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NEWSRememberinga Great Man:Dr. SamuelNabritDr. Samuel Nabrit.Houston Mayor Bill White andCouncilman Ronald Green, a TSUalum, recognize Dr. Samuel Nabrit.TSU’s second president iscelebrated by the Universityand the City of HoustonTexas Southern celebrated BlackHistory month by recognizing one ofits own. On February 24, the Universitypaid tribute to the late Dr. Samuel Nabrit,TSU’s second president, commemoratinghim with an event on the steps ofCity Hall. Dr. Nabrit, the first African-American to receivea doctorate from Brown University and to be appointed tothe Atomic Energy Commission, served as Texas Southern’spresident for 10 years, from 1955 to 1966. He passed awayin December 2003, leaving a legacy with the University thatone would be hard pressed to forget. To honor that legacy,friends of the University gathered at Houston’s City Hall toenjoy a variety of tributes. The TSU debate team read a historicalperspective on the life and work of Nabrit while thechoir sang the Negro spirituals ‘Ezekiel saw de wheel’ and‘We Shall Overcome;’ the jazz ensemble also performed.Attendees represented the political and educational faceof Houston, with Mayor Bill White reading a proclamationon behalf of the city. Individuals such as TSU educationprofessor Dr. Cherry Gooden, Chairman J. Paul Johnsonand Thurgood Marshall alum Councilman Ronald Greenwere also present.“TSU has contributed great things and great leaders toHouston,” Mayor White told the audience. There has beena lot of change since 1955, when Nabrit assumed the presidency;TSU has since transformed itself into an internationalinstitution of higher education. “On behalf of the two millioncitizens of Houston,” White announced, “I declareFebruary 24 Samuel Milton Nabrit Day.”Regent Johnson encouraged onlookers to recognize thecontributions of African-Americans every day. “Let us not cease to celebrate blackhistory simply because we are at the close of February,” he intoned. CouncilmanGreen shared his sentiments. “Hold up the light not only this month,” he said, “butevery month.”24 Summer 2004 • GENERATIONS OF PRIDE
NEWSCreatingNewTraditionsTSU Holds its First WinterCommencementThe University introduces three new regentsand awards a local minister with a honorarydoctorateDecember 13th was a day of firsts for TSU as itformally introduced three additions to the Boardof Regents to the public and held its inaugural 2003winter commencement. The rainy morning did littleto dampen the excitement that hovered in the air aseager graduates were introduced and new board membersHarry Johnson, Belinda Griffin and Robert EarlChildress took their places on the stage at H&PEArena.Along with the conferral of degrees, the highlightof the winter ceremony was the hooding and subsequent speech by the Rev. WilliamLawson. Lawson, the pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, was awarded anhonorary degree of humane letters; he was hooded by Provost Bobby Wilson andChief Marshal Dr. Bobbie Henderson.Upon approaching the podium to deliver his address, Lawson’s first word wasbrief, but poignant. “Wow,” he said. He expressed delight over being involved in theUniversity’s first December graduation and awe at its ongoing successes. “TSU in2003 is a far cry from the TSU that Dr. Slade inherited four years ago,” Lawson toldthe graduates.In his speech, he called graduation the beginning of a “lifelong pilgrimage.” Hereviewed the previous four years and some of the drastic events that had occurred: thetragedy of September 11, several major corporate scandals, the rise of a recession andan unsteady job market. Lawson recalled his encounters with high-definition televisionsand camera cell phones, and related a story of a very important trip he once took.Traveling on a Boeing 747, Lawson came to realize that the pilot used basic, oldfashionednavigational tools, including a simple compass. This, he told the audience,intrigued him; it was a very vivid example of using new technology yet retaining basicvalues and principles. “Enjoy new toys, but keep old values, “ Lawson said. “Ourtoys and tools have changed, but not everything is different.”Like the pilot, students must preserve lessons learned in the past. Good morals,values and ethics are essential to success, he advised. “The same values thatdrove TSU’s predecessors, who were denied, should drive you,” Lawson declared.He reminded students that they were role models, even if they were unaware ofit. “Someone is watching you,” the reverend said in closing.” Someone will achievebecause you did.”Provost Bobby Wilson, left, joinsDr. Slade in presenting Rev. WilliamLawson with an honorary degree.GENERATIONS OF PRIDE • Summer 2004 25
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Page 8 and 9: O n the Move Again:Maroon and Gray
Page 10 and 11: Agent of HumilityTrevor N. Mitchell
Page 12 and 13: Up, Up & AwayAlumna Blasts off in A
Page 14 and 15: FEATURESDefying the OddsTrevor N. M
Page 16 and 17: ALUMNI IN THE NEWSChicago, May 2004
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Page 27 and 28: NEWSAnAffair toRememberDr. Priscill
Page 29 and 30: NEWSPolitics of a New GenerationHip
Page 31 and 32: LookingBack toMoveForwardCheryl Bro
Page 33 and 34: “ Thank You TSU”Gov. Rick Perry
Page 36 and 37: NEWSTiger Touchdown!Texas Southern
Page 38 and 39: N E W S & N O T E SOi-Yee Ivy Chui,
Page 40 and 41: Marcus Garveyor Mahatma Ghandi?Stud
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