Today I attended the commencement exercises for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Bowen School of Law. Carla Johnson, a 2005 graduate of Philander Smith College and former Miss PSC, was in this class of about 120 graduates. I met her when I was introduced as president in October of 2004.

There were about 15 African American graduates. They attended great institutions like Emory University, Duke University, the University of Virginia, and Bowdoin (Maine)- you know, those schools consistently at the top of the US News rankings of "best" colleges. UAPB and UCA were also represented.

Unfortunately, only one African American student graduated with honors out of the group.

Carla.

Enough said.

The Prez

This year we held our first alumni reunion weekend during commencement. This new initiative was one of the strategies we planned as a part of a 3 year UNCF grant we received last year. So far, we have been very successful with this grant, increasing both the number of alumni givers and amount given by alumni by almost 50% in one year.

We capped the event with a banquet where we recognized the reunion classes of 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, and 1999. The alumni who were there from 1959 and earlier were recognized with a special stole.

Golden Alumni

We also recognized all alumni and individuals who have given more than $25,000 lifetime. We named this the M. L. Harris Society after the 4th president of the College. We will add new levels as we have persons who have easily surpassed the $25,000 level.

M. L. Harris Society

 

So this was a good start of a new tradition. My wife's alma mater, Talladega College, has done this for some time, and she actually attended their weekend this year.

The Prez

Here are some scenes from Saturday's commencement.

Invocation by Freddie Nixon

Crissy! (This girl can sing for real!)

April Lewis introducing the speaker

Commencement address by PSC alumna Gena Lovett, COO, Alexandra Investment Management (New York) and first Black president of the NYC Junior League.

Lovett, from Banks, AR (population 250), is a great example of how PSC graduates can make an impact on the largest of stages (New York).

Senior class president Channel Morris

Bibi Mwamba of the Congo, who ranked 3rd (and graduated in 3 1/2 years)

National alumni president Erma Williams conducts the alumni association induction.

Newest members of alumni association.

Here are some of the sights from Friday night's baccalaureate.

Class of 2009

Toni Witherspoon- 4th generation Philanderian

Dr. Frank James, Rev. Larry Ross, Rev. Dwight Townsend, and me

Psalter led by Dinah Mande of the Democratic Repulblic of the Congo, who graduated in 3 1/2 years

Rev. Townsend: "Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can."

Ministers offer blessings to members of the class

Collegiate Choir and Chosen Generation in song.

Last year, I gave gifts to all students initiated into a fraternity or sorority who were number 2 on the line, like me. This practice has been in the past has been called making someone your "special" or "spesh." The sweaters were a hit, so I said why not keep it going. We had 2 people initiated this fall, and then I went back to get the #2s who were initiated before last year.

Fred

Gabby

 

So I am caught up now.

But of course, those not privileged enough to wear the number 2 are really jealous! So I decided I would do a "Spesh Me!" contest for all the returning undergraduate Greeks where I will randomly select one of them to get a sweater in the fall, along with the true #2 initiated this spring. Stay tuned...

The Prez

Last night, the Black Male Initiative hosted a pizza study break for about 40 guys. It went so well that when I got there at about 10, the food and the guys were just about gone!

The Prez

Congratulations to Francennett Herrera, who was voted as Miss PSC for the next academic year. On Saturday night, we held the pageant to determine the top 3 candidates. This week, the students voted to determine who the next Miss PSC would be. They couldn't go wrong as we had great candidates who competed in an excellent pageant (the oratorical contest was superb!)

But after the votes were counted, Francennett was declared the winner. She's a sophomore from Chicago.

Last year, she was very involved with Bless the Mic, having a chance to speak on program with Marie "Free" Wright, and was always around to assist. I selected her as Street Team Member of the Year for her hard work and dedication to the program. She has looked for ways to be involved this year as well.

So we are excited about our new queen and the manner in which she will represent us next year.

The Prez

I am very appreciative for all my students, the faculty and staff who sent birthday wishes. I had numerous visits to the office, cards, and even a song! Below are some of the pictures from today. The Bless the Mic Street Team came and brought me a gift at lunch time, and the Black Male Initiative surprised me this afternoon.

Thanks to you all!

The Prez

Street Team

 

Black Male Initiative