Professional Documents
Culture Documents
10FALL 2012
RUST COLLEGE
SENTINEL
Destination Graduation: Rust College Welcomes the Class of 2016!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 146th Founders Celebration Esters Named Speaker Meet Miss Rust College 2012-13
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145th Commencement
(In Photo: Brittney Nelson, Datrice Pegues, Charlese Howell)
On the cover:
14 Class Notes
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Photos from left: 1. New Lady Bearcat volleyball player Kendra Thomas, with her mother Sylvia; 2. Freshmen sisters Dionne Jamison and Jalen Cox of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; 3. Freshman Dearren Young of Shannon, Mississippi, with Admissions Counselor Melanee Nyan, 04,; 4. Student staff Jamie Harrington, Christina Taylor and Shana Hampton; 5. Student Staff Larance 2 Carter and Darion Johnson assist students and parents in Gross Hall; 6. Rev. Annie Travis, Chaplain, receives a BEARCAT hug.
Esters told Diverse Magazine that the move represents a wonderful opportunity for me to put the things for which I have advocated for here at APLU into action on a local campus; important things like providing access for low-income students and more effectively supporting those students to enhance retention and graduation rates at Kentucky State. Esters will join hundreds of his fellow alumni and current students and friends of the institution as Rust College celebrates 146 years of education and service November 9-11. The 146th Founders Convocation will be held in Morehouse Auditorium of the Doxey Alumni Fine Arts-Communication Center at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, November 11.
Hotel Information
Americas Best Value Inn 137 Two Steaks Road Byhalia, Mississippi 662-838-3730 Days Inn Highway 78 and Highway 7 Holly Springs, Mississippi 662-252-1120 Econolodge 100 Brooks Road Holly Springs, Mississippi 662-252-5444 Magnolia Inn 155 Clarice Drive Holly Springs, Mississippi 662-252-7770 Comfort Suites 6921 Parkwood Drive Olive Branch, Mississippi 662-892-4445 Holiday Inn Express 8900 Expressway Drive Olive Branch, Mississippi 662-893-8700 Best Western 10915 Business Center Drive Olive Branch, Mississippi 866-577-4812 Courtyard Marriott-Collierville 4640 Merchants Park Circle Collierville, Tennessee 901-850-9370 Comfort Inn 7049 Enterprise Drive Olive Branch, Mississippi
662-895-0456
MS Governor Phil Bryant with Dr. David L. Beckley Photo credit: Chris Todd/Roxul Inc.
Several persons of prominence were on site to welcome Roxul, including Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, Mississippi State Senator Bill Stone, City of Byhalia Mayor Phil Malone, City of Holly Springs Mayor Andre DeBerry, several Marshall County officials and local citizens. Dr. Irene Turnage, 90, superintendent of the Holly Springs School District, accepted a check from Roxul, Inc. to help provide students with school supplies. Source: Roxul.com
Roxul Inc. President Trent Ogilvie presents a check to Holly Springs School District superintendent Dr. Irene Turnage, 90. Photo credit: Chris Todd/Roxul Inc.
Dr. William Scott, 66, Rust faculty and Chair, Marshall County Industrial Development Authority with Eelco Van Heel, CEO, Rockwool International, and Charles Terry, Sr., Supervisor, Marshall County District 1. Photo credit: Chris Todd/Roxul Inc.
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Markeshea Dunn testifies during a mock trial, with Judge Paula Drungole-Ellis, 83, presiding. Also pictured: Noah Moore (defense attorney) and Chase Carr (bailiff).
ATLANTA RUST CLUB HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL RUST COLLEGE DAY Atlanta Rust College Alumni Club Receives Recognition of Excellence from Atlanta Mayors Office, City Council
The Atlanta Rust College Alumni Club held its second annual Rust College Day, Sunday, September 9th at Rush Memorial Congregational United Church of Christ in Atlanta. The worship service was dedicated to Rust College. The Atlanta Rust Club began this event in 2011 as part of a special local church initiative of excellence and recognition. The purpose of the initiative includes strengthening and enhancing fundraising efforts for the World Renowned Rust College ACappella Choir, providing scholarship opportunities for students in the Atlanta metropolitan area and in surrounding areas to attend Rust College, and providing and sharing information about the College and the choir. Present for this significant worship service was Dr. David L. Beckley, Rust College President; Ms. Jo Ann Scott, Rust College Director of Development and Alumni Development; and Mrs. Margie Green, Assistant Director of Alumni Development; members of the Atlanta Rust College Alumni Club and church congregation. Judge Charles Hodges, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Rush Memorial Congregational United Church of Christ, presented a check to Dr. Beckley and Atlanta Club president, Dr. Baptist Jones for support of student scholarships. In addition, Dr. Betty Baptist Jones accepted an award on behalf of the Atlanta Rust College Alumni Club, from the Office of the Mayor and Atlanta City Council.
Last row L-R: Dr. David L. Beckley, Rev. Lawrence E. Calbert, J.C. Gale. Front row L-R: Wiley Snell, Bill Oliver, Sheila Smith Oliver, Barbara Redditt, Emily McMillan, James McMillan, Christeen Snell, Alethea Boone, Betty Baptist Jones, M.D., Verlillian Rucker, Jo Ann Scott, Margie Green, Keosha Reddics, Gloria Baptist.
Dr. David L. Beckley with Rev. Lawrence Calbert, pastor of Rush Memorial Congregational Church in Atlanta.
Rust College Social Work Students, Professor in India for Internship and Research
Three Rust College Social Work students spent part of their summer in India, working at childrens homes in Kottayam, a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The homes are child correctional institutions that are aimed at the ultimate welfare of children who are in need of care and protection under the Juvenile Justice Act. Anna Johnson of Madison, Mississippi, Dominique Smith of Victoria, Mississippi and Cusi De la Cruz of Southaven, Mississippi each worked at three different homes in Kottayam, as part of their Social Work internship credit. Johnson worked at the Government Childrens Home in Thiruvanchoor, which houses 200 boys. De la Cruz was located at Aswasa Bhavan in Pampadi. Aswasa Bhaven is an alliance of Corrections India, and L-R: Dr. Gemma Beckley, Chair, Social Work Department; is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the children of incarcer- Anna Johnson, Cusi De La Cruz, Dominique Smith. ated parents. Smith worked at St. John of God in Veloor. St. John of God provides shelter, security, social justice, and empowerment, social integration and self-respect for the learning disabled. These students were accompanied by Social Work professor Dr. Gemma Beckley, who is the Director of the Families First Resource Center and Chair of the Department of Social Work for Rust College. Dr. Beckley spent time researching the effects of incarceration on the children of prisoners.
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Other prizes were awarded to Mr. Don Hollingsworth, Mr. Bobby Bonds, Mr. David Rather, and Mr. Sam McClatchy for the Closest to the Hole competition; and Mr. Blake Peebles was awarded with the Longest Drive prize. The team of First State Bank was presented the Team Spirit award for their continuous support of the golf classic. 1st place winners Blake Peebles, Special thanks to Kirkwood National Golf Club, Hawkins Family Medicine, Merchant and Farmers Bank, Bank of Holly Springs, First State Bank, Carlisles Big Star, Buford Furniture, Booker Hardware, The Home Depot, Teddys Building Supply, Mr. Booker Camper, the golf team of Mr. William Schneller, the golf team of Rev. Edward Moses, the Hole-in-One golf team of Tupelo, and Ms. Cannis Haynes (Detroit Rust Club President) for their support of this event.
Mike Smith, Jimmy Clemmons, Johnny McDonald
2nd place (Bank of Holly Springs) Steve Gresham, Steven Gresham, Bobby Bonds, Don Hollingsworth 3rd placeLambert Martin, Sercy Smith, Tony Grant, Gerald Smith Team Spirit Award: (First State Bank) L-R: David Rather, Sam McClatchy, Edwin Phillippy, Jim Crell
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You were made for the best. Dont ever give up. Welcome to the Future.
Three powerful messages of encouragement were gifted to the Class of 2012, as they celebrated the 146th Commencement of Rust College with a flurry of events. Dr. David L. Beckley, along with other members of the Executive Council, hosted the Service of Consecration Saturday evening, April 21. This event serves as the final Rites of Passage for seniors before they receive their undergraduate degrees. We who wear the Royal Blue and White were made for the highest, the best, the noblest to strive for anything less, is to alienate ourselves from our true character, said Dr. Beckley. You were made to walk the high road of love, peace, excellence not the low road of human destruction, ignorance, war, hate, mediocrity, indecency, violence, and intolerance. The worst in us needs no encouragement. You are ready to move into the wider world because you are receiving degrees from Rust College. Equally powerful words were given during the Senior/Alumni Breakfast held Sunday morning. The College welcomed back alumnus Michael J. Smith, 77, who is the Academic Director for Memphis City Schools. You and I represent 99 percent of the American Democratic society which has endured enough of the systems big corporations and big banks monopoly stranglehold over us and our potential income, Smith said. Are you willing to never, ever give up? If you answered affirmatively, then you are armed and geared to survive this hunger game, this jungle. Chinese philosopher Confucius said, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Take heed to these words of wisdom as you walk out into the real world to confront everyday challenges and remember never, ever give up. Smith urged.
2012 Student Marshals: Fanta Suwaneh and GaRay Bobo. These students have the highest GPAs in their class and were chosen to lead the graduating class during Commencement. 12
Dont ever give up!, Michael Smith, 77, renders an encouraging message to the Class of 2012.
Dr. Beckley presented the Tower of Leadership award to Bishop Teresa E. Snorton and Dr. Nathaniel R. Goldston, III, with the assistance of Rev. Denise Anders-Modest and Mrs. Anita Moore, MIC 60.
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CLASS NOTES
Greta Oglesby, 84, authored a new book Mama N Nem: Handprints on my Life, which speaks to the importance of family and faith in shaping her life story. Rust College is featured prominently in the book. Mrs. Oglesby is an award-winning stage actress whose breakthrough role as Caroline in Caroline, or Change catapulted her into the spotlight. She received the 2009 Ivey Award for her performance. Her daughter, Meghann, is a 2009 graduate of Rust College and is now employed at the College as an instructor in the Mass Communications department. Col. Raphael D. Bruce, 85, was recently selected to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 108th TNG CMD (IET), Charlotte, NC. The 108th is a national Army Reserve Command with units in 43 states to include Puerto Rico. Col. Bruce is responsible for all logistical support and readiness operations within the 108th Training Command in support of over 8700 Army Reserve Soldiers and Civilians. Mrs. Sharon White, 08, who is currently doing graduate work in journalism at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha National Journalism Honor Society during a luncheon held April 20 in Oxford, Mississippi. Whites academic record and excellence in journalism afforded her the invitation to become a member of Kappa Tau Alpha. Mrs. White is an anchor for Ole Miss NewsWatch, which recently won first place for Best Student Newscast Election Day 2011 by the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Association. She is a former anchor and broadcaster for RC TV 2 and WURC 88.1 FM. Rev. Dwight D. Prowell, 77, Pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, was recently honored as a Fellow of the John Wesley Society. He is an ardent supporter of the Mens Ministry, and is versatile in many aspects of the life of the congregation and community. In 2011, he also received awards for Exceptional Service and the United Methodist of Mississippi Credit Union Award. Mrs. Earnestine Scott, 68, authored a new book, Little Mikes Family: A Novel for Second and Third Graders. It tells the story of a cluster of pecans growing and coming of age on the branch of a tree, and of three homeless children that come to live under the tree. The concept of family is introduced and grows in the hearts and minds of the children and the pecans as they become members of a wider human society. For more information visit: www.earnestinescott.com.
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Pauline Lynda Adhoch, 02, was awarded the Master of Science Degree in Advanced Practice Nursing from the University of Memphis, Loewenberg School of Nursing, on August 11, 2012. Pauline finished second in her graduating class and spoke to a capacity audience in the Michael D. Rose Theatre where she stated, I came to this country with a suitcase and five dollars in my pocket. I entered Rust College, completed my degree in biology, went on to complete a B.S. in nursing (2006) and stand here as the second ranking student in my graduating class. Rust College provided the foundation. Mrs. Zelpha Whatley, '68, opened "Miss Bernice's House", a personal care facility for senior citizens in Lexington, Mississippi. The former Kankakee, Illinois alderman returned to Mississippi in 1994 to help care for her ailing father. After his death in 1995, Mrs. Whatley began working toward her mother Bernice's long-time dream of operating a home for impoverished and disabled seniors. Miss Bernice's House is located on 120 acres known as Patton Place, named after Whatley's grandfather Jerry Patton. Miss Bernice passed away in 2001, and on the day of her death, the Department of Agriculture approved $700,000 in rural development funds for the senior care facility. Miss Bernice's House is licensed to provide services for the Veterans' Administration, Mississippi Medicaid patients and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.
Rahn and Gardner submitted abstracts of research papers completed in English 136. Rahn's paper, "Considering the Ethics of Slavery Today", focuses critically on the perceived benevolence of Marshall County, Mississippi slave owner Ebenezer Davis, while Gardner's paper describes the range of genealogical materials available on the Internet. The focus Joshua Stampley of Gardner's research was William Finley, Gardner another Marshall County slave owner.
CLASS NOTES
Marriages
Former student Brandon Flanagan, married Keena Meeks, 08, on March 9, in Springfield, Illinois, where they currently reside.
FACULTY NOTES
Dr. Kenneth E. Jones has been named Chair of the First Year Experience (FYE)/ COPE Center, with supervisory responsibility for the office of Student Support Services. He also has been asked to serve as Director of the Quality Enhancement Plan, an aspect of the colleges preparation for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Prior to his appointment as FYE chair, Jones served one year on the Mass Communications faculty and holds the rank of Associate Professor of Humanities. This is Jones second employment at Rust College, having served from 1979 to 1983 in the Mass Communications program.
Hope L. Moore, 98, married Rev. Runney Patterson, Sr. on September 1, 2012 in Tupelo, Mississippi. They currently reside near St. Paul, Minnesota.
In Memory
Garrett O. Burley, 01, September 17, 2008; Atlanta, Georgia. Maddie Sue Dilworth, 54, December 24, 2011; Mitchellville, Maryland Polly Holloway Beverly, 54, April 20, 2012; Fayette, Mississippi Neely Smoote-Trotter, 35, July 22, 2012; Winona, Mississippi. Mrs. Smoote-Trotter lived 102 years; she passed away the day before her 103rd birthday. Joseph H. Ford, Jr., MIC-High School, July 24, 2012; Holly Springs, Mississippi Shirley Brown-Bilbo, 73, August 4, 2012; Greenville, Mississippi Lucy Mae Phillips Whitney, 60, September 10, 2012; Memphis, Tennessee Bertha L. Baptist Sanford, MIC, September 19, 2012; Memphis, Tennessee
Dr. A.J. Stovall, Division of Social Science Chairperson, was selected as the 2012 Mississippi Humanities Council Faculty of the Year for Rust College. He was nominated by President Beckley and selected by the Humanities Council, who chooses one faculty member at each higher education Institution in the state. He was chosen based on his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Rust College. Dr. Alisea McLeod, assistant professor of English, received the Exemplary Teacher Award, sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. Faculty members were nominated and selected based on exemplary teaching, service to students beyond the classroom and commitment to values-centered education. The program expresses the churchs support of and appreciation for outstanding teaching at United Methodist-related colleges and universities.