U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Speaks at Oakwood

by Naomi Coggs, student writer

Because of a collaborative effort between Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Carlton Byrd, senior pastor of the Oakwood University Church; and President Leslie Pollard, a group of almost 300 students and employees had the opportunity to hear Jay Williams, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, speak on February 22.

Students of all majors and backgrounds flowed into the McKee Business and Technology auditorium - filling the room to capacity. Williams shared his journey in public service, which began with his election in 2005 as the youngest and first African-American mayor in the history of Youngstown, Ohio. Although he is not a graduate of an HBCU, he raved about HBCU excellence. Williams encouraged students to not just make a dollar, but to make a difference in the black community, saying, that "you cannot be successful without being significant."

As the Administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA), Williams is charged with leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the global economy.

After Williams answered a few questions, President Pollard polled the audience about their interest in public service. Dozens of students rose to their feet - creating a memorable moment. Dr. Dedrick Blue, dean of the School of Religion, offered the closing prayer asking for blessings upon Williams and his service.

Communication Department Hosts First Dykes-Rivers Lecture Series

by Naomi Coggs, student writer

On February 23, the Communication Department hosted the first Dykes-Rivers Lecture Series at the McKee Business and Technology Complex. The enriching series is named in honor of former professors James Dykes and Theodore "Ted" Rivers, who laid the foundation for the Communication Department as it exists today.

The lecture series was birthed from a conversation between Rennae Elliot, Ph.D., chair of the Communication Department, and David Person, '85, a Communication Department graduate, who agreed that students need more than theoretical knowledge to compete in the field, while also acknowledging the plethora of successful alumni in the communication field.

During last night's lecture, guest speaker Howard I. Bullard, Jr., encouraged students by sharing his personal life journey. Currently, Bullard is the Owner/Senior Art Director of a graphic design and visual communication studio, a business owner and entreprenuer. Bullard was interviewed by Person.

The department's goal is that the Dykes-River Lecture Series will take place every semester, allowing students to learn the keys to success from those who have already made achievements in their fields.

Chemistry Department Participates in Science Day 2016

On February 23, students from local elementary, middle, and high schools visited Oakwood University's Chemistry Department for a day of scientific discovery during the University's Science Day 2016. Participants had the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiments that brought textbook learning to life. Science Day is open to elementary, middle and high school students, including students who are home-schooled.

This free event is sponsored by the Alabama Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Program (ALSAMP). The organization was established to increase the quality and quantity of underrepresented minority students completing baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This diverse alliance includes Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), public and private institutions, and research and teaching institutions to boost a new era of cooperation as the alliance seeks to increase the achievement bar for all ALSAMP students.

More than 300 students participated yesterday, including a group of 25 from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and over 100 students from Huntsville's Union Chapel Christian Academy.

Oakwood's Literary Guild Celebrating 30 Years

Organized in 1986, the Oakwood University Literary Guild/ACW 27 is designed for anyone who enjoys reading and writing, or who desires to develop an appreciation for these activities.

Formerly under the Department of English and Foreign Language, the Guild now operates under the auspices of Eva B. Dykes Library, with the mission: "Write the Vision...Make it Plain."

Working toward a global push, this club opens its doors to any person of any race who wishes to participate. The club meets twice per month to read and review poetry, review books, learn new writing tips, visit places of literary and historical value, publish quarterly newsletters and do anything that enhances faith and learning through reading and writing.

The Guild's constitution designates that all activities produce literary creations and focus on the appreciation of literature, and the club provides additional literary assistance for students through extra-curricular activities. Much of this is done through interest-based activities that enhance their literary skills with critical reading, creative writing and fun activities that strengthen spiritual commitments through prayer.

This club is the 27th Chapter of American Christian Writers, a national organization of 86 chapters, and is the first and only ACW chapter in the state of Alabama.

Although the club began with an initial 12 interested students of reluctant readers with poor writing skills, as well as other groups of hard-working people who also soon developed better writing skills, the Guild has produced several publications, including the Joy Notes series, Therapy of the Brush, and Good Morning, God. Club members have guided more than 300 college students into the literary arena. Their current project is a book for children in Kenya, which is being translated into their national language, Swahili.

The club has recently added Affiliates, academies who want to show students how to start and maintain Literary Clubs for grades 9-12. A consortium of six international groups has also applied to the University chapter for affiliate chapter membership.

The Guild is planning its fourth annual Symposium and dedication of its Resource Center in the Eva B. Dykes Library during Alumni Homecoming Weekend. During the event, 21 past presidents of the Literary Guild will be honored.

Ambassadors Headed to USCAA Tournament

The Oakwood University Ambassadors Men's Basketball team has earned the opportunity to participate in the opening round of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Tournament at Penn State University, Everly Campus, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on March 1-5.

The Ambassadors, who are ranked fifth in the tournament bracket, are scheduled to play Florida National, who is ranked fourth, on Wednesday, March 2, in the main arena of Penn State Everly. This will be the Ambassadors' first appearance in the tournament since capturing their second national title in 2012.

The Ambassadors capped off their season in style this past Saturday night defeating a lively Fisk University team. During the second half of this season, of approximately 15 games, the team has lost only one game.

The Ambassadors will leave Huntsville on February 29, for an early arrival in Uniontown, for registration, and participation in a 3-skills competition for the tournament.

Please continue to support our Ambassadors and encourage them on this amazing journey, and keep them in your prayers as they travel and participate.

Oakwoodites to Spend Spring Break "On the Road"

President Leslie N. Pollard, several administrators, faculty and staff, the Aeolians, and the Voices of Triumph will be traveling to, and participating in ministry at, several locations on the East and West Coasts during Spring Break:

February 27 - 11:00 a.m.

Divine Worship Service

Linden Seventh-day Adventist Church

228-20 137th Avenue | Springfield Gardens, New York 11413

Speaker: President Leslie N. Pollard

Music: Aeolians of Oakwood University

February 27 - 7:30 p.m.

Aeolians in Concert

York College of Performing Arts Center

94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, New York 11451

February 28 - 11:30 a.m.

Abbysinian Baptist Church

Harlem, New York

The Aeolians will share in the worship experience with this historic congregation.

March 2 - 7:30 p.m.

Aeolians in Concert

West Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 4 - 7:30 p.m.

Aeolians in Concert

Community Praise Seventh-day Adventist Church

Alexandria, Virginia

March 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church

Takoma Park, Maryland

Aeolians in concert with chamber orchestra

March 6 - 12:00 p.m.

1st Baptist Church of Glenarden

Upper Marlboro, Maryland

The Aeolians will share in the worship experience with this congregation.

February 26 - 7:00 p.m.

16th Street Seventh-day Adventist Church

1601 W. 16th Street - San Bernardino, California

Voices of Triumph will share in the worship experience with this congregation.

February 27 - 11:00 a.m.

31st Street Seventh-day Adventist Church

414 S. 31st Street - San Diego

Voices of Triumph will share in the worship experience with this congregation.

February 27 - 5:00 p.m.

San Diego Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church

6065 Skyline Drive - San Diego

Voices of Triumph will share in the worship experience with this congregation.

During the week, the choir and the staff accompanying them (Ryan Smith, Lavina Seawright and John Hill) will engage in mission projects and/or recruitment activities, at the Riverside City Mission, Washington High School, Union Rescue Mission, Los Angeles Adventist Academy, nursing homes and Boys & Girls Clubs.

March 5 - 11:00 a.m.

Kansas Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church

4491 Kansas Avenue - Riverside, California 92507

March 5 - 5:00 p.m.

Concert at Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church

5320 Victoria Avenue - Riverside, California 92506

Following the concert, a reception will be held where attendees can hear about the latest developments about Oakwood, enjoy lively fellowship, get a bite to eat, and learn how to get involved and support Oakwood University.

Also during Spring Break, the 4Him National Mission Team will be going to Jacksonville, Florida, to participate in several community service opportunities including a Habitat for Humanity building project, volunteering at a disabled children's school, feeding the homeless at a women's and children shelter, mentoring foster children, working with children at an elementary school, and beach clean-up.

Tickets Available for the 38th Annual UNCF Gala

Tickets are now available for the 38th Annual UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Gala on Thursday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Hall of Huntsville's Von Braun Center. This elegant fundraising occasion is an annual event that hundreds of Oakwood alumni look forward to each year.

Proceeds from the Gala support the five UNCF member institutions in Alabama (Miles College, Oakwood University, Stillman College, Talladega College and Tuskegee University) and the thousands of students they serve. The outcome of our corporate, academic and community partnerships is enhanced resources to prepare young people with the education and professional skills required to compete in today's global marketplace. This is especially critical as Huntsville continues to grow and prosper.

The UNCF is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. The 37-member organization provides operating funds for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), scholarships and internships for students at approximately 900 institutions, and faculty and administrative professional training. For more than 70 years, UNCF has raised more than $3.6 billion to help more than 400,000 students attend, and graduate from, college.

For more information about the Gala, sponsorship or to purchase tickets, visit www.ougiving.com, or contact (256) 726-7201, or email uncf@oakwood.edu.

Employee News

Karen Smith, '85, sponsor of the Oakwood's Pre-Alumni Council and administrative assistant in the Division of Advancement and Development, was voted as the National Sponsor of the Year during the UNCF National Alumni and Pre-Alumni Leadership Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 17-20. While at the Conference, students participated in seminars and workshops on graduate school and internship opportunities, networking, and the art of fundraising. Oakwood University's Pre-Alumni Council raised more than $8,000 for the United Negro College Fund within five months, to help make a college education more accessible to all minority students. On Sabbath, Dr. Leslie Pollard and the group attended services at the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Orleans, Dr. Pollard's home church. Pictured with Mrs. Smith (l-r) are Sandrene Foster, Jameela Hall, Chantel McHayle, Brooke Anderson, Shatika Lee, Kayla Bartley, Mariah Smith, Madison Henry and Lorian Dean. Also in the group, although not pictured, were students Kaylah Joseph, Elijah Leftridge and April Ravenall, and Oakwood staff members Kisha Norris, Lewis Jones, and Raymond King.

During Senior Night on February 20, Ambassadors Coach Tony Oliver, '03, was acknowledged by the National Association of Black Coaches, as the 1st African-American Coach to win a National Championship in the State of Alabama, for his achievement with the Men's Ambassadors in 2008. Currently Oliver coaches the Lady Ambassadors, with whom he is pictured.

Alumni Notes

Ashley Booker Aguy, '12, MSW, former LifeCore Student Team leader at Oakwood, works in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area with youth and young adults who are at risk for educational, emotional and psychological hardship. She was recently interviewed on Minnesota Public Television with UNCF President, Michael Lomax (interview starts at 30:52). In December 2015, Ashley married her college sweetheart and former leader of LifeCore Student Research Team, Jeffrey Aguy.

Talitha Hampton-Mayo, '03, is the youngest elected President of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) in its 42-year history. NOBCChE is dedicated to building an eminent cadre of people of color in science and technology. Hampton-Mayo is also the founder and managing partner of CareerSTEM, LLC, a speciality firm dedicated to exposing young people to careers in STEM and helping students and early career professionals ignite their passions, develop competitive personal brands, and achieve business objectives for success in their STEM careers.

Frank Mullins, Ph.D., '97, assistant professor of Management at North Carolina A&T State University, was recently selected as an inaugural Academic Affairs Fellow for the University of North Carolina (UNC) system which includes all 16 of North Carolina's public universities. This fellowship program identifies UNC system faculty members with potential for effective leadership in higher education administration and engages them on academic affairs issues in the UNC General Administration office and constituent institutions while providing mentorship. Dr. Mullins is one of three selected and the only junior faculty member.

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

Picture of the Week

On February 15, Jodian McLeod, senior Social Work major currently completing an internship at Huntsville's Downtown Rescue Mission, and three other students volunteered to provide haircuts to children who live at the Mission. Pictured in action (l-r) are Lorian Dean, Austin Hannah and Terry "Gabe" Williams, who brought their own hair-cutting equipment, and provided the service. "It was an amazing experience for me, the guys, the moms and kids at the Downtown Rescue Mission," said McLeod. (Photo: Jodian McLeod)

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.