The Voorhees Voice (Spring/Summer 2011)

Changing Minds. Changing Lives.

New SGA President and officers installed and ready for change

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND

FRIENDS OF VOORHEES COLLEGE

SPRING/SUMMER 2011

New Student Govern-

ment Association Presi-

dent Emmanuel Nwoko-

cha and other officers

are installed and ready

to get to action for the

betterment of the stu-

dent body.

6

Founder‟s Week events are held to commemorate

the 114th founding of Voorhees College.

20

22 The Voorhees College Women‟s Basketball

Team wins the Association of Independent

Institutions Championship.

The Voorhees Voice 1

6 SGA officers ready for change

New SGA officers are installed and ready for change

on campus

11 Summer internships

Voorhees students intern at various locations during

the summer

20 Founder’s Week Events

Voorhees celebrates its 114th founding with various

events during the week

22 A.I.I. Championship

Lady Tigers clinch the Association of Independent

Institutions Championship

26 Voorhees accomplishments

New appointments are made at Voorhees

30 Alumni achievements

Alumni have recent achievements in various career

fields

The Voorhees Voice Spring/Summer 2011

www.voorhees.edu

President Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr., Ed.D. „62

Editor

Teesa J. Brunson Communications Director

Editorial Committee

Jayme Bradford Priscilla Ferrette

Tifanie Lewis Sandra Rouse, Ph.D.

Curtiss Sumner

Contributors Marie S. Harrison, Advancement Services Director Dorothy Patterson, „73, Alumni Relations Director

Rolondo Davis, SCSU Photography Cecil Williams Photography, LLC

Justin Curry, „11

Kiera Hardy, „12 Tysha Hicks, „12

Tashianna Pointer, „12 Shaquetta Summers, „12

Communications Office

Phone: 803-780-1194 Fax: 803-780-1590

E-mail: [email protected]

The Voorhees Voice is published for alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of Voorhees

College. All items may be reproduced with credit to The Voorhees Voice. Comments or suggestions

should be addressed to:

Teesa J. Brunson Communications Director

P.O. Box 678 Denmark, SC 29042

(803) 780-1194 [email protected]

Voice of Voorhees: Message of Change

Dear Tigers: Welcome to our Spring/Summer 2011 edi-tion of The Voorhees Voice. We are excited about this past academic year. We have ex-perienced much growth and new develop-ments on campus. As we continue on the pathway toward success, our top priority is to articulate our new learning outcomes for our students, which will help us measure the skills and abilities our students should demonstrate once they receive a degree

from Voorhees College. We must also improve and enhance our pro-grams and policies based on assessment data. Additionally, the institu-tion will continually implement new systems and procedures to increase our accountability and transparency. Keeping with our theme of “Changing Minds, Changing Lives,” our academic programs continue to positively impact the lives of many stu-dents. During the past academic year, we created a new writing center on campus, which will help ensure that our students are more proficient in writing. We have increased the percentage of faculty members with terminal degrees. Our Fall 2010 enrollment was the largest enrollment the institution has had in many years with approximately 750 students. Lastly, Voorhees is on its way to completing our SACS recertification. Our SACS Leadership Team has submitted our compliance certification (self-study) and is preparing to submit our Quality Enhancement Plan. Some of the achievements that took place during the academic year with our students and distinguished alumni are below.

Our Lady Tigers won the Association of Independent Institutions Basketball Regional Championship.

Dr. Pamela M. Wilson, a 1994 alumna, made history by becoming the first woman to serve as president of Allen University. Dr.

Wilson was also our Founder‟s Convocation speaker.

Dr. Lenny F. Springs II, a 1968 alumnus appointed by President Barack Obama‟s administration to serve in the U.S. Department of Education, was our 2011 Commencement Convocation speaker.

With the growth we are having at Voorhees, it is imperative for you to continue your contributions to the institution. We are in need of addi-tional support from our alumni and friends. Due to the poor global economy and harsh economic times we are living, the cost of a college education is increasing. Our students are in need of your help. We are asking that you contribute even more. Thank you again for your support of Voorhees College. We are taking huge strides toward becoming a premier liberal arts institution. I hope that you enjoy this issue of The Voorhees Voice! With Tiger Pride,

Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr., Ed.D. „62

2 The Voorhees Voice

The Class of 2011 receives words of wisdom from education official

T he 108 graduates from the Class of 2011 received words of inspiration from a current President Obama Admin-

istration appointee during Commence-ment Convocation. Dr. Lenny F. Springs II, who is a Fed-eral Student Aid Senior Advisor in the U.S. Department of Education, delivered the 2011 commencement address. Springs joined President Barack Obama‟s administration in November 2009. He works with the Education De-partment and Financial Student Aid (FSA) leadership to provide support to traditionally under-resourced colleges and universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), members of the Hispanic Asso-ciation of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and other organizations devot-ed to helping schools transition success-fully to the Direct Loan Program. He earned a bachelor‟s degree in busi-ness administration from Voorhees Col-lege and was later awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Voorhees.

-Continued on next page

Dr. Lenny F. Springs II addresses the graduating class during the 114th Com-

mencement Convocation.

Above (left to right): Dr. Lenny F. Springs II, Britney Smith, Miss Voorhees Col-

lege 2011-2012, Emmanuel Nwokocha, SGA President 2011-2012, and Presi-

dent Sellers

Below: Board members, administrators, faculty and staff participate in processional for Commencement Convocation.


Dr. Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr. presents Dr. Prezell R. Robinson with honorary

degree in humane letters

Above: Reverend Canon Nelson Pinder accepts honorary degree in humane

letters from Dr. Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr.

Below: Dr. Donald L. Fowler, former board chairman, receives citation for his

dedication and service as chairman of the Board of Trustees


Above: Roosevelt Bryant, chief marshal

Below: President Sellers with recent graduate Erozi Regina Da Silva

Below: President Sellers with Tyquan Parker

Top graduates of senior class recognized

D etermination, persistence and resilience are the values that the first aca-demic honor graduate of

Voorhees College lived and practiced in her efforts to successfully receive a bachelor‟s degree. Yalanda Robinson, a native of York, S.C., not only achieved her goal of graduating from college, but she holds the title of first academic honor for the Class of 2011. “I am so proud to say that I am a Voorhees graduate,” Robinson said. “Voorhees has facilitated so much growth and maturity in my life, and I will forever be grateful for my alma mater.” Robinson, who majored in social work, plans to enroll at Winthrop University in the fall to pursue a master‟s degree in social work. “I would like to be in the position to help young children cope with so-cial and psychological problems that may arise at school, at home or at work,” Robinson said. While at Voorhees, Robinson was a member of various organizations in-cluding the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Culture Club, Honors College, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and the Student Support Services Program. Additionally, she was named Who‟s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Kemar Hunter, who is an interna-tional student and native of Port-land, Jamaica, has been named the

second academic honor graduate for the senior class. Additionally, Hunter was the 2010-2011 Student Government Associa-tion President. During the 2010-2011 academic year, Hunter won an oratorical competition at the 2010 South Carolina District Conference for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Hunter‟s topic was, “A Call to Ac-tion: Alpha‟s Role in Reshaping the National Political Landscape.” “Serving as the SGA president has given me humility and a higher level of respect for Voorhees,” Hunter said. “Voorhees has equipped me with all the necessary tools I need to be successful, and it has made me a more diverse thinker. I have also been exposed to many new environ-ments and leadership roles.” Hunter plans to pursue a doctorate degree in cancer biology after gradu-ating from Voorhees. Some of the institutions he has applied to for graduate school include Emory Uni-versity, Vanderbilt University and Purdue University. Some of the organizations Hunter became a member of while at Voor-hees include the White Rose Social Club, Honors College, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Additionally, Hunter was the co-founder of the Voorhees College Ernest Everett Just Science Club.

Mark Your Calendar

Opening Convocation: September 8 Miss Voorhees College Coronation: September 23 Technology Week Activities: October 25-27 Homecoming Week: November 6-12 Choir Christmas Concert: December 4

Yalanda Robinson First Academic Honor

Kemar Hunter Second Academic Honor

For additional information on these

activities, contact Willie Jefferson,

special events coordinator, at (803)

780-1049 or [email protected].


New SGA President and officers installed and ready for change

T he 2011-2012 Student Gov-ernment Association Presi-dent is Emmanuel Okafor Nwokocha. A 21-year-old

native of Nigeria, he enrolled into Voor-hees College in the spring of 2009 as a dean‟s scholar, and he is currently a senior majoring in biology with a mi-nor in environmen-tal science. With his passion for a sustainable and eco-friendly environment, he was se-lected by the U.S. Environmental Pro-tection Agency (EPA) to serve as the only eco-Ambassador from the state of South Carolina in the EPA On-Campus Program. His goal is to shed

more light on the importance of sus-tainability on the college campus. “As an eco-Ambassador for the EPA On-Campus Program, one of my top

priorities will be to advise Voorhees on options to pur-chase green power, such as solar or wind energy, to reduce the envi-ronmental impacts associated with conventional elec-

tricity,” Nwokocha said. Nwokocha was also recently named an award recipient for the Fourth An-nual Undergraduate Fellowship for the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Tran-sition.

Left to right (front row): Emmanuel Nwokocha, presi-dent, Thomas Sumter, vice president, Jasmine Bethune, secretary, Hollie Garnett, business manager Left to right (back row): Britney Smith, Miss Voor-hees College, and Dayvon Goddard, first-ever Mr. Voorhees College

“This is our time to make a change, and we must embrace and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity we have.”

-Emmanuel Nwokocha


He was one of only five students selected from a di-verse pool of fellowship applicants by a special com-mittee composed of staff from the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. He was the only student from a HBCU selected as a recipient. His commitment to community service and humani-tarian activities inspired him to charter the Rotaract Club of Voorhees College, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Georgetown. The organization‟s im-pact has been felt by the community of Denmark and has been recognized by the mayor of Denmark. Nwokocha is a member of various other organiza-tions including the Rotaract Club of Voorhees Col-lege, SGA Senate, Honors College, Ernest Everett Just Science Club, White Rose Social Club, Alpha Kappa Mu Honors Society and Alpha Phi Alpha Fra-ternity, Inc. “As the SGA president, my major goal is to increase the communication between the students and the SGA so the organization can effectively represent its con-stituents to the fullest, while allowing the students to get involved in the whole process of progress on cam-pus,” said Nwokocha. After a receiving a bachelor‟s degree in biology from Voorhees, he wants to attend a graduate school for an environmental management degree. “These two degrees will equip me with the neces-sary tools to succeed in my career path,” he said. “They will also give me the knowledge needed in my efforts to reduce the effects of environmental pollu-tion.” The additional 2011-2012 Student Government As-sociation officers installed included Thomas Sumter as vice president. Sumter is a native of Bishopville, S.C. and a junior majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. Throughout his tenure here at Voorhees, he has achieved much. During the summer of 2010, he be-came the first Voorhees student to be accepted into the Summer Medical Dental Education Program (SMDEP), the top program of its kind, held at the University of Virginia Medical School. “After participating in SMDEP, I was inspired to establish an organization on our campus for students who aspire to enter into the medical field,” Sumter said. The name of Sumter‟s organization is Emerging Healthcare Leaders. Jasmine Bethune, a native of Pinewood, S.C., has been elected to serve as secretary. Bethune is a junior majoring in business administration.

President Sellers and Emmanuel Nwokocha, who is an eco-Ambassador for the EPA On-Campus program

Above: Officers are installed during chapel service.

Below: 2011-2012 SGA President Emmanuel Nwokocha


Bethune‟s educational goals are to complete her un-dergraduate degree in business administration and attend Florida International University to obtain a Master of Science degree in business administration. Her ultimate goal is to become an executive director of Wells Fargo & Company. Bethune is confident that she will be able to excel after she graduates from Voorhees. “I know that Voorhees will give me the tools that are necessary to become successful in my future endeavors,” Bethune said. The business manager for the 2011-2012 academic year is Hollie Garnett, a native of Augusta, Ga. ma-joring in biology and minoring in chemistry. Some of Garnett‟s extracurricular activities include the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Culture Club, Miss NAACP (2010-2011), Ernest Everett Just Science Club, Voorhees College Cheerleading Squad, Rota-ract Club and Student Support Services Program. Garnett has set high hopes for her future as a leader on campus. “I believe that to be an effective leader, one must possess not only strong character but a vi-sion for the future,” Garnett said. “When this vision is combined with a proactive leader, one can be sure that things will get done.” The new officers are excited about the upcoming academic year and ready to bring about change with-in the student body. “We would like for students on campus to become more involved in campus activities and more knowl-edgeable on the policies and procedures for imple-menting new ideas,” SGA President Nwokocha said. “This is our time to make a change, and we must embrace and take advantage of this wonderful oppor-tunity we have.”

Above: Student Government Association officers are ready for

business

Below: SGA President Emmanuel Nwokocha being

installed as president during chapel service

Newly elected Student Government Association officers continue to

light a flame symbolizing the unity they will develop as leaders


Mr. and Miss Voorhees College 2011-2012 make history

in different ways

B ritney Smith is the first-ever queen to hail from the historic town of Talbotton, Ga., which is the hometown of

Voorhees‟ founder Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Menafee. Smith, who is majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry, said she is proud to be given the chance to represent her institution. “I am ecstatic and blessed to uphold the title as Miss Voorhees College,” said Smith, who is 20 years old. “I am humbled to be given this opportunity to represent the school that has given me the knowledge and tools I need in or-der to succeed in life.”

Smith‟s platform is to increase the knowledge of AIDS in the black community. She plans to in-

crease more awareness about this phenomenon on the campus. “AIDS is increasingly becoming an epidemic of the black race, and I feel as though it is time to re-new our sense of urgency about HIV/AIDS preven-tion and transmission. We must all take steps to pro-tect ourselves and work to

end the many forms of oppression that are contrib-uting to the spread of HIV/AIDS,” Smith said.


Above: Dayvon Goddard becomes the first-ever Mr. Voorhees College and Britney Smith becomes the first-ever Miss Voorhees College from

historic Talbotton, Ga.

“AIDS is increasingly becoming an ep-

idemic of the black race, and I feel as

though it is time to renew our sense

of urgency about HIV/AIDS preven-

tion and transmission.”

-Britney Smith


Among being a Presidential Scholar, Smith has various ac-ademic honors including being a member of the Honors Col-lege and named Who‟s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Smith has been involved in activities and organizations since enrolling at Voorhees College. Some of her member-ships include the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Culture Club, Ernest Everett Just Science Club, Rotaract Club and Honors College. She also is a member of the Voorhees College Cheerleading Squad. Additionally, she took on numerous leadership roles when she first entered Voorhees College such as: secretary of the 2008-2009 freshman class, vice president of the 2009-2010 sophomore class, 2009 president of the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Culture Club and 2009-2010 Miss Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. After graduation, Smith plans to attend the Medical Uni-versity of South Carolina to pursue a medical degree. The first-ever Mr. Voorhees College is Dayvon Goddard, 20-year-old native of Brooklyn, N.Y. Goddard is majoring in accounting and minoring in business administration. Goddard, who is a first-generation college student, is excit-ed about representing the institution and plans to do his very best in this role. “It is an honor to represent the institution that has molded me into the individual I am,” Goddard said. “I plan to set the bar high for the next person to serve in this role.” Goddard‟s platform will be based on mentoring the fresh-men of Voorhees College by giving various tips on the col-lege experience and how to successfully matriculate through college. “The majority of freshmen usually come into Voorhees College with the wrong impression of the college as a whole. These impressions can possibly lead these freshman students to go down the wrong path.” Maintaining a 4.0 grade point average in all of his major courses, Goddard is also involved in various organizations on campus including the Eta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he serves as vice president, White Rose Social Club, Students in Free Enterprise and Student Support Services Program. Additionally, Goddard was given a chance of a lifetime dur-ing the 2010-2011 academic year by visiting Brazil for an eight-week foreign exchange program with the Federal Cen-ters for Technical Education College (CEFET/RJ). “Voorhees has allowed me to accomplish much throughout my matriculation. I encourage other students to take ad-vantage of the various opportunities provided by Voorhees in an effort to gain more experiences and become more market-able.”

Above: Britney Smith, Miss Voorhees College 2011-2012

Below: Dayvon Goddard, Mr. Voorhees College 2011-

2012


Tigers spend the summer gaining invaluable hands-on

experience in various areas

Dayvon Goddard, accounting, Brooklyn, N.Y., Class of 2012

Dayvon will be interning this summer with T-Coombs Associates, a company

that specializes in accounting and information technology. Goddard said the

internship, which will be in Springfield, Va., will enable him to combine the

knowledge that he has learned at Voorhees in the area with real business prac-

tices in the field of accounting. The internship will last 10 weeks.

“It is a great honor to have the opportunity to represent my great institution,”

said Goddard. “I look forward to gaining real world experience in my field.”

Devon David Eilts, mathematics, Lithonia, Ga., Class of 2014

Devon will be spending his summer at an internship in Fort Collins, Colo. He

will be interning with Mountain View Systems, a company that specializes in

Microsoft Accelerated Certification training.

Eilts‟ duties will include assisting the company with hosting Microsoft Certi-

fication exams and participating in the Microsoft boot camp. The internship

will be 10 weeks.

“I am very blessed to have this opportunity,” Eilts said. “This is not an oppor-

tunity that comes to often, so I plan to do my best and not take this oppor-

tunity for granted.”

Brittany Lawrence-Lemon, business administration, Charleston, S.C., Class of 2013 Brittany Lawrence-Lemon will be returning for a second year to intern with

the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.

Lawrence-Lemon will be working in the records management office. She will

gain more experience working with the budget for the Information Technolo-

gy and Cyber Security departments and making presentations on the best

ways to conserve energy.

“I feel that I represented Voorhees well last summer, and I am happy that I

was invited back for another summer,” Lawrence-Lemon said.



Emmanuel Nwokocha, biology, Nigeria, Class of 2012

Emmanuel Nwokocha will be interning this summer with Dominion, one of

the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy. Although the main

office is located in Richmond, Va., Nwokocha‟s internship location will be in

Mount Storm, W. Va. at Dominion‟s Mount Storm Power Station, the largest

coal-fired power station managed by Dominion.

Not only will Nwokocha be paid throughout the summer for his internship, he

will also receive a $5,000 scholarship.

“I feel privileged to be able to work for a Fortune 500 company and to be

mentored by professionals in the environmental science field,” Nwokocha said,

who is also minoring in environmental science.

“I know that I will learn a lot while expanding my experience. I will try as

much as possible to maximize this opportunity to the fullest.”

Wayne Davidson, accounting, Yonkers, N.Y., Class of 2012

Wayne Davidson will be joining his fraternity brother Dayvon Goddard on an

internship at T-Coombs Associates in Springfield, Va. Davidson‟s internship

will also be 10 weeks.

Davidson said he looks forward to the experience he will gain in accounting.

“This internship will enable me to obtain hands-on experience in the modern

day job market,” Davidson said.

Nathan Mack, computer science, Sumter, S.C., Class of 2013

Nathan Mack will also be interning at Mountain View Systems in Fort Col-

lins, Colo. Mountain View Systems specializes in training clients to pass vari-

ous computer certifications. Mack‟s internship will last 10 weeks as well.

Mack‟s responsibilities will include helping the company set up computers and

other materials for certification classes.

“I am excited about the many opportunities and skill sets that I will learn dur-

ing my internship,” Mack said.

Some of the locations students will be interning include Colorado,

Washington, D.C. and West Virginia


Honors Day Convocation recognizes Voorhees scholars

V oorhees College hosted its annual Honors Day Convocation with the president and co-founder of Kid Entrepreneurs Need Opportu-nities (K.E.N.O.) Micro-Fund, which is an

organization that fosters, grows and nurtures business-es formed by kid entrepreneurs. Adrienne Lance Lucas is no stranger to launching successful businesses. As principal and chief operating officer of ICG Real Estate Advisors, LLC, she helped the company grow from $0 to nearly $75 million in on-ly 18 months with the company‟s first fund, Inheritance Capital Group, LLC. ICG Real Estate Advisors cur-rently holds over $200 million in managed assets. After earning a B.A. in economics from Spelman Col-lege and an MBA from Harvard University, Lucas re-turned to her home state of Minnesota to work as a fi-nancial analyst for General Mills, Inc. She advanced quickly and gained valuable experience in marketing, sales and corporate finance and earned a reputation for being a solid manager and an exceptional developer of people. As a testament to her outstanding performance, in 1993, Lucas was the youngest person in the company‟s history to date to receive the coveted Chairman‟s Award for customer service for her work in reengineer-ing the administrative functions within the National Sales Division. Lucas shared encouraging words with the honor stu-dents. She advised them to have a vision of success for themselves and to know the steps needed to make their dreams a reality. “Be willing to reinvent yourself,” Lucas said. “As young people, your journey will be long. Hold on to whatever that vision is for you.” During the event, Lucas honored Voorhees students Darrius Snow, Ben Bakayoko and Darrell Spratley for submitting the best business plan. “We are very appreciative of Mrs. Lucas‟ donation and her support,” said Darrius Snow, a junior business major. “We hope that one day we will be presidents of successful businesses just as Lucas is.” During the program, Voorhees also recognized Ty-wana Branch, who received the Faculty of the Year Award. Assistant Professor of Psychology Tywana Branch received the 2011 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award at the Convention Center in Columbia.

114th Honors Day Convocation guest speaker Adrienne Lance

Lucas

Lucas, President Sellers, Dr. Carl A. Carpenter, former execu-

tive vice president/academic dean

Above: Lucas presents a check to students (left to right) Darrell

Spratley, Ben Bakayoko and Darrius Snow.

Below: Administrators present Tywana Branch with the

Faculty of the Year Award.


Coronation 2010 “A Testament to Royalty”

An intelligent young lady with elegance and class held the title of Miss Voorhees College 2010-2011. Nina Sutton, a native of Bronx, N.Y., officially began her reign as queen during Coronation with the theme, “A Testament to Royalty.” As queen, Sutton participated in various community service events including hosting a food drive at Voorhees, where the proceeds were donated to Golden Harvest Food Bank. A representative from Golden Harvest Food Bank expressed sincere thanks to Sutton for helping to fight hunger in the area. “Golden Harvest Food Bank works with close to 408 feeding pro-grams in 30 counties in Georgia and South Carolina with the Mas-ter‟s Table Soup Kitchen serving an average of 350 lunches seven days a week and 365 days a year,” said Carrie Jones, events special-ist. “We couldn‟t accomplish nearly that much without the support of people like you and everyone else with Voorhees College. The 68 pounds collected will provide more than 53 meals for people in our service area.” As a part of Sutton‟s platform Becoming Erudite Leaders in Every Voyage and Endeavor (B.E.L.I.E.V.E.), she hosted a Women‟s Histo-ry Month Empowerment Program. During this event, Sutton invit-ed women who are leaders in the Denmark and surrounding areas to share the experiences with the women of Voorhees College. “This event was my most memorable contribution as campus queen because I enjoyed hearing the stories that women shared with us on the strides they took to obtain equality and become successful,” Sut-ton said.

During her matriculation at Voorhees, Sutton was involved in vari-

ous activities and organizations including Sigma Gamma Rho Soror-

ity, Inc., the Student Government Association, the Ernest Everett

Just Science Club and the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Drama Guild.

Sutton, who majored in biology and minored in chemistry, graduat-

ed May 14. Her future goals include attending University of New

York (SUNY) College of Optometry. Her ultimate goal is to become

an optometrist.

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Voorhees celebrates Homecoming 2010

Voorhees celebrated Homecoming 2010 with the theme “Revisit, Re-connect and Recommit.” One of the premier events during Homecoming included former and current students of the institution re-enacting the 1960 Denmark Sit-Ins, which took place in an effort to integrate local drug stores. The students were denied service from Talbert‟s Drug Store and Carolina Cut Rate Drug Store. After continuously entering the drug stores, the students were arrested on charges of disturbing the peace. They were later released the same day. The former and current students who participated in the sit-in were President Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr., Sidney Gleaton, Herman Young, Arthur Copeland, Herman Glouster, Darrius Snow and Ben Ba-kayoko. Following the demonstration, the National Alumni Hall of Fame re-cipients were recognized at the annual banquet held. The recipients were Kathleen Lebby Faust, Joseph T. Price, Milton Mel Gaines, Ro-sia Speach Gardner and Alfonso Lamback Sr. Additional Homecoming activities included the annual parade and games, the President and First Lady‟s Jazz Reception and the step show, which was won by the Eta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Eta Omicron Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. “Our last Homecoming was such a great success,” President Sellers said. “I would like to thank all of our wonderful alumni and support-ers who participated in last year‟s events, and we hope that they will return to Voorhees for Homecoming 2011.”

Voorhees College celebrates National Library Week

I n April, Voorhees College celebrated National Li-brary Week with authors Sister Souljah, Wes Moore

and Shiela Martina. Sister Souljah was the featured presenter during an assembly during the week. Souljah is the author of three national bestsell-ers: “The Coldest Winter Ever,” “No Disrespect,” “Midnight, A Gangster Love Story,” and “Midnight and the Meaning of Love,” which was released on April 12. In 2008, within one week of the release of “Midnight, A Gangster Love Story,” she be-came a New York Times best-seller, entering the charts at number seven. As a community activist, Souljah organized against racial-ly-motivated crimes, police bru-tality and the miseducation of urban youth. She produced and promoted several outdoor rallies

and concerts in Harlem, N.Y., which drew nearly 30,000 youth each time, as well as the partici-pation of top hip-hop and R&B celebrities. During the week, Voorhees held its annual book fair featur-ing authors Wes Moore and Shiela Martina. Wes Moore was a featured speaker at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver and was named Crain‟s New York Business‟ “40 Under 40 Rising Stars” in 2009. He has been featured by The Oprah Winfrey Show, People magazine, USA Today, Essence, The View, Meet the Press, Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley, and NPR, amongst others. Moore is committed to helping young people redirect their lives and supporting the parents, teachers, mentors and volunteers who care for and work with our

nation‟s youth. A portion of his proceeds from the sales of his book, “The Other Wes Moore,” are being donated to the U.S. Dream Academy and City Year. Shiela Martina recently wrote and published a children‟s book titled “Hannah and Dexter: The First Meeting.” She received a bachelor‟s de-gree from Claflin University and a master‟s degree from South Carolina State University. Mar-tina also received a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina. Additionally, there were sever-al other local authors who partic-ipated in the annual book fair. National Library Week activi-ties were organized by Dr. Marie Martin, professor and librarian for the Wright/Potts library.

President Sellers autographed copies of his book, “The River of No Return.”

President Sellers speaks to elementary stu-dents about the importance of reading.

Author Shiela Martina interacts with elementary students.

Wes Moore with students at the annual book fair

Sister Souljah autographs books for assembly participants.

Students pose with author Sister Souljah following the assembly.


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New organization on cam-pus works in the communi-ty The Golden Touch Organiza-tion, which was organized by staff member Allicia Golden during the 2010-2011 academic year, has been aggressively working in communities to im-prove the lives of elders and young women. The organization‟s highlight project was a trip to the Car-riage House in Sumter, S.C., a home for those who have Alz-heimer's disease (AD). The goal of the organization is to better communities and build character, self-esteem and stronger womanhood in the lives of young ladies. “Our organization believes that every young lady is equal no matter the color, income sta-tus or environmental status,” said Allicia Golden, founder and adviser.

Voorhees now has PDF de-livery option for official transcripts Voorhees College now offers a secure electronic PDF delivery of official academic transcripts. These transcripts will be ready for secure electronic delivery for recipients within 24 business hours after receipt of the re-quest. For academic records prior to 1990, additional processing time is required; therefore, electronic delivery will be within 32 busi-ness hours. Normal processing time for postal mail and hold for pickup options is within five to seven business days. Voorhees College prohibits issuing transcripts to any stu-dent indebted to the college. For additional information, con-tact the Office of the Registrar at 803-780-1250.

Sellers to serve on SCICU executive committee The South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees recently elected Dr. Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr., president of Voorhees College, to serve on the executive committee as a member at large. In this role, Sellers will be re-sponsible for developing new ini-tiatives to secure additional fund-ing for students at independent colleges. “In these extremely difficult economic times, it is imperative that administrators find addition-al resources to assist students,” Sellers said. “When our students graduate from college, we do not want them to leave with a lot of debt.”

Voorhees and Rep. Bakari Sellers host shoe drive for Bamberg community Voorhees College, along with Representative Bakari T. Sellers, hosted a “Voorhees Got Sole” shoe drive for the Bamberg coun-ty area during the 2010-2011 aca-demic year. An assortment of shoe sizes for men, women and children were available at no charge to the com-munity. “During these harsh economic times, it is important for all of us to help out those who are less fortunate than we are,” said Rep. Sellers. “Through this great community effort, we were able to collect more than 250 pairs of shoes to donate to families in the Bamberg county area. I appreciate every-one who came out to support such a worthy cause.” The remaining shoes left were donated to the Salvation Army.

Voorhees receives $40,000 toward going “Green” In an effort to continually make the campus aware of the importance of eco-awareness and ways to increase environ-mental consciousness, Voor-hees College received two grants totaling $40,000 to as-sist with this initiative. Most recently, Voorhees re-ceived a Building Green Plan-ning Grant Award for $20,000 from the United Negro College Fund. The funds from this grant will enable Voorhees to develop additional green policy initiatives on campus and pro-vide measures to reduce energy consumption. Voorhees was among several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to re-ceive this grant including Howard University, Spelman College and Morehouse Col-lege. Voorhees was the only HBCU in South Carolina to receive funding from the grant. Voorhees also received a $20,000 technical assistance grant from the South Carolina Energy Office to conduct an energy assessment on 17 of its facilities and buildings on cam-pus. This grant was funded through the stimulus bill. “We understand the im-portance of taking steps to save our environment,” said Presi-dent Sellers. “With the funding from these grants, Voorhees will be able to implement new initiatives and continually make our stu-dents aware of the benefits to going green.”


Voorhees celebrates Founder’s Week with various events

F or the second consecutive year, Voorhees College hosted its annual President‟s Scholarship Gala in an effort to raise money toward scholarships for deserving students to attend the institution. On April 9, the Voorhees College family, along with donors, sponsors, and alumni, gath-ered once again at the Charleston Place Hotel in Charleston for the second annual President‟s Scholarship Gala. “Voorhees would like to thank all of our sup-porters for making our second annual gala spe-cial,” said President Sellers. “Your kindness and generosity will make it possible for students to receive a quality education at Voorhees.” The 2011 Keeper of the Flame Awardee was Trustee Emeritus Ralph W. Voorhees for con-tinuing his family‟s legacy of supporting Voor-hees College. Trustee Voorhees became a mem-ber of the Voorhees College Board of Trustees in 2007. Prior to the gala on Saturday, Voorhees had various activities to commemorate the 114th founding of the institution throughout the week. Some of those events included Founder‟s Day Convocation with guest speaker 1994 alumna Dr. Pamela M. Wilson, who recently became the 24th president of Allen University and the first woman to serve as president in the 141-year history of the institution. During her address, Wilson discussed the importance of determination, commitment and perseverance. She said that if you have these three characteristics, you will be successful af-ter leaving Voorhees. “You can get there from here,” Wilson said. “Use obstacles as learning tools and stepping stones to reach what you envision.” Additional activities included a play produc-tion titled “Who Moves the Shade-The Life of Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Menafee,” a panel discussion on Voorhees‟ founder and a research exhibit grand opening featuring various materi-als and documents surrounding the founder of the institution collected by Voorhees‟ archivist Richard Reid.

From left to right: First Lady Gwendolyn Sellers, President Sellers, ABL Educational

Enterprise representatives Mary Higginbotham and Felicia Murray

Above: President Sellers along with Jocelyn Blitz and Jane Voorhees, the daughter and

granddaughter of Trustee Emeritus Ralph Voorhees

Below: Carolyn Murray of WCBD-TV in Charleston was the mistress of ceremonies for

the gala.


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Photos:

1. President Sellers, Dr. Wilson and Dr. Carpenter, former executive vice president/academic dean, Diane Oberry, vice president for fiscal and administrative affairs, during Convocation

2. Members of the White Rose Social Club, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Culture Club and the Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Players

3. Richard Reid, archivist, and student from Grambling State University during the research display grand opening

4. The Voorhees family participates in the solemn procession to Memorial Garden 5. Participants during the research display grand opening 6. Ulysses Williams, communications/drama coach at Voorhees, along with Dr. King Godwin and drama students of Grambling State University


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T he Voorhees College Lady Tigers won the As-sociation of Independent Institutions Champi-onship Tournament defeating the Talladega College Lady Tornadoes 65-52.

“I knew that we could do it,” said Edward Glover, head women‟s basketball coach. “I knew that if we stayed focus, we would take the championship home.” Voorhees held Talladega to 19 percent shooting from the field during the first half causing Talladega not to break into double digits until the 4:30 mark before half. The first half ended with Voorhees leading 34-17. Voorhees‟ top scorers for the game were Rashonda May-field with 16 points, Mary Cason with 13 points and Da-vieena Kemp with 10 points. Additionally, Rayshonda Mayfield was named the tournament‟s Most Outstanding Player. The Lady Tigers ended the season with an overall rec-ord of 25-7. They were undefeated at home with a record of 12-0. Additional achievements of the Lady Tigers include be-ing ranked one of the top five defensive teams in the coun-try.

President Sellers, along with the Voorhees College Lady Tigers and cheerleaders, celebrate after winning the Association of Independent Institutions Championship Tournament.

Above: The Lady Tigers in action jumping for the ball Below: Lady Tigers’ huddle up


NAIA rankings include number two in scoring margin, number three in total rebound margin, number five in scoring defense, number eight in total steals and number 10 in total rebound defense. Lady Tigers Rashonda Mayfield, Kierra Patterson and Mary Cason were named to the 2010-2011 Association of Inde-pendent Institutions All-Conference Se-cond Team. Head Coach Edward Glover said that he expects his team to continue next year with having an outstanding season. “What we did this season is what we expect to do every season, which is to win a championship,” Glover said. “So, we will enjoy this, but we know it‟s time to get to work on next season so that we can continually build this program.”

Rashonda Mayfield named MVP of the A.I.I. tournament

Above: Lady Tigers and Coach Glover receive awards after the tournament.

Below: Kierra Patterson (left) and Mary Cason (right) receive first-team honors.


Voorhees recognizes athletes for hard work during athletic banquet

Photos : 1. 2010-2011 cheerleading squad 2. 2010-2011 softball team with coach Tifanie Lewis 3. 2010-20111 male track team with coach Allicia Golden 4. Coach Adrian West with 2010-2011 volleyball team 5. Coach Adrian West with 2010-2011 baseball team award recipients 6. Coach Edward Glover with 2010-2011 women’s basketball team members 7. Coach Michael Cheaney with 2010-2011 men’s basketball team awardees

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Men’s basketball team looks to improve next season

Coach Glover recognized for accomplishments

The Voorhees College Men‟s Basketball Team is looking forward to the upcoming season to improve this past season‟s record of 16-16 ending the season at .500. Led by first-year head coach, Michael Cheaney, the Tigers were expecting to win both the conference and the coveted NAIA National Championship. Los-ing crucial games to Talladega College and the NAIA powerhouse Mountain State University de-terred that expectation. “The season could have been 10 times better if we were hungrier and more focused,” said Ryan Pickens, senior forward. Losing co-captains Antwan Carter and Antwon Allston, the Tigers are looking to the returners and a big recruiting class to fill the void. Tigers who will be returning include Sam Dotson, Garland McArthur, Brandon Coleman, Jeffrey Ev-ans, Andre Datcher, Willie Waters, Terrick Phillips, Tadavious Williams, Cyrus Green and Charles Jones. Coach Cheaney said that the team is very optimis-tic about next season. “We have majority of the team returning and some key additions will be made with new recruits coming in,” Cheaney said. Awards for the Tigers during last season include Garland McArthur being named to the 2010-2011 Association of Independent Institutions All-Conference First-Team and Antwon Carter being named to the 2010-2011 Association of Independent Institution All-Conference Second Team.

Above: Head Coach Michael Cheaney giving plays during a time out Below: Tigers at work on the court

After the completion of a successful season, Voorhees College Head Women‟s Basketball Coach Edward Glover was named the 2011 Asso-ciation of Independent Institutions Coach of the Year. “Receiving this individual award is a reflection of the team and pro-gram,” Glover said. “It just measures what the team has done overall.” Coach Glover completed his tenth season at Voorhees as the head coach. He said that he has en-joyed every minute of it. “It has been a blessing to do this

job, and I still have the desire after all these years to put in the time to be com-petitive.” Glover also received the 2011 Associ-ation of Independent Institutions Most Outstanding Tournament Coach after the Lady Tigers defeated Talladega College to win the Association of Inde-pendent Institutions Championship Tournament. The Lady Tigers com-pleted its season with an overall record of 27-7. Glover is a graduate of Claflin Uni-versity with a B.A. in sociology and South Carolina State University with an M.A. in rehabilitation counseling.

Coach Edward Glover


Changing Minds. Changing Lives. Voorhees family accomplishments

T he Voorhees College Board of Trustees unanimously ap-pointed Mary Ellen

Moule, Esq., as chairman of the board. Moule becomes the first woman to serve as board chair-person. Moule is an attorney and prac-tices in federal court in New York City. She earned her law degree at the Yale Law School in 2001, a master‟s degree in professional studies in African –American studies at Cornell University in 1995 and a bache-lor‟s degree from Williams Col-lege in 1991. Prior to entering the legal profession, she taught history in high school in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she taught courses in the College of Education at Oregon State University.

Voorhees College President Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr. was elected to serve as chairman of the Association of Episcopal Col-leges (AEC), the U.S. Chapter of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC). CUAC is a worldwide associa-tion of more than 120 institu-tions of higher education that were founded by and retain ties to the churches of the Anglican Communion. The Episcopal

“I learned to love and respect Voorhees‟ mission at the knee of my grandfather, Matthew Gol-son, Class of 1940,” said Moule. “Since I began my service on the Board of Trustees four years ago, I have had the privilege to work with outgoing Chairman Dr. Donald L. Fowler and previ-ous Chairman Dr. Marshall Bass. I am honored to follow in their footsteps and to build on their commitment to Voorhees College. I look forward to working with Dr. Sellers and his dedicated staff as we face the challenges and develop strate-gies for educating the next gen-eration of Voorhees students.”

Sellers to serve as chairman of AEC

Colleges in the United States are Bard College, Clarkson College, Hobart and William Smith Col-leges, Kenyon College, St. Au-gustine College, Saint Au-gustine‟s College, Saint Paul‟s College, the University of the South and Voorhees College. As chairman of the Board of Directors, which is made up of all the presidents of the Episcopal Colleges, Sellers will be leading the colleges in developing new strategic initiatives for enabling

all these institutions to fulfill their public missions during the-se difficult financial times. “It is important for AEC to be committed to the vision of the churches,” Sellers said. “We will continually strive to alleviate poverty and injustice and work toward racial reconciliation and restorative justice.”

Voorhees welcomes first woman to serve as board chairperson

Mary Ellen Moule, Esq. Board Chairperson


Dr. Davis has SCSU’s building named in his

honor

S outh Carolina State Uni-versity (SCSU) recently dedicated the Leroy Da-vis Senior Research and

Science Complex to Dr. Leroy Davis, Sr., former president of SCSU and current executive di-rector for the Center of Excel-lence in Rural and Minority Health at Voorhees College. The new building is an annex to Hodge Hall. The complex houses the Department of Biolo-gy and Physical Sciences. From first serving as a full pro-fessor of biology to becoming the eighth president of the institu-tion serving from 1996 to 2002, Dr. Davis has contributed great-ly to the growth and develop-ment of SCSU. While at SCSU, he saw giving increase from $419,000 in 1996 to $2.1 million in 2001. The School of Business was accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the university was reaccredited by the Southern As-sociation of Colleges and Schools. Additionally, he initiated a Bachelor of Science degree pro-gram in nuclear engineering. At Voorhees College, Dr. Davis has served as the executive direc-tor for the Center of Excellence in Rural Health.

With his leadership, Voorhees continues to investigate and combat health disparities in Bam-berg County by being the only historically black college in South Carolina with a Center of Excellence in Rural Health. Most recently, Dr. Davis spearheaded a completion pro-gram for the first cohort of health navigators to work in Bamberg County in an effort to prevent colorectal cancer by in-creasing access to colonoscopy screening. “Dr. Davis has accomplished much in his career and dedicated his talents to his alma mater South Carolina State University,” said President Sellers. “It is only fitting that this institution be-stows this honor to him with the dedication of the Leroy Davis Senior Research and Science Complex.” *South Carolina State University’s Web site (www.scsu.edu) was used as a reference for some information in the above article.

Dr. Davis cuts the ribbon to officially open the new building named in his honor

Dr. Davis addresses the crowd

Above: Dr. Davis and family at the ceremony Below: Dr. Sellers congratulates Dr. Davis on behalf of the Voorhees family


Branch is faculty of the year

T ywana Branch, assis-tant professor of psy-chology, received the 2011 South Carolina

Independent Colleges and Uni-versities (SCICU) Excellence in Teaching Award. Branch is currently in the dis-sertation writing phase of the Psychology Doctoral Program at Capella University. She received a Master of Education degree with distinctions in counseling psy-chology from Troy University, and she graduated from Voorhees College with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. She has taught in elementary, middle and high school sectors honing a variety of teaching skills,

which makes for a well-rounded teaching philosophy that she has brought to higher education for three years. Branch believes that intelligence is malleable and that each student learns differently. “As a facilitator of knowledge, I make content accessible to all stu-dents and give all students an equal opportunity to excel,” Branch said. Branch added the she broadens the psychology curriculum in the classroom to include the develop-ment of all intelligences and cele-brates the uniqueness and diversity of all students.

Bradford attends prestigious Poynter Institute

J ayme L. Bradford, mass communica-tions coordinator/assistant professor

at Voorhees College, was selected to participate in the 2011 Teaching Multi-media Journalism for

College Educators semi-nar in February at the prestigious Poynter Insti-tute for Advanced Jour-nalism Studies in St. Pe-tersburg, Fla. Twenty journalism edu-cators from across the

country were selected to participate in the week-long institute. Bradford was the only participant representing a historically black college. Al Tompkins, senior faculty for broadcast and online, served as the seminar leader. He is also one of Bradford‟s men-tors. “Everything I know about broadcast and online journalism, I learned from Al. He actually made us shoot video and edit multi-media packages,” said Bradford. “This information has been extremely useful in my Electronic News Gathering class. I don‟t like to be dependent on the textbook. I want to know firsthand what I am teaching about.” Bradford has been attending professional development seminars at the institute since interning in 1992 at the St. Petersburg Times, which is affiliated with the Poynter Institute. In 2001, she participated in a teaching fellowship at Indiana University, which was co-sponsored by Poynter, and she attended the Media Convergence for College Educators seminar in 2007.

Tywana Branch Faculty of the Year

Jayme Bradford, the first standing on the top row from the left, with other participants of the Poynter Institute seminar


Voorhees welcomes alumnus as admissions director

B enjamin Watson will focus on increasing the number of freshman, transfer and interna-

tional students in his new role as admissions director. “I have worked in admissions at other colleges, but there is noth-ing like being able to use your own personal story to help a young person realize what Voor-hees College has to offer,” said Watson. Prior to returning to Voorhees, Watson served as the assistant director of admissions at The Cit-adel since 2007. Since he arrived at The Citadel, the institution saw a record-breaking incoming freshman class each year. Currently, Watson is working to promote the Voorhees experi-ence to prospective students by taking advantage of social media outlets. Additionally, he hopes that current students, faculty, staff and alumni will assist him with getting the message out about Voorhees. “I look forward to working with the Voorhees College family to

initiate a campus-wide recruit-ment initiative.” Watson said. “Each student, graduate, faculty and staff member knows someone who needs the opportunity we provide at Voorhees College, and we need them to connect us to the people they know.” Watson, a native of Columbus, Ga., graduated from Voorhees with a degree in business admin-istration. He received his MBA from Claflin University in 2008. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and currently serves as the first vice president of the Voorhees College National Alumni Association. He is married to Valarie R. J. Watson, and they reside in North, S.C. President Sellers is looking for-ward to working with Watson, and said he knows that Watson will bring the experience that is needed to continually increase the number of new students. “Voorhees is fortunate to at-tract someone with a history of recruiting record-breaking fresh-man classes as Mr. Watson,”

Sellers said. “I know that he will help me meet my goal of in-creasing the student enrollment at Voorhees to 1200 students by 2013.” Voorhees has „rolling admis-sion,‟ meaning that students can apply for admission all year.

Voorhees hires program director for Male Mentorship Program

E ugene Smith was hired to serve as the pro-gram counselor for the African American Male

Mentorship Program. The purpose of the African American Male Mentorship Pro-gram is to increase retention, aca-demic performance and personal development of first generational African American males. Smith, who received his bache-lor‟s degree in sociology from Voorhees in 2003, is looking for-ward to motivating the young

men of Voorhees. “Some of the program aspects include faculty and peer mentor-ship, community service, financial literacy and tutoring,” Smith said. “I look forward to working with all of the mentors and mentees so that this program will be success-ful.” Since arriving at Voorhees, Smith already coordinated a freshman male recognition din-ner. During this event, Smith rec-ognized freshman males who re-ceived awards such as the highest

grade point average, mentee of the year and top student athlete. After receiving a bachelor‟s de-gree from Voorhees, Smith fur-thered his education by obtaining a Master of Education degree in counseling/psychology. Smith is currently working on a doctoral degree at Capella University in human services.

Benjamin Watson Admissions Director


Kelson becomes co-founder of a Christian publication

2010 alumnus Travis T. Kelson, along with his wife Ayanna Kel-son, are co-owners of a Christian publication, Renewed Magazine.

Renewed Magazine was first launched in November 2010, and it is based out of Hampton, Ga. The magazine is a quarterly

publication that strives to transform and empower the body, mind and spirit inspirationally.

Kelson, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in or-ganizational management from Voorhees, spoke highly of

his Voorhees experience. “Attending Voorhees was more than just getting an

education, it was an experience that helped build my very foundation as a person and helped me grow as

a professional,” Kelson said. “Obtaining my degree in organizational man-

agement has really helped me to organize our busi-ness. It also allows the world to see the finished product of

a Voorhees graduate on a global level. I am honored to be a Tiger.”

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Herbert L. Pittman, a 1984 graduate, completed the Defense Leadership and Management Program (DLAMP). He was one of 77 Department of Defense‟s senior civilian employees to graduate from DLAMP. Established in 1997 by the Department of Defense, DLAMP is the premier executive de-velopment program for senior defense civilians and a key component of the department‟s succession planning strategy. Pittman has a bachelor‟s degree in business administration from Voorhees College, a master‟s de-gree in business administration from Averett University, a masters‟ degree in public affairs from Indi-ana University, and a master‟s degree in strategic studies and national security strategy from the U.S. Army War College. He is an active member of the Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and he is president of his homeowner‟s association. Additionally, Pittman is very active in his church participating in the church youth mentoring program for young men ages 10-18.

Pittman completes the Defense Leadership and Management

Program

Melton Gaines received the Outstanding Alumni of the Year award spon-sored by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). He attended the awards ceremony in Birmingham, Ala. and New York City, N.Y. His picture will be placed in the Hall of Honors in Fairfax, Va. with other outstanding alumni, and it will later be moved to its new loca-tion at the UNCF headquarters in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Gaines was inducted in the National Alumni Hall of Fame during Homecoming 2010. Gaines graduated from Voorhees with honors in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies and a minor in accounting.

Gaines receives alumni award from UNCF


Do You Know How Many Voorhees Graduates Currently Serve or For-merly Served as College Presidents?

Take a look...

Recent graduate Tyquan Par-ker was hired by Johnson and Johnson as a part of the compa-ny‟s initiative to recruit more African Americans. Parker, a 2011 graduate and native of Bennettsville, S.C., was selected to participate in the Information Technology Leadership Development Pro-gram (ITLDP). He will be relo-cating to Miami, Fla. during the summer for employment. Parker‟s responsibilities will include performing basic analy-sis, design, implementation and maintenance activities in Infor-mation Technology (IT) and assisting in conducting feasibil-ity studies and in the creation of solutions to IT problems. “This program is designed to take young, fast track leaders in

the world and mold them into managers,” Parker said. To be selected for the program, qualifications included the candi-dates having a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, at least one year of work experience in IT, at least a bachelor‟s degree and demonstrating leadership skills, business acumen and tech-nical skills. Twenty-two-year-old Parker said he is blessed to have this op-portunity and thanks Voorhees for preparing him for this role. “Voorhees prepared me very well,” Parker said. “I owe every-thing that I have accomplished to Voorhees. I advise all students to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities Voorhees has to offer.” Parker added that he knows challenges will arise, but he feels that he will be able to overcome those challenges. “I feel that the most challenging part will be adapting to the Miami area and adjusting to the corporate environment.” Receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, Parker was involved in various organiza-tions while a student including Honors College, Student Support Services Program, Mathematics and Computer Science Club and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society.

Johnson receives master’s degree from Liberty

Parker lands job at Johnson & Johnson in Miami

Venus Johnson, a 2007 graduate of Voorhees, recently received a Mas-ter of Arts degree in human service counseling from Liberty Universi-ty. She had a concentration in marriage and family counseling. She currently serves as the morning radio personality and traffic pro-grammer at the campus radio station WVCD 790 AM.

Dr. Pamela Martin Wilson Allen University

February 2011-Present

Dr. Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr. Voorhees College

2008-Present

Dr. Prezell R. Robinson Saint Augustine‟s College

1967-1995


Dr. Sandra T. Thompson Florida Memorial University

Interim President August 2009-November 2010

1978 graduate serves as deputy director for DLA

Nate Robinson Sr., a 1978 graduate, cur-rently serves as deputy director for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in Bat-tle Creek, Michigan. In this role, he manages and provides daily support to the directors for four core mis-sions: logistics data, logistics sys-tems, customer support/customer interaction center and infor-mation technology. He also approves U.S. posi-

tions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Codifica-

tion System cataloging policy, data exchange standards, budget, strategy and systems moderniza-tion for potential use by 63 nations. Additionally, he assists the director with provid-ing leadership and oversight to 855 civilian employ-ees and 536 contractor support personnel.

Gardner receives master’s degree Rikita Gardner, a 2009 alumna, recently received a Master of Business Administration degree from Claflin University. Gardner is a resident of Sa-vannah, Ga., and she is current-ly employed by the Technical College of the Lowcountry as a financial aid specialist. She received a bachelor‟s de-gree in accounting, and she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Columbia Alumni Chapter host planning meeting

The Columbia Alumni Chapter hosted the National Alumni Association planning meeting on April 2. The

purpose of the meeting was to finalize committees for the National Conference in Myrtle Beach, which was

held June 10-12, establish financial goals for the year and coordinate membership drives.


Voorhees College 2010-2011 Honor Roll of Donors

It is our intent to thank all donors for investing in the growth and development of Voorhees College. Your sup-

port is crucial as we strive for excellence and to become one of the premier undergraduate institutions in the

world. It will also enable us to attract the best and the brightest students and preserve the Voorhees legacy.

Care has been taken in the preparation of this report to assure complete and accurate recording. However, it is

possible for errors to occur; if such is the case, the Division of Institutional Advancement would appreciate

knowing as soon as possible.

This report includes gifts and contributions received July 1, 2010 – May 26, 2011. Thank you again for your

loyal support.

GIVING LEVELS 21st Century Society

$25,000 and Above

President’s Society

$15,000 - $24,999.99

Founder’s Society

$10,000 - $14,999.99

College Associates

$5,000 - $9,999.99

Ebenezer Forum

$3,000 - $4,999.99

Dean’s List

$1,000 - $2,999.99

Scholars’ Circle

$100 - $999.99

Donors’ Club

Less than $100

21st Century Society

$25,000 and Above Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society/

The Episcopal Church

Matthew A. & Johnnie Mae Golson

Tom Joyner Foundation

President’s Society

$15,000 - $24,999.99 UNCF, Inc.

Founder’s Society

$10,000 - $14,999.99 Alfonso Lamback

AT&T

Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC

James L. & Rosia Gardner

Jerome Geathers

College Associates

$5,000 - $9,999.99 Episcopal Diocese of S.C.

Milton M. Gaines

Otis Flicking Scholarship Fund

Patricia A. Golson

The Links, Inc./Jacksonville, FL

Mary Ellen Moule

Joseph T. Price

Nathaniel M. Robinson

S.C. Bank & Trust

Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr.

Ebenezer Forum

$3,000 - $4,999.99 Frazier Family Foundation

Union of Black Episcopalians/

DC Chapter


Dean’s List

$1,000 - $2,999.99 Billye S. Aaron

Theodore Anderson, Jr.

Association of Episcopal College

Atonement Episcopal

Bronx, NY Alumni Chapter

Zessie Chambless

JoAnn Coaxum

Leroy Davis

Denmark Alumni Chapter

Gloria J. Donald

Hezikiah Dority

Episcopal Church Women of Long Island

Donald L. Fowler

Franklin United Methodist Church

Richard C. Garrett

Norma N. Givens

Herman Gloster

Adolph Green

Clarence Grimes

William Hamilton, Jr.

Moses James, III

Taylor H. Johnson

Doris Matthews

Lillie G. Miller

Freddie Meyer

David G. Miller

Anthony J. Morley

Willie B. Owens

St. Claire P. Guess

Rita J. Robinson

Ronnie A Sabb

Savannah River Operations

D. L. Scurry Foundation

Joseph Lloyd Serling

Donald R. Small

George B. Thomas

Lassie L. Tobin

George Voorhees

James L. Weldon

W.C. Marshall Scholarship Fund

Scholars’ Circle

$100 - $999.99 Allen Anderson, Sr.

Alumni Funds

Eva Anderson

James H. Arrington

Hayward Barnwell

Leland & Adra Barrows

Marshall B. Bass

Kenneth Baxter, Sr.

Virginia K. Bell

Larry B. Benjamin

Beulah Grove Baptist Church

Samuel Blackwell

James D. Brabham

Bernie Breeland

Belita B. Broadus

Lewis H. Brown

Ruthy G. Brown

Sara M. Broxton

Nicholas Brumfield

John E. Brunson

Jonathan Burke

Eustace Burnett

Herbert Bynoe

Viola J. Caldwell

Santria Canzater

Carl A. Carpenter

Cynthia Carr

Charleston Alumni Chapter

Theodore Chaplin

Shelton Clark

Carl M. Cochran

Joan W. Cohen

Barbara Coleman

Elouise A. Coleman

Willie M. Cornelious

Charles M. Crump

Phala Daniel-Diggs

Courtney L. Davenport

Donella R. Davis

Bernice DeLoach

Benjamin Dent

Vivian Dicks

Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania

Episcopal Diocese of Delaware

Bryan K. Dirke

Benjamin F. Dodd

Deloris N. Donaldson


Embassy Suites Hotel/Charleston, SC

Elias Etinge

Kenneth E. Evins

Kathleen L. Faust

Peggy S. Faust

Clarence Fennell

Gwendolyn J. Folk

Linda W. Foster

Joan C. Franks

Marvin Franks

Wilmer Freeman

Betty J. Funderburke

James Gallman

William W. Gardner, Jr.

Joe E. Gaskins

Alfonso Gibbs

Edna Glover

Albertine W. Grant

Janice Grant

Margo L. Grant

Polly B. Green

Catherine O. Griffin

Veronica G. Gromada

Willie Green

William F. Gunn, Jr.

Hartford Union of Black Episcopalians

Ervin E. Henderson

Andraea D. Herrin

F. Bruce Herrington

James E. Hicks, Jr.

Mary H. Houser

Doris A. Houston

Leonne M. Hudson

W. Michael Humbert

Marlene C. Ivanisko

Carrie James

Jefferson High Class of 1965

Willie & Lynda Jefferson

Richard C. Jenkins

Carolyn J. Johnson

Vermelle J. Johnson

Mary J. Jones

Samuel Jones

Dorothy D. Kennedy

Timothy Kentopp

Roy J. Kerlegan

Theodore R. Ladson

Marcel G. Lapierre

Deborah K. Lawrence

Connie T. Leverett

Robert Leverett

Allen M. Little

Karen Mack

Patricia G. Major

Eva O. Manigault

Charles Marshall

Hazel E. Martin

Marie S. Martin

Ruth R. Martin

Mamie H. Matthews

Henry & Corine Maynard

Freddie McCloud

Nancy McCormick

Jessie N. McCormick

Heyward L. McKie

Harriet P. McKnight

Michelle S. Meekins

Joseph O. Montgomery

Brooks P. Moore

Christine L. Moore

Theodore E. Moore

Willie L. Morell

Roger & Clara Moses

Mt. Zion Baptist Church/Denmark, SC

Lillian V. Mullino

Dane H. Murray

James Nimmons

Lillie Nimmons-Pough

V. Diane O’Berry

Gwendolyn A. Parker

Shirley M. Patterson

Geraldine S. Pinkney

Herbert L. Pittman

Elizabeth Pressley-Orr

Joseph T. Price

Province of Sewanee

Franklin D. Pryor

Deborah Rand

Jimmy L. Reaves

Christine Redish

Jessie R. Robinson

Lugenia Rochelle

Paul Russell

Alvin Sanders

Leamon Sanders

Johnnie Mae Sapp

John L. Scott

William Scott

Alfredia Session

Susie W. Sexton


Sarah R. Simpson

Chandra B. Singh

Betty L. Singleton

Danny Singleton

Evelyn M. Singleton

Kenneth Singleton

Peter L. Singleton

Raymond Singleton

Stephen N. Singleton

Kathleen G. Snype

Thelma Sojourner

St. John’s Episcopal Church

Blossie Stephens

Janet Dickerson Stephens

Wilson L. Steward

Beverly Stewart

Joy S. Streets

June D. Streets

Sandra Sweat

Loretta A. Taylor

Knox W. Tull

Curtis Tyler

Helen Tyler

J. D. Tyler

Michael Valentine

Voorhees Piedmont Alumni Chapter

Julia M. Walker

Pamela Walker

John L. Wallace

Elijah Washington

Benjamin O. Watson

Katherine Whitaker

Orlando H. White

Barbara Wiggins

Cecil Williams

Genice E. Williams

Clemmie M. Wilson

Michael S. Winters, Sr.

Mary Womble

Xiqiang Zheng

Donors’ Club

Less than $100 Sidney J. Alston

Sibyl Anderson

Ebony M. Armstrong

Dawn Atkins

Yolanda K. Bacon

Jamal L. Bailey

Catherine Bamberg

Nancy Bamberg-Rivers

Monae M. Barbee

Candis Barnes

Carla Barnwell

Gloria L. Barnwell

Patricia A. Bartell

Wayne Battle

Freddie M. Baxter

Sheila Beasley

Tanika Beard

Jonnie Bell

Bernard Bembry

Walter A. Bethune

Suman Bhatt

Rashell L. Blake

Thomas S. Blanton

Jenee S. Bolton

Jayme Bradford

Martha Bradley

Russell & Tywana C. Branch

Kimberly E. Brazell

Ella Breland

Eddie Brooks

Leslie Brooks

Beryle R. Browman

Britney N. Brown

Clarence R. Brown

Clarice Brown

Connie Brown

Latasha S. Brown

Monica A. Brown

Moses Brown

Nakeya S. Brown

Terrance A. Brown

Vanessa Brown

Latoya Brunson

La’Toya F. Brunson

Teesa Brunson

Arthur M. Butler

Jamelle Burroughs

Brandon Byrd

Alice Bryant

Celeste Bryant

Lenora J. Caldwell

Jeremiah Carter

Mary Cave


William T. Chandler

Michael Cheaney

James L. Cheatham

Tammy M. Childs

Jason D. Clarke

Betty Cobbs

Constance Colter-Brabham

Thomas L. Colleton

Hallie V. Conyers

Winifred Crosby

Cynthia M. Daniels

Jacqueline S. Davis

Larry Davis

Sandra Davis

Wiley M. Davis

John M. Dean

Helen R. Deas

Matilda Dargan

Erozi DaSilva

Gerald DeVaughn

Taichien Dickerson

Joseph A. Dingle

Diocese of Upper South Carolina

Bridgett Doctor

LaToya D. Dobson

Lena M. Dobson

Carla Donaldson

Evelyn Donaldson

Allen Dowling

Regina J. Durham

Joni Dye

Lawrence Edmonds, Jr.

LaToya M. Ephram

Oluwaseun Fakunmoju

Melina H. Favor

Leslie W. Floyd

Neyvonnda L. Flynn

Priscilla Ferrette

Audrey D. Funchess

Beverly Frazier

Gloria Frazier

Ann L. Freeman

Edwina N. Gadsden

Veronical Gadsden

Sha’ron A. Gaines

Vera M. Gaulden

Michael J. Gaynor

Jane H. Geiger

Lakeisha Germany

Brittany M. Gibson

Jackie Givens

Shantez S. Givens

Kelly J. Gladney

Lovette H. Glasgow

Lisa Gleaton

Jonathan A. Gloster

Sandra Gloster

Jonathan Goodman

Walter Goodson

Sharon R. Goodwin

Shane Gorham

Ashley C. Graham

Myra Grant

Shirley Green

William & Tamekia Green

Flossie C. Grundy

Feng Gu

LaShandra N. Hagood

Eartha Hammond

Paulina Hammond

Lori A. Hampton

Vernie L. Harney

Michael Harper

Oparebea Y. Harriott

James J. Harris

Marie S. Harrison

Doris Hickson

Eavon H. Hickson

Glover M. Hickson

Sherman R. Hickson

Robert Hill

LaJean M. Hogans

Julia C. Horne

Harry Howren

Wendy Hyland

Quinton A. Isaac

Rose Islar

Sherry C. Ivery

Melika Jackson

Merita J. Jackson

Talarria S. Jackson

Tamara Jackson

Freddie James

Omar M. James

Glenn L. Jeffcoat

Barbara A. Jefferson


Shirley R. Jefferson

Jade J. Jenkins

Veronica W. Jenkins

Vanessa R. Jennings

Latasha N. Joe

Justin S. Johnson

Bridgett Johnson-Doctor

Ira Johnson

Josephine E. Johnson

Yolanda D. Johnson

Desta B. Jones

Joseph Jones

Letha Hall Jones

Thomas H. Jones

Wanda J. Jones

Kendra S. Jordan

Y. W. Kinlaw

Cheryl Knight

Horace T. Lamback, Jr.

Osha D. Lane

Kyle S. Lawton

Gloria Lebby

Melvin Lewis

Tifanie Lewis

Rochelle R. Link

Courtney Livingston

Jasper Lloyd

Stacey L. Manigault

Bennie Manuel

Yvonne W. Manning

Hazel Martin

Lionell Martin

Tanya Martino

Rekha Mathur

Mecca Mays-Holman

Karmaine T. McClary

George McCray

Kelly A. McCray

Edward McMorris

Mary N. McTeer

Shirley A. Miller

Derwin C. Mitchell

Mark D. Mitchell

Ester Renee Moffitt

Barbara Moore

Wilhelmina S. Moore

Bernard Moses

Ebony V. Moses

Marie Myers

Edith M. Nimmons

Wanda Nimmons

Adrian L. Odom

Tekara M. Odom

Constance M. Paino

Latoyia N. Palmer

Mustafa Palmer

Natalie T. Pascoe

Nikita L. Patten

Eddie & Dorothy Patterson

Mark Paul

Arnold Pierce

Karey L. Poinsette

George Pondexter

Don Powell

Jason W. Powell

Connie Priester-Robinson

Bobby Priester

Keshia J. Priester

Taneka R. Priester

Georgia A. Prince

Keisha R. Prophet

Dwight S. Rabb

Maurice Ransom

Jamal J. Rasheed

Gregory Ray

Natalie Z. Raysor

Richard Reid

Willie Rice

Christine N. Richberg

Stephen Rifenburgh

Ella Risi

Ella M. Rivers

Nicole Rivers

Gwendolyn Robinson

Janay M. Robinson

Lorinda Robinson

P. Thomas Rogers

James A. Ross

Sandra Rouse

Ilean G. Rowe

Gloria A. Ruth

Carlette P. Sanders

Shakeya S. Sanders

Brenda Sabb

Gloria Savage

Aaron J. Shaw


Veronica Shaw

Harvey E. Shiver

Chandra Singh

Robin P. Sligh-Johnson

Angie T. Sims

Yvonne Singleton

Joshua E. Slaughter

Latrica V. Smalls

Ave-Marie Smith

Carolyn T. Smith

Carrie Smith

Grace E. Smith

Lionnell Q. Smith

Brenda Spellman

Derrick A. Spriggs

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

Loretta Stackhouse

Brittiane Staton

Joseph Staton

Douglas L. Stephens

Joe Staton

Ketha Stokes

Stephanie Stokes

Jelani L. Stubbs

Lisa Stuckey

Curtiss Sumner

James Swinton

Keith Tarrant

Carla D. Taylor

Gwendolyn Timms

Cynthia Thompson

Alvin Tuck

Moriah Vaughn

Robert F. Voorhees

Shameeka L. Waiters

Trina N. Walker

April D. Ward

Inell Waring

Erica Washington

LaKeshia Watts

Adrian West

Pia S. West

Harold E. Whetstone

Teri Whetstone

Tamatha White

Jerrell M. Wilburn

Evonne Wiggins

Clair Williams

Cory G. Williams

Debra Williams

Deloris A. Williams

Dorothy F. Williams

Jarvis Williams

Myrtis D. Williams

Shampale F. Williams

Valrie Williams

Willie W. Williams

Ebony A. Wilson

Marvin Wilson

Dwight E. Womble

Earl Woodberry

Iris Woodson-Trapp

Julian A. Yarwood

5/26/2011

Thank you for

supporting our

education!


In Memory

Ruby Gilyard ‘71

Harold Grant ‘72

Jessie Jones Jr.

Ralph Eugene McMillian

Robert Elmore Steedly ‘58

Jerome M. Summers

Tonya Barnwell Thomas ‘97

Yolanda Wright Waring ‘89


Alumni and Supporters…

Voorhees needs your help with contributing to a student‟s education at the institution.

Please continue to commit yourself to enabling more students to receive a quality educa-

tion. Donate NOW to Voorhees College.

You may donate online by visiting www.voorhees.edu/give or you may mail a check to the following address: Voorhees College Division of Institutional Advancement P.O. Box 678 Denmark, South Carolina 29042

For more information, contact the Division of Institutional Advancement at (803) 780-1191 or visit Voorhees online at www.voorhees.edu.


SPECIAL NOTICE TO ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

FROM: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

TO: VOORHEES COLLEGE ALUMNI & FRIENDS

RE: THE VOORHEES VOICE MAGAZINE

The Voorhees Voice magazine will continually be published twice an academic year; however, due to the

downturn in the economy and fiscal restraints, the Office of Communications can no longer provide free

copies of the magazine to the thousands of alumni and friends we serve. As a courtesy, we will post portions

of the magazine on the college Web site.

Please visit www.voorhees.edu for more information.

If you would like to continue receiving a hardcopy of The Voorhees Voice, we encourage you to contact us

and subscribe to the magazine for only $30 a year. Your subscription will help us reduce costs and continue

to provide you with a quality college magazine to enjoy to keep you updated on events happening at Voor-

hees!

To subscribe to The Voorhees Voice Magazine, please mail a check or money order in the amount of $30 to:

Office of Communications

P.O. Box 678

Denmark, SC 29042

Attn: Voorhees Voice Annual Subscription

You can also visit us online at www.voorhees.edu/give to make your payment. You will receive a copy of

the magazine twice an academic year.

NOTE: Be sure to indicate that your payment is for your subscription to The Voorhees Voice magazine.

Office of Communications

Booker T. Washington Building

803-780-1194

Voorhees College Division of Institutional Advancement P.O. Box 678 Denmark, SC 29042


Documents

The Voorhees Voice (Spring/Summer 2011)