trauma. Home” was produced at the Atlanta Black Theater Festival on October 10, Tara Collier Juwana Riggins-Simon Danielle D’Neen Dickens Earned a Ph.D. in psychol- 2014, in Decatur, Georgia. Education: Received her MBA from the Married: Kevin Simon on September 7, Education: University of Oxford in 2013. 2014, in Stone Mountain, Georgia. ogy with an emphasis in applied social and health psychology from Colorado 2012 State University during summer 2014. Shate’ L. Edwards Crystal Romeo Upperman Briana L. Bowie Education: Graduated with a master of Professional: Received an $84,000 Professional: Promoted to senior Shelvia Richele Grant fine arts in dance from Sam Houston STAR (Science to Achieve Results) account manager at Delta Airlines in Sworn into the Louisiana State University in May 2014. fellowship from the Environmental Professional: June 2014. Protection Agency in the fall of 2014 for State Bar on October 30, 2014, in New Orleans. Thea Stevens research on the relationship between cli- Chandra Byrd Chambliss Professional: Started her position as the mate change and health outcomes. Professional: Promoted to post-award northwest Georgia infant toddler special- Japera Johnson grant specialist in the Office of Spon- ist for the Georgia Program for Infant & Tierra C. West Professional: Selected as a 2014–2015 sored Programs at Spelman College in Satcher Health Leadership Institute Toddler Care in July 2014. Married: Jason A. Jones on October 3, October 2014. 2014, in Berlin, New Jersey. Health Policy Leadership postdoctoral 2004 fellow at the Morehouse School of Elizabeth Pollard Medicine. Johneica L. Hardaway-Mason 2007 Professional: Guest speaker at Spelman Married: Rodney A. Mason, Jr. on April College Sisters Chapel worship service LaMonica Inez Davis Brianna Nicole Lewis on September 14, 2014. 12, 2014, in Atlanta. Professional: Completed pediatric den- Education: Earned a master of educa- Professional: Accepted business profes- tal residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital tion (M.Ed)/ specialist in education Laje Reine-Brooks sorships at Shorter University and Geor- in Bronx, New York and became the (Ed.S.) in school psychology from Geor- gia Piedmont Technical College. Professional: Awarded a certificate as a youngest African-American pediatric gia State University. lactation counselor and educator from dental specialist in the state of Missis- Professional: Accepted a position as a Alia Smith McCants the University of California San Diego sippi. Opened the private practice clinic, school psychologist in Clayton County Extension June 2014. Birth: Son, Carter Wynn McCants, Smiles on Broadway Dental Care, in Public Schools in May 2014. and daughter, Aria Ella McCants, on Jackson, Mississippi in November 2014. December 11, 2014. Jessica R. Posey 2013 Michelle Bradley Emebol Professional: Joined the Physician Kirstie and Kristie Bronner 2005 Professional: Received the NAASC Group’s Ear, Nose & Throat/Audiology Professional: Presented the first lec- Adrienne Hunter Young Alumna Award for her profes- practice in July 2014. ture of the 2014 fall semester during Education: The 1st graduate of the sional accomplishments as a research Albany State University’s lecture series Medical University of South Carolina’s project coordinator at Northwestern 2010 on Thursday, September 25th. It was Doctor of Health Administration in University, her service in the NAASC as hosted by the ASU Center for Teaching, administrative assistant and her ongoing Shayna M. Atkins Learning and Scholarship. Information Systems program in May Professional: Completed a volunteer 2014. She was also inducted into the financial support of Spelman College. placement with CUSO International in Elizabeth J. Sullivan Upsilon Phi Delta National Honor Jamaica in July 2014. Society. Sarah Stephens Professional: Received the Arthur Married: Bio Benibo on September 28, Zankel Urban Fellowship awarded to 2014. Kyrah K. Brown Teachers College students at Columbia Bianca Lacey Keaton Education: Earned a Ph.D. in (com- Married: Sherrod Keaton on May 10, University. The $10,000 fellowship is Terricha Bradley Phillips munity) psychology from Wichita State given to graduate students to work with 2014, in Atlanta. University in May 16, 2014; began work Professional: Became communications disadvantaged inner-city youth. as a postdoctoral research associate at the Tiffany M. Mallory manager with My Brother’s Keeper, Inc., in Jackson, Mississippi, on Novem- Sedgwick County Health Department in Professional: Awarded the 10th Annual July 2014. Ethics and Professionalism Award by ber 3, 2014.

34 SPELMAN MESSENGER Aurelia Doris Robinson, C’47 Ora Sterling King, C’54 Aurelia Doris Robinson earned her bachelor’s degree On June 3, 1978, the sixth president of Spelman College, Donald M. in teachers’ education in 1947. That year, in the Stewart, received a letter from Ora Sterling King, expressing her passion Campus Mirror, she was described by her classmates for her treasured alma mater. as “cooperative and sweet.” These consistent and “… I graduated June 7, 1954, the only member of my immediate genuine characteristics endeared her not only to family to receive a college degree … Spelman College’s commitment to her classmates but also to generations of Spelman me was filled at a superior level. My commitment to assist in fostering alumnae and students, faculty, staff and presidents. the growth and development of Spelman College is synonymous with my After graduation, Aurelia Doris Robinson commitment to provide for my mother as long as she shall live. No matter continued her connection to Spelman with what goals I shall achieve in life, the degree from Spelman College is for passion and precision. me my most important achievement.” As her educational King consistently and enthusiastically supported, led, gave to and pursuits and career served Spelman. choices took her from She organized the Columbia, Maryland, chapter of the NAASC; as Atlanta to Oklahoma appreciation for her years of service, the Columbia chapter provided City, Camilla, Macon scholarship support for Spelman students in her honor. and Savannah, Georgia, She served as president of the NAASC from 1986 to 1988. During her she attended Spelman tenure, she instituted many new events and hosted programs and worked aggressively alumnae and presidents to increase alumnae giving and of the College wherever support for the College. She she resided. When she was the recipient of Spelman’s returned to Atlanta, Dr. Alumnae Achievement Award Robinson concluded her career at Spelman as a in Education in 2001. The Dr. visiting associate professor of reading. Ora Sterling King Endowed Dedicated to her beloved alma mater, she served Scholarship was established at as a reunion class agent and as national chair of Spelman in her honor by her the Alumnae Annual Fund from 1999–2000. She husband, Lonnie King, Jr., in was a longtime member of the National Alumnae May 2006. Association of Spelman College (NAASC) and made After graduating from regular annual contributions to the College. She took Spelman, King received her a personal interest in encouraging and recognizing master’s degree from Atlanta the Spelman College staff responsible for the alumnae University and subsequently affairs and fundraising programs. She celebrated her a Ph.D. in early childhood Spelman legacy as the niece of Spelman alumnae and development from the the sister of the beloved Christine Robinson Sinclair, University of Maryland in C’46. In 2005, she received the College’s highest College Park, Maryland. She enjoyed an illustrious alumnae honor – the Founders Spirit Award. career in education, teaching students from kindergarten to graduate Aurelia Doris Robinson passed away on July 4, school. At the apex of her educational career, she served in the dual role of 2014. A celebration of life service was held on July dean of education and of graduate studies at Coppin State University; she 11, 2014, at Trinity AME Church in Atlanta. retired from the university in 1995. King loved her family, friends, her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and most of all, she loved Spelman College. Ora Sterling King passed away on July 1, 2014. A celebration of life service was held on August 2, 2014, at The Sisters Chapel, Spelman College, in Atlanta.

35SPRING 2015 SPELMAN MESSENGE35R In Memoriam

1934 Doris Perry Carter Imogene Turner Yongue Mamie Wilmotine Few Melbahu Theodora Bryant Died: November 16, 2014 Died: December 22, 2014 Sparks Mason Services: November 22, 2014, Services: January 3, 2015, Died: October, 11, 2014 Died: October 26, 2013 Jackson Memorial Baptist Johnson C. Smith University, Services: October 15, 2014, Services: October 31, 2013, Church, Atlanta. Charlotte, North Carolina. Ben Hill United Methodist Church of the Covenant, Church, Atlanta. Cleveland, Ohio. 1943 1949 Austella Walden Colley Elise Dunn Cain 1954 1939 Died: September 13, 2014 Died: November 26, 2014 Ouida Jordan Whitfield Franzetta Palmer Williams Services: September 22, Services: January 30, 2015, Died: January 12, 2015 Durant 2014, A.A. Rayner and Sons, People’s Congregational Services: February 27, Died: January 10, 2015 Chicago. United Church of Christ, 2015, Gaines Chapel AME, Services: January 21, Washington, D.C. Waycross, Georgia. 2015, May Funeral Home, 1944 Willingboro, New Jersey. Norma Odessa Peyton Reid 1950 1955 Died: November 4, 2014 Elise Gilham Janie Carithers Holman Dorothea C. Jackson Services: November 14, Died: October 19, 2014 Died: November 13, 2014 Died: September 28, 2014 2014, First United Methodist Services: October, 25, 2014, Services: November 21, 2014, Services: October 11, 2014, Church, Santa Monica, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Greater Paul Baptist Church, H.M. Patterson Funeral California. Atlanta. Cocoa, Florida. Home, Atlanta. 1945 Verna Turner Venning 1960 1940 Jacqueline Allen Ormes Died: January 30, 2015 Myla Francene Churchill- Gladys Forde Died: August 24, 2014 Services: February 6, 2015, St. Barrett Died: June 29, 2014 Services: September 6, Paul AME Worship Center, Died: June 10, 2014 Services: July 8, 2014, 2014, Lincoln Memorial Lithonia, Georgia. Services: June 16, 2014, St. James Episcopal Church, Congregational Church, Kumble Theater, Long Island Houston. Los Angeles. 1952 University, New York. Dorothy W. Dawkin 1941 1946 Died: December 17, 2014 1964 Vivian Hunt Johnson Mavis L. Morgan Service: December 23, 2014, Elinor Fowler Died: June 22, 2014 Died: June 19, 2014 Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Died: June 27, 2014 Services: July 15, 2014, Services: June 24, 2014, Atlanta. Services: July 3, 2014, Warren Holman United Methodist Vermont Avenue Baptist Memorial United Methodist Church, Los Angeles. Church, Washington, D.C. Edythe Banks George Church, Atlanta. Died: November 16, 2014 1942 1947 Services: November 1965 Malissa Kilgore Briley Gloria Butler Hightower 25, 2014, John Wesley Gloria Bailey Matthews Died: October 29, 2014 James United Methodist Church, Person Services: November 6, 2014, Died: July 22, 2014 Fayetteville, North Carolina. Died: December 28, 2014 Angeles Funeral Home, Services: July 30, 2014, Services: January 5, 2015, Los Angeles. St. John Baptist Church, 1953 Wheat Street Baptist Church, Gary, Indiana. Ruth Harvey-Brown Atlanta. Gettys Sylvia Bryant-Simon Died: September 27, 2014 Died: October 29, 2014 Catherine Wilson May Services: October 4, 2014, 1966 Services: November 8, 2014, Died: February 18, 2015 Bible Based Fellowship Patricia Lynn Travis Owen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Services: February 27, 2015, Church, Tampa, Florida. Died: June 10, 2014 Alamogordo, New Mexico. Jamison Temple, CME, Kansas City, Missouri.

36 SPELMAN MESSENGER In Memoriam

1967 1975 Cheryl Birchette Pierce Earnestine “Tina” Clayton Died: February 23, 2015 Vaughn Services: February 28, 2015, Died: August 22, 2014 Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Services: August 28, 2014, Atlanta, Georgia. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Lithonia, Georgia. 1968 Lillian Panish Kotovsky 1978 Died: January 19, 2015 Jacquelyn Champion Owens Service: January 22, 2015, Died: December 7, 2014 Beth Israel Cemetery, Phoenix. Services: December 13, 2014, Salem Bible Church, Atlanta. 1970 Carolyn McClain 1979 Died: September 7, 2014 Ninette Reshee Pratt Services: September 15, Died: February 6, 2015 2014, Metropolitan African Services: February 14, 2015, Methodist Episcopal Church, Greater Springfield Baptist Washington, D.C. Church, Bolivar, Tennessee.

1971 1984 Paltry “Pat” Thomas Hines Robin Sanders Sutton Died: August 25, 2014 Died: December 31, 2014 Services: August 30, 2014, Services: January 16, 2015, Greater Travelers Rest House Enon Tabernacle Baptist of Hope, Decatur, Georgia. Church, Philadelphia.

Roberta Louise Wolfe-Bryant 1989 Died: January 15, 2015 Sheri LaBranche Jackson Services: January 22, 2015, Died: November 26, 2014 Plymouth United Church of Services: December 6, 2014, Christ, Detroit. New Orleans. PHOTO: JULIE YARBROUGH, C’91 1974 1996 Sharon Lorraine Cariah Lea Kari Green Crenchaw Died: November 4, 2014 Died: July 16, 2014 Services: Asylum Hill Services: July 24, 2014, Beulah Congregational Church, Missionary Baptist Church, Hartford, Connecticut. Decatur, Georgia. 1999 Patricia Birdsong Hamilton Kimberly Brown-Thomas Died: September, 2014 Died: January 29, 2015 Services: September 11, 2014, Services: Saturday, February 7, Bethel United Methodist 2015, New Jerusalem AME, Church, Atlanta. Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, Georgia Permit No. 1569 350 Spelman Lane S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30314 www.spelman.edu PHOTO: JULIE YARBROUGH, C’91 Every Woman…Every Year!

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