SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY Hux et Veritas Saturday, December Thirteenth, Two Thousand and Eight Ten O'Clock in the Morning Tiger Arena Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia : H I MKi avannah State University Mission Statement it The University's mission is to graduate students prepared to perform at higher levels of economic productivity, social responsibility, and excellence in their chosen fields of endeavor in a changing global community. The educational goal is realized through program offerings in the College of Business Administration, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and the College of Sciences and Technology, which lead to baccalaureate, and master's degrees.... 1 Ifrarrf33&r2 no^iM }o ^hv^\ isrlgifl Je nnohaq ctf baisqsiq ^m^bu1^ dlsubsi'g 01 21 noizaim l' ytiaisvinU 3rtT. . . lovBabna }o abtari naeorb "liarb ni aonallaoxa bns f y}iIidi8noq83i kiDos f y3ivi:toubo7q Dimoncm mBigoiq Hguoirb basilBai 8i Ibo ifinorifioubs arfT .ytinummoo ledfolg gnignBflo b ni IbjdoS bnB 8liA imsdi J k> agallcO adl .norifi-nsinimbA 883ni8u9 fo agallcO 3fb ni zgnhafto bns t 9363iuBlBD06d 03 bfisi doidw ( ygoiondo3T bns saonsioS to sgalioO aril bns f 83Dn3iD2 ....83313b819j8fim History of Savannah State University On November 26, 1890, enabling legislation was passed by the Georgia General Assembly to establish a school for the education and training of colored students, which was to operate as a part of the University of Georgia. One hundred and seventeen years later, the college has become Savannah State University, the oldest public historically black university in Georgia. With land acquired by the mandate of the Second Morrill Land Grant Act of August 30, 1890, a preliminary session of the new college was held in the Baxter Street School Building in Athens, Georgia, with Richard Robert Wright, Sr., as principal. On October 7, 1891, the new college, named the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youths, moved to its present location in Thunderbolt, Georgia. Wright was president and there were five faculty members: Loring B. Palmer, A.B.; Frank Cobb, A.B.; Alexander Ashton; Reverend Leigh B. Maxwell, A.B.; Reverend James M. Simms, proctor and steward; and Decatur Suggs, vice-president. Wright was the first of 12 presidents to lead this illustrious institution. The university awarded its first baccalaureate degree to Richard R. Wright, Jr., in 1898. He went on to become the first black man to receive the Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania (1911), and later to become the president of historic Wilberforce University. During Wright's tenure as president (1890-1921), President William McKinley (1898) and President William Howard Taft (1912) visited the campus and spoke to students and faculty in the Peter W Meldrim Hall. Cyrus Gilbert Wiley, class of 1899, and the first alumnus to become president of the university ( 1 92 1 - 1926), followed Wright. Benjamin F. Hubert, who came to Georgia State College from Tuskegee Institute, served as president from 1926-1947. It was during his tenure that the college became a full- time degree granting institution, without high school and normal programs, and became a member of the University System of Georgia (1932). The name of the college was changed to Georgia State College in 1932. In 1950, the name of the college was changed to Savannah State College and in 1996, the name was changed to Savannah State University. The Significance Of The Academic Mace Observing the centuries-old convocation procedures, each Marshal in the Savannah State University Academic Procession carries an official mace, which is indicative of the power, dignity, and magisterium vested in the University. The mace is a club-shaped staff that originated in the Middle Ages as a weapon. Eventually, it gained a ceremonial character and is presently employed most often by legislative forums and academic enterprises. The official mace and stand of Savannah State University were designed and made from mahogany wood by Dr. Ernest S. Brown, Associate Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering Technology. The University motto is "Lux Et Veritas" (Light and Truth). 2- Academic Regalia Modern academic dress has evolved from a type of apparel prescribed by English Medieval Universities to distinguish their schools from the lay person in dress at a time when everybody wore robes or gowns. When American colleges and universities desired to adopt some suitable system of academic apparel a half century ago, it seemed best to agree on some definite system which all might follow. Accordingly, this attire has consisted of the cap, the gown, and the hood, the latter two now differing according to the degree the wearer has received. The modern cap, in academic dress, has the same design for all degrees: black and square-shaped with a tassel hanging from the center. However, the color of the tassel usually differentiates the field of study for which the degree was granted, the gold tassel being worn by doctors or by presidents of colleges and universities; but it may be added that the black tassel is correct for all degrees. The gown, unlike the cap, differs appreciably in design according to the degree conferred on the wearer. The gown for the bachelor's degree has pointed sleeves. It is designed to be worn closed. The gown for the master's degrees, worn open or closed, has an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist, like the others. The sleeve base hangs down in the traditional manner. The rear part of its oblong shape is square cut, and the front part has an arc cut away. The doctor's gown, worn open or closed, has long sleeves faced with velvet; three bars of velvet are midway the sleeves. The trimmings of the doctor's gown may be black or the color associated with the field of study. The hood, while not an article of dress, is however, the most distinctive feature of the academic attire. It is a black, crow-shaped badge or adornment with an oval opening and worn down the back. It enables one to quickly determine not only the degree held by the wearer but also the college or university from which he is graduated. The colors lining the hood and the size and the shape of the hood make this distinction. The bachelor's and master's hoods are three feet and three and a half feet in length, respectively; the doctor's hood is four feet in length and is made with a wide panel. Hoods may be worn for only those degrees actually held by the wearers. Members of the governing body of a college or university, and they only, whatever their degrees may be, are entitled to wear doctor's gowns (with black velvet), but their hoods may be only those of degrees actually held by the wearers or those especially prescribed for them by the institution. In some colleges and universities, it is customary for the president, chancellor, or chief officer to wear a costume similar to that worn by the head of a foreign university. The chief marshal may wear a specially designed costume approved by the institution. For all academic purposes, including trimmings of doctor's gowns, edging of hoods, and tassels of caps, the color associated with different subjects as prescribed by the revised American Intercollegiate Code is as follows: Arts, Letters, Humanities White Oratory (Speech) Silver Gray Business Drab Philosophy Dark Blue Economics Copper Physical Education Sage Green Education Light Blue Public Administration Peacock Blue Law Purple Science Golden Yellow Library Science Lemon Social Work Citron Music Pink Theology Scarlet At Savannah State University, the lining of the hood has an orange chevron on a blue background to represent school colors. A faculty member wears the color of his alma mater. -3- Order of Procession The Chief Marshal The Class Marshals Candidates for Master's Degrees Candidates for Baccalaureate Degrees 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. Order of Exercises Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., Ph.D., President Presiding Prelude * Academic Procession "Largo" "War March of the Priests" Handel Professor Nan Poole Spicer, Organist Felix Mendelssohn Professor Nan Poole Spicer, Organist Invocation Bishop Thomas Sills Sweetfield of Eden Baptist Church Selection "A Jubilant Song" by Alan Pote The Savannah State University Alumni Men's Glee Club Co-Directors, Rose O. Smith and Lawrence Hutchins Introduction Of Platform Guests And Introduction Of Speaker Dr. Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. Commencement Address Dr. Otis S. Johnson Mayor, City of Savannah Selection 'Little Innocent Lamb" arr. by Marshall Bartholomew The Savannah State University Alumni Men's Glee Club Co-Directors, Rose O. Smith and Lawrence Hutchins Presentation Of Candidates For The Master Of Business Administration Degree Dr. Chellu S. Chetty Dean, Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research Presentation Of Candidates For The Master Of Public Administration Degree Dr. Chellu S. Chetty Presentation Of Candidates For The Master Of Science In Urban Studies Degree Presentation Of Candidates For The Master Of Science In Marine Sciences Degree Dr. Chellu S. Chetty Dr. Chellu S. Chetty Conferring Of Master's Degrees Dr. Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. Assisted by Dr. Chellu S. Chetty, Mr. Adrian Cornelius, Dean of Enrollment Management and Mrs. Linda Crossman, Registrar -5 Order of Exercises Introduction Of Undergraduate Deans Presentation Of Candidates For The Baccalaureate Degree College of Business Administration College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences College of Sciences and Technology Dr. Larry D. Stokes Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mostafa H. Sarhan, Dean Dr. Jane M. Gates, Dean Dr. Kuppuswamy Jayaraman, Acting Dean Conferring Of Baccalaureate Degrees Dr. Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. Assisted by the Academic Deans, Mr. Adrian Cornelius, Dean of Enrollment Management and Mrs. Linda Crossman, Registrar President's Charge To The Graduates Alumni Induction Dr. Earl G. Yarbrough Sr. Mrs. Alvernia Wilson Jackson Recording Secretary, Savannah State University National Alumni Association Alma Mater* Benediction Recessional** "Pomp and Circumstance" Professor Nan Poole Spicer, Organist Bishop Thomas Sills Sir Edward Elgar Professor Nan Poole Spicer, Organist Savannah State College Hymn Original words and music by J. Randolph Fisher and Hillary Hatchett Let us give thanks and praises to Our Alma Mater, S.S.U. 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. U. is found. We adore each beauteous scene and hall, Our all we pledge to Thee! In our hearts we 11 build a shrine for You We hail Thee, S.S.U. ! Lyrical Revision by Ms. LaGina M. Frazier *The audience is requested to stand. **The audience is requested to sit and to remain seated until the recession has exited. -6- Mayor Otis S. Johnson I City of Savannah COMMENCEMNET SPEAKER Otis S. Johnson is a graduate of Armstrong-Atlantic State University and the University of Georgia. He earned the Master of Social Work degree from Clark Atlanta University in 1969 and the Ph.D. degree in Social Welfare from the Heller School at Brandeis University in 1980. At Cambridge College's 2007 Commencement Ceremony, Mayor Johnson was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Mayor Johnson is nationally known in the field of community building and youth development. He was Executive Director of the Chatham- Savannah Youth Futures Authority, an Annie E. Casey Foundation initiative, from 1988-1998. He currently serves on the National League of Cities Council on Youth, Education, and Families and is a member of the boards of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation and MDC. He served as an elected official on the Savannah City Council (1983-1988), the Savannah Chatham County Board of Public Education ( 1998-2002), and was an At-Large member of the Georgia Municipal Association's Board of Directors (2004-2007). Mayor Johnson was hired by Savannah State University in 1971 to establish an undergraduate program in social work. He achieved that goal and the program was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 1984. He was on the faculty of Savannah State University for 26 years and retired from the position of Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in 2002. Mayor Johnson is the 64 th Mayor of the City of Savannah and is currently serving his 2 nd term. He was sworn in, as the second African American Mayor, on January 3, 2004 and again on January 2, 2008. -7 Graduates college of business administration Master of Business Administration Ricardo Brown | Albany Slate University Shetia Catrice Butler | Savannah State University Eric McBeth | Savannah State University Patricia Perry Ogden | Savannah State University Karen Wilds | Brewton Parker College COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Master of Public Administration Tennielle Latres Hawkins | Wright State University Caroline Dyshan Moore | Savannah State University Amorette Felice Murphy | Benedict College Master of Science in Urban Studies Paschall Miller | Saint Leo University COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY Master of Science in Marine Sciences Laura Marie Birsa | Saint Francis College Olethes Evita Gardiner | Savannah State University Christopher Aaron Kalinowsky | University of South Carolina COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Accounting Ashley Murrelle All*! | Savannah, Georgia Shamel Javon Kemp | Savannah, Georgia Tanya Rae Burney | Richmond Hill, Georgia Charee Monchel McGirt* | Hinesville, Georgia Rhonda Elaine Clark | Savannah, Georgia Michelle Genee Medley | Stone Mountain, Georgia James Richard Comfort** | Newfane, New York Christel Jean Murray*** | PortWentworth, Georgia Felisha Monique Famble* I Savannah, Georgia Brandy C. T. Ross | Savannah, Georgia Travis J. Greatheart | Savannah, Georgia LaQuite Nicole Smith | Hinesville, Georgia Amekquea Quasheka Markita Johnson | Savannah, Georgia Stefanie Sabrina Takenaka | Savannah, Georgia Computer Information Systems Ashley Diane Boatner | Atlanta, Georgia Vanessa Ann Roberson | Dublin, Georgia Lazarius Zendell Coleman | Hinesville, Georgia Amanda Natasha Walton | Elherton, Georgia Willis Dell j Harrison, Georgia Monica Michelle Wilson | Savannah, Georgia Michael Holmes, Jr. | Savannah, Georgia ***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude ! In Absentia Kendra Nashe Cochran | Savannah, Georgia Delois Jean Dingle | Savannah, Georgia LaBritt Jermile Goodwin | Hephzihah, Georgia Jamel V. Gray* | Savannah, Georgia Cassidy Elise Jenkins | Snellville, Georgia Morris DaMeek Johnson | Savannah. Georgia Shenna Mari Jones | Bartow, Georgia Graduates Management Jason Maurice Kidd | Hampton, Virginia Akeina Renee Singletary I Decatur, Georgia Cherry K. Stallworth | Savannah, Georgia Jasmine Jackson Thomas* | Savannah, Georgia Jessie Eileen Withey*** | Savannah, Georgia Mutassa Ashee Young | Savannah, Georgia Michelle Monique Allen* | Smyrna, Georgia Patrick Maurice Burns* | Savannah, Georgia Deidra Marie David | Savannah, Georgia Moses Deroy Everett III | Thomasville, Georgia Marketing Brian W. Hunter* | Savannah, Georgia Kristi Arvonne Jones | Ellenwood, Georgia Joi Elaine Morgan | Atlanta, Georgia Wali Nazeeh Rasheed | Snellville, Georgia COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Behavior Analysis LaQuinta Nicole Carter* | Warrenton, Georgia Janiah Tonette Davis | Hephzibah, Georgia Letitia Lavette Evans** | East Dublin, Georgia Valencia Alexis Sade Handy | Augusta, Georgia Angela Denise Harrington* | Savannah, Georgia LaTronya Hollingsworth* I Savannah, Georgia Shantee Shenell Collins Lemon | Decatur, Georgia Dana Jermaine Mosley | Sylvania, Georgia Sally Pom* | Lake City, Georgia Marquice Tanille Pullen I Dublin, Georgia Mambu Samukai Sherman* | Lawrenceville, Georgia Erika Monique Thornton | Hinesville, Georgia Teri-Ann Nicole Williams* | Lithonia, Georgia Criminal Justice VanNessa AVion David** | Savannah, Georgia Earnestine Hilson* I Sandersville, Georgia Julius Lester Moore! | Richmond Hill, Georgia Marcus Renaldo Mosby | Riverdale, Georgia Gwendolyn Hope Royal** | Savannah, Georgia Ashley Herndon Scott | Lithonia, Georgia Erank Rafeal Usher | Fairburn, Georgia Jeffery Walker, Jr.** | East Dublin, Georgia Angela Renee Williams | Savannah, Georgia C assondr a Lynelle Wright** | Savannah, Georgia English, Language & Literature Quintina Christine Burroughs* | Stone Mountain, Georgia Britney Alaina Miller | Greensboro, Georgia Tiffany Rebecca Fletcher | Savannah, Georgia Alisa Louise Swain* | Lithonia, Georgia Shawon Nicole McCoy* | Shiloh, Georgia History Jonathan David Lehman | Versailles, Kentucky ***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude ! In Absentia -9- Graduates Mass Communications Tamara Renee Bentley I Hardeeville, South Carolina Daniel Milton Coleman | Macon, Georgia Tiffany Rebecca Fletcher | Savannah, Georgia Chasity Ellanese Gathers | Atlanta, Georgia Natalie Michele George | Jonesboro, Georgia Alfred Charles Godfrey, Jr. | Sharpsburg, Georgia Montrez Terrel Jenkins | Sparta, Georgia Arthur C. Lusby | Grayson, Georgia Tiffany Marie McClenton | Albany, Georgia Krystal Lorraine Palmer | Stone Mountain, Georgia Ronalda Alvita Smith | Savannah, Georgia John Derrell Young | Savannah, Georgia Political Science Dana Michelle Allred | Laurel, Maryland Brandon Lynn Lewis | Midway, Georgia Aleen Nicole Humphrey | Hinesville, Georgia Ebonie Caprice Northcutt* | Savannah, Georgia Ashley Marie King | Moreno Valley, California Social Work Shenika LaToya Loyd | Dublin, Georgia Susan Kimberly Ryncavage! | Savannah, Georgia Jennifer Latrell Marshall | Savannah, Georgia Jillian Dion Bradfield | Union City, Georgia Che'ree Monique Campbell | Riceboro, Georgia Randell Ashley Jones | Savannah, Georgia Sharieka Lashae Kirkland I Atlanta, Georgia Sociology Tiffany R. Spikes | Savannah, Georgia Monique Nichelle Thorpe | Darien, Georgia Terlika Shanta Woodard I Toomsboro, Georgia Scidera Nicole Woods | Austell, Georgia Visual and Performing Arts Janika LaFaye Davis | Riverdale, Georgia Rahime Hassan Knight | Saint Croix, Virgin Island COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY Biology Sharmika Allen | Hephzibah, Georgia Sherina Latrice Bacon* | College Park, Georgia Dana Marie Burgio** | Brooklet, Georgia Wesley Bernard Burkes* | Hinesville, Georgia Marcus Benjamin Christian-Hendrickson! | Saint Croix, Virgin Island Kanika Kentrell Cooper* | Wrens, Georgia William Arthur Daly | Sorrento, Florida Katie Ieacou Dixon | Covington, Georgia Myeisha Davette Durant** I Savannah, Georgia Linda Nneka Ezeh** | Savannah, Georgia Kristina Marvelle Grant** | Savannah, Georgia Karissa Niphore Grier** I Decatur, Georgia Andrea A. Hall-Houston* | Savannah, Georgia Taion Chelin Lucas* | Savannah, Georgia Jessica Andrea Maocha* | Savannah, Georgia Bianca Nicole Mason* | Decatur, Georgia Kimberly Tyese McBride | Hephzibah, Georgia Shakisha Renalda-Davis Nobles | Savannah, Georgia Dustin Jerod Plummer I East Dublin, Georgia Shaneka LaShay Scott | Savannah, Georgia Ebony Lorraine STEVERSOn | Savannah, Georgia Chemistry Victoria LaSundra Bailey* | Atlanta, Georgia ***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude ! In Absentia 10 Graduates Civil Engineering Technology Wayne Robert Alleyne Jr. | Saint Croix, Virgin Island Crystal Anique Ives-Powell* | Junction, New York Gavin Louis Carey | Pooler, Georgia Michael V. Maxwell | Savannah, Georgia Corey Antawn Dreissen | Savannah, Georgia John Robert Mayes II | Savannah, Georgia Jonathan Eady | Savannah, Georgia Roscoe Charles Smith III | Claxton, Georgia Computer Science Technology Adrian Thomas Long j Greensboro, North Carolina Gettis Cortez McGhee, Jr. | Sandersville, Georgia Shekevia Shantrell Manning* | Augusta, Georgia Trenes Jacobu Smith | Odenton, Maryland Electronics Engineering Technology Dionte L. Hall* | Jonesboro, Georgia Antonio Richmond Jr. | Douglasville, Georgia Marcus Dewayne Harris | Montgomery, Alabama William Sterling Jr. | Hinesville, Georgia Tao Rayniece Harris | Atlanta, Georgia Environmental Science Cydney Nichelle Hill* j Lithonia, Georgia Marine Science Jennifer Lynne Kinney* | Temple, Georgia Katie Elizabeth Watson | Savannah, Georgia Shanell R. Moss! | Savannah, Georgia Mathematics Kimberly Antoinette Jones*** | Snellville, Georgia Tiffany Nicole Smith! | Albany, Georgia Tyron Deshaun Kirkland I Alpharetta, Georgia Shakira Jeree Spencer** | Savannah, Georgia Danielle Shivoyne Sampson* | Lawrenceville, Georgia Alicia Lashon Ware * | Union City, Georgia NOTE: Appearance of name on any list in this program must not be considered as conclusive evidence of graduation. Persons who have met all requirements for a particular degree and whose names appear on the lists in this program wil receive the degree indicated. ***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude ! In Absentia -11- Honor Graduates Dana Marie Burgio James Richard Comfort Van 'Ness a A'Vion David Myeisha Davette Durant Letitia Lavette Evans Linda Ezeh Summa Cum Laude (3.75 - 4.00) Kimberly Antoinette Jones Christel Jean Murray Jessie Eileen Withey Magna Cum Laude (3.4 -3.74) Ashley Murrelle All Michelle Monique Allen Sherina Latrice Bacon Victoria L. Bailey Wesley Bernard Burkes Patrick Maurice Burnes Quintina Christine Burroughs Laquinta Nicole Carter Kanika Kentrell Cooper Eelisha Monique Famble Jamel V. Gray Dionte L. Hall Andrea A. Hall-Houston Angela Denise Harrington Cydney Nichelle Hill Earnestin Hilson Latronya Hollingsworth Cum Laude (3.00 - 3.39) Kristina Marvelle Grant Karissa Niphore Grier Gwendolyn Hope Royal Shakira Jeree Spencer Jeffery Walker Cassondra Lynelle Wright Brian W. Hunter Crystal Anique Ives-Powell Jennifer Lynne Kinney Taion Chelin Lucas Shekevia Shantrell Manning Jessica Andrea Maocha Bianca Nicole Mason Shawon Nicole McCoy Charee Monchel McGirt Ebonie Caprice Northcutt Sally Pom Danielle Shivoyne Sampson Mambu Samukai Sherman Alisa Louise Swain Jasmine Jackson Thomas Alicia Lashon Ware TeriAnn Nicole Williams Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society Laura Marie Birsa Jennifer Lynne Kinney Dana Marie Burgio Christel Jean Murray Kristina Marvelle Grant Gwendolyn Hope Royal Kimberly Antoinette Jones Carry Jana Smith Jessie Eileen Withey 12 Honor Graduates ' I VRIE BURGIO s Richard Comfort Van 'Ness a A'Vi Myeisha D Letitia L Magna Cum Laude (3.4 -3.i una Marvelle Grant Karissa Nipkore Grier Gwendol\n Hope Royal Shakira Jeref Spencer Jeffery Walker Cassondra Lynelle Wright aude Ashley Murrelle All Michelle Monique Allen Sherina Latrice B Victoria L. B Felisha Moniqi Jamel V. Gray Dionte L. Hall Andrea A. H Angela Di Cydney Nichelle i Earnestin Hilson Latronya Hollingsworth Brian W. Hunter Crystal Anique Ives-Powell Jennifer Lynne Kinney Taion Chelin Lucas Shekevia Shantrell Manning Jessica Andrea Maocha Bianca Nicole Mason Shavvon Nicole McCoy Charee Monchel McGirt Ebonie Caprice Northcutt Sally Pom Shivoyne Sampson Mambu Samukai Sherman Alisa Louise Swain I kson Thomas \ \RE he Williams Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society Marie Birsa Jennifer Lynne Ki Christel Jean Mi Gwei Royal Kimbi Smith Withey 12- X