Oakwood Mourns the Loss of Charles Wallington, Jr.

Charles Wallington, Jr., DPT, '97, associate professor in the Allied Health Department at Oakwood University, unexpectedly passed away on September 3, from a heart attack. Wallington was a physical therapist who had just returned to Oakwood this fall semester, after several years in the private practice of physical therapy. He enjoyed playing golf and basketball. In 1994, during his freshman year at Oakwood, he was the intramural flag football "Rookie of the Year."
One of the things he shared about returning to his alma mater was: "I take great pleasure in this opportunity to help guide students in their academics, career, and, ultimately, into the Kingdom of God."

"Although I've only known Charles for a short time, his enthusiasm, authenticity, spirituality, and his love for Oakwood and its mission will never be forgotten," said Dr. Leslie Pollard, president of Oakwood University.
  
Dr. Wallington leaves to mourn his wife, Jeneane Jackson-Wallington; and children: Charles III, Hannah, and Jillian.
  
Oakwood held a memorial service for Dr. Wallington earlier this afternoon in the C.T. Richards Chapel of the Moseley Complex. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 13, at 11:00 a.m., at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church, 291 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318.
Oakwood University Hosts Academic Convocation 
by Naomi Coggs, student writer

 Photo by Teymi Townsend
Oakwood University held its annual Academic Convocation, September 3. Administration, faculty, and staff marched down the aisle of Oakwood University Church lead by Provost R. Timothy McDonald, Ed.D. The church was filled with university students along with students from all grades of Oakwood Adventist Academy.
 
Following the welcome by President Leslie Pollard and USM President Kyle Smith, the congregation and platform participants including Dr. Leslie Pollard, Dr. Timothy McDonald, Dr. Howard Weems, Dr. Prudence Pollard, Gabriel Madrid, Kisha Norris, Dr. Tricia Penniecook, Sabrina Cotton, David Knight, and Oakwood University Church Senior Pastor Dr. Carlton Byrd, along with the congregation joined together to read the litany for Oakwood's new school year.
 
Together the platform participants and congregation prayerfully committed to keeping God first in every part of their lives. Part of the litany read: "From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, we will praise You. You are first in our worship, first in our prayer, and first in our praise. We will lift You up by putting You first every day of this new school year. Amen."
 
Students, administrators, faculty, and staff were encouraged to "Stand Up and Stand Out" in a powerful address from President Pollard. The world renowned Aeolians lifted the congregation's spirits as they sang "Lift Every Voice."
 
The 2015 University Convocation concluded with a special anointing service in which Huntsville area pastors prayed over students and employees of the University.
Student Activities Plan STAND OUT Events 

The Department of Student Activities has enthusiastically embraced the University's goal to be the "healthiest campus in America" by planning a variety of fun and physical activities during the school year. The activities will help the students understand laws of health outlined in the acronym STAND OUT (sunlight, temperance, adequate rest, drink water, outdoors, use physical activity, and trust in God). 

In August, the activity included water fun behind Peterson Hall with a water slide.
 
On September 16, a game of "bubble soccer" is planned. This is a cross between regular soccer and zorbing, a sport where an individual rolls down a hill or on a level surface in a giant plastic orb. The plastic orb worn in bubble soccer allow the players' legs to run freely.
 
October 21 will be "Duck Day," where everyone participating will take part in the duck walk throughout campus all day. Duck bill masks will be given out to bring fun to the day. 

On November 18, a hopscotch game will be played from Blake Center to Peterson Hall. Individuals will be encouraged to participate and complete the whole game board.
 
After the Christmas/New Year's Holiday, on January 20, 2016, students will roller skate in a roller-thon in memory of individuals who have lost the battle of cancer. Facts and data regarding cancer will be shared at the event. The event will also feature local cancer survivors. 

"Sports on Steroids" will take place on February 17, a sports-themed event with extreme inflatables that encourages participants to use physical activity while having fun.
 
Other activities include an inflatable obstacle course in March, and a unique version of a 5k run is planned for April.
Employee News

Edith C. Fraser, Ph.D., adjunct professor of Social Work, is scheduled to be inducted into the University of Alabama School of Social Work Hall of Fame on October 2. From 1985 to 2009, she served at Oakwood University as the director of field instruction and chair of the social work department. 
 
Fraser has been a Fulbright Scholar to Egypt, China, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Republic of Georgia. She has also visited both South Africa and Tanzania on mission trips. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Fraser is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and a licensed certified social worker. She has presented nationally and internationally on topics focusing on victims of crime, victims of domestic violence, child abuse and/or neglect, homeless populations, AIDS sufferers, women in poverty and minority populations.
Alumni Notes

Murice Damion Miller, '05, recently released his first book, HouseBander: How to Succeed at Providing for Your Family, which covers entrepreneurship, cooking lessons, apprenticeship programs, and the importance of being a spiritual guide in the home. He is described as having a real talent for creativity, innovation and accomplishment. Currently living in Moab, Utah, Miller is an intern with the Moab Small Business Development Center and with the Moab Sun News. He also works with KCYN 97.1 FM as an advertising account executive, where he helps small businesses gain exposure through advertising and a new program that is being developed titled, "MoabStartups." He is pictured here with his  wife Valencia and their two children.


Rachel Williams, Ph.D., '90, shares her story about being raised wearing long dresses, broad-brimmed bonnets and living without modern conveniences all while being separated from society in her book titled Born Yesterday. Her story ultimately testifies of God's faithfulness, His redemptive power, and restorative love. Dr. Williams is currently the chair of the Department of Communication at Andrews University. Prior to Andrews University, Rachel served as a communication professor and the director of the Adult & Continuing Education program at Oakwood University. 
Picture of the Week

The Department of English and Foreign Language is hosting a free, four-week workshop in Chinese culture and Mandarin Chinese language. The first session was held yesterday. Pictured here is Instructor Fang Li. Photo supplied by Dr. Carmiele Wilkerson. 

 

 

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 - 9/9/15
Oakwood Mourns the Loss of Charles Wallington, Jr.
Oakwood University Hosts Academic Convocation
Student Activities Plan Healthy Campus Events
Employee News
Alumni Notes
Picture of the Week
  
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Click here to see the Summer 2015 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 | Copy Editor: Michele Solomon | Student Writer: Naomi Coggs | Student Photographer: Teymi Townsend