Oakwood University Hosts Latino Guests
from Gulf States Conference
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November 6 and 7 was an explosive weekend for Latinos at Oakwood University! “Reaching Your Dreams” was the theme for a weekend event that drew more than 400 Latinos from the Gulf States Conference to Oakwood University. The musical group Forgiven (pictured above) joined the Sabbath worship celebration.
During his sermon, Pastor Isaac Ibarra, Special Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion (pictured below), shared testimonies of Latino students at Oakwood. After lunch, guests were given a tour of the campus.
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Dr. Karen Benn-Marshall, Vice President for Enrollment, shared with potential students, parents, and local pastors about the opportunities at Oakwood University. Leaders from Gulf States Conference appreciated the warmth and hospitality of Oakwood, and indicated they would encourage their Latino youth to make Oakwood University their first choice for higher education.
"Congratulations, Pastor Ibarra, on an outstanding event. It is obvious that all of the hard work by you and your team was rewarded," said President Leslie Pollard.
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Above: Pastor Ibarra describes the Monument to Service during a tour of the campus.
Below, clockwise: OLA soccer team, Oakwood's men's and women's soccer team.
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To finalize the weekend, 16 soccer teams spent the day in competition and fellowship at Huntsville's Soccer Complex. Anthony Walker, Oakwood's soccer coach, brought the women's and men's soccer teams from Oakwood. In addition, a team from the Oakwood Latino Association also participated in the great event. |
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Oakwood Students Invite Community to
Town Hall Meeting on Redistricting
by Dr. Marcya Burden, Pre-Law Program Director and Social Justice Advocacy Coordinator
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On Monday, November 8, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., Oakwood University held its second Town Hall meeting regarding the redistricting of Huntsville’s District 5. Under the leadership of Dr. Marcya Burden, Pre-Law Program Director and Social Justice Advocacy Coordinator, Professor Preston Foster, Public Policy Director and Professor, and Peris Munene, president of the Oakwood University Chapter of the NAACP, students of the History and Political Science Department rallied the community together through canvassing to promote community awareness and activism.
This Town Hall meeting was part of the practical and experiential learning assessments of our Public Policy course taught by Professor Foster. "Our goal as policy and law professors is to not only teach legal and political theories, but also train our students through civic engagement," said Dr. Burden.
During the Town Hall meeting with District 5 City Councilman John Meredith (above, right), Oakwood University students, employees and administrators, and surrounding community residents were able to ask questions regarding the redistricting plan and propose ideas as well. Constituents were able to attend in-person at the Community Health Action Clinic on Sparkman Drive, as well as virtually on Zoom. Student government leaders from Oakwood University, Alabama A&M University, and the University of Alabama, Huntsville were also in attendance. Briana Brooks, Miss UNCF Oakwood University, announced that the first 100 people who signed up would receive groceries later this month for Thanksgiving.
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Our social justice advocacy efforts are led by Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8 KJV
Redistricting is the process of drawing electoral district boundaries. It can impact community constituencies’ education offerings, tax revenue, votes, and infrastructural support. The current redistricting plan of District 5 will remove over 10, 000 persons to District 1. Oakwood University is a community of people who will be affected by the process.
Pre-Law major Peris Munene, reflected: "My classmates from the Public Policy courses and I had the wonderful opportunity to canvass the community surrounding Oakwood. We were the 'boots on the ground' advertising the Town Hall meeting with Councilman John Meredith. We went knocking on the doors at West Lake Apartments and houses by Sparkman Road We also went to UAH and Alabama A&M, inviting other students to be a part of the efforts to inform the public on redistricting. It was great being community organizers, and explaining redistricting and its importance to the residents of Huntsville. We gained valuable community service experience and are so happy the event was a success."
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Above, l-r: Professor Preston Foster, Dr. Leslie Pollard, Dr. Marcya Burden, Councilman John Meredith |
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We are grateful for the fearless leadership of our President, Dr. Leslie Pollard, and his continued support of social justice advocacy. Our students are thrilled to continue to advocate for others and look forward to working with city and government officials to promote equality and justice for all.
“Community engagement is service in action. Our Oakwood University students are engaging our community around the issues that impact their lives. We are so proud of them,” said President Pollard.
Media report- WAFF 48
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Oakwood University Reports on 'Blessings and Breakthroughs' During North American Division
Year End Meetings
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President Leslie Pollard presented the annual report to the 300 delegates of the North American Division in the year end meetings on November 4, 2021.
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The Combined Federal Campaign Gives Federal Employees Opportunity to Support Oakwood University |
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Are you a federal employee or retiree or know someone who is?
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) promotes and supports philanthropy and provides a way for federal employees to improve the quality and life for all. We invite you to support Oakwood University with your giving through the CFC!
This year we are highlighting the following causes for which Oakwood provides services:
- Community Improvement
- Food and Nutrition
- Education
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Oakwood University Preparing for its 125th Birthday! |
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Tuesday, November 16, 2021, is Founders Day, marking the 125th anniversary of the founding of 'A Place Called Oakwood.' Commemorative events have been happening since August 1, and activities on Founders Day include:
12:00 to 12:30 pm – Bell Tower - Historical Markers Unveiling and Launch
12:30 to 2:00 p.m. - Blake Center - Refreshments, Photo Booth and Dear 150th cards
5:30 p.m. - Jacobs Memorial Silos Plaza - Burial of Time Capsule and Fireworks Display
Other events have been planned for the year-long 125th anniversary celebration, that will span the entire school year.
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Giving Ignited by Oakwood University Alumni and Friends |
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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have given to support the mission of Oakwood University, even amid uncertain times. Last year was a challenging year for us all, and we continue to pray for you and your family. Our Lord provided for Oakwood in unforeseen ways, and with help from our alumni, faculty, staff and friends we were able to finish the year strong.
Oakwood University counts on the support of our alumni and friends so that we are able to make a larger impact in the lives of our students and the community. In order to continue the sustainability and growth that our University has seen in its 125 years, we rely on our donors to renew their gifts on a recurring basis -- which is why we started the monthly giving program: Ignite10.
When you give to Ignite10, a percentage goes to scholarships. With support from our donors we have been able to increasingly help our students with their tuition.
The other percentage goes to the annual fund. Gifts to the annual fund are used to help in areas with the greatest need. As we continue to enhance the university in areas of academics, student support, service, and entrepreneurship, the annual fund aids in sustaining the infrastructure of the university.
YOU can ignite a passion in others to support the mission of Oakwood University. Give today to help students and fire up their drive for success and leadership. Encourage ten other alumni, friends, or family to follow your lead and give generously. Be a blessing. Get more information and donate now at: give.oakwood.edu/ignite/
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It’s the 125th year celebration of Oakwood’s existence and our Reunion Honor Classes of the 2s and 7s are NEXT UP to CELEBRATE!
These 13 AMAZING and MEMORABLE CLASSES will help us celebrate in a BIG way in the engagement of their time to organize their giving financially to their alma mater during their reunion year up to Homecoming 2022.
Last year, our Reunion Honor Classes of the 1s and 6s gave over $140,000 by Homecoming. Will our Reunion Honor Classes of 2s and 7s outdo the last year’s Honor Classes? We will see. The Reunion Year GIVING CLOCK started April 5, 2021, the day after Homecoming 2021. Exciting!!!
If you are a member of these NEXT UP Reunion Honor Classes, information is on the way. We especially want to hear from the class presidents of these honor classes. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 256-726-7039 today.
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Dr. Sydney Freeman, Jr., is the first Black person to earn the distinguished Barbara Townsend Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and to give its lecture. The award recognizes a scholar whose work focuses on community colleges, feminist studies, doctoral education, and/or higher education leadership preparation programs. The award recipient presents a lecture during a special session at the annual Association for the Study of Higher Education conference. Of the four top lectures given at the conference each year, this is the only lecture that is voted upon by a committee of peers in the field.
Freeman’s lecture was entitled: I’m a Higher Educationist, I’m Proud, and I’ll Say it Loud: Embodying and Embracing the Future of Higher Education as a Field of Study, and focused on three main points:
- Higher education should “decenter the elites” (i.e. stop just focusing on researching about ivy league institutions and assuming their desires are and should be the same as smaller, less-resourced colleges and universities’ academic programs).
- The formal study of the field of higher education should now transition to becoming an emerging discipline.
- Those who research and teach in the emerging discipline of higher education studies should be proud of it.
Freeman is a Full Professor in the College of Education, Health & Human Sciences at the University of Idaho, and is an international authority on higher education leadership, higher education programs and leadership/administration, and graduate education. Dr. Freeman has published nearly 100 scholarly and academic related manuscripts and has lectured and presented at Harvard University, Oxford University (UK), Jerusalem College of Technology (Israel), and RMIT University Vietnam, Saigon. He was recognized as one of the recipients of the “Accomplished Under 40” for the year 2020 by the Idaho Business Review, and recently earned the prominent 2021 University of Idaho mid-career faculty award.”
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Nia Darville, one of our very own Oakwood alumnae, and Director of Diverse by Design, has been selected by Atlanta Technology Professionals as a finalist for their Impact Awards. ATP recognizes individuals for making a positive impact in the Atlanta technology community. The winner will be announced at the annual ATP Awards Gala on November 18. MORE
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Assistant Professor Dominic McKenzie was among several recipients of this year's Consulate General of Jamaica's Heritage Awards in New York. The Consulate General of Jamaica's Heritage Award was established in 2013 by former Consul General Herman Lamont to recognize outstanding and dedicated service by individuals and businesses to the Jamaican community. The awards ceremony was held at the Consulate General of Jamaica's New York offices in Manhattan on November 5, 2021.
Consular General Alsion Wilson said the winners are especially inspiring this year. “Our awardees have distinguished themselves as beacons of hope during some of our most difficult times, including the ongoing pandemic,” she said.
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The Oakwood University family remembers the life of Dr. Ernest Eugene Rogers, who is now resting in Jesus. His was a long life well lived; he was extraordinarily loved, and exhibited Oakwood's motto, "depart to serve."
President Leslie Pollard commented: "Not only was Dr. Rogers my Greek teacher, he was also a delightful soul to whom God granted 105 years of living life to its fullest. We are grateful that he can now rest from his labors, and that his works will follow him."
It’s reasonable to calculate that, during the more than 50 years of full time service at Oakwood, Dr. Ernest E. Rogers was involved with the training of 90% or more of all ministers in the Regional Conferences of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. On November 10, 2016, during Oakwood’s Founders Day and 120th anniversary celebration, the E.E. Rogers Biblical Languages & Resource Center was dedicated at the Bradford-Cleveland-Brooks Leadership Center, honoring Dr. Rogers’ service as Oakwood’s first full-time professor of Biblical languages, from 1945 to 1979. The Center fosters the learning and use of Biblical languages, and provides computer-based resources for students.
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Reminders & Opportunities |
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Thursday @ 8:30 a.m. CDT
Join us at 8:30 a.m. (Central Daylight Time) Thursdays on Morning Joy with Dawna Baker, for a special edition of "Inside Oakwood with Dr. Leslie Pollard." Programs are broadcast on Facebook Live, and you can also listen via our live stream at http://wjou.org. Click the links below to listen to previous episodes:
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Call for Submissions: Young Women's Devotional |
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The Anna Knight Women's Leadership Center & Museum is excited to announce the upcoming production of the 2022 Young Women’s Devotional. Sharing your story is important and we have compiled templates and guidelines to help you put your story in motion, to help, motivate, and encourage other young women. We encourage you to submit as many entries as you wish!
We want to encourage you to submit as many entries as you wish. We cannot do this without you!
Submit your story or your artistic expression today! If you have any questions, please contact Adrienne Reid at wlc@oakwood.edu, or (256) 726-7245.
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Share Your News with the Oakwood Family |
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All Oakwood Alumni are invited to share your special milestones -- that have occurred within the last 12 months -- with the Oakwood family, including:
- births
- graduations
- new positions/promotions
- article/book publications
- professional certifications
- entrepreneurial ventures
- memorials
If possible, please include a high-resolution digital photo suitable for publication (.jpg, .png, or .gif format; under 2MB in size; 300 dpi or the largest size possible for print).
Submissions may be edited, and placement is at the discretion of the editorial team. Send by email to pr@oakwood.edu.
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Leave a Legacy at "the Oaks" |
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Pave the way into the next 125 years of success by purchasing a personalized brick on the Legacy Walkway, that leads from Ford Hall and Peters Media Center to the rest of the campus.
The Legacy Walkway Brick Campaign provides an opportunity to leave a legacy and support campus improvement at the same time. Our Legacy Walkway features names of donors, loved ones, special remembrances, and favorite sayings. Bricks are a great opportunity to congratulate a graduate, celebrate an advanced degree or accomplishment, or honor your loved ones.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to leave more than a memory at Oakwood University. You can leave your own legacy as we continue our mission – to transform the lives of our students.
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Give back year-round to Oakwood University
while shopping online with AmazonSmile.
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The AmazonSmile Foundation will send OU .5% of eligible purchases when you choose Oakwood University.
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It's simple:
- You can use your current Amazon account.
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Just click https://smile.amazon.com.
- When prompted, select Oakwood University as your charitable organization, and then
- Shop as you normally do.
Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.
Your Oakwood University family thanks you for all you continue to do for our dear Oakwood.
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Show yOUr Pride in Alabama! |
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Purchasing an Alabama “Oakwood University License Plate” is a simple way to contribute to scholarships for Oakwood students who are Alabama residents.
Request your Oakwood University collegiate plate when you normally register your car in Alabama so you don’t have to double pay. Contact Debbe Millet in IMPR if you have any questions.
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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. |
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InsideOakwood is published by the Office of Integrated Marketing & Public Relations.
Editor: Debbe Millet
Photographer: Teymi Townsend
Graphic Designer: Ron J. Pride
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