Pan African Center
OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
NEWSLETTER
FALL 2011
Celebrating 25 years of success!
Fedearia A. Nicholson
As the Office of Multicultural Development
(OMD) prepares for a new academic year,
we also must reflect on whence we’ve come.
This year, OMD celebrates its 25th year of
providing legacy, leadership and excellence
to the campus and community. Although the
office has undergone a series of name changes
over that time, our mission has remained
steadfast in providing advocacy for students
and helping them realize their dream of
a college education. As an alumna of The
University of Akron, it is a great honor to
now work at UA and assist students in achieving
the dream that I was fortunate to realize.
In February 2011, UA’s Diversity Council was named one of the best
25 councils in the nation — and UA was the
only university to make the list. Other honorees
included Best Buy, Boeing, Prudential,
American Airlines and Siemens. UA’s Diversity
Council is co-led by Lee Gill, associate vice
president for Inclusion and Equity, and Martin
H. Belsky, dean of the School of Law.
The Office of Multicultural Development
continues to impact growing numbers of
students through its programs and services.
More first year students will have the
opportunity to work with a peer mentor during
their first academic year with the expansion of
our Peer Mentoring Service Program.
Also, we are preparing for an exciting series of events honoring Hispanic
Heritage Month, activities commemorating Diversity Week and our ninth
annual Awards and Scholarship Dinner.
FEDEARiA A. NICHOLSON
DIRECTOR, OMD
Peer Mentoring Services: Now Serving
Even More Students
Since my arrival at The University of Akron, I have witnessed the great
impact Peer Mentoring Services has in promoting the success of first-year
multicultural students. Likewise, I have observed the tremendous amount
of growth that our peer mentors experience while serving their fellow
peers in such an important leadership role.
In these few years that I have had the privilege of
coordinating the program, I have heard countless
stories from students who have attributed their
success and persistence at UA to this program in
one way or another. It is encouraging to see how
a healthy interaction between two individuals
with common goals can be mutually constructive
along this journey called college success. Research
has much to say about the influence of peers on
the whole college experience. To observe that
on a daily basis gives credence to what we learn
from the literature.
Martin H. Belsky, J.D., dean of the School of Law (left), and I recall fondly my first meeting with our staff
Lee A. Gill, J.D., associate vice president for Inclusion &
of eight peer mentors at the end of the 2007
Equity/CDO, lead the Diversity Council together.
fall semester. I remember their stories, their
Additionally, as we embark on a new fall
semester, our three learning communities are at full capacity with new
incoming first year students, and we are launching our new African
American Male Initiative. At the end of May, Eric Coleman joined our
team as the coordinator of African American Male Initiatives.
challenges and their eagerness to make a difference in their peers’ lives.
Since then, their drive and impact has multiplied as the staff grew to 20,
and now, from 20 to 45 mentors. That growth will allow us to more than
Continued on Page 3
Black History
Month officially
declared by the
city of Akron
and University.
1981
Dr. Sebetha Jenkins
appointed as
assistant to the
president and
director of the Office
of Minority Affairs.
The Janet B. Purnell
and W. Howard Fort
Scholarship Fund
established. (See
Legacy, Leadership
and Excellence article
on Page 3.)
1986
First annual
Martin Luther
King Jr. Day
celebration
held.
1987
Peer Counseling
established.
student SPOTLIGHTS
Success Comes in Cans,
Failures in Can’ts
best that I can in all of my subjects. My support system includes
being active in student government and belonging to a
student organization.
“Success comes in cans, failures in can’ts.” This was the first
lesson I learned in school from a poster hanging on the wall of my
first grade classroom. Since then I’ve applied this to most of my
adventures in life, the successful and the unsuccessful ones.
As an adult student, I feel I have the edge over the younger
students. I’ve had time to party and slack off in life. I dropped out
of school once. I know what it is like to be labeled as uneducated,
to be jobless and to feel like a statistical stereotype. I feel the
University has given me a second chance at education.
As a youth I was raised by my much older
grandparents. I didn’t understand the values
they were trying to teach me. I never did
well in school. By the ninth grade I grew
extremely bored in the classroom and
struggled to maintain my responsibilities as
a new father, so I decided to quit school and
enter the work force. That was the biggest
mistake I ever made.
So I say again, “Success comes in cans, failures in can’ts.” I can be
successful and it all starts here at The University of Akron. The
programs that are offered are preparing me for a great career and
brighter tomorrow.
Maurice Thomas, Graduate assistant, OMd
Graduate Student, Master of Public Administration
Maurice Thomas
By the time I was 18, I worked at multiple
learned the value of success.
fast food chains. During that time in my life
I did ANYTHING to survive, including breaking the law. All my
friends had dropped out of school, too. We lived life by the model of
a famous gangster, Scarface: “The World is Mine,” and got into a lot
of trouble. We began to match all the stereotypes society had about
young black men at that time.
My grandfather always told me I could do better. He would tell me
that I was wasting my talent. I remembered when I was younger
I wanted to be a filmmaker. When my cousin, who was one of the
most feared thugs I knew, got shot in 1997, I decided to get out of
the streets and become a filmmaker. In 2000 I moved to Hollywood,
and after working there for a year I returned back to Akron.
By 2005 nothing in my life had changed. My film company reached
limited success, but I was becoming bored doing film work and
wanted to go back to school. I began to think about being an
uneducated black man in America and what implications that would
have on my ability to encourage my children to continue their
education. I got tired of being a statistic. I wanted to be successful
and I knew I could be.
Soon after, I enrolled in a GED class. I took the pretest and passed
without studying. A month later, I took the real GED test. I passed
and quickly enrolled at The University of Akron for fall classes.
Going back to school after 13 years wasn’t easy. Over the last
five years I have learned more than I ever have. Since 2006 I have
earned an associate and a bachelor’s degree. I am currently
enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program. Over
the years, the faculty at the University has been very supportive
and helpful. They have made me want to excel and do the very
Extended Orientation
created to help
incoming African
American students’
transition to
UA’s campus.
1987
Pan African Center
NEWSLETTER
Published by the Office of Multicultural Development,
The University of Akron
Fedearia A. Nicholson
Director, Office of Multicultural Development
Editor
Ronda Williams
Coordinator, Career Planning and Marketing
Pan African Center for Community Studies
Buckingham Center 101, Akron, OH 44325-1801
330-972-7030
Contributors: Henrique G. Alvim, M.S.ED.; Maurice Thomas,
graduate assistant, OMD; Charlene Kemp-Queener, assistant director, Adult Focus; Dee Dee Pitts, director, Advising Services, Summit
College; Georgia Reeves, V.P., S.A.A.S.; Willie Cook, Choose Ohio
First STEM Scholar; Tamara Bell, graduate assistant, OMD
Photos by: Scott Hortsman and Henrique G. Alvim
www.uakron.edu/omd
We welcome articles. Submit to:
Pan African Center Newsletter
Simmons Hall, 277 Buchtel Ave., Akron OH 44325-1804
All comments, information, instruction or opinions are solely those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions or official positions of
The University of Akron or any of its departments or divisions. The accuracy,
completeness and interpretation of any information contained herein are not
guaranteed. The authors assume full responsibility for the accuracy or comments of
the ideas presented. Should you have any questions or comments on any information
provided in this publication, please contact Fedearia A. Nicholson at [email protected].
Janet Purnell
appointed as
director of
Minority Affairs.
1990
Coleen Curry hired
as coordinator of
Peer Counseling and
in 1994, as the director
of Minority Student
Support Services.
1992
Gallery of Akron’s
Black History
opened in the
Buckingham Center.
1993
The Black Cultural
Center and Peer
Counseling hosted the
first Coalition of African
American Students
Awards Banquet.
1994
1995
Dr. Jeffrey Wallace
joined UA as provost
and special assistant
to the president for
minority affairs.
Pan African Center
NEWSLETTER
2
Legacy, Leadership
and Excellence
When I look back over time and think about the many
accomplishments, people and programs that were a part of the history
and success of the Office of Multicultural Development (OMD), “legacy,”
“leadership” and “excellence” are the words that come to mind to
explain the progression of this office.
I first started working in OMD in 1996 in the
Black Cultural Center, which was a department
within the office, as the coordinator of special
projects and marketing. It became evident that
the word “legacy” was a vital part of the mission
of this department. Through exhibits in
The Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron’s
Black History and Culture, which celebrates
Dr. Janice Taylor Heard
the contributions of African-Americans in the
was one of many
Akron community, and nationally renowned
OMD leaders.
known guest speakers like political analyst and
acclaimed author Michael Eric Dyson, the legacy of OMD continues to
be an integral piece of this institution and surrounding community.
The former director of the Black Cultural Center, Bill Lewis, worked
endlessly to build relationships that fostered the celebration of legacies
through campus departments such as the Archives of History of
American Psychology and E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. These
relationships lead to more diverse programming and activities for the
campus and community. I witnessed the concept of “leadership” in
OMD under the guidance of former directors Dr. Jeffrey Wallace and
Dr. Janice Taylor Heard. Dr. Wallace was instrumental in several
leadership accomplishments, utilizing the Purnell/Fort Scholars Program,
which was designed to provide scholarships to underrepresented
students at The University of Akron.
One of the greatest leadership feats was the ability to use this scholarship
program to advance UA’s initiatives to recruit and retain more diverse students
to the B.S./M.D. Program at Northeast Ohio Medical University. (UA is
a partner in this accelerated medical program, formerly known as the
Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy). Under
the leadership of Dr. Wallace, eight underrepresented students were
admitted into the accelerated
program, with all of them
finishing their bachelor’s
degree, and five completing
their medical degrees.
Patient simulation facilities at NEOMED,
where many diverse students benefitted from
the new scholarship program.
Additionally, Dr. Wallace
helped facilitate the Margery
Hubbs Scholars Program,
which was created to provide
scholarships for underrepresented
students at Buchtel High
School that planned on
attending UA. Both these
scholarships afforded students
the opportunity to attend
college and make significant
contributions to their
communities in the process.
Dr. Janice Taylor Heard can be remembered for her collaborative spirit
and major contribution of inclusive excellence. Dr. Taylor Heard and
former Provost Dr. Elizabeth Stroble secured a grant that sent a team of
faculty, staff and administrators to Utah to assist with putting together
the diversity framework and establishing a Diversity Council. These
efforts, among others, were the driving force behind the structure and
campus and community support that surrounds OMD today.
Under the direction of Coleen Curry, currently serving as director of
Academic Achievement Programs, and Charles Stephens, of the Peer
Mentoring Service program and Passage Learning Community, were
an integral part of OMD’s outreach to students. These academic
programs were aimed at helping retention early on in a student’s
academic career. Through collaborative efforts with campus
departments like the University College Dean’s Office and New
Student Orientation, programs were put into place to help with the
transition underrepresented students faced when attending college.
Peer Mentoring Services, study sessions, tutorial programs, social
programs and cultural activities were developed to provide a well
rounded experience for UA students.
OMD would not be what it is today if it were not for the leadership
provided by Lee Gill, associate vice president of Inclusion and Equity,
and Ms. Fedearia Nicholson, current director of OMD.
The OMD staff and campus community have taken the prior
foundation of programs and services and catapulted them into national
programs that are being emulated across the country. From the
Peer Mentoring Service program to the Black Male Summit, they
continue to set the stage for others to create their own legacy,
leadership and excellence opportunities. You do not have to work
in this office to become a part of these traditions and concepts.
The challenge that we all face can be addressed in the following
questions. What is going to be your legacy at The University of Akron?
What leadership will you provide to others? How will you be excellent
in all that you do? I am challenging you to become a part of the Legacy,
Leadership and Excellence team no matter where you work at The
University of Akron!
Charlene Kemp-Queener
Assistant Director, adult focus
Continued from Page 1
Peer Mentoring Services: Now Serving Even More Students
double the student-mentees we serve each year, from nearly 200 to
approximately 500 by the end of the 2012 spring semester. We are
grateful that the University’s administration recognizes the positive
impact this program makes and supports our efforts.
We believe that a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment fosters
a quality one-on-one mentoring relationship. We are committed to providing
the needed tools so that students may not only experience success for
themselves, but also commit to sharing their strategies for success with
others. The greatest potential for the growth and development of both
mentors and mentees hinges on such a powerful exchange; and in the
context of these relationships lies the added hope for the success of
students we serve.
Henrique G. Alvim, M.S.Ed.
Associate Director, Academic Support Services, OMD
Pan African Center
NEWSLETTER
3
Respect, Responsibility,
Ritual and Relationship
Dr. Tim King created
a school for those the
world gave up on.
At this year’s Black Male Summit, keynote speaker
Dr. Tim King discussed the importance of the 4Rs Respect, Responsibility, Ritual and Relationship, words
as they relate to a successful educational program.
King is founder, president and CEO of Urban Prep
Academies, a nonprofit organization operating a network of public
college-prep boys’ schools in Chicago, including the nation’s first all-male
charter high school. These schools and related programs are aimed at
promoting college success. One hundred percent of Urban Prep graduates —
all African-American males and mostly from low-income families — have
been admitted to four-year colleges or universities. King also serves as an
adjunct lecturer at Northwestern University and has been a contributor to
the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun Times and the Huffington Post.
Am I my brother’s keeper? The philosophy behind Urban Prep is that
students are individuals but they also have a sense of brotherly responsibility.
Because of the collaborative and nurturing environment, students not only
have concern for themselves, but also for their classmates.
Highlights of this year’s
Black Male Summit included:
»Keynote address by entrepreneur and business mogul,
Farrah Gray (pictured below)
» Keynote address by Dr. Joseph White, professor of
emeritus of psychology and psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine
»Keynote address by Eric Troy, president and CEO of
EJT consulting
» Viewing and discussion of the film “Waiting for Superman”
»Student-facilitated concurrent sessions
»Friday night activities and tournaments
»Networking reception
The University of Akron
will host the next
Black Male Summit
April 13 -14, 2012
As an example, King shared that once a student has been accepted to college,
the accomplishment is recognized with the gift of a particular tie. He has
noticed that the accepted students approach the students who have not
applied to college to offer assistance with the process. It appears that the main
goal is to have their brothers on the same educational pursuit by showing
brotherly accountability.
It is clear from King’s presentation that he is truly invested in his students.
He is able to develop a close relationship because of the respect, trust
level, sense of caring and nonjudgmental attitude he has for his students.
He not only connects with his students on a scholastic level, but he also
connects on a personal level by using the systemic approach of engaging
the entire family in the process. It is not unusual for King to visit a student’s
home if the occasion warrants. He does not allow students to use their
background or current environment as a reason not to succeed. King says
he helps the students work through personal issues while still maintaining
their educational excellence.
King strives to have a positive impact on his students by demonstrating and
modeling good behavior. He also helps his students discover and cultivate
their individual talents through his collaborations with area organizations and the
community, ensuring student success and creating a seamless transition to college.
The presentation really inspired me to reflect on what more can be done to
assist our students in pursuing their education, even when there are barriers,
a lack of motivation or distractions that could hinder them from reaching
their goals. However, by incorporating the 4Rs; Respect, Responsibility,
Ritual, and Relationship, there is a better chance at success in achieving
educational goals.
Dee Dee Pitts
Director, Advising Services, Summit College
Virgil Starks
appointed as
associate dean
and director of
Minority Affairs.
1996
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
OMD WEEK OF WELCOME
COOK OUT Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011
OMD AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP DINNER
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2011
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH SPEAKER:
VASTI TORRES Monday, Sept. 19, 2011
Hosted by OMD, College of Education, Office of Inclusion and Equity and Office of Student Engagement and Success
HISPANIC HERITAGE DAY Friday, Sept. 23, 2011
Hosted by the Admissions Office
DIVERSITY WEEK
Sept. 19-23, 2011
HOMECOMING EVENTS
Oct 3 - 8, 2011
Visit www.uaevents.com/homecoming for a full list of events and details.
Office of Student Engagement and Success Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery
of Akron’s Black History’s
hosted its first exhibit,
“Blacks in Education.”
Dr. Janice
Taylor Heard
hired as director
of access
and retention.
Photo credit:
Ralph Alswang,
Clinton Foundation
1997
1998
UA hosted President
Bill Clinton’s nationally
broadcast “town hall
meeting,” the first major
event in his “One America:
President Clinton’s
Initiative on Race.
Gallery of Akron’s Black
History rededicated as
the Dr. Shirla R. McClain
Gallery of Akron’s Black
History and Culture.
1999
OMD
2001
Name officially changed
from Minority Affairs
to the Office of
Multicultural Development.
Pan African Center
NEWSLETTER
4
The Beginning of a Trail
Student African American Sisterhood (S.A.A.S.) is a student organization
that strives to help minority women at The University of Akron reach
excellence and success. This past March, S.A.A.S. was the proud co-sponsor
of the Office of Multicultural Development’s fifth annual Women
Trailblazers Panel Discussion.
So who qualifies as a trailblazer?
It could be someone who sets
the tone for excellence, which
will be followed by others, or
an innovative leader in her field.
This event brings students,
faculty and staff together with
these pioneers over dinner,
which is then followed by a
Student African American Sisterhood
panel discussion.
(S.A.A.S.) members.
The discussion opened with directed introductions of these phenomenal
women. Then, each trailblazer shared some of the real life moments
that put them on the path to success.
One of the 2011 speakers left a lasting impression on me with this
observation: “Learn how to trust, so when you become successful you can
look to your left and to your right and
know those who surround you.” That
also left an impact on a lot of the
young ladies of S.A.A.S., because
we are all going through different
journeys in life and it is important
to surround yourself with people
who believe in you and who are
goal-oriented themselves.
It was a wonderful opportunity to be
among such successful women. This
event not only inspired me, but many
other individuals in the audience. The
members of S.A.A.S. were proud
to be co-sponsors of this motivational event because now we are able to
more clearly appreciate and visualize what we are striving to become.
Roxia Boykin, Dr. Florence L. Denmark, Judge
Carla D. Moore, Theresa Barrera, Erica Jones
and Debra Adams Simmons (Moderator) made
up this year’s Women Trailblazers panel.
when you attack something physically or mentally with violence, with
energy and passion; that energy does not die or stay contained in the
system to which it was applied.
During Women’s History Month in March, Angela Davis’ lecture
showed us the cycle that violence creates. This cycle affects more than
just the two parties involved in a rape, or parties involved in a racial hate
crime, or the exclusion of a group of people due to the privatization of
some human or civil right that should be free to all; we all are consumed
by the explosion. To stop this we have to first acknowledge that there
is a problem, and then we must own it, then we will realize that this
equation can be applied positively; because violence can be defined as
“a vehement feeling or expression,” the definition does not require that
the force only be negative. Finally, we can apply positive “violence” to
the system to override or cancel the negative.
Davis also made me realize that there is no privatization of history —
it belongs to all of us. Slavery is American history. The genocide of
the Native American race is American history. The women’s suffrage
movement is American history. If we are ever to achieve equality among
all citizens, we have to first go back and admit our faults, admit the guilt
and forgive those who inflicted the pain.
James Allen once wrote; “Men are anxious to improve their circumstances,
but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.”
If we seek greatness as a nation we must strengthen all of our citizens.
There can be no private sectors in education; there can be no private
sectors in health care. Those are rights that every American should be given.
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was such a huge victory because
this U.S. Supreme Court decision destroyed segregation in schools
— allowing black and white students to attend the same schools.
The response by those who opposed it was to build private schools
that would give a better, more focused education to those who were
privileged. They believed this would be to the
benefit of their children and their country.
How does that better our country? If we are only as
strong as our weakest link, how then will we reach
our full potential when our weakest of citizens can’t
read, or don’t have the same education, jobs or basic
things needed?
Some people would answer that question in terms of
Georgia Reeves, Early Childhood Education
Vice President, Student African American Sisterhood
Angela Davis is not the differences in race; they would also look to other
afraid to speak out. countries and say that Japan, China or France, for
A Reflection on Angela Davis’ Visit
instance, do not have as many problems because they all are of the
same race. I say our differences in this country is our strength, it is not
a weakness. As iron sharpens iron, we must also sharpen each other. Just
as the Japanese, Chinese and French work together to achieve a goal —
for the greatness of their countries — we Americans need to do the same.
“These violent delights have violent ends; and in their triumph die, like fire and
powder. Which, as they kiss, consume.” – William Shakespeare.
I don’t believe Shakespeare believed this quote could one day be
applied to the subjects of physical, social, racial or sexual violence;
Passage
Learning
Community
established.
Willie Cook, Construction Engineering Technology
Choose Ohio First STEM Scholar
UA hosted
first annual
Inaugural Black
Male Summit held.
Rethinking Race:
A pilot of the
African American
Learning
Community
established.
Black, White & Beyond
events on campus.
2005
4PAS Learning
Community
(currently named
the Interact
Learning
Community) was
established.
2007
2008
Inaugural Women
Trailblazers event held.
2009
Lee A. Gill, J.D.
appointed as
the first associate
vice president
for Inclusion and
Equity/CDO.
Pan African Center
NEWSLETTER
5
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
The University of Akron
Office of Multicultural Development
Akron, OH 44325-1804
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution © 2011 by The University of Akron /511-SVP-24
Celebrating
the Dream
UA students hel
p young children
with their artwor
k.
Other activities included a local drill team,
UA student-led Greek Stroll, prizes, a
musical MC that kept the crowd involved,
Local participants enjoy creating crafts.
gospel performers and a video that
highlighted the life and accomplishments of King.
Every year in celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the
Office of Multicultural Development (OMD) hosts an activities fair for the
King’s life was an example of what happens when people celebrate their
UA campus and community. Approximately 300 campus and community
differences and rally together as a community for a cause. The Office
members attended the event in 2011, along with 34 representatives from
of Multicultural Development would like to thank the UA campus and
companies, community agencies and student organizations.
surrounding community for their continued support in honoring the life
ove on.
dees get their gro
MLK Day atten
Celebrating the Dream
At the activities fair, community members and their children
participated in arts and crafts, games and other events that highlight the
positive messages King once shared. These activities included coloring
pages and puzzles with history and facts, along with hand sketches, that
allowed children to write and share their dreams.
and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In 2012, the celebration will be held on Jan. 16.
Tamara Bell, Graduate Assistant, OMD
Graduate Student, School and Community Counseling
OMD received a $425,000 grant
funded by the John S. and
James L. Knight Foundation for
an initiative to target recruitment,
retention and graduation of
African American Males.
UA hosted
campus programs
and activities to
celebrate Hispanic
Heritage Month.
2010
The Office of Multicultural
Development moved its
offices to Simmons Hall to
better serve its diverse group
of students.
2011
Peer Mentoring Services
(previously Peer Counseling)
expanded from 20 to
50 mentors with the
capability of serving
500 first-year students.
The Office of Multicultural
Development celebrates
25 years of advancement
and achievements for
UA multicultural students
and its staff.
Pan African Center
NEWSLETTER
www.uakron.edu/omd
6