aamu wdc alumni chapter newsletter - jan 2011

8/7/2019 AAMU WDC Alumni Chapter Newsletter - Jan 2011

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Greetings Alabama A&M University Alumni and Friends:

Greetings fellow Bulldogs,As 2011 gets off to a great start, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the officers andmembers of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Alumni Association for all the dedication andhard work that went into making 2010 a success. Some of the major activities that the chapteraccomplished include:

1. Establishment of our chapter endowed scholarship

2. AAMU Scholarship and Service Recognition Award Breakfast

3. The Alabama Big 3 HBCU Scholarship Gala

4. The Alabama Big 3 HBCU PicnicThough these are only some of the activities of the chapter, I encourage all to consider becoming amember of the local and national alumni association. AAMU Alumni National President, Robe

Crenshaw, leads the way in representing all of us to the Board of Trustees and the University. DAndrew Hugine, Jr., President of AAMU is working diligently to make our beloved university betterthan ever. Becoming active alumni, giving of time, talent and financial means are all ways that eachus can contribute to the great legacy of our founder William Hooper Councill.As a local chapter, we welcome suggestions and ideas that you have. We would also like to hear abothings that you are doing (awards, recognitions, accomplishments, etc.). Please feel free to contact [email protected].

Sincerely,

SanYvette Williams-Foy, DVMPresidentWashington, DC Metro Area Alumni Chapter

AAMU WashingtonMetro Area Alumni

Newsletter

January, 2011
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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AAMU WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN ALUMNI CHAPTER NEWSLETTER

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Upcoming EventsCollege Fair: HBCU Fair at T.C. Williams High School

(Sponsored by Alfred Street Baptist Church) -

February 19

AAMU Presidential Inauguration March 262011 Scholarship Application Deadline: April 302011 Alabama Big 3 HBCU Scholarship Gala May 21WDC Metro Area Endowment Fundraising Bus Trip

(site TBA) June

Chapter Endowment Deadline for Matching Funds: July

312011 Alabama Big 3 HBCU Picnic: July2011 Annual Scholarship Breakfast: SeptemberMagic City Classic Bus Trip (Tentative): OctoberChristmas Social and Community Service:

December

Inside

2 AAMU Founders Day

3 Alumni Award

3 Alabama Big 3 Events

4 Scholarship & Recognition Breakf

5 2010 Scholarship Winners

6 Chapter Endowment

7 2010 Christmas Social

7 Alumni Spotlight

7 AAMU News

9 General Reminders

AAMU 2010 Founders Day

135th Founders Day Observance and

Class Reunion Celebration

The Annual Founders Day Observance and Class ReunionCelebration were held on May 6-8, 2010. Two of our

attended their 40th class reunion. Approximately twen

class presented $40,950to the University as their class gift. and was presented with a golden certificate as a member othe Class of 1960. Dr. Houston Conley also attended tFounders Day observance along with our chapterPresident, SanYvette Williams-Foy.

AAMU WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN ALUMNI CHAPTER

NEWSLETTER


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Inaugural members of the Normal Legacy Society wereintroduced. These individuals have demonstratedextraordinary support to Alabama A&M Universitythrough their lifetime financial contributions. Dr. ErnestKnight (2010 A&M Gala Honoree) is a member of thiselite group.

As usual, the food was good and lots of fun was had by all.

National Alumni Award

2010 Chapter of the Year AwardThe Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Alumni Chapter wasawarded the Price, House, Gibbs Chapter AchievementAward in May, 2010 at the annual Founders Day

Observation. This award was in recognition ofoutstanding achievements in several areas during theprevious year and included the following:Third Annual Big 3 HBCU Scholarship Gala, Annual Big3 HBCU Picnic, College Fairs, Tom Joyner FoundationSchool of the month, Annual Scholarship Breakfast,Christmas fellowship and community service activities andthe establishment of the Washington DC Metro AreaEndowed Scholarship Fund..

The award included a plaque and was accepted by Dr.SanYvette Williams Foy, President of the Chapter.

2010 Alabama Big 3 HBCU Picnic

In 2007, theWashington, D.C.

area alumnichapters ofAlabama A&M,Alabama State,and TuskegeeUniversity cametogether toestablish the

This joint venture had two goals: 1) to raise awareness ofalumni, students and prospective students about the threeuniversities in the DMV and, 2) raise funds for the threechapters to assist in funding scholarships.This venture has produced two very successful annua

events, the Big 3 HBCU Gala and the Big 3 HBCU PicnicIn addition to being a successful fundraiser, the gala is aventure that recognizes our outstanding alumni. The picnicis a fun event to sayhank You for your support and toreclaim local alumni and recruit students.

2010 Alabama Big 3 HBCU Gala

Alabama Big 3 HBCU Scholarship Gala

and Recognition

The local alumni chapters of Alabama A&M, AlabamaState and Tuskegee Universities sponsored their thirdannual joint scholarship gala. Held on May 22, 2010, thetheme was The jointevent raised funds to provide scholarships to Washington,DC metropolitan area students currently attending orplanning to attend one of these three universities. Inaddition, Dr. Ernest L. Knight, a philanthropist and

distinguished alumnus of Alabama A&M University, Dr.Benjamin F. Payton, President of Tuskegee University andDr. James Oliver, Director of Bands, Alabama StateUniversity were recognized for their contributions to theirrespective institutions.The 2011 Gala will be held on May 21, 2011 at theWashington Navy Yard.


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2010 Alabama Big 3 HBCU Picnic

Alabama Big 3 Picnic in Watkins Park

Where can you get southern fried catfish, BBQ turkey &chicken, hotdogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings? If youask anyone who attended the Alabama Big 3 Picnic theycould tell you! On August 7, 2010 AAMU, ASU, and TUheld their annual joint picnic at Watkins Park in Prince County, Maryland. It turned out to be a beautiful

day to see old friends and eat some good food.We are in the process of planning the 2011 picnic. Staytuned for more details. For more information pleasecontact Aaron Combs,[email protected] we see you this year? We are currently working onthe date and location.

Annual Scholarship & Recognition

Breakfast and Town Hall Meeting

AAMU President and First Lady Join

Chapter for the Annual Breakfast

On September 18, 2010, the Chapter hosted our fourthannual Alabama A&M University Alumni Scholarshipand Recognition Breakfast. Thanks to all of ourAlumni and Friends the breakfast was a grand success!We had a great turn out and Alabama A&Mdelivered a wonderful message emphasizing the needfor all of us to continue to be ambassadors for ourbeloved University. The attendance and contributioof our patrons to this great event proves that our

ensure the success and growth of Alabama A&M

University.

We also had the honor of awarding two $1000.00scholarships to Washington, DC area students PatriceStephanie Harrison and Avery Lamont Mitchell. Inaddition, we recognized three Alabama A&M alumnifor their unwavering service to scholarship andcommunity. Our honorees for the occasion wereAaron Combs, John Gaddis, and Johnny Nelson.In addition to the scholarship breakfast, we also had atown hall meeting with Dr. Hugine and members of hisstaff. It was a great opportunity for the Washington,DC area members of the Alabama A&M Universitycommunity to be updated on University achievements,


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issues for Alabama A&M University.

We also kicked off the Washington, DC Metro AreaEndowed Scholarship and are now collecting donationsand pledges. We hope that you will continue to support

us and look forward to seeing you at more AlabamaA&M University Washington, DC Metro AlumniChapter events!

Scholarship Award Winners

The Washington, DC Metropolitan

Alumni Chapter Awards Two

Scholarships

During the Annual Scholarship Breakfast, Avery L.Mitchell and Patrice S. Harrison received the 2010Alabama A&M University, Washington, DC MetropolitanAlumni Chapter Scholarship. Both students received

$1,000.00 each. Their parents accepted the scholarshion their behalf.

Avery L. Mitchell, a freshman fromGaithersburg, MD, shared in hisessay the reason he decided to

attend AAMU. Avery choAAMU because his interestedmajors were offered. Avery plato major in either Civil Engineeringor Environmental Science with a

minor in Chemistry. He expressed that his intent halways been to attend a school in the south, especially sincehis two brothers attend college in Alabama. Avery figurhe would simply follow in their footsteps, but did not wantto attend their school. So when he learned about AAMduring an HBCU College fair and saw his interestedmajors, he thought it would be easier for his parents tovisit all their sons in Alabama; and he could still be close tohis brothers, who by the way attend Tuskegee University.Avery is a 2009 graduate of Watkins Mill High School inGaithersburg, MD.

Patrice S. Harrisona sophomore fromWashington, DC, ismajoring in UrbanPlanning. In h

essay discussing herexperience as astudent at AAMUPatrice describedher favorite

experience on the hill. It was when she spotted a postfor the Voluptuous Bulldog Beauties (VBB), anorganization for full-figured females. Although Patrice hno knowledge of the organization, she knew she wanted tobe a part of it. As a result, she was crowned Miss VB2010. She said this is her favorite experience not on

because she got a crown, but also because she representsan organization that promotes scholarship, service andself-everything is perfect, but that one decides to look beyondthe imperfections, something she lives by every day.Patrice is a second year recipient of this scholarship. is a 2008 graduate of The Seed Public Charter SchoolWashington, DC, and learned about AAMU from a


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T-shirt listing the 105 Historically Black Colleges andUniversities (HBCUs).To receive a scholarship, applicants must be a current highschool Senior accepted to AAMU or a current studentattending AAMU and pursuing a degree. Applicants must

be residents of Maryland, Virginia, the District ofColumbia and Delaware. Undergraduate and graduatestudents are eligible to receive a scholarship.Applicants are required to provide an official transcript,three letters of recommendation, written essays(undergraduate-300 words or graduate-500 words), a walletsize photograph, and a completed and signed application.Incoming, transferring, and graduate students mustprovide a copy of the AAMU acceptance letter.The 2011 Scholarship application deadline is April 30,2011. To obtain copies, visithttp://wdcaamualumni.spruz.com/ . Completedapplications may be emailed [email protected] mailed to P.O. Box 1187, Bowie, MD 20718. Join us as we help students from the Washington, DCMetropolitan area attend our beloved Alma Mater. Foradditional information, please email Stephanie [email protected] call Renea Epps at (301)627-3993.

AAMU Washington, DC Metro Chapter

Endowment

Chapter Establishes Endowment with

to Match

Donations

At the Annual Alumni Scholarship & RecognitionBreakfast we officially kicked off the Washington, DCMetropolitan Area Alumni Association EndowedScholarship Fund within the Alabama A&M UniversityFoundation. The minimum amount required to fund theendowment is $25,000. If the endowment can be fullyfunded by July 2011, the University Foundation will matchthe $25,000 for a total endowment of $50,000.

Since the Councill Challenge ended in July 2010, thisendowment allows donors to continue to give to AAMUand have the donation matched until July 31, 2011. AfterJuly 2011, it will provide an ongoing method to donate toAAMU and support deserving students.

We are asking all alumni to make a pledge to fully fund thisendowment by July 2011 (see attached Pledge Form thatyou can complete and send to the chapter). All donatioare employer for matching funding/grants. The endowmenwill target students in Maryland, Virginia, and the Districof Columbia.

Why is this important?

1.Decreases in federal and state financial support

have led to a need for greater alumni support.

2.Allows AAMU to provide full financial supportto top deserving students.

3.Allows alumni to invest in AAMU by providing

scholarships to deserving students and havingyour donation matched (until July 2011).

4.This is our University. The education and life

experiences gained by attending AAMU openedmany doors for the varied careers we enjoy

today. It has provided us with some of the mostprecious memories of our lives.

5.

How can you contribute?

Donations should be made payable to: AlabamaA&M University Foundation. In the memo section the check, write Acct # 570, Washington DC MetroArea Endowed Scholarship Fund. Donations and

pledges can be mailed to:Washington, DC

Metropolitan AlumniChapter

Attn: EndowmentP.O. Box 1187

Bowie, MD 20718-1187

or

Alabama A&MUniversity Foundation

Alabama A&MUniversity

P.O. Box 1057Normal, AL 35762-

1057
http://wdcaamualumni.spruz.com/http://wdcaamualumni.spruz.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://../AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/karen.epps/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Word/[email protected]://../AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/karen.epps/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Word/[email protected]://../AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/AppData/Local/karen.epps/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Word/[email protected]:[email protected]://wdcaamualumni.spruz.com/


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A receipt will be mailed to you from the university. Alldonations are tax deductible.Thank you for supporting AAMU and students in theWashington, DC metropolitan area.

If you have questions about the WDCA Endowment,please contact:

Thomas Taylor240-893-0722

[email protected]

or

SanYvette Williams-Foy

[email protected]

2010 Christmas Social

Christmas 2010 and Community Service

The chapter ended 2010 with our Annual Christmas Socialhosted by Michael Therewere approximately twenty five family and friends inattendance. New alumni were welcomed and encouragedto join the local chapter. A brief meeting was held withthe chapter president thanking everyone for their supportof chapter activities throughout the year and giving a brief

In addition to fellowshipping with each other, the chapteruses this event to provide service to the community.Fellow alumni gave generously of gift cards and otherfinancial contributions to a family in dire need of

assistance. Jackie Jackson delivered the gifts and the familywas overwhelmed and thankful to the chapter for the giftsthey received.

Alumni Spotlight

NASA Executive and AAMU Alum,

Charles H. Scales Retires

The retiremenDeputy Administrator of NASA was held on December20, 2010 at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC.Among the awards and gifts, a resolution from theuniversity on behalf of President Hugine, was presented bylocal AAMU alumni chapter president, Dr. SanYvetteWilliams-

AAMU News

Alabama A&M University is one of the leading

producers of African-Americans with

undergraduate and graduate degrees in physics

and is one of only a few HBCUs with a Ph.D

program in physics.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Alabama A&M is the only HBCU that offers a

concentration in space physics.

Alabama A&M has hosted a lecture series

featuring a Nobel Prize winner in Physics every

year since 1999.

In 2010, a Ph.D. graduate student in physics atAlabama A&M received the Award for Best

Dissertation among HBCUs.

Physics is a fundamental science and one of the oldestacademic disciplines. A physics education gives you theskills to solve a broad range of complex problems whichcan be applies to a wide variety of career paths. AlabamaA&M physics graduates have become research scientists,engineers, mathematicians, lawyers, and medical doctors.

In the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, the U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is one of theleading employer of Alabama A&M physics graduates.NRC also happens to be ranked the Best Place to Workin the Federal Government.Alabama A&M physics alumni and NRC employeesinclude:

- Shawn Rochelle Smith, Senior International

Program Coordinator

Class of 2002, B.S. Physics

- Michelle Simmons, Health Physicist

Class of 2002, M.S. Physics

- Denise Edwards, Construction Project Engineer

Class of 2005, M.S. Physics

- Mekonen Bayssie, Materials Scientist

Class of 2005, Ph.D. Applied Physics

- Marvin Sykes, Branch Chief

Class of 1991, BS PhysicsRegardless of the many misconceptions and stereotypes ofphysics majors, know that we are part of an elite group:

Band Uniform Fundraiser

The AAMU Foundation is spon -AB replace the uniforms for the Marching Maroon andWhite. A donation of $500 will outfit one band student.Other donor levels are available:

Coat: $300Trouser/bib: $200Rain Poncho: $100Cape/Shako: $50Incentive awards include 4 tickets to game of choice in thePresidential Suite during the 2011 season, for theindividual who adopts the most band students) exclusive formance ($500+ level) and 2 rooms at the BirminghamSheraton to the 2011 Magic City Classic (for the alumni

chapter that adopts the most students). For moreinformation, please visit www.aamu.edu/alumni or cal256.372.4099.

AAMU Women wins SWAC Volleyball

Championship for the 4th Consecutive

YearThe Alabama A&M Volleyball Program would like to say aspecial thank you to all of the fans, alumni, familymembers and athletic staff for supporting us throughoutthe 2010 season.


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A special thanks to all of the Volleyball Alums andDirector of Athletics, Betty Austin, for showing up ingreat numbers in Montgomery, AL, during theSouthwestern Athletic Conference Volleyball

Tournament and supporting us as we won our fourthconsecutive SWAC championship. We were so proud and pleased to have captured thistitle with you and to have your support to pull usthrough.We ask that you continue to support us throughout allCoach Nedra Brown

Four-Time SWAC Champs!!

Robert Mathis Selected to Third

Consecutive NFL Pro Bowl

Former Alabama A&M student-athlete Robert Mathis, hasbeen selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl. Mathishas started 15 games this season and leads the club with 11sacks and 19 quarterback hurries, while he leads Coltsdefensive linemen with 56 tackles. The eighth-year veteranhas recorded a sack in nine of 15 games this season and

has recorded more than one sack three times. Mathis had asack in each of the first three games of 2010, earning himAFC Defensive Player-of-the-Month honors forSeptember. Mathis ranks second in franchise history with74 career sacks.

General Reminders

Chapter Meetings:

Chapter Meetings are at 12:00 pm on the 3rdSaturday each month at:9111 Edmonston Road, Suite 100Greenbelt, Maryland

Chapter Mailing Address:

Washington, DC Metro Alumni ChapterP.O.Box 1187Bowie, MD 20718-1187

Committee Members Needed:

We continue to look for ways to enhance thechapter and support our beloved university. Ifyou have any ideas or would like to be on acommittee for any of the upcoming events, pleaselet us know.We are also looking for committee chairs.


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Chapter Website:

http://wdcaamualumni.spruz.com/

You can contact the chapter by sending anemail to:[email protected]

College Fair:

College Fairs: HBCU Fair at T.C. Williams Hig

School (Sponsored by Alfred Street BaptistChurch) - February 19, 2011. VolunteersNeeded! (Others to be announced)
http://wdcaamualumni.spruz.com/http://wdcaamualumni.spruz.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://wdcaamualumni.spruz.com/


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UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS REMINDERThe chapter has an active year planned and is soliciting the support of alumni in the Washington, DCMetro area. If you cannot attend the meetings, please consider supporting in other ways. Some of theevents include:College Fairs: HBCU Fair at T.C. Williams High School (Sponsored by

Alfred Street Baptist Church) - February 19, 2011. Volunteers Needed!

AAMU Presidential Inauguration March 26, 2011

2011 Scholarship Application Deadline: April 30, 2011

2011 Alabama Big 3 HBCU Gala May 21, 2011

WDC Metro Area Endowment Fundraising Bus Trip (site TBA) June

2011

Chapter Endowment Deadline for Matching Funds: June 30, 2011

2011 Alabama Big 3 HBCU Picnic: July 2011

2011 Annual Scholarship Breakfast: September 2011

Magic City Classic Bus Trip (Tentative): October 2011

Christmas Social and Community Service: December 2011

For more information or to volunteer, please contact the chapter by sending an

email to:[email protected]


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Thanks to the following Chapter members for their contributions to thisNewsletter:

Sherry Belser Crawford

Leticia Drakeford

Karen Renea Epps

Jacqueline F. Jackson

Shawn Smith

Thomas Taylor

Dr. SanYvette Williams-Foy

Stephanie Wilson


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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NAME: _____________________________________________ Class: ________________

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________

CITY: ______________________________ STATE: _________ ZIP: _____________

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________

HOME PHONE: (____) ________________ WORK PHONE: (____)________________

MAJOR: _________________________________

$125 Local ($75) & National Dues ($50)

$500 Life Member$75 Local Dues (for Life Members)

$20-Associate Membership

Amount Enclosed: $___________

Make check payable to: AAMU Washington DC Metro Alumni Association

Mail to:

AAMU WASHINGTON DC METRO CHAPTER

P.O. BOX 1187

BOWIE, MD 20718

Monthly meetings are held every 3rdSaturday @12:00pm, 9111 Edmonston Road,

Suite 100, Greenbelt, MD


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Alabama A&M University HistoryThe Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is a land-grant University. It receives support from the State of Alabama andthrough federal funds appropriated to assist in carrying on work stipulated by the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. The University is underthe control of a board of trustees appointed by the Governor, who serves as ex officio Chairman.The University was organized in 1875 as the result of a bill passed in the State Legislature in 1873 and through the continued efforts of

its first principal and president, William Hooper Councill, an ex-slave. The school opened on May 1, 1875, as the Huntsville NormalSchool with an appropriation of $1,000 per year, 61 students, and two teachers.Industrial education was introduced around 1878. It attracted wide attention, and the school was assisted financially by the Slater andPeabody Funds, along with private contributors. The work in industrial education was so successful that the State Legislatureauthorized the name to be changed State to $4,000 per year.In 1891, the school became the recipient of a part of the Federal Land-Grant Fund provided by an act of Congress, approved August30, 1890. The purpose of this fund was to further training in agriculture and mechanical arts in the various states at the college level.cation wasprovided at Normal, Alabama, where the school would have ample room for the development of its trades and agricultural programs. In Institute fo

In 1939, by authority of the State Board of Education, the Institute was permitted to offer work on the senior college level. The first he name was again changed to the became a fully accredited member of the Association in December 1963.

There have been three principals:William Hooper Councill, 1875-1887

Peter H. Clark, 1887-1888William Hooper Councill, 1888-1890

And, eleven presidents have served the institution:

William Hooper Councill, 1890-1909Walter S. Buchanan, 1909-1921

T.R. Parker, 1921-1927J.F. Drake, 1927-1962

R.D. Morrison, 1962-1984Douglas Covington, 1984-1987

Carl H. Marbury, 1987-1991David B. Henson, 1992-1995John T. Gibson, 1996-2005

Robert R. Jennings, 2006-2008Andrew Hugine, Jr., 2009-Present

Four interim presidents:

Carl Harris Marbury, 1987-89Alan Keyes, 1991-92

Virginia Caples, 1995-96; 2005-2006Beverly Edmond, 2008-2009

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is a dynamic and progressive institution with a strong commitment to academicexcellence. The picturesque campus is situated on fromdowntown Huntsville. The institution is a diverse and vibrant microcosm of the larger world around it. It offers numerous degreeprograms, including four Ph.D. degrees in Food Science, Physics, Plant and Soil Science, and Reading/Literacy.


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aamu wdc alumni chapter newsletter - jan 2011

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