\C\ abannaj) !>tate ?Hmtoerttp i>abamtaf), (^eorgta %\)t 0m itonoreo jftftp Jfourtl) Commencement Lux et Veritas Nineteen 2$nn&reb anb iSinetp-JBime Etoo 'Clock ftjfl. g>abamtal) Ctbtc Center &rena The Chief Marshal The Class Marshals Candidates for Masters Degree Candidates for the Baccalaureate Degree Faculty Emeriti The Faculty The Presidential Party The academic regalia, the academic processional, and the ceremonial program are part of an ancient tradition of learning. This tradition is a unified, solemn occasion at which only applause is appropriate. The audience is asked to refrain from any other form of expression and to reserve celebrations until the program is concluded. (tbtt ai fbttvitt Dr. Carlton E. Brown, President Presiding PRELUDE "Largo".... Handel Mr. James Thompson, Jr., Organist ACADEMIC PROCESSION "War March of the Priests" . . . Mendelssohn Mr. James Thompson, Jr., Organist INVOCATION Reverend Edward F. Carroll Pastor, Mt. Zion Baptist Church SELECTION "Hallelujah From The Mt. Of Olives" ....Beethoven Savannah State University Concert Choir Mr. Willie E. Jackson, Director . . . Mr. Jerome Glover, Accompanist INTRODUCTION OF PLATFORM GUESTS AND SPEAKER Dr. Carlton E. Brown COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS The Honorable Roy E. Barnes Governor of Georgia PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Dr. Carlton E. Brown Richard R. Wright Award Mrs. Virginia Edwards Cyrus G. Wiley Award ....Dr. Margaret C. Robinson and Mrs. Louise L. Owens PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEGREE Dr. George N. Williams Dean, Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK DEGREE Dr. George N. Williams CONFERRING OF MASTER'S DEGREES Dr. Carlton E. Brown Assisted by Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr., Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Benjamin Allen, Registrar and Dr. Robert L. Stevenson, Professor of Fine Arts and Humanities INTRODUCTION OF UNDERGRADUATE DEANS Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE BACCALAUREATE DEGREE College of Business Administration Dr. MostafaH. Sarhan College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Dr. Otis S. Johnson College of Sciences and Technology Dr. Charlesworth Martin CONFERRING OF BACCALAUREATE DEGREES Dr. Carlton E. Brown Assisted by the Academic Deans, Mr. Benjamin Allen, Registrar and Dr. Robert L. Stevenson, Professor of Fine Arts and Humanities ALUMNI INDUCTION Mr. John Brown President, Savannah State University National Alumni Association PRESENTATION OF NAVAL RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSION.. Commander James M. Hicks PRESENTATION OF ARMY RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSION Captain Zane H. Jones COMMISSIONING OF OFFICERS Reading the Commissioning Document Dr. George N. Williams Dean, Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research and Faculty Representative to NROTC Administering the Oath of Office N.R.O.T.C Commander James M. Hicks Administering the Oath of Office A.R.O.T.C Captain Zane H. Jones BENEDICTION Reverend Edward F. Carroll *Alma Mater - Savannah State College Hymn RECESSIONAL "Pomp and Circumstance". . .Sir Edward Elgar Mr. James Thompson, Jr., Organist Savannah State College Hymn J. Randolph Fisher and Hillary Hatchett Let us give thanks and praise to Thee To our Alma Mater, S.S.C. Thine honor, pride, and eminence, We raise in prayerful reverence. Guide us still from day to day, Be Thou mindful lest we lose our way; Help us know that life, short or long, Means unceasing work for weak and strong. Refrain Where Savannah meets the sea, Where grassy plains and palms abound, Where the Flow'rs are gems of loveliness, There S.S.C. is found. We adore each beauteous scene and hall, Our all we pledge to Thee! In our hearts we'll build a shrine for Thee We hail Thee, S.S.C! * The audience is requested to stand. ** The audience is requested to remain seated until the recession has exited. USHERS - N.R.O.T.C. Midshipmen Jffflasiter's; Begree Conferreb COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Jtlaater of public gfommisftratton Angel Maria Boles Savannah State University Rodney Sean Byrd Mercer University Theresa Michelle Burroughs Savannah State University Michele Rene Carthon Savannah State University Irvin Rolindo Clark Florida A. & M. University Demond Davis Savannah State University Nicole Simone Fields Savannah State University Karen Errolyn Fowles Armstrong Atlantic State University Lazarus Jawiyambe Savannah State University Tieachia Johnson Savannah State University Sheron Monique Thomas Savannah State University Undine Venecia Truedell Tuskegee University Kimalecia Lashay Weekes Savannah State University JWaster of Social OTorfe Ella Marie Arnold Armstrong Atlantic State University Leon Banks, Jr Howard University Daria LuCree Cetti Armstrong Atlantic State University Kimberly Lane Davis University of Alabama at Birmingham Ann Juliette Driessen Savannah State University April Lee Hicks Georgia Southern University Lisa Jane Howard University of Wisconsin Dorothy A. McClendon Valdosta State University Alisa Carole Monfalcone Furman University Carey Pilot Sawyer Coker College Robert Alexander Stephens, Jr Fort Valley State University Beverly Denise Conaway Talick Savannah State University Charles Edwin Tift Albany State University Claudia Nancy Wallace University of Florida Benny Keith Wilkey Georgia Southern University COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION accounting **Tamika Nicole Blige Savannah, Georgia **John R. Conner Savannah, Georgia *Carolyn Crudup Hardeeville, South Carolina Precious Reunsha Griggs Stone Mountain, Georgia Richard Brendan Hurst Savannah, Georgia Jacquet Eric Thomas Augusta, Georgia Sabrina Angela Williams Turks and Caicos Islands **Matt Shane Wright Savannah, Georgia Computer information intern* Desiree Smith Boyd Savannah, Georgia Christy Danelle Brown Savannah, Georgia Freddie W. Brown III Savannah, Georgia !Angel De-Laudie Bryant Savannah, Georgia Lisa Monique Singleton Savannah, Georgia Yolanda Sheri Owens Thomas Savannah, Georgia Nikisha Va-shon Weston Savannah, Georgia Jfflanagement Damian Jason Crowder Powder Springs, Georgia Curtis Kenyette Dupree Atlanta, Georgia Ella Mae Jackson Savannah, Georgia Chansette R. Smith Atlanta, Georgia Vanessa Renee Strong Union City, Georgia ***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude !In Absentia Jfflarketing *Natalie Lakeisha Brown Austell, Georgia Leslie Cummings Harris Atlanta, Georgia *Ebony Kawanna Hendley Stone Mountain, Georgia * Christopher Holmes Talbotton, Georgia *Charlean Parks Greenville, Georgia Angela Latrelle Posey Hinesville, Georgia Jeanese Reese-Riley Savannah, Georgia Accounting anti Computer information interns Hubert Leonardo Bailey Bronx, New York ISylvester R. Ginn Savannah, Georgia COLLEGE OF LIERAL ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Cngligl), Hanguage arib literature **Kathleen Kirby Freeman Savannah, Georgia Cassandra Antionette Maynor Savannah, Georgia **Sheila Sweeney Phillips Savannah, Georgia Jflastf Communications? Kenya Lawrence Cabine College Park, Georgia Brandy La'Ret Cofield LaGrange, Georgia Christie Lynn Haggray Stone Mountain, Georgia *Stephanie Lavelle Jackson Wrens, Georgia Kelli Kawana Kashun Richardson Fayetteville, Georgia Cheryl Denise Roberson Savannah, Georgia *Brenda Scott- Walker Savannah, Georgia Tarik J. Smiley Jacksonville, Florida Tamiko Lawanda Taylor Cordele, Georgia ***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude !In Absentia * Melissa Ann Teemer Albany, Georgia Nicole Asriyia Thatch College Park, Georgia **Valorie Lattice Williams Atlanta, Georgia Zakiyya Kyieada Williams Savannah, Georgia Karla Patrice Wright Savannah, Georgia Recreation anb $arfe &bministration Artis Lee Adams, Jr Boston, Georgia **Marissa Amy Alexander Savannah, Georgia Britt LeeAndre Henderson Sanford, Florida Reginald Lamont Jackson Brunswick, Georgia African anb &frican-&merican g>tubies *Teah Latrell Jones Savannah, Georgia *Priscilla Aquilla Dickerson Savannah, Georgia Jacqueline Brown Petty Savannah, Georgia Wanike Lakedra Shakespeare Macon, Georgia *ShakaZulu Savannah, Georgia Criminal Justice *Huriyah Abdul Al-Batin Savannah, Georgia *Tameiko Fatrice Allen Dry Branch, Georgia Jumaane Haki Davis Stone Mountain, Georgia Abdullah Foster Bronx, New York LaTasha Monique Gaines Hartwell, Georgia Felicia Sheree Johnson Savannah, Georgia Yolanda Laverne Lee Fairburn, Georgia ***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude !In Absentia *Chiquitta Raquel Lewis Sparta, Georgia Kelsey Carnell Lowe Eatonton, Georgia ^Political Science Milton Edward Ashford, Jr Columbia, South Carolina Jacquelin Davis-Moran Savannah, Georgia Willie Green III Savannah, Georgia Ingrid Fredericka Head Marietta, Georgia **Vernon Lee Jones, Jr Savannah, Georgia **Fahez Ahmad Nadi Levittown, New York *Willie Jay White Walterboro, South Carolina Starr Elena Woods Daytona Beach, Florida Curtis K. Addah Ontario, Canada Dahlia Terika Gaines Hartwell, Georgia Kelli Desell Jackson College Park, Georgia Phyllis Denise Jones Savannah, Georgia Tamika Michelle Joyner Washington, District of Columbia Natasha Evette Patterson Macon, Georgia Cynthia Rollins Hinesville, Georgia Delores Hamilton Sledge Savannah, Georgia Tawanda Nichelle Walker Sandersville, Georgia Social Wotk Kamwanya Mulenga Belle Eatonton, Georgia Allessia FaSheltryce Billingslea West Point, Georgia *Valerie Pearline Blount Savannah, Georgia CatrenaRenee Carter Fitzgerald, Georgia ***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude !In Absentia 1999 Special Jfonorees Major (Richard %, bright Award MS. 'Virginia JA.. (Edwards, a native of Savannah, is a 1967 sociology graduate of Savannah State. She continued her education to earn a Master's degree in history from Armstrong State and an Educational Specialist degree in administration from Georgia Southern. Edwards was honored in 1993 by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education (NAFEO) with the "Distinguished Alumnus" award for her achievements. Her tenure in the Savannah-Chatham County public school system spans more than 30 years. Edwards has served in capacities including acting superintendent, deputy superintendent of instruction, executive director of schools, principal, assistant principal and teacher of social studies. Ms. Edwards is a member of several civic and professional organizations, including the Youth Futures Authority, Phi Delta Kappa and the NAACP. She also received the distinction as Port City Business and Professional Women, Inc., 1998 Woman of Achievement. As superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Public schools, she has brought stability and strong leadership to the helm of one of the most important organizations in the coastal empire and continues her lifelong commitment to our most precious resource - our children. Cyrus Cj. WiCey Awards (professor (Emerita Louise Lautier Owens 'began her life's work at Powell Laboratory School on Savannah State's campus. The journey from second grade critic teacher to college instructor to assistant professor to associate professor to professor marked the milestones in her teaching career. Upon her retirement, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia presented her the honorific of "Professor Emerita." Owens holds the B.S. degree in Education from Georgia State Industrial College, the M.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan and a certificate for study at the Georgetown University School of Linguistics. She has done extensive study at New York University and Florida State University. Professor Owens is a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi, honorary societies in Education. She has been cited in Outstanding Educators of America, was selected "Alumnus of the Year" by SSUNAA and named "Distinguished Alumnus" by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education (NAFEO). She is a life member of the College Language Association, National Education Association, Langston Hughes Society, Association for Higher Education, National Council of Teachers of English, Savannah State University National Alumni Association, NAACP and Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. She is a communicant of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. In addition to teaching duties and committee assignments, Professor Owens' work at Savannah State has included Chairman Pro Tern of the English Department, editor and director of the 1971 and the 1981 Institutional Self-Study. Though retired, she continues to work with the Southern Regional Press Institute and other campus projects. (Dean Academic o (Professor Emerita Margaret (^IttSftOLttl jt\PultlSOtl, a Savannah native, is a 1952 magna cum laude graduate of Savannah State earning her degree in Biology. She received the M.S. degree in Botany from the University of Michigan and Ph.D. in Plant Cell Physiology from Washington University where she was the second African American and the first female Research Fellow. Dr. Robinson's stellar career as an educator and champion of access and excellence spans five decades. Beginning in 1952 in rural Jefferson County, Georgia, it includes 35 years of dedicated service to her Alma Mater. Robinson came to Savannah State in 1959 as the first female biology instructor. She became the head of the biology department in 1969. Dr. Robinson developed a modernized biology curriculum that included a core of courses to accommodate underprepared students and senior year research and seminar requirements. This curriculum received national recognition, $2.5 million in federal funding from the National Science Foundation - College Science Improvement Program and is noted as the first federal grant received at the institution. Robinson assumed the deanship in 1980 - a position she held until her retirement in 1994. Dr. Robinson left retirement briefly and returned to serve as Dean for academic year 1995-96. Professor Emerita Robinson's contributions include volunteer work in the local community serving on numerous years on boards such as United Way Board of Directors, EOA Board of Directors - President, Chairman of Federal Emergency Management Board, and NAACP. Dr. Robinson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and continues her service to the institution as an active member of SSU National Alumni Association. She has received the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education (NAFEO) "Distinguished Alumnus" award (1989) and currently serves as Chair of the Life Membership Committee and Wall of Scholars Committee. Dr. Robinson will become the first alumnus to have a portrait hung as a Golden Tiger for her gift to the Wall of Scholars' scholarship endowment fund. Robinson is an active member of First Bryan Baptist Church. Anita Christine Harrison Savannah, Georgia Katina Diana Johnson Savannah, Georgia Robert Ray Jordan, Jr Savannah, Georgia Schenterial Valentie Kent Savannah, Georgia Kiisha Versuan McCall Savannah, Georgia Raynette Robinson Marietta, Georgia *Brenda Joyce Spencer Savannah, Georgia Jacqueline Swan Savannah, Georgia Tracy Regina Underwood Savannah, Georgia Yanora Sharelle Wade Jacksonville, Florida Ruth Abraham Warnick Savannah, Georgia Stephanie Denise Williams Savannah, Georgia COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY *Mario Tramaine Bennett Savannah, Georgia Duane Loren Bentley Garden City, Georgia Alan Keith Betrand, Jr Savannah, Georgia *Fecelia Laurice Billingslea LaGrange, Georgia **Felicia Latrice Billingslea LaGrange, Georgia ***Bharti Bricola Burke Nassau, Bahamas Waymon Damon Cody Oxford, Georgia Christopher Jason Danns Thomaston, Georgia Derrick Antonio Frazier Savannah, Georgia Andrea Denise Fritz Atlanta, Georgia Sylvia Denise Gilchrist Hephzibah, Georgia Jo Ellen Rita Hassan Richmond Hill, Georgia Debra Vern Nesbitt Dania, Florida Adrienne Akisha Prather Decatur, Georgia Tracey LaTonya Saxton Columbus, Georgia ***SummaCumLaude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude !In Absentia Jtlarine Science *Dana Lynn Davis Savannah, Georgia Jennifer Kasandra Knighton Auburn, Georgia **Ayana Milele McCoy Baltimore, Maryland *Vanessa Raquel Olivera Stone Mountain, Georgia Shunder Lakisha Simmons Loganville, Georgia Severn Brown Stevens III Columbus, Georgia