SPELMAN
I n s i d e
S P R I N G
2 0 0 2
Spelman Welcomes Ninth President:
Beverly Daniel Tatum
I
n April 2002, the Board of Trustees field, Mass. She was also a lecturer at the
appointed Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum University of California at Santa Barbara in
as the ninth president of Spelman the Department of Black Studies.
College. Dr. Tatum comes to Spelman from Raised in Bridgewater, Mass., Dr. Tatum
a 13-year career at Mount Holyoke College is a fourth generation professor. She earned
where she was acting president and dean of a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan Univer-
the college. sity in psychology, a master’s degree and a
“The Board, and especially the members doctorate in clinical psychology from the
of the Search Committee, have worked dili- University of Michigan.
gently to find the right woman to lead and “Spelman holds a very special place in
inspire Spelman College,” says Trustee Chair higher education. I am tremendously hon-
Dr. June Gary Hopps (C’ 60). “We have ored by my selection as the next president,”
selected the best and we are confident that says Dr. Tatum. “I look forward to getting to
Dr. Tatum will build on Spelman’s traditions know the entire Spelman Community – fac-
and enhance Spelman’s mission to develop ulty, staff, students and alumnae. I want the
the intellectual, ethical and leadership Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum President’s Office to be an open place
potential of its students.” because communication is key to the suc-
A scholar, teacher, author, administrator White Community. She has been a featured cess of our initiatives. In order to be the best
and race relations expert, Dr. Tatum is noted lecturer on the subject of race relations and we can be, we have to have everyone rowing
for her critically acclaimed book, “Why Are has appeared on several panels around the in the same direction. The more people feel
All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the country, including President Clinton’s Initia- connected, the more vested they will be in
Cafeteria?” And Other Conversations tive on Race. Prior to joining Mt. Holyoke, the success of the College.”
About Race. She is also the author of she was an associate professor and assistant Dr. Tatum assumed her official duties on
Assimilation Blues: Black Families in a professor at Westfield State College in West- August 1, 2002.
Quotes of Note: In Praise of Spelman’s President
“In the selection of Dr. Beverly Daniel academic, an experienced administrator expand our success as a diverse
Tatum, Spelman College continues to be and wise in leading people. All of us at The community. As a teacher, she has inspired
blessed with women of genius. Dr. Tatum’s Hollins Group, Inc. were excited by her as a countless students. As a scholar and
capability and work in building an entire candidate and expect great things from her writer, she has helped shape the national
college community will serve Spelman well. presidency at Spelman College.” discussion on issues of race. And as an
Her impressive leadership talents and - Nancy Hall White, Vice President and administrator, she has played an important
unique sense of academic mission are Managing Director, The Hollins Group, Inc. role in maintaining Mount Holyoke’s
extraordinary.” leadership in the liberal arts. I am
- Yvonne Jackson (C’70), Search “A gifted teacher and accomplished confident that Dr. Tatum will build on
Committee Chair, Spelman Board of scholar, Beverly Daniel Tatum is also a Spelman’s proud traditions with the same
Trustees natural-born administrator. She is an clear-sighted energy, courage and caring
inspired choice for the presidency of she has brought to Mount Holyoke.”
“Beverly Daniel Tatum is a prime example Spelman. In her 13 years here, Dr. Tatum - Joanne V. Creighton, Mount Holyoke
of the next generation of college has exerted a powerful influence on this College President
presidents. Not yet 50, she is a talented institution and worked very effectively to
Diversity/Reconciliation Key Themes At
Contents International Narrative Therapy And
Features
1 Spelman Announces New President Community Work Conference
2 International Narrative Therapy and
S
pelman College was chosen as the Cherokee presence was essential to their
Community Work Conference
first American site of the fourth ongoing mission of reconciliation towards
3 Environmental Focus Links Three International Narrative Therapy minorities.
Schools and Community Work Conference. The pre- The conference was co-hosted by
conference began June 10, extending to the Spelman College and the Dulwich Centre,
3 The Spelman Scarf: A Symbol of Giving
grand opening event on Wednesday, June based in Australia. The Dulwich Centre is
3 New Names On Campus 19, closing on June 21. Countries known as the home of narrative therapy –
represented included Ghana, Australia, New a therapeutic approach utilizing the stories
Zealand, Sweden, Israel, Norway, Hong of individuals, families and communities
Kong and Mexico. to achieve healing and reconciliation.
The purpose of the conference was to Co-founder Michael White delivered the
provide learning and networking opportunities keynote address and led workshops,
for psychologists, family therapists, doctors, discussions and seminars. Also in attendance
nurses, mental health workers, counselors, were indigenous Australian, Maori &
teachers and community workers. Experts Samoan leaders in the field of health, as
offered presentations on working with well as America Bracho, a nationally
children, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, respected Latino health worker and African
survivors of violence and traumas, American family therapist Kenneth V. Hardy.
addictions therapy, gay, lesbian and Attendees gave Spelman high praises for
transgender experiences and spirituality. its hospitality, beautiful campus, and in
The Grand Opening was of great particular, for the College’s commitment to
historical significance. For the first time education, community service and the
since the Trail of Tears in 1839, leaders from preservation of black culture. “I have felt
the United Keetowah Band of the Cherokee incredibly honored to be hosted on this
from Oklahoma and North Carolina campus,” wrote one guest. “The integrity
returned to the land of their origin. Here on and passionate dedication to education and
Spelman’s campus, the Cherokee nation the uplifting of communities lives in every
welcomed the world to their first homeland. tree and breathes through the very walls of
Conference planners indicated that the your history.”
350 Spelman Lane S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30314
EDITOR Inside Spelman
Cathy Lee is published three times
per academic year for a
EDITORIAL STAFF readership that includes
Tomika DePriest alumnae, trustees,
Trisa Long Paschal parents, students, faculty,
Jo Moore Stewart staff and friends of the
College. The newsletter is
COPY EDITOR
dedicated to informing the
Spelman College family
Jan Barstow
about news, upcoming
events and issues in the
PHOTOGRAPHY
life of the College.
Wilford Harewood
Bud Smith
Craig Bromley Decatur-based drummers Giwayen Mata join dancers from the Malcolm X Community
Albert Thompson Center for the opening ceremony.
2 INSIDE SPELMAN
NEW NAMES ON CAMPUS
The Spelman Scarf: A Symbol of Giving Tomika DePriest
A t a lavish event hosted by Atlanta Life
Insurance Company, the President’s Recep-
tion recognized leadership donors and
members of the Guardian Society. Special alumnae
Spelman’s new Director of Public Relations,
Tomika DePriest (C’89) officially joined the
Institutional Advancement staff in February 2002.
However, as both an alumnae
donors from reunioning classes were festooned with and contributing writer for the
a beautiful Spelman scarf, hand-made of imported Spelman Messenger, she is
silk chiffon and embellished with 84 tiny Swarovski not new to Spelman.
Crystals. The sapphire scarf was awarded to major Tomika earned an M.A. in
Africana Women’s Studies from
donors and the ivory scarf was awarded to members Clark Atlanta University and
of the Guardian Society. These generous women are served as a Poynter Institute of Media Studies
helping to insure the Spelman legacy. Journalism Fellow. She received a Spelman
Donors pictured clockwise, beginning upper right College Alumnae Achievement Award in 1998.
corner, are: Joy San Walker Brown, C’52, Hattimarie “My goal will be to position Spelman College
Parks Davis, C’47, Daisy Carroll Harris, C’47, Rose Harris as one of the top among historically black colleges
Johnson, C’57, Bettye Lovejoy Scott, C’57, Jodie Clement and universities, as well as colleges and universi-
ties in general,” says Ms. DePriest. “I am a part of
Smart, C’82, Mildred Collier Walton, C’47, Tonya Spelman’s 121-year legacy of educating African
Harding Ward, C’92 and Mildred Ponder Stennis, C’47. American women. Now, I get to play a key role in
promoting the institution.”
Dr. Deborah E. King
Dr. King is the Director of Corporate Relations
and Major Gifts and serves as a strategic partner
in providing funds for capital, operational, pro-
grammatic and endowment needs for the College.
Dr. King has over 15 years of experience in higher
education and non-profit fundraising. She is the
recipient of the prestigious Woodrow Wilson
Fundraising Fellowship and has a Ph.D. in
Environmental Focus Links Three Colleges higher education, focusing on fundraising and
evaluation.
S
pelman College and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) have
engaged in a three-year linkage with Mangosuthu Technikon ( Mantec), in Durban, Professor Barbara Nesin
South Africa. By establishing the framework for an Environmental Policy and Science Professor Barbara Nesin is the new Chair of the
Research Program, Spelman and FAMU will assist Mantec in strengthening its institutional Fine Arts Program, coming to the College from
Front Range Community College in Fort Collins,
capacity to provide increased access and quality educational opportunities for historically Colorado. An instructor in drawing and painting,
disadvantaged individuals in key areas. Professor Nesin has a special interest in art that
Both Spelman and FAMU will benefit from this project as they broaden their academic focuses on multicultural issues. She holds a
programs to include greater international opportunities for students and faculties. All three B.F.A. from Pratt University, an M.B.A. from Long
schools should benefit as they produce a more skilled and marketable workforce, expand Island University and an M.F.A. from Indiana
service/learning opportunities for faculty, students and staff and begin developing a long-term State University.
strategic plan for future collaborations with a particular focus on environmental issues.
In The President’s Office
Spelman Celebrates 121st Commencement Dr. Sherry Turner
The new Assistant to the President and Secretary
of the College is Sherry Turner, from Mt. Holyoke
F
amed actor and community activist Danny Glover gave the
College. During her 12 years there, she served as
address for Spelman’s 121st commencement on May 19 at
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Assistant Dean
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. During the ceremony, of the College and Ombudsperson. Dr. Turner
Mr. Glover, who is the current Goodwill Ambassador for the United holds a B.A. in Psychology / Anthropology-
Nations Development Program, received an honorary degree. Sociology, an M.S. in Developmental Psychology,
Mr. Glover encouraged graduates to become active, involved a Masters in Theological Studies and a Ph.D. in
citizens, both locally and globally. He closed with a passage from the Psychology.
poem, “Interim” by Clarissa Scott Delaney, “ ‘…Another day will
Yvonne Skillings also comes from Mt.
find me brave, And not afraid to dare.’ – That’s my charge to you, Holyoke and now serves as the Executive Assistant
Spelman graduates. Be not afraid to dare.” Actor /activist Danny and Office Manager to the President. Previously,
Other honorary degree recipients included Dr. Eleanor Traylor Glover served as this Ms. Skillings served as a staff member who was
(C’55), chair of the English department at Howard University, and year’s commencement
also enrolled in the Frances Perkins Scholars
speaker and received
Ambassador Bismarck Myrick, a career member of the United States Program. She served Dr. Tatum in the area of
an honorary degree.
Senior Foreign Service who presently serves in Liberia. student affairs.
WINTER 2001 3
Spelman Salutes Famed actress and activist Ruby Dee stars in Ayoka Chenzira’s
stage production of Flying Over Purgatory. South African actress
2002 Presidential Awards Mabel Mafuya also starred in the production, making this her first
Excellence in Teaching Award visit to the U.S. in 30 years. This was a culminating event cele-
brating the installation of Spelman College’s first Cosby Chair of
Professor Jann Primus (C’81), her second award, this one posthumously.
Fine Arts, Professor
Dr. Kathleen Phillips Lewis, Associate Professor of History. Ayoka Chenzira. Premier-
ing April 18 – 21, the
Scholarly Achievement Award
performance was posi-
Dr. Jeffrey Ehme, Chair of the Department of Mathematics. tioned as a fundraiser to
generate money for the
Distinguished Service Award Spelman College Fine Art
Dr. Margery Ganz, Chair of the Department of History. Department.
Dr. Cornelia Gillyard, Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Emeritus Appointments
Dr. Lois Moreland, Professor Emerita of Political Science in 1999.
Dr. James Gates, Professor Emeritus of French in 2002.
Dr. Etta Falconer, Professor Emerita of Mathematics in 2002.
Dr. Norman Rates was named Dean Emeritus of Sisters Chapel in 2002.
Fanny Lou Hamer Achievement Award
In recognition of her significant contribution to the community outside
Spelman College, Dr. Victoria Durant Gonzalez received the Fanny Lou
Hamer Achievement Award. For years Merck has been an integral partner with Spelman
to promote educational excellence in the sciences. For their generosity,
Scholarships the foyer in the new Science Center is named on their behalf.
Gifts to the following scholarships can be made by contacting Trisa Long Pictured left to right are Dr. Gladys Bayse, Spelman; Jerry Bryant
Paschal at 404-223-1485. Jr., Ph.D., Director, Science Education Initiatives, The College Fund,
UNCF; Susan Rhue Jenkins, Human Resources Consultant, Merck;
The Norman M. and Laura Lynem Rates Annual Scholarship John R. Taylor, Senior Director Public Affairs, Executive V.P. of the
Merck Company Foundation; Danny Flannigan, V. P., Business and
Established March 7, 2002, this scholarship will assist a deserving student
Financial Affairs, Spelman; Angela D. Knight, Director of Staffing
majoring in religion or social science. Initiatives, Merck; and Dr. Al Thompson, Spelman.
Dr. Etta Zuber Falconer Endowed Scholarship In Mathematics
Upon the retirement of Dr. Etta Zuber Falconer, Calloway Professor of In Memoriam
Mathematics, the Falconer family has established an endowed scholarship Dr. James Gates, Professor Emeritus, Foreign Languages, died on
to be awarded to a full-time rising junior or senior mathematics majors.
May 29, 2002. He served on Spelman’s faculty for 35 years.
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