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                  <text>Fa ll

–

Wi nter

2015-2016/Summer

2 0 1 6

The Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Philander Smith College

BUILDING

STRONG

ALUMNI
CONNECTIONS

IN THIS ISSUE:

PREPARING TO
CELEBRATE THE

140ersary
niv

An

th

SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE SECTION:

INAUGURATING THE
th

14 President
MOVING

�Throughout 2017 we will celebrate the 140 year legacy of
our dear institution with a number of activities and events.
Upcoming events and activities in 2017:
140th Founders Day Celebration – March 9, 2017 (11:00am)
Student Center Naming Ceremony
Special Exhibit of African American Art and Artifacts

Fa l l -Wi n t e r 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6 / S u m m e r
President
Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr.
Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Sericia Cole
Director of Marketing &amp; Public Relations
Ms. Jennelle Primm

Philander Smith College Historical Documentary
3rd Annual President’s Scholarship Gala
Week of Service
Community Seafood Broil
And more!
*All events, dates, and times are tentative and subject to change. Please stay tuned to
philander.edu for updated events and information.

FEATURES

6
8
11
15
21

Trustee and Alumnus’ Parents
Honored Through Naming Rights
The 140th PSC Legacy Walkway
128th Commencement Ceremony
Building Strong Alumni Connections
Special Commemorative Section:

The Inauguration of the
14th President

DEPARTMENTS
5

Giving

9

Philander Forward

Board of Trustees

Mrs. Pat Lile - Chairwoman
Dr. Sherece Y. West-Scantlebury - Vice Chairwoman
Mr. Arthur Montgomery, ‘68
Dr. Jesse M. Trice, ‘72
Dr. Etta F. Carter, ‘63
Dr. Frances Harris, ‘76 - Secretary
Mr. Jason Earley
Mr. Jake Nabholz
Mr. Don Riggin
Mr. Jim Kincannon, Treasurer
Mr. Robert Blue, ‘68
Dr. Terry Esper, ‘96
Dr. Terrance D. Grant-Malone
Mr. Harvey P. Wiley, Sr., ‘67
Dr. J. Clif Christopher
Mr. Ronald W. Newsome, ‘71
Ms. Lisa A. Menzies
Bishop Gary Mueller
Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson
Mr. Herman Davis, ‘73
Rev. Mark Norman, ‘94

Ex Officio

Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr. President, Philander Smith College
Mrs. Michelle Green-Lewis, ’17, SGA President
Dr. Frank James, ‘61, Faculty Representative
Mrs. Raveen Job, Staff Liaison

Trustees Emeriti

Dr. Charles W. Donaldson, ‘69
Ms. Lottie Shackelford, ‘79
Mr. Charles O. Stewart
Mr. Sherman Tate, ‘70
Editor — Sericia Cole
Design — George Frederick Nash

11 Around Campus
12 Alumni News

ON THE COVER:

PSC President Roderick L. Smothers and Dr. Kathryn
Worthen, ’63 are photographed on April 17, 2016 at
the Chicago Alumni Connection event. The Chicago
NAA Chapter demonstrates strong support for the
College.

  2

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: jprimm@philander.edu.
www.philander.edu

�MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

TURNING THE PAGE

W

hen the Board of Trustees named me as
the 14th President of Philander Smith
College, it was both a personal and
professional milestone. Having served previously
at two Historically Black Colleges/Universities
(HBCUs), I was elated to come to the helm of this
of the greatest servant-leaders this world has
known. Furthermore, I was excited to turn a page
in my life that would have me walk right into the
pages of this College’s rich history.
Now, some two years later, I remain humbled that
I have the opportunity to lead, guide and serve
where there has always been a focus on changing
the world for the better, and where that focus is
more razor-sharp than ever toward moving the
College forward with resolute dignity, stalwart
character, and innovative progress going into its
140th year of existence.
As we head excitedly into a yearlong celebration
of a watershed anniversary of the College’s
founding, we do so with unshakeable assurance
that Philander Smith College remains a world pillar
holding up a foundation of scholastic excellence,
leadership, service and spirituality. As a pillar,
we are committed to recalibrating our strengths
higher education, a dominant force for change,
continually seek Philander Smith as a beacon of
hope.
Philander Smith College is turning the page on any
obstacles that might have sought to keep it back.
The page is being turned on naysayers who discount
the Philander Forward Movement and on any
forecasters who prognosticated that the institution
would not emerge from a period of transition with
renewed solvency and vigor. We are indeed moving
forward, and we are more courageous than ever,
empowered by the young scholars who come
seeking a transformative experience, emboldened
by our ambitious Forward Initiatives, and bolstered
by 140 years of transcendent history.

The publication that you hold now is documentation
of pages we are yet writing and turning; turning and
writing. We are recording the Philander Forward
Movement by illuminating our alumni for their
achievements, celebrating our scholars along their
collegiate journeys, and amplifying the direction
of this current administration. While certain
transitions have delayed the regular schedule of
The Philanderian, we have turned the page and
will be back to normal production. In recognition of
this journal as a vehicle which allows for communal
our individual and shared evolution, we appreciate
your patience during the suspended timeframe.
The calendar dictates that we will soon be turning
the page on 2016. It has
been a year wrought with
triumphs and challenges;
disappointments
and,
yet, hope. Through it all,
I am proud that we have
demonstrated our collective
resilience, as well our
commitment to overcome
and succeed.

“As we head excitedly into
a yearlong celebration of a
watershed anniversary of the
College’s founding, we do so
with unshakeable assurance
that Philander Smith College
remains a world pillar...”

This is what it means to
persevere; it is the very
essence of moving forward.
I am honored to serve
alongside each of you, our trusted alumni and
friends, in moving Philander Forward into this
special anniversary season of celebration and
beyond.
Sincerely yours,

Roderick L. Smothers, Sr., Ph.D.
President

  3  

�MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Dear Philanderians,
As we prepare to recognize our dear Philander Smith College’s founding, we must give
thanks to our God for our Alma Mater and the world-class leaders that it has graduated
class receiving degrees some four years later, it is widely noted that a number of PSC
graduates are renowned “game changers,” many of whom have footprints that are
deeply embedded in the history of the College, as well as the mission agenda of the
National Alumni Association.
With that said, I am proud to announce that the 2017 National Alumni Convention is scheduled for the second
week of March 2017 with a theme of “Telling Our Story by the Lives We Change.” For 61 years, the NAA has avidly
supported the College. The 2017 Convention will continue that tradition by sponsoring development sessions and
outreach initiatives to strengthen its membership. Additionally, the College’s current students will be introduced
to NAA members through a classroom visitation initiative. We have also been working with a committee of the
College to plan and promote Philander Smith College’s 140th Anniversary Celebration. Information regarding the
Convention and the 140th Celebration can be found in the alumni gallery of the College’s newly designed website
at www.philander.edu.
The National Alumni Association
is proud of and excited about the
work that Dr. Roderick Smothers
and his administrative team are
doing. With all eyes on the College
in the City of Little Rock, in the
nation, and by other HBCU schools,
the students at Philander Smith
College are being challenged to be
“game changers,” to stand above the accomplishments of all graduates before them. To that end, the legacy of
the College and the National Alumni Association will remain steadfast in the commitment to support the College

“The National Alumni Association is
proud of and excited about the work
that Dr. Roderick Smothers and his
administrative team are doing.”

NAAPSC Strategic Plan, which will be undertaken by the NAA leadership team during the Convention. As you
know, Phase One was marked by the success of the fundraising efforts toward the new Student Center with
by individual alums in less than two years. Activities are being planned to ensure that members attending the
Convention will be informed of alumni business and will be able to participate in the dedication and naming of
supporter of the College.
To ensure success of all events, we need for you to register early, and come to share in the experience and to see
and meet the College’s new “game changers” who now permeate the campus. Philanderians, I look forward to
seeing you in March 2017.
Your National Alumni Association President,
Herman L. Davis, ‘73

  4

�UNCF Planning Grant Helps Open
Career Pathways

T

GIVING

intentional career pathway options for students across their collegiate

Planning Grant as part of the new Career Pathways Initiative
established by the UNCF (United Negro College Fund). The College
was one of 30 four-year Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs) or Predominately Black Institutions (PBIs) to receive an award
through this highly-competitive grant process.

the UNCF Career Pathways Initiative in an effort to improve the job
placement outcomes of graduates from HBCUs and PBIs. Institutions
will employ various strategies to achieve this goal, including aligning
curricula with local and national workforce needs, developing

experience, and strengthening their career service operations.
As one of the 30 institutions awarded a Planning Grant, Philander
Smith became eligible to compete for an implementation grant of
expected in the fall. The College’s Career Pathway Initiative team
is comprised of President Roderick L. Smothers, Kevin Cooper
(Institutional Advancement), Dr. Hazel A. Ervin (Academic Affairs),
David Lewis (Student Affairs), Glenn Sergeant (WISE P3) and grant
expert Venessa Spearman.

TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION RAISES $40,000 TO AID STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The well-respected and nationally known Tom Joyner Foundation had Philander Smith College to
headline its signature School of the Month program this past June.

School of
the Month

As part of the School of the Month program, the Foundation leveraged national sponsorships,
partnerships, celebrity relationships, and the syndicated radio program The Tom Joyner Morning
Show
and aid.

community. The Hercules Scholars from Philander Smith included Russell Williams III of Opelousas,
La.; Benjamin Mason of Dallas, Texas; Jamal Hamilton of Houston, Texas; Clayton Wright of
Memphis, Tenn.; Tarai Rolle of Nassau, Bahamas; and Jotham Nixon of St. Louis, Mo.
Established by top-ranked and nationally-syndicated “Fly Jock” radio personality Tom Joyner, The
Tom Joyner Foundation was created to directly support HBCUs. Founded in 1998, the Foundation has
than 14,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs.

  5  

�GIVING

T

he Philander Smith College Board

of the Montgomery and Grace families,

of Trustees voted this spring to
name the private dining hall inside of the

alumni, and other supporters were on
hand for the invitation-only luncheon and

College’s Campus Center in honor of the
parents of Arthur N. Montgomery of
Batesville, Ark., a 1968 PSC alumnus and
current member of the Board of Trustees.

blessing ceremony, which honored the
hard-working and cherished couple.

The naming rights came as a result of a
gift to the College made by former trustee

Barnett Grace shares in the unveiling of the plaque commemorating the new dining room
along with President Smothers and Trustee Arthur Montgomery.

Barnett Grace of Little Rock, AR.
Savoy
and Pauline Virginia Montgomery Private Dining Hall. Past and
present members of the Philander Smith Board of Trustees, members

22nd

Annual Elijah Pitts

Memorial Golf Tournament

For 22 years, the name and memory of
1961 PSC alum and NFL great Elijah Pitts
has been honored through a memorial
golf tournament fundraiser held to
raise scholarship dollars for deserving
Philander Smith College students.
On May 23, 2016, a host of golfers
enjoyed a wonderful day of golf and
fellowship at Little Rock’s Chenal Valley
Country Club in Little Rock, raising
part to Gold Level Sponsors Deltic Timber
Corporation, Dillard’s and Frank Fletcher
Companies, Ltd.
The Elijah Pitts Memorial Golf Tournament
is chaired annually by Dr. Sherman Tate
’7 . For information on how to participate
in the 2017 tournament fundraiser, contact
501-975-8535.

  6

panels, which offer a scenic view of the
downtown Little Rock skyline, the Savoy

and Pauline Virginia Montgomery Private
Dining Hall is an important centerpiece of the 16,000 square foot
Campus Center, which opened on the PSC campus in 2014.

�Raising Dollars for Scholars

GIVING

These scholarships have only one criteria, and that is
Church. “These are ‘second chance’ scholarships.”
says Rev. Ronnie Miller-Yow, Pastor of Wesley Chapel
and Dean of Religious Life and Campus Culture at PSC.
“Students who may not qualify for anything else based
on their GPA are not excluded from this opportunity.
We want to show them support and encouragement
to keep pushing through their journey.”

aid and students loans, and is comprised of funds
raised from the church and matched by the United
Methodist Higher Education Foundation, the United

W

esley Chapel United Methodist Church serves as a spiritual
home to many past and current Philander Smith students.
Not only does the church support these students in their Christian
walk, but it is also committed to helping them achieve their dreams
by providing scholarship money towards their degree programs. As
part of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation’s Dollars
for Scholars Program, Wesley Chapel members donate each year to
send dozens of its members to Philander Smith College. In 2016, the
their collegiate journeys.

Methodist Foundation of Arkansas, and PSC. “Wesley Chapel has
helped to make this program a success,” says Jim Argue, President
and CEO of UMFA, “Over 1/3 of the scholarships each year go to PSC
students, and we are immensely thankful for their hard work.”
The members of Wesley Chapel have plans to have an even greater
impact in the years to come, according to Dr. Charles Donaldson, a
member of the congregation and a 1969 Philander Smith graduate.
such an important part of these students’ lives, and we hope to grow
our reach and our numbers over time.”

  7  

�PSC LEGACY WALKWAY
Celebrating 140 Years of Educational Empowerment

“When college days are at an end,
our hearts will ever toward you
bend; with loyalty we’ll always be
a part of you, dear PSC.”

Commemorate your PSC legacy with a personalized brick in the new 140th Anniversary

All payments should be sent to:
Philander Smith College
900 West Daisy Bates Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
Ofﬁce of Institutional Advancement
PSC Legacy Walkway
Attn: Rosalyn Hudson
(501) 975-8537 or
rhudson@philander.edu

With a minimum donation of $140.00, you can secure your place on the Legacy Walkway.

PHILANDER

FORWARD

philander.edu

Legacy Walkway. This is your chance to leave a permanent mark on the PSC campus in honor
of yourself, a family member, or loved one. This permanent installation will be an integral part
of the campus in recognition of the institution’s 140th celebration.

Your engraved brick will bear an inscription of your choice cementing your legacy at Philander
Smith College. Cement your legacy at PSC.

BRICK ENGRAVING EXAMPLES
IN MEMORY OF
MS. JANE PANTHER
LOVE ALWAYS

Yes, I want to mark my legacy.

CONGRATULATIONS
TIM GEES 2017
LOVE MOM AND DAD

TOMMY SMITH
CLASS OF 2011

Minimum donation of $140
per 4” x 8” brick

PURCHASER’S NAME
STREET ADDRESS
CITY

STATE

DAYTIME PHONE

ZIP

CVC#

EXP

CELL PHONE

EMAIL
THE PURCHASE IS A GIFT. HONOREE:
CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ENCLOSED Make checks payable to Philander Smith College
CREDIT CARD

VISA

MASTERCARD

DISCOVER

CREDIT CARD NUMBER

AMERICAN EXPRESS

SIGNATURE

Bricks can be engraved with a
maximum of 60 characters, not
to exceed 20 characters per line
(including spaces and punctuation)
with a maximum of three lines.
Bricks will be sold throughout 2017. Bricks purchased by February 3, 2017 will be included in the March 2017 installment. Purchases after that date will be
included in subsequent installations.Dates of additional installations will be announced.

�A

Y

t

ry

or

BIG
S.T.A.R.T.

rt

ay.

er

T

he second cohort of the S.T.A.R.T. Summer Bridge Program
made a big impact on the PSC campus this summer with

size from 2015’s inaugural S.T.A.R.T. cohort.
The Student Assistance and Readiness Tracks/Pathways Program

to get a strong start on their college career by living on campus
and completing PSC credit hours. During the time that they are
immersed in their S.T.A.R.T. experience, students are exposed to
all aspects of PSC campus life including weekly Chapel, study
sessions, seminars, along with various guest speakers and
recreational activities.
“I am so thankful to have joined S.T.A.R.T., because I was able to
adapt to college life sooner than expected,” said Freshman Alexis
Knighten of Florrisant, Mo. “Because of this decision to attend
S.T.A.R.T., I began my freshman year with ten college credits,
which is such a blessing to me and my parents as well.”

  9  

�‘FORWARD INIATIVE’

T

WISE P3 GAINS SUPPORT FROM THE
STATE OF ARKANSAS
he Arkansas Department of Higher Education has awarded

Implementation Grant to fund the Workforce Innovation Strategic and
Economic Public Private Partnerships Program (WISE P3).
WISE P3 is the College’s response to the urban issue of
underemployment in Arkansas and addresses skills gaps by providing
training and education aligned to industry needs. The program is a key
linchpin of PSC President Roderick L. Smothers’ “Philander Forward
Initiatives.”

to further support Governor Asa Hutchinson’s vision for the state as
powerful engine for economic growth and innovation.” WISE P3 will
forge partnerships to bridge the gap between academics and business
enterprise. Furthermore, Philander Smith will be strengthened to
enhance academic offerings through short-term career and technical
training.
Philander Smith College is 1 of 21 colleges and universities across
the state to be awarded funds. In October 2015, the institution also
received a Regional Workforce Planning Grant from the State of

“Philander Smith College has long been a pipeline for talent in the
State of Arkansas,” said Smothers. “This key initiative will allow us

Think Justice 2.0:
A Global Perspective

EDUCATION
HEALTH
ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMUNITY
ECONOMIC
POLITICAL
IDENTITY
CIVIL
CRIMINAL
RELIGIOUS
RACIAL
GENDER
AGE
PHILANDER

FORWARD
  10

This FORWARD
Initiative involves
the reimagining of
PSC’s current Social
Justice Institute.

Through the lens of an evolving
world and a changing society,
Think Justice 2.0: A Global
Perspective contemplates a holistic
framework for the expansion of
social justice work at Philander
Smith College. As we enter rapidly
into the twenty-ﬁrst century,
there are pressing social issues
that need to be addressed. With
new visions, new partners and a
heightened awareness of policies,
practices, norms and behaviors
which have led to systemic
injustices in America—Think
Justice 2.0 proposes an informed
response through an expanded
regional footprint for justice-related
programs and initiatives.

Philander Smith
Continues to
THINK JUSTICE 2.0

T

The sixth Forward Initiative under the
Philander Forward agenda is Think Justice
2.0: A Global Perspective, as it is currently being reimagined with a PSC team that is being supported
by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and the
Auburn Theological Seminary of New York, N.Y.
The work that the teams have embarked upon is
building a framework for the expansion of social
justice work at Philander Smith College into a more
regional footprint. The process includes solidifying
a mission, vision, draft curriculum, and a timeline
for implementation in the months ahead.

�128TH COMMENCEMENT

Little Rock’s Statehouse Convention Center on
May 7, 2016 for the 128th Commencement
Ceremony of Philander Smith College to
celebrate its 115 new graduates.

AROUND CAMPUS

by the Honorable Shelia Jackson Lee, U.S.
Congresswoman of the 18th Congressional
District of Texas, who challenged the class to
“Rise and Serve.” She also encouraged the
graduates to do as so many other Philanderians
to their respective communities, country, and
the world. In recognition of Congresswoman
Lee’s work and dedication to our government
and her support of PSC, President Smothers
awarded Congresswoman Jackson Lee the Dr.
Ozell Sutton Medal of Justice.

In addition to President Smothers conferring
diplomas upon the Class of 2016, the Honorary
Doctorates of Humane Letters were presented
to Colonel Marc A. Garcia, in recognition of
his exceptional meritorious leadership and
service to our nation, and (posthumously) to
Lawrence Hamilton, famed Broadway actor
and former PSC choral musical instructor.

A New “DAY” in Panther Men’s Basketball

THE  RISE  OF  A

NEW  REIGN

and the Arkansas Razorbacks’ all-time leading
scorer, has taken the helm of PSC’s Men’s
Basketball Program.
A four- year letterman at the University of
Arkansas from 1989-1992, Day
was an All-American who led
the team to an SEC title and a
NCAA Final Four appearance.
He was the eighth pick of the
Milwaukee Bucks in the 1992
NBA Draft.
The Memphis, Tenn., native
embarked upon a coaching

career in 2007 and has since coached on the
junior high, high school, and semi-pro levels.
“I felt like coaching on the college level at
Philander Smith was a natural next step in
my career,” said Day. He was inducted into
the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
His wife, Brenda Swinton-Day, is
from Little Rock.
The new head coach says
players and fans can expect a
fast-paced and energetic style
of Panther basketball that will
be exciting to watch. “I set my
goals high, and all I can say is, I
plan to win.”

Seniors Nyashe Clark of Dumas, Ark., and
Tarai Rolle of Nassau, Bahamas, are Miss
and Mister Philander Smith College for the
2016-2017 academic year.
Miss PSC i biology major who is active
in several research and science based
extracurriculars on campus and plans to
pursue her master’s degree at the University
of Arkansas School for Medical Sciences;
while Mister PSC aspires to utilize his
psychology degree to one day serve as
director of a youth program.

  11  

�ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI REMEMBER:

Dr. Crawford
J. Mims
Remembered fondly by alumni
across decades, Dr. Crawford J.
Mims passed away on April 1, 2016
after a long and deeply appreciated
life.

Rev. Larry and

Lillian Ross with PGA golf professional Jordan Spieth.

A U.S. Army veteran who served
in Europe during World War II, Dr. Mims held several high-level
administrative roles at the College including Interim President, Provost,
and Dean of Instruction. His unwavering dedication to the College
continued to be felt long after his retirement, and in recognition,
he was eventually named Provost Emeritus. To further cement his
the Dr. Crawford J. Mims Gymnasium on campus was dedicated in his
honor.
The work and commitment of Dr. Mims hold a special place in the rich
history of Philander Smith College. His contributions and presence can
never be forgotten and shall never be erased.

Professor Ross and ESPN Analyst David Aldridge during the NBA Western Conference Finals.

This summer, Rev. Larry Ross ’69 and his wife, Mrs. Lillian Ross
’68, a PSC Professor of Humanities, were captured vacationing with
Byron Nelson Golf Tournament in Dallas, Texas, before heading west to
enjoy Professor Ross’s favorite NBA team, the Golden State Warriors,
compete in the Western Conference Finals in Oakland, Calif.

ALUMNI BRIEF
Rev. James Lyles, ’52, and

Leaders Fellow with the Association of Black

Tennessee Tech University. Before retirement,

Foundation Executives (ABFE), a philanthropic

among the alumni recipients

his professional memberships included the

organization that advocates for responsive

of the Living Legend Award

American Higher Education Association,

and transformative investments in Black

during the 2016 Religious
Rhonda Lovelacne

Arts Commission. McGee is retired from

Robert Blue, ’68, were

National Association of Continuing and Adult

communities. Jenkins is the Regional Director

Emphasis Week at Philander

Education, and Phi Delta Kappa.

for the Clinton Health Matters Initiative

Smith College sponsored

(CHMI), a program of the Bill, Hillary and
Jearlene Miller, ’73, of Dallas, Texas, was

and Campus Culture. Other

Chelsea Clinton Foundation. Jenkins is the

honor by the Irving-

alumni honored as living

Carrollton, Texas NAACP Branch with the

legends

annual

naming of a scholarship in recognition of

Thurman Green, ‘11, of Little Rock, Ark.,

PSC

her work on behalf of the Branch. Currently,

is enrolled in the University of Arkansas

Dean of Students Rhonda

there are Miller Scholars attending Oklahoma

Clinton School of Public Service two-year

Lovelace, ’89, and Dr.

Baptist University, Shawnee, Oklahoma and

Masters of Public Service degree program

Antoine Scruggs, ‘95.

the University of Texas at Dallas.

for the 2017 class. Green holds a bachelor’s

Leo McGee, Ed.D, ‘64, of

Tionna Jenkins, Ph.D

Smith College, as well as a master’s degree

Cookeville, Tenn., received a

‘01, of Little Rock,

in public administration from the University of

gubernatorial appointment

Rev. James Lyles

Ark., has been named

Arkansas at Little Rock.

naming him to the Tennessee

as

banquet

Dr. Antoine Scruggs

Robert Blue

  12

at

the

included

degree in political science from Philander

a

Connection

�NECROLOGY

In  Remembrance  of  Our  Beloved…

ALUMNI NEWS

Mr.  Lester  Grant’62  
Chicago,  Ill.

January  2015

Mrs.  Sarah  Ann  Butler  Sanders  ‘77  
North  Little  Rock,  Ark.

September  2015

Mr.  Benny  P.  Johnson  ’65  
Columbus,  Ohio

January  2015

Mrs.  Veking  Byers  Tollette  ’45  
Los  Angeles,  Calif.

September  2015

Presiding  Elder  Thomas  G.  Allen  ‘73  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

February  2015

Rev.  Dextral  D.  Alexander  
Inglewood,  Calif.

October  2015

Mrs.  Lorraine  E.  Hilliard  Jordan  ’61  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

March  2015

Mr.  Ivria  Johnson,  Jr.  ‘68  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

October  2015

Mrs.  Maya  Macon  Austin  ’03  
Conway,  Ark.

March  2015

Mr.  Cecil  B.  Twillie  ‘57    
Forrest  City,  Ark.

October  2015

Mr.  Chester  Arthur  Sims,  Sr.  ’74  
Little  Rock,  Ark.  

March  2015

Rev.  Dr.  Emery  Washington  ’57  
St.  Louis,  Mo.

October  2015

Mrs.  Celestine  Jones    
Little  Rock,  Ark.

March  2015

Mr.  Larry  Stanley  Robertson  ‘06  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

November  2015

Mrs.  Lena  G.  Moore  ’48  
North  Little  Rock,  Ark.

April  2015

Ms.  Cleola  O.  Boles  ‘53  
North  Little  Rock,  Ark.

December  2015

Mr.  Napoleon  Talley  ‘53  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

April  2015

December  2015

Coach  Tyrone  Power  McGraw  ’69  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

April  2015

Mrs.  Ether  Lue  Bruce  ‘68  
Little  Rock,  Ark.
  
Mrs.  Shirley  Robinson  Norman  ’78  
Little  Rock,  Ark.  

Ms.  Naomi  Pemberton  ’58  
Marietta,  Ga.

May  2015

Dr.  Ozell  Sutton  ‘50  
Atlanta,  Ga.

December  2015

Mr.  Lawrence  E.  Deloach,  Sr.  ’81  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

July  2015

Rev.  Kingston  C.  Malone  ’01  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

July  2015

December  2015

  
Acknowledgements:
Mr.  Lawrence  Dyer  Jones  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

  
April  2015

Brooklyn,  N.Y.
Mrs.  Inez  Vivian  Brown  Jackson  ’50  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

September  2015

Mrs.  Saralou  R.  Gifford  
Little  Rock,  Ark.

Dec.  ‘14/Jan.’15

  13  

�60t T
h
Annual
NAA Marks

Convention
  14

he National Alumni Association hosted
its 60th Annual Convention at the
Holiday Inn Presidential hotel in Little
Rock from May 5th through May 7th, 2016.
A reinvigorated and enthusiastic group of
nearly 100 graduates assembled for the threeday convening which included NAA business
sessions, a “State of the College” update from
President Roderick Smothers, and a Jazz and
Champagne Luncheon. The convention was

punctuated by the Celebration Banquet which
featured a keynote address by alumnus Arnell
Willis, ‘77. A former mayor of Helena-West
Helena, Ark., Willis is the Director of the State
of Arkansas’s Workforce Investment Board
and serves as a key member of Governor Asa
Hutchinson’s Cabinet. The NAA membership
looks forward to the annual convention as
a means to galvanize support for Philander
Smith College.

�ALUMNI CONNECTION
events in Chicago and Memphis bring alumni
together with PSC staff

T key cities across the country where there are strong numbers
of Philander Smith College alumni. The visits have been re-branded
as “Alumni Connection” events to clarify the College’s intent to
strengthen engagement with PSC graduates.
The College hosted the Chicago-Alumni Connection on April 17,
2016 at the 4th District A.M.E. Church Headquarters in the Windy
City. Chicago-NAA Chapter President Edith J. Brown, ‘63, was
on hand to greet President Roderick L. Smothers and the OIA
Staff, including Director of Alumni Affairs Yvonne Alexander,
’73, Director of Development Kevin Cooper, ’08, and Acting Vice
President for Institutional Advancement Sericia Cole. Other active
members of the Chicago Chapter were in attendance, as well as
a strong group of young graduates who came to hear about the

SMITH COLLEGIATE CHOIR

A

Sings!

s one of his promises to alumni, President

Smothers committed to restore the Philander
Smith Collegiate Choir to prominence and recently
made way for the return of Karliss Chapple,’01
as Director. During the Honors Convocation
Ceremony in March, the Collegiate Choir regaled
the audience with its sharpened vocal prowess,
and audiences are continuing to enjoy the singers’
much-anticipated resurgence.

at the College.
The tour headed back South for the Memphis-Alumni Connection
on April 22, where Jamie Simelton, ’67, Memphis-NAA Chapter
President presided over the gathering. During both visits, staff
members took advantage of the opportunity to meet and hear
about the Philander Forward Movement, outlining the goals and
objectives of his Forward Initiatives.
More Alumni Connection events are being planned; keep an eye
out – one could be in your city soon!

  15  

�March 9 - 12, 2017
Telling Our Story By The Lives We Change

Little Rock, Arkansas

Mark your calendars for the 61st
Annual National Alumni Convention
and join us in celebrating the 140th
Anniversary of Philander Smith
College on March 9 - 12 in Little
Rock, Arkansas.
Make your hotel reservations now
through February 3, 2017 using the
reservation code P S C . Direct: 501375-2100 / Toll Free: 1-866-900-7625
For more information contact:
Roderick Dunn
Convention Chairman
P: (501) 960-7121
E: drrocktru1@sbcglobal.net

  16

In 2017, Philander Smith College
will celebrate its 140-year history of
providing academic excellence. This
anniversary is a time to commemorate
the past, celebrate the present,
and looking forward to the future.
The Philander Smith College family
can take pride in knowing that we will
continue to build upon our previous
successes as we approach the next 140
years.
We invite our entire family to celebrate
our achievements, the Panther spirit
and the triumph of Philander Smith
College during a yearlong celebration.

Presented by:
Central Arkansas Alumni Chapter
Greater Little Rock Alumni Chapter
National Alumni Association, Philander Smith College, Inc.

�llege
y of
is
orate
sent,
ture.

mily
will
vious
140

O R D E R    F O R M    F O R    S O U V E N I R    A D S  
Name  ___________________________________________________________________________________
Address  ____________________________________________ Phone  _______________________________
City   _________________________________________ State  ___________________ Zip   _______________

PLACE  YOUR  MESSAGE  IN  THE  
2017  NATIONAL  ALUMNI  ASSOCIATION  SOUVENIR  BOOKLET
The   Greater   Little   Rock   Alumni   Chapter      Souvenir   Booklet   Committee   would   like   to   encourage  
organizations,   businesses,   churches,   alumni,   individuals   and   friends   to   place   an   ad   or   a   dedicatory  
page  in  the  61st  Annual  National  Alumni  Convention  Souvenir  Booklet  to  be  distributed  during  the  
Convention.
     
  
Black  and  White  Ads  
Full  page:    
  
$  150.00  
  
½  page:     
  
$      75.00  
  
¼  page:     
  
$      50.00  
  
Business  Card       
$      35.00
Patron  Listing              
$      20.00

2017  Pricing  for  Color  Ads
  
$200.00
  
$100.00
  
$60.00

If  you  would  like  to  take  advantage  of  this  great  advertising  opportunity,  please  do  the  following:
Complete  the  order  form  below
Please  indicate  the  size  of  your  ad:______________    Salesperson:____________
Attach  your  camera  ready  ad  with  a  paper  clip.
If  you  do  not  have  a  camera  ready  ad,  we  can  create  one  for  you;;  however,  we  will  need  the  
wording  that  you  want  included.    You  may  also  provide  a  logo,  business  card,  and/or  photo  (if  
applicable).
Please  mail  your  completed  order  form,  ad  materials  and  checks  payable  to:
  “PSC  Convention  2017”  by  FEBRUARY  3,  2017.
Address  all  correspondence  to:  
NAAPSC  CONVENTION  2017
Yvonne  C.  Alexander
2702  West  10th  Street/Little  Rock,  AR  72204
Home  #  (501)747-­1576  Wireless  #  (501)  680-­2324
  E-­mail:  yalexander1908@att.net  

brate
pirit
mith
ion.

  
Thank  you  for  supporting  the  2017  PSC  National  Alumni  Association  Convention!
  17  

�RESERVATION FORM
Group Name: National Alumni Association Convention / Philander Smith College
Dates: March 7 – May 12, 2017
Reservation Code: PSC
Arrival Date: ________________________ Departure Date:________________________

Suites available upon request: Contact Diana Edwards @ 501-235-5611/e-mail: dedwards@ltdhospitality.com
***Reservation Cut-Off Date: February 3, 2017……The hotel reserves the right not to extend the cut-off date. ***
A major credit card is required upon check-in. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check out time is 11:00 a.m.
Special Requests_____________________________________________________________________________

The Holiday Inn Presidential will try to honor special requests; based on availability. Requests cannot be guaranteed.
Credit Card __________________ Number__________________________ Exp. Date_____________________
Name _____________________________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________ City ________________ State ____________ Zip_________
Telephone ________________________________ E-mail___________________________________________
Please send all forms to the attention of:

Diana Edwards Sales and Catering Manager

LTD HOSPITALITY GROUP
www.ltdhospitality.com | 600 Interstate 30 Little Rock, AR 72202 EMAIL dedwards@ltdhospitality.com
PHONE (501)235-5611 | FAX (501)975-8179

  18

�REGISTRATION FORM

National Alumni Association Philander Smith College, Inc.
61st National Alumni Convention
Little Rock, AR
March 9 – March 12, 2017

Please Print Clearly
Title Dr/
Mr/Mrs/Miss

Last

Middle

First

Home No.

Cell No.

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Email Address

Employer

City, State, Zip Code

Work Number (Optional)

Chapter

Member-At-Large (Y/N)

Class Year

Class Donation $

Indicate if you have ____ dietary or ____ disability-related requirements, attach a written description of your needs.

Early Bird Registration – Now through February 3, 2017
General Registration – February 4 thru March 3, 2017 (includes all tickets below)
On Site Registration after March 3, 2017 (Cash or Money Order)
QTY.

EVENT

INDIVIDUAL EVENT TICKETS
PRICE

Total for Individual Tickets Purchased
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED

$170.00
$180.00
$190.00

TOTAL

$_________
$_________

Please make checks payable to “PSC Convention 2017”. Send your payment and this form to: Greater Little Rock Alumni Chapter Post
Make checks payable to PSC Convention 2017. Full Registration includes
tickets to all events along with a Souvenir Booklet and Hospitality Room access. For additional information, please
contact Yvonne C. Alexander at Home - (501) 747-1576 or E-mail: HYPERLINK “mailto:yalexander1908@att.net” yalexander1908@att.
net or Roderick Dunn at (501) 960-7121.
Refund Policy: Full refund less administration fee of $50 will be made upon receipt of written cancellation postmarked no later
than February 11, 2017.
NEW Registration and Hotel forms will be available by visiting our PSC website at HYPERLINK “http://www.philander.edu”
www.philander.edu and clicking Alumni &amp; Giving icon.

OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Received ___________ Date Processed ______________ Processed by ______________

  19  

�  20

�SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE SECTION

THE INAUGURATION
TH PRESIDENT
OF THE

DR. RODERICK L. SMOTHERS

  21  

�SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE SECTION

Smith College ushered in a new era
of leadership, by formally installing
RODERICK L. SMOTHERS SR., PH.D.,
as the College’s 14th president.

  22

�SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE SECTION
In an investiture ceremony before hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni,
friends, and members of the Little Rock, Ark., community, Smothers took the oath
in the College’s gymnasium that was specially transformed for the occasion.
In his inaugural address, Smothers charted a new course for the 138 year-old
college, with the mantra “Philander Forward.” While acknowledging its storied
and historic past he said the College’s greatest days are ahead of it and that the
focus will center on the students.
During the four-day Inaugural celebration, the College unveiled several of Smothers’ immediate initiatives including the establishment of the new Dr. Joycelyn
Elders School of Allied and Public Health, named for one of its most distinguished
alums, former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders. The faculty, and ultimately,
the College Board of Trustees approved the formation of the school days prior to
the inauguration.
The new president also has made raising scholarship dollars and increasing enrollment the apex of the Philander Forward thrust. His idea for the Presidential
Inaugural Scholarship Gala, held Friday, Aug. 28, 201 at the Little Rock Marriott,
also secured a commitment from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., to endow the
new Ozell Sutton Leadership and Service Scholarship Award, to honor the veteran civil rights leader and the fraternity’s 26th general president who, as a 1950
Philander Smith graduate, is a member of the College’s Alumni Hall of Fame.
Ahead of the Saturday investiture ceremony, on Thursday, the college sponsored
an Inaugural Community Symposium focusing on health disparities and opened
the Philander Smith College Art Exhibit housed in the College’s D.W. Reynolds
Library. On Friday, students left campus to volunteer as part of the Inaugural Day
of Student Engagement. Dozens of students boarded vans and visited senior
centers, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and other local social-service agencies
at which students spent the day volunteering. Sunday, the college community
gathered at Little Rock’s Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church for an interfaith ecumenical worship service.
“This is a new day, new year, new era for Philander,” said Pat Lile, former president and CEO of the Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF) who is chairwoman of the Philander Smith College Board of Trustees “In the ‘Philander Forward’
mantra and charge articulated by Dr. Smothers, hundreds more people are now
positively engaged with us on this journey, and that will help this great College
move to a higher level.”
Bishop Gary Mueller, episcopal leader of the Arkansas Conference of the United
Methodist Church presided over the investiture ceremony and administered the
board, formally installed the new president. Dr. Charles Donaldson, a Philander
Smith alum and retired vice chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little
Rock, chaired the Inaugural Celebration. Among those witnessing the event and
bringing greetings were delegates and representatives from across the nation

  23  

�THE INVESTITURE SERVICE
saturday, august 28,  2015

�Inaugural
President’s
Scholarship
Gala
RAISES

1

2

MORE THAN

3

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

4

&amp; Mrs. Harvey Wiley and
daughter
Carvon Smith, Gala Master of
Ceremonies
State Rep. and Mrs. Fredrick Love
Dr. &amp; Mrs. Lloyd Hervey
Mr. Frank Scott and Dr. Charles
Donaldson
William Cu rin and Wendy
Westmoreland, Miss PSC
Dr. Eulah Peterson, Dr. Roderick
Smothers, Dr. Kathryn Worthen, &amp;
Ms. Jearlene Miller
Entertainers Rodney Block &amp; the
Real Music Lovers
Ramona Turner McGee, Angela
Newkirk, Mishi and Dr. Terry Esper
Rev. C.J. Duvall &amp; Mr. Ronald
Newsome
Sanaida Goodner and Donna Terrell,
Gala Mistress of Ceremonies
PSC Freshmen Scholarship
Recipients Russell Williams, III,
Brittany Lognion, Raquedrea
Lee, and Dalili Hill with President
Roderick Smothers

5

6

7

8

10

9

11

12

13

  25  

�INAUGURATION EVENTS:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Campus Cookout and Celebration
African American Art Exhibit
Inaugural Community Symposium

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
A Day of Student Engagement
President’s Inaugural Scholarship Gala

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
President’s Inauguration/Investiture
President’s Inaugural Reception

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
Ecumenical Interfaith Prayer Service

  26

�  27  

�U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 2469
Little Rock, AR 72202

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

PHILANDER.EDU has a new look!
We invite you to visit the redesigned Philander.edu for updated information regarding Philander Smith College.

�</text>
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