The Rust College Sentinel - Fall 2012

SENTINELSENTINEL

RUST COLLEGERUST COLLEGE

VOL. 74 NO. 10—FALL 2012

Destination Destination Destination Destination Graduation:Graduation:Graduation:Graduation: Rust College Rust College Rust College Rust College

Welcomes the Welcomes the Welcomes the Welcomes the Class of 2016!Class of 2016!Class of 2016!Class of 2016!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 146th Founders’ Celebration

Esters Named Speaker

Meet Miss Rust College 2012-13

6 Rust College Site of International

Business Reception 7 Senior Has Big Plans for

Community Youth

8 Destination Graduation:

Rust Welcomes the Class of 2016

9 Mississippi Industrial College:

Catherine Hall Comes Down

12 145th Commencement (In Photo: Brittney Nelson, Datrice

Pegues, Charlese Howell)

14 Class Notes

On the cover:

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, Missis-

sippi, with Admissions Counselor Melanee Nyan, ‘04,; 4. Student staff Jamie

Harrington, Christina Taylor and Shana’ Hampton; 5. Student Staff Larance

Carter and Darion Johnson assist students and parents in Gross Hall; 6.

Rev. Annie Travis, Chaplain, receives a BEARCAT hug.

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6

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RUST COLLEGE GEARING UP FOR 146TH FOUNDERS’ CELEBRATION

6 Rust College Site of International

9 Mississippi Industrial College:

12 145th Commencement

Esters Named Founders’ Convocation Speaker

Rust College is pleased to announce the return of Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, ’98, who will serve as keynote speaker during the 146th Founders’ Convocation in November. Esters received his Bache-lor of Arts in English, graduating summa cum laude, from Rust College; a Master’s in English from Jackson State University, and his doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Mor-gan State University in 2007.

Dr. Esters was recently named Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management at Kentucky State University. Esters previously was vice president for the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities’ Office for Access and the Advancement of Public Black Universities (APLU).

As vice president of Student Success and Enrollment Management, Esters will lead a new initia-tive at Kentucky State aimed at coordinating the university’s efforts to better support students who are largely low-income, first-generation, and who require one or more remedial courses when they enroll.

Esters told Diverse Magazine that the move “represents a wonderful opportunity for me to put the things for which I have ad-vocated 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.

Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters

Miss Rust College 2012-2013: Shakaree M. Hale

Shakaree M. Hale was born November 20, 1990 to parents Bobbie and Sammie Hale. She is a native of Crenshaw, Mississippi and is the youngest of three children.

She attended Madison Shannon Palmer High School in Marks, Mississippi, where she was an active member and leader of several high school organizations. She began her rise to royalty when she was crowned Miss Madison Shannon Palmer High School. She graduated in the top five percent of her class, earning her a scholarship to Rust College.

As a Bearcat, Shakaree has served as a Resident Assistant, Assistant Residence Hall Director (Wiff Hall), Math and Science Club Secretary, Activities Coordinator for the NAACP, Secre-tary for the Mississippi Association of Educators, “Smart Kids” Conference Coordinator for the E.A. Smith Honors Society, member of the Pre-Alumni Council, member of Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, and vice president of the Theta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. While serving in these many positions, Shakaree has maintained a grade

point average of 3.5 or higher.

Upon receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biology in April 2013, Shakaree plans to further her academic studies by attending graduate school and pursuing a doctorate in cancer biology.

Shakaree says she is a true advocate for change and the betterment of mankind. She believes “for everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something else. It is about your outlook to-ward life. You can either regret or rejoice.”

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146th Founders’ Celebration Schedule - November 2012

Sunday, November 4, 2012

9:30 a.m. ……………………………...……………………..….Bell Ringing Ceremony

Asbury United Methodist Church

10:00 a.m. ……………………….Worship Service, Asbury United Methodist Church

Friday, November 9, 2012

1:00 p.m. ……………………………………………Alumni Registration & Fellowship

Oakview Mansion

6:00 p.m….………………………………………..Alumni & Friends Awards Banquet

Shaw Cafeteria, Brown Mass Communication Bldg.

Class Members of 1962 and 1987 will receive Golden & Silver Diplomas

8:30 p.m…………………………………………..…Coronation of Miss Rust College

McMillan Multi-Purpose Center

Saturday, November 10, 2012

8:30 a.m. …………………………………………..……………....Alumni Registration

Doxey Alumni Fine Arts Communication Center

9:30 a.m. .……………………………………………………………….Class Meetings


11:00 a.m...…………………………………………………………..Founders’ Parade

12:30 p.m. ……………………...……………………….. Alumni Luncheon Meeting


1:30 p.m. …………………………………………………………….. Concert of Bands

McMillan Multi-Purpose Center—Gym

5:30 p.m………………………………………………..Homecoming Basketball Game

Rust College vs. LeMoyne-Owen College

McMillan Multi-Purpose Center

Sunday, November 11, 2012

8:00 a.m. …………(Invitation Only) ………..President’s Breakfast & Photo Session

Golden & Silver Anniversary Classes

8:00 a.m..…………...………………………………………………...Founders’ Brunch


9:30 a.m..………………………………………..……………………Memorial Service

Hillcrest Cemetery

11:00 a.m.………………………………………………146th Founders’ Convocation


FOUNDERS’ 2012—CELEBRATING 146 YEARS

W H Y N O T I N C L U D E R U S T I N Y O U R E S T A T E P L A N N I N G ? For more information, contact the Office of the Vice President for College Relations, 662-252-8000 ext. 4014

Hotel Information

America’s 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


662-252-5444

Magnolia Inn

155 Clarice Drive


662-252-7770

Comfort Suites

6921 Parkwood Drive

Olive Branch, Mississippi

662-892-4445

Holiday Inn Express

8900 Expressway Drive


662-893-8700

Best Western

10915 Business Center Drive


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

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ESTABLISHING AN ENDOWMENT FUND; HELP RUST RAISE SCHOLARSHIP $$$

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Most Recently Funded Endowed

Scholarships

• Albert L. Brown Endowed Scholarship Fund • Class of 1960 Endowed Scholarship Fund • Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship Fund • Class of 1964 Endowed Faculty Travel Fund • Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship Fund • Class of 1968 Endowed Scholarship Fund • Frances A. Hathorne Endowed Scholarship

Fund • Fray & Lillie Mae McKinney & Vivian Dance

Collard Memorial Scholarship Fund • George & Deolia Bruce Memorial Scholarship

Fund • Gertrude White Hayes Memorial Scholarship

Fund • Holly Springs/Marshall County Rust-M.I.

Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund • Katina L. Kitchens-Lloyd Memorial Scholarship Fund • L.B. Bruce Endowed Scholarship Fund • Lee Robert & Betsy Marzette Bruce Memorial

Scholarship Fund • Odelle Davis Dockins Endowed Scholarship

Fund • Omicron Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha

Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Endowed Scholar-ship Fund

• Rock River Foundation, Inc. Endowed Scholarship Fund • Southern Area of The Links, Inc. Endowed

Scholarship Fund • W.A. McMillan—Gamma Nu Boule Endowed Scholarship Fund

To establish or donate to an Endowed Fund,

the donor should contact:

Ms. Jo Ann Scott

Director of Development/ Alumni Development 150 Rust Avenue Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635 662-252-8000 ext. 4013 Email: [email protected]

Dr. Ishmell H. Edwards

Vice President for College Relations 150 Rust Avenue Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635 662-252-8000 ext. 4012 or 4014 Email: [email protected]

Family of Alumnus, Former Trustee Establishes Scholarship Fund

The family of the late Dr. Israel Lucas Rucker has initiated an endowed scholarship to honor the memory of the 1950 Rust College graduate. Dr. Rucker, who was chair of the Board from 1992 until 1994, served 27 active years on the Board of Trustees and seven years as Trustee Emeritus. Dr. Rucker believed in the importance of education and devoted his life to helping young men and women seeking to further their education.

The Dr. Israel L. Rucker Rust College Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to assist full-time Rust College students who have a grade point average of 2.5 or above, who demonstrate a desire to make a meaningful contribution to society, and be involved in a balance of community and school related activities.

Donations to the fund may be mailed to the Development Office—Rust College, 150 Rust Avenue, Holly Springs, MS 38635.

Rust College

Procedures for Establishing Named Endowment

A donor may express intent to initiate a named endowment by payment of $500. The initial contribution of $500 and all subsequent contributions will be temporarily restricted until the amount of $25,000 is reached or the donor withdraws the intent. Normally the College requests that en-dowed scholarships pledged are paid within five years of the initial gift.

At $25,000, the endowment is established and transferred to the College’s permanent restricted endowment fund. Earned income and additional con-tributions will be recorded upon receipt. At capitalization, annual awards may be made not to exceed the annual earning of the fund. Contributions may continue after capitalization.

Awards will only be made from capitalized endowment funds according to institutional policies and the donor’s instruction.

Rust College manages a variety of restricted funds. An Endowment con-stitutes invested funds whose interest and dividends are used to award scholarships. The principal is never touched, thereby providing a “scholarship” nest egg for years to come. A special donor stipulation may be used to establish the fund – support a personal commitment, to honor a loved one, or to support a specific profession.

A minimum of $500 may be submitted to “initiate” an endowed fund. This simply denotes intent, identifying the name(s), or the honoree(s). Once the fund reaches $25,000, it is considered “established” and be-comes part of the College’s restricted endowment fund.

Dr. Israel L. Rucker, ‘50

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RUST COLLEGE HOSTS GOVERNOR, ROXUL INC., ROCKWOOL INTERNATIONAL

The Rust College David L. Beckley Conference Center was the site of a welcome reception for Marshall County’s newest manufacturer, Roxul Inc. Roxul Inc. is part of Rockwool International of Denmark, the world's lead-ing producer of stone wool, which is a stone fiber based insulation made from natural stone and recycled content. Rockwool International was founded in 1909 and today operates worldwide with more than 8,800 employees across three continents in a network of sales offices, distributors, partners, and factories. To date, there are 26 fac-tories and operations in over 30 countries around the globe. Two of these factories are located in North America. Roxul plans to break ground on its third North American facility in Byhalia, Mississippi by the end of 2012. Roxul Inc. is the leading North American manufacturer of stone wool insu-lation products for the North American market. We have two strategically placed manufacturing facilities, one in Milton, Ontario (East Canada) and the other in Grand Forks, British Columbia (West Canada). Both factories use world-class technology to produce residential products, as well as a wide array of industrial, commercial, and marine stone wool insulation products. 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

MS Governor Phil Bryant with

Dr. David L. Beckley

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.

Roxul Inc. President Trent Ogilvie presents a check to

Holly Springs School District superintendent Dr. Irene

Turnage, ‘90. Photo credit: Chris Todd/Roxul Inc.


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Most graduating college seniors are completely focused on receiving their degree and moving on to the “real” world. Dur-ing the summer before their final year of college, they concentrate on summer school if needed, hanging out with friends and families, and partying a little before they have to join the workforce full time. Most college seniors are focused on their upcoming careers and have little time or energy to focus on anything else. Omar Cumberbatch is not your typical college senior.

A native of Brooklyn, New York - by way of Atlanta, Georgia - Cumberbatch is indeed preparing for the rest of his life. He plans to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in the spring of 2013. But instead of heading into the corporate arena, his dreams are more of a grassroots effort.

This summer, Cumberbatch, with the help of a few friends and family, started the Golden Angels Tennis Camp. The camp was available to children ages 6-18 who wanted to learn to play tennis. Utilizing the public tennis court located on West Valley Avenue, Cumber-batch showed participants the basics and beginnings of tennis. Tennis, however, is only the springboard. Cumberbatch plans to evolve from teaching only tennis to implementing an entire Healthy Living summer program for kids in the Holly Springs community.

“[This year’s] Golden Angels camp was basically a pilot program to gauge how many kids need to be worked with. This program will be geared specifically toward Holly Springs youth,” said Cumberbatch. His plan is to monitor those who par-ticipated in the summer camp as they work academically and physically during the school year. He wants to be a mentor; develop relationships with their parents and teachers and find out the subjects in which they may need assistance. He in-tends to utilize students from Rust College as tutors for those participants.

“I also want to incorporate community service projects and a weight-loss program for the kids,” he said. “I believe working with these aspects will help to make Holly Springs a better community.”

Currently, Cumberbatch is working to gain non-profit status; going through the protocols to reach 501(c)(3) status, which would make his summer camp/mentoring program an official charitable organiza-tion. From there, he says, the possibilities are endless.

“This is what I want to do for the rest of my life – help people live better,” he says. “My inspiration is my grandmother. She moved her children from Guyana, South America to the United States all by her-self and took care of them.”

Cumberbatch also says he is grateful for the help of Mr. Wayne Fid-dis, station manager of WURC-FM 88.1, his friends and partners James Jackson and Thaddeus Hubbard – two 2010 graduates of Rust

College. However his biggest thanks goes to his nine-year-old son, Omar II.

“He was out there everyday with me when we were cleaning the courts and preparing for the camp. He also helped me learn to teach the kids – I had to learn to teach my son and make a child understand the basics of tennis in order to teach the other kids.”

Cumberbatch currently works with WURC-FM 88.1 of Rust College and is a former Bearcat basketball player. He also

assists with Rust College athletics and the weekly “Bike Night” sponsored by the Holly Springs Main Street Chamber.

RUST COLLEGE SENIOR HAS GREAT PLANS FOR COMMUNITY YOUTH

Cumberbatch barbecues for the kids in the

Golden Angels Tennis Camp.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION 2012 ~ USHERING IN THE CLASS OF 2016

Survivor: Destination GraduationSurvivor: Destination GraduationSurvivor: Destination GraduationSurvivor: Destination Graduation

More than 300 new students have come to campus to begin their academic collegiate career at Rust College. New students began arriving August 11, 2012, the first day of New Student Orientation— Survivor: Destination Graduation 2016. The Office of Enrollment Services worked diligently throughout the school year and summer to recruit students from as close as the Mississippi Delta to as far away as Los Angeles, California.

Student Staff Training: Student Staff Training: Student Staff Training: Student Staff Training:

Only The Only The Only The Only The Strong Strong Strong Strong SurviveSurviveSurviveSurvive

Student leaders returned to campus a week earlier for the Student Staff Leadership Training Institute, a week-long workshop designed to help student staff members learn ways to handle problems that may arise with students making the transition from high school to college.

Rust College welcomed several guest speakers, including some alumni, who spoke to students about financial aid and financial literacy, ways to combat bullying, first aid, campus safety, the consequences of crime, the importance of bone marrow donation, and much more. Student leaders are made up of Peer Advisors, Orientation Workshop Leaders (OWLs), and Resident Assistants. These student leaders are instrumental in helping new students adjust to college life.

Students prepared and performed skits relating to the effects of bullying, raising self-esteem, and making the right choices. They also assisted Attorney and Judge Paula Drungole-Ellis, ‘83, in mock trials designed to show students what happens when they make the choice to steal, fight, and use illegal drugs.

Markeshea Dunn “testifies” during a mock trial, with Judge Paula Drungole-Ellis,

‘83, presiding. Also pictured: Noah Moore (defense

attorney) and Chase Carr (bailiff).

Mrs. Mary LeSueur, ‘80

Coordinator of Community

Bone Marrow Donations

Mrs. Debra Hudson-Sims, ‘80

Director of Finance,

First State Bank

Rites of Passage I: Dr. Beckley, SGA President Chase Carr and freshman

Mylyr Earnest of Memphis, Tennessee (far right), with her mother Patricia.

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MISSISSIPPI INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE: CATHERINE HALL RAZED

Catherine Hall, which housed female students from its erection in 1905 until the closing of Mississippi Industrial College (M.I.C.) in 1984, was torn down this summer. The structure, once stately, had deteriorated immensely and was literally falling down. After speaking with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, it was decided that it would not be feasible, financially, to restore the building. The demolition began June 2012; brick mason Robert Jackson led a large crew in the demolition of the building and packaging of bricks. Three thousand bricks were set aside to be used to construct a monument dedicated to Mississippi Industrial College. Those bricks were purchased through donations by alumni of M.I.C. An arch will be built at the north end of the M.I.C. campus. The M.I. College Monument Fund project was started by M.I.C. alumni Walter Paul Haynes, ‘64, Victor Jackson, ‘64, and R.C. Anderson, ‘64. They are encouraging their classmates and other M.I.C. graduates to donate $100 toward this special monument. “I realize that Mississippi Industrial College is the foundation which I built my success,” Haynes said. “The same holds true for other graduates. I am proud of the foundation,” Mr. Haynes said in a letter sent to M.I.C. graduates. “One hundred dollars is a small price to pay in recognition of what we received at Mississippi Industrial College. Many dreams were born there and we were given the tools to make those dreams a reality. Catherine Hall held many fun-filled memories for those who lived in the dormitory, including Assistant Alumni Development Director Margie Green, MIC ‘74. “I have a lot a fun memories of Catherine Hall because I spent the entirety of my college life living there, I even stayed there during summers to participate in the Upward Bound program,” she said. “I challenge all 1974 graduates of Mississippi Industrial College to purchase a brick for the monument. We want one hundred percent participation from all MIC students, whether they graduated or not.” Rust College acquired the M.I.C. property in 2008. The College is currently trying to secure resources to restore the remain-ing three buildings - Washington, Hammond, and Carnegie Halls. If you would like to purchase a brick to be included in the monument, please send $100.00 by check or money order, made payable to Rust College; mailed to Margie Green, Assistant Director of Alumni Development, 150 Rust Avenue, Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635. In the memo section at the bottom of the check or money order, please write “M.I. College Monument Fund”.

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Atlanta Rust College Alumni Club Receives

Recognition of Excellence from Atlanta Mayor’s 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 A’Cappella 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 presi-dent, 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.

ATLANTA RUST CLUB HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL “RUST COLLEGE DAY”

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 children’s homes in Kottayam, a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The homes are child correctional institu-tions 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 Children’s Home in Thiruvan-choor, which houses 200 boys. De la Cruz was located at Aswasa Bha-van in Pampadi. Aswasa Bhaven is an alliance of Corrections India, and is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the children of incarcer-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.

L-R: Dr. Gemma Beckley, Chair, Social Work Department;

Anna Johnson, Cusi De La Cruz, Dominique Smith.

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Rust College Hosts Annual Golf Classic

Golfers from around the region joined Rust College for the annual Alumni and Friends Celebrity Golf Classic on Friday, July 13 at Kirkwood National Golf Club in Holly Springs.

Congratulations to our first place winners: the team represented by Mr. Mike Smith, ’77, with a score of 59. Second and third place awards were presented to Bank of Holly Springs and the Lambert Martin team, respectively.

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.

Special thanks to Kirkwood National Golf Club, Hawkins Family Medicine, Merchant and Farmers Bank, Bank of Holly Springs, First State Bank, Carlisle’s Big Star, Buford Furniture, Booker Hardware, The Home Depot, Teddy’s Building Sup-ply, 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.

2nd place – (Bank of Holly Springs) – Steve

Gresham, Steven Gresham, Bobby Bonds, Don

Hollingsworth

3rd place—Lambert Martin, Sercy Smith, Tony

Grant, Gerald Smith

Team Spirit Award: (First State Bank) L-R: David

Rather, Sam McClatchy, Edwin Phillippy, Jim

Crell

Community Development Corporation Continues to Revitalize Communities

The Rust College Community Development Corporation (RCCDC) is maintaining its effort to build homes in the Holly Springs community; assisting families who may have never thought they could buy a home. Through grants supplied by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), three new homes will be completed or nearing completion by the end of December 2012. The MDA grant, totaling $330,000, will help provide new homeowners with down payment assistance; the remainder of the funds will pay for construc-tion, administrative costs, application preparation and incidentals. The RCCDC plans to break ground on the second home under the MDA down payment assistance program in the coming months. “This is a continuation of our community revitalization efforts. We hope to be able to continue to provide housing opportunities in neighborhoods adja-cent to the College,” said Clencie Cotton, Executive Director of the RCCDC . The RCCDC has previously completed homes on Martin Street, a small neighborhood on the south side of the Rust campus, with the help of funds from HUD. Now, the RCCDC is in the beginning stages of “Rust-Haven”, a subdivision located on the north end of Walthall Street.

New homes being completed on North Walthall Street in the

Rust-Haven subdivision on the east side of the campus.

1st place winners— Blake Peebles,

Mike Smith, Jimmy Clemmons, Johnny McDonald

Winners Presented Awards by

Dr. David L. Beckley

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“You were made for the best.” “Don’t 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, excel-lence… 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 soci-ety which has endured enough of the system’s 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 sur-vive 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 chal-lenges… and remember never, ever give up.” Smith urged.

146th Commencement Convocation: CELEBRATION TIME!

“Don’t ever give up!”, Michael Smith, ‘77, renders an

encouraging message to the Class of 2012.

2012 Student Marshals:

Fanta Suwaneh and Ga’Ray

Bobo. These students have

the highest GPAs in their

class and were chosen to lead

the graduating class during

Commencement.

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Keynote speaker for the 146th Commencement Convocation was Bishop Teresa E. Snorton of the 5th Episcopal District, C.M.E. Church. Bishop Snorton is the first female bishop of the C.M.E. Church, elected in July 2010. Her message: Wel-come to the Future.

“A new future waits for you. We pray it will be bright and filled with good things. A future full of surprises; some good, some not so good. There will be mountains and valleys… you must welcome your future,” said Bishop Snorton. “As you think, plan, and dream for the future, remember two things. One, the future is important. No matter how difficult and chal-lenging it may be, you will spend the rest of your life in your own future. Two, never be afraid to trust an unknown future in the hands of a known God. The future helps us to have faith in ourselves and beyond ourselves. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t give up before you even try and don’t be seduced by things that look good, but mean you no good.”

Bishop Snorton encouraged the graduates to not only look to the future, but to realize that the NOW is important as well. “Take your now, your present, each day you wake—take it seriously. Life is not a rehearsal, each day is the real thing, each day is important.” She told students that the things they do now are vital to how their future will turn out.

During Commencement, Dr. Beckley presented the Tower of Leadership Award to Bishop Snorton and to Dr. Nathaniel R. Goldston, III. Dr. Goldston is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gourmet Services, Inc., the nation’s oldest and largest wholly owned and operated African American food service management company in the contract feeding sector. Throughout the years, Dr. Goldston has mentored, trained or counseled over fifty percent of all African American senior managers currently working in the contract-feeding sector. He contributed to the industry, at large, and served as advisor to numerous elected and public officials and leaders of industry at the local, state and national levels which have resulted in accolades in publications such as Fortune, the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Food Management Magazine. He has been featured on local and national television shows including “Good Morning America”, CNN News, and “Good Day Atlanta”. Dr. Goldston is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and an honorary member of the Black Culinary Association, Honorary chair of the Charles Drew Health Clinic in Omaha, Nebraska. He established the Mary E. Goldston Foundation, in honor of his mother, to recognize and honor her dedication to education and commitment to helping others. Through the Gourmet Companies and the Foundation, he has pledged or contributed over $50 million, primarily to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, for scholarships and general support.

Rust College 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


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Mrs. Sharon White, ‘08, who is currently do-ing graduate work in journalism at the Univer-sity of Mississippi (Ole Miss) was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha National Journalism Honor Society during a luncheon held April 20 in Oxford, Mississippi. White’s academic re-cord 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 re-cently won first place for “Best Student Newscast Election Day 2011” by the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Asso-ciation. 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 Men’s 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.

English Majors Invited to

Participate in Conference English majors Naomi Rahn and Joshua Stampley Gardner have been invited to participated in the Mid-South Undergraduate Research Conference October 12 and 13 at Southern Arkansas University. 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 per-ceived 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 of Gardner's research was William Finley, another Marshall County slave owner.

Joshua Stampley

Gardner

Naomi Rahn

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 fea-tured 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 daugh-ter, Meghann, is a 2009 graduate of Rust College and is now employed at the College as an instructor in the Mass Communi-cations department.

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 impover-ished 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 develop-ment 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.

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 logisti-cal support and readiness operations within the 108th Training Command in support of over 8700 Army Reserve Soldiers and Civilians.

Mrs. Earnestine Scott, ‘68, authored a new book, Little Mike’s 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 un-der 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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CLASS NOTES

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

Help Rust College win $50,000 in scholarship funds!

To Vote: Visit www.allstate.com/represent Scroll down under “Vote for Your School”

and choose RUST COLLEGE!

Dr. A.J. Stovall, Division of Social Science Chairperson, was selected as the 2012 Missis-sippi Humanities Council Faculty of the Year for Rust College. He was nominated by Presi-dent 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 class-room and commitment to values-centered education. The program expresses the church’s support of and appreciation for outstanding teaching at United Methodist-related col-leges and universities.

Marriages

Former student Brandon Flanagan, married Keena Meeks, ‘08, on March 9, in Springfield, Illinois, where they currently reside.

Hope L. Moore, ‘98, married Rev. Runney Patterson, Sr. on September 1, 2012 in Tupelo, Mississippi. They currently reside near St. Paul, Minnesota.

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FACULTY NOTES Dr. Kenneth E. Jones has been named Chair of the First Year Experience (FYE)/COPE Center, with supervisory responsi-bility for the office of Student Support Ser-vices. He also has been asked to serve as Director of the Quality Enhancement Plan, an aspect of the college’s 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.

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THE RUST COLLEGE SENTINEL The Rust College Sentinel is published quarterly by Rust College, Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635 POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: Rust College, 150 Rust Avenue, Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635 Published four times a year in Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635 Mailed to alumni and friends Dr. David L. Beckley, ‘67, President Dr. Ishmell H. Edwards, ‘71, Vice President for College Relations Mrs. Margie Green, MIC ‘74, Assistant Director of Alumni Development Ms. Jo Ann Scott, ‘87, Director of Development/Alumni Development Rev. Fredrick H. Brown, ‘62, Rust College International Alumni Association President Dr. Jessie Edwards, ‘75, MIC Alumni Association President Ms. Adrienne Phillips, Public Relations Specialist

WWW.RUSTCOLLEGE.EDU

Documents

The Rust College Sentinel - Fall 2012