Founder's Day Oakwood Celebrates - Oakwood Student Named as HBCU All-Star - Oakwood University
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
WINTER 2017 OAKWOODMAGAZINE.COM
Oakwood Student
Named as HBCU
All-Star
Oakwood
Celebrates
Founder’s Day ASE
IN C SED
Oakwood Selected for MIS
YOU
$2.75M Grant from UNCF
M A G A Z I N E
EDITORIAL STAFF
Publisher: Kisha Norris
Managing Editor: Debbe Millet
Circulation Manager: Carla Noel
Advertising Manager: Richard Hodnett
Graphic Designer: Ron J. Pride
Photographer: Anthony Chornes, II
Webmaster: Kanique Mighty-Nugent
Videography: O
akwood University Broadcasting
Network (OUBN)
...............................................................................................................................
OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
Leslie N. Pollard
PRESIDENT
Karen Benn Marshall
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION
Sabrina R. Cotton
VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
David A. Knight
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES
Prudence L. Pollard
VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH & FACULTY
DEVELOPMENT
Kisha R. Norris
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ADVANCEMENT &
DEVELOPMENT
Howard Weems
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
SPIRITUAL LIFE and SENIOR CHAPLAIN
Kirk R. Nugent
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
...............................................................................................................................
OAKWOOD MAGAZINE is published by the Office of
Integrated Marketing & Public Relations, Oakwood University.
Email: pr@oakwood.edu
Address editorial correspondence and/or questions to us at the
Office of Integrated Marketing & Public Relations
7000 Adventist Boulevard, NW
Huntsville, Alabama 35896
(256) 726-7202
www.oakwoodmagazine.com
OAKWOOD MAGAZINE is the official journal of
Oakwood University.
www.oakwood.edu
...............................................................................................................................
ABOUT THE COVER
Printing & distribution: College Press This commemorative photo, of students, employees,
4981 Industrial Dr, Collegedale, TN 37315 and several alumni, was taken following Chapel on
(423) 396-2164 | www.cplitho.com November 10, 2016.
Photo by Richard Hodnett & Anthony Chornes, II
Contents
Winter 2017 O A K W O O D M A G A Z I N E
6 F E A T U R E S
12 2016 University Convocation
13 O akwood’s Visitors
English and Foreign Languages Department
Welcomes Dr. Sonia Sanchez
Dykes-Rivers Lecture Series Presents
Erika Alexander
Music Department Hosts Groundbreaking
Artist Jacob Collier
5 A120Message from the President
and Going Strong!
13
6 Oakwood University Founder's Day
Celebration
9 Oakwood
10
Receives
“Retool Your
School”
Grant Funds
10 Oakwood 14 O
akwood Receives the Largest
Live! Brings Grant Award in Its History!
Over 600
Potential 16
Agape Day
Carpe Agape — “Seize the Love”
Students to
Campus
18 Student
Profiles
Oakwood Student Receives ETS Presidential
Scholarship
Oakwood Student Named as HBCU All-Star
Want a different option?
Oakwood Student Continues to Make an
Impact
Try OakwoodMagazine.com
44 OPremier
U 101
Principal: Solon M. Jacobs
47 End
Notes
Blood, Sweat and Cheers!
Moran Hall
Available on
iPad®, iPhone®,
Android®, and
KINDLE Fire™. WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 3
Contents CONTINUED
Oakwood’s Women’s
Leadership Tea Another Online Extras
Success When you see
Why Planned Giving?
Posing at the recent 4th Annual Community
UNCF Women’s Health Fair
Leadership Tea; go to:
(l to r) Dr.
Prudence Pollard 40 OU News Notes flickr.com/OakwoodUniversity
and Courtney Oakwoodites Honored During for more photos.
Buckhanon, Miss American Education Week .......................................
Oakwood; Kanique Oakwood Attends the When you see
Mighty-Nugent
and her daughter ABRCMS
PHOTOS BY ROLAND SCOTT
Khenzi. Oakwood’s President
Addresses the Mission of
36 go to:
Higher Education
Oakwood President’s OakwoodMagazine.com
Leadership Tour for a video story.
20 Division Update: Financial Administration Miss Oakwood Featured on
Oakwood University Endowment; The HBCU Nation Radio Show
$20M by 2020 Oakwood Hosts Chemistry Night
My Road to Graduation Scholarship Program Oakwood Student Interns at Mayo Clinic
OU Women Get R.A.D.! Oakwood Against Domestic Violence
Oakwood Celebrates Healthy Campus Week
22 Division Update: Student Services Oakwood Students Attend 2016 NABA Student Conference
Fall Student Week of Prayer – “I AM”
28 Division Update: Academic Administration
Oakwood Hosts 22nd Annual Graduate
& Professional School Expo
Oakwood Reaches Out to Former ITT Tech
Students
30 Division Update: Information Technology
Information Technology Makes a Move
32 Office of Spiritual Life
Find out what’s happening
Power Packed Weekend: He Said “Go”
OU Remembers and Honors First
at Oakwood University.
Responders
Get InsideOakwood.
34 Division Update: Research & Faculty
Development
Healthier Snack Choices Now Available
Sign up today!
at OU www.tinyurl.com/InsideOakwood
2016-2017 Awardees of the Faculty
Development Grant Program Announced
38 ivision Update: Advancement &
D
InsideOakwood is
Development published by the Office
Oakwood Kicks Off UNCF North Alabama of Integrated Marketing &
Campaign Public Relations
4 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017
A Message: FROM THE PRESIDENT
Leslie N. Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., MBA
120 and Going Strong!
F or the first five years of my formal
education, I walked six blocks
every day to a small neighbor-
hood public school, McDonough 27.
On my way to and from school, I passed many
the most important issue in life
is whether our young adults are
actively deciding their allegiance to
one of the two contending powers
in the universe, then the most sig-
nificant experience we can provide
neighbors who knew me and my family. My teach- for our children is an increasing
ers, who were also our neighbors, were respected immersion into the mission of God’s
community fixtures. To this day they, who are still remnant church.
with us, are honored in the old neighborhood. If This edition of the Oakwood
you were to ask me about them in the middle Magazine stands on 120 years
of the night, I could recall their names and the of the rewarding
order in which they taught me. While our neigh- influence of the “I didn’t know it at the
borhood school didn’t have many of the modern many men and
technological devices that were then popular, it women who built
time, but Oakwood was
did offer the most robust and important element this institution into God’s recruiting center
of the educational process—a rich, deep, caring,
and intimate connection to the devoted teachers
what it is today. for Christ’s mission.”
Administrators,
who shaped me. faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees—many have
Seven years later, after the ‘60s and ‘70s journey “rested from their labors,” but “their works follow
to distant schools because of legally-mandated them.” From 1896 to now, Oakwood University
integration, I found the same deep, intimate and continues its ministry of transforming lives and
caring connection to devoted teachers, but this equipping students for successful service through
time on the college level—at Oakwood. Here I their chosen careers.
found a new generation of warm and cherished In this edition we provide you an overview of
relationships with teachers, with names such as some of the modern initiatives which will define
Reaves, Moseley, Richards Barnes, Davis, Winslow, Oakwood for today’s generation. We share our first
Gooding, Lacy, and a constellation of others. ever Founder’s Day Celebration, where we gratefully
On many days while I am walking the campus, reflected on our 120 year journey. We also present
visiting Moran Hall, standing in Cunningham Hall, our annual Agape Day, during which our student
or teaching in the Moseley Complex, I can still feel body annually delivers an outpouring of service
the rich and ever-present embrace of their godly to the Huntsville community. We tell you about
influence and teaching. My fondest prayer is that today’s version of what you may know as College
I can pass on to today’s students the same love Days—but retooled for the millennial generation
and richness that my Oakwood teachers poured as an interactive and immersive experience called
into me—a love that lasted not simply four years, Oakwood Live! Speaking of millennials, we are
but throughout 40 years. very intentional in preparing them for the 21st
I didn’t know it at the time, but Oakwood was century workforce through our 2.75 million dollar
God’s recruiting center for Christ’s mission. The Career Pathways Initiative. These are just a few
value of service to the Lord and the world were illustrations that “our dear Oakwood” is 120 years
inextricably tied to the mission of my Oakwood old and going strong.
education. If the most important issue in the last
days is the great controversy, and if we are truly
living in the final days of world history, and if
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 5
Oakwood University
November 9-16, 2016
M
arking 120 years of advancing learn- Seventh-day Adventist education, creating com-
ing among underserved populations, petent Christian professionals for servant lead-
Oakwood University, a Seventh-day ership. I am immensely grateful for the 120th
Adventist school consistently ranked year celebration of Oakwood University. Since
among America’s best Historically Black Colleges 1896, we have been in the blessed business of
and Universities, or HBCUs, celebrated a week of transforming lives.”
Founder’s Day activities from November 9 to 16 Oakwood was founded by the Seventh-day
at the school’s Huntsville, Alabama, campus. Adventist Church in 1896 to provide education
University president Leslie Pollard said, “For for the region’s African-Americans, who had
120 years, Oakwood has advanced the mission of recently been freed from slavery. Originally,
(l to r) USM President Gabriel Carter, President Pollard, Anita and Frank Jacobs—
great-grandson of Solon M. Jacobs, Oakwood’s first principal.
Students show off their “1896” commemorative t-shirts.
Dr. Prudence Pollard admires the work
of local baker and cake decorator
Sherea Gordon who created cakes in
the shape of two of Oakwood’s land-
marks, the Lawrence Jacobs Silos,
and the campus bell.
Dr. Tim Mcdonald,
Ellengold Goodridge and
Hastings Newbill at the
Elder Charles Bradford and Dr. mid-day celebration.
Mervyn Warren comment on a
display in the Clara Peterson-
Rock Museum.
the school was called “Oakwood
PHOTO BY ELIJAH LEFTRIDGE
Industrial School,” opening its
doors on November 16, 1896, with
16 students. The 380-acre former
slave plantation was dotted with
towering oak trees, which inspired
the name “Oakwood.”
Founder’s Day activities
began with a special Wednesday
Night Prayer Meeting service
on November 9 at the Oakwood
University Church, where senior
pastor and Oakwood alumnus Dr.
Carlton P. Byrd, ’94, presented an
inspiring reflection on how God has
led us in the past.
Pastor Anthony Bolden, ’15,
spoke during the University Chapel
service on Thursday, November 10.
Following Chapel, a commemora-
tive photo was taken. Several alum-
ni participated, as well as students
and employees.
Also on November 10, the
school dedicated the E. E. Rogers
Biblical Languages & Resource
Center, honoring Dr. Ernest E.
Rogers, who served as Oakwood’s
first full-time professor of biblical
languages, from 1945 to 1979. The Cookman University, and Alabama Learn; Depart to Serve.”
Center fosters the learning and use A&M University. Oakwood University, a histori-
of biblical languages, and provides Frank and Anita Jacobs of cally Black Seventh-day Adventist
computer-based resources for stu- Williamsport, Maryland, visited the institution of higher learning, offers
dents. campus of Oakwood on Founder’s quality Christian Education that
Later that afternoon, a por- Day, November 16, 2016. Frank is emphasizes academic excellence,
trait of President J. L. Moran was the great-grandson of Solon M. promotes harmonious develop-
unveiled at Moran Hall, honoring Jacobs, the first principal of the ment of mind, body, and spirit, and
Oakwood’s first African-American Oakwood Industrial School. prepares leaders in service for God
president (1932-1945). Oakwood celebrated its 120th and humanity. Consistent with
On Friday evening, guest speak- birthday with cake, balloons, and its mission statement, Oakwood
er Dr. MyRon Edmonds, ’99, senior music in Blake Center during the University is in the business of
pastor of the Glenville Seventh- lunch hour on Founder's Day, where transforming lives – both for now
day Adventist Church in Euclid, “Mr. and Miss Oakwood” distributed and, more importantly, for eternity.
Ohio, addressed a vespers service. “1896” commemorative t-shirts. Oakwood is consistently recog-
Dynamic Praise ministered to the Founder’s Day festivities con- nized by national media, business
congregation in music. cluded following Prayer Meeting at and educational associations. U.S.
The speaker for Divine Worship the Lawrence Jacobs Historic Silos News and World Report ranks it
on Sabbath, November 12, was for- Plaza, with hot chocolate, donuts, perennially among the nation’s
mer president Dr. Calvin B. Rock, cider, and a fireworks display. “Best Colleges,” both in terms of
’54. The world-renown Oakwood Oakwood University continues the “Historically Black Colleges and
PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CHORNES, II
University Aeolians and Orchestra to view education as indispensable Universities” (HBCUs) and “Regional
ministered in music. A Gospel in preparation for wider service to Colleges/South” categories; the mag-
Music Fest took place on Sabbath God and to the human family. Since azine also ranks Oakwood among
evening, featuring the Aeolians 1896, thousands have received the the top ten HBCUs with highest
and guest choirs from Bethune- blessings of our motto: “Enter to graduation rates. In its first-ever
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 7
HBCU ranking, the September The University enjoys a beau-
2012 EBONY Magazine top-rated tiful natural setting on prime acre-
Oakwood’s science program. age and is considered one of the
Additionally, Oakwood is the historical landmarks of the city
nation’s fifth-ranked producer of of Huntsville, a cosmopolitan city
undergraduate black applicants to the Association for American of approximately 180,000 people
to medical schools, according Medical Colleges. The University located in north central Alabama.
has tremendous local impact For those interested in additional
hosting, since 1946, the annu- information about the school and
al Camp Meeting for the South its history, an informative journey
Central Conference of Seventh- through Oakwood’s history is avail-
day Adventists, a 10-day spiritual/ able in the Spring, 2016, issue of the
educational/recreational retreat Oakwood Magazine.
accommodating 8-10,000 attendees. This article first appeared @ AdventistReview.org, Nov. 23, 2016.
Festivities included
the unveiling of a
new portrait of Elder Pastor Anthony
J.L. Moran. Bolden at Thursday’s
Chapel program.
Dr. Jessie Godley
Bradley shares part
of her Oakwood
story with President
Pollard during
church service on
November 12. The choir from Bethune-Cookman
University participated in the
Gospel Fest.
Oakwood’s award-winning
Aeolians during the Gospel Fest
on Sabbath evening.
Dr. and Mrs. E.E.
Rogers cut the
ribbon, with Dr.
Dedrick Blue (left)
and Dr. Leslie
8 [ Oakwood Magazine ]
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNCF
WINTER 2017 Pollard
Oakwood Receives
“Retool Your School”
Grant Funds
A group of over 25 volunteer Oakwood students and employees gathered near the Lawrence Jacobs
Memorial Silos Plaza on October 11, 2016, to help the team from Home Depot assemble bleachers for the
soccer field. During the assembly process, everyone took a moment for a photo opportunity, as Home
Depot presented Oakwood University with a check for $20,000, representing Oakwood’s winning the
Tier II 2016 Home Depot’s Retool Your School campus improvement grant. “I want to especially thank Kisha Norris,
our Executive Director for Advancement and Development, and her team, for providing leadership in Oakwood’s
response to the Home Depot Challenge,” said Dr. Leslie Pollard, President of Oakwood University. “For four consecutive
years, Oakwood has won an award that has allowed us to improve our campus. Every time we use the pavilion near
the Unity Pond for outdoor fellowship, or use the exercise equipment that has been installed, or now watch soccer
games from the new bleachers, our energy is renewed.” We thank everyone for their support by voting for Oakwood
University each year, and we thank the Home Depot for the opportunity to participate. Staff from ASPiRE Television
were on hand to film the day’s activities, and the segment can be viewed at the link below.
http://www.aspire.tv/videos/the-home-depots-retool-your-school-hbcu-grant-winners/
PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CHORNES, II
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 9
Oakwood Live! Brings Over 600
Potential Students to Campus by Jeffrey Wilder, student writer
EVERY YEAR as the leaves begin to fall, campus! If you ask me, nothing tops such an
and the weather begins to change, Oakwood experience.”
University hosts a conglomerate of high school During their time here, potential students
seniors, all wide-eyed and excited to learn every- also received a foretaste of dorm life, as they
thing they can about our beloved institution. shared rooms with current students who volun-
These young prospective students come from teered to share their space in an effort to help
all over the globe to experience Oakwood Live! give soon-to-be students the full OU experience.
This year, Oakwood Live! (formerly known Saturday night’s block party offered our
as College Days) was extended two addition- guests one last chance to mingle with stu-
al days, for a total of five days of immersion dent-led organi-
in the academic culture and day-to-day life zations. Several
of the Oakwood student. Activities included activities hap-
visiting academic departments, attending the pened simulta-
highly anticipated concert featuring Oakwood neously: a bas-
University’s choirs, dramatic presentations and ketball game,
individual musical talent. inflatables, an
Although the weather wreaked havoc around “escape room”
the world, we were blessed to host more than tent, a video
600 prospective students who were ready gaming truck,
to receive, if only for a moment, the coveted bubble soccer,
“Oakwood Experience” we all talk about. Senior and local guest
Joshua Southwell said, “I believe Oakwood Live! food trucks pro-
was a great chance to get a glimpse of what vided a variety of
it’s like to be a student here. All of the activi- delicious foods.
ties they were a part of, including the various
worship experi-
ences, provided
a preview of what
they can expect
when they arrive
next fall. I hope
each student real-
izes that not only
do you receive a
quality education
at Oakwood, but
you forge lifelong
friendships while
finding yourself
in Christ on this
10 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017 PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CHORNES, IIWINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 11
2016 UNIVERSIT Y
O akwood University
held its annual
University Convocation
on September 1.
Administration, faculty, and staff
marched down the aisle of the
University Church, which was filled
Benn Marshall, Dr. Howard Weems,
Dr. Prudence Pollard, OAA principal
Gabriel Madrid, Kisha Norris, Sabrina
Cotton, Kirk Nugent, David Knight,
and Oakwood University Church
Senior Pastor Dr. Carlton Byrd, led
the congregation in reading the litany
with university students, as well as for Oakwood’s new school year.
students from all grades of Oakwood Together the platform partici-
Adventist Academy. pants and congregation prayerfully
Following the welcome by committed to keeping God first in
President Leslie Pollard and USM every part of their lives. Part of the
President Gabriel Carter, the con- litany read: “From the rising of the
gregation and platform participants, sun to the going down of the same,
including Dr. Leslie Pollard, Dr. Karen we will praise You. You are first in our
worship, first in our prayer, and first in
our praise. We will lift You up by put-
ting You first every day of this new
school year. Amen.”
Students, administrators, fac-
ulty, and staff were admonished to
remember victories and successes
of the past, in a powerful address
from President Pollard entitled “Lest
We Forget.” The world renowned
Aeolians lifted the congregation’s
spirits as they sang “Lift Every Voice.”
The 2016 University Convocation
concluded with a special anoint-
ing service in which Huntsville area
pastors prayed over students and
employees of the University.
12 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017 PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CHORNES, IIOakwood’s
Erika Alexander cordially obliged several individuals during a
photo opportunity following the lecture. Pictured here (l-r) are
Ted Rivers, one of the originators of Oakwood’s broadcasting
Visitors
program; Mrs. Patrice Conwell and Dr. Victoria Joiner, assistant
professors in the Communication Department; Erika Alexander;
Dr. Rennae Elliott, chair of the Communication Department;
and interviewer, David Person.
English and Foreign Lecture cians, stopped by Oakwood
Series University to present a master
Languages Department on class for the Department of
Welcomes September 15, in the Peters Media Music, between stops on his global
Dr. Sonia Sanchez Center Studio. Students, faculty tour.
O
and community guests listened as Jason Max Ferdinand,
n September 6, Oakwood’s Alexander described her journey D.M.A., chair of Oakwood’s Music
Department of English to being an actress and activist Department, said that “Jacob Collier
and Foreign Languages and the for women’s and children’s issues. is simply a genius! The knowledge
Alabama State Council on the Alexander is possibly best known that spews from his brain surpass-
Arts hosted an evening with as for her award-winning role as es what many musicians learn in a
poet, mother, professor Dr. Sonia “Maxine Shaw” from the hit series lifetime. I think he totally revolu-
Sanchez on the “Poet as Creator of Living Single, and as “Cousin Pam” tionizes how music can and should
Social Values” in the Moran Hall on The Cosby Show. be approached!”
Auditorium. The lecture series followed an Growing up in a
Sanchez is the author of over interview format with Oakwood family of musicians,
20 books, and has lectured at over alum David Person, ’85, who asked Collier has embraced
500 universities and colleges in Erika about her work as a delegate the Internet to share
the United States, and has traveled to Africa for the Clinton Global his uniquely cre-
extensively, reading her poetry Initiative. After spending time ative talent, and is
in Africa, in front of the camera, Erika has best known for his
Cuba, moved on to co-create, produce and trademark multi-faceted YouTube
England, star in the new YouTube series, videos in which he sings all the
the #TheBFFChronicles. She has also parts, plays all the instruments, and
Caribbean, co-created and writes for the graph- visualizes every component with
Australia, ic novel series Concrete Park. a mosaic of screens. “Mr. Collier
Europe, Erika had visited a communi- displayed an amazing versatility
Kenneth Anderson, Huntsville’s director Nicaragua, cations class earlier in the day, and and depth of imagination which
of Multicultural Affairs, reads the “Sonia the People’s
noted how impressed she was with inspired our students,” said Dr.
Sanchez Day” proclamation.
Republic our students and their interest, Leslie Pollard, who attended the
of China, Norway, and Canada. as well as her positive impression event.
This is her third visit to Oakwood with the Peters Media Studio and Jacob has spent the last year
University: the first in 1994, the Oakwood’s campus. collaborating with Ben Bloomberg
second in 2000. Ramona Hyman, The Dykes-Rivers Lecture at the Massachusetts Institute of
Ph.D., associate professor of Series is named for communication Technology (MIT), designing and
English, coordinated the poet’s pioneers James Dykes, Sr., and Ted building a one-of-a-kind solo live
visit, and thanked everyone for Rivers, who were instrumental in performance vehicle, which brings
their attendance. the beginnings of radio broadcast- his one-man, multi-instrumental,
ing at Oakwood. multi-visual format of music mak-
Dykes-Rivers Lecture ing to the stage in a way that has
never been seen or heard before.
Series Presents Music Department Collier is concurrently working on
Erika Alexander Hosts Groundbreaking commissioned arrangements for
T
Artist Jacob Collier orchestras and bands, traveling
J
he Department of to give masterclasses at various
Communication hosted acob Collier, one of the world’s schools and universities, and col-
actress, producer, activist Erika most distinctive, inventive laborating with many different
Alexander for the Dykes-Rivers and prodigious young musi- musicians, including Take 6.
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 13Oakwood Receives the Largest
PHOTO BY ANTHONY CHORNES, II
Career Pathways employer panel—“What skills do students need to be employable?” Panelist: Juanita
Phillips, ‘97, Allen Reid, ‘94, Brian Bridges, Tom Houser, and Frank Williams.
Jill Stuart takes visual notes in the background.
A fter a six-month planning phase,
UNCF announced Oakwood
University as one of 24 colleges
and universities that will receive five-year
grants totaling $35.3 million for the UNCF®
Career Pathways Initiative (CPI), a transforma-
toric collaboration. The next five years will be
among the most exciting in the history of our
University.”
Dr. Prudence Pollard, Vice President for
Research and Faculty Development, led the
Oakwood team in writing and facilitating the
tive effort to design and implement programs to strategies designed to assess, equip, and place
improve employment outcomes for graduates. students in gainful occupations or graduate pro-
In a competitive application process which grams within a year of graduation. The on-cam-
began with 87 institutions, Oakwood University, pus team includes Vice President for Academic
Talladega College and Tougaloo College collab- Administration, Dr. Karen Benn Marshall, and
orated over the past few the Deans and Department Chairs at Oakwood.
months to apply for a Each entity has a significant responsibility to
CPI cluster grant, deliver different elements of the grant.
which will collec- Made possible through a grant from Lilly
tively award $6M Endowment Inc., the UNCF® Career Pathways
to the three institu- Initiative (CPI) is a unique pilot program for
tions. The award will select historically black colleges and universities
be allocated across a five- (HBCUs) and predominantly black institutions
year period beginning in 2017. (PBIs) that is helping them enhance career read-
“I am pleased and excited that Oakwood iness for their 54,000 enrolled students. Many of
University and our sister institutions, Talladega these students will be the first in their families
and Tougaloo, have been able to work together to earn college degrees. The majority of students
to receive this award of up to $6M,” remarks Dr. are from low-to-moderate income families and
Leslie Pollard, president of Oakwood University. must receive federal financial aid to pursue their
“This grant from UNCF and the Lilly Foundation undergraduate studies.
is going to give us the edge that we need to Oakwood University submitted a proposal
make sure that when our students finish their that reflects a commitment to strengthening
degree, they will be eligible for employment career advising and mentoring, enhancing cur-
because of the career exposure we will provide. ricula, and supporting integrated co-curricular
Special thanks to my colleagues in presiden- engagement. As part of CPI, the selected institu-
tial leadership – Dr. Beverly Wade-Hogan at tions will develop a range of academic programs,
Tougaloo and Dr. Billy Hawkins at Talledega student internships, industry partnerships, spe-
– who provided the passion and vision which cialty certifications, and faculty development as
guided their campuses into joining our his- they forge a new model for career readiness.
14 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017Grant Award in Its History!
“These colleges and universities show prom- intentionally to achieve their shared outcomes.
ise in significantly addressing the urgent chal- Each cluster will receive up to $6 million.
lenges facing African American college students “I also commend our UNCF President, Dr.
and graduates,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF Michael Lomax, who has worked tirelessly to
president and CEO. “We heartily congratulate build partnerships designed to advance the
Oakwood University and the 23 other institu- UNCF mission of educating students of color in
tions chosen to lead this important work.” order to make them successful,” says Dr. Pollard.
UNCF launched CPI in December 2015 through “His vision for enhancing our UNCF institutions’
a rigorous and competitive multi-phased grant curricula and capacity will serve as a legacy of
process that targeted 87 eligible public and pri- service which will be long remembered.”
vate HBCs and PBIs. In the first phase, UNCF Oakwood’s guided pathway provides stu-
made planning grants to 30 institutions. In the dent-centered and immersive experiences, a During Oakwood’s
final phase, UNCF has chosen 24 institutions career preparation with faculty to guide stu- Colloquium 2016,
artist Jill Stuart
for implementation grants. Of those schools, dents toward academic and professional suc- created this
15 institutions will receive individual awards cess. Our vision is an internal social media and info-stration to
ranging from $1 million to $1.5 million. Nine of highly connected (GEMconnect) guided career visually explain
the institutions, including Oakwood, have been pathway to provide each graduate with 21st the UNCF® CPI
selected for three cluster grants, in which each century career and technology tools needed to grant objectives.
cluster of three institutions will collaborate thrive.
INFO-STRATION BY JILL STUART
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 15“seize the love”
A student volunteer cleans windows at the
Huntsville Space & Rocket Center.
Agape Day
PHOTO BY ANTHONY CHORNES, II
S
eptember 20 was totaled 35 this year, including the
AGAPE Day 2016, the Downtown Rescue Mission, CASA
one day during the fall Community Garden, the Alabama
semester at Oakwood Constitution Village, Highland
University when class- Elementary School, the Huntsville
room instruction is officially set Botanical Garden, Willow Run
aside so that students, employees Towers, Habitat for Humanity,
and administrators can “depart Morris Elementary School, and the
to serve” the Huntsville/ Madison U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
County area, and AGAPE Day was
learn in the “com- “Oakwood first launched in
munity classroom.” tangibly shows 2005 as an initia-
Oakwood has been tive between the
participating in
our commitment Division of Academic
AGAPE Day for over to the value of Administration and
10 years. service.” the Freshmen Studies
The day began Department, and is
at 8:45 a.m., when approximate- now coordinated by the Office of Pre-physical therapy
major Kiana Berry assist-
ly 675 volunteers in their bright Spiritual Life. Chaplain Kimberly ed with animal care at
yellow t-shirts boarded the buses Mann, AGAPE Day Coordinator, the Greater Huntsville
to be transported to work sites in shared that the day “was a blessing Humane Society.
the greater Huntsville area. Work to both the individuals who ren-
projects included painting, plant- dered service as well as to those
ing, weeding, general cleanup, con- who were beneficiaries. Community
ducting science experiments with members and service recipients
elementary school children, and appreciate the way that Oakwood
assisting senior citizens. tangibly shows our commitment to
The number of work sites the value of service.”
16 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017Dr. Finbar Benjamin, assistant vice president for academic administration,
trims hedges in front of the Children’s Museum in downtown Huntsville.
Students helped
with meal
preparation at
the Downtown
Rescue
Mission
Volunteers worked to assist a local elderly couple
with clean-up and yard work.
Students were happy to volunteer at
over 30 work sites throughout Huntsville.
You can search social media
for AGAPE Day photos
Agape Day volunteers spent time with
senior citizens at Willow Run Towers and at #AgapeDay2k16 and
with children at local elementary schools. #agapeday16.
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 17STUDENT PROFILES Oakwood Student
Named as HBCU
All-Star
• The White
House Initiative
on Historically
Black Colleges
Stars will distinguish
themselves as exem-
plars of the talent that
HBCUs cultivate and
and Universities as noble ambassadors
announced recently of their respective
that Gabriel Carter, institutions,” said U.S.
of Atlanta, Georgia, Secretary of Education
is one of 73 students John B. King Jr. “The
from across 63 HBCUs Initiative is looking
named as the 2016 forward to working
HBCU All-Stars. The with this third class
All-Stars, comprised of of All-Stars and is
undergraduate, grad- confident this oppor-
uate, and professional tunity will allow the
students, are being Initiative to mean-
recognized for their ingfully connect with
accomplishments in HBCU students and
Oakwood Student academics, leadership,
and civic engagement.
advance academic
excellence at their
Receives ETS “During the course
of one academic
schools.”
Over the next
Presidential school year, the 73 All- year, the students will
Scholarship
• Along with the
President’s Office,
we congratulate
Nandi Brooks, from
in their major field of
study; who exhibit an
interest in leadership
in their chosen field;
Miami, Florida, for and who have a finan-
being the 2016-2017 cial need. Nandi is a
recipient of the junior communication
Educational Testing major with a special
Service Presidential focus in public rela-
Scholarship for HBCU tions and a minor in
Students. Nandi is one marketing.
of eight students who Recipients of
were selected. this scholarship are
The scholarship required to make a
competition recogniz- presentation on a
es students who have topic related to their
established a record of major field of study at
outstanding academic ETS headquarters in
performance in col- Princeton, New Jersey,
lege, both overall and in early 2017.
18 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017try professionals, the a group and network
students will share with one another to
proven practices that achieve their goals.
support opportunities Kedgeree Dominic
for all young people McKenzie, senior
to achieve their edu- communication major
cational and career at Oakwood, will
potential. They will continue his work
also participate in the with the WHIHBCU
White House HBCU as Communication
Week Conference, Director of the All-
national and regional Star Ambassador
events, and webinars organization.
with Initiative staff McKenzie served as a
and other profession- 2015 HBCU All-Star.
als on a range of dis-
ciplines that support
Kedgeree
a spirit of engagement Dominic
and personal and McKenzie
professional develop-
ment.
The All-Stars were
serve as ambassadors the Initiative as a selected from over
by providing out- networking source. 300 students from
reach opportunities Using social media, 24 states, the District
and communicating relationships with of Columbia, Ghana,
with other students community-based Nigeria, and the Virgin
about the value of organizations, and Islands.They will
both education and sessions with indus- work together and as
Oakwood Student educating herself on pressing women’s issues.
Visits to the White House coupled with oppor-
Continues to Make tunities to meet with many political activists, in
tandem with the knowledge that she received
an Impact from her internship, influenced Brown to change
her career goals.
•
Last school year, Brown served as
the editor of Oakwood’s newspaper,
Tyler Brown, senior pub- The Spreading Oak, and is currently a
lic relations and political member of Phi Alpha Delta, a graphic
science major, spent her design lab instructor, and a public
summer as a Congressional relations writer.
Black Caucus intern in the Tyler currently holds the office
office of Representative Elijah of Senior Class Vice President. She
Cummings. She is a native of also intends to continue her relation-
Washington, D.C. ship with the Huntsville City Boys and
During the summer of 2014, Girls Club. After college, Brown plans on
Brown accepted an internship with pursuing a dual JD/MA with a focus in public
the United States Department of Justice at policy. She aspires to be employed by a crisis
the Office on Violence Against Women. There communications management firm in the DC
she polished her skills in grant writing, while metro area.
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 19DIVISION UPDATE
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
Sabrina Cotton, C.P.A., MAcc., Vice President
Oakwood University Endowment: $20M by 2020
O
akwood University has begun ment in our future,” states Sabrina ment (per voted policy); and
to implement plans to grow Cotton, vice president for Financial 4. Add at least two new scholar-
its endowment to $20M by Administration. “By partnering with ship endowments via fundrais-
the year 2020. the Board of Trustees, the President’s ing annually.
“It may seem a tall order to make Office, and the Development Office,
such a sizable jump in our endow- we feel that our stretch goal is easily “The growth of the endowment
ment, but we see this as a strategic attainable as long as we are persistent is important because it allows us to
and necessary goal when we look and keep the ‘big picture’ in mind.” reduce our dependence on tuition
at our future plans and the invest- At the close of fiscal year 2016, revenue, and it assures our students
Oakwood had an endowment totaling that they can successfully complete
$13.8M, representing a 42% growth the journey to graduation by the use
over the past five years. of scholarship funds,” remarks Cotton.
The plans for growth include four “Other useful areas of the endowment
strategies: allow for the upkeep and continued
1. Budget to eliminate non-man- outfitting of campus buildings and the
datory spending of endowment growth of our academic programs.”
earnings until 2020; If you or someone you know would
2. Reinvest earnings not required like more information on contributing
for mandatory spending; to Oakwood University’s endowment,
3. Assign annual % increase in please contact our development office
operating subsidies received by emailing Kisha Norris at knorris@
from NAD and Regional oakwood.edu, or calling her at 256-
Conferences to quasi-endow- 726-7201.
My Road to Graduation
Scholarship Program
T
his past fall semester, Oakwood first-time freshman
University was pleased to and who complete
launch a brand new scholarship and receive credit
program to support our students on for at least 15 earned
the road to graduation. Oakwood University
The My Road to Graduation schol- hours each semester and maintain Sabrina Cotton, Vice President for
arship program is just one of the many a 2.0 GPA. Students can receive the Financial Administration at Oakwood
ways that Oakwood University is scholarship for a maximum of nine University. “Many students this semes-
implementing to assist every student semesters. ter have already benefited from these
who wants to attend and complete a “When students come to Oakwood additional funds.”
degree with the tools and finances to University and are unable to com- For more information on this
succeed. plete their degree, we all lose. The scholarship or to apply for admis-
Oakwood will provide up to $3,000 My Road to Graduation scholarship sion to Oakwood University, please
annually ($1,500 per semester awarded rewards those students who want to contact Malcolm Taylor, Director of
at the end of the semester) to assist complete their degree, on time and Admissions & Recruitment, (256) 726-
students who enter Oakwood as are successful academically,” states 7356 or admissions@oakwood.edu.
20 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017DIVISION UPDATE
OU Women Get R.A.D.!
by Victoria L. Joiner, Ed.D., associate professor of Communication
R.A.D. s t a nd s fo r
the Rape
Aggression Defense System, a com-
prehensive self defense course. R.A.D.-
certified instructor, OUPD Chief Melvin
Harris, led a group of approximately
17 young women through the 12-hour
course that teaches the tenets of
awareness, risk reduction, preven-
tion, and avoidance, and the basics
of actual hand-to-hand defensive
training.
All of the training culminated
with the students engaging officers
in hand-to-hand defense scenarios.
Twelve students in their protective
gear were placed in vulnerable situ-
ations in which they had to extricate
themselves physically. The simulation
became much more realistic when
the officer restrained each woman
and tried to rough her up. However,
each woman was able to utilize the
techniques they had learned on how Ruth Spann, a student participant, seemingly sweet and nice, but their
to fight back, draw attention to their said the simulation was “really kind intentions are not nice at all.”
predicament, and most importantly, of scary but I was excited to know Chief Harris stated, “I want the
break free from the attacker and get how to defend myself” she said. “I women on campus to feel empow-
to safety. am very glad that I came and learned ered through R.A.D. training. That’s
these techniques!” why this year we offered the training
Officer Desmond Paramour Charlotte Brand, staff to Oakwood staff members as well.”
donned a very threatening member in the OUPD Harris said that approximately 12 stu-
protective suit and trans- Office, wanted to be a dents completed the training during
formed into an aggressive part of this R.A.D. train- this last session, and the OUPD is
bad guy during the final
ing “so I could help the
3-hour session.
young ladies understand
how important it is to “I am very glad that
protect themselves—not
only from strangers, but
I came and learned
from anyone, including these techniques!”
friends, acquaintances,
or even family members,
who could violate them planning to offer the training again in
in any way. A lot of times the future. “We hope more students,
people see an attack- staff, and faculty will take advantage
er as big and vicious, of this training so they can be just a
but many of them you little safer in their homes, at work,
already know. They are and wherever they go.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 21DIVISION UPDATE
STUDENT SERVICES
David Knight, MA, Vice President
Fall Student Week of Prayer – “I AM”
by Bright A. Baah, Religious Vice President, United Student Movement
D uring the fall semester, the
Student Week of Prayer
occurred September
26-30, 2016. Each appointed speak-
er shared their insights on one of
Caleb Akins, a senior Spanish major,
shared that Christ is the only and
unique way to reach the Father, and
about the necessity of acknowl-
edging God’s unique way of reach-
FRIDAY – ‘I AM THE
RESURRECTION AND THE
LIFE’
The Religious Vice President
Bright A. Baah ended the week at
the five ‘I AM’ statements of Jesus. ing Him. Friday’s AYM, preaching
The week’s programming allowed Moreover, about Christ resurrecting
every class to be repre- if we have “God’s presence what we believe is dead
sented, and speakers
were not just limited
Christ, then
we have
was felt throughout in our lives. He talked
about the faith of Mary
to theology majors. truth and the whole week.” and Martha, and how we
Ultimately, God was life abun- are like them whenever
the One who chose dantly. we doubt Christ’s power
the speakers, and in our lives.
each one was used THURSDAY – ‘I AM THE Overall, the student week of
uniquely for His glory. BREAD OF LIFE’ prayer was successful not because
The sophomore class led out on of the number of people who came
MONDAY – ‘I AM THE Thursday. Biology major Jodi Lewis down for the appeal, or the num-
LIGHT OF THE WORLD’ preached from her heart, in a way ber of individuals who stood for
On Monday, which was led by that was not only convicting, but baptism, or the diversity of the
the junior class, engineering major sincere as well. Ms. Lewis showed speakers, but because God’s pres-
Ken Brandon explained light from a that Christ is always sufficient, espe- ence was felt throughout the whole
scientific perspective, which added cially in the tough times of our lives, week. Christ indeed was lifted up
a unique element to his sermon. At and that we should expect Him to every night and the students were
the end, we were awed by Christ’s supply all our needs. drawn to Him.
power to obliterate darkness, in
both the physical and spiritual
realm.
TUESDAY – ‘I AM THE GOOD
SHEPHERD’
The freshman class led in all
aspects of the service, giving God
their best. Camille Belle, a double
major in psychology and elemen-
tary education, likened Christ to
our older brother, Someone who
will always fight our battles, and
will protect and take care of us.
WEDNESDAY – ‘I AM THE
WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE
LIFE’
Wednesday night prayer meet-
ing was led by the senior class.
22 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017 PHOTOS FROM VIDEO BY ELIJAH LEFTRIDGEProceeds from all sales placed by calling
1-844 fruit-Ou go to support Oakwood university.
Call our toll-free number to order!
We deliver throughout the U.S.
1-844-FRUIT-OU
hare
S ve, 1 - 8 4 4 - 3 7 8 - 4 8 6 8
Pick fruit. It’s fresher.
L pportS.
TM
Su dent
Stu
Leave a Legacy
H
elp us celebrate the new Peters Media Center, home of
Oakwood University Broadcasting Network (OUBN).
The sidewalk leading to this state-of-the-art facility,
dubbed The Legacy Walkway, is paved with bricks. Oakwood
University is excited to offer you the opportunity to pave the way into
the next 120 years of success by purchasing a brick to be set on campus.
Our Legacy Walkway features names of donors, loved ones, special remembrances, and favorite
sayings. Customized bricks are a great opportunity to congratulate a recent graduate, celebrate a
degree or accomplishment, or honor your loved ones.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to leave more than a memory at Oakwood University. You
can leave your own legacy as we continue the Building on the Past Campaign.
It’s easy to create your own personalized brick today.
Visit www.bricksrus.com/order/oakwood or call 256-726-7201. GOD FIRST! www.oakwood.edu
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 23PHOTO BY ANTHONY CHORNES, II
, II
ES
RN
C HO
NY
HO
NT
B YA
OS
OT
PH
OAKWOOD
BASKETBALL
2016-2017
Ambassadors
10/25 BRYAN 7 PM
10/28 at Faulkner University Classic 3 PM
10/29 at Faulkner University Classic 7 PM
11/01 at Cumberland 7PM
11/03 TALLADEGA 7:30 PM
11/05 at Washington Adventist 9:30 PM
11/06 at Forest Trails 4 PM
11/08 at Bryan 6:30 PM
11/10 at Martin Methodist 7 PM
11/12 CUMBERLAND 8 PM
11/17 at North Alabama 8 PM
11/28 at Talladega 7 PM
12/01 at Stillman 7 PM
12/03 at North American 9 PM
01/14 MARTIN LUTHER KING CLASSIC TBA
01/15 MARTIN LUTHER KING CLASSIC TBA
01/16 MARTIN LUTHER KING CLASSIC TBA
01/19 at Fisk 8 PM
01/21 CONCORDIA 9 PM
01/28 NORTH AMERICAN 9 PM
01/30 at Hiwassee 7 PM
02/16 HIWASSEE 8 PM
02/18 FISK 9 PM
02/22 at Concordia 8 PM
*02.28 – 03.05 USCAA National Tournament
OAKWOODAMBASSADORS.COM
oakwoodambassadors.comGet Inspired. Make a Gift.
See the Difference.
The Oakwood University
Annual Fund Campaign
supports the basics for our
students. From student aid
to academic department
support, your gift makes
a difference for the future
of Oakwood. Don’t delay—
make your gift today!
Make a secure gift online
at: www.OUgiving.com, or
call us at: 256-726-7201,
to speak to a development
associate.DIVISION UPDATE
ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION
Karen Benn Marshall Ed.D., Vice President
Oakwood Hosts 22nd Annual Graduate
& Professional School Expo
by Jeffrey Wilder, student writer
O n October 3, Oakwood
University's Career
Services & Testing
Department hosted the 22nd
annual Graduate and Professional
School Expo to conclude Career
Focus Month.
Over 70 graduate and profes-
sional programs were represented
and hundreds of students attend-
“This is an
opportunity for
students to prepare
for their futures.”
ed. Upper-class students were event allows the students to
especially encouraged to attend to maximize their effort.
gain insight on how to prepare for O ve r t h e co u r s e o f
graduate school and also to speak four days, the statewide
to advisors from over 60 institu- graduate and professional
tions about enrolling in graduate school recruiting event
programs after their matriculation is held in several cities
at Oakwood. in Alabama, including
Verneice Wright, Director of Tuscaloosa, Birmingham
Oakwood's Career Services & and Montgomery. Other
Testing Department, said “This Career Focus Month
is an opportunity for students to activities included
prepare for their futures. Students presentations on topics
who know they are going on to such as resume preparation
grad school need to be proactive and financial literacy.
in finding out what is necessary to The Career and Testing
achieve that goal.” Networking is a Center in Cunningham Hall
key component to successfully nav- exists to help students who
igating the application process. This are planning their futures.
28 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017 PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CHORNES, IIDIVISION UPDATE
Oakwood Reaches Out to
Former ITT Tech Students
by Kisha Norris, M.Ed., CFRE, executive director of Advancement & Development
O n September 20, Oakwood
University hosted an information
session to reach out to the former stu-
“Education is vital to the future of our
society,” says Dr. Leslie Pollard, president
of Oakwood University. “If we at Oakwood
Pollard. “We also plan to serve non-local
ITT students through our online services.”
“We're excited for these students to
dents of ITT Tech after that institution's can do anything to assist the students finish what they started,” remarked Vice
unexpected closing. The information who were displaced by the closing of President for Academic Administration,
session included representatives from the ITT Tech, we want to support them.” Dr. Karen Benn Marshall. “We plan to
Registrar's Office for transcript review, “Oakwood University is a great place work very closely with every individual
the Financial Aid office for assistance and we want as many local students as student to determine which credits will
with funding, and academic advisors possible to be able to complete their edu- transfer and how they can complete their
from various departments. cation right here at home,” says President degree.”
Representatives from the Registrar's Office were
available to review transcripts, and staff from the
Office of Financial Aid helped determine sources of
funding. Academic advisors from various depart-
ments also attended.
“Oakwood University is a
great place and we want as
many local students as possible
to be able to complete their
education right here at home.”
PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CHORNES, II WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 29DIVISION UPDATE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Kirk Nugent, Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
Makes a Move
F or a number of years,
t he I n f o r m at i o n
Te c h n o l o g y ( I T )
department has been
scattered across the campus.
Having offices in five different
buildings made it more chal-
lenging for them to service the
departments on campus and
student concerns. But now, all
of that is a thing of the past.
As of October 2016, the IT
department has been relocated
to one building, Blake Center.
The staff and their leader, Kirk
Nugent, Chief Information
Officer (CIO), couldn’t be more
excited.
“ I t wa s re a l l y
important for
me to bring
the entire staff lenges, sometimes very
in one location,” quickly, to make things
says Nugent. “The happen. This move has
comradery and enhanced our ability
team effort that I to get our campus IT
have seen since the infrastructure at its
move has made us a best,” remarks Nugent.
better group, a better The changes that you
family and a more cohesive now see in Blake Center are
unit.” only the first phase of the reno-
Some of main reasons for the IT vations for IT. The second
move were: phase of construction is now
• To be more central to campus, and underway and scheduled to
more available for student support. be completed in the Spring
semester 2017.
• 80% of the campus technology “We know that this move
infrastructure (server access, is better for our students and
switches, etc.) is located in Blake campus community. Instead
Center. of having to send people to
• Majority of campus administrators different areas to get their
are located in Blake Center. issues resolved, they can
come to one place. We see
“Technology doesn’t work well in this as a win for our campus,”
isolation. We need to be able to come said Nugent.
together and work on issues and chal-
30 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017 PHOTOS BY ANTHONY CHORNES, IIYou’re just one
step away from
the peace of mind
that you deserve!
Call Us
Planning to be TODAY
Ready for 256-726-7586
Your Future? Lewis Jones
Assistant Director of Development/
Planned Giving Officer
Have you remembered to include Oakwood University in your will or trust?
www.OakwOOd.edU Trust Services & Planned Giving
2016_OU_Planning Trust_halfPg_AD.indd 1 6/7/16 4:25 PM
DONATE NOW
Call 256.726.7444 or visit wjou.org
MANYVOICES
MANY VOICES
ONE PRAISE
Every day…24/7
request line: 256.722.9990
station: 256.726.7418
email: wjou@oakwood.edu
Facebook: Twitter: TuneIn: WJOU is a broadcast service
WJOU Praise 90.1 FM @wjoufm Praise 90.1 of Oakwood University
WINTER 2017 [ Oakwood Magazine ] 31UPDATE
OFFICE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE
Howard Weems, Ph.D., Special Assistant to the President for Spiritual Life and Senior Chaplain
Power Packed Weekend:
D
uring the Fall semester Power-
Packed Weekend, under the
banner theme “He Said Go,”
associate chaplain Marlene
King explored the subject of purpose.
This is a brief synopsis of her first ser-
mon in the series.
For many of us, when the subject
of purpose is mentioned, we often find
ourselves frustrated, not knowing what
to do about it! I believe that before we
were born and made our entrance into
this earth, God created us with specific
plans, purposes and dreams on how we
would live out our lives in Him.
In 1 Corinthians 2:9,
Paul said, that “eyes with vitality, conviction and confidence, the devil of lies, rumors and gossip
haven’t s een nor the enemy of God is always working begin to stir things up, only to break
ears heard—nor has behind the scenes to create havoc, us down! We can’t find peace! We’ve
it entered into the drama and insurmountable pain. lost our joy and lost our hope. It’s in
hearts of man, all of It’s no surprise, then, that in spite of these moments that we've got to follow
the things God has all the awesome and wonderful plans the instruction of Psalm 27:13, 14—and
prepared for them God has for us—we still sometimes enroll in the pre-requisite for preserv-
that love Him.” While lose our way, get completely off track ing purpose, and allow faith to be our
this is a tangible, spir- and out of balance. Sometimes you teacher. The text (in the New King James
itual reality that God feel like you're moving forward toward Version) points to three literal realities
desires us to live your goals with everything happen- that are available—right now—to help
us to win spiritually, and
that’s where we've got to
begin:
• Believe God without
“Until we get our having first seen
faith renewed • We've got to wait on
God, and
and our courage • We've got to be coura-
strengthened, we geous
will never move!” With all of the civic
We will never “Go!” and domestic unrest hap-
pening in every part of the
world, the increase of pov-
erty, dehumanizing and
ing according demoralizing activities that used to be
to p l a n , b u t conducted in the underground world
then life begins becoming mainstream, contaminated
to happen. While food and water sources, launching of
we are fighting the nuclear missiles, economic distress
demon of self and and handicap—if we aren’t careful, as
32 [ Oakwood Magazine ] WINTER 2017You can also read
