Students News @ FVSU

Baptist Student Union choir invited to Las Vegas

clinem — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:08:34 -0400

Fort Valley State University’s Baptist Student Union Gospel Choir will have a chance to perform on a national television show that draws an international audience. The 70- member choir is invited to sing at the Bobby Jones International Gospel Industry Retreat in Las Vegas Nov. 10. To attend the event, the group must raise $13,000 in a week.

“This is a major step for this organization, and is great publicity for the university,” said Baptist Student Union President Corey Silas. If the trip is funded, the group will travel 30 hours each way by bus, at a cost of $8,000. Hotel costs are an estimated $5,000. Food costs are the responsibility of students.

“We sang at New Birth Cathedral in Atlanta,” said Silas. “Bobby Jones hosted the HBCU choir competition and he spoke to us there; he said we did a good job.” The meeting led to an invitation to the retreat.

The retreat, including the performance of FVSU’s choir will air on BET, the Gospel Music Channel, the Word Network and the Sheraton Gospel Network ‘s 60 radio stations. North Carolina A&T and Benedict College are also invited to participate.

To make a tax-deductible contribution to offset expenses, please contact the FVSU Foundation office at 478-825-6474 or go online at http://www.fvsufoundation.com/. Earmark donations “Baptist Student Union Choir.”

FVSU celebrates historic high enrollment

clinem — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:15:23 -0400

This fall, Fort Valley State University administrators expected a record-breaking enrollment; now it’s official. According to records at the Georgia Board of Regents, FVSU’s student population spiked to 3,055, which beats the previous record of 3,024 students set in 1996. That’s approximately a 20 percent bounce (over last fall), says Dr. Terrance Smith, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management.
“We’re elated about this historic milestone and look forward to continuously growing our great institution,” he said. “The university has its largest freshmen class. We anticipate the highest enrollment increase in the University System of Georgia.”
According to Smith, FVSU’s boost can be attributed to several factors: its efforts to draw new students by creating an Atlanta recruitment office and the creation of the First-Year Experience Center to help students transition to college life during their freshman to sophomore years. Additionally, the vice president said the newly-established Office of Enrollment Management and the Office of Diversity and International Affairs helped attract international students.
“We enhanced our recruitment efforts and strengthened relationships with high school counselors and principals in the state,” said Smith. “This was critical to our tremendous enrollment increase and growth. And this has been a collaborative effort within the university to include alums and the university’s friends working together for the benefit of FVSU.”
Another milestone was reached: the university now has the largest number of students residing on campus.
“Only two years ago, we had fewer than 500 students living on campus,” said Smith. “We’ve increased that number. Approximately two-thirds of our students live on campus - just shy of 2,000. We’re presently in the midst of the next phase of the Wildcat Commons.”
The Commons is a new student housing facility on campus.

A coronation fit for the new FVSU queen

clinem — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:35 -0400

In the cocoon, a caterpillar experiences adversity while trying to break free. A metamorphosis occurs; then a butterfly emerges in one of nature’s most beautiful and graceful events.

This transformation describes Shanoria Morgan’s ascent to the throne of Miss FVSU 2008-2009. Since she arrived on campus four years ago, the business major has grown personally and professionally, said Kena Torbert, an advisor to the new queen. “She raises the blue and gold standard of excellence in academics, leadership, and character.” The outspoken Presidential Scholar is “one class act,” according to a cadre of friends, FVSU faculty, and relatives assembled in a make-believe butterfly garden at the HPE Complex to witness the queen’s coronation.

“La Renaissance de la Papillon Noire” (The Emergence of the Black Butterfly) was the theme amplified during the two-hour gala that showcased actors, dancers, a soloist and the FVSU Baptist Student Union Choir. Keyboardist Darren Winters’ arrangement of an Alecia Keys favorite began the processional of royal guests led by FVSU President and Mrs. Larry E. Rivers. A bevy of 30 organizational beauties on the arms of escorts followed them.

The program flowed seamlessly from dancer Valerie Lee’s interpretation of Deniece Williams’ recording of “Black Butterfly” to a performance by the Judah Praise Dancers. At one point during the show, the crowd’s attention shifted to high above the fantasy garden. A spotlight in the stands illuminated a flashback sequence of Morgan’s childhood. Seven-year-old Lauren Hammock with Chelsea Johnson dramatized a bedtime chat between a young Shanoria and her mother.

“Do all little girls dream of being a queen?” the girl asked in a tender voice. “Do you think I can be a queen and go to Fort Valley State?” “Yes, but for now, you’re my little butterfly,” the mother answered. “I loved it,” said Kimberly Watson, Shanoria’s mother. “It got really emotional. I’m honored to be her mother.”

A regal Morgan entered the hall, flashed her trademark smile and gracefully waved to fans. ROTC cadets formed an arch of shiny swords as her Highness strutted past in a white gown, with a fitted, fanned bodice and jeweled waistline. Mr. FVSU took her hand for the on-stage crowning. Charmae Allen of Jacksonville, the queen’s best friend since thrid grade dashed into position for a snapshot as she brushed away a tear. “I’m so proud of her,” Allen said. “She’s making history as another Miss FVSU.”

Morgan introduced her uncle, Demetrius King. He couldn’t contain his excitement, shouting, “We love you” as the audience applauded. “She represents our family well,” he said after the ceremony.

“I am so full and humbled by this moment.” Morgan said, “I love you FVSU family and I’ll do my best to represent you.”

A waltz with the president and a dance tribute by the royal court, class queens and Mr. FVSU attendants, ushered in a new era of Camelot in The Valley.

(Miss FVSU advisors Annette Johnson, Chata Spikes and Kena Torbert organized the coronation with the assistance of Mr. FVSU advisor Sammie Haynes. Hosts of the event were Benjamin Roundtree and Jackie Hodges. The stage design was created by Bobby Dickey and the FVSU Designers’ Guild.)

—FVSU—

By: Vickie Oldham
Director, Marketing and Communications
(478) 825-6319

A Regal Event Honors FVSU Royalty

clinem — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:18:19 -0400

Fort Valley State University’s Queen’s Royal Brunch is a reminder of the splendor, glory and grace that attendees experienced at Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Luncheon, but on a smaller scale. The talk show maven celebrated 25 distinguished African-American women who remade the world through their hope, courage and resilience. On Thursday of homecoming week, this year’s Miss FVSU Shanoria Morgan and her predecessors received honors in like manner for making monumental contributions to the university.
“Our university has some of the most beautiful, outstanding, hardworking women and I want to appreciate you for who you are,” said President Larry E. Rivers. Reiterating their pledge to contribute $100,000 for scholarships, former FVSU queens presented Rivers a check and promised to continue fundraising until their total commitment is reached.
It’s customary for brunch guests to don head-turning designer hats, elegant dresses and sporty classic suits. This year’s attendees did not disappoint. Cloth-covered tables and chairs with golden sashes set off by autumn-themed floral centerpieces were as elegantly dressed as guests. Pianist Darren Winters played an arrangement of “Climb Every Mountain” as a processional of former queens led by Miss FVSU 2007-2008 Yahntaye Martin stepped onto the dais. Martin hosted the program. First lady Betty Rivers welcomed guests. Other program participants included Mr. FVSU Alexander Little, Morgan’s attendants — Sherrise Liggins, Leah Preston and Brittany Campbell — who presented corsages to former queens Geradine Lawrence Pauldo, Essie Sneed Davis, brunch speaker Irene Alexis Harmon, Barbara Hall and Janice Baker Sharp, the recipient of a special tribute. “What happens in the Valley is too great to stay in the Valley,” said Sharp. “We must proclaim the great works of FVSU to the world to inspire others to attend this great institution.”
In an emotional moment, Miss FVSU teared up when Jasmine Howard sang Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” Cooperative Developmental Energy Program Assistant Director Jackie Hodges was surprised with the Anne R. Carthon Service Award presented by Morgan. A gesture at the close of the program drew “awww” from the audience. Mr. FVSU and attendants presented tennis bracelets and scarves to the reigning queen and court.

FVSU adds fashion accessory for scholarships

clinem — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:51:52 -0400

For Fort Valley Student University men bowties and ties are a dapper way to dress for success, and now a clever way to express Wildcat pride for a worthwhile cause. Now, Wildcat women can match the men in style with blue and gold ascots on sale to provide seed money for scholarships.

The ties and scarves are on sale at the Office of Recruitment, located in the C. V. Troup Building. When school starts next month, the recruiter hopes to set up booths at every FVSU football and basketball game to sell the items. Neckties can be purchased for $25; bowties, $30, ascots $25. For more information, contact Haynes at (478) 825-6329.

First lady to host fall Sip-N-Chat

clinem — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:36:56 -0400

The how-tos of success in the classroom and in life are the focus of an event aimed at reaching the backbone of Fort Valley State University’s student population – young women. The event, called Sip-N-Chat, is hosted by first lady Betty Rivers and will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 22 in the C. W. Pettigrew Farm and Community Life Center. The fall semester theme is “Celebrating the Possibilities: Women Emerging into the 21st Century.”

At the event, speakers will tackle topics such as how to make the best of the college years, male-female relationships, campus safety, dressing for success, health and wellness. JoAnne Nobles, director of FVSU’s Health Services Center will introduce the collaborative relationship between the university and the Phoenix Center, a mental health facility that offers behavioral counseling, assessment and follow-up care to clients. She will demonstrate how to assess a woman’s health needs from head to toe and review the new, low-carb/low-fat food choices now available in the cafeteria. Campus Police Chief Brenda Jones will offer cautionary advice to young women about violence, its consequences, self defense techniques and the pros and cons of social networking sites such as Facebook and My Space. The title of Jocelyn Powell’s talk is “Waiting to Inhale to Exhale” – the academic advisor at the Academic Success Center will offer a no-nonsense approach to dealing with relationships.

Spoken word segments will be performed during the hour-long event. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Marketing and Communications, (478) 825-6319.

Students attend AARCS conference

clinem — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:24:51 -0400

There’s a push under way to increase the number of African-American faculty in the area of computer sciences. Right now, blacks in the discipline make up only one percent of tenured faculty. But organizers of a conference recently held in Atlanta want to boost the numbers. Three FVSU students – Jeremy Rogers, Niraj Yadav and Paul Small, with faculty members Dr. John Dubriel and Dr. Cheryl Swanier – participated in the 3rd Annual African-American Researchers in Computing Sciences Conference at Spelman College.
“The purpose of the conference was to show individuals the different routes they can take toward becoming graduate professors, how to make yourself ready for the workforce and how to get your research published,” said Paul Small, a computer science and commercial design major at FVSU.
AARCS aims to increase the number of African-American faculty and research scientists at the tenure-track level by offering conference sessions that teach students how to write research papers, the pitfalls of getting published, how to successfully matriculate at graduate school and resources available for professors.

Student leaders attend conference

clinem — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:43:55 -0400

Mr. and Miss Fort Valley State University, accompanied by their royal advisors Annette Johnson and Sammie Haynes, attend a leadership conference in Winston Salem North Carolina. The conference, sponsored by the HBCU Leadership for Queens and Kings Konnection, was a four day event held July 17-20, 2008.

The leadership conference was specifically designed to enhance, support and train young men and women to become not only dynamic campus kings or queens but also to expose them to business and etiquette skills that may enhance their campus and community. Kings and queens are brought together to learn from one another as well as listen to trained professionals talk about articulation, stage presence, etiquette, confidence, and professionalism.

If you’d like to schedule the Royal Court for your event, please use the attached Royal Court Service Request form.

Pictured left to right: Eric Johnson, first Mr. Fort Valley State University; Sherrise Liggins, second attendant to Miss Fort Valley State University; Shanoria Morgan, Miss Fort Valley State University; and Alexander Little, Mr. Fort Valley State University.