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                  <text>Spring 2011

The Philanderian

Commencement 2011

Al Bell Receives Honorary Doctorate
Celebrating the Renaissance of Philander Smith College

1

�Message From The President
	

	

	

	

Moving On Up

 
	 I remember watching the situation comedy “The Jeffersons” as a kid
growing up. Many of you remember it as well, or have seen the reruns on
one of the cable networks. In fact, actor Sherman Hemsley who played
George Jefferson visited the campus in 2004 as a part of a president’s
luncheon with Dr. Trudie Reed. While the show was entertaining,
EVERYONE knew the words to the theme song, a song of aspiration to
a better life. It was a song that reinforced the American dream of being
successful and getting a “piece of the pie.”
	 Philander Smith College continues to move up in the world of
higher education, and people continue to take note. We’ve moved up
with the kinds of students who are attending this institution. A study
conducted last summer indicated that among all HBCUs, the freshman
class at Philander Smith College had an average SAT score that ranked
ninth, above some well known and well regarding institutions such as
Tuskegee University. Our students come in with high school grade point
averages and test scores above the national average for African American
students. We continue to attract students from the entire country,
and several international locations, from Alaska to the Bahamas, from
Maryland to Rwanda.
	 Philander Smith College also is moving up with our physical facilities.
Dr. Kimbrough at Commencement with
Chinelo Bivens who graduated 1st Rank in
This fall we opened our third new residential space in three years. Each
Class, Summa Cum Laude and
year we opened the new space it was immediately filled, leaving some
Distinction in Field
students housed in a local hotel. We have increased campus housing by
50 percent in those three years, and still cannot house everyone on campus who wishes to live here. The last
two buildings we opened are cutting-edge residence halls with private bedrooms. Each is certified LEED, a
statement about our commitment to building environmentally responsible facilities on campus. Several years
ago we retrofitted the entire campus to improve energy usage, not only helping to save the environment, but
saving more than $100,000 a year in energy costs.
	 Our physical growth will continue soon with ground breaking for a $16 million, 60,000 square-foot campus
center, including an expanded dining facility to handle our growing on-campus population. The campus center
will also house our Social Justice Initiative, which this summer was fully staffed and is led by Dr. Joseph Jones,
a 2000 graduate of Philander Smith College. Student Affairs, including Religious Life and Student Health, will
also be housed in the facility, as well as the bookstore, a bistro, and theater.
	 Alumni, potential students and parents, and friends who come to visit our campus are continuously
marveling at the improvements being made here. As we continue to create an institution that Little Rock and
Arkansas can be very proud of, we are viewed as a leader in a number of areas. Don’t miss out on the progress
—
­ come see it for yourself.
 
	 We’re moving on up like George and Weezy.
 

Walter M. Kimbrough, Ph. D.

22

�CONTENTS

The Philanderian
SPRING 2011

President
Walter M. Kimbrough, Ph.D.
Vice President For Advancement
Shannon Fleming, Ed.D.
Director of Public Relations
Shareese Kondo
Director of Alumni Affairs
Yvonne C. Alexander ‘73
Production Coordinator/Photographer
Dan Pierce

Board of Trustees
Mr. Bob Birch, Chair
Ms. Lynda Byrd ’69, Vice Chair
Dr. Freddye Davy ’53, Secretary
Rev. Artee Williams ’70, Treasurer
Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III ‘93
Bishop Charles N. Crutchfield
Rev. C. J. Duvall
Dr. Joycelyn Elders ‘52
Mr. Barnett Grace
MG (Ret.) Harold Gwatney
Mr. Rush F. Harding III
Dr. Frances R. Harris ‘76
Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson
Mr. Excell LaFayette, Jr.
Mrs. Pat Lile
Ms. Betty Marshall
Rev. C. E. McAdoo ‘69
Dr. Roddy McCaskill
Mr. Arthur Montgomery ‘68
Mr. Don Riggin
Rev. Larry Ross ‘69
Ms. Stacy Sells
Dr. Christy Walker
Mrs. Erma P. Williams ‘63
Dr Betty Dickson (Ex-Officio)
Mr. Anthony McIntosh (Ex-Officio)
Dr. Walter Kimbrough (Ex-Officio)

The Philanderian is published with news
from the National Alumni Association and
the Office of the President. To submit story
ideas, photos, feedback and suggestions
contact: Shareese Kondo, Director of
Public Relations, skondo@philander.edu.
Alumni news and photos:
Yvonne Alexander Director of Alumni
Affairs, yalexander@philander.edu
www.philander.edu

Editor — Shareese Kondo
Photography and Design — Dan Pierce
Student Contributors:
Marian McPherson and
Angelia Alexander

FEATURES
6	

Alumni Profile: Dr. Jill Trice

8	

Social Justice Initiative

10	

Bless The Mic Lecture Series

12	

Philander Smith Management Institute

14	

Elijah Pitts Golf Tournament

15	

Alumni Reunion Weekend and National Alumni Convention

17	

Commencement 2010 and Alumni Reunion Weekend

DEPARTMENTS
20	
24	
24	
27	
29	

Around Campus
Student Life
Faculty/Staff News
Alumni News
Donor Honor Roll

Alumni Reunion Weekend
Philander Alums make their way through
the serving lines during the Jazz brunch.
page 15

Commencement 2011
Ms. Beverly Bond, Founder of Black Girls
Rock! gives the commencement address.
page 16

On the Cover:
Grammy Award winner, Al Bell was the Honorary Degree Recipient
during the Commencement 2011 Ceremony. He was presented with a
Doctor of Humane Letters by Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, PSC President
and Bob Birch, Chair of the PSC Board of Trustees.
3

�Message From The National Alumni Association President
Dear Alumni and Friends:
	
First, I would like to express my appreciation to the all alums who played
a role in making the 2011 Convention/ARW a huge success.  I am really grateful
to the members of the executive team who embraced the idea of a national
convention committee managing the convention, and working extremely hard
to make it happen.
	
All of the activities during the weekend were outstanding, but I would like
to especially commend the students who participated in the Dialogue Circle.  
They spoke openly and sincerely about what led them to PSC; their experiences
since arriving on campus and their future goals and aspirations.  Several of
them vowed that they would definitely become supporters of Philander after
graduation.  These students were an excellent representation of the type of
leaders that are being developed at our alma mater. We would like to express
our sincere thanks  to all students who participated in the dialogue: Larissa
Connett, Sade Daniels, Josh Hampton, Devyan Henderson, Gerald Thomas, and Brysondra Williams.
	 Congratulations to the Golden Class of 1961 for having the largest number of graduates in attendance
at a convention since we implemented the annual 50-year class reunion.  Dr. William Rush, one of the 1961
class agents, was very instrumental in recruiting his classmates to attend their 50th Reunion.  For the third
consecutive year, a donation was made to the college from alumni attending the convention. As we begin
looking forward to the 2012 Convention/ARW, let’s continue to work toward another productive and enjoyable
convention.
	 There has been a significant amount of information in the media recently regarding the relevance of
HBCUs.  There is no doubt that when studies are done of our colleges and universities the support of alumni
is carefully reviewed.  We, the alums of PSC, are the only ones who can ensure that Philander Smith has an
impressive record in the area of alumni support.  We have the ability and the resources to make a difference in
alumni support. How can we make a difference?  
1.	 Recommit ourselves to Philander Smith College.
2.	 Stay connected and network with other graduates.
3.	 Become a consistent supporter of PSC and implore just one other alum to do likewise.
Sincerely,

Erma P. Williams
NAA President

As we begin looking forward to 2012 Convention/ARW

4

�Message From The Board of Trustees Chair
This editorial appeared in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

	
How Arkansas wins        
	

BY BOB BIRCH 	

 

	 The role Philander Smith College plays in this community far exceeds the
boundaries of the campus that displays its motto, “Think Justice,” to motorists
driving along I-630. As chairman of the Philander Smith College board of
trustees, I’ve spent the past year witnessing the growth and managing the
potential for even more development at this 135-year-old institution.  
	 In 2010, Philander Smith College acquired a $1.2 million Kresge grant to
launch phase one of a social justice initiative. A nationally-recognized advisory
team developed the idea for this initiative, which aims to create graduates
infused with a global sense of compassion and awareness. This concept extends far beyond Arkansas’
borders if you consider that 35 percent of our students represent other states and five percent are from
other countries. “Think Justice” is a global concept fostered in the minds and hearts of our students,
faculty, administration and board.  
	 With recent media reports of Philander Smith president Walter Kimbrough’s possible departure,
let’s remember that in order to retain strong leaders, we must nurture their endeavors and visions. If we
believe in the mission, vision and purpose of this institution, Arkansas has to compensate Kimbrough with
resources that support the college’s future successes. His staying or leaving rests in the generosity of the
people of this state and community who should support Philander Smith College and its students.  
	 Here’s a fact supporting the relevance of this historically black college in our community: Philander
Smith College has increased its freshman to sophomore retention rate from 51 to 77 percent. This means
more young adults are staying in college with plans to graduate. The overall graduation rate is up 50
percent. Besides that, our Black Male Initiative, a student mentor group, acquired a $150,000 Rockefeller
Foundation grant to help each of the campus’ 204 black male students succeed in their degree pursuits.
That’s 204 more African American men in our midst with degrees, and whose personal capital increases
their hiring and entrepreneurial capabilities and values.  
	 In terms of construction and making our community thrive, the college renovated an old building on
campus into a state-of-the-art honors residence, housing 19 students. Philander Smith also constructed a
new 60-bed residential facility earning a LEED Certified Silver rating, officially launching its “Go Green”
initiative and broke ground recently on a 55-bed residential facility including architectural details to garner
a LEED Gold rating. This campus shines a light along Daisy Bates Drive that can never be dulled.  
	 The Philander Smith College lecture series Bless the Mic has brought new voices to this community
unlike any other. As it completes its sixth season, we can appreciate the fact more than 21,000 guests have
attended on and off campus presentations. This means a continuum of visitors and potential supporters
visit the Little Rock community for a free educational event.  
	 These are just a few Philander Smith College highlights that show how significant and relevant this
institution is to our city and state. We’re all in this effort to keep this campus thriving and growing. My
fellow board members join me in seeing this next year as a challenge to continue the upward momentum
of this campus. Each of us relishes the opportunity to continue our service and support. More than the
students, faculty and staff feel the impact of this institution’s successes—our city, state and country win as
well when Philander Smith College benefits.  
Bob Birch is the regional president of Centennial Bank and chairman of the Philander Smith College board of trustees.

5

�GIVING

Alumni Profile:  Dr. Jill Trice

A

The World is a Better Place Because of the Lives She Touched

lumni and guests memorialized the late Dr.
Jill Trice, ’72, who died of complications
from Lupus in December. Her husband,
Jesse Trice, ’72, shared images and highlights of Dr.
Trice’s life in a presentation held during the Alumni
Reunion Weekend banquet.
	 “Gone too Soon”
sung my Michael
Jackson played in
the background
while a Power Point
slide show of Dr.
Trice’s life engaged
her fellow alumni
and guests.
	 “Jill laughed
a lot. What made
her laugh the most
were people who’d
make mistakes and
try to cover them
up,” Jesse Trice,
said of his wife of
41 years. “She loved
people and children
and cooking. She
talked about Bush
Elementary School,
Booker Junior High
and Horace Mann
High School and her time growing up here. She met
me here at Philander Smith College and that’s when
her life changed forever.”
	 Dr. Trice got to see her own memorial service
almost a year before she died, and she wrote her
own eulogy booklet. At a Black History Month

6

celebration at her church in Los Angeles, her
family, friends and classmates honored her while
she sat in the front pew and watched. “She was
being honored for being a black woman who
touched so many lives and who genuinely cared
about those she loved,” her sister Terry said, during
the ceremony.
A true
Philanderian, Dr.
Trice wrote: “…I
chose to remain at
Philander Smith
College, having
participated in the
Upward Bound
program and “cause
my mom told me, “I
can always feed you
here at home, but
I might not be able
to far away.” She
just didn’t want me
to leave and as fate
would have it, and
as God saw it, it was
to be so. I enrolled
in Philander Smith
College, September
1968, as a freshman.
I quickly declared
biology as my major and later declared chemistry
as my minor. I enrolled in the college choir…As I
auditioned I was being closely watched by a certain
fellow. By Aug. 23, 1969, I married that charming
fellow, who after a series of events, and etc., asked
me to be his bride…I finished Philander with cum

�GIVING
laude distinction in field honors, was elected to
Alpha Kappa Mu, Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor
Societies, pledged and was penned in Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Alpha Chapter.
Along the way, I was
influenced by many,
including Mrs. (Willie
Brooks) Johnson, who
came to Philander to
teach botany. It was at
Philander, through a
series of experiences
and exposures, that I
declared an interest in
medical school. In my
third year, I started
getting more serious
and began taking
needed courses to become eligible.”
Dr. Trice became a noted pediatric
neurologist in 1976 after graduating from
Washington University in St. Louis. She led an
amazing career while staying devoted to her faith
through the Church of Christs’ ministries and
congregations throughout the country. She and

I

Jesse raised their family in the Los Angeles area
and contributed greatly to their community.
Jill’s life was her ministry. She lived
authentically each moment and evoked peace
and understanding
through her work
and dedication to her
husband and two sons,
Matthew, 30, and
Jeffrey, 29.
Jesse Trice
is honoring his
wife’s legacy with a
memorial scholarship
for a Philander Smith
College student. He
sponsored a jazz
brunch fundraiser,
Aug. 27 at the Kendall Center on Philander Smith’s
campus to raise money for the scholarship. The first
recipient to receive the scholarship in her honor
is expected to be announced within the year. To
donate to the scholarship fund, send a check to the
Philander Smith College/Tricefund.

Links Donation

n St. Louis, the Central area of The
Links, Inc. announced their scholarship
program for HBCUs in this area. Our
director of development, Rodney Parks,
attended the event. The college was
awarded $25,000 for a scholarship which
can be renewed if the student maintains an
academic grade point average of 3.8.
		 This gift was on top of a $12,000 gift
Philander received from the Little Rock
chapter of The Links. The Little Rock
members are pictured with Mr. Parks at the
reception. In Little Rock, the Links rotate
their gift between three HBCUs, including
Arkansas Baptist College and the University
of Arkansas Pine Bluff.
7

�PSC’s First Director of Social Justice Initiative:
Dr. Joseph Jones Brings Home Expertise

D

r. Joseph Jones is the founding director of
the Social Justice Initiative at Philander
Smith College. A 2000 graduate of Philander
Smith College, Dr. Jones completed his master’s and
doctorate degrees in political science at Clark Atlanta
University. He served as an assistant professor of
political science at Johnson C. Smith University in
Charlotte, N.C., until moving to Little Rock to begin
working on June 1.
	 He served as a Lina McCord Black College Fund
ambassador for the United Methodist Church, has
studied abroad in South Africa at Rhodes University
and recently finished a fellowship at the W.E.B. Du
Bois Institute for African and African American
Research at Harvard University.
	 “I believe in the vision Dr. Kimbrough created
for the Social Justice Initiative and the direction this
effort will take the college,” Dr. Jones said. “I think
it’s authentic and meaningful and no other HBCU
is doing this type of work. I look forward to working
with the type of administration that’s willing to put
resources into this effort. It’s a dream come true for
me.”
	 Dr. Jones served on our Social Justice Advisory
Board and helped develop our Social Justice “Think
Justice” initiative. As the first director of the initiative
Dr. Jones will garner more funding for the mission
and infuse social justice programs, policies and
concepts into the college’s curriculums across all

	

“I believe in the vision Dr.
Kimbrough created for the
Social Justice Initiative and
the direction this effort will
take the college” — Jones
Liz Harris

8

Dr. Terrence Thomas

�disciplines. He has hired a staff administrative
assistant, Liz Harris and Dr. Terrance Thomas as
assistant director.
	 “Dr. Jones has worked in the formative stages of
our initiative,” said Dr. Walter Kimbrough, president

	

of Philander Smith College. “He is an alumnus and
understands the fabric and core of this campus
and the direction we’re going in. I look forward to
bringing home the expertise he’s acquired since
graduating from Philander Smith College.”	

“Think Justice” Comes To Life with the Social Justice League
by Marian McPherson

T

he Social Justice League, the brainchild of
allowing them to create networking and personal
Philander Smith students, Esther Saidi and
relationships.  Another initiative they have
LaRissa Connett, is the newest building
planned for this school year is a student-run
block in bringing “Think Justice” to life.
microbusiness that will be in conjunction with
 	 Saidi, who recently transferred to American
Philander’s Student Governement  Assocaition.
University and Connett’s motivation to create this
  	 “We want students to be able to take the
group, came out of a love for
knowledge that they have
social justice and the need to
and use it to better our
make our mission become a
community,” she explained.
part of everyday life on PSC’s
“Its’ going to take a while
campus.
to get this project running,
	 “We see our mission
but I’m hopeful that it will
statement everywhere on
work.”
campus, but we wanted to
	 In August, the Social
make that mission come to
Justice League will begin
life in our students’ lives, so
its journey to becoming an
we came up with the Social
official campus organization.
Justice League”, said Connett.
The League plans on
The Social Justice League is
drawing in other students by
a student run organization
becoming visible on campus.
that strives to create and train
	 “When we started, it was
social entrepreneurs through
just us (Connett and Saidi)
initiatives that will not only
and a few other students we
strengthen the campus,
chose to help with planning.
but the community as well.
Now we’re ready to start
The League’s first initiative
bringing in other students
LaRissa Connett
is “Daisy’s Garden”, which
There are plenty of great
is named in honor of Civil
organizations on campus
Rights pioneer Daisy Bates. It will be an organic
that do great things,” said Connett, “but they
garden on or near campus.
aren’t visible, so their membership stays small.”  
 	 “We plan to grow organic produce that will
	 The League has a long way to go, but Connett
be made available to the campus food service
is positive about the future impact that this group
provider. Hopefully we’ll be able to start this
will have on campus and eventually the world.
process next August, but there a lot of rules we
	 “We have so much on our plates right now,
have to follow to make sure the food we grow is
but I hope that we will continue to grow and stay
safe,” Connett said.
relevant. I’m graduating soon, and I don’t want
	 The group also has an informal lecture series
the League to fall apart after [the founders] leave.
planned called “Roots” that will link Philander
I would like to come back and see us still working
Smith College students with community leaders,
for social justice.”
					
9

�Bless The Mic
2010-2011
Quotes:
Steve Perry: “We’ve got to
get rid of these raggedy a**
schools…excellent schools can
be replicated.”
Tyrese: “Do what you got to
do to do what you want to do.”
Steve Perry

Dr. Ian Smith: “This is the
first generation, unless it starts
to move, that will not outlive
their parents.”

Tyrese

Kandi Burruss: “Don’t live
your life scared or afraid of
what the consequences will
be. Don’t be afraid to take
chances….Fly above the haters,
drama and be self motivated.”

Dr. Ian Smith

Jacque Reid
10

Jacque Reid: “If women
are happy, then our society is
happy.”

Kandi Burruss

�TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011
Omarosa
Reality TV star, Managing Partner,
Access America Enterprise Corporation

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011
Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins
CEO, Green For All

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Cheryl “Salt” James
Hip Hop Icon, “Salt-N-Pepa”

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2011
Michelle Alexander
Professor of law, The Ohio State
University &amp; Author, The New Jim
Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of
Colorblindness
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012
Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry
Professor of Political Science, Tulane University,
MSNBC Contributor, and Columnist for The
Nation. Author of SISTER CITIZEN: Shame,
Stereotypes, and Black Women in America
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012
Mary Mary
Award-winning Gospel artists

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012
Mary Matalin
Celebrated Conservative Voice,
Former Presidential Advisor and CNN
Contributor

2011-2012
Lecture
Schedule
All lectures in the BlessTheMic
series begin at 7 p.m. in the
M. L. Harris Auditorium,
are free and open to the public.
For more information please
call 501-370-5279.
No tickets or RSVPs required

900 Daisy Bates Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202
www.philander.edu

11

�Philander Smith Management Institute
Two Adjuncts Reshaping Lives

Wanda Jones: Teaches What She Lives and Loves
by Angelia Alexander

W

anda Jones has been one of the longest
serving adjunct faculty members in the
Philander Smith Management Institute,
teaching business and human resource courses for 17
years. She started her teaching career at Camp Robinson, the U.S. National Guard base.
	 She describes PSMI as a program that encourages
adults to “finish what they started. It is a quality
program that was developed to meet the educational
needs of adult learners.  It is a delight to teach
students who are motivated to learn while making
faculty accountable to their students.”
	 Jones has a bachelor’s degree in Social Science
from Arkansas Baptist College, her master’s degree
in Management and Human Resource Development

Wanda Jones

from Webster University, and currently is a doctoral
candidate at Capella University.
	 She encourages her PSMI students to stay
committed to learning. PSMI students join a cohort
for 18 months to study business by taking courses
in economics, accounting, finance, technology,
management and marketing and environment and
ethics. Weekly evening classes are offered from 6 to 9
p.m. and online courses are being developed.
	 “I love teaching what I do because it only makes
me better at my job,” said Jones, who has worked at
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield for 42 years and
now serves as director of human resources.  “This
program allows adults to make their dreams a reality
through study and hard work.”

Gladys Swift

Gladys Swift: “Nontraditional Students Have a Place Here”

W

hile the traditional students at Philander
Smith College will have a memorable
experience, the nontraditional students
who attend The Philander Smith Management
Institute have an experience that is second to none.

12

Swift has taught business courses ranging from
human resources to organizational communication
for 18 years.
	 “PSMI is a class act. The students come into
this program with a plan already in mind and they

�leave with a lifelong positive attitude that will
take them to the next level in their educational
and professional experiences. Not only do our
nontraditional students stand out among all
students at Philander Smith College, but their
grades reflect their true determination and high
educational expectations.”
 	 A retired communications consultant with

Southwestern Bell, Swift, 56, got her education
degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine
Bluff, but was unable to find a teaching job when
she graduated. “I’ve always wanted to be in the
classroom. I found work in the corporate world and
it was a good choice. I’m doing something that I
love and that’s keeping people motivated to learn
and always strive to do better.”

					

A PSMI Student: Angelia Alexander

I

Gap Foundation Scholarship, AXA Foundation
am 42 and love being on this campus. A little
Scholarship and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
girl from church encouraged me to go back
Business Leadership Award and Scholarship all
to school after asking why I hadn’t earned
through the United
my degree. I was
Negro College Fund. I
encouraging my
am a proud recipient
students to stay in
of the Sherman Tate
school and achieve
Scholarship, the
their goals, and now
Philander Smith
I’m doing the same.
College 4.0 Scholars
I’ll graduate in
and I’m on the Dean’s
May 2012 with a
list.
business degree
	 Without the influence
with an emphasis
and support of
in organizational
instructors like Gladys
management. I
Swift, Wanda Jones,
plan to get my
Dr. Annie Williams and
master’s of business
several others, I would
administration degree
not have been able to
from Texas Southern
obtain my degree in
University.
this manner. 	
	 As a nontraditional
	 I want people to know
student, the Philander
that it is okay to go
Smith Management
back to college and
Institute is the best
that your age is not a
way to finish what
Angelia Alexander
problem. You are the
I had started more
only one holding you
than 20 years ago.
back. Philander Smith College welcomes you with
As I got to know some traditional students and
open arms and provides you so much love and
became involved with the campus, my insecurity
support as you live your dream to complete your
and anxiety waned. Mentors play a major role in
my successes at Philander Smith. I’ve received the
goal.

					

13

�The 16th Annual Elijah Pitts
Memorial Golf Tournament

T

orrential rains the night before left some soggy spots and unsinkable holes on the Rebsamen Golf course
where the 2011 Philander Smith College Golf Tournament was held April 28. But fishing rods were
kept at home and the golf clubs were put to good use on nine holes where several teams comprised of
alumni here for Alumni Reunion Weekend, PSC friends and supporters competed for great prizes. Next year’s
tournament will be held separate from ARW in order to stand on its own as a major fundraiser and perhaps
attract more alumni and friends of Philander Smith College. If it rains, bring the fishing rods too. We’ll make it
a Bass Tournament!

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
Dillard’s—Eagle Sponsor
Alessi Keyes Construction—Par Sponsor
ING Financial Partners—Par Sponsor
AmeriServe—Par Sponsor
Stephens, Inc.—Par Sponsor
Verizon Wireless—Par Sponsor
Taggert Architects—Par Sponsor
14

Pepsi—Par Sponsor
Allegra and Signs Now—Hole Sponsor
Vratsinas Const. Company—Hole Sponsor
Ark. Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield—Tee Sponsor
Bank of the Ozarks—Tee Sponsor
Williams &amp; Dean, Architects—Tee Sponsor
Arvest Bank—Tee Sponsor

�Alumni Reunion Weekend
&amp;
National Alumni Association Convention

Alumni Return to PSC to Celebrate, Remember and Give

V.P. Inst. Advancement, Dr. Shannon
Fleming greets alumni and friends

	
Friends, family and graduates of Philander Smith College gathered at events held on campus and at the
the Hilton Little Rock April 27 to May 1 for the 55th National Alumni Association Convention and Alumni Reunion
Weekend.
	
More than 400 alumni returned for the weekend made possible by the collective efforts of committees
staffed by Philanderians throughout the country.  This year’s events and honorees included the Distinguished
Alumnus honor posthumously awarded to Dr. Jill Ellen Williams Trice, Class of 1972. Dr. Trice worked tirelessly for
years as Chairman of the Distinguished Alumnus Committee. She died Dec. 31.   
	
Other honors, celebrations, and reflections on past years included honoring alumni from the classes of’61,
’66, ’71, ‘76, ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01, and ’06:  Class meetings were held. And the class of 1961 in particular, under
the leadership of Dr. William Rush, made its presence known by its camaraderie as well as its financial support
for the college. They proudly received their golden stole commemorating 50 years of being graduates of Philander
Smith.
	
Several alumni enjoyed the 3rd Annual Elijah Pitts Memorial Golf Tournament, a Jazz Champagne
Reception featuring the music of Petrella Pollefeyt, who presented two $500 scholarships, and Tawanna
Campbell ‘05.
Twenty-two alumni attended the Baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies donning caps and gowns and
seated in a designated area for graduates.
	
An Alumni Celebration Banquet closed out the weekend on Saturday night where Al Bell was the keynote
speaker, sharing his memories of being a student at Philander Smith.  Some alumni, however, attended Sunday
morning worship service at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.

Luncheon showstopper, C &amp; W singer,
Petrella Pollefeyt ‘68 entertains attendees.

NAA Host/Hostess Committee: Dr. Eulah Peterson,
Mrs. Grace Taylor, Mr. Roderick Dunn, Chair

Tawanna Campbell getting into the groove with
favorite song requests from PSC alums.

With such an array of choices, Alumni had a
hard time deciding upon breakfast stations.
	

Alumni Brunch was a big hit with attendees
who enjoyed the decorative atmosphere.

Golden Alum, Dr. William Rush and fellow
alum peruse their 1961 yearbook.

Non-traditional Music student, Theresa
Webb “tinkling the ivory” during the ARW
Alumni brunch.

Alums from the 1970s era.

Honored Class of 1961 with Dr. Kimbrough.

Harry Roberson, Mattie Anderson &amp; Reggie
Hameth readying to quench their thirst.

15

�COVER STORY

Commencement &amp; B
Commencement Rocked with Al
Bell, Beverly Bond and Four Years
of “Think Justice”

M

usic mogul Al Bell received an honorary
doctorate at this year’s commencement,
celebrity disc jockey, Beverly Bond spoke
and 100 new alumni embarked on journeys with
papers to prove that they’re ready to face the world’s
challenges head on.
	 “Take on your future with conviction and
intentions to make wherever you land a better place,”
Bell told the graduates after accepting his doctorate
degree. “I am humbled, honored and awed by this and
believe me, Philander Smith College helped shape me
for this.”

Jacques Edwards, Senior Class

Victoria Brown, Senior Class

Thurman Green, Senior Class

Grammy Award

Blenda Downs, Senior Class

Rev. Telley L. Gadson

16

Rev. Ronnie Miller Yow

Ms. Beverly Bond, Found

�COVER STORY

Baccalaureate 2011
	 Held at the State House Convention Center, the ceremony marked the
achievements of one graduate, Tamia Morgan who accepted a graduate school
placement at an Ivy League school. Morgan will pursue her master’s degree at
the University of Pennsylvania this fall. The student with the highest grade point
average, Chinelo Bivens was accepted to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
William Bowen Law School.
	 “This is the first class that has been under the whole “Think Justice” motto for
all four years, and the things they’ve accomplished shows how much that theme
plays out in the their choices,” said Dr. Walter Kimbrough. “I’m sad to see them
go, but delighted that they’re carrying this message with them. They’re prepared to
change the world for the better.”
	 The Rev. Telley Lynnette Gadson, pastor of Saint Mark United Methodist
Church in Sumter, S.C. delivered a soul-stirring 2011 Baccalaureate address that
left the students jubilant and spirit-filled. She encouraged them to heed her motto
for good living: “If I can help somebody as I travel along the way, then my living
shall not be in vain.”

Ms. Lynda Byrd

d Winner Al Bell

der of Black Girls Rock!

Al Bell, Bob Birch, Beverly Bond, Dr. Walter Kimbrough

Jazsmine Armstrong,Senior Class

Rev. C. J. Duvall

The Philander Smith College Choir

17

�Alumni Reunion Weekend
&amp;
National Alumni Association Convention

A filled to capacity crowd at the Third Annual
Celebration Banquet.

PSC students proudly pledge their support
to the College.

PSC Alum, Dr. Al Bell delivered an
impassioned message to alumni during the
banquet.

New M.L. Harris Society inductee, Mrs Etta
F. Carter, widow of Rev. William “Bill” Carter
with President Kimbrough.

PSC Dir. of Cultural Affairs, Lawrence
Hamilton, pays a special tribute through
song to Al Bell.

The great 2011 Alumni Reunion Choir was
under the direction of Ms. Pat Bonnette and
guest pianist Harold Phillips.

Jonathan Isbell introduces his father, Dr. Al
Bell, as banquet speaker.

Bob Birch, Chair of the PSC Board of
Trustees brings greetings during the
Celebration Banquet

Alumni Reunion Choir inspires banquet
attendees with several musical selections.

Chicago alumni president, Dorothy Smith
announces the newly created June
Pembroke Scholarship to the College.

The Golden Alumni Class of 1961 interacting
with each other during the banquet program.

Elder Leonard Bradley, Cypress Church of
Christ, Calif. giving remarks of support to the
Family and many friends of the late Dr. Jill E.
Trice.

18

�Alumni Reunion Weekend
&amp;
National Alumni Association Convention

Vice-Chair NAA Awards Committee, Bennie
Williams presented posthumously the 2011
Distinguish Alumni Award to Dr. Jill E. Trice,
which was accepted by her husband, Jesse
M. Trice of Santa Ana, CA.

Jesse Trice receives congratulations from his
pastor, Elder Leonard Bradley, Cypress, CA,
who was on hand to support the Trice family
during the Celebration Banquet.

Dr. Al Bell admires the infamous Green
&amp; Gold PSC BMI tie presented to him by
Rodney Parks, Dir. of Development.

New inductees of the 2011 M. L. Harris Society: Jack and Fran
Starks, Elder and Brenda Granger, Etta F. Carter, Dr. Freddye Davy,
and Jesse Trice.

Formally inaugurated in 2010, and recognized at the 2011
Celebration Banquet are members of the Minton Legacy Society:
Alice Richardson, Judge L. Clifford Davis, Dr. Eulah Peterson,
Wonda V. Chestnut, Carreather Perry, Jesse Trice, Manuel Twillie, Dr.
Kathryn Worthen, Lynda Byrd, Jearlene Miller and Fran Starks.

Celebrating their 50th Anniversary are members of the proud Class
of 1961 led by class leader, Dr. William Rush.

Alums who are Renaissance 100 donors for the year 2010-2011.

19

�AROUND CAMPUS

Philander Smith College’s Black Male Initiative
Hosted a ‘Dinner in The Dark’
		 Philander Smith College’s Black Male Initiative
(BMI), hosted a ‘Dinner in the Dark’, inspired by
Arkansas Lighthouse for the Blind’s annual event
entitled ‘Dining in the Dark’, that was held at the
Governor’s Mansion last year. This event’s purpose
was to educate Philander Smith students about
the challenges of being visually impaired by dining
completely in the dark. John Kimbrough, a junior at
Philander Smith, who is visually impaired, helped to
coordinate this event.
		 “The purpose of this dinner is not for people to
be comfortable,” Kimbrough said. “People should
feel a little uneasy about not being able to see. Being
visually impaired is all about using alternative
methods to accomplish the same goal, such as
eating dinner.” A visually impaired guest seated at
each table during the event answered questions,
engaged in conversation and supported those who are
accustomed to using their eyes to enjoy a meal. 
		 The ‘Dinner in the Dark’ was held March 14 in
the Kendall Nugent Center. Another one is planned
for the fall semester to allow another 100 students,

guests, alumni, staff and faculty to temporarily
experience John’s world.
 	 In order to attend the dinner, contact Michael
Hutchinson, BMI director, at 370-5382 or email him
at mhutchinson@philander.edu
					

Capitol Exhibit Displays Philander Smith’s Story
	 Philander Smith College is the first and only institution of higher
education in the state to display its history, achievers, evolution and
future endeavors inside the four oversized display windows at the
State Capitol. The display cases, located on the main floor between the
hallways connecting the Senate Chambers and the Governor’s Chambers
showcase the historical significance of people, artifacts, and events in
Arkansas.
	 “This is the first time we’ve exhibited a college or university in the
10 years I’ve been here,” said David Ware, Capitol Historian, with the
Secretary of State’s Office. “It’s one of the most interesting and intriguing
exhibits we’ve ever had because it’s the first time we’ve ever featured a
Grammy award at the state Capitol.”
	 Former Philander Smith College student Al Bell donated the use of
his 2011 Grammy Award that he won for Life Time Achievement in the
music industry. Other artifacts included Dr. Jocelyn Elder’s surgeon
general’s uniform, former Harlem Globetrotter Hubert “Geese” Ausbie’s
signed basketball, and Elijah Pitt’s memorial plague. Several photos,
placards and other memorabilia were displayed at the Capitol for the
entire summer. More than 40,000 visitors to the state Capitol were
expected to see the exhibit, Ware said.  
	 Bell, Hubert “Geese” Ausbie, ’60, and Dr. Kimbrough spoke during a
press conference on June 1 to unveil the exhibit.
20

�AROUND CAMPUS

Alumni, Celebrities and the Community Shared
All with Students During Sex Week

Melyssa Ford

PSC Attorney Eric Walker

Dr. Rachel Ross

	 From Dr. Jocelyn Elders demonstrating how to use condoms to
Dr. Rachel Ross giving students
her radio talk show lecture on
what happens to sexually irresponsible young adults, Philander
Smith College’s Sex Week 2011 left
few questioning what the purpose
was behind the event. Lectures,
conversations and events held this
week gave an opportunity for PSC
and the community to engage in
open and educational conversations about sex.
	 For the first time in the college’s history, a week that was
interrupted by a snow storm was
spent discussing sex. Speakers included alumna Dr. Elders who also
sent for truckloads of condoms for
men and women to campus; Dr.
Rachel Ross, a sexologist and radio
hostess; Demetria Lucas, relationships editor of Essence Magazine;
and Melyssa Ford, a former music
video model. The events were such
a success there will be two weeks
devoted to sexual responsibility
awareness and safety issues this
school year.

2011 Community Health &amp; Wellness Expo Comes to Campus
	 Philander Smith College hosted the 2011 Community
Health &amp; Wellness Expo Saturday, June 4 in the Mims Gym.
	 The Expo was the creation of Dr. Derek Lewis, a local
physician who participated in Philander Smith College’s
groundbreaking “2011 Sex Week” events. Dr. Lewis
facilitated our men’s only discussion called “The Condom
Broke… Now What?”
	 At the Expo Dr. Lewis and other health care
professionals provided free screenings and testing for blood
pressure, prostate, diabetes, cholesterol, breast health, HIV,
and free youth sports physicals.
						
21

�AROUND CAMPUS
PSC Helped Supply
Bicycles in Seke, Zimbabwe
	 An event featuring African drumming and
dancing that began as a gathering of former Peace
Corps workers in a Little Rock living room celebrated
its twelfth year on the Philander Smith College
campus on April 9.
	 The event now known as the African Drum &amp;
Dance Festival was first hosted in February 2000
by Kathryn Matchett, a former Peace Corps worker
assigned to Burkina Faso (West Africa), and her
husband, Mike, a consultant for Heifer International.
Three years later it moved to Little Rock’s First
United Methodist Church, first under the sponsorship
of the Genesis Sunday School Class and later the
church’s missions committee, with more than 400
attending each year.
	 Last year the event moved to Philander Smith’s
Kendall Center through a partnership forged by
four downtown United Methodist congregations:
First United Methodist Church along with Quapaw
Quarter, Theressa Hoover, and Wesley Chapel
churches.
	 Donations and proceeds from the silent auction
raised more than $1,000 for bicycles in a rural
hospice program in Seke, Zimbabwe, a project also
supported locally by Arkansas Hospice. Bicycles make
it easier for caregivers traveling nearly 25 miles to
care for terminally ill patients in the furthest reaches
of Zimbabwe. The cost of one bicycle in Seke is $40.

22

High School Open House
	 More than 300 high school students attended this
year’s Admission’s Open House. A highlight of the
event was hot-air balloon rides for the participants.

PSC Student Honored
as Big Sister of the Year
	 Graduating senior, Jazsmine Armstrong, 22,
received the “Big Sister of the Year” site-based
award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Little Rock.
The organization honored her for demonstrating
a strong commitment and
dedication to her “little” brother
Christiaan Price, a fifth-grader
at Booker Arts Magnet School.
She was recognized as the most
“dependable” of all the other
mentors at Booker Arts Magnet
School who represent the
organization.
	 Armstrong is a biology major
who plans to earn her master’s
of science degree in forensics from the University of
California-Davis or George Washington University.
Her plans are one day to work for the Federal Bureau
of Investigations as a forensic specialist.
					

�Religious Emphasis Week
	 Legendary Clark Sisters performer Dr. Dorinda
Clark Cole and Pastor Rudy Rasmus author of ‘Love…
On Fire: The Love Revolution’ headlined Philander
Smith College’s Religious Emphasis Week held Feb.
13 to 19.
	 Religious Life Director Rev. Ronnie Miller-Yow
said the week-long event helped students, staff and
faculty focus on improving the spiritual well-being of
the Little Rock community. The theme of this year’s
Religious Emphasis Week was “Love…On Fire.”

	 It culminated with the Living Legends Banquet,
during which several key figures in the local community were honored for their generosity and spiritual
prowess. Those honored included one of PSC’s own,
Dr. Lloyd Hervey; a United Methodist powerhouse,
Director of Building Communities Developers, Deborah Bell, the Rev. Vic Nixon,  former PSC Board
Chairman, Dr. Larry Ross, Bishop Jonathan Keaton,
and Pulaski County Juvenile Courts Judge Joyce
Warren.

Living Legends Banquet Honorees

Mrs. Adria Kimbrough and Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole

Arkansas Alumni Professional
Group Meet at PSC
	 Alumni affairs experts gathered at
Philander Smith College in January for the
Alumni Professionals in Arkansas annual
conference. About 25 attended the professional
development workshop that was held on the
campus of an HBCU for the first time. PSC
Alumni Affairs Director Yvonne Alexander
coordinated the event.

23

�STUDENT LIFE
Music Major Sees Brighter Future from Philander Smith’s Campus
by Marian McPherson
	 Tatiana Robinson, music major from Columbus, Ohio,
is one of many faces on Philander Smith’s campus, but what
distinguishes her from the rest is an interesting journey of
faith and fate as she makes her musical aspirations come
true.
 	 Before her senior year at Independence High School,
Robinson had never heard of Philander Smith College, until
its choir sang at her school.
	 “I fell in love with the choir, and I knew that Philander
could be the place for me,” Robinson says.
	 After the performance, Robinson’s teacher urged her
to use her vocal talent that she discovered in a sixth-grade
talent show, and auditioned for the choir. Robinson took a
chance. To no one’s surprise, she nailed the audition, and
was offered a full scholarship to Philander. 	

Tatiana Robinson, receiving 2011-2012 Petrella Pollefeyt Music
Scholarship as Music Dept. Chair, Timothy Tucker looks on.

	 Robinson, who also plays the piano, plans on using her
music degree to become a music teacher.
	 “I love music, its’ what I’m made to do.”

Chicago Mayor Lauds Philander Smith
College-bound Student’s Academic Triumph
	 Aaron Johnson attends Philander Smith College and is already a legacy
in his hometown of Chicago, where the newly elected Mayor Rahm Emanuel
singled him out for his academic pursuits.
	 Emanuel applauded the steps Johnson took after dropping out of high
school, returning to graduate and who now lives on our campus to obtain a
four-year degree in psychology.
	 “Nothing means more to me as mayor. These are the kids who represent
Chicago’s best values,” Emanuel remarked during Johnson’s high school
graduation ceremony.
	 Emanuel said he related to the struggles of Johnson and other students
like him who returned to high school to finish what they started. “They
overcame adversity. They now have the means to succeed.”
And Johnson plans to do exactly that when he arrives on campus in August.
	 “Philander Smith College opened a door for me and I can see
opportunities that will help be successful. There is no success with an
education.”

Miss PSC

Ms. PSC 2011-2012, Tezel
Lightbourne, a senior from the
Bahamas, accepts her bouquet from
Dr. Kimbrough after it was announced
that she won the crown. Her
coronation is on Sept. 24.

Philander Smith Senior Sade Daniels Elected to National Office
	 Sade Daniels, a senior at Philander Smith College was elected to serve as president of the
National Pre-Alumni Council for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). She will serve for the
2011-2012 year. Daniels, 22, is a senior from Oakland, Calif., and is majoring in social work.
Ms. Daniels serves in several roles on campus and contributes to an array of organizations. She
serves as the Vice-President of Student Government Association and as Vice President of the PreAlumni Council on the Philander Smith campus.

24

�FACULTY/STAFF NEWS
Distinguished Alumnus: Dr. Robert Williams Brings Home “Ebonics” Lecture

Dr. Patricia L. Griffen, Chair, Department of Psychology
with Dr. Williams

	 The Department of Psychology and the Office
of Institutional Advancement hosted the visit of
alumnus Dr. Robert Williams whose presentation
titled “A Native Son Returns” highlighted his
illustrious career as founder of the controversial
term “ebonics.” Williams taught psychology at
Washington University in St. Louis and has written
four books, including “Ebonics: The True Language
of Black Folks”, which garnered heated debates and
discussions in the 1980s when a California school
district declared the black speech pattern a separate
language.
	 There was standing room only during his lecture
and Gov. Mike Beebe’s office issued Dr. Williams an
“Arkansas Traveler’s” certificate. Williams was the
semester’s featured speaker in what’s to become a
regular “Distinguished Alumni Lecture,” said Dr.
Shannon Fleming, Vice President of the Office of
Institutional Advancement.

Renaissance Awards Banquet
Recognizes PSC’s Finest
		 Faculty, staff and students were honored for great service
and dedication to the campus at the Renaissance Awards
Banquet on April 14.  Brysondra Willams, a sophomore,
received the Work Study Student of the Year honor and Alvin
Anglin was recognized with the Willie Mae Shockley Staff award
for his contributions, support and commitment to excellence as
the Title III Coordinator for more than 30 years.

PSC Welcomes New Vice President of Student Affairs
	 Dr. Stacy Downing is our new Vice President of Student Affairs. She
joins our team from the University of Cincinnati, where she worked as
director of Student Activities and Leadership Development. Her duties
at PSC are to supervise a staff of 32 employees working in the Division of
Students Affairs which includes Disability and Career Services, Religious
Life, Residential Life, Student Involvement and Leadership, Greek
Affairs, Health Services and Campus Security.

25

�	

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS
	

	
New Athletic Director Takes PSC into New Conference and Beyond

	 Thurlon “Sam” Weaver, our new Athletics Director
will oversee our women’s volleyball and basketball,
and men’s basketball teams compete against schools
in the Gulf Coast Conference.  Weaver has more
than 27 years of experience in coaching, recruiting,
administering basketball programs at top-tier NCAA
schools such as Mississippi State University, Iowa
State University and Southern Illinois University.
Most recently, Weaver served as the head basketball
coach at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.
	 Our competing schools this year include Fisk,
Tougaloo, Edward Waters, Southern in New Orleans,
Xavier, and Talladega colleges.
	 As the new Athletics Director, Weaver provides
administrative direction and oversight  for all athleticrelated activities, serves as the head coach of the
men’s basketball team, ensures compliance with all
college athletics regulations, as well as recruits and
retains student athletes.   
	 “I also plan to strengthen the campus’ intramural
programs to address the college’s mission to instill
healthier lifestyles and physical fitness regimes for
our students, staff and faculty,” said Weaver, who
officially started the job on July 1.
	 He hired Dustin Sahlmann as the new volleyball
coach and Tonya Jones-Isaac as new women’s
basketball and track coach. He plans to launch a new
software program that allows online streaming of all
games and sports events.  
For more information contact, Coach Weaver at (501)
370-5348.

Coach Weaver

Dustin Sahlmann

Tonya Jones-Isaac

New Hires:

Rona Moody
Food Services Director

26

Jesse Kelley
Archivist
Library

Kevin Hamilton
Residence Life
Director

Al Dorsey
Director of Admissions
Student Recruitment

Cedric Kenyaole
Director Computer
Information Services

�ALUMNI NEWS
The Rep — A Raisin In The Sun
PSC “Thanks You” Event 2011 was an amazing performance of “A Raisin in the Sun” at the Arkansas Rep on
Jan. 27. More than 350 attended this packed house play that featured film star Phyllis Yvonne Stickney.

Key Cities Chicago

CASE Conference

Key Cities Chicago was held June 25 with 75 in
attending. This event is held to recognize and inform
alumni of the progress PSC is making the lives
students. Two more Key Cities events will be held this
fall in Memphis and Little Rock.

While attending a conference in New Orleans the
Institutional Advancement Team visited with a
distinguished alumnus, Robert Blue, who graduated
in 1968 and who continues to support PSC students
with a generous scholarship donation.

27

�ALUMNI BRIEFS
Terrell Jermaine Starr, ‘02 ­ Fullbright Scholar, photojournalist
—
	 It’s not every day that a
Fulbright Scholar shows up
at Philander Smith College to
recruit students to become fellow
Fullbright Scholars. But that’s
exactly what happened when Terrell
Starr returned to his Alma Mater
last spring.
	 Starr, a 2002 graduate with an
English degree, shared some of his
travel experiences and insight with
students to get them to consider
the Fulbright Scholars program
once they graduate. “It was an
amazing experience and I just want
students from Philander to know
that they can only be limited by
their thoughts and small dreams,”
said Starr. “If I could do this so can
they.”
	 Starr spent the first couple
of years after graduation in the
Peace Corps traveling throughout
the former Soviet Union teaching
English as a second language.
Another Philander Smith alumnus
Leslie Ettienne, 96’, introduced
him to the opportunities provided
by Peace Corps. “Leslie worked for

them at the time. I joined and it
changed my life,” Starr said.
	 He returned to the states and
worked for a year before applying
for the Fulbright Scholarship.
Upon completing his master’s
degree in photojournalism from the
University of Illinois, Starr received
the Fulbright Scholarship and won
the opportunity to return to another
former Soviet-bloc nation, the
Ukraine where he tackled a special
project he was more than qualified
to conduct.  “I was the only black
person in the Fulbright program to
demonstrate the ability to carry out
a project involving Black women
living in Ukraine. I was the only
black male living in this whole area,
so I was perfect for the job.”
 	 “I never realized that there
was someone inside of me that I
would not have discovered growing
up in a all black environment,”
said the Detroit native, whose
scholarship to Philander Smith
College altered the course of his life.
“You don’t recognize the person
you were when you are thrust into

Dr. Thomas Tucker, ‘88 Leads Ohio School District
	 The Worthington, Ohio, Board of Education
approved a contract for Dr. Thomas Tucker as the
district’s new superintendent. This Philander Smith
College 1988 graduate began his official duties in
August.
	 Dr. Tucker served as superintendent of Licking
Heights Local School District, a position he held for
three years.  Under his leadership, Licking Heights
received their first “Excellent” designation on
Ohio’s report card. In addition to his focus on student achievement, 	
	 Tucker is also committed to efficient district operations and was
instrumental in his district’s success in obtaining community support for
recent levy requests.
	 Dr. Tucker has served 21 years in public education in both the state of
Kansas as well as Ohio. He has held the positions of classroom teacher,
principal, curriculum director and as superintendent.
28

an environment that is counter to
what you experience growing up.
I was the only black person in this
village. I was unique. You’re the
first black person they ever spent
intimate time with. That experience
debunked a lot of stereotypes I had
about people.”
	 He’s graduate of a double
master’s degree program in
journalism and Russian, East
European and Eurasia Studies —
the first African American to do
so from the University of Illinois.
Today, Starr lives in New York City
and travels as an ambassador for
the Fulbright Scholars Program and
works as a journalist.

Karen Hunter, ’04, is now
Director
of Student
Development and
Director of
the Center
for Excellence in
Student
Leadership
at Wiley
College in
Marshall, Texas.  She started this
new position on July 12, after working several years at Lane College in
Jackson, Tenn.

�Honor Roll of Donors

A Message From The Vice President for Advancement
	 In this issue of the Philanderian, we are highlighting and
recognizing a large group of donors (alumni and friends; individuals
and organizations) who gave as of June 30, 2011.  The overall giving to
Philander has been on a steady increase over the past several years and
is being lead by the commitment from our alumni. We sincerely thank
each one of you for your support and please know that you are making
a difference in the lives of our students.  Please remember that ALL
gifts are appreciated and make a difference.  We want to be in the Top
10 of HBCU’s as it relates to percent of alumni who give.  For that to
happen, we need 30 percent of alumni to make a gift.  We are currently
at 15 percent.  Together, we can meet this goal!!
	 There are many friends (non-alumni) of the college who are very
interested in the progress we have made and our unique mission.   
The Advancement Team continues to build relationships with our
friends to encourage them to invest in Philander Smith College.  These
friends include individuals, corporations, foundations, and churches
(Methodist and Non-Methodist).  
	 On another note, we will be gathering information on individuals
to feature on our website on a monthly basis.  We will feature alumni
and faculty/staff that have chosen to support the college and are
making a difference in the lives of others.  Speaking of Faculty/Staff,
there are more than 50 percent who choose to give to the college and
our UNCF campaign.  Our goal is 100 percent in the future and we will
be completing our annual Faculty/Staff campaign in September.   	
	 Another goal is for 100 percent of graduating Seniors to make a
gift to the college.  Our Pre-Alumni Association will lead the student
campaign to meet this goal and encourage all students to become
active donors. We are also proud to report that the members of the
Philander Board of Trustees are giving at the 100 percent level.  
In the Winter issue of the Philanderian, we will announce exciting
news about record giving levels from alumni, the completion of our
goal to award 100 students with funds from our Renaissance 100
Scholars Program, the completion of a $100,000 Challenge Grant, and
information about Philander’s relationship with UNCF.
  
Thank you again for your support,

Dr. Shannon Fleming
Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Thank you

29

�Honor Roll of Donors
Summa Cum Laude
($25,000 and Above)
Angela MacDonald /Rev. Ann Owens 	
	
MacDonald
Arkansas Independent Colleges &amp; 	
	
Universities
Arkansas Conference United 	 	
	
Methodist Church
Bennie R. and Erma P. Williams
General Board of Higher Education &amp; 	
	
Ministry
Herbert H. McAdams II Foundation
Jesse and Jill Trice
John Walker/ Anonymous
Kresge Foundation
Maxine Rowe Gaines Trust
National Alumni Association
Prudential Life Insurance
Robert Blue/Exxon Mobile Foundation
Rush and Linda Harding
Ruth W. Morris/Lillie Blanche Williams
The 5P’s LLC/ Elder and Brenda 	
	
Granger
William (Bill) and Etta Carter
Windgate Charitable Foundation
United Negro College Fund

Dillard’s Inc.
Entergy
Walter L. and Marjorie Kimbrough
Sterling King
Theodosia Murphy Nolan
John A. Riggs
Harry Roberson
Angela M. Ross
Isaac and Frances Starks
Walton Family Foundation, Inc.

Cum Laude
($1,000-$4,999)
Alessi-Keyes Construction Co.
Alpha Kappa Alpha/Beta Pi Omega Chapter
Minnie W. Anderson
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Beverly L. Brooks
Shirley Brown
Hazel S. Bullock
Linda R. Byrd
California Waste Solution, Inc
Winnie Camp
Ethel J. Campbell
Frank James
Jewel Black Canady
Jonnie W. Collier
Magna Cum Laude
Comcast Cablevision
($15,000 and above)
Cecil Wayne Cone
Arkansas Community Foundation
Betty M. Caldwell/Nita Mays McDonald 	 Sheila Crawford
Phillip Deer
	
Fund
Lawrence E. Deloach
Crews &amp; Associates, Inc.
Terry L. Esper
Charles Crutchfield
Joycelyn Elders
Frank Fletcher
Thelma Faulkner
Freddye T. Davy
First Community Bank
Harold Gwatney
First United Methodist Church
Tom Joyner Foundation
Shannon Fleming
Walter M. Kimbrough
Theresa Hughes Franklin
Clarence J. Duvall
Friday, Eldridge &amp; Clark, LLP
Marybeth Gasman
President’s List
Richard Goldsby
($10,000 - $14,999)
Mary L. Goode
Arvest Asset Management
Greater Little Rock Alumni Chapter
Anika Whitfield
Lloyd Edward Hervey
Barnett Grace
Vivian Hines
Bank of the Ozarks
Howard and Clemmie Hill
Harry Roberson
Cleodis Howell
ING Life Insurance and Annuity
Dean’s List
Ernest Jacobs
($5,000 - $9,999)
Frank A.  James
AT &amp; T Foundation
Mary Wondrue Johnson
Bob Birch  
Chester R. Jones
Lula Carter
Alberta G. Kilgore
Centennial Bank
Raphael O. Lewis
Eddie Halliburton Davis

30

John G and Pat. Lile
Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce
Kathadaza H. Mann
C. E. and Gloria McAdoo
Roddy McCaskill
Metropolitan Bank
Jearlene Miller
Arthur N. Montgomery
Majorie Moore
National Council of the Churches of 	
	
Christ in the USA
Lou Ethel Nauden
Ronald Newsome
Victor and Freddie Nixon
Faye C. Norwood
Lillie Paddio
PDC Construction, Inc.
Carreather Perry
Eulah L. Peterson
Petrella Pollefeyt/ Dreams of the 		
	
Heartland
PSC Alumni Association-Kansas City
PSC Alumni Association- St. Louis
PSC/Alumni- Memphis
Alice L. Richardson
Charles S. Rodgers
Erica Ross
Larry  and Lillian Ross
Hubert Scott
Carmelita Smith
Cleo G. Smith
Dorothy A. Smith
Southwest District United Methodist 	
	
Church
Dennis Spence
Stephens, Inc.
Taggart Foster Torrence Gray
Sherman E. Tate
The Community Foundation for the 	
	
National Captial Region
Emogene Toms
Manuel Twille
Tyson Foods, Inc.
UMC Foundation of Arkansas
United Methodist Church Northeast 	
	
District
United Methodist Church West District
United Methodist Foundation of 	 	
	
Arkansas
United Supreme Council Charitable 	
	
Foundation
Verizon Wireless
Terry C. Wallace
Walter Healthcare for Women
J.D. Walthour
Christy Walker

Thank you

Emery Washington
Marva C. Watts
Wesley Chapel UMC
Edna Wiley
Harvey Wiley
Williams Dean Associated Architects, Inc.
Brian Williams
Toni Marie Witherspoon
Kathyrn F. Worthen
Honor Roll
($500 – 999)
Orville Abrams
Sanford O. Ames
Mattie Louis Anderson
Cleola Othean Boles
Cynthia Bond Hopson
Burnis Brazil
Mollye H. Bright
Marion Butler
Central District Board of Missions of 	
	
the United Methodist Church
Central Medical Group, P.A.
Andrew Collins
James H. Cone
Cortinez Law Firm
Norma S. Crenshaw,
Angela Q. Daniels
Joyce L. Davis
Diamondhead Community Center
Annie Waugh Enoch
First UMC - Hot Springs
Dora Jane Flesher
H.O. Gray
Earl Hardaway
Terry C. Harper
Virdie G. Harris
Rose A. Haywood,
Kennie Hicks
Rosie Holloway
Mary L. Hunter
Earl D. Johnson
Odie Jordan
Excell LaFayette
Ronnie L. Miller-Yow
Marian Morrison
Robert L. Nelson
Teresa I. Ojezua
Levern Walter Pace
Rodney O. Parks
Lilla Preyer
Adrian A. Price
Providence Christian Center
PSC Pre-Alumni Council
PSC Alumni Association- Pine Bluff
Pyramid Art Books and Custom Framing

�Honor Roll of Donors
Betty Cole
Dorinda G. Cole
Edward Coleman
Community Bakery, Inc.
Robert Crossman
Joyce L. Davis
Sandra E. Davis
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Magnolia
Betty Dickson
Thelma Dunbar
First Missionary Baptist Church
First United Church of Little Rock
First United Methodist Church
Ruby Love Fleming
Carrol D. Forte
Roosevelt Fraction
Wilbert Gaines
Jo Etta Gantt
Earlene S. Gantt-Marcus
Natara Garvin
Green and Gold
Debra Givan
($100-$499)
James Goodwin
Gloria and Steve Aboagye
Lester Grant
Elijah Agnew
Christine B. Green
Yvonne C. Alexander
Patricia Griffen
Maxine Y. Allen
William Lee Griggsby
Danita Anderson
Chirie Grimes
Alvin A. Anglin
Martin M. Hall
Arkansas Protection Services, LLC
Reginald L. Hameth
AT&amp;T United Way Employee Giving 	
Sybil Jordan Hampton
	
Campaign
Jesse Hargrove
Lonez Harris Barker
Althalene G. Harrison
Mike Beebe
Philip Hathcock
Jo Ann Benjamin
Everett Hawks
Marye Bernard
LaTonya R. Hayes
Renee Bluford
Rowita C. Heard
Carolyn A. Booker
Betsy Dyer Henderson
Ora Booker
Piccola L. Hill
Theadore G.W. Boone
Bowen Cabe United Methodist Church 	 C. Lu-Hing
Daisy B. Honor
	
Sunday School Class
Kimberly A. Hopson
Alene N. Bratcher
Houston Independent Schools
James E. Braxton
Adah M. Hull
Herbert Lee Brooks
Fred W. Hunter
Jane Brown
Martin N. Hurley
Thomas and Edith Brown
George Iggers
William E. Brown
Nancy Ingram
Cynthia Burroughs
J &amp; W Janitorial Specialist
Alma and Jackie Calhoun
Bruce James
Laura Carter
Francis Jarvis
Cascade United Methodist Church
James Johnson
CenterPoint Energy
Jesse P. Johnson
Learmond Chapman
Frank Jones
Judy Christian
Geneva Jordan
Frank Clark
Barbara B. Jordan
Sherian Dianne Clay
John Talley, Jr.
Emanuel Cleaver III

Lupita D. Rasheed
Regions Bank
Robert Reid
Beverly Richardson
Mamie D. Richardson
James A. Sanders
James Smith
Walter Smith
St. Peters Rock Baptist Church
Shelby Taylor
Rhonda Tillman
Myer Titus
United Methodist Church South Central
District  of Arkansas Conference
William C. Webb
Artee Williams
Hedi Williams
Rachel L. Williamson

Sherman Kilimanjaro
Ann Kimbrough
Jimmy C. Kimzey
Nina Kowerduck
Jesse B. Lee
Audrey Y. Leung
Longley Baptist Church
Howard L. Love
Rhonda L. Lovelace
Leenora Lowery
James Lyles
Alysia Madden
J.H. Malone
Manchester United Methodist Church
Mark Pryor For U.S. Senate
Andrea N. Marshall
Brenda C. Martin
Joyce A. Marvel
Michael Mattox
Bessie McBride
Pat McClelland
Alvernon McHenry
Franklin McNeil
John P. Miles
Crawford Mims
Prentiss Mitchell
Sandra J. Mitchell
Jimmy Mosby
Mount Moriah Grand Chapter O.E.
Ms. Beas Music Studio
Isabell Nash
Carlton Newsome
Christopher H. Newton
Legora Norwood
Oakland United Methodist Church
David D. Page
Dr. Sharon Parker
Eleanor Raye Pearce
Earldean Peebles
James Pendleton
Yvonne M. Peters
Susie Thompson Petty
PSC Alumni Association - Cleveland
Dan E.Pierce
Stacy Pittman
Hazel Preston Services
Progressive Service Systems
Quality Video Services
Lois Raines
Ramsey Krug Farrell &amp; Lensing
Silas Edward Redd
Albert and Roylene Reed
Olivia C. Rhone
Carolyn Rice
Jo Freda Richards
Lamar Riggs

Thank you

Robinson, Billy R.
George E. Rook
Alyce B. Sanders
Wilfred Taylor Seals
Marva Sims
Velma Mcbeth Slaughter
Alphonso Smith
Frank L. Smith
Robert Smith
Roy Hull Smith
Robert Solari
Paul Springer
Alice Straughter
Michelle Strawther
John Sutton
The Hatcher Agency
John Talley
Martin Thoma
Shirley Colen Tolefree
Wilson Tolefree
Lee E. Townsel
Cecil B. Twille
United Methodist Women
USAble Life
Helen Vanhook
Village United Methodist Women Society
Eric F. Walker
Shedrick Warren
Christine Watson
Claudia L. Watson
Erma J. Watts-Jenkins
Violene Webb
Jo E. Webber
Kent Westbrook
Gloria White
Willerfred D. Wilson
William Rush
Ethelyne Williams
Timothy Williams
Clarence Wilson
Carla D Wood
Paulette Woolley
Elizabeth T. Workman
John L. Young
Zeta Phi Beta/Alpha Mu Zeta Chapter
Donors recognized made gifts to
Philander Smith College between
7/1/10—6/30/11. While every
effort was made to ensure complete
accuracy, please contact the Office
of Institutional Advancement
in the event of any accidental
omissions or errors.

31

�Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 2469
Little Rock, AR 72202

900 Daisy Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202
www.philander.edu

Class of 2011
32

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