Convocation 2006 was excellent this year, we started on time! Dr. Les Brinson, the University announced its official start and Provost Beverly Jones took the podium. She greeted everyone and started the ceremony by announcing the order in which other podium guest would speak. She defined the purpose of occasion as an opportunity to welcome students, faculty and staff back to the university for a new academic year as well as friends and neighbors of NCCU. The universities priority was to student’s success, increase retention and graduation.

Overall the ceremony was positive and without major malfunction. The choir did a great job as usual. The speakers kept it brief and to the point. I was a little disappointed that out of over 8,000 students the gym was not completely overflowing with NCCU students.

There was one remarked I thought we could have done without, and it came from Provost Jones in her introduction of Dr. Ammons. I think she was trying to be humorous, but it backfired. Her remark referring to him as a pilot that as not crashed any planes yet was gross. I believe some could have found the remark offensive in light of the country’s current state of concern for aircraft safety, terrorist, twin towers, etc. Maybe I am being too sensitive… doubt it! The remark was irresponsible and lacked forethought. She seemed a little embarrassed afterward.

I enjoyed Rev. Michael Page’s reflections on Dr. Suzan Cook’s book, “Live like you are Blessed.” She is truly a phenomenal woman of God and eloquent speaker. If you have never heard her speak then you have indeed missed out! I also enjoyed remarks made by Ms. Rebie Coleman, Secretary for Employee Senate. She said of the employee’s purpose that “working together works, and that the employees of NCCU want to ensure that students have a positive experience.” In reference to those who might have encountered a negative experience, she said that it was the exception and not the rule.

Dr. Ammon gave a great speech of motivation, vision and planning for the future of NCCU, but more specific on “Preparing Centennial Class for Success.” For us who will graduate before 2010, he encouraged “you too are important.” He really emphasized preparing students for the Economic future. There are current initiatives that are focused on increasing student’s knowledge in the fields of math and science. He mentioned an increase in funding and support for the school which will enable our school to prepare to train students in biotechnology. Dr. Ammon’s is someone that I appreciate, and respect greatly. I had the opportunity to interview him for an article I wrote involving the Black Enterprise rankings. He is truly is about making a difference in the lives of the students, faculty and staff at N.C. Central. I am honored to call him the Chancellor of my school N.C. Central! Eagle Pride… YEAH!
Shalom! V

Reflections on writing my obituary:

1) I found it strange and considered I might possibly have some superstitious tendencies that I wasn’t aware of. LOL!

2) I have a pre-paid plan for my funeral. However, I had not really considered what people might have to say about me, or what my kids might have to put in the paper. I just last year during my spring semester had to write my mothers obituary, so writing mine was not as difficult, it just brought back memories. I view death differently, as a new beginning rather than an ending. I have already instructed my kids to go on with their life and not place to much emphasis on my death, just to remember the way that I was and the importance of living life to its fullness. Love hard and play hard! I also told them to just tell those in attendance that I loved them, God and did all that I could to make a difference within my immediate community. Too often we want to reach across the ocean to try and change things but don’t have the resources. I have found out that if you really want to make a difference then do so to those within your reach, and perhaps God will enable those you help to reach others you cannot.

Overall, it was a good experience to write my obituary. I kept a copy in my file folder at home with my insurance policy and pre-plan with a note that I had written this sample of my obituary for class. I’m sure when it is time for my kids to open it they will get a big kick out of it… I left a smiley face.

Peace, V

Our visitor on Friday, September 22, 2006 was 71 year old photographer Jim Alexander, a native of New Jersey. He was a very interesting man with lots of energy and a wealth of knowledge about documentary photography as well as African Americans. I appreciated his knowledge and dedication to present African-Americans through documentary photography. A veteran of 40 years, he discussed how his life changed after his service in the navy. He started taking photos in 1952. It was not until the 1960s that he begin to document African-Americans. He is known for documenting, music artist, marches, and rallies.

Mr. Alexander has taught at various colleges such as Atlanta and Clark colleges. He is on campus at NCCU to aid in the start of a jazz institute that he said will exceed that of Rutgers. This is a very exciting opportunity for NCCU.

He encouraged us to utilize the equipment, and areas to gain knowledge while in college. He said that we should take advantage of the internships, radio station, etc to help with developing a resume. “Get what you can while you are in school.” He encouraged the males in class to read Haki R. Madhubuti’s book “Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous?”


I loved the photos on his website. He has photos from B.B. King to Michael Jackson: www.jimalexanderphotography.com

Dr. Emily Gunter visited our class on Wednesday, September 20. She is the founder of "Rites of Passage," and the author of the book entitled Thirteen Golden Keys to Learning: She did an awesome presentation on the 4 levels of knowledge and how to maintain your sense of balance while listening to the news.

1) Un-Conscious incompetent which leads you to ignorance, possibly "evil ignorance" if you are a person who thinks that you cannot be taught anything new.

2) Conscious incompetence is a step toward learning. This person will seek to become more knowledgeable about a subject.

3) Conciously competent is the level in which you take what you are learning and become more competent and have greater understanding

4) Un-Consious competent. "I know, but I don't know how I know it." You study and do the research. It is a spin-off back to level 3 and you become competent.

Overall she explained that we should seek to become what she calls our "genius self," which is the highest level of living. This is done by learning how the right and left brain can work together. She also emphasized knowing who you are, your purpose in life and what you want to do and then do it.

I learned that we should also watch for the energy vampire, which zaps our strength. When we hear the news our "false ego" sets up an illusion which causes us to become unbalanced. What we must remember is that everything is already passed. We should strive to live in the now.

She explained the importance of breathing right. She also shared a technique to increase memory. She explained that the heart, spleen, liver, etc senses are in the hands. And that to increase memory that for a female, we should place our right hand on our heart, then our left hand on top connecting our thumbs and focusing on our breathing when we are trying to recall something to memory. It is directly opposite for males. I thought I would try this technique while studying for my test for today, thus far I must say that it has been quite helpful.

It was a very interesting presentation which left me feeling I wanted to learn more, and so I plan to purchase her book on the 13 golden keys to learning. The focus on breathing correctly reminded me of Tai Chi that also emphasizes breathing right. Til next time!

Peace, V

Like many Americans, I still remember where I was and what I was doing on Sept 11, 2001. Little did I expect to see the towers that morning, but just as I was settling into my office for the day one of the professors I work with came into my office and said, "a plane as just crashed into the twin towers in New York." She asked me to turn on my television and so I did, and opened the door to my office for others to step in. We all stood in awe as the second plane hit the north tower and my heart sank in disbelief. It was a moment in which I felt both fear and sadness. I had friends that worked in lower Manhattan and I could only imagine what they must have been going through on that day.

New York is a place that I visit often. Normally in October around the second week or so I venture to Harlem for revival and often into mid-town around 7th avenue to do a little shopping. The last time I visited was during the month of July for the puerto rican day parade. I remember during my visit in 2000 that I had met briefly with friends at the towers. We were headed to Battery Park to take the ferry over to Liberty Island. As we arrived on the Island I recall looking back and thinking how big the towers were and how awesome the skyline was and now they were gone.

It seems just like yesterday. I just can't forget the sorry and horror I felt for my friends and all those who were at the towers that day.