April 13: Spelman Sophomore Selected as a 2020-2021 Barry Goldwater Scholarship Recipient

Spelman Sophomore Selected as a 2020-2021 Barry Goldwater Scholarship Recipient
Joya Sims, C’2022, a mathematics major from Atlanta, has been selected to receive a Barry Goldwater Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. Established by Congress in 1986, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation honors Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater by providing scholarships to college sophomores and juniors interested in careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. "I am very blessed and grateful for being selected as a Barry Goldwater Scholar," said Sims. "The scholarship encourages intellectually curious individuals, like me, who have a passion in any domain of research to achieve all we desire. This experience has revealed the critical importance of diverse academic and professional exposure and access, as well as faith, confidence and mentorship."

Spelman Celebrates Founders Day Virtually via Social Media

The Spelman community virtually gathered by the thousands on Saturday, April 11, to celebrate the 139th anniversary of the College. Festivities began with a Convocation livestreamed on Facebook and Spelman.edu, which included a video and photo montage of past convocations featuring words of encouragement from notable Spelman alumnae like Stacey Abrams, C'95. Students and alumnae were encouraged, while watching, to wear their white attire or Spelman paraphernalia and post pictures on social media using the hashtags #SpelmanFoundersDay and #SpelmanIsUndaunted. Following convocation, the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College hosted an interactive tea and sisterly chat broadcast via the College’s Facebook page. The day concluded with a virtual birthday party via Instagram Live hosted by Tai Beauchamp, C’2000. In addition to music sets by DJ Lexapeel, C’2014 and DJ Beverly Bond, wellness advocate AJ Johnson, C’85, led a discussion on the importance of wellness during the coronavirus pandemic and trustee Dr. Loren K. Robinson, C’2003, presented ways the community can self-protection without panic. The celebration resulted in Spelman trending on Twitter, with hashtags #SpelmanFoundersDay and #SpelmanIsUndaunted reaching more than 1.4 million people through social media.

Spelman’s Innovation Lab Provides Student Engagement Through Digital Resources
As Spelman transitions to a distance learning environment, the Innovation Lab continues to provide informative and interactive programming. To date, they have held a roundtable discussion on social media marketing, a group brainstorming session on how to enhance one’s business, and a workshop on how to employ user-centered and iterative design to develop new products and ideas. Resuming a creative and safe community for students to gather and innovate together in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is paramount, said Philip Thompson, Innovation Lab manager. "A lot of students are discouraged right now and uncertain," he said. "In times of great change, connecting virtually and thinking creatively is an opportunity. Students need to continue to be inspired and creative." Last year, they began pivoting in-person workshops to gatherings that can be run digitally at the suggestion of Tiffany Oliver, Ph.D., associate professor of biology. "It’s harder to pivot physical projects done in the lab, but we have already started to see signs of a culture emerging virtually," said Thompson. "There is plenty of innovation people can do digitally. You'd be surprised by what you can prototype with stuff you just find around the house. Through daily office hours we provide advice and resources remotely to help students on their projects, as well as gather to discuss and have fun."

President Campbell Featured on Atlanta Business Chronicles' Executive Profiles
Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., president of Spelman, appeared on an episode of Atlanta Business Chronicles’ Executive Profiles to discuss her professional journey and Spelman's mission. During her conversation with publisher David Rubinger, Dr. Campbell highlighted how Spelman’s uniqueness influences the College’s success, which includes having a graduation rate 30 percent above the national average for American Americans. "These positive outcomes come about because of our focus on academic excellence, at the same time, the College affirms identity, heritage and history," said Dr. Campbell. "It is a college that is totally designed for their success, I can’t think of too many places in this country that are designed for African American women."

Alumna to Co-Lead State of Georgia Coronavirus Task Force Committee
Bernice King, C’85, will help lead a new outreach committee to help the state of Georgia cope with COVID-19. Announced by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on Sunday, April 5, the Governor's Coronavirus Task Force Community Outreach Committee consists of more than a dozen members, including business and nonprofit leaders. King will co-chair the committee which is an expansion of the state’s initial coronavirus task force. "Comprised of talented individuals from the public and private sectors, I am confident this committee will ensure that our state remains prepared in the fight against COVID-19," the governor said in a statement. In addition to King, Leona Barr-Davenport, Spelman’s 2009 Legacy Award recipient, will serve on the committee.