Old and young Eagles alike were seated side by side as organizational kings and queens were presented to the public. Roses and tiaras adorned the queens, and the kings proudly wore medallions pinned in place by the current class presidents. Royalty was at its best when Chavery McClanahan and Tremain Holloway were crowned Mr. and Miss NCCU. Each had their moment to shine as they recognized family, friends, and mentors who helped them along their journeys. “The legacy we leave in this Centennial Year means those who come behind will have big shoes to fill,”Holloway said.

The program was filled with entertainment. Songs like “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole soothed listening ears. Dance routines and singing kept the audience moving in their seats. Announcer Ryan Norris amused the crowd while campus royalty was crowned.

The night’s elegance was highlighted by evening gowns, feather boas, tuxedos and feathered hats. The set for the crystal stair gala featured dimmed lights and a starlit background. Strobe lights and camera flashes filled the room. Applause of support could be heard from those passing by outside.

The event was one of several planned in celebration of NCCU’s 100 years of service. To help commemorate the Shepard dream, visit <www.nccu.edu> for future events.

Hartman, who lives in Durham, has long been a supporter and aficionado of artist and alum Ernie Barnes. Barnes died in April at the age of 70. The Durham native was an art student and a gifted athlete. His talent on the gridiron at North Carolina College (now NCCU) led him from the Washington Redskins to the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in 1960. Barnes also played with the New York Jets, San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos before devoting the rest of his career developing his talent as a painter.

The vice president of WPI, Jessika Andrews was “excited about opening for Tye Tribbett.” But added, “In the past, WPI has performed with famous artists like Shirley Caesar, Dr. Bobby Jones, and Byron Cage when he visited the campus of NCCU in 2008.”

Andrews, a Fayetteville, N.C., native is a junior, majoring in computer information systems. She says, “the Worship and Praise Inspirational Mass Choir was formed in September 1987, to carry the gospel through song to students and churches throughout the Durham metro area.”

Michelle Bridgers, president of WPI, says the members of the choir are trying to lead by example; they want young people, alumni and the community to understand how easy it is to “meld lifestyle and praise.”

Bridgers is a junior from Greenville, N.C. Her major is math with a focus on education. She compliments NCCU advisors—WPI’s music directors, Charles Robinson and Whitney Turner; Katrina Billingsley, director of the N.C. Teaching Fellows Program; and Paulette Morrison-Danner, faculty and student support coordinator of the Division of Extended Studies. “Their main focus is to bring out the best in each choir member— God first, school second, and then the choir,” states Bridgers.

On November 1, the 60 member choir, according to Bridgers, “will do some crowd pleasers like Powerful God by Youthful Praise; Morning’s Breaking by Richard Smallwood and Earnest Pugh’s Rain On Us, but the entire anniversary concert will be an experience the audience won’t forget.”

School of Education Homecoming Brunch

In celebration of the Centennial year of the founding of North Carolina Central University and Teacher Education at NCCU, an Alumni Homecoming Brunch is scheduled in the H.M. Michaux, Jr. School of Education on October 31, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The School of Education faculty and staff will celebrate its alumni and their contributions to education.

Alumni Receptions After the Game

The following departments will hold an alumni reception following the Homecoming Football Game on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

School of Business

Students, faculty, alumni, and friends are invited.
Location: G32, Willis Commerce Building
Contact Person: Cindy Love at (919) 530-6323

Department of Criminal Justice

Alumni, friends and their families are invited. The department will share selected materials and activities in support of its Centennial Celebration.
Location: Foyer, Albert N. Whiting Criminal Justice Building
Contact Person: Dr. Harvey McMurray at (919) 530-6280 or <hmcmurray@nccu.edu>

Department of History

Alumni and friends are invited.
Location: 201 – B, Edmonds Classroom Building
Contact Person: Carlton Wilson at (919) 530.6271 or <cwilson@nccu.edu>.

Department of Human Sciences

Alumni, friends and their families are invited.
Location: Conference Room, Dent Human Sciences Building
Contact Person: Charmaine Dominique at (919) 530-6477 or <cdominiq@nccu.edu>

Department of Nursing

Students, faculty, alumni, and friends are invited. Participants will have an opportunity to view the drawings of the future nursing building, enjoy fellowship with alumni and meet students and faculty. The reception will begin after the game and end at 7 p.m.
Location: Miller-Morgan Building, Second Floor
Contact Person: Natasha Hall at <nnhall@nccu.edu>

Department of Physical Education and Recreation
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, and friends are invited.
Contact Person: Dr. Virginai Politano at <politano@nccu.edu>

Department of Political Science
Alumni and friends are invited.
Location: Room 105, Edmonds Classroom Building
Contact Person: Dr. Paula Quick Hall at (919) 530-6695, or <phall@nccu.edu>.

Department Events During Homecoming Week

Public Health Education

Graduates of the Department of Health Education will return on Wednesday, October 28, for a panel discussion, “Connecting with Health Educators in Practice.” The program will be held in Room 149 of the Miller-Morgan Building, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Health educators practicing in various professional work settings will share work related experiences, tasks, challenges, opportunities in the field and information about their individual career paths. The program targets the health education majors in the Introduction to Health Education Class taught by Dr. LaVerne Reid. Invited panelists and guests include:

1. Cheryl Davis-Dukes, Healthy Families Durham
2. Annette Carrington, Program Manager, Durham County Health Department
3. Paul Weaver, Jail Health Educator, Durham County Health Department
4. Debra Bost, Public Health Program Consultant, AIDS Care Unit, Communicable Disease Branch
5. Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health
6. Jerry Hankerson, Sr., Public Health Program Consultant and Regional Manager, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
7. Michael Scott, Health Education Specialist, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Division of Community Health, Duke University
8. Dominique N. Jones, Research Assistant, UNC Department of Medicine
9. Nikita Boyd, Public Health Educator, Wake County 4H Development
10. Crystal Spears-Jones, Health Education Program Manager, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

Contact Person: Mary Hawkins at 530-6424 or <mhawkins@nccu.edu>

Tribbett and the Greater Anointing will perform during NCCU’s Centennial Lyceum program Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 7 p.m., at the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

Tribbett is a native of Camden, N. J., where his father was a minister and his mother was a choir director. According the Grammy-nominated gospel artist, songwriter, producer, director, and singer, he was aware of a higher calling and that a path had been chosen for him.

Tye broke onto the pop gospel music scene in 1998 when the animated film, The Prince of Egypt won an Oscar. DreamWorks released an inspirational album, which featured four cuts by Tribbett and the Greater Anointing —Most High Interlude, Parts 1, 2 and 3, and Let Go, Let God.

“I love the Lord and above all, I just want everybody to realize how much better it is to do things God’s way,” says Tribbett in his bio.

The group is popular with young people as well as older fans because of the high energy and fervor of the performances. Tribbett has toured and performed with Jill Scott, Elton John, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and the late Luther Vandross.

Tye Tribett and the Greater Anointing appear Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 7 p.m., at NCCU’s McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. For those outside the campus community, general admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For additional event information, call: (919) 530-5170 or visit: <www.nccu.edu/homecoming>.

There will be a myriad of activities, starting with a comedy show featuring Kevin Hart, Benji Brown, and Corey Holcomb on October 23. On Sunday, October 25, the university’s royalty will take to the stage at B.N. Duke Auditorium for the Coronation of Mr. and Miss NCCU and their majestic court.

The Centennial Lyceum performance, which is expected to pull a huge crowd, will feature Grammy-nominated, gospel artist and songwriter, Tye Tribbett and the Greater Anointing choir. One reviewer describes Tribbett and G.A. as the “acrobats of gospel.” That performance takes place October 27, at
7:30 p.m., in the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

Founder’s Day on Friday, October 30, is filled with ceremonial pageantry in recognition of Dr. James E. Shepard, the university’s architect. Soaring on the Legacy is the Centennial motto, which holds special significance for alumni and staff. “Many other HBCUs are defunct, out of business,” says Melvin Riggs, Jr., an imaging liaison and coordinator in the registrar’s office, “We’ve lasted 100 years. This will be a sweet family reunion.”

Johnnie Southerland, interim associate vice chancellor of Institutional Advancement, feels the legacy is “a continuum of accomplishment that will last for another century.”

Later in the day, there will be a special tribute to artist and alumnus, Ernie Barnes. Barnes has bequeathed artwork, books and papers to NCCU.

Then there will be a float-filled Saturday morning as the Homecoming Parade kicks off at 9 a.m., along Fayetteville Street to Lawson Street to the Mary Townes Science Complex on campus.

Everyone needs to get ready for some football. At the track field on Lawson Street, E-Town opens at 10:30 a.m. for the pre-game fan festival, featuring live entertainment, inflatable games, face painting, and VIP tents. The Sound Machine Marching Band will put on a short performance and NCCU’s
Eagles will meet and greet fans while getting pumped for the matchup against the Central State Marauders from Ohio. A game ticket assures entry into E-Town.

More than 2,600 people visited the new Homecoming Website in the first weekend since its launch. For more information on the festivities, go to <http://www.nccu.edu/homecoming>or call (919) 530-6363 (for alumni) or (919) 530-7099 (for general information).

Dr. Giles, a native of Monroe, N.C., is a graduate of NCCU. She majored in sociology with a double minor in education and library science. She earned her Doctor of Education degree from Virginia Tech, specializing in human resources development and higher education administration and supervision. Giles received her M.S. from Howard University.

As a social worker, Dr. Giles, specialized in psychiatric social work, practicum, women’s issues, and social work policy. At the University of the District of Columbia, she was a professor of social work, and the program and field practice director. In addition, Giles taught at the University of Maryland and George Mason University. She prepared MSW students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) through a program that focused on an aptly named course — Social Work and Social Justice.

In addition, Giles was appointed to serve as chair and of the Social Work Board by two former District of Columbia mayors. Giles will deliver her Founder’s Day keynote speech in the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium, Friday, October 30, at 9 a.m.

A special ceremony will take place at NCCU’s Art Museum, October 30, 2009, at 3 p.m. Curator Kenneth Rodgers will preside over the unveiling of the exhibit and the dedication. Barnes’ widow and trustee, Bernie, his children and his brother, Jimmy will attend. Chancellor Charlie Nelms, NCCU’s Board of Trustees, Art Department Chair Melvin Carver, representatives of the museum’s Advisory Board and Ingrid Wicker-McCree, director of athletics, will also be in attendance.

A value has been placed on the bequest of $200 thousand. The books, from the Barnes Book Collection and Fine Art Library, will be housed in a special section of NCCU’S library dedicated to Barnes as part of the trust agreement.

“We are overwhelmed by Ernie’s generosity. It is a wonderful gift to receive. Every bequest is significant, but this is monumental and meaningful for the university and the community,” Chancellor Nelms said.

Ernie Barnes died in April at the age of 70. The Durham native was an art student and a gifted athlete. His talent as an athlete at North Carolina College (now NCCU) led him from the Washington Redskins to the NFL’s Baltimore Colts in 1960. Barnes played with the New York Jets, San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos.

Barnes never lost his love of art, painting and sketching. He put away his gladiator’s uniform to become the official artist for the American Football League. The owner of the New York Jets paid Ernie’s salary to launch his career as a full-fledged artist.

According to NCCU Art Museum Director Kenneth Rodgers, elongated figures distinguish his signature style termed “neo-mannerist.” “He’s probably head and shoulders above mainstream African-American artists in terms of his originality, and his ability to touch the universal in the lives of Americans through the vehicle of the African-American experience,” said Rodgers.

Barnes’ painting The Advocate was donated to the NCCU Law School in 1998 by Mrs. Donna Arnold in memory of her late husband Danny and it hangs in the Law School Library. However, much of Barnes’ work showcases the worlds of sports and entertainment and has been seen by millions around the world. Barnes’ painting, The Sugar Shack, became a cultural icon serving to announce the opening credits of the 1970s television series Good Times and gracing the cover of Marvin Gaye’s album I Want You.

Many describe Barnes’s work as power in motion; that power will be on display at NCCU—where fans can pay homage to the artist and Eagle.

Caption:
Photo credit: Chan Bush

The 21-year-old Chavery McClanahan is an English literature major from Landover, Maryland. She will graduate in May 2010 and wants to go to law school and then onto the Air Force JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps. The Corps would expose Chavery to diversified areas of the law and allow her to, as she puts it, “serve her country and her community.”

Miss NCCU has been busy with campus activities, including service as vice president of the Black Law Students Association College Division; helping to build a Habitat for Humanity home; doing summer internships for customer service-oriented businesses and even waitressing. Chavery is modest and does not readily admit to her “big time” extracurricular resume built up in high school. She played softball, was part of a team-building skills group and was a commander in the junior ROTC, overseeing 365 fellow students.

McClanahan is humble. She says her selection as Miss NCCU is “monumental.” She adds, “It is an honor to wear the crown and to see the institution is still teaching, educating young after a century. I have to pay respect to the university, the professors who have given so much. I, too, want to give back—to live up to our motto of—Truth and Service.”

Rocky Mount’s Tremain Holloway is Mr. NCCU. This 21-year-old secondary education math major is eyeing a computer science degree after graduation from the university. Tremain admits he was not always about learning even though his mother taught business education at his old high school.

Holloway led what was considered a “charmed” life—he was the captain of the football and basketball teams. He was an athlete on the fast track. “I thought I was the man. I had all the girls. Duke, NC State and other college teams were calling me.” Then misfortune struck. On August 8, 2005, Holloway broke his leg and ankle during a practice game. “Those schools stopped calling. Those schools stopped writing,” says Tremain. Depressed, he picked up a book called The Pact about three young African-Americans who grew up in hardscrabble Newark, New Jersey. The three overcame adversity. Holloway admires the three for facing down the challenges of inner-city life. “They stuck it out and are now doctors,” Tremain states. “That’s when I realized God had a plan for me. If I could use the energy I use to catch a football or shoot a basket maybe I could used the energy to get good grades.” Holloway received a North Carolina Teaching Fellow Scholarship. Moreover, has set his sights on becoming the superintendent of schools for the State of North Carolina.

Cindy Love, the director of Student Professional Development in the School of Business is prepping McClanahan and Holloway for the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Pageant Competition in Atlanta, which takes place at September 22 to September 27, 2009, Love says, “Chavery and Tremain represent the best in academics, moral character, leadership skills and they already have set a positive example as the Centennial Mr. and Miss NCCU.”

North Carolina Central University is the first publicly supported liberal arts college for African-Americans and this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked NCCU among the top ten HBCUs in the country. As NCCU celebrates its Centennial Year, a diverse student body of more than 8,500 students is enrolled in programs such as law, business, library science, nursing, education, and biotechnology.

McIver, a native of Greensboro, received the Bachelor of Arts degree from NCCU and a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing from Pennsylvania State University. She served as a visiting lecturer at North Carolina State University and as an assistant professor at Duke University before receiving a tenured position at Arizona State. In the spring of 2007, McIver was awarded the Honorary Doctorate at NCCU.

Over the span of her career, McIver gained popularity through major solo exhibitions and sale of her paintings. McIver, a recipient of numerous grants and awards, has three of her triptych paintings among the permanent collection at the North Carolina State Museum of Art, in Raleigh. Her paintings are in the collection at the Baltimore Museum of Art, The Scottsdale Museum of Art and the Crocker Art Museum, to name a few. McIver has received a list of prestigious awards including: the John Simon Guggenheim award, the Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Studies, The Louis Comfort Tiffany Award and the Creative Capital award.

McIver is a practicing artist with a very active career and understands the importance of preparing students for life after graduation. She is also the instructor for Painting I, II and III at NCCU. She instills in students the value of networking and exposing their work to a broader audience.

McIver will donate her self-portrait, “Finding Peace,” to generate resources for art scholarships at NCCU in support of the university’s 100th Centennial Celebration. Tickets will be available at the NCCU Department of Art, NCCU Art Museum, Tyndall Galleries, Chapel Hill, N.C., and Craven Allen Gallery, Durham, N.C. The winning ticket will be announced at a reception held at NCCU’s Art Museum following the Homecoming Game on October 31, 2009.

For more information, contact Dr. Melvin Carver, chair, NCCU Art Department at (919) 530-6391.