A Call for Spiritual Renewal; Fresh Anointing 

by Michele Solomon, customer care coordinator, integrated marketing & public relations

 

First Chapel, held on the first Thursday of each new academic year, has become a time for spiritual renewal and a call for a fresh anointing at Oakwood University. This fall, the program fell on August 21, and invited the entire academic community - including the faculty, staff, and students of its sister school, Oakwood Adventist Academy - to join in a special dedicatory service. Asking God to take control of all facets of our institutional functions and to continue to lead the school in its mission, President Pollard delivered a stirring address, simply but poignantly entitled "I Press." A special anointing service followed President Pollard's spiritual address, and was led by Howard Weems, Ph.D., senior chaplain and assistant to the president for Spiritual Life. A steady stream of faculty, staff, and students flowed through the aisles toward the front of the Oakwood University Church sanctuary where ministers with small bottles of scented oil prayed for and anointed the foreheads of those seeking a renewal of their faith and spiritual strengthening for the new academic year.

Oakwood Responds to ISIS Situation  

 

The Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations at Oakwood University released this statement on August 22 condemning acts of violence by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS):

 

"The Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations at Oakwood University is saddened by the ongoing acts of aggression being perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Their actions demonstrate a basic disdain for humanity and are clearly against the message of peace, love and mercy that is so evident in the Qu'ran and embraced by the vast majority of Muslims.

 

We call upon people of faith everywhere to pray for God's intervention in the hearts of those associated with ISIS. Let's pray that they will truly submit to God's will and join those who walk the "straight path" (Sirat al Mustaqim); those upon whom the mercies of God pleasantly rest.

 

We also call upon people of faith to join in the struggle against prejudiced attitudes towards all Muslims because of the actions of a violent few. We believe that the only antidote to terror is peace and call for all true believers to promote and practice peace in their spheres of influence."

 

Keith Burton, Ph.D., director of the Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations at Oakwood University was recently interviewed on WHNT channel 19 (Huntsville CBS affiliate) concerning the statement. 

English Professor Publishes Article in Journal of Adventist Education 
 

Dr. Cecily Daly, professor in the English Department, published an article in the Summer 2014 issue of the Journal of Adventist Education. The topic is: "Literary Clubs: Promoting Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing Skills."


Daly's article describes how the Oakwood University Literary Guild complements the University's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). By definition, the QEP describes a carefully designed course of action that addresses a well-defined and focused topic or issue related to enhancing student learning. The theme of Oakwood's QEP is "Critical Skills Developed Through Writing."
 

Fall Open House @yourlibrary 

 

 

All are invited to the Eva B. Dykes Library for the Fall Open House, scheduled for August 28, at 4:00 p.m. Paulette Johnson, director of Library Services, said the purpose of the event is give students an opportunity to meet library staff, get acquainted with library services (including the Media Center, the Archives and Clara Peterson-Rock Museum, and Reference and Instruction), as well as have some fun. Interactive games are scheduled, including PS2, WII, XBOX 360 and Library Jeopardy. Students may bring their own games and/or consoles.

Alumni Notes

Charles Hewitt, '14, is now a full-time nutritionist for Oklahoma State University's football team. Last year, Hewitt completed a dietetic internship and certification at Oakwood.

 
Note: If you are an OU alum and would like to share news about yourself, please send them to us.
Employee News


CFRE International has announced that Cheri Wilson, '82, director of development at Oakwood University,  is among its most recent class of Certified Fund Raising Executives (CFREs).

 

Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, education, demonstrated fundraising achievement and a commitment to service to not-for-profit organizations. They have also passed a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive, and have agreed to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.

 

CFRE International is an independent organization dedicated to upholding the highest standards in ethical philanthropic fundraising through the certification of fundraising executives. The CFRE credential is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Pollard's Places

This week on WAAY TV, channel 31 in Huntsville is College and University President's Week. Today the station featured Oakwood University and I was interviewed by the morning/afternoon anchor Justin McFarland, '04. The three-minute interview covered advice to incoming freshmen, challenges facing Oakwood and institutions of higher education, and the recovery of industry and the opening of our Edible Arrangements franchise in the Huntsville business community.

OU Picture of the Week

 

 

Following First Chapel on August 21, President Dr. Leslie Pollard and USM President Tahjai Conkerite accepted the "ALS ice bucket challenge" from Dr. Gordon Bietz, president of Southern Adventist University; and Dr. Tricia Pennicooke, dean of the School of Public Health at Loma Linda University. Dr. Pollard will be presenting a donation to the ALS Foundation. He also challenged all Oakwood alumni to participate in the ALS challenge as well as the OU challenge - to assist in financially clearing more than 300 students that are still trying to enroll in this Fall semester by giving at ougiving.comThis is just one of several "ice bucket challenges" that have occurred on Oakwood's campus over the past week. (Photo by Richard Scott)

About Oakwood 

 

The mission of Oakwood University, a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution, is to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity.

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In This Issue - 8/27/14
A Call for Spiritual Renewal; Fresh Anointing
Oakwood Responds to ISIS Situation
English Professor Publishes Article in Journal of Adventist Education
Fall Open House @yourlibrary
Alumni Notes
Employee News
Pollard's Places
OU Picture of the Week
Calendar of Events

 

 

AUGUST

28   Eva B. Dykes Library
       Fall Open House


 

SEPTEMBER


 

9     UNCF North Alabama

       Campaign Kickoff


 

18-20   OSL Power-Packed

            Weekend: M. Johns 

 

25     Literary Guild

         Consecration 
 

30     AGAPE Day


OCTOBER

 

12-14     College Days 

 
 
WJOU
 
UNCF
  
  
 Click here to see the Summer  2014 issue of Oakwood  Magazine or visit www.oakwoodmagazine.com
insideOakwood is published by the Office of Integrated Marketing & Public Relations
Editor: George Johnson Jr. | Managing Editor: Debbe Millet