pres_newsletter_jan16

@A GLANCEVol.3,Issue 1 | January 2016
A Monthly Briefing from the Office of the President

OPPORTUNITY IS HERE.

Fall Commencement 2015
More than 400 graduates made the transition from students to
alumni on Friday, December 11, as the University held its 292nd
Commencement Exercises. The Fall class of 2015 included 267
undergraduate students and 148 graduate students. During
commencement, three graduates were awarded Doctor of
Philosophy degrees, 16 earned Doctor of Education degrees and 32
students received Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees.

“I feel that I have fulfilled my dream. Above: Christine P. Boyd received the Doctor of Education in
ASU opened a lot of doors for me.” Educational Leadership, Policy and Law; Below left: Dr. Boyd is
shown with members of the Board of Trustees —Trustee Joe Whitt,
– Kennedy Akwuba Trustee Herbert Young, Chairman Locy Baker, Trustee Darrell Hudson
Class of 2015, summa cum laude and Trustee Angela McKenzie; Center: Dr. Paul Erhunmwunsee
served as Marshal for the University; Right: All-SWAC offensive
lineman, Damian Love (cum laude), received his Bachelor of Science
Degree in Rehabilitation Services.

Pictured above: The University’s
gonfalon made its first
appearance as the formal
banner at the beginning of the
Commencement processional.
Bottom of page: (left) Dr. Boyd
shares a smile with a proud
graduate; (right) Former SGA
President Darren Dubose (cum
laude) received the Bachelor
of Science degree in Physical
Education.

Dr. Kennedy Wekesa, Dean of the College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, delivered the
Commencement address.

Speaking about ASU's Founders:
“W e all have benefited from what they gave, and we all now have the
responsibility to do whatever we can to make a difference in other people’s
lives…because at the end of the day, giving back is how we help others
move forward in achieving their goals and dreams.”

– Dr. Kennedy Wekesa

2 OPPORTUNITY IS HERE.

Above: The Class of 2015 included 20 student-athletes. They are “I would tell anyone that if you have
shown with ASU’s Director of Athletics, Melvin Hines. a desire to get your degree, do not
let anything stop you. You should
Above right: Mattie Horton received her Bachelor of Science degree in pursue your dreams.”
Management. She’s shown with her daughter, Lakita Horton.
– M attie Horton
Pictured below: The Commencement program also included Class of 2015, cum laude
selections from the Alabama State University Choir under the direction
of Dr. Joel Jones.

For complete stories and photos, visit www.alasu.edu 3

Top: 2nd Lt. Damarius Pettway
smiles broadly as he awaits his
opportunity to cross the stage.
Pettway received his commission
into the United States Air
Force in the summer of 2015;
left: Ariane Dominique Ndoubi
Tangmo (summa cum laude)
and her family pose outside the
Dunn-Oliver Acadome just prior
to the Commencement; and
several members waved signs to
show their pride in and support
of the members of the Class of
2015.

4 OPPORTUNITY IS HERE.

MLK Convocation KUDOS
Speaker: ‘Recess is Over’
Alabama High School
Golden Ambassador Taylor Noeller shared the occasion for the Rev. Matthew L. Watley served Athletics Association
Convocation and students from the Zelia Stephens Early Childhood as the guest speaker for ASU’s Inductees
Center gave a special recitation and song about Dr. King. annual MLK Convocation held
Jan. 19 in the Dunn-Oliver Ike Grant
Acadome. Watley is a nationally (’76) has
acclaimed pastor, speaker, served as a
author and executive minister of teacher and
Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in coach in
Glenn Dale, Md. Chambers
County,
Watley challenged those in where he
attendance to roll up their was a head football coach and
sleeves and recommit to the athletic director. Grant retired
work of achieving King’s dream. as head coach at Lafayette
“Recess is over, and it’s time to High School after a successful
go to work,” said Watley. career that spanned more than
30 years.
Other highlights of the
convocation included The late
performances by ASU’s Alfred Peavy
University Choir, the Zelia (’56) was a
Stephens Childhood Center legendary
and special guest performances basketball
by the Lanier High School coach, as
Choir and the Lee High School well as a
Choraliers. teacher and
administrator in Coffee County
Alabama State University’s largest and oldest The classroom success of the Alabama State for more than 35 years. He
degree-granting college - the ASU College of University football team during the past academic also was an outstanding track
Education - is ranked as the third top producer year has earned the program 10 practice days coach with four championships
of teachers among the nation’s Historically Black in spring 2016. “I’m very proud of the effort and and four runner-up finishes.
Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). performance of our players in the classroom,” said
Alabama State head football coach, Brian Jenkins. LeMaris
The College of Education is housed in Ralph David “It’s wonderful to get spring ball back.” The Hornets’ “L.A.”
Abernathy Hall. Black and Gold game is scheduled for Saturday, Alston
April 23. Sr. (‘05)
has been
For complete stories and photos, visit www.alasu.edu named to
“Mobile Bay”
magazine’s
2015 “40 Under Forty”
list. Alston, owner of L.A.
Fotographee and founder
of the Bounce Back Youth
Leadership Foundation, is
being recognized for his
community involvement and
his professional achievements.

Rashad
Grimes
was among
students from
around the
globe who
attended
the United
Nations Framework
Convention on Climate
Change, where the historic
Paris Agreement was reached.

5

KUDOS ASU alumnae Shera Grant and Shanta Owens have made national headlines as the “twin judges.” The
sisters are both District Court judges in Birmingham, Ala. They earned degrees in Computer Information
Alumna Systems from ASU in 1999 and received their Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Civil Law degrees in 2002.
Essie
French- Alumnus Howard Watkins (’80) was sworn in on January Alumna Vanessa Dickens took over the
Preston 15 by Attorney Kenneth Thomas as the newest member of reins of the National Alumni Association at
was recently the ASU Board of Trustees. Watkins is a retired Air Force the beginning of the year. Dickens is a 1982
inducted into major who also had an outstanding career in Information graduate who has been an NAA leader on
the 2015 Technology. Watkins is an active alumnus who served as the national level and in her hometown
International president of the Washington, D.C. Metro Chapter of the of Dothan, Ala. Dickens said she and the
Educators’ Hall of Fame National Alumni Association. He also has developed unique NAA’s Executive Board plan to emphasize
by Youth on the Move, Inc. specialized programs for preparing students who plan to alumni recruitment as they work toward an
French-Preston was one of 28 attend ASU. ultimate goal of supporting the University
educators from six countries and ASU students.
who were selected for the
honor, which recognizes
individuals who have served as
educators for at least 20 years
and have made significant
humanitarian contributions in
the field of education.

Researchers at ASU
and the University
of Alabama at
Birmingham
have received a
$50,000 grant for
a collaborative
breast cancer
research project.

Dr. Sabita
Saldanha,
assistant
professor
with ASU’s
Department
of Biological
Sciences,
serves as co-principal
investigator (Co-PI) and will
work collaboratively with UAB
scientists.

In Memoriam

Rev. James A. Turner, who for “Kenny J” Smith (‘92) was an The Honorable
several years served as the icon of radio personality in Michael L. Johnson
chaplain for the Hornets football the Montgomery area. Smith’s was the former Mayor
team, was the founder/senior popularity as a “D.J.” began of Fairfield, Ala. He
pastor at Victory Through Faith when he was still in high was remembered as
Worship Center in Montgomery. school, continuing through a community leader,
As an ASU student, Turner was his college years at ASU humanitarian, pastor
a standout football player and and culminating in a radio and dedicated family
scholar. Turner’s passion for his beloved alma career that spanned several decades. Smith man. Johnson held the distinction of
mater was exemplified in numerous ways, also entered the political arena and was a being the only Marching Hornet to
including his serving as the host of “The Words of committed community activist. hold the position of Drum Major for
Inspiration” on WVAS-FM and his work in support four years.
of the University’s athletics department.

6 OPPORTUNITY IS HERE.

TPaIDA in Peru Dr. Lane Rolling

ASU students, as well as faculty and staff from the College of
Science, Mathematics and Technology, joined with representatives
from several other universities (top photo) in a trip to Iquitos, Peru as
part of a medical research and training program. The students were
led by Dr. Lane Rolling (pictured right speaking to students during
hospital rounds). Students were able to get hands on experience in
labs and operating rooms. They had a particularly special experience
with eight-year-old Reylly (pronounced Riley) Gonzales Appgueno,
who had been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis Interstitial Lung
Disease. The students pooled their money to help him travel to
receive a specialized treatment and are continuing to raise money for
him now that they’re back in the states.

If you would like to donate to help ASU students continue to
participate in future TPaIDA internships, contact Joyce Davis
at 334-229-4301.

For complete stories and photos, visit www.alasu.edu 7

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Transformation. Class of 2001
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