Community News @ FVSU

FVSU delivers holiday meals to families

lewiss — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:08:38 -0500

An early morning telephone call and delivery is making the Thanksgiving holiday special for Mary Nell Brown. The Fort Valley resident is the recipient of a free holiday meal courtesy of the Fort Valley State University family. “When I received the telephone call from the woman this morning, saying that I’d receive a Thanksgiving meal, I started to cry,” Brown said, smiling.

In a white van, FVSU First Lady Betty Rivers and Internal Auditor Isaac Eferighe slowly pulled in front of Brown’s immaculate house to personally deliver the dinner.

“This is our way of saying Happy Thanksgiving,” Rivers said to Brown, who cried “Lord Have Mercy,” as Eferighe handed her a white box containing a fully cooked and seasoned turkey, savory collard greens, creamy macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, holiday rolls and a sweet potato pie — prepared by Thompson Hospitality.

“You all arrived just in time to make me feel good. I’m so glad,” Brown said. “Bless you all. I really appreciate this. My family needed this meal.”

According to FVSU Development Associate Alecia Livatt, who spearheaded this year’s Thanksgiving project, the university’s goal was to raise $2,000 to assist 50 families. The committee topped the goal, providing 62 meals. Rivers and Eferighe helped with the morning deliveries; and FVSU employees delivered dinners Tuesday afternoon. Additional meals donated by the university helped community outreach organizations such as the Grace House and The Feed Center – provide extra food for its roster of families in need.

Although each Thanksgiving dinner will feed up to six, Brown expects 10 family guests, including a six-year-old nephew she raised. “I told [my family] to come on over, and we’ll share what we’ve got with them.”

For more information, contact Livatt at (478) 825-6959.

—FVSU—

Contact:
Christina Milton, editorial assistant
Marketing and Communications
(478) 822-7589, miltonc@fvsu.edu

FVSU to hold World AIDS Day Observance

lewiss — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:06:28 -0500

A red ribbon symbolizes the nearly 33.2 million people worldwide suffering with HIV. According to a recent Center for Disease Control study, African Americans account for nearly 49 percent of new infections in the United States. To raise awareness about the pandemic, Fort Valley State University will hold a World AIDS Day Observance Monday, Dec. 1 with events planned throughout the day.

At this year’s World AIDS Day Observance, the entire FVSU family is asked to wear red ribbons in support of HIV survivors. Ribbons, HIV screenings and educational materials will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lottie B. Lyons Student Center. Power Jamz 104.3 “Jamming in the Café” has scheduled an on-campus meet and greet session with Capitol and Rowdy Records’ recording artist Novel in the Food Service Center at 5 p.m.

During the FVSU Wildcats’ men basketball game against Miles College in the HPE Complex, Novel will perform songs from an upcoming debut album during half-time at 8 p.m. He has worked with popular headliners such as Beyoncé, Talib Kweli and Alicia Keys.

The event is sponsored by The Broadcasters’ Club, WFVS-LP Power Jamz 104.3, Health Services Center, Thompson Hospitality and the departments of Fine Arts, Humanities, Mass Communications, and Athletics.

For more information, contact Shirley L. Ellis at (478) 825-6911 or Donald Moore at (478) 825-6825.

—FVSU—

FVSU launches transportation service

clinem — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:36:58 -0500

Fort Valley State students, staff and faculty who need transportation can now jump on a bus to get from one side of campus to another, visit downtown shops in Fort Valley, or grab groceries at the store. This week, the university officially launches a new service: Wildcat Transportation. Four brand-new, spacious 24-passenger buses will take riders to downtown destinations and Harveys Supermarket – at no cost. An employee or student identification card is required. The shuttle service runs every thirty minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Shuttle Bus Pilot Program is the brainchild of Dr. Dwayne Crew, associate vice president for business and finance. Crew believes the new program will provide an important nexus between the Fort Valley community and the university.

“This is the beginning of plans to ensure that our students are connected to the downtown community,” he said.

So far, there are only a handful of stops, but routes may expand. The university is also looking at the feasibility of developing weekly trips to shopping districts in Centerville, Warner Robins and Perry.

The buses have several pick up locations:

Stadium Parking Lot 8:15 a.m.
Wildcat Commons Clubhouse 8:20 a.m.
Carnegie Hall 8:25 a.m.
Evans Building 8:30 a.m.
Harveys Supermarket 8:38 a.m.
Lottie Lyons Student Center 8:45 a.m.

FVSU to deliver Thanksgiving dinners

clinem — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:30:28 -0500

The Fort Valley State University family will make the Thanksgiving holiday special for Peach County families impacted by the economic downturn. Through the generosity of administrators, faculty and staff, contributions collected on campus will purchase traditional turkey feasts with all of the trimmings: vegetables, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy and rolls. For dessert, a scrumptious sweet potato or pecan pie is on the menu. Thompson Hospitality, the campus caterer, will prepare the meals.

“We all agree that this year’s event is especially important because of the economy, the loss of jobs and the high number of foreclosures we hear about daily,” said Alecia Livatt, development associate and organizer of this year’s deliveries. “The FVSU family is blessed. It is a long held tradition to rally in support of families in the Fort Valley community.”

Each meal feeds four to six people at a total cost of $33. This year, the university hopes to raise $2,000. More than 44 families received food baskets last year.

To make a donation, please bring a check or cash to the FVSU Foundation Office located in room 243 of the C.V. Troup Building by Friday, Nov. 21. Make checks payable to the FVSU Foundation, Inc., with a note on the memo line that reads “Thanksgiving Remembrance.” For more information, contact the Office of External Affairs at (478) 825-6397.

FVSU holds Veterans Day ceremony

clinem — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:48:43 -0500

“American freedoms would not have been possible without our armed forces,” said Maj. Harold R. Sims, the keynote speaker at Fort Valley State University’s Veterans’ Day ceremony. During his message, the former Vice President of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change praised President Harry Truman for desegregating the Armed Forces. “He integrated the military without a court order.” This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Executive Order signed by Truman.
“I’ve marched with Martin – and I’ve walked side by side with Coretta, but none of their accomplishments would have been possible without the sacrifices of our military,” said Sims. “President-elect Obama has given African-American servicemen a greater chance to serve with dignity, however, the battle has just begun.”
Lt. Col. Terry L. Love, Wildcat Battalion Commander and professor of military science, urged the audience to remember the tireless commitment of the military. “What an awesome and humbling experience to speak on this occasion, draped in the historical experience of electing our first black president and commander-in-chief,” Love said. “Never should we take the sacrifices of our service men and women for granted.”
One of the event’s most moving moments occurred when retired members of the military left their seats, approached the podium and proudly announced their name, rank and years of service. “I’m in the Wildcat Battalion ROTC program. It’s a big family. We feel honored when they come back and motivate us by sharing how the army impacted their lives,” said Brian Davis, an FVSU criminal justice major. Davis who graduates in December, will spend a semester as an army recruiter before beginning infantry training and a career in the military.

Purple Heart Recipient is Keynote Speaker at Veteran’s Day Ceremony

clinem — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:03:54 -0500

During World War II, black service personnel fought and died to protect American democracy while facing discrimination and segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces. On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, effectively desegregating the military. Fort Valley State University’s ROTC will commemorate this historic milestone at a Veteran’s Day Ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. in Founders Auditorium. Purple Heart recipient Maj. Harold R. Sims is this year’s keynote speaker. Sims is the former acting vice president of the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Change.
The Memphis native is a Vietnam veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, the Army Paratrooper Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with the oak leaf cluster. He is the president of Sims & Associates of North Brunswick, N.J. – an internet consulting firm that specializes in public affairs and urban revitalization, and is the chairman of the Executive Committee of Uni-Med Consultant Service – a financial advisory firm in Miami, Fla.
Sims has worked with Operation PUSH and serves on several key advisory boards including Princeton University, the National Science Foundation, the Near East Foundation, the African American Institute, and the King Center. He is also the former president and general manager of Sound Radio, Inc. of Newark.
Guests attending the event are asked to RSVP by Monday, Nov. 10. For more information contact Katina King or Gina Connors at (478) 825-6340/6341 or e-mail robinsog@fvsu.edu.

FVSU holds 2008 Founders’ Day celebration

clinem — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:22:03 -0500

A letter to Fort Valley State University’s founders honors the sacrifices, contributions and advances made to break down color barriers, challenge stereotypes and educate students for more than a century. “It was not comfortable for you, our founders, but as the great Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy’,” said keynote speaker Dr. Judy Carter. At this year’s Founders’ Day Convocation that drew an estimated crowd of 300, Carter told students that earning a degree takes blood, sweat, tears and burning the midnight oil. In the 15 minute address, Carter highlighted FVSU’s academic programs, capital projects and accomplishments which include preparing more students to enter medical and dental schools than any institution in Middle Georgia, well-prepared faculty members, the president’s leadership, and the historic enrollment of 3,055 students.

The event at Woodward Gymnasium began with a processional of faculty and administrators, dressed in academic regalia. Dr. Berlethia Pitts, assistant professor of English and chair of the Founders’ Day committee, officiated. Alvin Tuck, director of the FVSU concert choir, played “Pomp and Circumstance” on the organ. Pitts greeted the audience; Tremont Temple Baptist Church Pastor James Bumpus blessed the event. The audience stood as the Wildcat Battalion Color Guard presented the colors with military precision, followed by the concert choir’s moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Miss FVSU Shanoria Morgan escorted by Mr. FVSU Alexander Little, attendants and Student Government Association President Byron Doyle, entered the doorway underneath a saber arch. Morgan and Doyle presented the scroll of the founders and the university seals. Morgan presented the Litany of Thanksgiving and Rededication; Doyle followed with a roll call of founders and President Rivers introduced the speaker. The height of the celebration was an original, moving composition by Alvin Tuck: The Dream is Still Alive, inspired by the historic election results and bought to life by the choir.

At the ceremony’s conclusion, Pitts recognized elected officials and special guests. Later, Marcy Hunt-Harris, the great granddaughter of Fort Valley High and Industrial School’s second principal Henry A. Hunt, lay a wreath at the on-campus graves of Hunt and his wife, Florence J. Hunt. She was joined by Dr. Rivers and Morgan.

FVSU to hold 2008 Founders’ Day Convocation

clinem — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:10:05 -0400

John Wesley Davison, James Isaac Miller, Thomas A. McAfee and Francis W. Gano are icons on Fort Valley State University’s campus. Their blood, sweat, and tears brought the institution to life. The visionaries’ contributions will be commemorated at the annual Founders’ Day Convocation at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 in Woodward Gymnasium. This year’s special guest speaker is Dr. Judy Carter, dean of the College of Education.

The university hired Carter from Benedict College in 2005 as a consultant to lay the groundwork to establish accredited programs in teaching. She was named dean of FVSU’s College of Education in January 2006. Carter currently serves on the Assessment Data Advisory Panel established by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). The committee was created to ensure the quality of the program that issues licenses to educators in the state.

At the upcoming event, Dr. James Bumpus, from Macon’s Tremont Temple Baptist Church, is slated to offer prayers to begin and conclude the program. The ROTC Sabre Team will present colors and Student Government Association President Byron Doyle and Miss FVSU Shanoria Morgan will make presentations in honor of the founders. Later, a ceremony will be held at the gravesites of the school’s second principal: Henry A. Hunt, and his wife. For more information, contact the event’s coordinator, Dr. Berlethia Pitts at (478) 825-6653.

FVSU to hold 5K road race

clinem — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:07:38 -0400

Exercise enthusiasts will compete to raise scholarship money during Fort Valley State University’s inaugural Presidential Road Race at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15.

This 5K road race will be broken down into two competition groups, runners and walkers. The top five finishers in each group will receive prizes.

Joseph Cunningham, who developed the idea for this annual fund-raising event, has received the complete support of his colleagues Dr. Gregory Green, chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education; Dr. Clarence Riley, Coach Marlo Mincey, and Nita Smith, departmental secretary. “We are proud to be able to contribute our time and efforts to promote students giving back to students in what we hope will become another proud tradition of this fine institution,” said Green.

“The Office of Student Affairs and the Department of Health and Physical Education have collaborated to make this an annual fundraiser to assist deserving students receive a quality education at FVSU,” said Dr. Terrance Smith, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. “We are delighted at every opportunity to provide assistance to our students. All proceeds will benefit future and current FVSU students.”

To this point, organizers have signed up more than 500 registrants. Racers will begin at the front of FVSU’s Carnegie Hall on State University Drive, turning left onto University Boulevard and left onto Carver Drive, before completing the 3.1 miles race at the starting point.

The entry fee for the race is $10, which will include a t-shirt. Raffle tickets are being sold for $1 to win an “all you can eat” wings party for ten people at Hooter’s in Warner Robins. To enter the contest, purchase raffle tickets, or for more information, please contact the Department of Health and Physical Education at (478) 825-6220 or visit them at the HPE complex on campus.

FVSU hosts legislative luncheon

clinem — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:01:10 -0400

FVSU President Larry Rivers is leading a movement in the state of Georgia. That’s how Fort Valley Mayor John Stumbo characterizes the transformation of Fort Valley State University, since the new president’s tenure began. Stumbo made the remarks Tuesday at the 2008 Legislative Luncheon held in the Agricultural Technology Conference Center. Middle Georgia lawmakers assembled to hear Dr. Rivers deliver a State of the University address. The purpose of the presentation was twofold: first, to update legislators about major campus projects that impact taxpayers, and second, to ask decision makers for help in accommodating growth.

Executive Vice President and Vice President of Academic Affairs Daniel K. Wims presided over the power lunch. Attendees included state representatives Allen Freeman, David Lucas, Willie Talton, Tony Sellier, Lynmore James, Terry Coleman, state senator-elect and FVSU alum Freddie Powell Sims, state senators Ed Tarver and John Bullock. Senator Johnny Isakson and Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond sent representatives Marlene Wilson and Skip Langley. Speakers included former state senator and Public Service Commissioner Bobby Rowan; the outgoing chairman of the Peach County Board of Commissioners James Khoury, Mr. FVSU Alexander Little and Miss FVSU Shanoria Morgan.

“The university is growing by leaps and bounds as far as our enrollment and fiscal plan,” the president said. He mentioned the 20 percent increase in enrollment of 3,055 students – the highest in FVSU’s 113 year history. “We are excellent stewards of taxpayers’ money. It’s about educating students rather than putting them in jail. We should use that money to educate Georgia citizens.”

The president mentioned several capital projects: Wildcat Commons Phase III is scheduled for completion in January; Wildcat Commons Phase IV is currently in the planning stage; Ohio Hall will be transformed into an Honors Dormitory and Huntington Hall into administrative offices. He also noted the new biotechnology center, a Safe Center for animals displaced during natural disasters, and a recent grant of $946,918 from the U.S. Department of Education’s HBCU Higher Education Institutional-Aid program. The grant was awarded to revamp Hunt Memorial Library.

Rivers’ impassioned speech was met with applause.

Macon representative Allen Freeman said, “President Rivers has made a great argument for why we should support this university and its programs. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

“I know the concerns of cattlemen in the state and parents trying to get their students into school,” said State Rep. Lynmore James, the lawmaker, who says FVSU is “his school.” James is pushing for appropriations to develop a school of veterinary medicine for large animals on campus. Luncheon guests were entertained by FVSU’s Concert Choir, which sang selections like “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel” and “In My Father’s House.”

FVSU holds Get Out the Vote Rally

clinem — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:33:09 -0400

The 2008 Presidential race is heating up thanks to hot-button issues like the Wall Street bailout package, the mortgage meltdown, the struggling economy and wars abroad. Even while candidates like Barack Obama and John McCain present their arguments about why they will best serve the country, undecideds wonder who to vote for or if their vote will count. At 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Fort Valley State University’s Wildcat Statue, the Political Science Student Association (PSSA), in conjunction with the History Club and the Student Government Association, will host an event called “The President’s Perspective.” Students will find out the significance of early voting.
“We want students to vote early and encourage the town to also vote early and on Nov. 4,” said Dr. Meigan Fields, the advisor of the PSSA. “We’re hoping to get everyone on campus out to this event; faculty can bring their classes, including freshman orientation courses.” During and after the rally, vans will take students downtown to the Peach County Court House to vote. Shuttles will be available:
Thursday: 11 – noon, and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – noon, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Campus radio station WFVS will broadcast live during the event. Another upcoming event encourages early voting. Faculty and student volunteers are needed to canvass door-to-door in Fort Valley. All participants are asked to meet at Trinity Baptist Church, 505 State University Drive from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For information about canvassing, contact Dorothy Crumbly at (478) 714-0946 and Dr. Fields about the rally at (478) 825-6634.

FVSU and Volunteer Macon team for breast cancer event

clinem — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:49:18 -0400

In the United States, breast cancer remains a leading killer of African-American women. At 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 in the Wildcat Commons Clubhouse, Fort Valley State University will partner with Volunteer Macon’s EDU-BREAST initiative to increase awareness about the life-saving benefits of early detection. The event is sponsored by FVSU’s Office of Student Affairs, the Counseling Center, Health Services Center and the Fort Valley chapter of The Links, Inc. The public is invited to attend.

Volunteer Macon’s EDU-BREAST is a program that educates Middle Georgia residents about cancer and refers them to low-cost or free mammograms and clinical breast exams in nearby communities. The program is funded by the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund. It serves the counties of Bibb, Baldwin, Crawford, Jones, Houston, Monroe, Peach and Twiggs.

“Our target audience is African-American women under the age of 30 to share information about breast care, breast cancer, and proper diet,” said Dr. Dawn DeVeaux, interim director of enrollment management and event coordinator. “Cancer is not a death sentence, and if we can touch these young women now, they’ll be able to touch their aunts and mothers.”

Miss FVSU Shanoria Morgan will read a poem about breast cancer. Christina Daniels, a 30-year-old breast cancer survivor who underwent double mastectomy, will discuss her battle with the disease, as will others. Rebecca Drummond of Community Health Works Incorporated in Forsyth will give an overview of breast cancer license tag program, which helps uninsured and low income women receive mammograms.

Attendees will receive shower cards describing the proper way to conduct a self exam. “Young women need to be aggressive about caring for themselves,” said Dr. Myldred Hill, interim director of FVSU’s Counseling Center. “This is a very real part of our community and the silence isn’t helping anyone.”

For more information about the program please contact DeVeaux at (478) 825-6213 or Denise Harrow at Volunteer Macon at (478) 742-6677.

FVSU to hold Presidential Road Race

clinem — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:35:34 -0400

Runners and walkers will sprint for scholarships during Fort Valley State University’s first Presidential Road Race. The 5K races are set to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 in front of the Health and Physical Education Complex. The top five winners of both races will receive gift certificates. Dr. Greg Green, chair of the Health and Physical Education department and Drs. Joseph Cunningham and Clarence Riley, associate professors of health and physical education are event organizers. Prizes will be given to each walker and runner who place in the top five.
“The Office of Student Affairs and the Department of Health and Physical
Education have collaborated to make this an annual fundraiser to assist deserving students receive a quality education at FVSU,” said Dr. Terrance Smith, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. “We are delighted at every opportunity to provide assistance to our students. All proceeds will benefit future and current FVSU students.”
So far, more than 500 registrants have entered the contest. The race starts at Carnegie Hall, then travels down State University Drive and moves left onto University Boulevard. Contestants turn left on Carver Drive and proceed around to Carnegie Hall. The entry fee is $10.
In addition to the race, a raffle drawing to win an all-you-can-eat wings party for ten at Hooter’s will be awarded. To participate in the drawing, purchase tickets for a $1 during Homecoming Week.
For more information about the race or the raffle, visit the athletics office in the HPE Complex or call (478) 825-6220.

FVSU offers homebuyer education class

clinem — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:20:44 -0400

Middle Georgians can sign up now for free homebuyer education classes being sponsored by Fort Valley State University this month.

For two days at the Home Management House on FVSU’s campus, participants can learn about the types of mortgages available, credit and financial management techniques and foreclosure prevention. The program also includes a component on maintaining a safe, clean and healthy home environment.

“If you are interested in purchasing a house this class is essential in navigating the process,” said Keishon Thomas, FVSU’s extension housing specialist.

The classes are on Oct. 27 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion entitling them to receive financial assistance from participating lenders who work with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Individuals who complete the classes can qualify to receive between $2,500 and $20,000 in down-payment assistance depending on their income and eligibility to qualify for a loan. Also, they can qualify for low-interest federal loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency, said Thomas, who is coordinating the event.

“Unfortunately, Georgia’s housing market has been adversely affected by recent trends in our national economy and subprime lending practices. Our program is designed to familiarize participants with the home-buying process. Data indicates participants who complete the class are less likely to become victims of subprime lending, foreclosures and other misconduct in the real estate process,” Thomas said.

The event is sponsored by FVSU’s Cooperative Extension Program which provides useful and educational opportunities for Georgians. Specialists, such as Thomas, offer various types of technical assistance and workshops.

Class information:
When: Oct. 27 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 1p.m.
Where: Home Management House at FVSU (between Josie Hall and Health Services), 1005 State University Dr., Fort Valley, Ga., 31030.
Cost: Free.
How: Participants can register by contacting Keishon Thomas, FVSU’s extension housing specialist, at (478) 825-6577 or thomask@fvsu.edu.

Community ambassadors tour FVSU

clinem — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:29:22 -0400

If a group of Fort Valley State University representatives have their way, community residents throughout Middle Georgia will know all about the achievements, research facilities and amenities offered on the sprawling 1,365 acre campus. The Community Ambassadors is a group formed by FVSU President Larry E. Rivers, Communiversity Committee Chair Wilton Walton, and Wilhemina Hill to organize events that strengthen the bond between the university and community. Recently the ambassadors met at the historic Anderson House for a tour of FVSU. Participants and guests included retired math teacher, FVSU alum and donor Ruby Solomon, Macon Telegraph publisher George McCanless and reporter Natasha Smith. At the museum, first lady Betty Rivers greeted visitors. Anderson House Coordinator Berry Jordan chronicled the history of FVSU and screened a virtual tour of the campus.

The group boarded a bus and visited FVSU’s top research facilities: the veterinary tech program’s surgical wings, the small ruminant animal complex and the meat processing plant. The Wildcat Commons student housing complex was a tour stop as well.

“The tour group was very impressed,” said Rivers. “We had people talking about bringing their grandchildren over to see the vet tech program to participate. The Community Ambassadors can go out and talk about our programs at the university.”

During lunch in the Georgia Room, President Rivers stopped in to chat with guests.