insideOakwood: Oakwood's President to Host A Conversation, Black History Month, UNCF Gala, and more

Oakwood President to Host a Conversation

Be sure to log on for A Conversation with the President of Oakwood University on Tuesday, February 21, at 6:30 p.m. CST.

Dr. Leslie Pollard and moderator Kenn Dixon will be talking about what's going on at Oakwood this semester, including some exciting new initiatives, as well as answering your questions and concerns. Questions for Dr. Pollard may be sent in advance by email, to [email protected], or by Twitter: @Oakwoodu. Be sure to use #presidentsforum.

This conversation will be broadcast live on Facebook. To listen in from the comfort of your own home, go to f a cebook.com/OakwoodUniversity, on T uesday, February 21, 2017, beginning at 6:30 p.m. CST.

Oakwood University Celebrates Blac k History Month -- Moving Foward

On February 13, the prominent anti-racist educator and author Tim Wise was the guest speaker at the Frank Hale Diversity Chapel. Wise has spent the past 25 years speaking to audiences in all 50 states, on over 1000 college and high school campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to community groups across the nation. This was his third visit to Oakwood University.

Wise is the author of seven books, including his highly-acclaimed memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son , as well as Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority . During his presentation, Wise candidly described the current scenario in the United States, drawing from his latest book, Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America.

Following Chapel, Wise paused for photos during a book signing. After lunch, Mr. Wise participated in a panel discussion in the Peters Media Center. Others on the panel were public affairs professor Preston Foster, two Oakwood University students, and a representative from the Huntsville Police Department.

On Sunday, February 19, at 6:00 p.m., in the University Church, the United Student Movement will host the "It's A Different World: College Forum."

The program will feature two of the cast members of the popular television sitcom "A Different World," which aired from 1987 to 1993. Jasmine Guy ("Whitley") and Darryl M. Bell ("Ron") will visit the Oakwood campus, to discuss the show's continuing legacy and its current relevance, delivering the message about the importance of college, specifically HBCUs. They will engage in conversation with a live audience, and participate in a panel discussion, which will moderated by a local journalist from the greater Huntsville area.

During the Divine Worship experience on Sabbath, February 18, the special musical guest will be the Alabama A&M University Gospel Choir. The sermon will be delivered by Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, senior pastor.

On Tuesday, February 21, "Expressions of our Colors" will be presented at a jazz/poetry fusion, showcasing the intersection of music and literary works.

To see the complete line-up of Oakwood University's programs and activities planned for the rest of Black History Month 2017, click here.

Oakwood is Newest Sponsor of Tour de Youth

Oakwood University and the Healthy Campus 20/20 initiative are excited to introduce the partnership with Tour de Youth Cycling Event 2017.

This year's six-day, 533-mile ride is scheduled April 2-7, 2017, from Houston, Texas, to New Orleans, Louisiana.

On Sabbath, April 8, representatives from Oakwood University will present a special edition of "Oakwood on the Road" emphasizing health and Christian education, at the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Orleans. President Dr. Leslie N. Pollard will deliver the sermon during Divine Worship service, and Dynamic Praise will present a concert that evening.

If you would like to join the tour as a rider, or to make a contribution, visit www.bedetermined.org.

To purchase a cycling jersey, visit: Tour de Youth 2017 Cycling Kits. The store closes at close of business on Friday, February 17.

Tickets on Sale for the 39th Annual UNCF Gala

To purchase individual UNCF Gala tickets or sponsor a table, go to www.ougiving.com. For information about the UNCF North Alabama Campaign, contact Kisha Norris: [email protected] | 256-726-7201.

Picture of the Week

On February 9, the Healthy Campus 2020 initiative launched the Life Cycle program, housed in the lobby of the Eva B. Dykes Library. Ten (10) bicycles are available for students and employees to check out for one day, with a current ID, similar to checking out a book from the library. The rider also receives a helmet and a bicycle lock. The first 10 people to check out a bicycle received a LifeCycle T-shirt that says LifeCycle...Ride On! Pictured are Drs. Leslie and Prudence Pollard; Lawrence Soler, CEO of Partnership for Healthier America; Dr. Shirna Gullo, director of Healthy Campus 2020; Mrs. Paulette McLean Johnson, director of library services; Gabriel Carter, USM president; and student health ambassadors at the ribbon cutting last week.

120 Most Influential Oakwoodites

We are in search of nominations for a list of 120 Most Influential Oakwoodites -- those individuals who were either influential here at Oakwood, in the classroom, church, dormitory, basketball court, etc., or someone who has positively influenced your life, or has transformed lives through his/her service following their time at the Oaks.

We need the following information:

Your name, and
(in 100 words or less) why you're nominating someone as an Influential Oakwoodite. **
Please include the date(s) nominee attended Oakwood, especially the year he/she graduated.
Where the person lives now.
If possible, please include a high resolution photo (300 dpi or higher).

Email to [email protected] -- OR mail to:

Office of Integrated Marketing & Public Relations

Oakwood University

7000 Adventist Boulevard NW

Huntsville, Alabama 35896

**All submissions subject to editing for space.

Advertise in the Oakwood Magazine for "Alumni"

We would love to have your business advertised in the Spring 2017 edition of the Oakwood Magazine, which will be released just in time for Alumni Homecoming Weekend (April 13-16, 2017).

With affordable rates, advertising in the Oakwood Magazine is a great solution to market your business and strengthen your brand. While optional, you may elect to place a special offer or coupon in your ad, designed to compel readers to take immediate action, or to highlight certain products.

We offer different-sized ads ranging from a quarter of a page to a full page, to accommodate your advertising budget.

Won't you partner with us? Call Richard Hodnett for pricing and additional details.

All advertisements are due by February 24, 2017. This is an issue you won't want to miss. Let's make sure your business is represented!

Richard M. Hodnett

Assistant Director for Alumni Relations & Marketing

Phone: (256) 726-7663

Email: [email protected]

About Oakwood

The mission of Oakwood University, a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution, is to transform students through biblically-based education for service to God and humanity.