Oakwood's three proposals highlight how each project will make a lasting, positive impact on the campus. The three projects are: 

• $50,000 - Mile-long circuit of outdoor exercise stations emphasizing the laws of health 
• $25,000 - Fruit trees and an outdoor screen and projector near the Unity Pond
• $10,000 - Bleachers for fans and seating for players on the soccer field  

More voting, more tweeting - let's show them the power of the Oakwood network! 

by Samuel London, Jr., chair, Department of History & Political Science

A law school professor at the University of Alabama presents a mock class during the "Discover Law" Open house last month.

On February 20, the Department of History and Political Science took several students to the University of Alabama, School of Law's "Discover Law Open House" in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

After introductions and breakfast, the the day was filled with fun, insightful activities that included meeting professors and touring the law school.

The Dean of the Law School and some of the professors were introduced, followed by a presentation on successfully completing the law school application process. Current law students provided a guided campus tour and answered questions about everyday student life.

Kaplan Test prep presented a sample class on how to approach the logic questions on the LSAT. The law school also gave away a scholarship for an LSAT prep class. To end the program, a university law professor taught a mock law school class, to give students the experience of an actual class in law school.

Overall, the students who attended rated the event as "informative and helpful" as they prepare for law school after Oakwood.

"The financial support from the North Alabama Chapter of ASIS International will help Oakwood University secure necessary training equipment," said OUPD Capt. Melvin Harris. (L-R) OUPD Chief Lewis Eakins, Capt. Harris, and Sean Benson, chapter vice president.

Earlier this year, the Oakwood University Police Department made application to the North Alabama Chapter of ASIS International for financial support, to assist in the purchase of Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) training equipment. The application was approved, and the OUPD received a $1,000 check on March 16, presented by ASIS at the regularly scheduled monthly training luncheon in Huntsville.

ASIS International is the preeminent security trade association with over 39,000 members worldwide.  The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation, one of the oldest professional certifications, has been issued through a rigorous testing and qualification program since 1977.

The OUPD has been active in the North Alabama Chapter as evidenced by Chief Lewis Eakins having served as the chapter president in 2012, and other staff members chairing various committees in the organization.

Captain Melvin Harris, a certified R.A.D. instructor, states, "We are extremely grateful for the leadership of the North Alabama Chapter supporting our R.A.D. program. The financial support that has been provided will be combined with institutional funds to secure necessary training equipment."  The OUPD is currently borrowing equipment from a local law enforcement agency. Officer Joycelyn Triplett will be undergoing R.A.D. certification training during the week of March 22, 2015, to bring balance to the program. 

The ministry of WJOU is a source of encouragement and inspiration to listeners around the world, and an important component of media training for our students. The good news is that you don't have to wait until March 22 to send your gift. Donations can be made at any time by visiting the website at www.wjou.org. Thanks in advance for your prayers and support of this important radio ministry.

Adriana Perera, associate professor of music theory and composition, was one of the guest lecturers at the annual Andrews University Music and Worship Conference, held in Berrien Springs, Michigan, February 26-28. Other guest lecturers included Alain Coralie, associate executive secretary of the East Central Africa Division of Seventh-day Adventists in Nairobi, Kenya, and J.Nelson Kraybill, president of the Mennonite World Conference. 

During the conference, the Andrews University Singers premiered Perera's composition entitled "Jesus Christ, My God, My Lord" for SATB Choir, Piano, Trombone and String Quartet. The lyrics of the piece were written by Témar L. Ellis.

Stephen Zork, choir conductor and director of Choral Activities at Andrews, pictured with  Perera, expressed that "the piece is musically splendid and a personal testimony of love and faith." Mr. Zork dedicated the performance at the Howard Center to Témar L. Ellis, expressing that "Ms. Ellis' poetry and depth of thought will live forever with us."
 

Octavio Ramirez, Ph.D., professor of social work, has been making a "significant contribution" as a member of the Commission on Accreditation for the Council on Social Work Education, according to a letter received from the Chair of the Commission. The letter was addressed to the acting vice president of Academic Administration, George Ashley, Ph.D.

As an appointed commissioner, Dr. Ramirez shares responsibility ensuring that social work programs throughout the United States and its territories adhere to accreditation standards that promote excellence in social work education.

Oakwood Preparing for Alumni Homecoming Weekend, April 2-5

Oakwood University's "Alumni Weekend" is a special time of year for the entire Oakwood community. Just about every department is preparing in some way to welcome our alumni and friends to the annual Alumni Homecoming Weekend, April 2-5, 2015.

Guest speakers for the weekend are Ivan L. Williams, Sr., for Friday evening vespers on April 3, and  Delbert W. Baker, Ph.D., for Divine Worship Service on Sabbath, April 4, at Huntsville's Von Braun Center.

Other events include a two-day golf tournament, the annual UNCF Gala on Thursday on April 2, with recording artists Naturally 7, and the Alumni Awards Luncheon, where individuals and classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010 will be recognized.

For more information, visit www.oakwoodalumni.org, or click here to see the full schedule of events.