 Art meets science during Homecoming 2014
By: Jalen Hunter, Mass Communication Major
Who would have thought that homoeostasis and biomass could go hand in hand with paint brushes and water colors? During homecoming 2014 week, Voorhees College was introduced to a pleasant blend of biology and art by Zhabiz Golkar, an assistant professor of biology at Voorhees. Golkar has a love of art that was on full display as her art was made into an exhibit titled, "Art Meets Science." "I love to put my life experiences and views of the world in the form of art," said Golkar, when asked where she gets her inspiration for many of her paintings. Not one piece was similar to the other. Golkar's pieces were made out of water colors, strictly paint and untraditional forms of art such as using newspapers and other vibrant colors. "I believe my background with science helps me see colors and textures differently which translates into my work (art)."  Matthew Coxman, a freshman from Sumter, S.C, was in attendance at the event. "I have seen her (Golkar) around campus, and I knew she was a biology professor. But, I would have never known she was this talented in art," Coxman said. "This is some of the best art I have ever seen."
Golkar might not be the only one that deserves the credit for such a successful exhibit. Dr. Norma Watts, an assistant professor of humanities, is new to Voorhees this year, but she is already making major strides in the department.  "The school I came from, there are usually a lot of events happening of campus... I felt Voorhees needed this to show how much of a talent she (Golkar) really is," Watts said. Watts coordinated the event and could not be more proud of the results. "I feel this night was a major success and hope to do more events like this more and more." Quinten Blair, a math major from Philadelphia, said he deeply connected with the art. "When I look at the art, I think of my mother back at home in Philly. The beauty that the art shows really makes me value just how much of a beautiful person my mom is," Blair said. |
 November Alumni Highlight: Elroy Johnson
The November highlight is Elroy Johnson, a May 2014 graduate of Voorhees College.
Johnson currently serves as an administrative marketing director for Benefits 4 Freedom, a marketing consulting business in Raleigh, NC. The mission of Benefits 4 Freedom is to offer products and services that promote optimal wellness.
In Johnson's position, he works with clients to build brands through social media marketing, website development and motivational mentoring.
Johnson received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Voorhees. While at Voorhees, he was senior class president and president of the campus organization, Enactus.
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Voorhees reveals new Reading for Excellence Centers on campus
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(L to R) Marcus Burgess, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Gloria Donald, President of National Alumni Association, Frankie Jones, President and CEO of Phoenix One Enterprise, President Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr.
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Voorhees College recently showcased its Reading for Excellence Centers established in four dormitories on campus.
The Reading for Excellence Centers were established in Battle Hall, Blanton Hall, Guerry-Finley Hall and Halmi Hall with Rooms To Go, America's No. 1 independent furniture company with the nation's largest inventory, providing new furniture and accessories for each dormitory.
The purpose of the centers is to provide another place and opportunity for students to enrich their minds.
Phoenix One Enterprise, a management consulting firm in Greensboro, N.C., also partnered with Rooms To Go on this project.
Frankie T. Jones, president and CEO of Phoenix One Enterprise, said these centers are needed at institutions because more focus needs to be on literacy.
"There are too many of our kids who are leaving our institutions of higher learning who cannot read and cannot write," said Jones. "And two of the most important things that you have to be able to do when you hit the marketplace is to articulate and be able to write."
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, President Cleveland L. Sellers, Jr. said these centers will allow the institution to continue its mission of educating students.
"We want to thank Dr. Frankie Jones for assisting and facilitating this gift to the college," said President Sellers. "We're certainly encouraged by the fact that alumnus Dr. Lenny Springs also implemented this initiative. We have been asking all of our alumni to give back to the college and provide some assistance so that we can continue to do the things that Elizabeth Evelyn Wright Menafee had in her vision, and that is to provide a quality education to many of our young people."
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the Reading for Excellence Centers were given to guests.
The admissions building and student center also received new furniture.
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Voorhees archivist to attend prestigious institute at Tuskegee University
Voorhees College Archivist Richard Reid was one of ten representatives from UNCF institutions selected to participate in the Tuskegee University Archives Teaching and Learning Institute, which will be held December 1-5.
The topic for the institute is "Interwoven Stories: How Archives can be Used to Bolster Black History Month Programs and Beyond." The workshop will focus on acquiring technical skills for identifying, processing and disseminating particular collections to develop strong and compelling stories, from a local perspective, for Black History Month programs and more.
Funds from the UNCF/Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant will cover the costs associated with the workshop, including lodging, materials and supplies. Additionally, Tuskegee University will reimburse round-trip travel up to $500.
"I am looking forward to attending this exciting institute," said Reid. "I want to make sure that I am taking full advantage of all opportunities to learn and gain more experience in archives so that I can implement new ideas at Voorhees."
The institute will also focus on preparing the institution's collections for use by researchers and others, digitizing materials for use on websites and social media, providing outreach to local primary and secondary schools, using social media to get out the word about the institution's collections and developing other programs to inform the public about the institution's collections.
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Voorhees receives grant from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Voorhees College recently received a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant of approximately $645,000 to help prevent and reduce substance abuse, hepatitis C virus and the transmission of HIV/AIDS among young adult populations on college campuses.
This Minority Serving Institutions (MSO), Community Based Organizations (CBO) grant will be funded at $215,753 per year for three years. Voorhees College is partnering with HopeHealth of Orangeburg, one of the preeminent AIDS service organizations in South Carolina, to implement this Pathways Project.
The Pathways project is designed to reduce high-risk behaviors for substance abuse and HIV and hepatitis C virus among the targeted population, ages 18-21, at Voorhees College and Bamberg County. In 2013, Bamberg County had the second highest rate for HIV/AIDS in South Carolina.
Dr. Leroy Davis, executive director of the Voorhees College Center of Excellence in Rural and Minority Health, is serving as principal investigator for the Pathways Project.
"This project will have a direct and immediate impact on the outcomes and performance measures in this grant," said Davis. "The Pathways structure will involve intensive education and awareness by campus personnel and capacity building by the utilization of trained project staff and health navigators, who will be certified peer counselors."
Davis added, "The prevention specialist and college's nurse will be trained to provide rapid testing and coordinate a continuum of care with HopeHealth and S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control."
The overarching goal of this pathways project is to hire qualified staff to implement the requirements of the grant, increase the knowledge of 25% of the first-year college students regarding substance abuse, HIV and hepatitis C virus through pre and post assessment, change the behavior and attitude of 25% of the college and community students toward prevention of substance abuse, HIV, and hepatitis C virus through intensive awareness, education and screenings, and to screen or test 400 college and community 18-24 year olds for HIV and hepatitis C virus.
"We anticipate 200 first-year students will be served the first year and a total of 700 students and community residents will be exposed to the prevention strategies throughout the lifetime of the grant."
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Did you know...quick bits of news and knowledge about Voorhees College
- The Voorhees College Gospel Choir will hold their annual Christmas Concerton Sunday, December 7, 2014, in St. Philip's Chapel. The choir is under the direction of Mrs. Rosemarry Griffin. | | Voorhees College Gospel Choir Wade in the Water |
- Voorhees College is active across various social media platforms. Be sure to follow, like, share and add VC to your social networks.
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