March 25, 2013

The tagline “Discover HT” is persistent in having new meaning as the ground breaking stories of this historic institution continue to surface.  Dr. Bertha Sadler Means was unrelenting in her request to visit her classmate Mrs. Celestine Hatchett Kyle in Lubbock, Texas.  Once again, another HT treasure was uncovered.    

Mrs. Kyle is a pioneer champion to the sport of tennis.  She was introduced to the game on the playground of Navasota Colored High School in Navasota, Texas.  Mrs. Kyle quickly became an excellent tennis player.  She won the Class 3-AAA Tennis Singles Competition at Prairie View A&M College (now University) three years running and won the Doubles Championship each year she competed with her partner Ms. Alice Marie Jones. 

In 1938, Mrs. Kyle accepted a full- tennis scholarship to Tillotson College.  In her first year at Tillotson, Mrs. Kyle entered the Southwestern American Tennis Association Competition and defeated the reigning veteran champion.  This began a string of wins in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas.  Her winning streak landed Mrs. Kyle an opportunity to compete against New York City’s, Harlem’s rising star, Althea Gipson.  Ms. Gipson was the first black woman to play in the U.S. National Championship Tournament in Forrest Hills, New York, now known as the U.S. Open, and the first Black to compete and win the Wimbledon Championship in Wimbledon, England, in 1957.  Mrs. Kyle proudly claims her second place position next to Gipson.  When asked how she felt she would do against today’s Wimbledon champions Venus and Serena Williams, Mrs. Kyle confidently replied, “I would have given them a close call in my time.  You have to be a fighter in tennis.”      

During our visit with Mrs. Kyle, she spoke lovingly about her time at Tillotson College.  She recalled the names of the professors that impacted her life such as, Mrs. Upshaw, Mrs. Mary Roberts, and tennis coach and college Treasurer Mr. Arthur Royster.  She reminisced about her love for the campus and the many walks to Beard Hall.  “Tillotson was homie.  Everybody looked out for each other.”  Mrs. Kyle fondly remembers the Co-Op run by the Mosby family but she laughs and says, “I didn’t get to visit too often because I didn’t have money to go there anyway.”              

W. Charles Akins began his career in education after graduating from Huston-Tillotson College in 1954. He served as principal of Anderson High School within the Austin Independent School District.  He is recognized and respected in the community after serving in positions as classroom teacher, coach, dean of students, principal, and administrator.  He retired from AISD in 1984 and is also a retired veteran. W.C. Akins High School (Austin) is named in his honor.  He is the recipient of numerous community awards.  

Dr. Maxine Boles ’44

Maxine Kelly Boles

Dr. Maxine Kelly Boles received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and Natural Science in 1944 from Tillotson College. She was recognized as one of the few “elite” students that helped transform the college.  She began her professional teaching career as a fifth grade instructor in Marlin, Texas.  She later accepted a position as a home economics teacher at O.J. Thomas High School in Cameron, Texas; and also taught combined third and fourth grades in the Vado, New Mexico, school district.  She was awarded an honorary degree from Huston-Tillotson in 1995.  To date, Dr. Boles has contributed more than one-quarter million dollars to HT.

E.E. Hill

E.E. Hill

Alumnus E.E. Hill enjoyed a prestigious career in education before entering his retirement.  He served as principal of his high school alma mater, Excelsior High School, in Henderson, Texas, that was later renamed Hill High School before closing in 1970.  The E.E. Hill WSC Program developed by Dr. Jerry B. Madkins was established for the Henderson School District in order to ensure student college readiness. Hill earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Samuel Huston College.  He also studied at Tuskegee University before graduating with honors with a  Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Prairie View A&M University as well as a Master of Arts degree. He grew up in the segregated south as one of 11 boys.  As farmers, his parents provided the means for seven of the children to attend college.  Hill was also drafted and served two years in the navy during World War II.  He began his teaching career in 1931 and currently resides in Henderson.

John Q. Taylor King, Sr. ’47

Lieutenant General John Q. Taylor King’s leadership resonates throughout the campus in his role as chancellor and president emeritus of Huston-Tillotoson.  His career included HT faculty, dean, and presidential positions.  He was elected president March 1965 and retired in 1988.  He was also known for his prolific writing skills.  He collaborated with others on four textbooks in mathematics and contributed many articles to professional and religious journals.  King received two bachelors’ degrees—Bachelors of Science from Huston-Tillotson University and the Bachelor of Arts from Fisk University.  He obtained his master’s degree from DePaul University, and later earned doctorates from the University of Texas at Austin in 1957 as well as Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, in 1988.  He also received honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Southwestern University, St. Edward’s University, and the honorary Doctor of Humane letters from both Austin College, and Fisk University.  HT awarded him a honorary doctor of science degree.  He also holds a Phi Beta Kappa Key.  He served in World War II where he moved through the ranks from private to captain before retiring as a major general.  He received a Texas State Guard lieutenant general promotion in 1985 by Governor Mark White.

 
Willie Mae Kirk ’47

Alumna Willie Mae Kirk was recognized for her years of service to the community as a teacher, civil rights advocate, political activist, and library commissioner during the renaming of the Oaks Spring Branch Library. The new Willie Mae Kirk Library is located in Austin, Texas, on 3101 Oak Spring

 A few years ago, Kirk received the Austin Area Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Jr, Award for her community service and in recognition for her many years advocacy of Austin citizens.  A few of her lifetime accomplishments include helping to close a segregated ice rink in Austin and demanding a traffic light for students of L.L. Campbell School.  Kirk is a retired Austin Independent School District teacher, former election worker and president of the HT International Alumni Association. 

Patrick B. Love ’88

Patrick B. Love is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and a 1988 graduate of Huston-Tillotson where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication. While at HT, he was an accomplished basketball player with several records to his credit. He began his career with the Department Of Justice (DOJ) in February, 1988, as a Federal Officer in Bastrop, Texas.  While stationed in Bastrop, he was a member of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) which is  trained to respond to high risks and unconventional crisis situations.  Additionally, while in Bastrop, Texas, he was honored as Rookie Officer of the Year by his peers.

In August of 1991, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and served in this position in Texarkana, Texas, and in Fairton,New Jersey, where he respectively served an Assistant and Team Leader of the facilities SORT. 

In August of 1996, Love was promoted to his current position as Deputy Chief, Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP), BOP/DOJ Headquarters, Washington, D.C.  In this position, Love has conducted numerous Emergency Preparedness Assessments at various facilities which covered Emergency Operations Plans and planning, Command Center structure, Crisis Management Team Training and Operational Security and Emergency procedures.  He also participated on the District of Columbia Sentences Felon Requirement Panel as mandated by the District of Columbia Revitalization and Self-Government Act.

Love was also assigned as the Officer-In-Charge while assisting the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) with the detention of Chinese Citizens on the island of Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.  Following this assignment in 1999, Love was presented with a Letter of Commendation from the Assistant Attorney General of the United States, and in 2000, he was honored with the Norman A. Carlson National Award which recognized his leadership skills and abilities.

Jackie Robinson

Karl Downs (left) president of Samuel Huston College, 1943-1948, was the officiant at the Jackie Robinson wedding to Rachel. Robinson was the basketball coach. Click on the articles to read more.

Wilhelmina Perry, ’44

Dr. Wilhelmina Perry is known by HT students, because she ensures that they are aware of the rich HT legacy.  She was selected as HT’s UNCF Alumnus of the Year and her picture will be posted on the UNCF Wall of Fame displayed in the  New York office in March.  She is the co-author of the Huston-Tillotson University Legacy book that is packed with information about the institution’s 137 year history.  She previously taught students enrolled in University 101 and is a presenter for numerous events on campus.  She is a retired sociologist with the distinction of professor emerita from Rowan University in Southern New Jersey.  She also taught at Texas Southern University.

Bertha Sadler Means ’45

Dr. Bertha Sadler Means is a graduate of Tillotson College. She is an entrepreneur as owner of Austin Cab  Company as well as an educator and philanthropist.   She was one of the pioneers who fought segregation and was accepted into the University of Texas at Austin to earn her master’s in education.  She retired from the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and was awarded the W. Charles Akins African American Heritage Award in 2002 for her exemplary character, leadership, and community service.  Means orchestrated a movement entitled “Great-Grandmama for Obama” in which she utilized a family of volunteers to mount and e-mail campaign that worked successfully.  The Bertha Sadler Means African American Resource Center located in Anthony and Louise Viaer-Alumni Hall was named in her honor for her generosity and support. She is also the honorary chair of the 2013 Decennial President’s Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams (MASKED) gala. Read more about Bertha Sadler Means. 

Be the group to Re-Discover the largest crew of RAMbunctious alumni during Homecoming 2013. 

Alumni Affairs wants to know where you are.
To win let us know where your friends are.
Send in the most names and email addresses by completing the website form before
February 8, 2013. Competition updates will be announced Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Homecoming women’s basketball half-time.

3 group categories are:

Class Year
Student Organization
City

 (i.e., Class of 1989, Class of 1965, SGA, Concert Choir, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Dallas, Houston) 

WE RUN THE YARD
 winners receive:

• Group promo on the University’s Social Sites and Homecoming website page.
• A “We Run the Yard ” t-shirt
• “We Run the Yard” special section at the 2014 Homecoming game (tickets not included)
• 2013 prime tailgating location
• “We Run the Yard” banner
• “We Run the Yard” plaque

For more information:                                                           
LaJuana R. Napier
Director of Alumni Affairs
lrnapier@htu.edu
512.505.3074
www.htu.edu/alumni

Alumni Worship Service
Thursday, Feb 7
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
King-Seabrook Chapel
HT alumni will be in attendance to share some words of encouragement to the current matriculating classes and visitors. Come hear the word.

Comedy Show/Concert
Thursday, Feb 7
Doors Open at 6 p.m. 
Mary E. Branch Gymnasium
Comedians Lav Love and Ronnie Jordan and music sensations Kirko Bangz and Elle Varner are set to premier on the campus.  Get ready for a night you won’t forget and don’t want to forget.  Student tickets will be $10 and $25 for Non-Students.  Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. 

Alumni Career Presentation
Friday, Feb 8
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Agard-Lovinggood Auditorium
HT alumni will be hosting career presentations to current matriculating students based on their field of study!  Witness the success of those past graduates of this illustrious University!

Homecoming Pep Rally
Friday, Feb. 8
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mary E. Branch Gymnasium
We can’t wait to see you. Join the cheerleaders, members of the men’s and women’s basketball team, and alumni during this “all the way live” pep rally in the gymnasium. Don’t forget to stop by the cafeteria for all-you-care-to-eat catfish for $6.25. Start texting your friends now.

Note the Extended Time
Alumni Meet and Greet
Friday, Feb. 8
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Davage-Durden Student Union Canteen
Friday from 6-8, alumni here’s your chance to come back and meet up with other past students and faculty. Come to the Student Union Canteen as we expect 200+ alumni to be in the building!

Tailgate/Barbecue
Saturday, Feb. 9
10 a.m. – 10:10 p.m.
Huston-Tillotson University Campus
Homecoming just is not homecoming without tailgating. Get ready to show off your culinary skills at the annual tailgating party. Plan to set up early to select your desired spot on campus. First come, first served basis only. Free admission. Contact Miss Ashley Smith, Media Specialist and Special Events Coordinator, 512.505.6417, for more information and your tailgating permit. Remember, HT is a tobacco-free campus.

 Game Day
Saturday, Feb. 9
Women start at 5:30 p.m.
Men start at 7:30 p.m.
Mary E. Branch Gymnasium
What time is it GAME TIME! Now, the greatest sports event on HT’s campus is finally here!  Get there early and get a seat to enjoy the Rams as they welcome LSU-Shreveport to the yard.  Go Lady Rams and Rams!

We Run the Yard
Saturday, Feb 9, 2013
Mary E. Branch Gymnasium 
Be the group to Re-Discover the largest crew of RAMbunctious alumni during Homecoming 2013. For more information click here.

Reminisce Room
Saturday, Feb. 9
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Davage-Durden Student Union
All day game day the Student Union will be the home for the Reminisce room.  Pictures of former HT faculty, staff and students will be on display.  Share the memories.

Campus Clean -Up
Sunday, Feb. 10
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Campus Wide
Time to clean up after such a festive weekend weekend.  Let’s make sure our campus is beautified once again!

The Board of Trustees approved a proposal from university management to fund residence hall renovations and reconstruct the Chalmers street parking lot.  We recognize that these improvements are critical to the quality of life on campus.

Regarding other campus activity, several deferred maintenance projects started or concluded in December 2012: 
*The exterior of the campus Bell Tower has now been restructured to preserve this proud landmark.
*Johnson Controls completed installation of new energy efficient lighting, plumbing fixtures and HVAC equipment. 
*Designs for the chapel restrooms are under development.
*Newly installed roofs on the Downs-Jones Library, the Dickey-Lawless Science Building and the King-Seabrook Chapel.
*University management has also been working to address the condition of  Mary A. Branch Gymnasium.  

 As we embark upon a new year, let us be thankful for the blessings both evident and pending across the campus!

Sweet Home Baptist Church
Dante D. Wright I, Senior Pastor
3200 Sunrise Road, Round Rock, TX 78665
512.823.2888 office * 512.823.2890 fax

 The Holiday Season is upon us and many of you will be traveling to be with your family and friends.  Why not save money during the holidays and use your company discount for your leisure travel.  Feel free to forward this reminder to your employees, so they may be able to take advantage of the savings as well.

La Quinta has a 10% National Discount for Huston-Tillotson’s employees, for business and leisure travel.

The Special Huston Tillotson University Employee Discounted Rate can be accessed on the La Quinta website at www.lq.com for any hotel nationwide. 

You can do a “search” by city or address, then chose the property, and then enter the code: HTU10 into the promo/company code area.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Here for you!

Pretty Girls with Cancer, is our new program under the direction of Kandice Rose who is a three time cancer survivor with her friend Lindsey Apostlo who passed away from Ovarian Cancer in 2012. P.G.W.C. is a network of fighters and survivors inspiring and encouraging each other to continue to live their life to the fullest and be happy, positive and most of all be Pretty Powerful Girls!!!. P.G.W.C. connects newly diagnosed cancer patients with their program ‘Totes of Love’.  We have partnered with M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital. Our ‘Totes of Love’ are tailored designed to help make their visits a little easier and by showing extra love. The totes/pack backs are age appropriate they include; a signature P.G.W.C. totes,  P.G.W.C. wrist band and Tee- shirt, head scarf, light weight shawl, puzzle/word sleuth book, hand sanitizer, pocket tissue, nail polish, socks, small toys for youth totes, mints, and coupons to restaurants/ stores and local attraction.

We are asking your help by donating or purchasing items for or our ‘Totes of Love’. Our goal is to continue to work with M.D. Anderson and connect with more patients at different cancer centers.

Thank you for your time and concern for the community we work and serve together.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. Donations can be made easy and fast through our website. We cannot make this happen without you!!!

Warmest Regards,

Kandice Rose 
P.O. Box 772111
Houston, Texas  77215
832.231.4573
info@prettygirlswithcancer.com
kandicerose@prettygirlswithcancer.com

On any given Sunday you can find alumnus Ruben Fowler at an NFL football game.  Do not look for him in the stands, or in any cheering section.  Referee Fowler is actually on the field taking charge of the game.  He is currently an NFL referee for the 2012 – 2013 season. Mr. Fowler graduated from HT in 1987.

Mrs. Page extended her generosity even further as she established the $50,000 Harry L. and Kathryn S. Page Endowed Scholarship Fund in memory of her late husband.  Mr. Page was a loyal supporter of HT.    

Grand Hyatt
600 E. Market Street
San Antonio, TX  78205

Governor Rick Perry and Mayor Julian Castro will be in attendance.

Should you have any questions, please contact the office at 713.942.8623 or 210.224.1674.

The reading rooms and libraries at Huston-Tillotson University have been modernized from time to time since the founding of Samuel Huston and Tillotson colleges in the mid-1870s. Downs-Jones Library is now undergoing a complete renovation.

The $1.8 million project will provide additional open space, study space, an elevator, a cafe, a central staircase with a glass handrail, a new circulation desk and new mechanical systems. The library will be stocked with books, publications, videos, computers and artwork. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The library is named for two former presidents of the parent schools: Karl E. Downs, who led Samuel Huston College from 1943 to 1948, and William H. Jones, president of Tillotson College from 1944 to 1952.

Huston-Tillotson, at 900 Chicon St. in central East Austin, is also remodeling two rooms in the Agard-Lovinggood building that will house a communications center with a sound studio, control room, offices and student lounge.

The $220,000 renovation is expected to be finished by the end of November. It is part of a reorganization of the communications major, which was brought back last fall after being discontinued for several years, said university spokeswoman Linda Jackson.

John Mays, President of the HT International Alumni Association (HTIAA), presents a gift to Alumni Director, La Juana Napier.  The HTIAA contributed a total of $13,300 to the University from the Reunion Weekend 2012 fundraising activities.  In addition to the HTIAA contribution, the 12 alumni chapters, their members, and other alumni across the globe are responsible for more than $1 million in gifts this year.  Alumni investments continue to be valuable to the University’s general operating funds.    

After stepping down as the Director of the National Park Service in 2001, Dr. Robert Stanton co-founded the African American Experience Fund (AAEF), which is dedicated to supporting and promoting areas in the National Park System which specifically commemorate African Americans and their contributions to the development of our nation. Today, 24 national historic areas plus the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom have been authorized by Acts of Congress or by Presidential Proclamations. At the time Stanton was recruited for a seasonal National Park Service Ranger position in 1962 while a student at Huston –Tillotson University, only three such areas had been authorized. Stanton states, “as a people and as a nation (we) are making progress in fully recognizing the struggles, sacrifices and work of  our ancestors whose contributions made it possible for us to enjoy the privileges, opportunities and rights we enjoy today. We must, of course, continue to do our work for the benefit of this and future generations!”  Click to view Dr. Stanton and video highlights from the 2012 Awards Gala.

Dr's Smith and Wilson

Honorary Doctorate Degrees were awarded to Mr. Terry S. Smith and “Coach” James R. Wilson during the 2012 Commencement Convocation.  Both have men have played integral leadership roles at the University for more than 3 decades.  Smith and Wilson were presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for their contribution s and accomplishments to their respective career fields.  Congratulations!     

Dr. Maxine Kelly Boles ’44 is beaming with excitement as she enjoys the Annual Alumni Awards Banquet.  This year Dr. Boles received the UNCF award for Outstanding Alumna of the Year 2012 in Orlando, Florida and was inducted into the UNCF Alumni Hall of Fame New York City in March.  Her photo will hang on the Wall of Fame at the UNCF Headquaters.  Dr. Boles is also one of HT’s most generous alumni donors, funding the $250,000 Chester R. and Maxine Kelly Boles Endowed Scholarship Fund. 

“Wherever I go, I have to tell everybody that I went to school at HT University”,  Gaobepe said he wants the HT family to know, ” that I am still part of the school and for all HT students to know the HT is the best University and the education one receives at Ht is Internationally recognized.” 

Public Relations and Marketing Director Linda Y. Jackson, Ft. Worth Chapter President Bevelia Curley, and Alumni Affairs Director La Juana R. Napier attended a reception at Texas Motor Speedway to represent HT.  NASCAR and Nationwide presented opportunities for HT students to take advantage of internships and summer mentoring programs.  

Eight members of the Pre-Alumni Council (PAC) represented HT in grand style at the 4th Annual Mayor’s Luncheon in San Antonio.  The event was held at the Westin Rivercenter Hotel.  President and CEO, Dr. Larry L. Earvin and Junior, Early Childhood Education Major, Kamara Woodyard were on the program along with San Antonio’s Mayor Castro.  Also in attendance, Mrs. Irene Thompson, President of HT’s San Antonio Alumni Chapter.   

The King-Seabrook Chapel, completed in 1974, was named in honor of King’s civic and professional accomplishments. He earned five degrees during his lifetime and was named HT’s Chancellor and President Emeritus.

During his tenure, he established endowed professorships, including the Marcet Alice Hines Endowed Professorship named in honor of his late wife who served as a member of the faculty for 18 years. He also facilitated new construction projects and campus renovations, increased faculty and staff compensation, and guided the institution to enrollment increases.

Dr. King’s family has released the following information:

Friday, August 12, 2011 – 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Dr. King’s body will lie-in-state in the King-Seabrook Chapel on the HT campus

Friday, August 12, 2011 – beginning at 6:30 p.m. – a scheduled tribute service

Saturday, August 13, 2011 – 10:00 a.m. – funeral services at Wesley United Methodist Church

UniversityDecisions.com is now giving alumni 12 chances to earn The Success Yearbook award. Each month, the chosen recipient will receive $2,500 to be used toward his or her existing student loans.  Click here for details.

Eligibility criteria for PCIP:

• A U.S. citizen or residing here legally;
• Uninsured for at least the last six months; or
• Have a pre-existing condition or have been denied health coverage because of a health condition.

Roger extends an invitation to you or your partners who have any events between July and September of 2011 to speak at events/webinars, attend meetings, and staff exhibits to provide information about PCIP. He will be hosting a webinar on July 7, 2011, to provide more information about the PCIP in Texas.

If you are you uninsured or have a pre-existing condition, you may be eligible for the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. Call toll free 1.866.717.5826 (TTY 1.866.561.1604) or visit www.pcip.gov.