Oakwood Celebrates Black History Month with Educational Activities

Oakwood University has planned a wide range of activities for the observance of Black History Month under the theme "Let Freedom..." "Our desire is that these activities will educate others about the African American experience throughout history," said George Johnson Jr., director of Integrated Marketing & Public Relations, and chair of the Black History Programming Committee.

Oakwood University, Oakwood University Church, Oakwood's NAACP Chapter, the United Student Movement, and WJOU 90.1 FM collaborated to bring forth a plethora of events ranging from a voter registration drive, an oratorical competition, various panel discussions, the biannual Festival of Spirituals, music appreciation events, and special guest speakers, just to name a few. Click here for a complete schedule of activities.

Professors Speak to High School Students About

Future Careers

by Naomi Coggs, student writer

On January 26, three Oakwood University professors spoke to students of five local high schools in Huntsville. In partnership with the North Alabama Center for Education Excellence (NACEE), the Oakwood professors covered topics concerning health and science careers for the students who participate in NACEE's Upward Bound Math and Science Program (UB M/S).

Founded in 1974, NACEE aims to promote an environment of academic excellence, trust, respect, open communication, responsibility, and civic mindedness to create a foundation for participant's futures. Oakwood University partners with NACEE to support several initiatives. "We have an exceptional relationship with Oakwood," explained Walter Cooper, Sr., program coordinator for NACEE's UB M/S Program. During the school year, Cooper also brings high school students to Oakwood's campus for classroom observation in the math and science disciplines.

During the presentation Fiona Lewis, Dr.P.H, M.S., RD, director of the Didactic Program; Greg Peters, MPT, contract teacher; and Eunice Muriu, MSN, RD, assistant professor; explained their respective fields including nutrition and dietetics, physical therapy, and nursing. Muriu encouraged students to remain optimistic as they prepare to take the next step in life saying, "It's a journey." Each speaker relayed their personal story to the 15 students in attendance, which created a comfortable environment for students to share their aspirations.

The interaction with the Oakwood professors proved to be extremely beneficial for the students. "I feel like these opportunities expand my college preparedness and it makes me want to shoot for college," shared Joy Gay, a Columbia High School student.

Biomedical Science Major Participates in Black College Quiz Show

This past weekend, Olivia Campbell, a junior biomedical science major, participated in the recording of an upcoming production of the Black College Quiz Show in Atlanta, Georgia. Each year, the series features HBCU College students from around the country showcasing their knowledge and skill of African-American history. The series has featured more than 50 HBCUs since its inception and awarded more than $500,000 dollars in scholarships. "Although we cannot tell you how Olivia did on the recording of the show, I can say that I am proud of how she represented Oakwood University," said Rennae Elliott, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Communication and sponsor. Check your local television listings (ASPIRE TV, BOUNCE TV and UP TV) to see when the Black College Quiz Show will air in your city.

Department of Social Work Reaches out to Alumni

The Social Work Pre-Alumni Club is a new addition to the Department of Social Work at Oakwood University. Birthed in the fall of 2015, this club is dedicated to connecting the Social Work Department with its graduates who are now employed in social work professions. Club members collaborate with members collaborate with social work alumni to develop a large networking community for social work graduates, and have begun to arrange opportunities for alumni to present as guest speakers on campus.

The club recently spent the afternoon of January 17 in a phone-a-thon session, reaching out to more than 100 social work alumni. Departmental updates were given on activities in the Social Work Department. Alumni were also reminded of the upcoming Social Work Alumni Luncheon scheduled for March 27.

Aeolians Participate in MLK Tribute

On January 17, the Aeolians participated in the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's annual musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at the Alys Stephens Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Under the direction of Jason Max Ferdinand, DMA, the choir was described as "focused, dynamic and disciplined." Click here to read Michael Huebner's review in ArtsBHAM.com.

Oakwood to Host HCASC National Qualifying Tournament

Oakwood University is one of seven sites for the Honda Campus All Star Challenge's National Qualifying Tournaments that will be held February 5-6.

In Oakwood's 25-year history with HCASC, this is the second time a qualifying tournament has been held on Oakwood's campus. Coordinator Rennae Elliott, Ph.D., and the team of volunteers are preparing to greet competitors from Alabama A&M University, Concordia College, Harris-Stowe State University, Miles College, Philander Smith University, Stillman College, Talladega College, and Tougaloo College. Teams are qualifying for participation in the national Honda Campus All Star Challenge, scheduled for April 2-6 in Torrance, California.

Alumni Notes

Pastor John Coaxum, '99, recently published a book entitled When God Calls: 40 Things You Need To Know Before You Answer, and is the host of a program on 3ABN's Dare to Dream Network. The program, called ""Cuttin' Loose," is a barbershop talk show for Black men centering on relevant and modern issues. Coaxum currently pastors in Central Virginia in the Allegheny West Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Carla Cargill Sandy, M.D., '97, is president of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, and was recently voted as a top doctor in the greater Washington, DC, area by her peers. A specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Sandy is affiliated with the Holy Cross Hospital, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Sibley Memorial, and Virginia Hospital Center-Arlington.

Would you like to share Alumni news with us? Please send to pr@oakwood.edu.

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.