Wildcat Dreams
is President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith's triweekly e-newsletter that highlights various campus activities and updates about new initiatives and programs. Share with friends and family and feel free to send comments to
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FVSU ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT &
On the Move
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John Chaffin, FVSU's featured alum for this e-newsletter, plays Warlock on Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots."
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This edition's Alum Spotlight features a Fort Valley State Wildcat actor who is currently starring as the character Warlock on The O Network's and Tyler Perry's "Haves and Haves Not."
John Chaffin, a 2005 graduate of FVSU, grew up in the Stone Mountain community in South Fulton County as the youngest child, and only son, in a family of five. The Wildcat alum says he had a great childhood being raised by a mother who runs a fitness boot camp named DCS Fitness and a father who is a self-employed contractor.
"I get my entrepreneurial spirit from my father," Chaffin said. "Even though times are tough, you know that you have it within you to succeed. That's why I've never been afraid of losing a job, because I have my father's spirit within me."
Read the entire story here.
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Tony-award winner Melba Moore to visit campus
 | | Melba Moore will speak to students on campus on Thursday, Oct. 2. |
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Melba Moore, an iconic Tony Award-winning actress and Grammy-nominated artist, will be speaking at Fort Valley State University's campus next month. The acclaimed Broadway actress and entertainment will speak at FVSU at 3 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2014.
Moore will share her journey with students and provide advice to encourage young people and help them succeed. The university will unveil the FVSU Wall of Wisdom poster commemorating Moore's achievements and significant quote. The poster will be erected along with others in Founders Hall in late October.
Read the entire story here.
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Ebola expert to speak during third GIC meeting
 | | Dr. Earl Long, parasitologist and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expert. |
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Fort Valley State University's upcoming Global Initiatives Council meeting next month will feature a lecture from an Ebola expert and consultant with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Earl Long, a parasitologist and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consultant, will deliver the Presidential Excellence Lecture on the "Dynamics of International Diseases: the Case of Ebola" at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 in the Pettigrew Center Auditorium. Read the entire story here. |
FVSU president to join U.S. Global Leadership Council
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Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith
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Fort Valley State University President Dr. Ivelaw Griffith has been invited to join the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition's Georgia Advisory Committee.
The USGLC is a broad-based network of 400 businesses, non-governmental organizations, and military, faith-based and civic leaders working to support American global engagement. "The invitation to serve on this Council reflects recognition by others that FVSU can make a valuable contribution to international affairs in general and the international education in particular," Griffith said. "Moreover, it provides an opportunity for me to position our university to benefit from the wealth of relationships and resources in the Global Leadership Council as we pursue our global agenda." Read the entire story here.
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Kena Torbert, family life specialist for Fort Valley State University's Cooperative Extension Program, was recently elected to serve as president of the National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences.
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Extension specialist elected president of a national coalition
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Kena Torbert, family life specialist for Fort Valley State University's Cooperative Extension Program, was recently elected to serve as president of the National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences.
According to the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, FCS provides a set of skills, research and knowledge used to help people make informed decisions about their well-being, relationships and resources.
Individuals with an FCS degree can pursue a career in a variety of fields such as food and nutrition science, financial planning, extension education and product development. Torbert, who is serving a two-year term ending in 2016, said her duties as president include encouraging young people to pursue careers in FCS and ensuring FCS professionals are recognized for their research and teaching achievements. Read the entire story here.
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Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences provides new Applied Statistics internships
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This fall, Fort Valley State University's Mathematics and Computer Science Department will be presenting new research, internship and mentoring opportunities for students and faculty pursuing minors in Applied Statistics. The new program was launched this fall thanks to funds from a $393,684 National Science Fund Grant.
Dr. Dawit Aberra, chair of the university's math and computer science department, and assistant professors of mathematics Dr. Haixan Wang and Dr. Shadreck Chitsonga, were co-principal investigators for the grant projects entitled, "Targeted Infusion Project: Developing a Minor Program in Applied Statistics within the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at FVSU." Read the entire story here.
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Dr. Anna Holloway, retired dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Extended Education, started a new scholarship to help Fort Valley State University students.
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Retired FVSU administrator launches scholarship fund
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A retired Fort Valley State University dean is commemorating her retirement with a special scholarship fund to help Wildcat students. Anna Holloway, who served as the dean for the College of Graduate Studies and Extended Education, launched the 46 Years Scholarship Fund before her retirement in June. Holloway worked at FVSU as a professor and an administrator for 46 years. "To celebrate my retirement, I'm asking my former students and others that I've mentored to donate $46 (or as much as you can afford) to my '46 Years Fund," Holloway said. Read the entire story here.
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Jasmine Hughes, a senior agricultural economics major from Irwinton, Georgia studied in Brazil while participating in the International Summer Experience in Agriculture and Related Sciences Program June 27-July 14.
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South American trip exposes student to international opportunities
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Jasmine Hughes, a senior at Fort Valley State University, traveled abroad this summer and experienced moments usually photographed in National Geographic Magazine.
Hughes, who is studying agricultural economics, participated in the International Summer Experience in Agricultural and Related Sciences Program June 27-July 14 in Brazil. The program is a project developed by Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tuskegee University to expose students in agriculture and related sciences to an international experience. Accompanying Hughes on the trip were four graduate students from Alabama A&M University. As the lone undergraduate on the trip, Hughes said she took pride in representing FVSU during an international excursion. Read the entire story here.
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Georgia's First Lady Sandra Deal greets FVSU President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith during REACH event.
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Byron Elementary REACH event promotes college for middle schoolers
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Fort Valley State University administrators recently traveled to Byron Middle School on September 23 to participate in a program focused on urging students to complete college by identifying and supporting low-income, academically promising middle school students.
The program, Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen, or REACH, was launched in 2012 at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It is a key component of Gov. Nathan Deal's Complete College Georgia, which focuses on college completion to improve the state's prosperity. The venture is the state's first public-private needs based scholarship program. Read the entire story here.
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Fort Valley State University's SGA during their swearing-in ceremony.
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Student leaders meet with President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith
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Student leaders meet with President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith
FVSU's Student Government Association and members of the Royal Court recently met with President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith for the first of a series of periodic meetings that will take place over the course of the academic term.
The goal of the meetings are to allow student leaders to exchange information and ideas with the president.
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Work for FVSU
Featured Job:
Marketing Designer and Web Content Coordinator
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Department: Marketing and Communications
The Marketing Designer and Web Content Coordinator's role is to design, develop, and manage content within two websites, the university (external facing) website and the internal (intranet) website, that adhere to FVSU's style, brand, and message guidelines. The coordinator will be required to work after normal working hours and on weekends, as necessary.
Responsibilities:
* Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and branding integrity on both sites
* Coordinate the planning, maintenance, and accessibility of website content in a way that ensures the consistency of the website's look and feel
* Maintain appearance and function of website through daily and weekly tasks, such as refreshing homepage content
* Provide support and guidelines for content contributors
* Trouble-shoot and develop new applications as needed for website
* Design and produce FVSU marketing materials as needed
* Research and implement web technology to enhance existing capabilities
* Secure sites against illegal intrusion and abuse
* Respond to internal/external customer concerns regarding websites
* Other duties as assigned by supervisor
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FVSU WHO KNEW
Who knew that FVSU has a Wildcat Coaches Show featuring Donald Pittman that can be viewed online each week?
This week's episode features game highlights from the FVSU vs. Clark Atlanta University football game.
Past Episodes:
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FVSU FALL SPORTS SEASON SCHEDULES
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FVSU offers nonstop
sports action this fall
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FVSU "In the News" Roundup
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Read other stories published about other members of the Fort Valley State University community from local and national news outlets.
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Volume 2 No. 3
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September 2014
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COMING SOON - FVSU's MOBILE APP
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FVSU nets $149,500 grant to prepare future biotech workers
A federal agency recently provided grant funding to help Fort Valley State University launch a new program designed to increase the number of skilled workers prepared for biotechnology careers.
Earlier this month, the United States Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Fort Valley State University's Biotechnology Program a $149,500 grant to implement a new program that will help with the recruitment and retention of high school students and college students in biotechnology-related fields. The grant period will end in August 31, 2016.
"Through funding from NIFA we intend to prepare global leaders for food and agricultural biotechnology industry," said Dr. Sarwan Dhir, a professor of plant biotechnology and director of FVSU's biotechnology Center. "We will accomplish this goal by providing the right tools, training and career guidance to the target audience including K-12 students and educators of African -American decent, a population that has been under exposed to these fields in the past. Read the entire story here.
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Faculty honored with 2nd Annual
Celebration of Scholarship Day
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This year's Excellence Award winners pose with Fort Valley State University president Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs Dr. Jessica Bailey and college deans.
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Fort Valley State University recently recognized the research and accomplishments of faculty members at the 2nd Annual Celebration of Scholarship Day on Sept. 25 at the C. W. Pettigrew Center.
Dr. Jessica Bailey, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, told the audience that research and scholarship were important for the role they played in creating new knowledge for society. "Scholarship is related to teaching," Bailey said. "Most people say that they want to become teachers, but their teaching is limited to their classrooms. Scholarship gives professors a much wider audience to teach the world."
Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, FVSU president, was the keynote speaker.
Read the entire story here.
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Maj. Gen. James Donald, keynote speaker, shares his experiences on September 11, 2001 Washington, D.C. on FVSU's campus recently.
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Ceremony commemorates 9/11 victims
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Maj. Gen. James Donald, chairman of the Board for Georgia's State Board of Pardons and Paroles, said when the military leadership initially learned of the 9/11 attack, they thought a missile had hit the Pentagon. The act resulted, he said, in the fastest military mobilization in the nation's history.Donald recently shared the revelation during a September 11th commemoration ceremony held at Fort Valley State University. The retired military official was the keynote speaker for the event held Sept. 11 at the quadrangle next to Founders Hall. It featured first responders from Peach County and Fort Valley State University, and individuals that survived the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks at the Pentagon.Read the entire story here.
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Homecoming 2014 to be global affair
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FVSU students at last year's Homecoming kickoff ceremony.
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Fort Valley State University's homecoming theme is taking a global approach for the 2014 year. The theme is "Wildcats World Wide: FVSU - Your Passport to Excitement."
This year's homecoming festivities will take place the week of Sunday, Oct. 19 - Saturday, Oct. 25 when the Wildcats take on the Paine College Lions at 2 p.m. in Wildcat Stadium. The annual parade will precede the game at 9 a.m.
"A part of the rationale that went into it, we wanted to demonstrate that we not only have students from all over the world, but alumni too, so it gives us a chance to do themes based on different locations," said Brian Byrd, one of the organizers of this year's homecoming activities. "We're creating a look and theme for different destinations. On Saturday, it is a Welcome Home. You've gone on your journey and have a home for homecoming, and the excitement that goes along with it.
Read the entire story here.
For upcoming events, visit FVSU's brand-new Homecoming site.
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NSF funds used to partner with the University of the Philippines- Los Banos
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Fort Valley State University director of Undergraduate Research Dr. Sarwan Dhir (far left) and senior biotechnology student Brandon Beaty (far right) take a quick photo with University of the Philippines - Los Banos students and researchers in the Laguna Province.
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Fort Valley State University will help meet a crucial need for globally-engaged scientists, researchers and engineers thanks to supplemental funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Biological Infra-structure.
The $7,500 in NSF funding will help the university create a U.S. - Philippines International collaborative Research Experience for Undergraduates in Biotechnology program. The campus will partner with the University of Philippines and the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines on research and education in the field of plant genomics and biotechnology, and provide training, networking and intellectual development opportunities for undergraduates and faculty scientists with international research backgrounds. Read the entire story here. |
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Extension personnel earn regional,
state and national awards
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(From left to right) Billy Brown, Fort Valley State University's energy educator for the Georgia Residential Energy Efficiency Network (GREEN) Program; Leslie Weaver, FVSU 4-H program coordinator; Stefan Price, FVSU Bulloch County extension agent; Phillip Petway, FVSU 4-H Twiggs County extension agent; Terralon Chaney, FVSU Twiggs County extension agent and Keishon Thomas (not pictured), housing specialist for FVSU's Cooperative Extension Program.
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Six Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension employees were recently honored for their work by the Georgia Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (GEAFCS). Keishon Thomas, Phillip Petway, Terralon Chaney, Stefan Price, Billy Brown and Leslie Weaver all received awards for their projects at the GEAFCS annual conference Aug. 8 in Jasper, Ga.
The GEAFCS is a professional association for family and consumer science professionals employed by the Georgia Cooperative Extension System. It is part of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Read the entire story here.
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Scholar and administrator present at Council for Opportunity in Education Conference
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Fort Valley State University student Jeremy Wimes(left) and Dr. Davida Curtis, director of FVSU's TRIO Student Support Services.
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A student and administrator from a FVSU program that assists first-generation students flew to the nation's capital for a conference that will spotlight first-generation college students and programs committed to helping them obtain a higher-education. Jeremy Wimes, a senior majoring plant science-biotechnology, and Dr. Davida Curtis, director of FVSU's TRIO Student Support Services program, attended the 33rd Annual Council for Opportunity in Education's 33rd Annual Conference, Sept. 7 - 10, in Washington, D.C.Read the entire story here.
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Faculty Senate holds elections
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FVSU President Ivelaw Griffith takes a photo with this year's new Faculty/Senate officers for the 2014-2015 academic term.
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Fort Valley State University's Faculty Senate discussed policy changes and elected new senators during its first meeting of the 2014-2015academic term.
During the meeting, university President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith charged the assembly with duties and responsibilities that it will need to undertake during the 2014-2015 academic term to help strengthen the position of FVSU.
Dr. Komanduri Murty, a professor of sociology, is the outgoing president of the Faculty Senate. Murty spoke about the role of the Faculty Senate on campus.
"The Faculty Senate is the delegate assembly through which the faculty normally exercises its responsibilities," Murty said. "It serves as a means of communication among the faculty. The chair of the faculty (President of FVSU, Dr. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith) is the official medium of communication between Read the entire story here. |
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College of Education alum receives 13WMAZ
"My Teacher is Tops" Award
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Fort Valley State University College of Education graduate Kris Smith teaches his fourth grade class at Hunt Elementary School. (Photo credit 13WMAZ).
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A Fort Valley State University alum was recently honored by a Macon, Georgia television station for being an amazing teacher.
Kris Smith, a 2014 graduate of FVSU's College of Education and a first-year teacher of fourth graders at Hunt Elementary School, was nominated by his students for 13WMAZ's "My Teacher is Tops" Award. Read the entire story here.
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Agriculture students earn full scholarships from a national program
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Karla Martin, (bottom far right) the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 1890 liaison, poses with FVSU 1890 National Scholars Program recipients. Top row (L-R) - Courtney Lester, Xavier Murphy Bottom Row (L-R) Sadiyyah Muhammad, Bernard Taylor, Karla Martin *Gre'Nisha Jones was not available for photograph during the time of publishing.
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The rising costs of college tuition and associated fees leave many students competing for scholarship funds to pay for higher education. Fortunately, five Fort Valley State University students have beaten the odds by earning a full scholarship and employment opportunity.
Unlike many of their peers, FVSU sophomores Gre'Nisha Jones, Courtney Lester, Sadiyyah Muhammad, Xavier Murphy and senior, Bernard Taylor can leave college debt free because of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) 1890 National Scholars Program. The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between the USDA and 1890 land-grant universities. The purpose of the scholarship is to increase minorities studying agriculture, food science and natural resource sciences. Read the entire story here.
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Fall Open House slated for prospective students
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 | | Fort Valley State University ambassadors greet prospective students during last year's Open House on campus. |
Prospective students and their families can get to know Fort Valley State University's academic offerings and campus life activities during the upcoming Fall Open House.The event is scheduled for October 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include sessions on financial aid and admissions as well as tours and information on campus clubs and student organizations.
"We want to expose more of the student services and beauty of our campus to help young people make an informed decision about choosing our university over other ones," said. Sha-Ron Jones, FVSU's director of recruitment. "Students will get a chance to interact with current students, faculty and staff. They'll also be able to tour our classrooms, laboratories, computer labs and residence halls."
Scheduled activities include:
9 a.m. - High school students and their families can enjoy refreshments in the Pettigrew Center lobby, while making one-on-one connections with coaches, faculty, students and staff members who will teach them about the best that Fort Valley State University has to offer. 10 a.m. - President Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith will give students an official welcome to campus. Following the presidential greetings, FVSU administrators and students will provide prospective students with a behind-the-scenes look at the best that the university has to offer.
11:30 a.m. - Two breakout sessions. Guides will lead high school students with tours of FVSU's lovely campus. Or, students may learn how to submit applications for admission and financial aid during an admissions/financial aid session.
The campus life session will provide aspiring Wildcats with information about campus clubs and student organizations that will help them to acclimate to the Wildcat life. Later, young people interested in majoring in music or band, can complete auditions for departmental acceptance during the Music Interest Session and Auditions. Faculty members will be on hand to discuss academic opportunities available at FVSU.
Read the entire story here.
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Homecoming 2014
Schedule of Activities
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Sunday, October 19, 20146 p.m.
Gospel Concert
C. W. Pettigrew Center
Monday, October 20, 201412 p.m.
Kick-Off
HPE Complex
7 p.m.
Comedy Showcase
Pettigrew Center
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 20141 p.m.
SGA Student Appreciation Day
Lyons Students Center
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Party in Paris/Late Night Breakfast
Wednesday, October 22, 201410 a.m.
Third Meeting of Global Initiatives Council
Pettigrew Center
12:30 p.m.
Presidential Excellence Lecture
"Ebola as a Dynamic International Disease"
6 p.m.
First Lady Appreciation Reception
C. W. Pettigrew Center
Invitation Only
7 p.m.
FVSU Night at Rigby's Entertainment Complex
Warner Robins, Ga.
*Bus signup in Campus Life, Student Amenities Center - Free with FVSU ID
Thursday, October 23, 201412 p.m.
Connie O. Smith Queen's Brunch
Student Amenities Center
Invitation-Only
7 p.m.
Coronation
Health and Physical Education Complex
Friday, October 24, 2014
8:30 a.m.
FVSU NAA Inc. Golf Tournament
Location: The Landings Golf Club - Warner Robins, Ga.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
FVSU Class Registration/Meet and Greet
C. W. Pettigrew Center, 110
12 p.m.
Gladyce C. Sampson Memorial Scholarship Luncheon
C. W. Pettigrew Center, 103-104
FVSU NAA, Inc. Fish Fry
C. W. Pettigrew Center, Lawn
2 p.m.
FVSU NAA Inc. Business Meeting
C. W. Pettigrew Center, Auditorium
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
FVSU Class of 1969 Meeting
C. W. Pettigrew Center, 107
6 p.m.
FVSU NAA, Inc. Lifetime Membership Reception
Student Amenities Center
7 p.m.
FVSU NAA Inc. Hunt Bond Troup Gala
Student Amenities Building
FVSU Class of 1974 Reunion Celebration
Pettigrew Center 110
9 p.m.
FVSU NAA, Inc. Hospitality
Perry Arts Center
Perry, Ga.
9 p.m.
FVSU NAA, Inc. Warner Robins Chapter "Old School Jam"
VFW Corder Road
Warner Robins, Ga.
9 p.m. - until
FVSUNAA, Inc. Carolinas Alumni Chapter "Dance"
American Legion Post 172
Warner Robins, Ga.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
7:30 a.m.
43rd Annual FVSU Agricultural Alumni Breakfast
Pettigrew Center, 103 - 104
9 a.m.
Homecoming Parade
Downtown Fort Valley
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
FVSU Class of 1964 Brunch
Georgia Room
11 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
FVSU Class of 1974 Meet and Greet
Pettigrew Center, 110
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
FVSU Class of 1965 Class Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 106
FVSU Class of 1970 Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 104
FVSU Class of 1975 Class Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 107
FVSU Class of 1984 Class Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 103
FVSU Class of 1985 Class Planning Meeting
Pettigrew Center, 102
2 p.m.
Homecoming Game
FVSU Wildcats vs. Paine College Lions
6 p.m.- 9p.m.
FVSU NAA, Inc. Hospitality
Miller-Murphy Howard Building
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agri-center, Perry, Ga.
8p.m.
Stepshow (Stompfest 2014)
Health and Physical Education Complex
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